I've owned and flown a couple of VMar ARFs:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_90...tm.htm#9065603

My experiences weren't bad, and I may order from Richmond RC again in the future to try another VMar ARFs and/or VMax engine at some future point. I have to say that it is pretty interesting that I don't have either plane any more, after a single flying season.

The Ramrod ARF was very promising. It looked great, it flew very nicely, but I suffered an elevator problem with it (not attributable to the airframe) after a few flights. I was simply practicing stall turns when I suddenly couldn't pull the plane out of a dive, and it didn't level out until it was below the tree-tops and the wings exploded when they hit. It could have been a servo or linkage issue, but I specifically examined the elevator and the hinges were all still solid even after the crash.

The Apache III trainer ARF was more disappointing. The factory-installed aileron hinges started to tear out on the left wing. The Polycote ECS covering seemed to seperate in several places where the colored/printed layer pulled away from the clear top layer. Boy did it ever fly great, though.

The quality of the two planes seemed to be mixed, but both flew quite well. My overall impression of the hardware and wood selection wasn't bad, either.

I've ordered from Richmond RC a couple of times now, and I haven't had any complaints about them as a distributor. I'll do business with them again. As for VMar ARFs in particular, I'm glad I gave them a try. There was a lot to like about both of the ones I bought and flew. I'm still willing to buy more VMar ARFs if they fit a particular need for a future project. Recovering the Apache III would probably have fixed it for good, but I donated it at our club auction to raise money for charity.

The VMax engine line that Richmond RC carries is reportedly made by JBA, and they make terrific engines. I may do an airplane/engine/pitts muffler combo at some future point. VMar will give you the engine at a discount and then give you the pitts muffler free if you buy the engine and muffler with an ARF that comes with a cowl.

VMar makes a pretty cool-looking low-wing version of their Xtreme Stik that I'd still like to try. I wouldn't mind giving the Ramrod another shot, as well. That was really going to be a fun airplane.

I haven't seen a VMar airplane that was complete garbage, but most folks who have commented on VMar in the past have been pretty negative. If you'd rather be safe than sorry, there are certainly more reputable brands of airplanes to buy. If you don't mind spending $180 (including shipping and handling) on a couple of airplanes just to satisfy your own curiosity, you might end up finding a few things to like about VMar.