Durafly Tundra V3 (PNF) 1300mm (51") - Model AV8R Announcement & Review

[@TwoBrosRC]

Nice work, Adam! This thing looks like a lot of fun. It'd be neat to put it through the bush trials and see how it stacks up.

[@CapnTomassoEduardo]

We'll be waiting for the review!😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jon. I have no doubt you will, and I bet it does well.

[@ficosk8]

Very nice video and review as always! The new look is really awesome. I do not need this plane because I have a Turbo Timber and a FunCub NG both also with floats. But this aerobatic highwing Stols in this size are super for evening flying :)))))

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Great airplane.

[@FlyingBuzzard]

They need to create another sub 250 g one, U thunk they had one a few years back....

[@HermannT-d6e]

Hi Adam, Thank you for your Test Videos. I like them a lot! As an idea: could you test a plane with swimmers? Would be great! Greetings from Austria, Hermann

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks for watching! Unfortunately, we don't have easy access to a lake.

[@williamfawkes8379]

I really like these. Any thoughts on propping it up? I dont think it needs it, but it would allow some crazy STOL shenanigans. This plane is such a solid, honest platform.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I agree it doesn't need it on 4s. Great plane. On 3s maybe, just depends on the pilot and what you want to do with it. If you want a lot more power just fly it on 4s.

[@DadsRCHangar]

Really like the livery of this one. The tyers remind me of the old Good Year tyers that had the writing on the side. Superb flying and video skills as usual. 🫡

[@airhammer6203]

I know!! The tires I really like, other than the fact they're epo.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Chris! They remind me of BF Goodrich T/A Radials! Lol.

[@ficosk8]

Yes the tires definitely play a big part. Just the sound in the runway isn’t as a rubber one 🤣 😆

[@ArthurRC]

Awesome review my friend 🫡

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@Jesusistheonlyway86]

What would handle rough terrain better this or fms 1300mm pa 18

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I haven't flown the smaller PA18, flown the bigger one a good bit. Depending on the specific surface both can perform well I'd imagine.

[@Zillawill]

How easy is getting wings on and off the Tundra V3? I want a nice STOL that is easily broken down for putting into car, I love my Arrows Bigfoot but it can be bit of a pain with all the wires, bolts and clips for struts

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Model assembly is at 00:35 in the video.

[@jacksampson7711]

Very good looking plane! I would like to see a larger size. Nice flight. Must have had no wind.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

They make a Grand Tundra (bigger).

[@CapnTomassoEduardo]

Really nice. Tires look hard. Wonder if one of the inflatable tires like the Bison's or PA Cub would work.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

The tires remind me of Fun Cub tires. Hard (ish) foam and light. Our runway is rough, so most planes bounce around a bit, lol.

[@purcellrcaviationchannel]

Now, that's the very best looking of these 'evergreen' Tundra's they've released. Also looks like 3S could be all you need to fly it, too. Great presentation, Adam!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thank you Gina! It is a looker...

[@bigeclipse718]

If you HAD to pick would it be this or the eflite Evo and why?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I don't have to pick, lol. I'm like Deion Sanders...both!

[@heathmikkola7157]

Thanks A ton for that. Not to many in depth reviews on the Tundra. Crazy that a v3 was anouced a couple days after I asked you about reviewing the v2.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Ha! Yep, I knew we had you covered, I just couldn't tell you.

[@jayaustin3096]

Got to love the tundras. I just ordered the green one thanks to you again. Lol. I have the red white and blue v2. Super tough planes. Great to see hobby king back in business and fully stocked i might add. Had to treat myself to the avios albatros also. Ive been wanting that one for two years now. Everything in stock. Thanks adam. That plane is how they all should come. Great price for what you get.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Awesome Jay. I know you'll enjoy it. Really a solid performer. I agree, glad to see HK under new direction, and so glad Stuart is still the man in the airplane department.

[@robertjohnson5776]

I've had the green and the purple and gold. Looking forward to getting the new version

[@GBLynden]

Nice work Adam! I love my V3 too 👊🏻💥👊🏻

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks GB! Yep, fun plane for sure!

[@sanexup1038]

Squishy wheels? What are they made of?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Not squishy, kind of harder light foam, like a OG Fun Cub wheel.

[@JeffinLowerAlabama]

Great review and looking Tundra. Too bad they went with the hard Flintstone tires. Jeff in LA USA

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Jeff!

[@HciContractor]

I think the Dubro inflatable tires would be perfect. FMS puts them on their PA18's I think

[@alinoor1561]

Hi, is this one made of Foam?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is, EPO.

