Teksumo/Popwing Review

Teksumo/Popwing -The “Frampton Comes Alive” of RC Airplanes- Everybody has a copy.

The Original Teksumo sold by HobbyKing.

The original Teksumo from Turnigy (HobbyKing) is the stuff legends are made of.  It doesn’t matter if you’re watching a Brit, Aussie or Yank go on and on about some plane they are building on Youtube, you’re bound to see that familiar orange plane in the background.   Here in the States, you’re likely to have people refer to your delta wing, regardless of brand as a “Popwing.”  The Popwing 900mm is the same plane as the Teksumo.  So, this review is for both planes because there really isn’t much difference

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As far as foam planes are concerned these planes are ubiquitous.  They are beloved, modified, crashed, destroyed rebuilt and beloved even more. I have one Teksumo that has faced sure death more times than any cat can handle.  The one great thing I can say about them is that they are resilient.

Nice graphics, not over the top.  Got from NtiroPlanes.com.

The graphics: I know it seems silly to start off a review talking about the graphics of this plane because how it looks is usually among the last things we care to think about.   But, when you’ve got more than one of these planes you want them to look different so you can easily tell them apart.  So many of the graphics of planes I’ve seen tend to look like they were designed with 14-year-old boys in mind.  But, in the hundreds and hundreds of videos I’ve seen most people flying planes are over age 30.  What I’ve liked about the Popwing, in particular, is the graphics.

There are too many different versions of graphics to discuss each one in detail.  They are very colorful and at least one of the graphic patterns should appeal to you.  I like smart graphics in the sky because i can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost a plane in the sky and had to do some rapid scans to find it.  I like planes that stand out.  Planes with vibrant colors and lots of pattern and contrast work the best.

The Teksumo is another story.  For years it came as one style, orange with a lovely fish design. It was a beautiful plane.  I mean, it's interesting to look at.  Women seem to really appreciate the beauty of it.  But once you get it in the sky that orange really stands out.  It doesn’t matter what kind of day it is.  On a sunny day with a blue sky, this plane looks extra beautiful.  .  .  Anyway, Hobbyking has discontinued that classic orange design.  What they offer is the same simple graphics with four different colors, at a higher price.  Sorry, I am underwhelmed by the newer graphics.  It looks like something a first-year art student would make in about 20 minutes.

The Build

3 Things I like

#1 Nice, thick foam cores-  I like a plane with some meat on its bones.  Yes, this plane has a lot of very nice foam, unlike the Rainbow 2 1000mm by Dancing Wings.  A healthy amount of foam helps prevent severe damage in serious crashes.   It also makes you think you’re getting something for your money.

#2. Great instructions-  It comes with a full-color booklet. The instructions are written in English, decent English, not perfect English.  You’ll get the point by reading the booklet.  The cover page has virtually all the information you’ll ever need to know about the plane including the CG, required prop, speed controllers, etc.  I mean, this is fantastic.  This is exactly how every RC Plane assembly booklet should be made.  The only thing I would change is to have a link to a website where any information is updated and can ask help from the community.

#3 Stand-up servos-There are holes that go through the middle of the plane for servo placement. This means two things that I like.  First, you’ve got the choice of mounting the servos on top or bottom.  The instructions show the servo’s control arms on the bottom, as to keep all the electronics on the bottom and to keep the top of the plane clean of wires and servos.  My rule of thumb is servos should be on top, whenever possible.  It prevents damage.   Thus, my servos are top mounted.  The second thing this does that I love is it makes getting to the screw on the servo very easy, in case you need to remove the control arm for any reason such as fine tuning after a good trim is established.

#3.5 (Honorable mention)  There is a spot to mount your receiver and speed controller under the plane, in a precut drive bay.  The plane comes with zip ties and holes for the zip ties making the installation very easy.  For extra protection, I also use velcro on the bay and ESC/Receiver.  I have to say, this is really nice. I appreciate it.

3 Things I don’t like about the build.

#1  Precut battery bay- The plane needs lots of weight in the nose and thus the battery is placed on the nose. Cutting out a large piece of foam so close to the nose is a very bad idea. I’ve broken the nose off in bad crashes.  It glues back on fine, but still. . .  

#2. Weak motor mount area- Others have complained about this as well. The plane’s motor will rip right off the plane taking a good sized chunk of foam with it in a good crash. It’s best to throw a CF rod on this area and hit it with some extra Goop.

#3. Elevons rip off- Another design flaw is that elevons rip right off in a bad crash.  Carefully apply contact cement, and re-attach.  Perhaps apply a light coating of Goop on the hinge ling (very light) when you see the elevons starting to separate from the trailing edge.

