Rob2160

Frank, I am actually starting to like you..

Seriously, that is an excellent post because it quotes a real example from "Mike" and it does prove that "Mike" had a bad experience with HK..

Can't argue with that.. Good work.

Mike also states in his first line that his previous experiences with HK have been "Good"

It still proves nothing about anyone else's experience

Rob2160

I bought 3 Lipo Batteries in 3 seperate orders for my 2 DX8s and DX7s, They have been great in more than two years of use in the DX8s. about 12 months in the 7S- $17.95 each

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ter_Pack_.html

A Friend of mine bought the genuine Spektrum Battery for $75 (in Australia) http://www.spektrumrc.com/Products/D...D=SPMB4000LPTX

They perform identically.

keyman

My Feedback: (22)

I did get 1 of these VH liFe with a 9C I purchased and it works great, but it is a tighter fit in the TX, I run 2-3 1N4001 diodes when I run a 11.1 lipo in Module radios.
http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...h-3s-life.html

Kozzy_98

If you don't like hobbyking, don't use em!

However, I am much happier buying Plush 40A ESCs, as well as their LiPo packs.

Even their HK450 kits are great, provided you threadlock metal to metal screws, and apply CA to the ones that go into plastic.
Some may say that they would buy an Align heli because of this. Pay the extra cash, and have less effort on your build. That being said, I would rather save money and spend more time on the build.

Do your research with products. Chances are that you will know if its crap or not.

An example of this: I bought 4 DT750 motors from HK for a quad that I was building. I didn't do my research and I didnt atttach the prop correctly (standard M4 nut on top of the prop directly to the bell *cringe*). Guess what happened? After a few flights, a prop came loose, and that was that..

Now I was a bit pissed off that I didn't do my research. Thats MY fault. Since then, I ziptie my props to the motor bell. Zero problems. I lube my bearings, and I service them fairly regularly. As I said before, spend more time, save more money.

What I don't like about hobbyshops, atleast my local one... They sell 2200mah 3S 20C lipo packs, with XT60 connectors for $50. Guess what sticker I saw on the LiPo battery? Zippy LiPo. However, I buy things like CF tube from them, and generally tend to get some parts for my MCPX from them.

I bought a Turnigy 450 size SK3 competition motor to make a powerful heli. A mate of mine had a scorpion motor. Turns out that the scorpion motor was marginally more powerful. He was amazed when I told him how much I paid for it.

DrMotor has enlightened us with examples of Turnigy motors and Hacker motors coming out of the same factory. One argument was always that the bearings may be junk. Would I pay more for the same motor? No. I would buy the correct size bearings that I need, and replace them. That is, only if the motor was bad in the first place.

Pay for economy shipping, but understand the risks.

Hobbyking have GREAT products as well as $#!T products. Its up to YOU which ones you buy. Sadly, LHS's only care about making transactions. CF blades because they DON'T BREAK IN A CRASH??? No thanks, mate.

downunderdog

My .02 cents... I've ordered from HobbyKing about 7 or 8 times (maybe more... I don't recall exactly but it's been several times per year over the past 4 or 5 years) and have been satisfied with most of the products I've bought. I got a couple of cheap motors that didn't last long, but other than that the price-quality ratio can't be beat - what I spent on the dud motors I've more than saved - in each order that I got a dud motor - buying good stuff that would have cost a lot more locally. I have had a couple of orders take longer to ship than I would have preferred, but one of them was because I ordered something that was out of stock... I think that they gave me the option of dropping that item from the order when I started to hound them about it. I think the other delay order there was no real excuse for... but whatever - I think it took about two weeks to get the order (I usually select the "express" shipping method). I think the delay was because it included a larger item - a "bixler" RTF plane that they packaged together in a different warehouse or something.

