E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm (EFL7950)

E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm: Detailed guide for buyers

The market for RC-Jets is booming – in particular EDF-Jets enjoy great popularity among enthusiasts who appreciate performance, realism and innovative technology. With the E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm (EFL7950), E-flite presents a detailed replica of the legendary F-4. This guide summarizes all relevant information and experiences for prospective buyers, including technical backgrounds, tips and recommendations for practical use.

Technical data and facts at a glance

Customer reviews & experiences

The response from the community is mostly positive. The realistic look, the well-thought-out flight operating concept and the rich sound experience are particularly highlighted by the 12-sheet-implifier.

Plus points according to users:

• Original true optics: The detailed surface with embedded panel lines, authentic markings and removable additional tanks gives model design fans the feeling of controlling a real jet icon.
• Flight behaviour: Many pilots praise the excellent handling of the model. The combination of AS3X stabilization and SAFE Select also offers less experienced pilots a high level of safety without watering the jet character.
• Everyday fitness: The electrically retractable suspension with spring-loaded legs and working suspension doors is proven repeatedly during start-ups and landings – even on less well maintained grass pistes.
• Fast setup: Many buyers report that assembly is practically self-explanatory and can take place in less than one hour. The lack of adhesive work significantly reduces the source of error.

Critical points:

• Battery installation: Individual reports show that the available space for larger Lipos (e.g. >5000 mAh) can be slightly smaller.
• Plug inserts: The plug-in systems used for servos and suspensions are solid, but in some cases are somewhat difficult for the first assembly.

Test results & expert opinions

Test reports from renowned journals and youtuber confirm the high performance. The E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm shows itself in test flights as extremely powerful and agile. The vertical pitch performance is described as “impacting” – loopings from the horizontal flight are easily possible. The speeds move in the tip at approx. 128 km/h (80 mph).

The flight picture is described as very realistic, in particular the typical turbine sound. The AS3X technology effectively filters turbulence and wind influences without artificially acting or falsifying the feedback on the control.

Material quality

The cell consists of robust, impact-resistant EPO rigid foam. This material is known for its combination of low weight and high durability. The surface coating is applied on the work side and is very insensitive to small scratches or peelers.

In the case of the suspension legs, E-flite sets on spring-mounted metal legs with solid wheels, which ensures a long service life, especially when repeatedly operated on lawns.

Flight times and battery selection

The effective flight time depends on the battery used and the flight mode. With a 6S 4000–5000 mAh LiPo, approximately 3 to 5 minutes are realistic depending on the load profile. Low flying and low full gas make longer possible. For training flights, many users recommend using at least two batteries to allow longer sessions.

Increased power & speed

Thanks to the powerful 80-mm-EDF and the 100-A controller, vertical climbing flights and dynamic maneuvers are easily possible. Loopings from the horizontal flight, fast rolling or high-speed passes mastered the model in test flight with Bravour. The acceleration is comparable to a gas turbine, the thrust is sufficient for all common jet maneuvers. In the top, the jet reaches about 80 mph (about 128 km/h).

Transport capacity

A clever design detail is the toolless, removable surface concept. Both support surfaces and the height control can be removed in a short time. This considerably facilitates transport in the car – the phantom can easily find space even in smaller wagons or limousines.

Spare parts supply

As part of the E-flite and Horizon Hobby portfolio, the spare part supply is secured. Wearing surfaces, hull, suspension, electronics and all small parts are available online as well as in specialist shops. A decisive advantage for frequent and club flyers.

Target group

The E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm is aimed primarily at experienced model pilots who have already gained first experiences with faster models or EDF jets. Thanks to the stabilisation systems (SAFE Select, AS3X), however, the model is also accessible to ambitious beginners who are willing to work into a more complex flight pattern.

Construction and Guidance

The manufacturer promises and maintains an extremely short construction phase. The large majority of the components are preassembled on the factory. Support surfaces, guides and suspensions are screwed, no glue is required – the assembly can be completed realistically in less than one hour. The guide is illustrated and logically constructed, all steps are explained in a comprehensible manner. Many users confirm that even less skilled craftsmen can easily manage.

