Question FX3 vs XCub cowling and advice

[akkpao]

Hi everyone and thank you Neal for all your wonderful educational FX3 content. I am primarily flying 182s and SR22s these days as part of a flying club but am considering a move into ownership with an FX3 or XCub (with occassional access to the other aircraft for longer trips).

I'm wondering if others on this forum might have been choosing between the FX3 and XCub and any pros/cons you all might have thought through.

I'm also curious if anyone happens to know the dimensions / shape of the cowling on the FX3 and the XCub. The FX3 seems to me to look sleeker than the 393 powered XCub and I am wondering if that is because the XCub's cowling is bigger/rounder or just artifacts in the images I'm looking at?

Thank you in advance for any guidance!

 

[Neal]

Welcome to the forum @akkpao - I'm no expert or salesman/dealer but I'll just share my thoughts and I'm sure there will be multiple posts from others and probably more from me as I have more time.

First, price. To some, it doesn't matter, I get it, I'm not in that boat. The xcub is their top of the line fit and finish, it's the fastest and most aerodynamic. I believe it also has the highest usable load. Yes, the cowl is bigger for cooling I'm sure. But the prop needs to be considered in the end for your needs. The NX comes with a smaller 76" prop whereas the tailwheel configuration I believe can have up to an 83" prop.

I chose the FX-3 as I wanted the newer flight controls (G series), stick grip, the blend between cross country flying and back country flying. I wanted the fuel injection and constant speed prop. It was the perfect blend for me. I'm in Virginia, far from an ideal place for a backcountry airplane. But the stick and throttle concept like my former life got me interested in GA again as I just couldn't do a Cessna type..yoke, etc.

I'm sure I have the heaviest FX-3 ever built with cargo pod, BRS, and all of my spares I carry And there is no place I can't go for my skill level that this plane can't handle...or desire for that matter.

The UL is obviously the hot thing, doesn't appeal to me for a number of reasons.

It's going to come down to what do you want to use the airplane for? Are you going to fly it? So many cubs from CubCrafters seem to hit resale in the low to mid 100 hour point which I just don't get. Are you going to be comfortable with a 600K xcub in the backcountry? All of the CubCrafters' cubs are stupid expensive. I really enjoyed the Sport Cub (predecessor to the SS) that I did my TW endorsement in. Something far cheaper and less complex probably would bring me more joy in the end. I enjoy the Garmin glass panel as you are familiar with but it's never ending something somewhere going on. I tell friends, if I did it again I'd get the best J3 money could buy.

I've enjoyed the learning which I've shared my journey. I have a passion for learning. But not having any real CubCrafters expertise in my area for maintenance or repairs is a concern should I need help someday. We do have Don Wade of Patriot Aircraft in AL that is great with CubCrafters planes so if I needed help I'd go to him. Most "service centers" are simply "someone that's worked on a cub before" which I went to for my first condition inspection and never went back, that was eye opening. So be prepared, depending on your location, to have to learn to do things yourself, which isn't bad. I do know of a good service center in KY but it's a bit far, Johnson Aviation - he's outstanding from what I hear.

I think the FX-3 is one of their most popular but obviously from a money making dealer point of view, they're going to push what brings them the most money, that will be the XCub. Follow the money, do your research, make YOUR choices. I was pushed onto things that I later learned simply brought more money but I was firm in what I wanted, researched, and made my plane exactly as I wanted it.

That's it for now...I look forward in following your journey and feel free to post anything here and we'll gladly assist. Oh...be sure to get the IFR panel which I'm sure you will. I'm seeing VFR paneled planes really struggling in resale.

 

[Neal]

Something that can’t go without discussing is insurance on these planes. You may want to ask a broker for rates but I’d expect your first year to be around $8k or more. People are getting these stupid expensive cubs with minimal training and recking them in no time.

 

[Neal]

More to add (I told you this would be multiple posts ) -- if I did it over again at CubCrafters I would buy another FX-3.

Regardless of the plane choice, CubCrafters is very good about customizations allowing you to make it what you want. You just have to do your research and know what to ask for when ready. Same with paint, get a design done and they'll likely do it.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I'm wondering if others on this forum might have been choosing between the FX3 and XCub and any pros/cons you all might have thought through.

I was attracted to the XCub because of the aileron control system. It uses push/pull rods instead of cables. Price and weight took me back to the FX-3. Also, at the time I made the purchase decision, there was no factory assist build program for the XCub. I had to have experimental and be eligible for a repairman certificate.

The FX-3 is one of the noisiest aircraft I have flown but the Husky is close. XCub has a bit less sparse interior and may be quieter.

XCub originally only had the spring aluminum gear but I believe 3x3 gear can now be specified for factor assist build.

Early XCub did not use the 390 engine so, if considering used, make sure you know what you are buying.

Just a few random thoughts. I was never close to buying an XCub.

 

[Neal]

The FX-3 is one of the noisiest aircraft I have flown but the Husky is close. XCub has a bit less sparse interior and may be quieter.

I have a friend with a new xcub with the 393 and one of his comments was how loud it was. He previously owned a FX-3.

