Align HS1256 Carbon Paddles
| Reviewer | Ashley Davis |
|---|---|
| Review Date | 19/11/2007 |
| Manufacturer | Align |
| Model | HS1256 Carbon Paddles |
| Unit Cost | £14 |
Overview
The following is a review of the new Align HS1256 carbon paddles. These are an extremely lightweight carbon paddle, attached to a small weight to give them some mass and stability. Look at the pictures to see what I mean:
Paddles
Paddles
Set screw
Single paddle
Fit and finish is very nice and once on the machine they look pretty good. The paddles secure to the flybar using a set screw, so basically you screw them on, line them up and then secure in place using the set screw and some loctite.
Flight Review
OK, so they look pretty good. What about flight characteristics?
Well, these paddles are actually slightly heavier than the standard paddles so they shouldn't be quicker on cyclic than standard, so what do they offer?
Firstly, I've always found the standard paddles more than fast enough, particularly at 3000 RPM where full throws will give you fantastic roll and flip rates. Also the standard paddles get quite pitchy (elevator sensitive) in fast forward flight. These paddles address both of these problems. Due to the fact that they are heavier they are not as quick as the standard paddles but they are more progressive in terms of how the cyclic is applied. These paddles feel more controllable than the standard paddles and give the T-Rex a larger model feel as they are less twitchy. In fast forward flight much of the elevator sensitivity has gone but a small element of it still remains. I actually prefer these paddles to the standard paddles as they make 3-D more flowing rather than violent and twitchy. Depending on your flying style you may prefer one paddle over the other. My own style tends to be smooth and flowing and therefore I prefer the characteristics of the carbon paddle.
| Pros |
|---|
| Progressive feel |
| Less twitchy than the standard paddles |
| Good forward flight characteristics |
| Cons |
|---|
| Difference between these and standard paddles is subtle |
| If you like faster cyclic then these will be a disappointment |
Conclusion
Personally I like these paddles, whilst they aren't hugely different from the standard paddles, I find them smoother and easier to perform 3-D. However, this preference is based upon my flying style and I can see that those who want super fast cyclic response will not be as happy with these paddles as the stock ones. There was nothing I could find that was detrimental about these paddles and therefore whether you choose to run them is really down to personal preference.
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