Hi All.

I had the privlidge of visiting Esprit Models in Mass. yesterday. I spent a couple hours with ZB, the owner and a very nice guy.

I did not have a lot of experience with his models, other than what I've read on the internet. Though I have never read any really negative comments, I did see some comments that these models were on the expensive side. Well here was my opportunity to see for myself what the buzz is about.

ZB took the time to show me several new models right out of the boxes. I was completely impressed with the quality and detail of the construction that goes into every model, like a high-end piece of furniture.

One model, the Lambada, had the most detailed open framework construction that I have ever seen. The ailerons alone were a work of art.

I have built many ARF's by many manufacturers and I must say that the quality of these supercedes many of the ones that I have worked on. The covering was flawless, the wood quality was top notch, and the hardware was also of a higher quality. Many kits come with carbon fiber components and Ball links. These are two things you hardly find in many of today's models.

Most of the models were available in electric and glow versions. ZB explained that he prefers to fly electric. Many times when I think of electrics, I think of Park Flyers and small 1/2a size planes. Personally, I have never seen an electric swing a 20 x 10 APC prop.

ZB took me to the field down the street from him where he gave me a demo of a couple planes, both electric. Totally Awesome! I have never seen a 60 size aircraft perform 3D maneuvers in what seemed like complete silence. The vertical performance was incredible, hovering at less than 1/2 throttle with plenty of power for climbout. I think I am going to take a good hard look at one of these planes in the near future. I am a big glow fan, mostly because the asumption was lack of performance with electric...Not the case here. Most of the models are available in both glow and electric versions so no matter what your taste, you can enjoy one of these machines.

With regards to the posts on the cost of the aircraft. True they may be a few dollars more than other comparable planes. This is one case where the saying, "you get what you pay for" really applies. These models are of the highest quality.

When comparing the UCANDO for instance with a Diablotin, the plane is a few dollars more, but to acheive maximum performance the Diablotin can run on half the engine making the two planes pretty close in price when all is said and done. Don't get me wrong, the UCANDO is a very nice plane as well, but the ESPRIT Models are a rank above.

Note: I do not work for Esprit, nor am I affiliated. I was just blown away by these models and I thought I would share with the rest of the RCU "Family"

Thanks
Kspin