Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / November 2008

For rotary wing - Phoenix

For fixed wing - Realflight

Cheers,

Nigel

I've had Realflight 3.5 and currently have Phoenix 2.00n.  Flight dynamics
are close between the two, IMO.  On my computer, the Phoenix has better
graphics.  I find it easier to stay oriented to the model, especially at a
distance.  I've had a chance to play with Realflight 4.5 at the hobby store.
I think the graphics are a better on it than the previous version.  Flight
dynamics felt about the same but my time with it is relatively limited so I
probably don't have a good feel for it yet.

Honestly, both are very good and you really can't go wrong with either.

Best of luck on whatever you decide!  :-)

Steve R.

I was a long time RF guy, but made the switch to Phoenix just about a
year ago.  Phoenix, to me, "feels" a bit more realistic.  Autos on
both are not very realisitic out of the box, but you can tweak things
on both to make them more so.

RF requires more "horsepower" than Phoenix to run well.  Phoenix has
updates and new aircraft quite often and those updates and aircraft
are free.  No need to buy AddOns or Expansion packs.  

The Phoenix developers seem to respond to bug fixes more rapidly than
Knife Edge does.

RF comes with a "transmitter" which you can fly with, or use as an
interface to plug in your own transmitter.

Phoenix requires a transmitter with a trainer port.

Phoenix is a bit less expensive than RF.

Looks wise, they're about the same.  The graphics, when turned up all
the way, are pretty nice.

Both do online multiplayer should you feel the need to fly with
others.

Now the choice is up to you.  :)