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Why is BVM so darn expensive??

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Old 11-06-2008 | 05:48 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

David,
I remember that clearly. I During my landing rollout at Fresno, I noticed that the rudder was gone.

Monday I called BV, and he sent me a new fin free of charge. The new fin kit included a rudder linkage modification, and that solved the problem.
Old 11-06-2008 | 05:48 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

I don't really care what BVM's prices are, the bottom line for me is, either I want the airplane or I don't. If I want it bad enough I'll get it. I have a Super Composite Bandit and a Kingcat.
I will however say, that for what it cost, I was never so disappointed in the parts fit of a kit as I was with the Super Bandit. The fact that right in the manual it tells you that when the wing and stab are fitted correctly there will be a gap at the bottom of about 1/8" and it needs to be filled with body filler was lame. It wouldn't have taken any longer to make the angles on the plug correct for the mold than it did to make them wrong. All the chinese jets I've built fit properly at the wing/fuse joint. Even my Kingcat needed filler to fit snug against the booms.
The other part that I was unimpressed with on my bandit was the fit of the formers into the fuse. I ended up cutting new ones as they were all 1/16" - 1/8" to small all the way around. I called BVM and was told to "fill the gap with glue" which wasn't acceptable to me so I cut new pieces that fit correctly. I was shocked at the number of hours that it took to build the Composite Bandit for the money as well, but in the end it's a beautiful jet. I don't regret buying it, but I also don't think I'd ever buy another one for what they cost.

They are very expensive, but as was said before, if the market will keep paying it, the price will stay where it is. I'm not specific to any particular brand, I have my BVM stuff, and I have chinese stuff, bang for the buck I think the Chinese stuff is better in the short term, however, I do appreciate that if I need a part for one of my BVM jets I can get it quicker and chances that they'll be around in another 3 or 4 years is probably better as well than some of the other manufactures.

As always, it is just my opinion and experiences, your mileage may vary.
Old 11-06-2008 | 06:33 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Harley's comments are really quite accurate. I have no affiliation with BVM but have visited them, know a number of the people there fairly well and have immense respect for the quality of the operation and products. The commitment to quality control and engineering is second to none. There are costs associated with this. Even on models produced overseas they send U.S. based engineers to supervise and train the offshore producer, they follow up with quality control visits regularly. Again there is a real cost involved in this. I have visited an number of the factories out in this part of the world. For the most part any comparison would be trite. The nice thing is you have a choice of what you buy.
Mike
Old 11-06-2008 | 07:16 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Just my 2 cents..

BVM stuff may not be cheap , but when you have a manual, nearly immediate product support and can find every part you need to build and setup your jet with the kit - it is worth it. When I looked at getting into jets I started with BV and was very glad I did. I have tried a few other jet kits and have spent a lot of time re-engineering and shopping for parts. - usually converting them to BVM like installations! I don't get to fly as much as I would like too, but I have flown my BVM stuff (and Tam/BVM) more than any other.

Dave
Old 11-06-2008 | 11:16 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

IMHO, BVM stuff is expensive because:
- it works
- you don't have to re-engineer anything (or at least very little)
- they have great service
- the manuals/drawings are extensive

That isn't to say that other manufacturers don't have some or even all of the above, but BVM jets go together well, look sensational, and fly great. I'm building a Bandit ARF right now (for a buddy) and while I've had to redo a couple of things to make it perfect for him, that effort has been nowhere near the work/re-engineering I had to do on my Chinese "ARF+".

You get what you pay for. It's up to you to decide what gives you the best bang for YOUR buck. Pass me the purple kool-aid, please. Luv ya, Bob/Patty and your whole great crew!!!

Jim
Old 11-06-2008 | 11:34 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Exactly, Jim.

In order to clarify my post above, fancy this. Jim Simonitch and I get a fair amount of inquiries regarding producing kits of our A-7. We have pondered the prospects of putting together short kits, complete kits or just making some parts for a select few. When I look at the numbers and the effort to put it all together, it is scary. To make the project even remotely worth the effort and LIABILITY, we would have to charge as much as or more than BV does............And I believe that there is hardly a way that we would attract that kind of cash. BVM has an excellent reputation for quality and support for sure. On the other hand, I look at the stuff coming out of the far East and I am amazed at the low cost........As I said above, BVM is not expensive, the competition is just cheap in more ways than one.................

