iHobby 2009 has come and gone, but just because the show is over doesn't mean that the excitement ends. If you weren't able to make it to the show or just want to get another look at the awesome new gear that's coming out, we invite you to revisit iHobby with our exclusive product interviews and spotlights. Jim Booker and Gary Katzer speak with the people behind the products in our annual iHobby coverage to bring you the inside scoop on the hottest products.
The Beast 100 CC ARF
HAN1050
Since Quique Somenzini joined Horizon Hobby earlier in 2009 he has been hard at work on a number of projects. Perhaps none has commanded more of his time than the 100cc variant of Kevin Kimball's "The Beast". Working closely with Kimball, Quique has managed to accurately replicate the full-size plane in scale detail. Quique was kind enough to share his thoughts on the Beast and give us a look inside the design itself.
Losi TEN-T
LOSB0126
Leave starter boxes and glow drivers in the dust with this innovative truck from Losi. The TEN-T borrows design elements from its larger cousins, the 8IGHT and 8IGHT-T, yet brings along some innovation unique to itself including an all-in-one on-board starting system. Losi legend Gary Kyes helped develop this truck and provides us with some key insight to what makes the TEN-T so special.
E-flite mCX Tandem Rescue
EFLH2500
Here's something completely different—an mCX-class tandem helicopter. More than just two mCXs crammed under one body, the Tandem Rescue brings some new features and innovations to the ultra-micro world. We caught up with E-flite's Ryan Witchey to see what the Tandem is all about.
Losi Micro Rock Crawler
LOSB0236 (RTR)
LOSB0236BD (BND)
Rich Trujillo is absolutely crazy about crawlers and it shows. From leading the charge on the 1/10-scale Comp Crawler and Night Crawler Rich knows crawlers. His newest project is something completely different in the 1/24-scale Micro Rock Crawler. A new truck in a new scale and a new class is something special. Rich gives us the inside scoop on this new rig as we get our first test drive behind the wheel.
ParkZone Habu
PKZ7080 (BNF)
PKZ7075 (PNP)
ParkZone raises the bar on value and performance for electric ducted fan jets with the hot new Habu. Built from the ground-up for the intermediate to advanced park flyer, the Habu is equipped with the right gear for awesome performance straight from the box. ParkZone's Matt Andren has spent quite some time behind the transmitter of the Habu and shares his experiences with us.
Losi Mini Desert Buggy
LOSB0204
Scale cars and trucks are all the rage right now and Losi hits another homerun with the 1/18-scale Mini Desert Buggy. Designed around a modified Mini-T/Mini-Desert Truck platform the Mini Desert Buggy draws inspiration from full-scale sand rails. We take a closer look at Losi's latest buggy with Losi's Keith Whistler.
ParkZone Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub
PKZ3900 (RTF)
PKZ3980 (BNF)
ParkZone continues to develop great looking, high-performance ultra-micro airplanes and the latest is one everyone should recognize. The Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub brings the Cub experience to everyone in an indoor flyer. Eric Johnson is known to be a huge Cub fan and has lead the charge in developing the Ultra-Micro J-3 Cub. Eric spent a few minutes with us to discuss this latest bird.
Spektrum DX3E
SPM3160
For those on a budget looking to take the dive into 2.4GHz DSM technology and upgrade their RTR's radio, Spektrum has the perfect solution in the DX3E. This budget-friendly radio has many features normally reserved for more expensive radios. Spektrum's Nichole Johnson joins us to talk about the latest from Spektrum.
Phoenix R/C Pro Flight Simulator
RTM2500 (Sim Only)
RTM25R5500 (Sim with DX5E)
Master difficult maneuvers or simply hone your skills with Runtime Game's excellent Phoenix Flight Simulator. Horizon Hobby is proud to be the Exclusive North American, Central and South American distributor of Phoenix and this exclusivity has its rewards for you. This version of the Phoenix Flight Simulator is packed full of your favorite planes and helicopters from Hangar 9, E-flite, JR, ParkZone and others. We pulled John Diniz away from the computer long enough to find out why Phoenix should be your next simulator.
Losi Micro HIGHroller
LOSB0237
Keith Whistler makes his iHobby debut for Losi with the Micro HIGHroller. Designed from the ground-up to replicate the look and feel of the 1/10-scale version, the 1/36-scale Micro HIGHroller is a fun truck. We lift the body off and see what makes this a monster micro.
E-flite Ultra-Micro 4-Site
EFL9050 (PNP)
EFL9080 (BNF)
If you're looking for exciting 3D biplane action, then the Ultra-Micro 4-Site is just the plane for you. Featuring a robust foam construction, powerful motor and high--current-capable Li-Po battery, the Ultra-Micro 4-Site allows you to push the limits as far as you can imagine. David Payne is a noted 3D pilot and helped design both the original 4-Site and this new Ultra-Micro 4-Site. We pulled David away from the flight cage long enough to get the story behind the Ultra-Micro 4-Site.
Pro Boat Volere
PRB3050
If model boating is your passion, then you'll want to take a closer look at the latest from Pro Boat, the Volere RTR. Combining remarkable looks and styling with the performance and features you'd expect from Pro Boat the Volere looks as good on a mantle as it will on the water. Pro Boat's Derek Wagner joins us to show us what this boat is all about.
E-flite Piper L-4 Grasshopper
EFL5025
Perhaps one of the most unique versions of the Cub was the military-themed L-4 Grasshopper. Many early pilots cut their teeth on one of these retrofitted Cubs. E-flite has faithfully recreated the look and feel of the Grasshopper in this slow flyer. David Payne is an admitted Grasshopper fanatic and has worked hard to bring this version to life. David spoke with us about why you should add the L-4 Grasshopper from E-flite to your fleet.
Dynamite Fuze Brushless Motors and ESCs
(multiple skus)
Few technologies have revolutionized RC in recent years like brushless motors and ESCs. Dynamite has updated their brushless lineup with an all-new series of gear called Fuze. Lee Morrison has been the man behind the development behind this new lineup and has had a lot to do with the finished product. We caught up with Lee to learn more about the Fuze ESCs and motor.
E-flite Beechcraft Bonanza 15e
EFL2575
Everyone loves the Beechcraft Bonanza and now E-flite faithfully recreates this beloved plane in a 15-size electric aircraft. John Redman has been intimately involved in the design, testing and creation of this Bonanza and his affection for it shows in all the intricate details. John visited with us to talk about his latest design, available only from E-flite.
We want to thank you for watching our videos of iHobby 2009. We look forward to 2010 and beyond and bring more exciting events to you.