Manufacturers and their quality? (Full Version)

All Forums >> [RC Airplanes] >> Beginners



Message

Infiltrator_2K -> Manufacturers and their quality? (5/15/2008 9:19:14 PM)


I've noticed there are quite a lot of manufacturers all offering RC planes at a competitive price, my question is what manufacter is renowned for their build/material quality and what manufacturer is best to stay clear from.

Cheers Ian



Osirisf16 -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/15/2008 9:28:19 PM)

Since you made this thread faster than me, i want your answer too, but can you also reccomend me a 3D plane? Thanks[;)]



MinnFlyer -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/15/2008 9:28:37 PM)

Was that a can of worms I heard opening?

Some of my favorites are:

Great Planes
Hangar-9
Goldberg
Top-Flite
Seagull
Maxford
Cermark
SIG
The World Models



bigedmustafa -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 12:20:01 AM)

It's funny, but there are plenty of detractors out there for just about every major brand.



Hypersprint -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 1:10:06 AM)

You can't go wrong with 3D Hobby Shop

You owe it to yourself to check them out before you buy anything else.



Missileman -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 2:56:53 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: bigedmustafa

It's funny, but there are plenty of detractors out there for just about every major brand.

Yes there will always be someone that has a bad experience with one model and says nothing but bad about the entire brand but for the most part it is only on a specific model ie... weak gear block on the Seagul Spacewalker II or a general aspect of a brand ie... Great Planes models tend to have wrinkled covering. That does not mean either one is not good.
The Seagull Spacewalker II is an excellent plane just beef up the gear block when you get it.
Great Planes are very well built and among some of the best out there, just be ready to spend an hour or so with a heat gun and iron.
I agree with Minnflyers list and would like to add.
E-Flite For electric ARFs
Balsa USA for a nice selection of quality scale kits.



alfredbmor -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 3:08:21 AM)

I would say that lately many of our planes come from Chinese manufacturers and they are marketed in America by top brands, I will omit the names as I do not want to start a discussion here.
Lately I have seen that the quality is improved, you may also find that the difference is on the hardware and literature (Top brands use a better hardware, better manuals and covering than others).
Speaking strictly on the plane's structure I bet that you will find a very good average among all brands.
If you have a reasonable building experience I bet that you will find great deals out there if changing hardware, lack of information and cheap coverings do not scare you.




ChuckW -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 3:59:13 AM)

In addition to the quality of the airframe, hardware and manuals, you have to consider customer service. All manufacturers have an inevitable defect. How they handle that sets them apart. I have had great service from Great Planes (anything under the Hobbico umbrella for that matter) and Sig. I've also heard a lot of good feedback on service from Hangar-9 (a Horizon Hobby brand)

I also really like the World Models planes. The manuals aren't the greatest and the covering material isn't the best but I've never owned or seen one that didn't fly great.



plugin -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 4:06:01 AM)

I have the feeling that Hobbico is kinda crappy, I can see it in my NexStar. I'm just about done with a G.P Extra 300 .60 and although the plane turned out very nice, hardware is cheap and some die cut pieces are bent or don't fit that well, I hear that Sig kits are much better. Cowling on the Extra was a major disappointment so I ordered a fiber cowling online. Next week I'll know more about Sig ARFs as a Four Star is on its way [:D]

I would also like to complain about the quality of every Futaba model under the 9CAP. Cheap plastic casings.... And I would also like to complain about the NTN bearings that came with my O.S 46AX because after 35 hours of flight they came apart and caused major damage. Don't get me wrong, the NexStar is by far the best trainer in my opinion, I love my Extra 300, Futaba is my favorite radio brand and O.S two strokers can't be beaten.



Osirisf16 -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 5:19:17 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: plugin

I have the feeling that Hobbico is kinda crappy, I can see it in my NexStar. I'm just about done with a G.P Extra 300 .60 and although the plane turned out very nice, hardware is cheap and some die cut pieces are bent or don't fit that well, I hear that Sig kits are much better. Cowling on the Extra was a major disappointment so I ordered a fiber cowling online. Next week I'll know more about Sig ARFs as a Four Star is on its way [:D]

I would also like to complain about the quality of every Futaba model under the 9CAP. Cheap plastic casings.... And I would also like to complain about the NTN bearings that came with my O.S 46AX because after 35 hours of flight they came apart and caused major damage. Don't get me wrong, the NexStar is by far the best trainer in my opinion, I love my Extra 300, Futaba is my favorite radio brand and O.S two strokers can't be beaten.


