Brands
Volantex planes
By Paul Walsh Last reviewed
Volantex is the brand to look at if you want to try RC flying without spending much. Its small ready-to-fly planes cost less than a pair of trainers, come with a gyro, and bounce off the ground in a way more expensive foam planes don't.
Volantex in brief
Volantex makes foam RC planes, with a range that runs from tiny 400 to 600mm park flyers to 1.4 to 1.6m trainers and gliders. The small models are made of EPP, a flexible, crash-resistant foam.
Status (checked October 2026): trading, sold in the UK through shops such as Wonderland Models and Sussex Model Centre.
The range
UK prices October 2026.
| Model | Wingspan | Approx. price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainstar Mini V2 | 400mm | about £65 | 3-channel gyro trainer |
| Sport Cub 500 | 500mm | about £78 to £83 | 4-channel, brushed, gyro, EPP |
| Ranger 600 (glider / stunt) | 600mm | about £77 to £85 | 3 or 4 channel, gyro, EPP |
| P-51D Mustang 400 | 400mm | about £90 | 1S, 6-axis gyro with 3 modes |
| Spitfire / P-51D 500 | 500mm | about £125 | Brushless, gyro |
| Trainstar Ascent | 1400mm | check retailer | 4-channel brushless trainer |
| Ranger 1600 (757-7) | 1600mm | check retailer | Brushless FPV-friendly glider, PNP or RTF |
What you get for the money
Good: cheap, tough, gyro included, everything in the box on the small models.
Less good: small planes are pushed around by wind; brushed motors wear out; spares for less common models can be hard to find in the UK.
Who Volantex suits
- A cheap first try: the Sport Cub 500 or Ranger 600 on a calm day in a big field.
- Kids with adult help: the small EPP models survive learner crashes.
- A budget glider: the larger Ranger models.
If you want a plane that copes with typical UK wind, a larger trainer is a better buy: compare in best RC planes for beginners. The RC plane buyer's guide explains why size matters so much.
Repairs
EPP bends rather than snapping; when it does break, foam-safe CA or contact adhesive fixes it. See repairing a crashed RC plane.
When to spend more
Once you can fly circuits and land reliably, a larger stabilised trainer from E-flite or FMS will fly far better in real British weather.
All the makers are on the brands page.
RC Mods is not affiliated with or endorsed by Volantex.
Frequently asked questions
Are Volantex planes good for beginners?
The small gyro-stabilised models such as the Sport Cub 500 and Ranger 600 are inexpensive and forgiving. They're fine first planes on calm days, though they're less stable in wind than larger trainers.
What does EPP foam mean?
EPP is a flexible, very crash-resistant foam. It bends rather than breaks, which suits learners.
Where can I get Volantex spares in the UK?
Some UK model shops stock Volantex spares for popular models. Check what's available before you buy, especially for the larger planes.