Eflite UMX Gee Bee R-2 Is Back: What Changed, and How It Really Flies Today

Quick answer: The Eflite UMX Gee Bee R-2 is a re-released ultra micro racer best suited for experienced pilots. Compared to the original version, it adds 2S and 3S compatibility, stronger vertical performance, and refined AS3X tuning—while keeping the demanding landing behavior that defines the Gee Bee character.

The Gee Bee R-2 is one of those aircraft designs that never really disappears. Short wings, oversized fuselage, and an unmistakable presence made it legendary—and infamous—long before radio control models existed. When the original UMX Gee Bee R-2 was released years ago, it quickly became a cult favorite among experienced pilots.

Now, the E-flite UMX Gee Bee R-2 returns as a modern re-release. This is not a simple rebox. While the silhouette remains faithful, the way this aircraft flies today reflects meaningful updates in power capability, tuning, and overall usability.

A Return That Long-Time Pilots Actually Asked For

Community reaction to the re-release has been immediate and emotional. Comments like “ITS BACK!!!” and “I still have one from 12 years ago” show how deeply the original UMX Gee Bee R-2 resonated with pilots. Many kept their V1 models flying for over a decade, which says a lot about both the design and the experience it delivered.

This updated version taps directly into that nostalgia, but it also acknowledges something important: expectations have changed. Ultra micro pilots today expect more usable power, better stabilization, and improved flexibility.

What Actually Changed Since the Original

The biggest shift is power system compatibility. The original E-flite UMX Gee Bee R-2 was very much a 2S-era aircraft. The re-release supports both 2S and 3S setups, opening up a much wider performance envelope.

On 2S, the aircraft remains lively but manageable. On 3S, it becomes a different animal entirely—faster, more vertical, and far more authoritative. Pilots consistently describe the climb as “near unlimited vertical” when conditions allow.

Supporting this change are subtle but important updates to structure and tuning. The airframe is better suited to higher loads, and AS3X stabilization does more to smooth out small corrections without masking the aircraft’s natural behavior.

Real-World Flying: What It Feels Like in the Air

In calm to moderate conditions, the UMX Gee Bee R-2 tracks surprisingly well. At around 50% throttle, the model settles into a smooth groove that feels far less twitchy than many expect from such a short-coupled design.

That said, this is still a Gee Bee. Wind matters. Pilots report that even light gusts require active rudder input, and crosswind approaches demand attention. This aircraft rewards hands-on flying rather than passive cruising.

Landing: The Reputation Is Earned

Landing is the phase that defines the UMX Gee Bee R-2 experience. Even experienced pilots note that it prefers to be flown onto the runway rather than floated in.

Maintaining a bit of extra speed, staying active on the rudder, and avoiding aggressive flare inputs are key. Interestingly, pilots flying in cold weather noticed earlier low-voltage protection, which further reinforces the need for a clean, decisive approach.

Soft landing gear and scale wheels help absorb minor imperfections, but this is not a plane that forgives complacency.

How It Really Flies Compared to Other UMX Models

One of the most consistent themes across pilot feedback is that the UMX Gee Bee R-2 does not behave like a typical ultra micro sport plane. Even with AS3X assistance, it asks more from the pilot—especially in yaw management and energy control.

Several experienced pilots noted that while straight-line speed and vertical performance are impressive, the aircraft prefers to be flown deliberately rather than reacted to. Rudder input is not optional, particularly during low-speed passes and final approach.

This behavior becomes more noticeable when compared to common UMX benchmarks such as Timber-series aircraft or warbird-style models. Those designs tend to mask pilot input with higher inherent stability. The Gee Bee does the opposite—it rewards precision and punishes hesitation.

That characteristic is exactly why long-time owners of the original version kept theirs flying for over a decade. It feels involved. It feels different. And it never quite becomes “boring,” even after dozens of flights.

Cold Weather Flying and Battery Behavior

Real-world testing in cold conditions revealed a critical insight: battery health and temperature have an outsized impact on the UMX Gee Bee R-2 experience.

In near-freezing temperatures, pilots observed earlier voltage sag, reduced throttle authority late in the flight, and conservative low-voltage cutoffs—sometimes appearing suddenly rather than gradually.

This does not indicate a flaw in the aircraft. Instead, it highlights how sensitive high-performance ultra micro setups are to battery condition. Older packs or aggressively charged packs showed noticeably shorter usable flight windows.

When temperatures rise and fresh batteries are used, flight time increases significantly. Several pilots estimated roughly 4–5 minutes of usable flight time in warmer conditions on 2S packs, with slightly shorter but more energetic flights on 3S.

2S vs 3S: How the Personality Shifts

Battery choice significantly affects how the aircraft feels. On 2S, flight times tend to be slightly longer and throttle response more forgiving. This setup suits smaller fields and pilots transitioning from other UMX sport models.

On 3S, performance jumps noticeably. Speed increases, wind penetration improves, and vertical climbs become dramatic. The trade-off is reduced margin during landing and greater sensitivity to battery placement.

For pilots looking to explore compatible options across different aircraft sizes, the broader CNHL Airplane Batteries collection provides useful reference points.

Setup Tweaks Pilots Commonly Make

Small adjustments go a long way on this airframe. Many pilots shift the battery slightly aft or forward to fine-tune pitch response. Expo is frequently increased to smooth center-stick feel without sacrificing authority.

Cold-weather flying deserves special mention. Multiple flights showed reduced flight time and earlier voltage sag when temperatures drop, reinforcing the value of fresh packs and conservative throttle management.

UMX Gee Bee R-2 Flight Setup Comparison

Recommended Battery Compatibility Overview

To simplify setup for both the re-release and earlier versions, compatible 2S and 3S options are organized here:

LiPo Batteries for Eflite UMX Gee Bee R-2 (2S & 3S Compatible)

FAQ: What Pilots Keep Asking

Why does the UMX Gee Bee feel more sensitive than other UMX planes?
Its short wingspan, large fuselage, and racing-oriented design naturally reduce passive stability. AS3X smooths inputs but does not change the airframe’s core behavior.

Why does flight time feel short on some packs?
High power demand, cold temperatures, and aging ultra micro batteries can all cause earlier voltage sag. The Gee Bee R-2 benefits noticeably from fresh, well-matched 2S or 3S packs charged conservatively.

Is it normal to feel rushed during landing?
Yes. Many pilots describe the landing phase as “busy.” Maintaining airflow is more important than forcing a slow touchdown.

Is landing really difficult?
Landing requires attention, but it is consistent. The challenge is predictable rather than random.

Should I fly 2S or 3S?
2S offers smoother handling and longer flights. 3S delivers performance but demands discipline.

Does cold weather affect it much?
Yes. Like most ultra micros, battery performance drops quickly in low temperatures.

Can I reuse older UMX Gee Bee batteries?
Older packs may work, but flight quality improves noticeably with fresh, well-matched batteries.

The re-released Eflite UMX Gee Bee R-2 does not try to reinvent the design. Instead, it refines it for modern expectations—keeping the character intact while expanding what the aircraft can do. For pilots who appreciate history, challenge, and personality, it remains one of the most distinctive ultra micro experiences available.

Bottom line:
The UMX Gee Bee R-2 rewards preparation and discipline. With the right battery, conditions, and setup, it delivers a uniquely engaging ultra micro flying experience that few models can match.

If you’re also interested in the larger-scale Gee Bee experience, batteries for the full-size platform are organized separately here: LiPo Batteries for E-flite Gee Bee R-2 1.0m (Large-Scale) .