Tailwinds,

John
Old 11-06-2008 | 11:58 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

I've always wondered if he dropped his prices on kits, if he would up his volume and make even more... but it's hard to say

I really want an Electra but have had a really hard time throwing down $1500 for a kit that needs a lot of work (the wings are built up wood)... the arf is $2500
This is a really small plane and I find the price crazy.. and that’s just the kit

Look at a yellow F-16 it's about the same size... the kit is $600 and the wings are foam core... and there kits are great

All of Tam's stuff is great also and he does a great job on customer support... and gives you everything you need a reasonable cost
I have his A-4... a complete composite kit for $1700
His F-16 is like $1200

But more power to BVM if he can get it

I'm sure sells are down for him just like the rest of the country... when guys are losing jobs and can't pay there bills the last thing they need is a BVM jet

Much better deals out there

Ron
Old 11-07-2008 | 12:36 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: RickeyRockstar

I have a bobcat for sale 650 plus shipping see my ad the airframe isnt that exspensive its all the other stuff you have to buy to get it off the ground that kills your wallet but if you want the BEST then you have to pay remember taking off is optional but landing is manditory.......
http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=450795

That's not BVM, and it's far from the BEST, not worth anywhere near $650 either...
Old 11-07-2008 | 12:49 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: LGM Graphix


ORIGINAL: RickeyRockstar

I have a bobcat for sale 650 plus shipping see my ad the airframe isnt that exspensive its all the other stuff you have to buy to get it off the ground that kills your wallet but if you want the BEST then you have to pay remember taking off is optional but landing is manditory.......
http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=450795

That's not BVM, and it's far from the BEST, not worth anywhere near $650 either...
+1

its amazing what some people try and pull over on others... i saw the words "bobcat" and the price "$650" and thought.. yea riiigghht
Old 11-07-2008 | 02:23 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

To make decent well engineered stuff takes money. BVM is not perfect but its a lot better than most and if you have the cash you are better off than with some others. If you dont have the cash, buy cheaper but be prepared for milage that varies and bad service and a lot of work if you want a good reliable product.
One would think anyone putting so much money into a good product would be better appreciated. make no mistake his stuff IS expensive, but be real...why should he drop his standard to that of the east?
Old 11-07-2008 | 03:02 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Ah yes, the semi-annual "Why is BVM worth so much more $$$?" thread....

Since starting out in turbines in 2002, I've owned 14 jets, building 10 of them; 6 with Asian roots and 4 BVM kits. I can honestly say that I've had issues with ALL of them, but by far the least (and minor at that) with the BVM kits.

It's alraedy been said, many times, by many others, but in my experience the BVM products have had almost no issues, and those have been resolved quickly - and correctly - by BVM with no complaints. You pay more, but you definitely get your money's worth with Uncle Bob's products.

Some people buy MB's and BMW's, some buy Yugo's - as a consumer, you have the choice. Buy whatever you like.

Barry





Old 11-07-2008 | 04:26 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: Harley Condra

...........
There are some very good reasons BVM prices are higher than other American and the Asian manufacturers.
The vast majority of the BVM product line is made in Winter Springs Florida, by Americans being paid American wages.

BVM has more than 20 full time employees, many of which support families. Many of these are long time employees, with three or four of them having over 20 years longevity.

BVM pays FICA taxes, (Social Security and Medicare), federal and state unemployment insurance taxes (FUTA), and state disability taxes for each employee.
The offshore manufacturers don't have the same taxation costs or EPA problems to deal with, and their employees aren't paid at the same level the BVM employees are either.

BVM has a fairly large manufacturing facility, including a machine shop with CNC laser cutters, CNC router, lathes and mills, a paint shop, component assembly areas, composite shop, stock room, engineering facilities, office area, workshops and showroom. The aquisition costs for the equipment was high, (don't forget the necessary maintenance costs) not to mention the operating and overhead costs. BVM also has EPA permit costs for the paints and resins used in the manufacturing processes.
These costs are generally overlooked or unknown by many of the BVM detractors...they just think that Uncle Bob is getting rich off the back of their customers. Those thoughts are far from the truth.

The Ultra Bandit is made completely in Winter Springs, which explains its price....all other BVM ARF's are designed here, but sourced from abroad. All of the hardware is American made.
All of the injection molded BVM parts and pieces are made on BVM owned tooling, and comes from American companies located in the USA. The landing gear units and Duro Struts, wheels, tires and brakes, brake valves, landing gear valves etc. are also sourced from USA companies. They are assembled, bagged and tagged in the BVM factory.

The remainder of the airframe product line (non-ARF) is fabricated in Winter Springs.

