I am intending to buy one of the Real Air aircraft for FS2004.OK so I might end up getting both in the end, but which should I get first, because I cannot decide between the two of them?What is the VC of the SF.260 like? How clear are the gauges? I ask because I read somewhere that the VC on the Decathlon is actually clearer than the 2D Panel. Is it the same for the SF.260?Any suggestions would be most welcome.

You can't go wrong with either of the two aircraft. They are both incredible work by Rob and company. If you like low and slow, the Decathalon is probably the way to go. If you like a little more speed and a low wing, along with IFR, then the 260 fits the bill. Both have excellent 2D and 3D cockpits and the flight dynamics are as good as you can get. Do yourself a favor and buy both.George Stoddard

I agree with George. You can't go wrong with either.I'll give my opinion on them (I have both, which is the best way to go. They are very different).The SF.260 is heavier (feeling also) and very control sensative. It takes a very gentle, controlled touch flying the plane, but that makes it a wonderful and challenging experience.The Decatholon is much lighter and easier to fly (for me anyhow). I was flying it last night very low over the treetops and houses near Manchester (Gary Summons) in the UK. It was an absolute blast!I have to be honest...having them both, I don't know which one I would want if I had to pick only one. There are days I am going to want the SF.260 for the power and performance, and days I am going to enjoy the low "tree top" buzzing that put a smile on my face last night.Good luck in your decision, I probably didn't help much, but if it were me, I'd get both!Jim

I agree with everybody else, both planes are fantastic! But if I could keep only one of them, I'd choose the SF.260 because it's more versatile and faster.VOlker :]

I have both but if I could only have one than I

I bought the 260 this morning and took it around the skys of LA a little while ago. What a rush...and I'm usually a guy who likes the charts, a jet (medium or heavy) and some sight-seeing.This plane is a real experience. I don't own the Decathlon but the SF.260 is an extreme pleasure. I can't wait till I can get back to simming this evening."Up in the air Junior birdman...up in the air upside down". I think you have a win-win situation no matter which one you chose based on what some of the other guys have said. Good luck...and make sure you take an extra pair of undies in the sky with you!-Ed

Buy both !Plus you get excellent support without the download/re-install protection nonesence that some others use like FSD etc.Anthony.....

The others have said it all.RealAir Simulations are a very mature and respected outfit whose products are second to none. I too was lucky enough to receive my free upgrade of the SIAI-Marchetti SF.260. The procedure was so straightforward and painless and the aircraft has to be seen to be believed. It is simply extraordinary in every respect.I have received nothing but courtesy from their staff and judging from others who have posted, my experience is not unique. They deserve our custom and I would encourage you to to purchase both a/c, as I now have.Mike

I have both..and I actually prefer the Decathlon.Yup... I am also teeny bit biased towards that...cause I plan to fly it pretty soon for real.So.. there.:)

Start with the Marchetti... and pretty soon, you will go all the way, and buy the Decathlon as well..The Marchetti is fast, versatile, and a fantastic aircraft to fly.

I have had the Marchetti since it came out and just love it! It is even better in FS2004.I purchased the Decathlon last night and it was definitely nice to do spins and side slips again. What a wonderful plane. The spins were so good it pretty much reminded me of my old instructing days - just missing the screaming student ;)You will be happy with either I am sure.

Perhaps you could get someone to program a gauge with a "screaming_student.wav" that kicks in at the appropriate time !Alastair

Buy both!Nothing and I mean NOTHING is as realistic to fly as these two aircraft from Real Air. The flight modelling is superb. On the SF260 - I have 15 hours total of real-life flight time (can't afford anymore at the moment!) and I can assure you that you could quite easily jump into the real SF260 and fly it for real once you have spent some time learning on the FS2004 version (with a safety pilot of course).The Decathlon is a challenge to anyone used to nosewheel GA aircraft with flaps, and the flight model ensures that you learn the hard way if you try and play games with it on approach. No flaps = low and shallow approach - dont stall! I did and heard the excellent crash FX - ouch!). Once you have mastered the landing you can enjoy the fabulous aerobatic abilities of both aircraft then replay, make some screengrabs and impress your friends!Best Wishes and happy flyingAdam

He he...That's a good idea Alastair :-) We might have to get a real decathlon pilot to record some genuine screams, by taking an unsuspecting passenger up and pulling some surprise manoeuvres on them!Seriously, both aircraft are quite different to fly. The SF.260's great for high speed aerobatics and touring. With a 182kt top speed it's touring potential is up there with piston twins, just as long as you don't have too much luggage to carry....The Decathlon's great for VFR flight, and the view from the cockpit makes it a good choice for looking at your favourite FS scenery. The ground handling's more fun than the SF.260, especially with the optional "advanced" flightmodel.The gauges in the Decathlon VC panel are a little clearer, and can be zoomed in closer than with the SF.260 before losing clarity. The other neat thing with the Decathlon VC gauges is that they reflect sunlight like glass gauges should, this looks the best when you're spinning, as you can see the light reflections move across the gauge glass as the plane rotates.Cheers,

Hiyou said it all guys but I wanted to back up your recommendations for getting both aircrafts made by an exceptional team ! The aircrafts as well as the team bring healthy and very fresh air. Eventually I would say that for those who mostly fly GA aircrafts, having the Decathlon and the SF260 means that you will be equipped for all types of flying until the next version of FS or so...unless RealAir releases something else, for instance a twin lol which I'm praying for of course. So if you want to offer youself of a friend a nice gift for Christmas, GO for RealAir :()