I'm with you buddy!!![;)]



jeffie8696 -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 5:25:10 AM)

I have to say I really like the Sig line. They are about an hour from my house and they are really nice people. I have several Sig control line 1/2A kits and the quality and ease of assembly is very nice. I have a Kadet Jr but I did not build it so I can't comment on that aspect but the finished product is excellent.



snacker -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 6:33:57 AM)

I would say Hanger 9 has the best step-by-step manuals and are easiest for me to build. My Sig Sr Kadet is by far the easiest to fly although the plane was damaged and Sig wanted to talk me through a repair rather than ship a replacement. It was ok I got it fixed fairly easy.

As for 3D you might want to check out Swanyshouse. I just got my second plane from Swany and the CF tube down the center sure makes em tuff. That's how I need a 3d plane, tuff and ready for my abuse. [:D]



http://www.swanyshouse.com/index.aspx



CGRetired -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 1:31:16 PM)

What I would have considered a problem with Goldberg has turned out to be somewhat different.

I have the Goldberg Tiger 120. I needed quite a bit of nose-weight to make the CG. Turns out one main reason for that is the material used. It's definitely tough.

I also had a Tiger 60 and it too needed quite a bit of nose weight. But, I abused that plane without mercy. You see, it was my second plane. And second planes often take much more abuse than the trainer because with the trainer, at least with the instructor and me on the buddy box (or any other trainee for that matter), the instructor took over before the airframe got abused. That's the theory, anyway.

Well, once solo, though, the trainee is on his/her own. So, in comes the landings, and learning how to land, how to respond/react to dead-sticks (even though the instructor covered that (hopefully) during training). Judging when to go around and making the wrong decision. All these things take a toll on the airframe.

Well, my Tiger 60 took all that abuse and is still around. So, I decided to reevaluate my opinion of the Tiger 120 and lean toward a very favorable impression of that plane. It flys great, and is one tough bird!!

So, we often have our opinions developed on our experiences, perhaps initial experiences (as in my case with the Tiger 120) but soon realize that the good ones are still the good ones. After all, Goldberg has been in business for a long time.. now Great Planes, but they also make real "Great Planes". I have the GP Venus II. Love that plane!!

So, the list goes on, and feel free to add to it. There is some junk out there, but the word gets out pretty quick about those, and all we have to do is read a bit here on RCU and we become informed!!

CGr.



Rufcut -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 2:40:20 PM)

ChuckW is right. Sooner or later you're going to have a problem and that's when you find out what kind of company you are dealing with. For my money, the best company in the business is SIG. They have the highest quality kits and ARF's and the best customer service around.



CGRetired -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/16/2008 2:52:19 PM)

Hey.. no arguement there. SIG is good. I have a Sig Little Something Extra (LSE) electric conversion (converted from glow to electric). It's one tough plane.. and I've abused it a few times to prove it... flying a Spektrum and my Venus II for a few hours, then pick up the LSE with my 72 MHz Airtronics.. forgot to extend the antenna.. after flying the DX7 with an 8 inch antenna it just looked right to have that stub antenna on my 72 MHz TX. Very large OOPS there.. [:@] AND I DID THAT TWICE if you can imagine.. once broke the prop, the other time, cracked the fuse in front of the wing. Both repaired and flying a short time later.

Tough little bird!!! Yes, indeedy.. SIG is good.



Infiltrator_2K -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/18/2008 10:09:09 PM)


Thanks for the replies. After doing some research and reading various reviews I've decided to with Hanger 9 and OS. As for the servos I'll probably chose JR digitals. I just regret buying the Futaba 6EX transmitter, as although it's easy to set up etc it just seems too plasic and the sprayed chrome is just cheap and tacky.

Cheers Ian



Missileman -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/19/2008 12:41:04 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Infiltrator_2K


Thanks for the replies. After doing some research and reading various reviews I've decided to with Hanger 9 and OS. As for the servos I'll probably chose JR digitals. I just regret buying the Futaba 6EX transmitter, as although it's easy to set up etc it just seems too plasic and the sprayed chrome is just cheap and tacky.

Cheers Ian

I am not aware of any of the newer radios that do not have a plastic case with some chrome covered plastic trim, JR included.
The JR cases are a different color but still plastic.



