siclick33

I know that this is going to be a matter of personal opinion, but what do you think is the best kit that you can buy?

I'm talking about 'proper' kits and not ARFs/ARTFs.

When considering the answer, I am interested in the whole package. i.e. quality and fit of parts, ease of construction, comprehensiveness of plans/instruction manual, flying quality etc.

Models that I have heard of that seem to have a good reputation are the BVM F100 and the JMP Firebird. Are these the best? Are there any others that are as good or better?

hmjets

Philipp avond and aviation design kits are good.

Andy Aldridge

Philip Avonds are the best by a large margin. Lots of work but superb instructions super quality kits. They all fly off the
board and everything continues to work for many years.

Andy.

gunradd

My Feedback: (9)

I miss my yellow aircraft kits

Vettster

Going to have to say Philip Avonds after building and flying an F-104. Yes there is a bit of extra construction.. but the end result is better than "good enough" It flys like it has 6' wings. Detailed instructions included.

Jannica

Phillip Avonds rules! I only wish he could give me a larger F-15 or a Phantom!

rhklenke

My Feedback: (24)

Actually, that BVM Mig that I sent you is right up there, but the F100 is excellent too.

Bob

siclick33

I didn't guess that Avonds would feature so highly. I knew that they were good but it seems people like them even more than I'd imagined.

Yes, I'm very impressed with the Mig and I can't imagine a kit could be much better. It's a shame that BVM doesn't make the kit version any more and I'm very glad I got hold of one to build. It's almost at the top of my build queue now so hopefully I will make some more progress with it soon

Jgwright

The Avonds Fuga Magister is a great kit with all the scale detail you would need for competing at World class events it was first and second in the 13.5 Kg category at JWM 2103 and is a nice large plane that can be powered by a small engine like the Wren 100.

John

samdimaio

My Feedback: (106)

BVM manufactures the following as true kits, not ARFs: F-4 Phantom, 80" F86 Sabre which has a wing that is a built-up structure that you build - very similar work scope as the original MiG15, F-100 Super Sabre, T33, F80 and Super Bandit. All are manufactured in the USA. Currently building the BVM F4, BVM 80" F86 and an original BVM MiG15 - all are in different phases of construction. In my opinion there are no finer kits available.

jason

My Feedback: (1)

Anything from BVM that is made in their Florida factory.

j.duncker

My Feedback: (2)

Another plug for Avonds. Every thing fitted and my and when I had a query I got a quick and comprehensive reply.

When I damaged the snoot on my 104 the new one arrived in 2 weeks.

LGM Graphix

My Feedback: (22)

I've built a lot of kits over the years and I can say without question that when it comes to completeness, parts fit, quality etc there is nothing out there that can touch the JMP firebird except probably the JMP hustler. They are the best. I've had bvm, CAI, air magic, avonds, fiberclassics, yellow aircraft, dl aero models, aviation design, jet hangar hobbies all as kits and while they all have their good points none of them compare to fit and hardware quality of the JMP. Having said that, you get what you pay for. JMP kits are not cheap but I have no regrets.

Eaglepilot2

Another vote for Philip Avonds. I have a seventeen year old F-15 that's been converted from a ducted fan to turbine and loves the increase in power. Never had a BVM, but I've seen the kits up close and they too are top quality. Both are very quick to answer any questions.

RC_MAN

My Feedback: (11)

FEJ hand down

afterburner

My Feedback: (18)

I thought a kit was a box of wood?

tp777fo

My Feedback: (28)

Dollar for dollar (or Euro) there is no better kit than Avonds. BV is without doubt the best kit but PA kits are an outstanding value. They build easily and fly great. I have built 3 16s a 104 and a 15. PA customer support is spectacular.

powerjets

My Feedback: (1)

Also the Avonds jets actually spend most time in the air.... Instead of being high quality hangar queens..

Jim Cattanach

FEJ, is a reverse type of kit. You start off with a jet & it ends up as a kit.

RAPPTOR

My Feedback: (41)

Wre is mod??? Bashing!!!

ARUP

Hahahaha! Look at Proctor Enterprises or Vogelsang Aeroscale Vintage kits. Now, those are kits! The Avonds are very nice arf 'kits', though!

smchale

My Feedback: (67)

I also agree with the recomendation of the Avonds kits. I wouldn't mislead by calling them arf's, they do require building but the instructions are clear, parts fit and with some patience you wind up with a very nice looking model that flies well.
currently building my second f-104, here's how it arrives.

ledd4u

My Feedback: (23)

CAI jets the best made

Stobe777

My Feedback: (1)

Avonds. Still flying my first after many years! The 104 flies really well. Would not hesitate getting another Avonds, like the F-16.
tuomas

FalconWings

My Feedback: (57)

I still think the Balsa Bandit is one of the best. Lots of building, lots of prep, and in the end you have one of the best sports jets ever.

David