And, I don't think I've ever seen a $1200.00 BVM wing panel, but "alternate and interchangeable" parts are worth the price of admission. Maybe an Ultra Bandit wing panels costs $1,200.00, but a KingCat pre-painted wing panel is only about $400 bucks retail. (I had to buy one of them last year...and it fit as good as the original).

If you visit central Florida, call Patty at 407-327-6333 to arrange a factory tour. It is a candy store for jet flyers!
See "customer service" at www.bvmjets.com for technical assistance from the BVM staff, and pictures of the showroom.


Well put, Harley. It was a pleasure seeing you in person again, BTW. My best to your lovely mother, too!
Old 11-07-2008 | 09:25 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: Ron101

I really want an Electra but have had a really hard time throwing down $1500 for a kit that needs a lot of work (the wings are built up wood)... the arf is $2500
This is a really small plane and I find the price crazy.. and that’s just the kit

Look at a yellow F-16 it's about the same size... the kit is $600 and the wings are foam core... and there kits are great

The Electra is a great flying airplane, and no doubt a lot of work to build even the ARF. Making a coparison based on size really isn't fair, still the same amount of time goes into developing the molds, and parts as if it were 25% bigger so smaller size just does not equate to smaller price proportionally. Also the YA F-16 has not changed in the X number of years it has been out there, so it's also not a good comparison.
Old 11-07-2008 | 09:44 AM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Thanks Shaun,
It was great seeing you again too. It's always good to return home.
I will pass your regards along to my mother, who was glad to have met you. She was amazed at John's model shop...she said that he has almost as much stuff as I have! LOL

Old 11-07-2008 | 01:11 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

WHEN YOU WILL BE TO THE RUNWAY, FIELD OR EVENT, CLOSE YOUR EYES, AND HEAR THE NOISE OF ALL MODELS TO PASS, LATER, YOU HEAR A BANDIT, WELL, THE BANDIT CUTS THE AIR LIKE A BLADE !!!! THE OTHERS.... TEAR AIR!!!!!

THAT`S ALL THE DIFFERENCE !!!!!


JOSE [8D]
Old 11-07-2008 | 01:17 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

"The Electra is a great flying airplane, and no doubt a lot of work to build even the ARF. Making a coparison based on size really isn't fair, still the same amount of time goes into developing the molds, and parts as if it were 25% bigger so smaller size just does not equate to smaller price proportionally. Also the YA F-16 has not changed in the X number of years it has been out there, so it's also not a good comparison. "

I have to disagree.. so your saying if BVM made a 70mm sized electra (30"x30") it will be the same price? that makes no sense
look at a Sniper or an El Bandito ... these small planes are much cheaper like $300.. size should make a difference in cost

a bandit cost more than an electra...

how about this the electra is $2500 for the ARF the spark is a newer design and almost the same size, the ARF is $1100 and is a very well built model
look how many comp arf planes have shown up an jet meets.. that has put a dent in BVM sales for sure

the yellow kits have been up dated to carbine fiber and gel coat not the old green polyester

The huge yellow twin F-18 is only $1200 bucks for the kit and that thing is massive

That said everyone I Know that has a BVM plane raves about how well it fly’s ... Who knows when my next project comes up I may slap down the cash

I do think it's great that he employees Americans and makes as much as he can right here in the USA... just wish the prices were a bit more reasonable

Doing business in the US in expensive I know , I’m a contractor and have to compete with shops that use illegal workers to do there work. People that use me are much like BVM’s customers they know they are paying more but will get a very good product and support.
So I do understand but still can’t justify the cost for me personally

Ron

Old 11-07-2008 | 01:38 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: DavidR


ORIGINAL: Ron101

I really want an Electra but have had a really hard time throwing down $1500 for a kit that needs a lot of work (the wings are built up wood)... the arf is $2500
This is a really small plane and I find the price crazy.. and that’s just the kit

Look at a yellow F-16 it's about the same size... the kit is $600 and the wings are foam core... and there kits are great

The Electra is a great flying airplane, and no doubt a lot of work
to build even the ARF. Making a coparison based on size really isn't fair, still the same amount of time goes into developing the molds, and parts as if it were 25% bigger so smaller size just does not equate to smaller price proportionally. Also the YA F-16 has not changed in the X number of years it has been out there, so it's also not a good comparison.

