Just to re-cap, if you haven't read the first couple of instalments, the Vector DS is a cut-down super strong version of the 3m Vector from the Spanish Technoepoxi team. The wing is 2m and uses the classic HQW 2/8 section, which is always a good bet; it's very fast, handles well and maintains energy superbly.
Moulding quality is focused more on strength than crisp clean seams, although the finish is just fine. The construction is super strong in every respect; the moulded wings even have foam inserts for extra rigidity.
In the air the Vector is loads of fun. The controls are nicely harmonised, roll is crisp and pitch is direct. It also grooves nicely, which bodes well for DS. The brakes are absolutely superb, so much so they open up chances to fly in places you may not normally have considered.
The one thing it's hard to convey is the usability of the Vector. It's just the right size to throw in the car and can be rigged in seconds. It's one of those planes that you will fly a lot. They speed of rigging and great handling, strength and brakes make it a great slope tester for your more expensive models, but you'll find that a quick slope test turns into half and hour...
A couple of the photos show the Sanwa 762 servos that my Vector is fitted out with. The specs are amazing - small, fast, metal geared, ballraced, digital and cheap. In real life they deliver all that. I'm not one to recommend servos as you never know the full story until hundreds of users have used them over hundreds of hours, but I'm impressed enough to throw four of them into a new Skorpion.
Back to the Vector and should you get one? I suspect that at £350 for this DS version you will get more flying for your money than anything else you have in your fleet.
UK customers can get the entire Vector range from T9Hobbysport.
For more details have a look Pierre Rondel's excellent website.
Click on any photo to see a larger version