Any minor hassles I've experienced ordering from HK have been very small in comparison to the amount of money I've saved as compared to buying from a local hobby shop. I'd definitely order from them again, and I would recommend that anyone in the hobby order from them - but understand that it won't be the "instant gratification" that accompanies walking into a hobby shop and paying twice as much, or more, for something so you can walk out with it immediately. Just be sure to plan ahead. And the one or two little things that you'll inevitably need on short notice buy from a local shop and know that you're paying more than you would have had you planned ahead enough and bought from HK.

topspin

At first I was mildly irritated but Rob has continued to beat the drum with so many posts to defend an indefensible position it has become impossible for me to take him seriously. Things like "I'm starting to like you" or "I can't disagree with XYZ" or " I can see so and so's point" are only phrases to keep the mods off of his back, like he is actually a nice guy but they are really disingenuous jabs and show a complete lack of respect for anyone with a dissenting position.

After some bad experiences with Hobby Krap and bad merchandise I decided they are a junk peddler who use a made up system of stalling the customer and call it customer service. What it really is, is customer discouragement and stories of it abound all over the Internet. So for all of Robs efforts I have not changed my mind about Hobby King, they are still a trinket peddler. I feel sorry for anyone who buys anything from Hobby King and has an issue because only a handful fo very vocal supporters seem to get service, everyone else gets shafted. Funny how that happens.
I will continue to buy hobby stuff from other places here in the US that have competative prices, great customer service, and fast reliable shipping.

Also, in response to the "but it's all made in China" argument. I have bought eight Japanese automobiles and four German automobiles over the years and never once did I see any Japanese or German citizens in any of the dealerships or service departments, so I was supporting US businesses. Same goes for hobby stores here in the US, the stuff may be made in China but it is being sold by Americans and by the way, the prices are only slightly higher but the quality is much higher and the shipping and customer service is light years ahead of Hobby Kings customer disposal system.
Cherio Rob.

Rob2160

Topspin, you never took me seriously since your first post. I have asked you several direct questions in my posts that you are either unwilling or unable to answer..

You were mildly irritated? Is that why you FALSELY accused me of being paid by HK? I still haven't received your apology for that.. Anyway It takes a big man to admit his mistake. When Joe posted he thought I was "picking on him and trying to discredit him" I apologised because that was not my intention at all.

Now what indefensible position are you referring to? I simply posted my HK experiences.. You STILL completely miss my point.

Cheerio...(two Es)

PS.. Frank, Topspin's comment above is way off tangent.. My reply to your last post was genuine..

countilaw

Rob, I admire your tenasity and conviction to remain a loyal fan of Hobby Krap. I am sure there are people that have purchased items from them with no hitch. I am equally sure that when there is a hitch, Hobby Krap will do everything possible to delay any kind of positive resolve and in most cases nothing positive at all.

I will not buy anything from Anthony Hand (owner of Hobby Krap) because I can't support a company that constantly violates consumer laws as well as it patent infringments.

Sorry, you will never convince me other wise.



Buy U.S.A. Support the American Retailer Give a Vet a Job!!! Even if it is for CHUMP CHANGE in a local hobby shop.

Frank

Rob2160

Hi Frank,

Thanks for seeing my actions as tenacity and conviction. Likewise, I also understand you have chosen to not to use HK for the reasons you have listed.

Safe flying..

topspin

I am so glad to hear you say that you admire Franks conviction to support American business. I too share that same conviction and even stated it above so without saying anything you have provided tacit approval of my resolve to strengthen the US economy by using the myriad of hobby companies right here in the US. It pleases me that you admit this is a worth while conviction on our part.


Cheers Mate, fly safe.

Rob2160

LOL, Patriotism is a wonderful thing.

So I guess you will be happy to hear that I also purchase directly in USA Hobby stores during numerous visits every year. (USA is still the cheapest place in the world to buy quality Model Trains... )

Radio Shack, Costco and Best Buy usually get a good workout also..

In 1980 as a teenager I bought a Kraft Radio directly from the USA, (They were manufactured in the USA)

At the club I used that radio to promote KRAFT as the BEST radios available and at least 5 newcomers to the hobby heeded my advice and also bought KRAFT.

I would still be promoting KRAFT strongly as their biggest fan if they still existed.

The irony of it all.. in early 80's. JR was just making an appearance in Australian Hobby stores

The "experts" at the club warned everyone away from buyingJapanese Rubbish.

