Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
01-29-2010 | 09:05 AM
#1
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From: Anderson,
IN
Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
<span style="font-family: Comic Sans MS"><span style="font-family: Arial">Hi all, Just wondering if anyone has used the site www.hobbyking.com. They seem to have some off brands but it's dirt cheap. Brands like Corona, Assan, and Turnigy for Radio equip. and ASP for engines. All of the reviews for these products on their website are very positive but I'd rather hear it from some guys I trust on this site. They are a foreign company but it seem they cater to Americans because everyting is in USD and american english but they ship from Asia. Shipping prices seem fair though. I can upgrade to a 9 channel 2.4 radio and outfit my 4 planes with new recievers for under $300! is this too good to be true? Any one out there use these brands or supplier? </span></span>
01-29-2010 | 09:38 AM
#2
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
Just about everyone who flies electric aircraft uses Hobby King quite regularly. I just bought five additional 3S 2200Mah LiPo packs for my TT Raptor Mini Titan helicopter for $11.99 each. I can't even buy 4.8v 600Mah NiCdreceiver packs at my hobby store for that much.
ASP brand engines from Sanye aren't normally offered in North America. Hobby King started reselling them and they've been getting popular again because of the aggressive pricing. Shipping a glow engine from Hong Kong to the U.S. isn't cheap, but the ASP engines can still be a bargain in certain sizes.
Shipping can get expensive if you order anything bulky, I think my batteries cost $19.95 to ship via International Registered Mail. I still saved a small fortune, however. My typical shipping time for items that are in stock is between two to three weeks. If you order anything that is back ordered, it can be quite a bit longer.
If you're not in a hurry and you don't mind not getting much in the way of practical customer support or warranty service, Hobby King can save you a lot of money.
ASP brand engines from Sanye aren't normally offered in North America. Hobby King started reselling them and they've been getting popular again because of the aggressive pricing. Shipping a glow engine from Hong Kong to the U.S. isn't cheap, but the ASP engines can still be a bargain in certain sizes.
Shipping can get expensive if you order anything bulky, I think my batteries cost $19.95 to ship via International Registered Mail. I still saved a small fortune, however. My typical shipping time for items that are in stock is between two to three weeks. If you order anything that is back ordered, it can be quite a bit longer.
If you're not in a hurry and you don't mind not getting much in the way of practical customer support or warranty service, Hobby King can save you a lot of money.
01-29-2010 | 09:43 AM
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From: Eustace,
TX
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I don't know about the radio equipment, but they sell a crap ton of Lipo batteries in the US from what I've seen. If I recall, I've only read one negative comment from someone (I don't remember where I saw it) that said they ordered multiple lipos and got one bad one in the bunch, the rest were great. But your just as likely to get a bad apple buying in the states (at a higher price of course). The difference is service. Your probably not going to be sending that one bad battery back to China, the shipping would cost what the battery did. Most people are aware of that fact and simply write it off because it was so cheap to begin with.
Next time I need or want a Magnum Four Stroke however, I'll be ordering it from HK considering the 1.20 I currently have is $270 to 300 stateside and $139 on HK. ASP and Magnum are the same engine from the same factory, they are only marketed in the US as Magnum, everywhere else they are ASP branded.
Next time I need or want a Magnum Four Stroke however, I'll be ordering it from HK considering the 1.20 I currently have is $270 to 300 stateside and $139 on HK. ASP and Magnum are the same engine from the same factory, they are only marketed in the US as Magnum, everywhere else they are ASP branded.
01-29-2010 | 10:10 AM
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From: Castries, SAINT LUCIA
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
yup many of us here in the caribbean use them too. plan on buying a 2.4 cheap radio soon as a spare! love their other products though.. be sure to read the reviews and see what other people say about it though!
01-29-2010 | 10:37 AM
#6
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I have had really good luck with their Zippy and Rhino LiPo packs, as well as Turnigy motors. The trick with buying from them is to get everything you need into one order (batteries, motor, esc, connectors, etc...) to economize on the shipping. Also, don't buy anything small from them if you need it in a hurry.
