Well, I would like to share my experience from both sides of the coin. I bought a AW Extra 300 30cc QB in February (its still in the box). When I did an inspection and unboxing (the thread to that is in the Giant Scale section), I was not very impressed for various build reasons where I thought it could have been better given the cost. The main issue was that the bottom of the airframe was hollow and therefor susecptible to damage. Secondly, I too received a damaged RHS wing. I informed Tower (I had bought through them) and they said I should deal direct with AW. My position was a bit uncomfortable because of my location, I couldnt send the wing back for inspection. AW sent me a replacement wing and I packed it off to storage.

Then, a local GW vendor offered some airplanes he had imported. The 30cc ones were too expensive (and I already have the Funtana 125, GW MX2 and the AW Extra 30cc in boxes) so I decided to get the new 20cc Sbach (I regret that now). When I received the airplane, the construction was apalling. The wings didnt have spar with double shear webbing as is standard, the fuse side ply was paper thin and would bend out when installing the wing, the CF wing tube was also delicate, tristock required was missing and it was really a cheap build. Pics are in another thread in the ARF forum. Recently my flying buddy flew this Sbach with a 120ax with plenty of modifications- he basically sheeted the inside of the fuse with balsa and miranda ply he had scrap plus added tristock and CF strips. Havent seen it fly but I heard if flys well

When I got the AW Extra, I thought it was a piece of lumber. Having seen the GW Sbach, the AW is really excellent quality, albeit a bit heavy. Since AW build their QB series in China and ship to the US and then around the world, there are always chances of damage. AW usually put in some ply in between the paper box and the outer cardboard one (though mine didnt come that way but the replacement wing was really well packed). With these new ARFs being built as light as possible, transit damage is to be expected. Atleast companies are willing to offer replacements for free (cant say same about GW, no offence meant)

So its your decision to either reinforce the cheaper builds and spend time and money that way or buy good stuff in the first place. If offered the chance, I would immediately swap my GW Sbach for an AW Extra 300 20cc (60-90) and bear the cost difference. I count my lucky stars now as there has been a 25% increase in the conversion rate between the INR and USD since I bought the AW

Ameyam