I still remember the words of our club President clearly - while speaking to a new club member.. "JR is a fly by night company and will disappear soon" That was over 30 years ago..

My Kraft performed flawlessly for over 20 years of regular use..

Last night I actually pulled it out of storage to show a friend who is just starting in the hobby. After 10 years without use the batteries still charged perfectly..

God Bless the USA.

topspin

That seems a bit odd.

Rob2160

Which part?

topspin

"""" LOL, Patriotism is a wonderful thing.

So I guess you will be happy to hear that I also purchase directly in USA Hobby stores during numerous visits every year. (USA is still the cheapest place in the world to buy quality Model Trains... )

Radio Shack, Costco and Best Buy usually get a good workout also.. """"



There are Costco stores in Australia so I can't imagine that you would go to one here in the US, shipping would be insane.

As for Best Buy, while there is a Best Buy in Australia it is not the same company at all. the Best Buy where you are is primarily an outdoor store, I happen to have several fishing rigs from there. There is also a Best Buy automobile service, again no cigar.

Now as for Radio Shack, once again, nice try but your is a different company that is not affiliated with Tandy Corp. here in the US. Oh and buying almost anything from radio shack here in the States, other than a flashlight or battery powered radio would be stupid since almost nothing they sell is compatible with your 240 volt 50 HZ power system.

Trains, too bad you didn't tell me that sooner. My brother in law Adrian (who was born in Sydney by the way) just closed his hobby store in Chesterfield, VA and sold off all of the inventory. He speciallized in model trains, you could have gotten on heck of a deal on almost anything you could want since he only carried the best stuff. But this is a model airplane site so who cares about stupid trains.

And you wonder whay I don't take you seriously. Been fun, enjoy that junk from HK at least untill it breaks or burns up, which won;t be long at all.

Rob2160

LOL . Topspin, you are the most suspicous person I have ever encountered, you look for a snake under every rock.

I made a genuine attempt to be amicable with you and all you did was pick apart my post and try to discredit me again...

But when I read yours I actually laughed at how wrong you are ONCE again..

Not just wrong, but RIDICULOUSLYWrong.

1. Yes, we have Costco in Australia, the USA Stores have more stock at lower prices.

Maybe you missed the part where I told you I was a Corporate Pilot? We fly OURSELVES to the USA, The aircraft goes to TUCSON Arizona (Bombardier) for Service and upgrades and we spend weeks there at a time.. (They have Costco in Tucson)

Anything I buy in the USA is carried back in our OWNcargo compartment,,, NO shipping costs....

Listen to my comments in this vid around 2:45 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyQ8Xh_fbj8

The aircraft is a Global Express. Plenty of room for cargo.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5u2Z6Gq3cAw[/youtube]

2. Best Buy USA - What part of me visiting the USA several times a year didn't you understand?

I physically walk into the USA stores while I am in the USA.... Bose Noise cancelling headsets are $399 in Australia - $299 in Best Buy USA - you do the math. Blu Ray movies, Portable Bluetooth speakers, etc, all about 40% less than you can buy in Australia. (I can play region 1 Blu Rays via my USA laptop and HDMI cable)

An ASUSG73 laptop in Australia in 2011 was $2700 - I got mine from BEST BUYLos Angeles for $1500 - the Power supply works fine in Australia.

3. Ditto Radio Shack - This year alone I have already spent more than 50 nights in the USA.. Not that unbeleivable that I might actually go into a Radio Shack store sometimes? I have bought GPS units, Iphones and a few JBLspeakers as gifts.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGIu0_Zf2IE[/youtube]

Yes the voltage system is different, but the power plugs for MOST small electronic devices are 'Switchmode" and work equally well on 110 or 240 V.

You don't travel much do you?

If something is 110 volt only I won't buy it..

Thanks for the offer for trains but I have regular stores I visit in Los Angeles, New Jersey and Wichita.

LOL.. you play with little TOY aeroplanes and you think trains are stupid.. that is actually funny.

I think I have wasted enough time replying to your constantly flawed accusations.

If I speak the truth yet thee disagree

I have no further words for you, the fault lies not with me.

