Best RC Gliders: Powered, Slope and Hand-Launch Picks

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Gliders are the part of the hobby where patience pays out. A good foam motor glider climbs, folds its prop, and hangs on a thermal while the minutes slip by. A bad choice is a 2 m airframe that is out of production, a kit nobody stocks, or a competition machine that bites beginners.

One note on method before the picks. This page is built from manufacturer specs, manuals and product listings, checked in October 2026. It is not based on our own flying, so there are no "felt like" verdicts here. Where a maker publishes a flight-time figure it is labelled as the maker's claim, and where a model could not be verified it is left out rather than guessed at.

The stock check changed the shortlist more than anything else. Several gliders that older roundups still recommend are discontinued, sold out at the maker, or no longer listed at all. The sections below say which is which.

Quick Picks by Situation

How Gliders Differ: Launch First, Everything Else Second

Motor glider. A small brushless motor and a folding prop pull the model to altitude, then the motor stops and the model soars. The Conscendo, Radian and EasyGlider families work this way.

Hand-launch glider (HLG and DLG). No motor. The pilot throws it or, on the Dream-Flight kits, uses a wingtip launch to send it up. The airframes are light, so it suits a calm, open field.

Slope glider. Wind meeting a hill is deflected upward, and a glider flying along the face rides that lift. Dream-Flight lists wind-speed ranges for its slope kits, which is the quickest way to match a model to a site.

Winch or high start. The classic sailplane method, used for the balsa kits. SIG lists a standard high start or a winch for the Riser models.

One term helps when reading spec sheets: wing loading is weight divided by wing area. Lower numbers mean slower flight and better lift use, higher numbers mean better penetration in wind. Dream-Flight publishes it for every kit.

If you are brand new to the sky itself, the beginner's guide to flying an RC plane covers the basics, and best RC planes for beginners is the place to start if a glider is not yet on your list.

Stabilization: What AS3X and SAFE Select Actually Do

Every E-flite BNF glider below carries Spektrum's AS3X and optional SAFE Select, so it is worth knowing what they are. Per Horizon Hobby:

• AS3X smooths the effects of wind and turbulence in the background, so the model feels more stable.
• SAFE Select is optional. When enabled it adds pitch and bank angle limits, which keep the model from rolling or pitching upside down, and automatic self-leveling that holds level flight when the sticks are released.
• On the UMX models, SAFE Select is assigned to channel 5 (Gear), so any switch on that channel turns it on or off.

For a first powered glider this is a safety net, not a crutch: run it while orientation is new, then switch it off. A deeper look at how gyro-assisted receivers and flight controllers differ is in the RC plane flight controller guide.

Powered Foam Gliders

E-flite Night Radian 2.0m

Horizon calls the Night Radian "a perfect next step after a trainer, first glider or everyday sport model", and the spec sheet backs up the easygoing intent: a 78.73 in (2000 mm) EPO airframe, a 3533-960Kv brushless outrunner, a 30A telemetry ESC and a folding two-blade prop on a 3S pack.

The headline feature is the lighting: factory-installed LEDs with 100+ color, sequence and timing combinations, which helps with orientation in dim light. One catch from Horizon's own notes: the LED controller draws power through the battery's balance connector, so the pack needs one, and the LEDs currently do not work with Spektrum G2 batteries. Horizon's claim for flight time is 15-30+ minutes using 3S 1300-2200mAh packs with power on and off. The wing is a bolt-on two-piece with a carbon fiber joiner, and no glue is needed.

The BNF Basic version is in stock, and the PNP version is on backorder.

Search for the E-flite Night Radian 2.0m on Amazon

E-flite Conscendo Evolution 1.5m

The Conscendo Evolution is the sensible all-round pick for a pilot who has finished a trainer. Horizon describes it as the most powerful, capable Conscendo yet for soaring, sport flying, high speeds and aerobatics.

Horizon's claim is flight times of 15-20+ minutes with a mix of power on and off, using 3S 1300-2200mAh or 4S 1000-2200mAh batteries. The spec table separately lists about five minutes, so treat the longer figure as a maker's ceiling that depends on how much of the flight is under power.

The BNF Basic version arrives with the receiver installed, so you add your own Spektrum transmitter and batteries. The two-piece wing and stabs need no glue, and the airframe is a higher-density EPO with carbon and other composite reinforcement. The BNF Basic is in stock, while the PNP version (listed as skill Level 3) is on backorder; it needs a 4-channel radio and a receiver of your choice, and the transmitter and receiver guide walks through that match.

Search for the E-flite Conscendo Evolution 1.5m on Amazon

E-flite UMX Conscendo

The UMX Conscendo is the Evolution shrunk to ultra-micro size, and Horizon positions it as the same soaring, sport and aerobatic mix in smaller spaces. It is a Level 2 "next step after a trainer" model, so it is not a first airplane.