Flight Characteristics

The obvious give-away that this is an outstanding plane is that so many people own at least one version of this plane.   Yes, it’s a wonderful flying experience.   Cut the power and it has a legendary “glides on rails” feel about it.   The only bad thing I have to say about the plane is that it’s prone to be tail heavy.   That’s why the battery compartment is on its nose.  Be careful in setting the uptick on your elevons (reflex)  because you can easily aggravate this problem.

I find that the sweet spot on this plane is a 1800mAh 3S lipo battery that’s small enough to fit in the battery bay.   It’s still light enough to give this plane a floaty flying experience.  The 2200mAh 3S batteries will also work, but the extra weight makes for a very different flying experience.

Interesting graphics, also from NitroPlanes.com

Going off script.

Though this plane is a beautiful park flyer  with a 7” and 1400 KV motor,  feel free to stick on higher KV motors and smaller propellers to get this plane to scream around for the park for ten minutes. A favorite seems to be the D2826 2200KV with a 3S  2200mAh  battery.   If you’re going to go batshit crazy with the plane doing high dives you may want to use digital metal servos for this build.   You can add a little extra carbon fiber rods and perhaps reinforce your elevons with Goop, tape or plastic hinges. To further get the “Oh my gosh, I hope this thing doesn’t crash!” feeling be sure to throw on some lamination onto your wing to cut down on drag. For a little more fun, throw a triple-bladed propeller on and watch it own the sky.

This all depends on your flying style.  As a stock plane, it’s wonderful and explores the sky in a nice, tranquil flight. You can slowly bring it up to your ceiling height, turn-off the throttle and watch it slowly glide back to earth.  There is something majestic about how this plane glides. You won’t get bored of it.  You can do this for 40 minutes at a time depending on your flying style.  Or, set it up so that it gives you 8 minutes of hell-raising excitement.  This is the reason why so many people own more than one copy.

A platform plane

The Mach-5 of Popwings

The most obvious suggestion for taking the capabilities of this plane further is for FPV flight.  There are many videos on YouTube that show you how.  But as drone brethren are falling in love with smaller drones like the DJI Spark the FPV gear has to get lighter.  So, many of the how-to videos feature out of date gear.   A lighter FPV load means longer flight times.
Another exciting use for this plane is flying missions with GPS and computer controlled flight controllers.   Again, borrowing heavily from our drone brethren (Can I just take a moment to thank you guys for the billions of dollars you’ve spent on this hobby, helping to give us great gear at dirt cheap prices?) flying missions on pre-planned routes is within reach. The only downside to all this is a lot of soldering.  You don’t have easily installed electrical components.  Thus, making planes to do these tasks are a bit of a project.  But, at least with the Teksumo/Popwing, you have a nice platform.

Overall evaluation

I own quite a few of these planes, and yes I do like them a lot.  But when I can get out for 30 minutes to grab one flight, I hate to say it, but it probably won’t be this plane. I still prefer the flight characteristics of a Hacker Hotwings Evo 1000, or the Hotwings 1200.  

Still, there is plenty to love about the Teksumo/Popwing.  The lovely EPP foam is forgiving and easy to fix when things go wrong.  There are a fair number of zombie Teksumos out there. Planes that suffered catastrophic crashes that get pieced back to life out of spare foams and unconventional means.  Overall, this is a plane you need to own at least one of.  Chances are you’ll really like it.   The new pricing of just under $50 at HobbyKing for the newest model is a bit over the top.  Watch for it to go on sale.  You can always pick up a Popwing at NitroPlanes but, they are always out of stock.

Due to its pricing structure, it’s out of the realm for my “Cheap Thrills” series of articles because these planes cost more than $30.  However, it did get an honorable mention.  This plane isn’t  under $30 but it’s not $500.  If you’re likely to only own a few RC foam planes, the Teksumo/Popwing should be in your mix.

The new Teksumo-Eh, not digging it.

A club in San Diego races Popwings once a month near Sea World. Silent Electtric Flyers of San Diego

Updates:  February 2018.  The new TekSumo by Hobbyking seems to be shipping without instructions.   You now have to download the instruction from HobbyKing's website.


NitroPlanes carries a wide selection of Popwing planes for sale-with one thing in common. They are all out of stock. Five years ago, people complained about the same thing.


Grayson Hobby has their version of the TechOne PopWing in stock. It's the same price as the TekSumo from HobbyKing.  Grayson is a small, Veteran-owned hobby supplies shop located in Georgia. .The owner also is an RC enthusiast.    Let's support small business by buying from this guy!    You can buy it now and enjoy it all summer long.

