Part pricing/where to purchase parts?

[ormandj]

Hi,

In addition to my question about the tail, I'm curious as to the expected part pricing (once the gouging has stopped). I normally order everything from Modefo's and Tech-MP, but I don't see any Lepton parts listed at either. I'm trying to determine if the Leptop is a worthwhile investment, or if the part cost is going to make it a waste. I don't mind the higher up-front cost for a better quality heli, but if the parts cost far too much, then it won't make sense for me.

Thanks,
David

[ormandj]

I saw some pricing on MRC's website, in a PDF (?? .. ok..)

Aside from being somewhat high, it wasn't THAT bad. However, that's retail pricing, are there any guesses as to the real-world cost that I'm going to have to pay? Just like the Lepton, which is 650$ retail, but you can find from 500 (eBay) to 600 (online).

As for the motor/esc/batteries, wow. What else to say? That's highway robbery. Do they REALLY intend to keep the pricing on those that high? Is there ANY justification for it?

[ormandj]

After talking with Jeff (wow, this guy is really impressing me..) it seems Hirobo has been informed about the USA pilot opinion, but that's where it ends. Jeff has no control over pricing (understood). I hope Hirobo realizes the opportunity they have and makes things a bit more reasonable.

Thanks again,
David

[Finless]

I KNOW for fact there are 3rd parties working on parts for the Lepton (I myself have been workinmg with them). The electric market is HOT and unlike Nitro there will be many players. I look forward to it and nothing against Hirobo as they make DAMN good stuff but some competition on parts might make them compete as well!

This heli is GREAT and until something else comes along with this kind of quality and performance, there is reason for comptition!

Bob

[WillJames]

This heli is GREAT and until something else comes along with this kind of quality and performance, there is reason for comptition!


It is quotes like that making me want one, but I must resist temptation.... I must resist...

[z11355]

a couple of things........


I dont think anyone has packaged 'spare parts' yet. Most all of the dealers have 1 or 2
'donor' machines they are canabilizing for parts until the parts start flowing (real soon according
to JG).

yes, Hirobo corporate in Japan is smoking crack on some of the prices, mostly in the power
system (batteries, motor, ESC) area. They are gonna have to do something and I think they
do not have experience in the electric field.

[Finless]

Hehe, smokin crack... you mean smokin YEN ;)

Bob

[Gscott]

The prices of the electronic parts doesn't bother me since the market will sort that one out and no one will buy them. There are plenty of choices in the motor/battery/ESC area. What bothers me is the stuff that we have no choice on like main gear and main shaft. I sent John @Ready Heli an email last week asking if he would be doing a hardened main shaft like he offered for the Swift so hopefully something can be done there. I like the quality of the CNC'd delrin main gear but from what I've seen it doesn't survive a crash any better than a standard molded one.

[FrittsLogic]

ormandj, you can also get your Lepton parts here locally through Bob Li. XtremeRCproducts. That's where I'm getting mine.

[ormandj]

Hm, cool. How much are they going for? Same as retail (MRC's pdf?) I was hoping demand would sort out the pricing.