01-29-2010 | 11:31 AM
#7
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I've used them for lipo batteries, motors and ESC's. Great deals and pretty decent stuff for the price. Shipping can be high on just 1-2 small items but is cost effective on larger orders. I'd be careful with radios. I have no first hand experience with any of the 2.4 stuff from Hobby King but I've read that the cheaper 2.4GHz stuff doesn't have the same sort of frequency hopping protection or other safety features like you get with Futaba, Airtronics, JR/Spektrum, etc. From what I understand that could lead to a higher likelihood of interference and other problems. Like I said, I have no first hand experience with these radios or any potential problems and I have no idea if it is true or not. I have read it a few times though.
01-29-2010 | 11:34 AM
#8
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RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I've ordered several thousands of dollars worth of stuff from Hobbycity over the last few years and can contest that they're absolutely AWESOME. I just put in my 7th large order to them. The best part is you can get a huge box full of stuff for like $25-50 shipping and it will arrive on my doorstep in 5 days every single time. I've spent probably 10x more at hobbycity than every other hobby store combined in this hobby so far, lol.
01-29-2010 | 11:44 AM
#9
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RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
One thing you must realize is that many/if not most of the items you are buying from other companies are acquired through hobbyking. HK is like the Wal-Mart of China in many ways. There are thousands of US distributors that sell stuff from HobbyKing at a markup.
You can either spend $12 on a Lipo batt or $35 from Towerhobbies for the same thing. The only difference is the casing.
You can either spend $12 on a Lipo batt or $35 from Towerhobbies for the same thing. The only difference is the casing.
01-29-2010 | 02:27 PM
#10
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From: Lewisville,
TX
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I've only ordered lipos, and cheap motors/esc, and servos for park flyers. I've had great experience with them thus far. I know a few guys at the field have used the larger Turnigy and big lipo packs with good success. Shipping is a little $$$, but its not that bad. Though it does take a while (a few weeks) to get your stuff.
01-29-2010 | 02:30 PM
#11
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I am on HK's site nearly every day looking for new things and dreaming. If it weren't for them, I would have 1/2 or 1/3 of the planes or helis that I have now, because of the cost. Some commodities such as batteries and servos can end up being a writeoff, but in the 3 2200 3S batteries I bought, I think I have saved about $90 on them in total compared to Tower or Horizon.
Check out RCModelReviews.com and look at the 2.4Ghz stuff that Bruce is reviewing there. he is in the process of doing a shootout on a large sample of the chinese 2.4 radio systems out there. I am about to convert to Assan, but i am still a little concerned about the lack of hopping, but from the people on RCGroups.com, I have heard a lot of good stories on their quality and interference rejection.
All in all, I feel you get more than what you pay for with HK, and I don't have any reason to stop shopping there (nearly exclusively).
Best Regards,
Curtis
P.S. I have spent about $600 with them in the last year, that would have easily been triple that if ordering from Tower and moreso if buying locally. Anyone want to challenge that, I will put up one of my orders and we can go line by line with the equivalent, or near equiv.
Check out RCModelReviews.com and look at the 2.4Ghz stuff that Bruce is reviewing there. he is in the process of doing a shootout on a large sample of the chinese 2.4 radio systems out there. I am about to convert to Assan, but i am still a little concerned about the lack of hopping, but from the people on RCGroups.com, I have heard a lot of good stories on their quality and interference rejection.
All in all, I feel you get more than what you pay for with HK, and I don't have any reason to stop shopping there (nearly exclusively).
Best Regards,
Curtis
P.S. I have spent about $600 with them in the last year, that would have easily been triple that if ordering from Tower and moreso if buying locally. Anyone want to challenge that, I will put up one of my orders and we can go line by line with the equivalent, or near equiv.
01-29-2010 | 03:57 PM
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From: Emmaus,
PA
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I've bought LiPo packs, chargers, and cables/connectors from them and have been very pleased. I think I saw a review of some of their 2.4GHz radio systems, and they were found to have poor intereference rejection when compared to the name brands (Futaba, Spektrum/JR, & Airtronics). In general, they have some very good stuff, and some very cheap crap. When buying from them I'd recommend the following:
[ul][*] Read all reviews on their website for the product you're interested in[*] Check here on RCU for reviews/feedback on the product[*] If you can wait and order 1kg+ worth of stuff, it's only a few bucks more for EMS (express) shipping. You get your stuff in a week instead of 2-3 weeks.
