The Mini-Max Speedster family is built for pilots who want the simple, hands-on Mini-Max build experience with a sportier, open-cockpit flying feel. Compare the 1500R, 1550V, 1200S, and 1250SS to choose the engine path, performance range, and cockpit width that fits your goals.
The Mini-Max Speedster models are the open-cockpit sport branch of the Mini-Max family. They keep the practical wood-and-fabric build approach while adding a livelier flying feel, more engine variety, and a stronger recreational sport-aircraft personality.
This family includes two-stroke, VW, and V-Twin style paths, giving builders several ways to balance cost, performance, simplicity, and the kind of flying experience they want.
A light, open-cockpit Mini-Max Sport model with two-stroke engine options and classic Mini-Max simplicity.
A V-Max Speedster path with VW-style power and a higher 700 LBS max gross weight in current Mini-Max data.
A V-Twin Speedster Sport option with an estimated 70 MPH cruise speed (engineering estimate) and a 560 LBS max gross weight.
The Super Sport Speedster option with 26" cockpit width, estimated 80 MPH cruise speed, and V-Twin 48–53HP engine reference (engineering estimate).
The Speedster family is about simple construction, open-cockpit fun, and a sportier Mini-Max flying feel.
A more direct recreational flying experience with the wind, sound, and view right there with you.
Top speeds from 75 MPH to 90 MPH across the Speedster family.
Compare two-stroke, VW, and V-Twin style engine paths depending on the Speedster model.
All four Speedster models stay compact, with current Mini-Max data listing lengths at 16 FT.
Choose plans, mini-kits, base kits, prefab quick-build kits, builder assist, or ready-to-fly estimates.
The 1200S and 1250SS give builders V-Twin powered Speedster options with different performance and cockpit-width targets.
Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max USA aircraft data (2026).
Compare the 1500R, 1550V, 1200S, and 1250SS side by side using current Mini-Max reference data.
| Stat | 1500R Mini-Max 2-Stroke Sport | 1550V V-Max Speedster | 1200S V-Twin Speedster Sport | 1250SS V-Twin Speedster Super Sport |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplant | 2-Stroke 40 HP | VW 50 HP | V-Twin 40 HP (engineering estimate) | V-Twin 50 HP (engineering estimate) |
| Wingspan | 25 FT | 26' 6" | 25 FT | 26' 6" |
| Wing Area | 112.5 SQ. FT. | 118 SQ. FT. | 112.5 SQ. FT. | 118 SQ. FT. |
| Height | 60" | 60" | 60" | 66" |
| Length | 16' | 16' | 16' | 16' |
| Cockpit Width | 24" | 24" | 24" | 26" |
| Empty Weight | 269 LBS | 400 LBS | 290 LBS | 360 LBS |
| Useful Load | 291 LBS | 300 LBS | 270 LBS | 340 LBS |
| Max Gross Weight | 560 LBS | 700 LBS | 560 LBS | 700 LBS |
| Fuel Capacity | 5G Standard up to 18G Optional | 6.5G Standard 13G Optional | 5G Standard up to 18G Optional | 13G Standard 18G Optional |
| Engine Options | Simonini Victor 1 Super Polini 303 Simonini Mini 3 | VW 50HP | V-Twin 40HP — engineering estimate; testing pending | V-Twin 48-53HP — engineering estimate; testing pending |
| Top Speed | 75 MPH | 80 MPH | 80 MPH | 90 MPH |
| Cruise Speed | 65 MPH | 75 MPH | 70 MPH | 80 MPH |
| Stall Speed Clean | 28-31 MPH | 39 MPH | 29 MPH | 29 MPH |
| Stall Speed With Flap Option | 25 MPH | 34 MPH | 25 MPH | 25 MPH |
| Climb Rate | 1000 FPM | 900 FPM | 1200 FPM | 1200 FPM |
| VNE | 100 MPH | 110 MPH | 100 MPH | 110 MPH |
| Takeoff Distance, Grass | <100 FT | 150 FT | 150 FT | 150 FT |
| Landing Roll, Grass | 210 FT | 250 FT | 180 FT | 180 FT |
| Base Kit Build Time | 300-350 Hours | 325-400 Hours | 300-350 Hours | 325-400 Hours |
| Prefab Kit Build Time | 200-250 Hours | 250-300 Hours | 200-250 Hours | 250-300 Hours |
| Plans Cost | $299.99 | $299.99 | $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Base Kit Cost | $11,699.99 | $12,799.99 | $11,999.99 | $12,499.99 |
| Prefab Quick-Build Kit | $12,699.99 | $13,999.99 | $13,499.99 | $13,499.99 |
| Builder Assist Estimate | $5,499.99 | $5,499.99 | $5,499.99 | $5,499.99 |
| Ready To Fly Estimate | $24,999.99 | $26,999.99 | $26,499.99 | $26,999.99 |
| Shop Kits | Shop 1500R Kits | Shop 1550V Kits | Shop 1200S Kits | Shop 1250SS Kits |
Ready-to-Fly and Builder Assist figures are ballpark planning estimates, not itemised quotes.
1200S and 1250SS V-Twin performance figures are engineering estimates and are subject to actual testing. Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max USA aircraft data (2026).
Feature availability varies by model. Review the current product page before ordering.
| Feature | 1500R | 1550V | 1200S | 1250SS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flaperons | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wheel Pants | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Wing Tips | Optional | STANDARD | Optional | STANDARD |
| Steel Gear | Optional | Optional | Optional | STANDARD |
| Band Brakes | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Black-Max Brakes | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Airframe Parachute | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| AutoPilot | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Seaplane Floats | Optional | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Specifications, pricing, availability, build times, and performance may vary and are subject to change. Source: Mini-Max USA aircraft data (2026).
A full Speedster kit is the most complete airframe-focused build path. It is designed for builders who want the major Speedster kit sections organized around one selected aircraft model instead of purchasing each section one at a time.
Materials and components for building the Speedster wing ribs.
Spars, fittings, hardware, and key wing structure components.
Structural wood, adhesives, fasteners, and fuselage build materials.
Landing gear components, brackets, and related hardware for the selected model.
Materials for the stabilizer, elevator, rudder, fin, and tail group.
Control-system parts, fittings, brackets, fasteners, and related hardware.
Drawings and build documentation for the selected Speedster aircraft.
A coordinated kit package built around the Speedster model you choose.
Engine, propeller, instruments, avionics, paint, tools, and final finishing items may be separate unless specifically listed on the current product page. Always review the current product listing before ordering.
Each open-cockpit Speedster has its own model page, full kit, plans and Mini-Kits.
Still deciding? Compare these models side by side or use Find Your Mini-Max to narrow the choice. You can also browse every full aircraft kit, all plans and manuals, or Mini-Kits if you plan to build in stages.
Buying guides: What does it cost to finish a Mini-Max? · Base vs. Prefab vs. QuickBuild: what changes? · Building a Mini-Max in a garage: space, tools and experience
Shop the Speedster family: Speedster full aircraft kits, Speedster plans and Speedster Mini-Kits.
