Compare the Best RC Gliders for Beginners at Modelflight

Keen to get started with RC gliders? These models are great to fly and, as any pilot can attest, seeing your glider soar with the wind is an amazing sight. In this blog post, we will be comparing the best RC gliders for beginners in order to help you find the right one for your needs.   

What to Look For in a Beginner's RC Glider   

There are several points to consider when looking for your first RC glider.  As mentioned, some models come with motors to assist with launch and climb.  These remote control gliders would be ideal for beginners; allowing you to get into the air quickly and easily. The material of the glider should also be taken into account.  Durable material (such as foam) is easy to repair, should you encounter any trouble during your first few flights.  Finally, the RC glider should be easy to control. We would recommend that beginner pilots choose a model that has relatively basic controls (such as rudder, elevator and throttle) before moving on to more complex aircraft with, for example, ailerons and flaps.   

RC Glider Review and Comparison   

In this section, we will be looking at four of the best RC gliders for beginners: the Graupner Elektro Junior, the ParkZone Radian, ParkZone Radian Pro and ParkZone Schleicher KA-8. Let's start with the Elektro Junior glider.

Graupner Elektro Junior   

The Graupner Elektro Junior is a great choice for beginners. It is made from Graupner's signature SolidPor foam, giving it both a light weight (950g approximately) and durability. This remote control glider comes with a T-tail configuration and a folding propeller set with spinner and blades included. Because this is a Plug-N-Play (PNP) model, you will need to supply your own transmitter and battery. Once you have these items, you are ready to go! The Elektro Junior is a great way to start your gliding adventure.       

ParkZone Radian   

Next up in our RC glider reviews is the ParkZone Radian. This is a feature-rich model. It comes with a 480-size brushless outrunner motor with 960Kv of power. When coupled with the included Pro 40A brushless ESC from E-Flite, you will have an RC glider that delivers maximum performance. The Radian is constructed from easily-repairable Z-Foam and comes with a 3-channel throttle, ruddler and elevator configuration. There are two versions of the Radian EP available from Modelflight. The first is the Parkzone Radian PNP model, similar to the Elektro Junior in that you will be required to supply your own battery and radio. The other version is the ready-to-fly (RTF) Radian. As the name suggests, this version of the Radian comes with the battery and radio included. In this instance, ParkZone have included a Spektrum DX5e transmitter and a 1300mAh 15C LiPo battery. The Radian EP has everything a beginner could ask for in a remote control glider.   

ParkZone Radian Pro   

As you may have assumed, the ParkZone Radian Pro is similar to the original Radian, but the key difference is that it offers five-channel control instead of three, with the addition of ailerons and flaps.  This allows you to take your gliding experience to a new level; capitalising on sailplane mixing functions such as reflex, camber and crow.  What's great about the Radian Pro is that it maintains the features that make the original Radian an excellent model.  A 480-size motor, E-Flite Pro ESC and Z-Foam construction all come as standard with this remote control glider. Another similarity between these models is that there is a Radian Pro PNP version available, where you will need to supply your own battery and transmitter. The Radian Pro does not come in an RTF configuration but there is, however, a Bind-N-Fly (BNF) Radian Pro which only requires a transmitter for completion.  Irrespective of your choice, you will find that the Radian Pro offers all the features beginner pilots need, with the additional channels providing a richer gliding experience.   

ParkZone Schleicher KA-8   

Not only is the ParkZone Schleicher KA-8 a great remote control glider for beginners, it is also an excellent scale model. Replicating the iconic German aircraft of the same name, the Schleicher comes with four-channel elevator, aileron, rudder and spoiler control. You also have the option of adding a 5th channel with the addition of the E-Flite servoless payload release (sold separately) for aerotowing.  Similar to the Radian models, the KA-8 is constructed from durable Z-Foam. Additionally, there are Plug-N-Play KA-8 and Bind-N-Fly KA-8 versions available. One important difference between the Schleicher and the other gliders we have discussed is that, as a sailplane, it does not come with a motor. In order to launch this glider, we would recommend using E-Flite’s Hi-Start Launch system or aerotow the model with the E-Flite Servoless Payload release (both sold separately). On Modelflight's YouTube channel, Matt unboxes the Schleicher and shows you how to assemble one:

If you are looking for a beginner's RC glider, but you also appreciate scale detail, the ParkZone Schleicher KA-8 is an excellent choice.   

RC Glider Comparison   

In order to compare the RC gliders we have reviewed, we have complied the below table which details the key features of each model:  

Modelflight's Recommendation   

In our opinion, the RTF ParkZone Radian Glider is the best RC glider for beginners. This ready-to-fly completion level, in and of itself, makes it a great choice for the first-time glider pilot; allowing you to get into the air quickly and easily. Its 3-channel operation makes it easy to master and with a 480-size motor, launching and climbing will be relatively straightforward. Because it is constructed from Z-Foam, the Radian is not only lightweight, but very durable. It is the ideal remote control glider for beginners. Click here to order the ParkZone Radian RC Glider, RTF   We hope that these reviews of beginner RC gliders have helped you find the one that is best for you. We would highly recommend remote control gliding. It is a fun hobby that will provide hours of enjoyment. With the beautiful weather that will be coming over the spring and summer months, now is the perfect time to buy your first RC glider, so make sure you place your order while stocks last. Modelflight supports all our remote control gliders, so if you have any questions or you are looking for spare parts, do not hesitate to contact us and we will be glad to assist.  In the meantime, stay tuned to this blog as we continue to review RC gliders and other models.  Until next time, happy flying!