E-flite Carbon-Z Cub SS 2.1m BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select (EFL124500)

E-flite Carbon-Z Cub SS 2.1m (BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select)

The E-flite Carbon-Z Cub SS 2.1m is one of the most advanced sports-scale models on the market. This large model is designed for medium to advanced pilots with robust design, innovative technology and excellent flight characteristics. Below you will get a comprehensive overview of all relevant aspects for buyers.

Technical data and facts (Table)

Experience reports & Customer reviews

The feedback from users is predominantly very positive. Particularly praised is the enormous stability of the model, which offers a remarkably high resistance to breakage and deformation due to the use of EPO foam in conjunction with carbon reinforcements. Many buyers report that even harder landings, e.g. on uneven meadows or pebbles, can hardly touch the aeroplane.

The flying characteristics also have great enthusiasm: The control is described as direct, agile and yet pleasantly smooth. Thanks to the built-in AS3X and SAFE technology, less experienced pilots report a more self-confident flight feeling, because light stabilisation interventions automatically provide more safety. Advanced users estimate that SAFE Select can be easily deactivated to fly art flight figures and challenging maneuvers.

When it comes to flight time, opinions vary depending on the battery used and flight style. With a 6S-5000mAh-LiPo, many users reach 6–8 minutes with a mixed gas setting, while cruising with light gas, even up to 10 minutes are realistic. If you turn wild through the air, you have to expect a landing from 4 minutes.

Negative comments relate almost exclusively to the larger package size — for transport in smaller vehicles the span can be problematic with more than two meters, especially if the model is not always to be disassembled.

Test results and expert opinions

In independent test reports and on model flight platforms, the 2.1 m model regularly receives best marks for the practical construction, the high-quality processing and the successful coordination of the electronics. Flying testers praise the good-natured flying character, precise response behavior and versatility: Everything is possible from slow flights to light art flight figures.

The factory-side setup is rated very positive: servos, motors and controllers are perfectly matched to each other so that no technical rework is necessary. The fact that all rows are already fully articulated and set also considerably shortens the way to the ready-to-start machine.

Material quality

The main structure consists of EPO foam, which is known for its high impact strength and low resistance to repair. Several critical points such as surface connectors, suspension mounts or reinforcements in the fuselage are additionally rigid and robust by carbon strips and plastic inserts. This ensures not only a low weight and maximum stability, but also a long service life even with frequent use and rough land conditions.

Typical flight times

The flight time is highly dependent on the battery and flight style used. The following values are common for medium load and standard battery equipment:

• 4S 4000mAh LiPo: approx. 4–6 minutes
• 6S 5000mAh LiPo: approx. 7-10 minutes
• moderate flight with overpass: up to 10 minutes
• Art flight, full gas, many ascents: 4–6 minutes

This means that the model is in the upper midfield of comparable outdoor sports models.

Increased power

With a 5S or 6S LiPo, the Brushless drive delivers a very impressive climbing power. Vertical climbing flights are easily possible, several users report almost “unlimited climbing from the stand”. The overall set-up is optimally matched to the weight and surface load, so that even art flight figures with a subsequent safe take-off flight are easily mastered.

Transport capacity

A critical point in large models is almost always transport. At the Carbon-Z Cub SS 2.1m, the support surface can be divided into two parts, which facilitates transport, but the fuselage remains completely bulky with a length of over 1.5 meters. A combination, van or larger vehicle is recommended. Those who are often on the airfield should think about a transport bag for the surfaces and the hull.

Pros: The entire model can be disassembled quickly and without tools, so that even the spontaneous excursion to foreign airfields does not fail in the car's lack of space.

Spare parts supply

The supply of spare parts is good to very good for both manufacturers and specialist retailers and for various online retailers. For all common and critical assemblies — wings, guides, suspensions, engine hood, landing flaps, etc. — there are precise replacements. The typical wear- or damage-prone parts such as spiders, suspension struts or electronic components are also available at short notice.

Target group

The model is primarily aimed at advanced beginners to experts. Thanks to the assistance systems, even pilots with less flight experience are able to cope quickly, while the large flight area, the high climbing performance and the robust characteristics of experienced pilots are thrilling. The recommended minimum age range begins at 14 years, with young people under the supervision of adults flying.