[/ul]
[ul][*] Read all reviews on their website for the product you're interested in[*] Check here on RCU for reviews/feedback on the product[*] If you can wait and order 1kg+ worth of stuff, it's only a few bucks more for EMS (express) shipping. You get your stuff in a week instead of 2-3 weeks.
[/ul]
01-29-2010 | 04:01 PM
#13
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
Radio equipment is one area where you have to be a little bit careful. Hobby King stocks 35Mhz and 40Mhz radio gear that isn't approved for use in North America. Many of Hobby King's budget 2.4Ghz radio systems are lower power output than the ones designed for the North American market. You can still use them for park flyer aircraft, but they wouldn't be suitable for full range applications.
Hobby People http://www.hobbypeople.net is getting ready to introduce their new Aero Sport 5 2.4ghz radio system (transmitter and receiver) at $59.99. It's a full-range sport radio with 4-channel control plus a retract switch. The transmitter and receiver are both compatible with most Airtronics 2.4Ghz air equipment; although I'm fairly certain that excludes the SD-10G's FHSS-3 modulation mode used for ultrafast communication with Airtronic's 10-channel 2.4ghz receiver.
With this kind of radio solution being offered at near Hobby King pricing (did you see what it costs to ship that $29.99 Hobby King radio system?), the Aero Sport 5 is a safer bet from a service and support standpoint. A lot of folks have ordered the Hobby King radio systems, however, and they seem happy with them so long as they're used within a limited distance.
Hobby People http://www.hobbypeople.net is getting ready to introduce their new Aero Sport 5 2.4ghz radio system (transmitter and receiver) at $59.99. It's a full-range sport radio with 4-channel control plus a retract switch. The transmitter and receiver are both compatible with most Airtronics 2.4Ghz air equipment; although I'm fairly certain that excludes the SD-10G's FHSS-3 modulation mode used for ultrafast communication with Airtronic's 10-channel 2.4ghz receiver.
With this kind of radio solution being offered at near Hobby King pricing (did you see what it costs to ship that $29.99 Hobby King radio system?), the Aero Sport 5 is a safer bet from a service and support standpoint. A lot of folks have ordered the Hobby King radio systems, however, and they seem happy with them so long as they're used within a limited distance.
01-29-2010 | 05:13 PM
#14
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
ORIGINAL: bigedmustafa
Radio equipment is one area where you have to be a little bit careful. Hobby King stocks 35Mhz and 40Mhz radio gear that isn't approved for use in North America. Many of Hobby King's budget 2.4Ghz radio systems are lower power output than the ones designed for the North American market. You can still use them for park flyer aircraft, but they wouldn't be suitable for full range applications.
Hobby People http://www.hobbypeople.net is getting ready to introduce their new Aero Sport 5 2.4ghz radio system (transmitter and receiver) at $59.99. It's a full-range sport radio with 4-channel control plus a retract switch. The transmitter and receiver are both compatible with most Airtronics 2.4Ghz air equipment; although I'm fairly certain that excludes the SD-10G's FHSS-3 modulation mode used for ultrafast communication with Airtronic's 10-channel 2.4ghz receiver.
With this kind of radio solution being offered at near Hobby King pricing (did you see what it costs to ship that $29.99 Hobby King radio system?), the Aero Sport 5 is a safer bet from a service and support standpoint. A lot of folks have ordered the Hobby King radio systems, however, and they seem happy with them so long as they're used within a limited distance.
Radio equipment is one area where you have to be a little bit careful. Hobby King stocks 35Mhz and 40Mhz radio gear that isn't approved for use in North America. Many of Hobby King's budget 2.4Ghz radio systems are lower power output than the ones designed for the North American market. You can still use them for park flyer aircraft, but they wouldn't be suitable for full range applications.
