I didn't want to be the first to say anything bad about this kit, but since you have brought it up, I think the kit is of very poor quality and I would not reccommend buying it. When I first opened it up at my LHS, I just looked in the box to check for any obvious damage and didn't see any, so I bought it and brought it home. Well, when I got it home I unpacked it and found that the cowl was cracked and the canopy was very badly blemished with hundreds of small bubbles and fisheyes. It was pretty obvious that the airframe wasn't filled or sanded very well before covering, and the end result shows it. It is a pretty sorry covering job!

In general, the quality is not good. Definately not worth the money I paid for it.

So, I called Carl Goldberg Products and asked for a replacement canopy and cowl. I was told that there were no replacement parts available and that they were aware of the problems, but there is nothing they can do. I called back the next day hoping to speak with someone more helpful, and sure enough, I spoke with a fella who said "sure, I can send you a canopy", so he did. It arrived and turned out to be for another Ultimate and did not match up with this one. It is useless to me.

By this time, I had tried to work on the covering and was able to tighten it up and make it look a little better, but the flaws, scratches, dents, etc., under the covering still show and look really bad. So I called CGP back and asked the woman who answered the phone if there was any way I could get my money back, I was not happy with the product. She said that they are aware of the problems, but unwilling to refund my money. She was also less than polite. I said Ok, fine, I'll keep it and build it and fly it and tell anyone who asks what I think of CGP and their customer service.

Later in the day, Wayne from Lanier RC called me and asked what was the problem with my Ultimate ? I calmly explained the problems with the canopy, cowl, poor airframe preparation, and poor covering job, and that I would like my money back. He said although HE HAS NOT EVEN SEEN ONE OF THE PRODUCTION KITS, he was sure that it was of the usual good quality and although he was aware of the problems I have pointed out, I was SOL.

So, I am stuck with a sorry Carl Goldberg Products 30% Ultimate ARF and I suppose I will build it and see how it flys. Maybe I will use it as my "beater" plane. I mean, hey, I can practice low level 3D maneuvers, and well, if I stuff it, so what!

Anyway, I was wondering about the final wieght and engine used by others,so thank for the replies, fellas!

Best regards,

Sonny Pool
AMA 574830
IMAA 21895
IMAC 2456
Roswell, NM