When you step up to flying 120″ monsters, the airframe is only half the story — the power system is what separates the show-stoppers from the maybes. Whether you choose gas or electric, what’s strapped to the nose (or bolted to the firewall) determines how hard you can push.
Here’s a breakdown of the best power systems for 120″ extreme 3D flying in 2025, with real-world recommendations based on what the pros are running:
Top Gasoline Engines for 120″ 3D Planes
1. GP-176 EVO
- Type: Gasoline Twin
- Power: ~17 horsepower
- Weight: 8.8 lbs (with ignition)
- Best Use: Hardcore XA, hucking, and big-air freestyle
- Why pilots love it:
Brutal torque, silky smooth response, and extremely lightweight for its class. Reliability is superb with minimal maintenance. A favorite on Pilot-RC’s 122″ Laser.
2. Desert Aircraft DA-170
- Type: Gasoline Twin
- Power: ~16.5 horsepower
- Weight: 9.1 lbs
- Best Use: Precision + XA combos
- Why pilots love it:
Bulletproof. It’s been a go-to motor for over a decade with updated ignition systems in 2025. Smooth throttle transition makes it perfect for precision + wild 3D blends.
3. 3W-170CS Competition Series
- Type: Gasoline Twin
- Power: ~17.2 horsepower
- Weight: ~9.8 lbs
- Best Use: Raw XA and freestyle domination
- Why pilots love it:
The 3W motors are known for extreme torque at lower RPMs. Ideal for heavy hucking, huge torque rolls, and aggressive pop-top recoveries.
Top Electric Setups for 120″ 3D Planes
4. Xnova 120cc Equivalent Setup (12S or 14S)
- Motor: Xnova Lightning 120cc Outrunner
- ESC: Hobbywing Platinum 200A HV
- Batteries: (2) 6S 5000-6000mAh packs or (2) 7S for 14S setups
- Best Use: Ultra-responsive XA
- Why pilots love it:
Brutally fast throttle response. Instant spool-up = faster snaps and cleaner pop-top exits. Easier maintenance, but battery management is key.
5. Hacker Q80-8M Electric Setup
- Motor: Hacker Q80-8M Brushless Outrunner
- ESC: Jeti Mezon 200A HV
- Batteries: Dual 6S packs or high-capacity 12S
- Best Use: Smack 3D with quiet performance
- Why pilots love it:
Whisper-quiet compared to gas, insane torque for quick-pitch 3D, and top-shelf German engineering.
Props and Exhausts That Matter
- Prop Choices:
- Mejzlik 29×10, 30x13N, Falcon 30×12 Carbon Props are popular choices.
- Bigger props (with correct pitch) = slower hover, deeper bite.
- Pipes/Canisters (for Gas Engines):
- Smooths out throttle curve
- Adds 200-300 extra RPM
- Helps with noise regulations at big events like Joe Nall
Quick Comparison Table
| Power System | Type | Weight | Best Feature | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GP-176 EVO | Gas | 8.8 lb | Highest power-to-weight | Best for pure XA |
| DA-170 | Gas | 9.1 lb | Legendary reliability | Great for blend of styles |
| 3W-170CS | Gas | 9.8 lb | Maximum low-end torque | Slightly heavier |
| Xnova Lightning | Electric | ~4.5 lb (motor) | Fastest throttle response | Needs solid battery management |
| Hacker Q80-8M | Electric | ~4.7 lb (motor) | Quiet + extreme torque | Slightly heavier electrics |
Final Thoughts:
- Gas Engines dominate in field endurance and raw torque.
- Electric Systems rule when you want lightning-quick stick response and don’t mind the extra prep (charging, battery swaps).
In 2025, the gas giants like the GP-176 EVO and the electric monsters like the Xnova Lightning are leading the charge. Whether you love the smoke and roar of gasoline or the whisper-fast punch of electric — the sky belongs to you.
