The ZOHD Dart XL: How good is a 6 year old plane design now?

[@sarahdaviscc]

Love the idea of reviewing older planes to see how they stand up today. Great idea and I hope there's more 🙂

[@runpuppyfpv5744]

Thanks!

[@kelleebarton6500]

I know 2 people in my local fpv group that have the dart xl and they love it it fly really good for a 6 year old design they put leds and stuff on them and it looks really cool

[@sidd8310]

I still fly the Dart XL, paralel 2x 2200mah 4s and getting around 30mins of flight time. It's my go to FPV fixed wing, beside dolphin, swordfish and ARwing Pro 👍

[@tomleonard1533]

Lovely to see that iconic model again thanks

[@MrVasmikey]

I bought one when they first came out and I kept breaking off the nose because I wasnt getting enough elevator authority while landing. While in the air, it flew pretty good though. I ended up tossing the remains in the bin after repairing the nose about three times. I like your original video where you put in carbon rods in the nose to keep it firm.

[@TheCatFather01]

I absolutelly love it, i have the enhanced version, really happy with it. Thank you for this great video, Lee! Appreciate your time and all the great information you shared over time, helped me get into this wings business, thank you!

[@Painless360]

Lovely to hear that! Thanks for the comment and happy flying!

[@Mrfunkyfpv]

I still rocking the Orbit wish they make a new one

[@tubamanandy2]

What a timely video, been flying both of my Dart XL's this week & still one of my very favourite craft, I always seem to go back to it. Glad you've re-reviewed it & promoted it. Only time I dont like the look of them is when people put the vertical stabilisers the other (wrong :) ) way around :)

[@DontEverGrowUp]

I have over 800 miles logged on my first DartXL and have another new one on the bench just waiting for me to finish putting it together. :)

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome, Lee! Pretty cool wing/airplane indeed! 😃 Great flying!!! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@JamesT65]

perfect timing just looking at purchasing that

[@johncarold]

Hi Lee, Great old plane, I have wanted to get the Dart mini, right now I have to many projects. Thanks again for the video

[@joslinnick]

You should review the SonicModell Skyhunter. It was an OG FPV plane that deserves a re-visit.

[@Painless360]

Thanks for the idea! Happy flying!

[@hackblack-wy4rn]

hi bought a new Orange Cube. The parameter from the old Vtol Orange Cube was added to the new Orange Cube. But Alion and Alaveter’s Himark Servos don’t work. Himark Servo Singal Pins are used as adapters in Can 1 of Orange Cube.

[@AerialWaviator]

Nice long term review. There's definitely much to like with the ZOHD Dart XL. Lots of custom 3d-print able accessories available as well. (camera mounts, internal tray, etc) The 'fences' are vortex generators, to help keep airflow attached to a wing at lower speed to provide better lower speed handling. Not sure if the effect at this scale, reynolds number is the same as with full scale planes. (ie: it could be partially cosmetic, and partially functional)

[@Painless360]

There was a lot of discussion about those pieces of plastic on the leading edges when it came out. To create a vortex, most use angled fins, these aren't so do they do anything? I am not convinced... Happy flying

[@AerialWaviator]

At a higher angle of attack, at lower speed, flow can become more span wise, particularly further out on the wing. Thus angle to the airflow. Reason I think partially cosmetic is that vortex generators are normally ~1/4-1/3 of the cord back from the leading edge. Here they are much closer.

[@Painless360]

Until I see them in action in a wind tunnel, I'm reserving judgement too... 😉 Happy flying

[@scummings6783]

Hi Painless - Thanks sooo much for all your very helpful information from a very pedestrian but avid flyer. I've been flying INAV for about a year with fixed wing wheeled planes (for want of a better description - the Electrifly RAV7 works beautifully with camera on Tail, it's actually quite easy to take off and land with wheels) but I thought I'd give the Dart XL a try - and as you say the price is right. My trouble is that I've been unable to get the bird to fly by chucking it. I have setup Autolaunch through INAV (don't know the best settings for the Dart - but I've got a 5 sec delay and the motor at 1850, I have nav set to HOR) and watched your throws - so I've tried a somewhat "normal" straight ahead throw and a more aggressive up throw, but each time the XL hits the ground "gooneybirdish". Amazingly, plane and electronics are still intact, but I can't go on this way without some proper guidance, or I'll kill this bird for sure. Triple checked CG, am using the 9x4.5 prop with 3300 4S, and it weighs about 1230 grams. I probably should have started with a lighter bird, but I've got this one completely setup, and I'm just a throw away from making it work. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

[@Painless360]

5 seconds is way to long. See my video on setting up AUTOLAUNCH.... best of luck

[@scummings6783]

@@Painless360 Thanks so much for the prompt reply! Should have said 5 sec timeout, not delay, my delay is default 100 ms - watched your great video on Autolaunch with a follow up question - with INAV 7.1 should I still use CLI like you did in the video, or just go through the Advanced tuning screen?

[@Painless360]

I am still using the same launch setting that I've used for years and they just work for me. But, I like the prop to be turning as part of it, and that needs more care... Best of luck!

