Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
04-14-2011, 05:07 PM
#27
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RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
Yes, worth every penny. My buddy just took possesion of his third UB. A battery fire took one of them. and the other one is going into its fourth year of flying. I can tell you its a very strong airframe and very nimble on the sticks.
04-14-2011, 05:35 PM
#28
My Feedback: (30)
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: mr_matt
Hi Craig,
Yes I really like your scheme. I saw an early model a few years ago when we shared a booth at the AUVSI show (UAVs) with BVM and he brought one.
It really is aerospace grade, in fact I think BV does a lot of UAV work because his internal design, materials and processes are aerospace grade.
Hi Craig,
Yes I really like your scheme. I saw an early model a few years ago when we shared a booth at the AUVSI show (UAVs) with BVM and he brought one.
It really is aerospace grade, in fact I think BV does a lot of UAV work because his internal design, materials and processes are aerospace grade.
Speaking of UAV work....
http://www.bvmuav.com/
04-14-2011, 05:53 PM
#30
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: Johnny9390
Thats way too much money for a toy. Dont get me wrong I would love to have one. How do they come up with the price tag on these things. I know there is R&D involved. But just like there was on the bandits, electras or any of their arfs aswell. Is there twice as much material involved to make one that the price pretty much DOUBLES from a bandit to make one of these?
Thats way too much money for a toy. Dont get me wrong I would love to have one. How do they come up with the price tag on these things. I know there is R&D involved. But just like there was on the bandits, electras or any of their arfs aswell. Is there twice as much material involved to make one that the price pretty much DOUBLES from a bandit to make one of these?
I was lucky enough to visit BVMs factory recently and saw first hand these things in production. They are beautiful(IMHO).
I can only assume that the reason the Ultra is costly is because, it is 100% made in the USA, by people who are paid in US dollars, at US pay rates. Additionally BVM has to comply with US labour laws, pay US tax rates, plus a whole host of other costs that Asian based manufacturers do not incur. On top of that, the people that actually build these things, are skilled craftsmen, who are modlers themselves.
I understand that the other BVM ARFs you mention are manufactured off shore, which could explain why they are comparatively cheaper.
The ultras I saw under construction were the nicest finished airframes I have ever seen. I too would love an Utlra, but can’t justify the $$ (yet).
I will have to be content with my Super and Classic till then.
Roger
04-14-2011, 09:19 PM
#34
My Feedback: (1)
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: roger.alli
Hi Johnny
I was lucky enough to visit BVMs factory recently and saw first hand these things in production. They are beautiful(IMHO).
I can only assume that the reason the Ultra is costly is because, it is 100% made in the USA, by people who are paid in US dollars, at US pay rates. Additionally BVM has to comply with US labour laws, pay US tax rates, plus a whole host of other costs that Asian based manufacturers do not incur. On top of that, the people that actually build these things, are skilled craftsmen, who are modlers themselves.
I understand that the other BVM ARFs you mention are manufactured off shore, which could explain why they are comparatively cheaper.
The ultras I saw under construction were the nicest finished airframes I have ever seen. I too would love an Utlra, but can’t justify the $$ (yet).
I will have to be content with my Super and Classic till then.
Roger
ORIGINAL: Johnny9390
Thats way too much money for a toy. Dont get me wrong I would love to have one. How do they come up with the price tag on these things. I know there is R&D involved. But just like there was on the bandits, electras or any of their arfs aswell. Is there twice as much material involved to make one that the price pretty much DOUBLES from a bandit to make one of these?
Thats way too much money for a toy. Dont get me wrong I would love to have one. How do they come up with the price tag on these things. I know there is R&D involved. But just like there was on the bandits, electras or any of their arfs aswell. Is there twice as much material involved to make one that the price pretty much DOUBLES from a bandit to make one of these?
I was lucky enough to visit BVMs factory recently and saw first hand these things in production. They are beautiful(IMHO).
I can only assume that the reason the Ultra is costly is because, it is 100% made in the USA, by people who are paid in US dollars, at US pay rates. Additionally BVM has to comply with US labour laws, pay US tax rates, plus a whole host of other costs that Asian based manufacturers do not incur. On top of that, the people that actually build these things, are skilled craftsmen, who are modlers themselves.
I understand that the other BVM ARFs you mention are manufactured off shore, which could explain why they are comparatively cheaper.
The ultras I saw under construction were the nicest finished airframes I have ever seen. I too would love an Utlra, but can’t justify the $$ (yet).
I will have to be content with my Super and Classic till then.
