Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
10-28-2006, 09:47 AM
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Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
The Goldberg 30% Ultimate arf from Tower Hobbies is now $899???? Didn't these at one time go for $499? I guess there must be a huge shortage and great demand. Granted the $499 may have been a sale price but that is quite an increase from what I remember the range of the regular price to be. Can anyone give any more info?
10-28-2006, 10:36 PM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
It is a puzzle isn't it.
Luckily I bought one used recently right off RCU for $350.00 including all Hitec 645MG servos, JR batteries, switches, etc. Am in the process of fitting one of my AvioMac 70cc twins to the nose then it will get a recover and paint job into the "Bluehawk" scheme. Just happen to know a guy who makes great custom decals!!!
A rough trial fit of everything projects a finished weight around 21-22lbs. Should fly fine as other threads have flying weights as high as 25lbs with no complaints.
If anyone discovers why the big price increase, I want to know.
Luckily I bought one used recently right off RCU for $350.00 including all Hitec 645MG servos, JR batteries, switches, etc. Am in the process of fitting one of my AvioMac 70cc twins to the nose then it will get a recover and paint job into the "Bluehawk" scheme. Just happen to know a guy who makes great custom decals!!!
A rough trial fit of everything projects a finished weight around 21-22lbs. Should fly fine as other threads have flying weights as high as 25lbs with no complaints.
If anyone discovers why the big price increase, I want to know.
10-28-2006, 11:30 PM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
Hey Dick, glad you are still out there. I bet you know a guy who does great custom graphics! 
Let me know how this plane flys. The way Tower has it priced right now it must be covered with gold leaf.
Let me know how this plane flys. The way Tower has it priced right now it must be covered with gold leaf.
10-29-2006, 11:20 PM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
I presume one of Tower's bean counters woke up and recognized other Ultimate ARF's are selling for $900.00-$1500.00 so decided to capitalize on it with the remaining inventory. It is either that or Goldberg/Lanier found another manufacturer for a new batch.
Glad I got mine for the bargain price I did.
Glad I got mine for the bargain price I did.
10-29-2006, 11:51 PM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
Considering the GP Ultimate is less than $400 they may not be selling too many of the heavy for it's wingarea Goldberg 30%.
Yeah it's 5" less wing, but only 250" less wing area, and from what I understand 5-7 lbs lighter.
Yeah it's 5" less wing, but only 250" less wing area, and from what I understand 5-7 lbs lighter.
10-30-2006, 12:21 AM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
Can't argue with the numbers, price and weight difference. I'm not too concerned with the Goldberg numbers as flying reports at various 20-25lb weights are all positive. I'm not into 3D so don't care if it isn't the lightest around.
Larger airframes handle weight and wing loading differently. I know what numbers can say but something is missing in the equation when it comes to big birds. The 1/3 GP Matt Chapman Cap is a good example of being labeled a toad at introduction because of it's advertised weight. Many were certain the overweight pig wouldn't fly for squat. Yet, somehow, it receives praise from observers and it's owners for flying performance, including 3D, on 100cc's at 28-32 pounds.
So weight and wing loading can tell you it is a pig, but don't tell it to the Cap....cause it doesn't know it's an oinker rather than a twisting, turning, happy-go-lucky aerobat! Go figure.
Larger airframes handle weight and wing loading differently. I know what numbers can say but something is missing in the equation when it comes to big birds. The 1/3 GP Matt Chapman Cap is a good example of being labeled a toad at introduction because of it's advertised weight. Many were certain the overweight pig wouldn't fly for squat. Yet, somehow, it receives praise from observers and it's owners for flying performance, including 3D, on 100cc's at 28-32 pounds.
So weight and wing loading can tell you it is a pig, but don't tell it to the Cap....cause it doesn't know it's an oinker rather than a twisting, turning, happy-go-lucky aerobat! Go figure.