[@scummings6783]

Hate to admit it, but I didn't set my throttle to max - since the motor started spinning when I just moved the throttle, I assumed INAV took over at that point, and I left it close to idle - so now I have something new to go on. Thanks for all the help. Really appreciate you and all you do for this sport.

[@scummings6783]

One last follow up if you don't mind - I bought the "kit" version of the plane without motor and servos - I purchased both the ZOHD motor and servos that came with the PNP version, but now I'm not sure of the prop - I know it's spec'd as a 9x4.5, so I first put in a folding "pusher" prop this size, and the whole thing broke when it hit the ground the first time. I replaced that with a "regular" APC 9x4.5 turning the right way of course, and this broke as well. Should I get a "pusher" prop for this application? and how about 9x6 for a little more oomph? Also, I have set the ESC to brake. Thanks again.

[@53roger]

I appreciate the information and video of flying. I have the revised version but really struggle to launch it. I am afraid to launch it like you did in the video because of the prop and have tried holding the wing during launch. I have had numerous launch failures that are getting pretty frustrating (literally broke the nose off at least 5 times) bc when i do get it in the air it flies great. I tried all last summer to figure a way to sucessfully launch it to no avail. And yea i did try auto launch but have haven't been able to get the settings to acknowledge launch and throttle up in time to keep it from nose diving.

[@Painless360]

With a heavier model, you need to have the idle throttle set to 1500 or above, see kzbin.info/www/bejne/maSogYmEgtN6n6M

[@heggy_fpv]

Was just thinking of upgrading this old bird. Can you share the inav setup?

[@Painless360]

Setup is the same as any other INAV wing. The only thing to check is the travel for aileron and elevator is 15mm... Happy flying

[@jamesemery1]

totally forgot about the dart xl. it was very ahead of it's time,

[@Painless360]

It sure was. The Talon GT also shared a lot of the features. I hope that ZOHD can get back on the horse and innovate again like this, a lot of the modern foam FPV planes can feel like basic variations on a theme... Happy flying

[@northernfpv9562]

What similar model do you think does everything just a bit better? The Dolphin?

[@Painless360]

It depends on what flight characteristics you want. For stable, versatile FPV flying the Dolphin, Swordfish and Penguin are hard to beat

[@northernfpv9562]

@@Painless360 I’ve got all 3 and surprisingly love the Penguin.

[@Painless360]

The Penguin is an under-rated little plane! It had lots of the best features of BOTH the Dolphin and Swordfish.. Happy flying!

[@grumpyrse]

Best get mine out of its box and assembled then..... i've had it sat there all these years was keeping it for best😉

[@Painless360]

Sounds like it may be time to build it up... Happy flying

[@F-ItSeNdItFPV]

I love this plane, for my first time trying to fly fpv wings going thru the growing pains and 3 different planes later lol, this plane gave me less trouble and flies great, thank you for making your videos it help me with my fpv wing journey 👍 🛩️✈️

[@lleston8927]

How would you compare that plane with the Dolphin?

[@Painless360]

See my Dolphin review using the exact same scoring system for a direct comparison. Dolphin is my no.1 wing/wing... Happy flying

[@grupomexcomer]

Hello! I always love your videos. Have you ever done any modification to wings so that instead of having a prop in the back you have 2 motors on the wings? I saw a video on a Dart XL using INAV tailsplitter where they added some mods so each wing has frontal motors.

[@Painless360]

I've not. Happy flying!

[@dronepilot260rc]

They have the kit version on banggood for $61 and I’ve been looking at it for a while now 😅

[@CyberHawkCerpentine]

i got that kit and omg sooooo much to glue lol, atm finishing electronics and soon will do maiden

[@Carticiak]

What was up with the wobble that you were switching in and out of in the video? my angle mode was doing that on my dolphin and I'm not sure why.

[@Painless360]

This wing wasn't fully tuned. Happy flying!

[@runpuppyfpv5744]

After all the years I think I'm ready ! I fly fpv drones I use DJI and crossfire what should I pick for my first wing or plane ? I used to fly plane sims like a whole lot so I'm sure I can fly one of these with some practice . Lol😂

[@Painless360]

If you can fly a quad, you can fly a plane/wing with a little practice. See kzbin.info/www/bejne/rnqtZKSQabCChbM Best of luck!

[@runpuppyfpv5744]

@@Painless360 this absolutely answered my question let me buy you a coffee !

[@MrSergione75]

Nice video ! What about the Bepp foam quality, how does it compares with Epp from ARwingnor Dolphin ones ? Does it explode on impact ? Does it shed the small balls one by one on edges ? Thanks

[@Painless360]

No ball shedding on this one :D Happy flying!

[@k0r0e0s]

I have succesfully replaced the rear hatch by a flat piece of plastic cover. Then plane is now quieter and more efficient, but by how much? Not sure. I get 40-50 minutes from 4400 4S Lipo.

[@Painless360]

That is an interesting idea. I may make the same mod... Happy flying!