David,

The Yellow F-16 was updated about 8 years ago. That makes it the third version. The latest version is a pretty impressive kit if I can paraphase BV himself. Hinged canopy; removeable wings, tailcone, fin and stabs; primed epoxy fuse; carbon reinforcement; solid carbon spars; etc. etc. It's got lots of features the BV one never had, too. It taxies arrow-straight without a gyro and is widely considered much easier to fly. I agree, it's not a good comparison......

Hope you're well, BTW.

ALL THAT HAVING BEEN JABBED, the truth is that BV has built up the kind of customer base that he can get pretty much whatever he wants to charge for his product. While I don't agree that it's the BEST (I happen to think JMP products are the best available quality-wise), I think he's always made a fantastic product that has, in many ways, set the standard for the industry. Their service kicks butt, too.
Old 11-07-2008 | 06:31 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Ah yes, the semi-annual "Why is BVM worth so much more $$$?" thread....
Some people buy MB's and BMW's, some buy Yugo's - as a consumer, you have the choice. Buy whatever you like.
Strange, people who buy the expensive stuff rarely complain about the price but people who buy the cheap stuff often complain about the quality. And not just model products.

Not being judgemental, just an observation - John.
Old 11-07-2008 | 06:36 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

"YOU'RE A complete **** bag! I can't believe you would try and pass that off... "

Dude, this has me laughing my balls off. This is a response to the guy selling a "BV Bobcat". It is on his advert by someone. Dude, i am crying right now it is so funny!!!!!!![sm=cry_smile.gif]

-Nick
Old 11-07-2008 | 06:48 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Hey that sucks, it auto-edited my post. The ad actually said ****!!! That was the funniest!
Old 11-07-2008 | 07:12 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

WELL SAID! I have built a lot of BVM kits going back to the origanal A-4. I have never been disapointed in any of the products and saw the price as fair and a good value considering that I didn't have to perform hours of enginering to finsh what the manufacture didn't when they 1/2 designed the kit. I built an Electra and a AFS F-86 last winter while home recouperating from surgury and had a wonderful time doing so and had them built in about 2 weeks at 3-4 hours a day which was all I could stand being out of bed. All in All the best value for my money YMMV.
Old 11-07-2008 | 07:20 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

I jst finished building a Super Balsa Bandit and it was pretty good fit compared to others...but it was definetly not anything spectacular. One thing about BV is his innovation of changing the norm. This is my first BV bird, and i am astounded at his bypass/engine setup. It truly looks great "under the hood". Also, his wood selection is great, and really feels strong compared to others. Thats about it. As for manuals, i really dont need much more than whats in his manual, but what i have always heard of his manuals is that a dumby could build off them, and i dont find that the case. There was a lot left for the builder to interpret. Now- on his behalf, this is an older manual, because i have seen newer ones and they are totally different. Just my 2. Nick
Old 11-07-2008 | 07:28 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: NickC5FE

"YOU'RE A complete **** bag! I can't believe you would try and pass that off... "

Dude, this has me laughing my balls off. This is a response to the guy selling a "BV Bobcat". It is on his advert by someone. Dude, i am crying right now it is so funny!!!!!!![sm=cry_smile.gif]

-Nick

Yeah well, look at his other ad's, they're almost as good. He's looking for trades, but in his gallery he says he has to sell all his stuff so he can pay for an operation since his son broke his leg :roll:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/gallery/ga...memid%3D423826

Then he even asks "no scammers please" in his ad Bull****ters are fair game though I suppose LOL
Old 11-07-2008 | 07:36 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??

Thats funny!
Old 11-07-2008 | 08:39 PM
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Default RE: Why is BVM so darn expensive??


ORIGINAL: LGM Graphix


ORIGINAL: NickC5FE

"YOU'RE A complete **** bag! I can't believe you would try and pass that off... "

Dude, this has me laughing my balls off. This is a response to the guy selling a "BV Bobcat". It is on his advert by someone. Dude, i am crying right now it is so funny!!!!!!![sm=cry_smile.gif]

-Nick

Yeah well, look at his other ad's, they're almost as good. He's looking for trades, but in his gallery he says he has to sell all his stuff so he can pay for an operation since his son broke his leg :roll:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/gallery/ga...memid%3D423826

Then he even asks "no scammers please" in his ad Bull****ters are fair game though I suppose LOL
LMAO! This is the same Cat who stated, "bullsh*t they fly fast and land fast...period" when he commented about the flying qualities of F-15's over in the F-15 thread.

Looks like he's never been too much faster than those J-3's.

Priceless!

Thanks for the laugh

Craig


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