[@simone.4914]

What's the weight with wheels without the battery?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Less.

[@robertjohnson5776]

Great review. I have had 2 Tundras and I wore them both out on land and water but the improvements on the new version are great!

[@SlowFlyer85]

Adam awesome looking plane and video luv the lights and the sunrise 😊😊😊👍👍👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Frank!

[@SlowFlyer85]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Adam you know I want this one lol

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol, Frank you want em' all.

[@SlowFlyer85]

@@ModelAV8RChannel so true my umx sabre show today just wait for the batteries now

[@airhammer6203]

Excellent review AV8R!! This updated Tundra looks like a winner. My mother would've really liked the OSU paint scheme. For me, now it's a toss up between the Super Cub and the Tundra!! Edit: although the SC uses "bolts n brass fittings for the gear/floats instead of screws and possibly a bigger esc for 4s. The motor is already 4s compatible.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Choices, choices! They are both great planes, but man the Tundra has some punch! I haven't flown the smaller SC yet.

[@russc3288]

3rd

[@IansRCExploits]

Wow, a new version of my all time favourite plane!! Flies amazing in your hands Adam, and those nav lights look awesome, a real improvement!! But why have they gone with those foam wheels over the softer sponge ones that came on the colour Tundra 🤔 Any way great review Adam and Heidi 😀👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Ian! Awesome plane, and my first Tundra! Well the first one that was mine, I've flown them a lot for other folks.

[@IansRCExploits]

Yes it looks a real improvement over the earlier marks, I'll have to start saving 😂🤣

[@LenDavis-g5f]

Hi just wondering how you set up the motor reverse on it, many thanks

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

There is an extra signal wire coming of the ESC, you plug that in to an extra port on your RX and assign that port to a switch.

[@LenDavis-g5f]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Many thanks, now sorted

[@th3s41nt]

My v3 climbs (pitches up) when going full throttle. Also when going inverted takes a lot of down elevator to keep it level. So if I go inverted and leave the sticks alone it will go nose in, into the ground

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It's normal for a high wing high lift plane to climb at full throttle. If you trim at 60% throttle for level flight at 100% it will climb. Two things on the inverted flight - If your CG is too far forward it will take more down elevator to maintain it, or if you don't have much elevator throw it will take more stick movement to maintain it. Fix is obviously move the CG back some or add elevator throw...or both. With this type of plane it will never be completely neutral where it flies inverted hands off, but it shouldn't take a ton of down elevator to maintain it if the set up is right and you're going fast enough. You don't have to be haulin', but you can't be poking along at just above a stall either.

[@th3s41nt]

@@ModelAV8RChannel thank you for this reply, I will be doing some more tuning

[@gisall8205]

Great video. Fantastic Airplane. Years ago I got the Green and Silver color design. Currently has 552 recorded flight's on it, and still good to strong. This color design is So much Better. Landing gear is Strong, Wide, and way forward of the C/G, the way a Bush Plane should be. Unlike all the Timber's. The only Mod that I would suggest would be to get some softer wheel's. Pavement landings are pretty bouncy with the factory Wheel's. No Gyro needed on this airframe. Extremely stable. Great informational video Adam. Love your channel.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Great airplane. None of the popular high wing bush planes really "need" a gyro, but all can benefit from them in many situations. The forward gear placement is also part of what makes smooth surface landings bouncy. Helps in the rougher stuff though.

[@SnoMoJoe1]

This is a great looking version of a great flying plane. I have a gen 1 that is getting pretty worn out. This will be a good replacement.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is, big fun on 3 and 4s!

[@dandanthedandan54321]

Fantastic flying plane. I've got the Night Tundra and fly it in pitch-black conditions. Love it!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Its awesome...and STRONG on 4s!

[@Retset]

Another excellent review and, thank you Adam, I noticed the metric weights! I love the improvements to the landing gear (on my Grand Tundra, I have to fit new black hair elastic ties to it every season) and the wiring plugs (mine is converted to one multiplex plug per side). 4S looks absolutely nuts, given its performance is great on 3S. I've tried my GT on 6S and, whilst it was much fun, it was also bad mannered at low speeds so this won't be tried again unless I obtain some 6S packs that are smaller than the 5000 I tried! (In 6S I only have quad sized and a pair of 5000s).

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! Great little plane for sure a STRONG on 4s. Man I loved the Grand Tundra on 6s, thought it flew great. I think I used a lighter pack, maybe 3700?

[@Retset]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Yes, I'm think 3300 or so. I'm not buying any just for it as I often just like to fly it in a bush plane manner. That said, I might make up a lead to use some small 6S in parallel or big 3S in series - be good for the occasional zoom fest!