Roger
Well said, there will always be those that will not like this or that about most any product or manufacturer, however if you ever have the chance to visit the factory (call ahead) you will leave with at least a new found appreciation of how BVM produces and brings to market some great flying jets. Bob has been at it for going on close to 30 years in manufacturing, I don't care who you are that is not an easy task to do in this economy and global market.
Like everything else in the world you get what you pay for, usually. I don't expect to see a burger price next to steak on the menu but sometimes you just want the steak!!! Well now I'm hungry
04-15-2011, 06:00 AM
#36
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RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
If you want Quality, Service, Good build Directions, and out standing performance, go with BVM. Nothing worse than ordering a kit, getting it, and being dissapointed with the poor quality and poor service.
04-15-2011, 07:14 AM
#38
My Feedback: (28)
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: Johnny9390
Thats way too much money for a toy. Dont get me wrong I would love to have one. How do they come up with the price tag on these things. I know there is R&D involved. But just like there was on the bandits, electras or any of their arfs aswell. Is there twice as much material involved to make one that the price pretty much DOUBLES from a bandit to make one of these? I dont want to start an argument here. It just boggles my mind sometimes the prices of these things. I have no doubt its a fantastic flying airplane. But there are other fantastic flying airplanes out there for MUCH less money. At the end of the day its still a toy. A very expensive one..
The difference between the men and the boy is the price of their toys!
Thats way too much money for a toy. Dont get me wrong I would love to have one. How do they come up with the price tag on these things. I know there is R&D involved. But just like there was on the bandits, electras or any of their arfs aswell. Is there twice as much material involved to make one that the price pretty much DOUBLES from a bandit to make one of these? I dont want to start an argument here. It just boggles my mind sometimes the prices of these things. I have no doubt its a fantastic flying airplane. But there are other fantastic flying airplanes out there for MUCH less money. At the end of the day its still a toy. A very expensive one..
The difference between the men and the boy is the price of their toys!
Maybe it's a lack of understanding of basic, simple economics which seems to be rampant in this country that shows every election day.
04-15-2011, 07:25 AM
#39
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
I don't really care what BVM Prices his stuff at, I personally just think the Ultra Bandit is bone ugly. For the money I would rather have a COMP ARF Lightning (though I think it's ugly too, but at half the price the ugly is more acceptable haha).
For the price of an Ultra Bandit though, you can buy a JMP Firebird and have it built and painted for you. It's not the same style of jet, but it's a big sport jet, that IMO is much better looking.
There is obviously a market out there for the Ultra Bandit though. When it first came out I remember thinking "I'll be surprised if they sell 2 dozen of those", but they have sold way more than I ever thought they would.
So for me, is it top dog, no, bang for the buck I don't see it, not at all. Does that mean it's not worth it to others, nope, it's probably very worth that to some. Would I ever buy one if I had the cash? Not until it goes on a diet and loses that pregnant fish look
Just my opinion
For the price of an Ultra Bandit though, you can buy a JMP Firebird and have it built and painted for you. It's not the same style of jet, but it's a big sport jet, that IMO is much better looking.
There is obviously a market out there for the Ultra Bandit though. When it first came out I remember thinking "I'll be surprised if they sell 2 dozen of those", but they have sold way more than I ever thought they would.
So for me, is it top dog, no, bang for the buck I don't see it, not at all. Does that mean it's not worth it to others, nope, it's probably very worth that to some. Would I ever buy one if I had the cash? Not until it goes on a diet and loses that pregnant fish look
Just my opinion
04-15-2011, 07:31 AM
#40
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: Johnny9390
At the end of the day its still a toy. A very expensive one..
At the end of the day its still a toy. A very expensive one..
04-15-2011, 07:35 AM
#41
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: LGM Graphix
I don't really care what BVM Prices his stuff at, I personally just think the Ultra Bandit is bone ugly. For the money I would rather have a COMP ARF Lightning (though I think it's ugly too, but at half the price the ugly is more acceptable haha).
For the price of an Ultra Bandit though, you can buy a JMP Firebird and have it built and painted for you. It's not the same style of jet, but it's a big sport jet, that IMO is much better looking.
There is obviously a market out there for the Ultra Bandit though. When it first came out I remember thinking ''I'll be surprised if they sell 2 dozen of those'', but they have sold way more than I ever thought they would.
So for me, is it top dog, no, bang for the buck I don't see it, not at all. Does that mean it's not worth it to others, nope, it's probably very worth that to some. Would I ever buy one if I had the cash? Not until it goes on a diet and loses that pregnant fish look
Just my opinion
I don't really care what BVM Prices his stuff at, I personally just think the Ultra Bandit is bone ugly. For the money I would rather have a COMP ARF Lightning (though I think it's ugly too, but at half the price the ugly is more acceptable haha).