[@Fpvlandscapes]

I do have this model but im not happy with the efficency..Im looking for the most efficient airplane (1-1,5m wing) from your experience which one is the best platform. Thx

[@Painless360]

Do you mean best efficiency or longest flight time? If you're looking for longest flight-time then something like the excellent AtomRC swordfish or even the HEEWING T2 are good. See my reviews of those where I use exactly the same scoring system to allow for direct comparisons.. Happy flying!

[@Fpvlandscapes]

Thx a lot. I will have a look at swordfish.

[@scyonyc]

I just got latest version, and try to build a nice wing. What motor size you recommend for a 6s setup?

[@Painless360]

Not sure, I've found 4s enough for the stuff I do here... Happy flying

[@IslandCreek]

I apologize i don't know hardly anything about fpv or more diy type drones. But i really want to get into one of these in the video. What controller should i buy to use with this?

[@Painless360]

Check out my INAV for beginners series. I use Speedybee F405 Wing boards most of the time now... Happy flying

[@IslandCreek]

@Painless360 thank you! Couldn't get a clear answer from anyone haha I will check that out..

[@Painless360]

You'll see those SpeedyBee boards in lots of places on the channel... i.e. kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2nPcqyKj82ji7c

[@dallasb7117]

Great idea to revisit a Solid designed wing, Thank You Lee. Love my Enhanced version...What motor/prop combination would you recommend to make it "a bit of a ripper ". ?

[@Painless360]

I'd be tempted to look at what other models of this size are using. Things like the Mini Drak setups would be a place to start...

[@dallasb7117]

@@Painless360 Thanks ! Will check them out.

[@SkyMaxfpv]

hi, i was thinking of getting the talon gt, but like your's is getting kinda old, but at 55€ i think is a bargain, what do you think?

[@Painless360]

The Talon GT is also not a bad model, check out my review of it. For that money it is a lot of 'plane..

[@SkyMaxfpv]

@Painless360 okk I will do, thanks for the response

[@videobyemba5416]

Great video my friend! I have a Dart XL l v2 and I can tell you that I am very happy with it! It is an excellent agvion and very stable. By the way I love watching your videos and I respect your opinion on them so I would like to see a similar video on the Zohd Talon GT Rebel.. By the way I have that too 😅 Greetings from Serbia!

[@narr0wm1nd49]

With those large angled stabilizers would this could you put hinges on them and get some yaw control out of it? It might take some mixing like a vtail but I always thought it could have yaw if someone tried it.

[@Painless360]

I'm sure someone will have tried it! Challenge is the position of the rudder control surfaces. I wonder if it would be the same as the elevator and need huge throws.. Happy flying

[@burntnougat5341]

Do the AR Wing 900/Classic next! That's a cult favorite

[@Painless360]

If I still had one, I would... Happy flying

[@fixchoco6964]

Hello, I'm one of you who is getting good information from your videos. I have a question. According to your judgment, even if you don't use fc, it's easy for beginners to operate at a low speed, and it's easy to control, and it's enough to store li-on batteries, and can fly for a long time?

[@Painless360]

Flying an RC aircraft requires practice. Few things are 'easy for beginners' that result in rewarding, engaging pastimes... Happy flying

[@StiloFPV727]

Much appreciated🤠👍🛩️🇿🇦

[@DontEverGrowUp]

Yaw what?

[@northernfpv9562]

That means it wiggles/waggles side to side in flight, like the nose is hunting back and forth a bit. It’s a common fault of many flying wings but is worse when the airflow is disrupted. Usually it’s barely noticeable.

[@joeblack4883]

Shetload. Lol!

[@Painless360]

www.google.com/search?si=ACC90nxEXi8bZ6FwXa7rItZttCT1GM2CbyB5fyOZvfOicTBQ5s4XAQmfCNFxtN_MhqmwmuksG8f66MHRHaL_fMH3BpJ_CGyliiMFTwZytexznq3y8bv-D2b7tbicRAYfG7ZeBQfgJug4wCdL0ye1NUt8JxVCbdNqas8m4eH62aSp6mVbHw3Gw-KClWQWFO2k9aTTj8i6eIftNewV3tTpCjUzCd3HUqFOqsZiWBWaT-w3-wIxTuY-fFkk4S8xZUHKLxY9pPF50n1slb6Yi7nVSSJxwHNE4sGGKvvgJm6myKbt9kZJFnMShM4z2K9eHq9yM6jkysz8CXDX58uyGKdLxVO4ZKfw5h1-EPEpKXbSQTMuHfPZwZ5WfVWroAbx09CfTJvEBNITtxrQxWxtuX7rH-lCEjY4ODgnX5Zyhis-fLWdwfav8ABkoVEQjUys2wDwtRbrN2eSH9aU1ZLx2-wmmU-Q1y2ZF2BpM6bhhGZGn7sZxv3JX6AuMzY%3D&hl=en-GB&q=shedload+meaning&kgs=a70626c62fc2348c&shndl=16&source=sh/x/kp/osrp/m5/2 😁