Live Wire

Those are great sims where did you buy them HK

ssautter

No,

You were not supporting US businesses.....You were supporting US middle-men. AKA retailers.
You were also supporting your own nationalism, protectionism, and confirmation bias.

Without access to raw materials and a strong manufacturing base, the American economy will continue to bow its head to China, and HK.
And, American debt poses a tremendous vulnerability to our position in the global marketplace.

So, if you think retail sales are the solution to America's financial woes, then you obviously don't understand the scope of the problem....

topspin

I agree and I just bought two brand new Fords, a Fusion Titanium for the missus and an F-150 Platinum for me. I really love that truck.

topspin

I made a genuine attempt to be amicable with you For some odd reason I don't seem to recall that. In any case I would hate to see a disingenuous attempt to be amicable.

Nice video by the way, I noticed a Blade heli with a Hyperion battery? Good show and good flying, I stink at helis. I have spent lots of time in Phoenix, Tucson, Ft, Huachuca, Sierra Vista, Bisbee and basically all over the Southwest, anywhere there is (or was) an Army or SOCOM facility. most of my travel was in military birds but plenty of civillian aviation also. I traveled an awful lot, mostly to places you wouldn't like and had to deal with people you also wouldn't like so I didn't have time for toys. But yeah I got around a fair bit.

So if you're based out of NSW why come to the States for upgrades? Bombardier has a global service and repair network, you could get maintenance, repairs, or upgrades much closer to home unless you were flying Anthony to LA in which case I guess it would make sense to go to Tucson. Yep I see a bogie under every rock, it's what I was trained to do. So be sure to let us know when dear old HK lets you down and they will, count on it.

Joe 1320

I do know that years ago, people from down under bitterly complained about how expensive it was for them to get anything to their country. The shipping was outrageous, they complained of getting raped in the prices and slow shipping The folks from down under took a lot of heat for complaining and now the role has reversed. Now those same groups who were *****ing about prices are singing the praise of their savior because now they can buy cheap. Things tend to go full circle. So if you want to know why it is so big for those in a different part of the world, they have little choice. It's either buy cheap and deal with the horrid service, or pay though the nose and wait seemingly forever to get the products. The problem still remains with why push so hard to prove how great a company is when there is nothing in it for you? Advertising a company and their products points to a self serving environment. Most people aren't stupid, they see though the thinly disguised praise for what it is. ...... Advertisement. The ironic thing is that if someone were doing it for free, they should be doing it as a job and making good money at a it rather than doing it as a hobby.

JollyPopper

My Feedback: (6)

All you NFL fans have probably been offended at one time or other by the excessive celebrating when someone does the job he is getting paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to do. Like when a defensive end sacks the quarterback and does some sort of silly looking dance over him, celebrating what really amounts to just doing the job he is paid well to do. This thread reminds me of those despicable celebrations. We are applauding someone doing the job he is paid to do. I personally believe that Hobby King and customer service are an oxymoron when spoken in the same sentence, but assuming they actually have customer service, why applaud them for doing their job? We expect good service from Horizon, Tower and many other domestic companies, but when was the last time we had an eight page thread celebrating their good service? Why are we doing it with a Chinese company whom many modelers firmly believe has no customer service at all?

scale only 4 me

My Feedback: (158)

This thread stopped being about HK's CS (or lack there of) a long time ago,, and became about personal attacks and defending one's self, like every other thread where someone dares speak anything but condemnation of HK.

JollyPopper

My Feedback: (6)

I have often seriously wondered if some of these folks have actually received prompt and courteous service from HK. If so, why do they refuse to accept the fact that most of us have not? What is the point of defending HK so vigorously? Is there an ulterior motive? We are all aware that HK pays folks to post positively for them, even if it is wholly untrue, but surely not this many. I've never encountered a situation in which we members are so viciously attacked when we post something negative about a company's shortcomings. It certainly makes one wonder.

And just to make things clear, I have and still do order from HK occasionally. But I only order small orders of things in stock and only in an amount that I can afford to lose if HK lives up to their overwhelmingly bad reputation.

acerc

WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)