Infiltrator_2K -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/19/2008 10:03:13 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Missileman


quote:

ORIGINAL: Infiltrator_2K


Thanks for the replies. After doing some research and reading various reviews I've decided to with Hanger 9 and OS. As for the servos I'll probably chose JR digitals. I just regret buying the Futaba 6EX transmitter, as although it's easy to set up etc it just seems too plasic and the sprayed chrome is just cheap and tacky.

Cheers Ian

I am not aware of any of the newer radios that do not have a plastic case with some chrome covered plastic trim, JR included.
The JR cases are a different color but still plastic.


That's quite sad, I'd rather pay more for a quality alloy case than something what effectively looks like a cheap plastic toy. I'm appalled by the quality of my 6EX's case. The cheap chrome plastic trim even has what appears to be grit in it. I also noticed one of the rubber buttons also doesn't align properly.

I don't look at RC planes as toys, as they can be hazardous, even lethal in the wrong hands and they take a lot of skill to control. I just wish transmitters weren't made to look like toys. Shiny plastic chrome is just cheap and nasty looking, something you'll find on a child's $2 toy [8|]




kid chuckles -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/19/2008 12:25:38 PM)

For first time builders I would try well known companies as Minn listed. I would stay away from Nitro Models, and Precision Areobatics as they are harder to build. The manuels for Nitro are not very well percieved either. Precisison is a good plane just need to probabaly have some exp. before trying to build one of theres they have some things that for light weight are difficult to do. Hanger 9 is hard to beat. Horizon Hobby has an awsume customer service also.



da Rock -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/19/2008 12:55:39 PM)

In today's hobby, modelers will develop "building experience" just like modelers had to do back in the days when we built our own models from kits and scratch. The difference is that you new guys will learn how to deal with pre-built stuff that comes with problems. We learned to not make the same mistake again. You'll have to learn what to look for that'll need fixing BEFORE you fly that ARF. For example, lot's of ARFs have firewalls made out of LitePly. LitePly is far more inconsistent than hardwood plys. It also crushes more easily. The guys who over engine ARFs will learn sooner than the ones who don't. That's just one thing you'll learn over time. We learned to read blueprints. You'll need to learn to "read" gluejoints.

Almost every "manufacturer" today has his ARFs made in China. If not China, then Asia. And those mfg's apparently change things as they go and let the US retailers deal with it. So some of the popular models suddenly have problems pop up with that model. And some of the recently introduced models in very strong lines have been less than good. The F-22 Raptor in the Hangar9 line for example. It's supposed to be a trainer and isn't even a good flyer. So you can't really judge a retail line by it's name. You have to look at each model individually.

And it's good if you look at the recent copies of each model as well. A couple of new Tiger's have shown up recently at one of the fields where I fly. They were very tail heavy. I've built 2 Tigers and both needed the battery moved into the tail. But one of mine was assembled in 2005. The other was an ARF I looked over before purchase. One of the new Tigers had main gear that angled back (correctly). The other had mains that had no angle at all. It's CG was almost directly over the mains and it's ground handling was awful. Is Goldberg a bad manufacturer? OK, is Goldberg a bad retailer? Nah, they're just getting production runs that differ. And 100% quality assurance is impossible when a ocean is in the middle of the supply line.

Today, we just have to learn different "building skills".



BrentL -> RE: Manufacturers and their quality? (5/19/2008 3:23:39 PM)

Had a couple of problems with my Hobbico Avistar. Parts that were seriously warped and had to be remade (plywood aileron server cradle), and a serious problem with the vertical stabiliser - the root was way too short and didn't come anywhere near close enough to the horizontal stabiliser to be glued into place. It's my first plane, and if I hadn't had a bit of help from my local hobby shop, I might have glued it all together only to see it fall apart in mid air.

The manual wasn't much help either. Looks like a lot of the info was cut and pasted from manuals for their other planes - lots of little diagrams that look absolutely nothing like the bits in the box.

As for customer service, there's no real representative of any of these manufacturers in South Africa, so you have to go back to the hobby shop when you have a problem, and the guys behind the counter look at you like you're a dumbass when you glue things together upside down.

Okay, I guess I may have been a bit of a dumbass...



Page: [1]

Valid CSS!




SITE MAP!   : :   FORUM RULES

© 2001 - 2007 24-7 RC, LLC, all rights reserved.
0.421875