• Wingspan 31.57 in (802 mm), length 20.63 in (524 mm), weight 4.7 oz (134 g) with the recommended battery.
• Brushless power on 2S or 3S LiPo; the recommended pack is a 300mAh 11.1V 3S 30C with a JST connector.
• Optional-use flaperons and spoilerons, and a removable wing with a quarter-turn thumbscrew.
• Built-in Spektrum receiver with AS3X and SAFE Select, plus voltage telemetry on compatible transmitters.
• Requires a 5+ channel Spektrum DSMX or DSM2 compatible transmitter.

Horizon notes that the UMX Conscendo falls under the 250-gram weight limit, with no FAA registration or Remote ID required for that reason.

Search for the E-flite UMX Conscendo on Amazon

E-flite Conscendo 2.0m

At the top of the family sits the Conscendo 2.0m, which Horizon describes as the largest, most powerful and most feature-rich Conscendo yet. It is a bigger step than the name suggests: a 70-amp ESC, 4S to 6S power, functional flaps, an AR8360T+ receiver with altitude and variometer telemetry, and an automatic Hand Launch Assist mode. Horizon lists it at skill Level 3, with a weight of 84.5 oz (2.40 kg) without a battery. Both the BNF Basic and PNP versions have been on backorder, so confirm current availability on the listing.

E-flite UMX Radian

The UMX Radian is the gentle one. Horizon calls it an inherently stable ultra-micro motor glider that flies indoors in gymnasiums and other suitable spaces, and outdoors in yards, parks and sports fields. Updated versions carry optional SAFE Select and battery voltage telemetry.

• Wingspan 730 mm; weight 1.59 oz (45 g) without the battery.
• 1S LiPo; Horizon's claim is 10-20+ minutes with a mix of power on and off using 1S 150-200mAh batteries.
• Removable one-piece wing with a composite spar.
• Factory-installed motor, gearbox and folding propeller.
• Horizon lists the skill level as 3 on this listing, which is worth noting because a model this small reacts quickly to wind.

Under the 250-gram limit Horizon says no FAA registration is required.

Search for the E-flite UMX Radian on Amazon

Multiplex RR+ EasyGlider 4

The EasyGlider is the European answer to the Radian, and Multiplex calls the fourth generation a "cult sailor" appreciated by beginners and professional pilots alike. The RR+ version is sold ready built in Elapor foam, and it is built in Germany per Multiplex.

Fourth-generation changes per Multiplex: wings with a GRP square spar, a stiff fuselage using what Multiplex calls M-Space technology, a detachable rudder and tailplane, and a ROXXY C28-34-850kv motor with a mounted 9x6 folding propeller. Multiplex also lists a landing aid made by raising the ailerons.

Check the content list on the Multiplex page before ordering, because the text describes the RR version as needing your own RC system while the list names an RX-5 receiver. The page is a European shop listing and US availability was not confirmed.

Search for the Multiplex RR+ EasyGlider 4 on Amazon

Big Scale Foam Sailplanes: Mostly Out of Production

This is where older roundups need correcting.

Volantex Phoenix V2 and ASW28

Volantex's own store lists the Phoenix V2, the Phoenix 2400 and the ASW28 as out of stock. The specs are still useful if a unit turns up, so here they are, from the maker's tables.

All three share an ABS plastic unibody fuselage with EPO wings and tail, a folding propeller, and PNP packaging: no transmitter, receiver, battery or charger, so they suit a pilot who already owns a radio. Volantex describes the fuselage as crack resistant, and says the Phoenix V2 carries more than 500 g of FPV equipment and can fly about 30 minutes. Those are maker claims.

The ASW28 is a scale-style 2.6 m sailplane with a landing wheel, a canopy held by four snap locks, and a wide fuselage interior for big batteries.

If a PNP Phoenix or ASW28 turns up, the LiPo battery guide covers pack choice and safe charging, and the FPV camera guide is relevant because Volantex builds these fuselages with a camera platform in mind.

Discontinued: Night Radian FT and Radian XL

Two Radian variants are gone from Horizon's catalog.

• Night Radian FT 2.0m is listed as discontinued. It was a 78.7 in model with a 551 sq in wing, a 30A ESC and an AR636 receiver. Do not confuse it with the Night Radian 2.0m above, which is still sold.
• Radian XL 2.6m is also discontinued. It was a 102.40 in span, 946.45 sq in wing, BL 10 1250Kv motor, 12x4 propeller, 3200mAh 3S glider with a CG 91 mm behind the leading edge at the root.