As I've flown with my dog and her ear muffs came off, I did a dB test with my Apple watch and was surprised how loud it was. I took my bose headphones off and wow, yeah, extremely loud so I air aborted due to the dog's ear muffs coming off and the loudness.

 

[akkpao]

Neal and Charlie, thank you very much indeed for your input! I am very grateful.

On insurance, I completely understand. I am doing my tailwheel transition in a Kitfox and plan to do some backcountry training in the Kitfox. My hope is to build up plenty of tailwheel PIC time - though I know it won't really be replacement for time in type, I haven't been able to find anyone offering training in CubCrafter products outside of Tac Aero which is a ways away.

Since you have been so generous with your advice, I'll ask you another question - did you consider at any point buying a used CubCrafters product? Or did you always know you wanted to build? I am beginning to notice the same thing you did - relatively low time FX3s seem to be consistently coming on to the market. My guess is people bought in to the backcountry flying craze and realized they weren't actually flying all that much. So I would imagine there might be potential "deals" to be had, but I am leaning toward building my own.

I'd be curious what your watch said in terms of dB, by the way!

 

[akkpao]

Neal, you'll have to forgive me the multiple posts, too -- I was hoping you might expand on why you decided the UL Cub wasn't the right choice for you, as you mentioned. I assume it is less fun in turbulence and there is of course a useful load penalty. I have enjoyed the simple operation of the Rotax in the Kitfox and in some ways I suppose it is a little closer to the "finest J-3" than the FX3 or XCub.

 

[Cactus Charlie]

I'll ask you another question - did you consider at any point buying a used CubCrafters product? Or did you always know you wanted to build?

I did not consider buying used because I would not have qualified for a Repairman Certificate. I also wanted the experience of the factory assist build program.

If you plan to have someone else maintain and/or inspect the aircraft then the Repairman Certificate may not be important to you.

 

[Neal]

Neal, you'll have to forgive me the multiple posts, too -- I was hoping you might expand on why you decided the UL Cub wasn't the right choice for you, as you mentioned.

The UL wasn't an option when I was shopping for a cub in 2020. They are certainly pushing the UL hard but I think it caters more to those at higher DA such as out west. I don't know much about the Rotax but my concern would be finding someone that can work on it. I don't know how qualified maintenance shops like at my FBO are with engines like Rotax. They've certainly been around a long time, just don't seem to be the majority in my location (Virginia).

I was going to take a demo flight in a UL as a friend was shopping for one but I refused to get in the plane that had no fuel in the sight tubes. That was pure reckless so I left Camp CubCrafters and was shocked to see another dealer get in the plane and take someone flying. I digress. What I noticed was the 7" G3X (GDU) which was a hard no for me, and my friend. The ancient RS Flight Systems engine display from the 1990's and the Trig avionics, just not for me. As my friend put it, it's a 2025 cub with a 2013 panel - he cancelled his order. As UL sales were not happening, from what I heard was discussed at a dealer meeting, they had no choice but to offer the 10" G3X and now even more customizations which are nice, but heinously expensive. I noticed how stiff the flight controls were compared to my FX-3, no thanks.

So now you can make your UL close to a FX-3 I believe by opting for G series flight controls, the 10" G3X, and I'm not sure what else. I saw a quote recently where the UL optioned out was over 450K which included the BRS which was priced at 33K. Wow! I paid 17K for my BRS. Now this may be a "special" light weight BRS I heard was being made for the UL - I don't know. The SS had a BRS priced along the same lines as what I paid.

I believe the Rotax will be a quieter engine and more efficient on fuel burn, so those are pluses. I think it's early in concept just like the SS had some cowl redesigns early on, I'd personally want to wait to see the first production series go through any needed updates before I'd consider one.

For those with the 7" G3X I think will face tough resale conditions. We are all into our glass panels these days and the 7" GDU is a hard no for me, among the other components that go with it.

Keep in mind, this is MY opinion and preference, not that of anyone elses. It's selling well, people need to pick the plane that suits their needs and use as well as location for use.

Oh, one other thing. I didn't care for the Oratex but quite a few do. As my dealer who opted for a painted UL over the Oratex UL believed the fit and finish was more important than weight which I agreed. Having a super light cub is not what I'm after, again personal opinion, as I am not taking any cub into any place I couldn't get even a cub at max gross into. I'm not out to do stupid stuff or show off in my plane as far too many do. I'm just trying to enjoy aviation. Kudos to Jim Richmond and what he did that continues to shine at CubCrafters.

Now if they would just "innovate" so us cub owners can fly with the door and both windows open that would be amazing. Something simple every cub owner wants yet we can't do with CubCrafters' cubs. Amazing this is still the top complaint in 2025 that I hear.

 

[akkpao]

I did not consider buying used because I would not have qualified for a Repairman Certificate. I also wanted the experience of the factory assist build program.

If you plan to have someone else maintain and/or inspect the aircraft then the Repairman Certificate may not be important to you.

Makes total sense. I do plan to have someone else maintain it but as you said the experience of the program does call to me.