Hobby People http://www.hobbypeople.net is getting ready to introduce their new Aero Sport 5 2.4ghz radio system (transmitter and receiver) at $59.99. It's a full-range sport radio with 4-channel control plus a retract switch. The transmitter and receiver are both compatible with most Airtronics 2.4Ghz air equipment; although I'm fairly certain that excludes the SD-10G's FHSS-3 modulation mode used for ultrafast communication with Airtronic's 10-channel 2.4ghz receiver.
With this kind of radio solution being offered at near Hobby King pricing (did you see what it costs to ship that $29.99 Hobby King radio system?), the Aero Sport 5 is a safer bet from a service and support standpoint. A lot of folks have ordered the Hobby King radio systems, however, and they seem happy with them so long as they're used within a limited distance.
01-29-2010 | 11:31 PM
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From: Superior,
WI
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I recently completed my first order from HobbyKing, and I wish I had gone with the EMS shipping. It's going to take forever to get here. I have heard (and they even suggest it themselves on the website) that it's best to use either the EMS or Registered shipping.
01-29-2010 | 11:41 PM
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From: Morganton,
GA
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I've ordered from them twice and have had great service and great pricing. I agree with the comments about waiting until you have a decent sized order to help make it cost effective to ship. My last order was 6 2200 3S Lipos, 2 7.4V Receiver Lipos, 2 Accucell 6 chargers and a Turnigy motor. It got to my door 10 days after placing the order and I probably saved $200.00 vs. named brand U.S. stuff.
01-29-2010 | 11:45 PM
#17
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RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I just bought a trex clone canopy for $7 from them,sorry teacher the dog ate mine,,really!..,and previously many other things, in fact the trex clone with all metal head was $150 but I got in lucky before they went backordered....all I could find in the states were $35 canopies painted or not...kinda makes ya feel stupid knowing how we get ripped off all the time..in this hobby and everything else we buy....Rog
but you will have to wait for shipping...
but you will have to wait for shipping...
01-30-2010 | 10:10 AM
#18
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
ORIGINAL: capt17
<span style=''font-family: Comic Sans MS''><span style=''font-family: Arial''>Hi all, Just wondering if anyone has used the site www.hobbyking.com. They seem to have some off brands but it's dirt cheap. Brands like Corona, Assan, and Turnigy for Radio equip. and ASP for engines. All of the reviews for these products on their website are very positive but I'd rather hear it from some guys I trust on this site. They are a foreign company but it seem they cater to Americans because everyting is in USD and american english but they ship from Asia. Shipping prices seem fair though. I can upgrade to a 9 channel 2.4 radio and outfit my 4 planes with new recievers for under $300! is this too good to be true? Any one out there use these brands or supplier? </span></span>
<span style=''font-family: Comic Sans MS''><span style=''font-family: Arial''>Hi all, Just wondering if anyone has used the site www.hobbyking.com. They seem to have some off brands but it's dirt cheap. Brands like Corona, Assan, and Turnigy for Radio equip. and ASP for engines. All of the reviews for these products on their website are very positive but I'd rather hear it from some guys I trust on this site. They are a foreign company but it seem they cater to Americans because everyting is in USD and american english but they ship from Asia. Shipping prices seem fair though. I can upgrade to a 9 channel 2.4 radio and outfit my 4 planes with new recievers for under $300! is this too good to be true? Any one out there use these brands or supplier? </span></span>
I went on their website a number of times to order, but each time I click on what I need it is always backorder! Appeared to be about 75% of the time, so I finally went back to my other suppliers. I have yet to order anything from them because of this.
01-31-2010 | 04:20 AM
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From: LOMA LINDA,
CA
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I've bought a half dozen Lipo Batteries from Hobby King for my electric heli's. Great stuff for your buck. Honestly I rather support my local hobby shop here in the good old U.S.A, but unfortunately Hobby King has the best prices. I have bought batteries from hobby king and accessories from Tower Hobbies (on the same day) - with express shipping from hobby king I received my batteries in 4 days. In Hong Kong or China (where ever there located) they must be working on weekends. I ordered Thursday night and received the batteries Monday afternoon. I received my tower hobby stuff Friday - a week later.