Grayson's custom graphics

Hacker Hotwing 1200

Exceptional airplane if you don’t follow the instructions.

My first experience with the Evo 1200 was when a buddy who is an experienced RC builder helped me put the finishing touches on it.  We got it up in the about 80 feet  during the first five seconds of flight and it split in half.  It did a slow death spiral to the ground.  This is like being set up on a blind date and watching them have an acute heart attack during dinner.   I mean, where do you go from here?

I should be writing the most negative review about the plane right about now.  But I won’t. Instead I took it home, fixed it, and about a week later it split in half again about 700 feet up.   Then I fixed it yet again and it was dreamy.  I think the term “fixed” is a bit of misstatement.  I mean to say I hacked together the plane with enough glue and spars to make it stick together better.  Well enough to not fall-apart in flight, but  it wasn’t reaching its potential.  It wasn’t until recently that I was able to clean up the plane and bring it to an acceptable standard.

This plane is really fantastic!  I am not just saying that, I mean it.  Set up right it’s perhaps the most compelling $50 you’ll spend on foam this year.  The key is to set it up right.  And that’s where the problem lies.  You really have to go off script with the instructions.  If you follow the instructions you’ll have a limp, light plane that isn’t anywhere near it’s potential and may fall apart after a good crash.

This plane needs reinforcement

The reason my plane ripped apart in mid air was that I had too much wing load on it.  I was using a 2200mAh 3S battery.  The problem is that build requires a much lighter battery.  The lightest they suggest is a 1300mAh 3S Lipo battery.   That’s a fairly light battery for this airframe and the risk is a tail heavy plane or one that is very light and easily blown around in the wind.

However, it will stay up for very long periods of time because of how light it is.

Okay, let’s deviate for a moment.  When you go to Germany to get your new Porche you need to baby it for the first 100 miles or so.  Then you put on Du Hast by Rammstein and crank the music as you take it to the limit on the Autobahn.   If that doesn’t register with you, then just build this plane per the instructions and good luck to you!

Now for the rest of the us.

The Mods

Retro-Zagi

I’ve seen quite a few different mod ideas.  One is to essentially turn this plane into a Zagi by cutting off the elevons and replacing them with balsa wood. Then covering this plane with packaging tape.   What is required is to find the Zagi 400X pdf (found here https://zagi.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Zagi-400X.pdf)   and follow the instructions.

Packaging tape for plane covering does work. There was a lot of interest in making planes from Dollar Tree foam about five years ago and covering them with tape.  So, yes, it worked.  But today we’re more likely to use Econokote if you’re going to want a colored covering or lamination if you want a clear covering. If you do this you don’t need as much filament tape. I am also more in favor of more spars than what is suggested on this build.   

If you’re building a retro-Zagi you’re probably going to want some amazing 14g metal gear servos.  You’ll also will want to really get the plane reinforced with carbon fiber spars everywhere.  This is going to be a very stiff, rigid plane made for high speed action and stunts.  The choice of motors is up to you.   You’ll want something that can push a 5” or 6” prop.  A D2826/6 is a good suggestion.  It’s 2200KV which is plenty fast.    You can put on a 6x4 triple blade propeller and tear up the sky!  You will tear through your batteries fairly quickly so be prepared for flights around 10 minutes.

High n Dry build

One of my friends has a heavy 48” plane and has loaded it up with a 3000kv motor and 5” propeller.  When he flew it on the beach everybody within half a mile around could hear and see it.  I don’t have that kind of luxury where I live.  I get to fly my planes at my local park until residents decide that they don’t like me flying my planes at the local park.  Too much noise would certainly rub people the wrong way.  Therefore, I prefer quiet planes.   The High n Dry build is just perfect for my needs.

The idea is simple, larger propeller, quieter motors, light builds and long, long flight times.  The key is to put in a decent about of carbon fiber to secure the plane. I use the elevons that came with the plane  and I don’t go for high end servos.  But, all in all, it’s a very good build that stays of for sometimes an hour, and best of all, it’s very quiet.

My build is simple. It’s a BR2212 1400kv with a Master Airscrew triple bladed propeller.  There are extra CF rods on the edge of the wings. I use 2mm CF rods.  For the large cross piece in the middle I would suggest 4mm or 5mm cf rods if you’ve got em.  I didn’t laminate this wing, but you can if you want to cut down on drag.