The UL wasn't an option when I was shopping for a cub in 2020. They are certainly pushing the UL hard but I think it caters more to those at higher DA such as out west. I don't know much about the Rotax but my concern would be finding someone that can work on it. I don't know how qualified maintenance shops like at my FBO are with engines like Rotax. They've certainly been around a long time, just don't seem to be the majority in my location (Virginia).

I was going to take a demo flight in a UL as a friend was shopping for one but I refused to get in the plane that had no fuel in the sight tubes. That was pure reckless so I left Camp CubCrafters and was shocked to see another dealer get in the plane and take someone flying. I digress. What I noticed was the 7" G3X (GDU) which was a hard no for me, and my friend. The ancient RS Flight Systems engine display from the 1990's and the Trig avionics, just not for me. As my friend put it, it's a 2025 cub with a 2013 panel - he cancelled his order. As UL sales were not happening, from what I heard was discussed at a dealer meeting, they had no choice but to offer the 10" G3X and now even more customizations which are nice, but heinously expensive. I noticed how stiff the flight controls were compared to my FX-3, no thanks.

So now you can make your UL close to a FX-3 I believe by opting for G series flight controls, the 10" G3X, and I'm not sure what else. I saw a quote recently where the UL optioned out was over 450K which included the BRS which was priced at 33K. Wow! I paid 17K for my BRS. Now this may be a "special" light weight BRS I heard was being made for the UL - I don't know. The SS had a BRS priced along the same lines as what I paid.

I believe the Rotax will be a quieter engine and more efficient on fuel burn, so those are pluses. I think it's early in concept just like the SS had some cowl redesigns early on, I'd personally want to wait to see the first production series go through any needed updates before I'd consider one.

For those with the 7" G3X I think will face tough resale conditions. We are all into our glass panels these days and the 7" GDU is a hard no for me, among the other components that go with it.

Keep in mind, this is MY opinion and preference, not that of anyone elses. It's selling well, people need to pick the plane that suits their needs and use as well as location for use.

Oh, one other thing. I didn't care for the Oratex but quite a few do. As my dealer who opted for a painted UL over the Oratex UL believed the fit and finish was more important than weight which I agreed. Having a super light cub is not what I'm after, again personal opinion, as I am not taking any cub into any place I couldn't get even a cub at max gross into. I'm not out to do stupid stuff or show off in my plane as far too many do. I'm just trying to enjoy aviation. Kudos to Jim Richmond and what he did that continues to shine at CubCrafters.

Now if they would just "innovate" so us cub owners can fly with the door and both windows open that would be amazing. Something simple every cub owner wants yet we can't do with CubCrafters' cubs. Amazing this is still the top complaint in 2025 that I hear.

Thanks very much indeed. I came across the UL more recently and had not realized that the larger G3X, the new G series flight controls, and some of the other "upgrades" offered were not offered at all initially. The panel I've seen in most of the videos/press is as you said not very charismatic. It's not as if it is simple and beautiful. Just looks cheap.

As you said I don't plan on being a STOL champion or risking a nice new plane trying some crazy landing. So I think I'd rather have the cruise speed and wing loading of the FX-3.

I do like the Rotax line generally, so far. I was very skeptical as I am used to big Lycomings but I can't argue with the ease and convenience of electronically managed engines. Startups in the Kitfox are never an issue at all and there's no fiddling required. The turbo is nice to have as I am out west (albeit based at sea level in the Bay Area).

 

[Cubonaut875]

I agree 100%. The UL is really made for higher DA and the ability to use Auto fuel. Auto fuel is a great help in everyplace other than the United States. I think that may have been the thought going forward here in the US and to capture some of the foreign market. Also agree with the Rotax maintenance, it is not the usual aircraft engine and has very specific requirements even for an oil change.

I too love my IFR panel, however I don't use half of what it is capable of.

I, also, am not very fond of the Oratex look, I would rather have a nice finish and skip a few cheeseburgers and loose 20 pounds of body weight.

Double agree on the window opening! The only thing I miss about my Supercub is the ability to open the window in flight. I would imagine a few well placed vents and a more secure mount for the back window would probably take care of the problem for at least one window open in flight.

 

[Neal]

Excellent points @Cubonaut875 as I forgot when the UL was coming into play it was focused on the foreign market where 100LL is not an option and also with the 100LL issues in California and wherever else which has since reversed course. I think the Trent Palmer and Kitfox audience has certainly brought light to Rotax and now his Legend Nomad which sure looks impressive. One of my concerns with the CubCrafters aircraft as was pointed out in one of Trent's videos is the smaller tail design. I think Kevin Quinn may have had his cub build customized for a larger tail I seem to recall. Not sure, really not well versed on the "super cub" designs and history. Those of us in the FX-3 are well aware of the lack of elevator authority at landing overcome by a little power.

 

[akkpao]

Great points indeed. I am giving the Legend Nomad a close look too. Looks to be a well designed and built machine and the fuel efficiency of the Rotax does make a meaningful ongoing operating cost difference. But I am not sure if I will be able to stomach the lower cruise speed as compared to the FX-3.

 

[Neal]

I think the fit & finish of Jim Richmond's cub interior is unrivaled. I'm not overly thrilled with what I see with Trent Palmer's Legend Nomad comparatively, and others.