For the price of an Ultra Bandit though, you can buy a JMP Firebird and have it built and painted for you. It's not the same style of jet, but it's a big sport jet, that IMO is much better looking.
There is obviously a market out there for the Ultra Bandit though. When it first came out I remember thinking ''I'll be surprised if they sell 2 dozen of those'', but they have sold way more than I ever thought they would.
So for me, is it top dog, no, bang for the buck I don't see it, not at all. Does that mean it's not worth it to others, nope, it's probably very worth that to some. Would I ever buy one if I had the cash? Not until it goes on a diet and loses that pregnant fish look
Just my opinion
04-15-2011, 07:40 AM
#42
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
http://www.jmajets.co.uk/board/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=108
For anyone interested, the above link should take you to a build thread kindly posted on the JMAweb site by Geoff White
For anyone interested, the above link should take you to a build thread kindly posted on the JMAweb site by Geoff White
04-15-2011, 07:44 AM
#43
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: dubd
If you want a plane that flies like a UB, you're not looking at a Firebird... both being sport jets is irrelevant because the Firebird does not have the same flight envelope as the UB.
ORIGINAL: LGM Graphix
I don't really care what BVM Prices his stuff at, I personally just think the Ultra Bandit is bone ugly. For the money I would rather have a COMP ARF Lightning (though I think it's ugly too, but at half the price the ugly is more acceptable haha).
For the price of an Ultra Bandit though, you can buy a JMP Firebird and have it built and painted for you. It's not the same style of jet, but it's a big sport jet, that IMO is much better looking.
There is obviously a market out there for the Ultra Bandit though. When it first came out I remember thinking ''I'll be surprised if they sell 2 dozen of those'', but they have sold way more than I ever thought they would.
So for me, is it top dog, no, bang for the buck I don't see it, not at all. Does that mean it's not worth it to others, nope, it's probably very worth that to some. Would I ever buy one if I had the cash? Not until it goes on a diet and loses that pregnant fish look
Just my opinion
I don't really care what BVM Prices his stuff at, I personally just think the Ultra Bandit is bone ugly. For the money I would rather have a COMP ARF Lightning (though I think it's ugly too, but at half the price the ugly is more acceptable haha).
For the price of an Ultra Bandit though, you can buy a JMP Firebird and have it built and painted for you. It's not the same style of jet, but it's a big sport jet, that IMO is much better looking.
There is obviously a market out there for the Ultra Bandit though. When it first came out I remember thinking ''I'll be surprised if they sell 2 dozen of those'', but they have sold way more than I ever thought they would.
So for me, is it top dog, no, bang for the buck I don't see it, not at all. Does that mean it's not worth it to others, nope, it's probably very worth that to some. Would I ever buy one if I had the cash? Not until it goes on a diet and loses that pregnant fish look
Just my opinion
I never claimed it to be, I just said it was a big sport jet that I felt is better looking. I said straight out it's not the same style of jet. I'd still personally take a firebird over an UB any day.
04-15-2011, 08:52 AM
#44
Thread Starter
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
Thanks (mostly) for the informative input. Seems like price is really the main concern. I would love to see pics of the "out the box" parts. That way I suppose you know what you are in for...
04-15-2011, 11:12 AM
#45
My Feedback: (34)
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
Call me crazy but I really like the color scheme on the UAV version of the UB a lot!
Jeremy, like it or not, there is no sport jet out there that flies like a Bandit, and nothing in the bigger class of airplanes that flies like the Ultra. I liken the UB to the add that Grumman had for the Tomcat in Aviation Week some 30 years ago:
"Some airplanes fly faster. Some airplanes fly slower. None can do both."
No airplane out there can match the Ultra Bandit's flight envelope IMO. If i had the money laying around to choose whatever jet I wanted.. It'd be the UB for me, although I'd have to paint it myself.. Not really a fan of the currently offered schemes.
04-15-2011, 11:21 AM
#46
RE: Ultra Bandit, top dog or just top$
ORIGINAL: SJN
LOOK AT WHAT SONNICH DID??!!!
How come nobody commented on this? It is a single seat version that looks just like a big Super Bandit!!!
Hey Moerig, look at my thread of my building of my UB. I have TONS of parts pics. You can get a good idea of how the build goes.
Doug, nicely stated. The firebird, I hear, can bite you when you land. My ultra, although make no doubt about it, it is ALL OF a Big Jet on landing, I've found to be very true and predictable at all the speeds I've had it at.
Raf