Flight characteristics

I am not into FPV, yet. So, what I’ve done is put heavier batteries on this plane along with video cameras.  Just a couple of extra ounces changes the flight dynamics.  It tracks better but the flights aren’t as long.   So, how you build it and how you fly it is really up to you.   If you get aggressive with a Retro-Zagi this plane will feel completely different than a High n Dry build.  I’ve flown a similar plane to a Retro Zagi before and yes, it tears up the sky.  But it comes in hot  when you land it.    My High N Dry builds gracefully glide back to earth.

When I fly the High N Dry builds I want a super floating experience.   I can put it at around 30% throttle and get a nice angle of attack that will gradually get me up to maximum altitude. If I am in  hurry and can put the throttle to full and push the nose down a bit to find the right angle of attack.  It will find maximum altitude in a matter of seconds.   Once I am at maximum altitude I cut the throttle and let it glide back to earth over  a 3 minute glide back down.  When it’s near the ground I turn it back to 30% power and climb back up.   Perhaps this is too boring for most folks, but I enjoy watching a plane glide. People watch and get mesmerized.  Depending on the day these flights can last an hour if not longer.

Three things (Good and bad)

Nice color scheme graphics

The Good!

#1.  This is a hell of an airplane!

This is a plane I look forward to flying.  It never gets old, it never gets tiring.   Everybody has different flying habits.  I am into light planes that float well.   You can build this plane to float for extended periods of time.  In my latest build I put on a 1000KV motor being spun with a triple bladed 9x6 propeller.  It has great authority in the air, even better when my camera is mounted to it.  

#2.  Build it your way.

Though I do like planes that have the carbon spars installed in them suck as the Teksumo I do also like having the freedom for adding as much or as little carbon fiber as I care to add, in combinations of thicknesses and laid into the foam in a manner that pleases me.  You can fit the carbon fiber to the use.  If you want a light, floating plane then use 2mm carbon fiber rods fairly sparingly.  If you’re going to fly it hard and fast then more rigid Carbon Fiber will be required.  

This plane will accept anything that can mount a 16x19 crossbar.  That’s a lot of motors.  The real question becomes the weight.  So far, I’ve been very pleased with motor around 52g.  There are a lot of motors such as the BR2212 and D2826 that fall into this weight category.  I have not built this plane with a high speed motor.  I like larger props that spin slower.

#3    It’s a lot of plane for under $50.

I think this plane is an outstanding value.  It’s a compelling EPP foamie that has a wonderful glide.   When you look to see what else is available in this price range in a kit it’s usually EPO foam. EPP is more forgiving in modest crashes.  The Hotwing  also very easy to repair.   Now that the newest Teksumo is actually more expensive than this plane, yes, it’s an even better deal!

3 not so wonderful things about the plane

#1. Here’s what may break -

The main cores if you don’t reinforce them with your own carbon fiber rods.  I have firsthand experience with this.    I’ve had my plane break in half not once, but twice.  After I fixed it and reinforced it, it was a wonderful plane.  

The elevons are somewhat thin for this plane. So you have to be careful not to rip them off doing stunts.  They are also prone for flaking off in landings on the grass. Small bits and pieces come off, and usually can be glued back on without a problem.  

The winglets are too weak for this build.  The thin EPP foam  breaks easily  My next build I will forgo using them and put ones on the end in a more traditional triangle design. It’s not that the plane will fly any better, it’s just that  I won’t have to spend as much time fixing the winglets..

#2.  Crappy accessories-  I usually only use a couple of things that come in the kit.  This has been my gripe with many kits on the market. With $3 worth of better parts you can have a remarkably better plane.  Just make certain you have better control horns and connectors to the servo arm.

#3.  So-So instructions-  This plane comes from Eastern Europe. Some things were lost in translation when writing the instructions. If this isn’t your first kit you shouldn’t have a problem with it.  If it is, you may need to ask for some help.  I wouldn’t trust the thin spars they tell you to install in the instructions.

This all American design isn't available in the United States, yet.

Overall

  
I freaking love this plane!  It’s very stable in the air, and can take a bit of weight in case you want to add on some FTP gear.   I’ve been known to pick up extra planes when it goes on sale.   

I have other planes such as the C1 Chaser which is essentially the same size.   When that plane goes up in the air, it’s a different experience.  The C1 Chaser is much heavier and it does get my heart beating when I fly it, especially when it’s low to the ground.   The Hacker  is so light that  it’s not the same type of flying experience.    It’s carefree flying, without the fear of it falling from the sky if you happen to sneeze.  Without a doubt it’s the most compelling $50 you’ll spend on foam this year. Here's a video I shot from this plane.