If you order from Hobby King - pay Express Shipping (few bucks more). If you do it registered - it takes a few weeks (like 3). If you order it express you better be home - USPS will need your signature.
If you order from Hobby King - pay Express Shipping (few bucks more). If you do it registered - it takes a few weeks (like 3). If you order it express you better be home - USPS will need your signature.
01-31-2010 | 10:24 AM
#21
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I feel conflicted sometimes about buying from Hobbyking, but in most circumstances, the items that I would have bought originated from China, find their way to Hobbico(Tower Hobbies), or whatever corporation Horizon is, then find their way to the LHS. If someone in my area would reasonably (I don't mean a 2X markup) resell the original HK items, I would shop locally more often. I don't want to drive the LHS out of business, but I can't afford to pay their prices. I especially can't in good conscience pay their prices when I know that it could be had for 2 or 3 times less.
01-31-2010 | 10:52 PM
#22
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RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
ORIGINAL: Luchnia
I went on their website a number of times to order, but each time I click on what I need it is always backorder! Appeared to be about 75% of the time, so I finally went back to my other suppliers. I have yet to order anything from them because of this.
I went on their website a number of times to order, but each time I click on what I need it is always backorder! Appeared to be about 75% of the time, so I finally went back to my other suppliers. I have yet to order anything from them because of this.
Almost the same prices for the batteries and none of that mail to you directly from HK stuff. The shipping cost from HobbyKing makes your total cost about the same as from the other retailer and you don't have the hassle.
http://www.valuehobby.com/index.php
02-01-2010 | 01:27 AM
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From: Poolesville, MD
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
ORIGINAL: Luchnia
I went on their website a number of times to order, but each time I click on what I need it is always backorder! Appeared to be about 75% of the time, so I finally went back to my other suppliers. I have yet to order anything from them because of this.
I went on their website a number of times to order, but each time I click on what I need it is always backorder! Appeared to be about 75% of the time, so I finally went back to my other suppliers. I have yet to order anything from them because of this.
Check their other battery brands for substitutes, all are good.
If you want an out of stock item, set an automatic e-mail notification for yourself.
02-01-2010 | 01:36 AM
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From: Monterey Park, CA
RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I would hesitate buy any radio equipment from Hobby King and it is not that the radios are bad, but you need to think on getting your equipment serviced. Personally, I'd stick with JR, Futabe, Airtronics, or Hitec equipment. I buy all of my lipos and many electric motors from them and has no problems. The props they sell also seem to perform well.
02-01-2010 | 09:45 AM
#25
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RE: Has anyone ever used hobbyking?
I would hesitate to buy anything of real value from a company that seems to be just a bit deceptive in their "documentation".
The last order from them was for about $150 worth of batteries. I used a credit card and the only notification of the order being accepted was my credit card company calling within minutes of my placing the order. They were checking on why the card was being used to pay PayPal to a company in China they had no record of. (When placing the order, I had chosen to use my card INSTEAD of PayPal!) It took a couple of weeks to get the order, with no tracking or confirmations etc. And when it showed up, the package was valued as $34.31 worth of "toy parts". What an interesting valuation.
There are two really cheap lipo retailers selling about the same priced batteries. I personally prefer to use http://www.valuehobby.com/index.php The prices are basically the same and value hobby might not be lying about the value of the imports to beat their cost for import duties.
The last order from them was for about $150 worth of batteries. I used a credit card and the only notification of the order being accepted was my credit card company calling within minutes of my placing the order. They were checking on why the card was being used to pay PayPal to a company in China they had no record of. (When placing the order, I had chosen to use my card INSTEAD of PayPal!) It took a couple of weeks to get the order, with no tracking or confirmations etc. And when it showed up, the package was valued as $34.31 worth of "toy parts". What an interesting valuation.
There are two really cheap lipo retailers selling about the same priced batteries. I personally prefer to use http://www.valuehobby.com/index.php The prices are basically the same and value hobby might not be lying about the value of the imports to beat their cost for import duties.