10-30-2006, 01:17 AM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
I wasn't putting it down... I recall when it first coming out drueling over it myself... but I waited until reports. The weights pushed me away, I suppose because I do enjoy the 3D aspects too...
It's just that at that price, it seems, well... priced out of it's market.
GP's 28% Ultimate $399
World Models 33% $649
BME's 37% Ultimate is $699
Goldberg 30% $899?
The money saved in airframe can buy alot of the "extras" a larger plane might need...
As for the GP... I wanted to share that it has a VERY strong following... You can research the GOldberg and the GP here on RCU and find that there is much more positive feeedback, build info, setups on the GP.
Well, anyway... seems budget or value assignment was an issue, so I thought I'd share some options.
It's just that at that price, it seems, well... priced out of it's market.
GP's 28% Ultimate $399
World Models 33% $649
BME's 37% Ultimate is $699
Goldberg 30% $899?
The money saved in airframe can buy alot of the "extras" a larger plane might need...
As for the GP... I wanted to share that it has a VERY strong following... You can research the GOldberg and the GP here on RCU and find that there is much more positive feeedback, build info, setups on the GP.
Well, anyway... seems budget or value assignment was an issue, so I thought I'd share some options.
10-30-2006, 02:04 AM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
No argument with your comments. If you prefer 3D then the Goldberg isn't it. It appears the 30% Goldberg is a dead ringer for Godfrey's 30% Ultimate kit which is no longer available. Not a surprise as Bob Godfrey designed several of Lanier's first giant scale aerobats. Back then 3D wasn't thought of, more towards IMAC and pattern, so heavier airframes were the norm to keep them flying on the invisible rail.
I agree the $899.00 price is absurd, even if it is a new, improved batch. It was reasonable at $499.00. It will be interesting to see if that price remains. Often within a big organization the right and left hands are oblivious to each other.
I agree the $899.00 price is absurd, even if it is a new, improved batch. It was reasonable at $499.00. It will be interesting to see if that price remains. Often within a big organization the right and left hands are oblivious to each other.
10-30-2006, 07:49 AM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
I agree... my original understanding is that Lanier had made a decision to no longer produce the Ultimate due to it's initial slow sales. Perhaps at $499 they were selling quite well, and ran out... and they thought hey... we can do this...
But even with the 87" Yak... Tower had them listed at $499 then they magically went up to $599... me thinks the cost of shipping (overseas AND over ground) might have played some role. Perhaps with the Ultimate too.
Curious as well, http://www.carlgoldbergproducts.com/30ultimate.htm lists the Ultimate as "Limited Parts Available" and then at the bottom only list the canopy and instruction booklet. Tower doesn't list any parts either for it like they do for their own products. So you might want to inquire about that as well... Bust up a wing, cowl.. well just about anything but the canopy... and your out of luck on the $899 bipe.
At any rate... I doubt they'll sell like they did at $499... so something will have to give. Otherwise it's a sweet looking bipe and as you said excellent for sport and IMAC flyers.
But even with the 87" Yak... Tower had them listed at $499 then they magically went up to $599... me thinks the cost of shipping (overseas AND over ground) might have played some role. Perhaps with the Ultimate too.
Curious as well, http://www.carlgoldbergproducts.com/30ultimate.htm lists the Ultimate as "Limited Parts Available" and then at the bottom only list the canopy and instruction booklet. Tower doesn't list any parts either for it like they do for their own products. So you might want to inquire about that as well... Bust up a wing, cowl.. well just about anything but the canopy... and your out of luck on the $899 bipe.
At any rate... I doubt they'll sell like they did at $499... so something will have to give. Otherwise it's a sweet looking bipe and as you said excellent for sport and IMAC flyers.
11-03-2006, 06:21 PM
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RE: Price of Goldberg 30% Ultimate???
We either got someone to pay attention or the $899 was just a mistake. At any rate... the price is now $422.74 so hey... maybe I will buy one afterall