[@mikessi]

Thank you Team AV8R for another excellent review. It looked like a beautiful sunrise in Atlanta.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

We had fun with it Mike! Thanks man.

[@WayneP1973]

Great video. Would a AR631 work as a receiver?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yep. Any RX you prefer. The settings on our set-up info page for the AR630 will render the same result with a AR631.

[@WayneP1973]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Thank You !!

[@JeffsCustomRC]

Great review as always Adam!! Thanks buddy👊🏼👊🏼

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks bro!

[@SteffenRC]

Great review Adam.. Did that rock come with the plane? Looks like a great addition, makes the plane look very rugged 🙂. Honestly, Looks like a nice upgraded version of a classic rc plane...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Yes, every Tundra comes with a river rock.

[@ironmover5800]

I like the paint scheme , beautiful early am flight and as usual your flying skills show the plane very well

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@BrotherAviator]

Thanks Adam. Great review as usual. Do you think the TundraV3 would benefit from inflatable wheels?

[@airhammer6203]

I was thinking the same thing. I bought a pair of 1300Super Cub wheels/tires for my NiteTX and decided not to use them, they're a bit weighty. Might work well for this Tundra though.

[@BrotherAviator]

The RCGeek used the 1300 PA 18 tires on this plane and they seem to work fine.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man! I love inflatables, and a softer tire ain't gonna hurt.

[@FatGuyFliesRC]

Just FYI I featured and linked your channel in all three on my videos on this plane. The unbox/build, radio setup video and the maiden video. Put links to your channel and told my viewers to use your link for purchase. you have helped me more than you know with your content so it is the least I can do.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Wow man, thanks very much. That means a lot coming from you.

[@erad05]

I have the red -blue Tundra 2. Actually this livery looks much better and of course, the lights are quite nice. A pitty they didn't mace better Wheel Nuts and stronger Springs for suspension. The flaps are really cool, they slow the plane down, more than i've experienced on other birds, like the FMS Piper Super Cub or the Robbe Beaver. It's a great Bush Plane.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I actually thought the springs were kinda stiff, lol. Very good sport/bush plane.

[@jollyroger2226]

Very good demo ! Looks like it can be fun for just plain old flying and bush flying as well. The tires seemed like they were quite hard, and the gear placement seems a bit forward. So trying to do touch & goes etc. - without bouncing seems like a challenge. I did like how you brought it in for some 3 point landings - which seems optimal. Tempting to get one - put the floats on it - and just have a floater.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! Yeah the foam tires are a bit hard and the suspension is a bit stiff, but also our runway is bumpy as hell. Lol.

[@DesertFoxProductions]

Hello Adam, the red and silver Tundra popped out in the green foliage in the background. Heidi, great camera work! Cheers!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Rommel!

[@jcb6713]

good looking Tundra...nice vid 😎

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@larryhawkes1347]

Great review, and thanks for showing how well it flies on 3s. I think I'm going to hold out for the new night version of the tundra. Another thought that you can include in future videos when it comes to batteries is what is the technical reason they are referred to as 3S instead of 3C for the word cells.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks, yep, it surprised me on 3s...pretty strong. The S stands for "series", so 3s - three cells in series. C stands for "current" or current rating.

[@Bellairvideo]

Yet another great flight & presentation Adam & Heidi. 👏👏👏 Pat(wife) was watching & said ‘boy he can fly’ but then we all know that! 🇦🇺🪃🦘

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Noel! I'm honored Pat watched! Most wives would rather watch paint dry...

[@Bellairvideo]

Who could not watch your valuable presentations guys!!❤❤

[@SunriseRCAviator]

Best looking tundra so far. Great review Adam! I'll look into one myself when available.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks man!

[@FatGuyFliesRC]

Just purchased using your link! Also what camera do you all use to film with?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Man you'll love it! Really a solid flyer. Heidi uses a Canon M50 V1.

[@tughillrc6327]

My last Tundra made me scared to buy another one. I must have gotten the Monday morning bird because it had more problems than I could ever fix. So I am not going to get this one for a while anyway. Good video and glad yours worked great.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Interesting Tug. I've seen so many out there. Most folks love them so I assume they usually work pretty good. This is my first Tundra. I've flown a bunch of them for other people though.

[@juharautiainen8931]

I have Tundra v2 and once I realized that one of the original servos was broken, I replaced them all with reliable ones. Yes, some added costs, but Ive never had any stuctural issues, esc issues or motor issues with Tundra. What was unfixable for you?