Community support

Around the E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm has formed a large international community, including RC forums, Facebook groups and Youtube. Here you can find flight tips, modification suggestions, experience reports and support for problems. The exchange is friendly, helpful and inspiring – a real plus for beginners and professionals.

Overview of alternative products

If you are looking for alternatives, you will find the following models in the middle price segment:

While the Freewing and HSD models partly rely on larger Impellers and provide more push, the F-4 E-flite remains with maximum model loyalty and Plug&Play functionality. Many alternatives require longer construction or do not provide standard stabilization.

Value for money

The price for the BNF version (Bind-N-Fly) moves in the middle to slightly raised segment, but offers a very good price-performance ratio in view of the equipment (full equipment with drive, chassis, LEDs, stabilization) and high-quality processing. Compared to turbine jets or large-format composite models, buyers save significantly without using jet feelings.

Tips, tricks & optimization recommendations

Here are some practical tips and recommendations from the community:

• Use flight modes: For beginners it is recommended to activate the SAFE mode for the first flights. Later, it can be switched to AS3X or manual control to exploit the full power potential.
• Battery tuning: The best results are achieved with high-quality 6S lipos. A battery with a high C rate (at least 45C) ensures longer thrust and stable voltage.
• Cooling air guide: Some pilots optimize the air ducts in the fuselage for even better engine cooling.
• Chassis strength: The suspension legs are sturdy, an occasional tightening of the screws is recommended for frequent flyers.
• Rudder paths & Expo: The factory settings fit for the first flight, but can be customized. For fast art flight maneuvers, a higher expo is recommended at high and cross rudders.
• Additional protection: Many pilots use thin transparent films to protect exposed paint spots, especially on surface edges and bows.

Frequent questions & problems – and their solutions

1. Does a 6S 5000mAh battery fit into the fuselage?
Depending on the model and battery used, it can become somewhat narrow. Most commercially available 5000mAh packs fit, but with very long or thick cable sets it can become scarce. Batteries with slim design are preferable.

Two. Is the SAFE function really sensible or slows it in?
SAFE Select is especially helpful in stress situations (e.g. in orientation loss or turbulence). Flying in classic AS3X mode is recommended for experienced pilots – the jet remains stable and reacts directly.

3. How everyday is the model on lawn?
The suspension legs and the stable wheels allow repeated start and landings on short mowed or well maintained lawn. With high growth, the bugrad can sink, so the previous place care is recommended.

4. Spare parts – how long does a procurement take?
Almost all spare parts are available through specialist trade within a few days, as E-flite/Horizon sells many dealers in Europe.

Five. Are there any problems with the chassis mechanics?
Individual users report on occasional suspensions or difficulty after many flights. A drop of silicone spray or easy relubrication usually helps.

What interested parties want to know

Scope of delivery:
The E-flite F-4 is delivered almost ready for flight – a suitable receiver is already installed. Only a compatible spectrum remote control system and a 6S battery are required.

Weather suitability:
The model is designed primarily for good weather conditions. With moderate winds, the stabilization ensures safe straight-away flight, but deployments with strong wind should be avoided.

Immediately:
Thanks to SAFE and AS3X, the jet can also be controlled for pilots with little jet experience. Nevertheless, it is recommended to practice with slower models and to make the first flight under instructions.

Conclusion

The E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm sets standards for detail, flight performance and practicality in the class of the Impeller-Jets. It convinces with a perfect composition of true model, simple assembly and sophisticated technology. Thanks to the large community, the good spare parts supply and the wide range of applications, it is suitable both as a fun device for the evening and for the ambitious jet unit pilot.

If you are looking for a powerful, realistic and resilient jet replica, this is an excellent choice – and that at a price that is more than competitive in view of the bid. The E-flite F-4 Phantom II 80mm EDF BNF Basic with AS3X and SAFE Select, 910mm is an RC-Jet that will make long joy.