Construction and Guidance

The assembly is completed in a few steps and within 45–60 minutes. The surfaces and guides are made to fit and are fastened with few screws. Cables for servos and controllers are already pre-installed. Only the connection of battery, receiver and transmitter binding must take place, which works without problems with some experience.

The guide is multilingual (incl. German), illustrated and very understandable. It contains both instructions on how to build and many tips on how to start up, programming and setting SAFE Select and AS3X.

Community support

The model is very present in both German and international forums and social media. Beginners will find quick help with questions, numerous experience reports, recruitment advice and advice on popular improvements. Users often share their optimizations, be it special landing tires, alternative props or new paints.

Alternative products of competitors

In the direct market environment there are some competitors that should be compared before buying:

While the FunCub XL comes up from Multiplex with very good STOL properties, the FMS PA-18 Super Cub is a little more compact but easier to transport. The Cessna 150T by E-flite itself offers similar size and technology, but is visually independent as well as flying. If you place value on maximum scale optics and performance, the Carbon-Z Cub or the Cessna will drive correctly.

Value for money

With a view to size, technology and equipment, the model offers a very attractive price-performance ratio. Although the investment is above classic entry-level models, the extensive functionality, material and processing quality as well as the spare parts supply justify the price completely. Especially the factory-side completion with powerful motor, controllers and servos as well as the safety features AS3X and SAFE Select clearly lifts the flyer from cheaper alternatives.

Tips, tricks & optimizations

1. Optimize recommended batteries and flight times
If you want to get maximum flight time out, you should set up current and high-quality 6S-LiPos (5000–7000mAh). Give the model suitable batteries and a correct focus to ensure good-natured flight characteristics.

Two. Propeller upgrades
Some pilots report improved climbs and quieter flights with alternative propellers. The use of high-quality, perfectly balanced props can further refine the engine run.

3. Tyre tuning
For use on uneven terrain, Tundra-ripened suspensions are recommended, which are either available as accessories or can be installed in the model.

4. SAFE/AS3X fine tuning
Experienced pilots use the option to turn off SAFE Select and adjust AS3X sensitivity in the transmitter according to their own preferences. Expo settings can also positively influence individual style and flight character.

Five. Protection against wear
When used frequently, it is advisable to check and possibly reinforce critical adhesive points and compounds (e.g. surface hinges).

Typical questions and problems – and their solutions

1. Model fluctuates in wind – why?

• Frequently, the focus is not selected correctly; make sure that the CG is in accordance with instructions. On windy days, a reduction in AS3X sensitivity helps.

Two. SAFE Select does not work as expected

• Check the transmitter programming. The receiver must be correctly occupied with the SAFE function (check switch assignment in the transmitter).

3. Flight times shorter than expected

• Check the state of the batteries and always use cells with sufficient capacity and power. Too old or weak batteries drastically limit flight times.

4. Problems with mounting the support surface

• Take care of a clean guidance of the plug connections. Nothing should be tilted, otherwise there is the risk of damage to plug or surface root.

Five. ESC piept after switching on

• Check battery voltage and correct polarity. With too low voltage, the controller denies the start.

6. Rudder running correctly

• Check the cable connections to the servos and their settings in the transmitter. If necessary, the transmitter must be newly bound to the receiver.

What could buyers still be interested in?

• Upgrades: Extensions for drag coupling, lighting systems or camera suspensions are popular with this model.
• Individualization: The large model offers plenty of space for optical personalization in paint and decor selection.
• Resale value: Due to the high level of awareness and good spare parts supply, the resale value is above average.
• Applications: Whether it's scale flights, cozy squares or light art flight maneuvers, the model covers a wide range.

Conclusion

The E-flite Carbon-Z Cub SS 2.1m BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select (EFL124500) is a sophisticated and sophisticated RC flight model for ambitious pilots, which is a real all-rounder in the sports-scale class thanks to modern technology, robust design and versatile applications. Customers particularly praise trust and security through assistance systems, high-quality processing, excellent spare parts supply and extensive community support.

If you are looking for a reliable, high-performance model that also meets increasing demands and provides long pleasure, this machine is the right choice.