[@tughillrc6327]

@@juharautiainen8931 The main fuselage was warped and had a twist to it causing the plane to never fly strait. I also had issues with the esc/Bec not staying connected in flight. It was too difficult to even fly after multiple attempts to correct the problems. I just scrapped it for parts and decided not to get another Tundra.

[@Ultramesh]

I was just about to buy an E-flite Turbo Timber. Which of the two is better or are they much the same?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

They are both great airplanes to be honest. Timber is a bit larger, and costs more as a result. I would get the one you think looks the best, or that fits your space/budget/feature needs. You'll have fan boys of both swear their preference is best. The truth is, they are both very good airplanes, both fly extremely well, and its your preference that counts...and its your money.

[@alexherrera3918]

Nice review, so you know if the candy dropper fits the version 2?

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

You can mount it on any plane you want.

[@JustEnoughRC]

Oh snap!!! Gotta get one right now!!!!! Love the tundra line!!!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Jude it is an awesome flyer!

[@JustEnoughRC]

@@ModelAV8RChannel ordered one right away 😁👍🐌

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

Cool plane. I have the V2 and the night version. Is it possible to have too many?? Excellent review my friend. 👍👍

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Brad! Too many? Bro you're asking a guy with planes in a bathroom...

[@payitfwdrcl6171]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Bathroom?? I not thought about that. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Lol. Its a spare bathroom, but still...

[@RCPlanesCoptersTrucks]

Cool looking bird, great video!

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks Mark!

[@ChaileyLeavers11]

Great review, thanks. One issue a friend and I both learned on Tundras, brilliant learner plane. (we were on buddy box initially btw) Wrote off my 5 year old learner Tundra last year when a flap servo failed/disconnected so one flap full down and the other full up = death spiral. I like the Tundra so much I had a spare!!! I also had a Grand Tundra, pig of a plane sudden and violent tipp stall goes from an aeroplane to a sack of potatoes in an instant................

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Thanks! The Tundras fly so good. I have to disagree on the Grand Tundra. My buddy Scott gave us his NIB to review...I loved it, flew great, and no bad habits. Maybe check out our review, might have been your set up.

[@ChaileyLeavers11]

@@ModelAV8RChannel My GT was rebuilt by an experienced pilot, who has his own full size plane, did exactly the same with him.......

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Brother I fly with guys that were fighter pilots and airline pilots...doesn't mean they are experts at model airplane set up. Watch our video, it flies wonderfully. That isn't magic, it has to be something. If it was as bad as you say it is I couldn't do it either...

[@twooldcampersandadog8169]

Fiiiiiirrrrssst!

[@rgr4475]

EPO foam tires. No.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Easy fix

[@rgr4475]

@@ModelAV8RChannel Sure but not something you should have to fix imo.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Brother that is just part of model aviation. Very few totally stock airplanes in our hangar, and as "mods" go...tires are the easiest and cheapest change to make. If that is the only thing that isn't perfect about a model I consider it a win usually. Try a Dynam plane for instance...you'll wish the tires were the only thing you needed to change. Lol.

[@rgr4475]

@@ModelAV8RChannel I have a v1 of this plane as my park flyer when i don't want to go to the field. Rubber tires. It's lazy and doesn't save a lot on the cost and and isn't user friendly on landings. Like I said, just my opinion that they should have put rubber tires on. No need to sell me the idea of epo tires.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

I'm not selling you anything, just stating a fact. Tires are the thing most companies cut costs on at a factory because they are easier to replace for the end user. When they are discussing budget and deciding what features to pay for with a specific price point in mind, tires are often the thing they will cut a corner on. If they don't cut the corner on something, the plane costs more...and people will piss and moan about $10 more. We are not an affiliate for HK, and even if we were tires are just not something I rant about...my opinion. Modelers are the ones that are lazy now more than ever and really just want to be flyers not modelers. If everything isn't done for them they moan about it. You gave me your opinion...that's mine.

[@quilong]

It looks amazingly good...

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

It is!

[@quilong]

I just bought FunCun NG as the ultimate Bush plane...hard to argue which plane is better, but certainly the tundra is nicer.

[@HciContractor]

@@quilongwon't your fun cub be quite a bit lighter? I need to get mine out too!

[@speedtwin5t]

I'm done with HK . Looks like more of the same old thing.

[@ModelAV8RChannel]

Well this one is different. Crazy power on 4s, which needed to happen honestly. You might want to check out the RC Groups YT channel. They have a recent interview with HK's new CEO. They have new investors, know and own the past issues, and seem to be focused on getting it all sorted.