Dion Liebenberg on the F5J Extreme comp at WHRF

The "correct" model still has to be found. I am not convinced that an expensive brushless setup is the answer. Adriaan's Toko is awesome, showing that a non thermal soaring model can compete because the motor runs are 3-4 sek at a time for 2 to 3 minutes glides. The problem with geared brushless is with a big powerful prop you are still climbing relatively slowly. Malcolm's Fun400+5/1 provides plenty pull, but its slow pull if you know what i mean, same for mine. With a SPD 400 + gearbox the motor time is handicapped by 3.

My Cumulus can definitely get close to the same height in 1.5 minutes than the Eish in 30 sek. The Americans are using light built up models, geared brushless, 2,5m, maybe this is closer to to the ideal. I think you need a 2.4/2.5m built-up but stiff model, ungeared, small prop diameter with large pitch and lots of revs in order to climb faster.

Definitely agree with Malcolm's comments in the second paragraph.
Another comment, I find it much nicer to receive a piece of hardware than a voucher, goods (eg. quick links) etc. I remember years ago Dieter always had a token for every participant in the XC's he organised. Also at Soar J this is a nice touch (anybody for a knife?)For virgin competitors this is much nicer than often seeing the same experts take the stuff all the time.

Well OK maybe a Rand or two