If either turns up used, compare the seller's description with those figures. The practical replacement for the Radian XL is a 2 m glider such as the Night Radian 2.0m or the EasyGlider 4.

Hand-Launch and Slope Kits from Dream-Flight

Dream-Flight is the one maker in this group whose whole current lineup is in stock. Each kit is "Almost Ready to Glide": the airframe is molded EPO foam with composite parts, and you supply the radio gear.

Libelle DLG

Dream-Flight describes it as a buoyant, nimble and stable low-lift flyer, built from precision-molded EPO foam and composite parts with a carbon fiber tail boom, wing spars and pushrods. The launch system is a wingtip peg for either left or right-handed throwers, and the wing area is 21.31 dm2 (330 in2). Assembly is quoted at 1-3 hours.

The maker's skill label is "Everyone!", but the "needed to complete" list tells a more demanding story:

• A programmable 6-channel radio with flaperon mixing.
• A micro receiver with end-mounted plugs.
• Four sub-micro servos, or the Libelle flight pack.
• Two lightweight aileron extensions.
• A 4.8V 300mAh 1/3AA NiMH receiver battery.
• Medium-viscosity instant glue and a low-temperature hot glue gun.

So this is a build-and-program project, not a bind-and-fly one. Set up flaperon mixing on a simpler model first if it is new to you.

Search for the Dream-Flight Libelle on Amazon

alula-TREK

At 900 mm and 156-184 g, the alula-TREK is the light and portable option. Dream-Flight calls it the latest version of "the world's most popular bird-inspired RC glider". The design uses rare earth magnets in a no-glue interlocking assembly, a wing retention system for quick breakdown, and a wingtip launch for left or right-handed pilots. Two elevon servos mean the transmitter needs elevon mixing and dual rates.

Search for the Dream-Flight alula-TREK on Amazon

Weasel-TREK

The Weasel-TREK is the slope-oriented sibling. Dream-Flight says pilots have called the Weasel a "go-to first launch slope glider" for 30 years, and lists a wind range of 3-12 m/s (7-25 mph). It has an integrated ballast compartment for adapting to wind, a molded finger pocket for launching, and the same no-glue magnet assembly. At 312-395 g it carries more weight than the alula-TREK.

Search for the Dream-Flight Weasel-TREK on Amazon

Ahi

The Ahi is for freestyle slope flying, with a wind range of 4-9 m/s (8-20 mph) and a skill label of "Accomplished Weaseler!", so a newcomer should skip it. It has a magnetically held carbon fiber canopy, a ballast compartment and an integrated landing skid, and needs a transmitter with flaperon mixing.

Balsa Kits: SIG Riser and the Gentle Lady

SIG Riser (SIGRC52). A 2-meter-class sailplane built for the novice and sport flyer, with light built-up balsa construction. Wingspan 78 in (1981 mm), wing area 620 sq in, length 41.5 in, flying weight 24-28 oz (680-800 g). Radio needs are two channels (elevator and rudder) or three with spoilers. Launch options are a high start, a winch, or the optional SIG Power Pod.

SIG Riser 100 (SIGRC62). The larger standard-class model: 100 in (2540 mm) span, 1000 sq in wing, 51.5 in length, 45-49 oz (1276-1389 g), and a modified Eppler 205 airfoil. SIG says it offers hang-time in light lift with respectable penetration when the wind comes up, and it launches by high start, winch or off the slope.

Both kits showed as "Sold out" on SIG's site with a back-in-stock sign-up form, and replacement-parts pages are still listed. Check SIG before planning a build.

Carl Goldberg Gentle Lady. The Goldberg product manuals list still names a Gentle Lady glider kit (GPMA0960) and an ARF version (GPMA1960). A manual list is not a stock status, and current retail availability could not be confirmed, so treat it as a classic to research rather than a shelf item.

If you are tempted by a build, the from-scratch building guide and the balsa kits guide cover the workshop side. Neither replaces the manufacturer's manual for the kit in front of you.

Rules to Check Before the First Launch

Gliders fly high and far, so the rules matter more than for a small park flyer. Per the FAA:

• Drones weighing 250 grams (0.55 lbs) or more must be registered.
• Recreational flyers must take TRUST, which is free and online, and carry proof.
• Flights stay within visual line of sight, or with a co-located visual observer.
• In uncontrolled Class G airspace, fly at or below 400 feet; controlled airspace needs prior authorization.
• Since September 16, 2023, an aircraft that requires an FAA registration number must also broadcast Remote ID unless flown in an FAA-recognized identification area.

That is a summary, not legal advice, and the FAA's recreational flyers page is the source to read.

One Last Contrast

For pilots who later want something sharper than a glider, the E-flite Extra 300 3D is the usual contrast: a very different model that makes a glider's patience feel like a feature.

FAQ