What to BUY

[iedit4tv]

I've been flying an ASI Mongoose and getting instruction from Joe and I'm very happy with all the guys at ASI.

I ordered a new Mongoose and it was ready, test flown, with my custom company name on the canopy - all in three days!

I couldn't be happier!

Airstar is the finest heli I've ever seen...flown. Nothing but Airstar for me from now on.

Thanks Joe, thanks Jamie!

[TargetG]

I'm putting together, I have been e-mailing with Nathan and he is helping a lot with assembly of the heli. He even offered a skype video conference for me watching josef how to assemble the boom and tensing the belt. Tomorrow will be ready I'll post pictures.

LG :D

[TargetG]

Here is final asembly, beautiful, final setup was done and it is almost ready for maiden.





Leon :D

[Rodney]

Thats sweet, but should have checked out the Predator Gasser.http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=11483

[iedit4tv]

Just FYI,

I've read a lot comments made against Airstar helicopters. I've read about poor service mostly; "Avoid them like the plague!" These people have their own agenda's. For what ever reason, don't believe them! Airstar produces wonderful helis and the highest quality I've ever seen.

Guys, I don't know where you're coming from, but the service I received from Airstar was better than any other company I've ever dealt with. The service was swift, shipping was great (I had UPS numbers, and dates for delivery emailed to me just minutes after shipping) and the Heli was one of the best looking; highest quality products I've ever seen.

And oh yea, it flys like it's on rails! Hands off lift off, hands off hover, very stable and predictable.

I give the guys at Airstar 2 thumbs up and I would gladly do business with them again... anytime!

Mike

[DebianDog]

Because MANY MANY MANY people have gotten burned by them in the past with the whole Vario deal. Many of those people still fly helicopter and are on this forum. That's why. Maybe he has cleaned up his act now but it certainly does not change the past.

[iedit4tv]

Based on my experience, there is no one I'd rather do business than with than Airstar. Doing business with Josef and his staff has been an exceptional experience.

Perhaps they had a bump getting started, but you can't keep spreading hate! I believe people on this forum need to understand the hobby business is a cut throat business and the effects of rapid expansion can play havoc in the beginning meeting deadlines and delivery schedules when you're producing many, many custom parts.

I was a manufacturer for Horizon Hobbies many years ago. All the components of my product line were custom designed and manufactured. Many times the good intentions to accommodate the customers needs are predicated on delivery of the manufactured goods supplied from others. If you don't receive the goods, you can't send them along to the customer and all of a sudden you're a bum. It happens.

Don't forget, Germans and the Japanese are now our friends and closest allies. It's time to let go!
:hug:
Mike

[DebianDog]

For those involved that lost money or were slighted with Josef and Airstar perhaps he should track all those folks down and make it up to them ;)

But it looks to me like nothing has really changed if you look at this thread from last month. http://www.helifreak.com/viewtopic.php?t=26770
If RR drops you as an advertiser you are doing something seriously WRONG as he let about anyone put up ads there.

This is also from 2006
http://www.helifreak.com/post-83541.html
and this one
http://www.runryder.com/helicopter/t224848p1/

So it is not like it is the distant past or anything.

[iedit4tv]

The links you've quoted here is old news. This is a result of a rif between Airstar and Vario (Josef's former associate) and the design of the product line based on the Vario copter with a couple hundred improvements that Vario wasn't willing to make.

I stand by my previous statements: "Airstar is the best company I've ever dealt with".

I can afford to buy ANY helicopter I want. The cost is no object. But what I wanted most of all when selecting a professional camera ship is quality. I found that in the Airstar Mongoose. And, built to my specs, shipped within 72 hours. What other company is going to do that for you??

While you're searching threads, you neglected to quote all the positive threads about Airstar... including those from Vario Germany!

To be fair, you should investigate some of those too.

Interesting discussion, thanks for taking the time.

Mike :D

[DebianDog]

Well feel free to post the positive threads and bring the happy Airstar customers here. I -personally- have nothing against them.

Not sure I would want someone (I did not know) to build my helicopter but that is pretty cool that they will do that. Bergen will do the same for you too. :glasses2:

[Rodney]

Not sure about the other company but I have to say I have never seen one of Chris Bergen's heli's fail in the air. So Id say they have some building skills there.

[asong26]

Do not use a G26. If you need more power, buy a modified (Toxic, Hanson) G231 engine. Customer support is somewhat lacking. They have improved, but people still complain.

Paul,

I can attest for Toxic Al, and his support. It's top notch. He really takes care of his customers. I've had nothing but positive results with him. Toxic Al @ TRM really takes pride and care on his work, and it clearly shows. Recently, I had an issue with a faulty carb, and we couldn't figure out what the problem was initially after spending about an hour on the phone during his busy day, carefully walking me through various tests. After that, he asked me to send the engine back.

It turned out to be a faulty carb where Walbro did not install a diaphragm on the carb. And the kicker is that I didn't even buy the engine from him, but sent him the engine to be modified and that's all. Al, looked over the engine, gave it a chemical bath, re-sealed everything just to make sure, and repaired the carb, also included an extra carb he had laying around. All at no charge at all. Not even shipping.

I've never heard of this much service, not to mention very reputable power, performance and quality to boot!

If you're in a market for a G231, it's a no brainer. Go with Toxic. You won't be sorry.

Since MinAir has exclusive resale agreement with TRM, just give Min Air a call. You can bet that Al will stand by his product, regardless.

I am extremely pleased. This engine is a monster, and gaining more power every week. And with the correct needle setting, the engine is very smooth as well. Virtually no vibes anywhere above 35% stick. Tail stays rock solid.

[TargetG]

Hello guys,

Last week I was seting up the mongoose and I found that the servo horn was to short, and the gyro was not functioning right , my gyro was set delay 100 so it was shifting like there were no gyro at all. and my engine was loosing power.

Today after extending gyro horn, seting delay to 0 , sensitibity 70 on the radio it flew fine but the engine was very unreliable. I tried to set up the carb and found that it has 2.2 turns in the H nedle so i lost the count on turns and went ahead with 1.5 turns in hi mixture. ........Last week I did not trust it to do even transit fly.

finally today IT WAS A DREAM ..... :lolol :mrgreen: :glasses2:

Perfect very heavy not like nitros, and very fast. WOW

I'm happy and can't wait to go for le sthan 0.50 dollar a fligth. :mrgreen:

[Tom Fiddler]

"The links you've quoted here is old news. This is a result of a rif between Airstar and Vario (Josef's former associate) and the design of the product line based on the Vario copter with a couple hundred improvements that Vario wasn't willing to make. "

Just what kind of crack are you smokin????
The original design from germany is FAR superior to the design Josef came up with.
Even a monkey would see that a servo turned on it side will flex more than 1 straight up.
Give me 5 reasons the Airstar design is better.. you stated " a couple of hundred".
This is BS...just another one of Josefs friends from CA.
You need a history lesson... he used to call it an Acrobat...A ripoff of the name Vario gave the Acrobatic.
There is a long history of you guy's coming out of the wood work, saying how great Airstar is, But you never seem to be around for the long run.

And just for the record nobody from the land of fruits and nuts is going to build anything for me :shock:
I lived the Airstar nightmare 4 years ago....don't think it's going to happen again.
I would buy on of Irwins heli's first!!!
Tom

[Billme]

Now thats what I'm talking about !

[TargetG]

Tom,

Don't get mad, I'm just another RC user (cars helis boats jets airplanes etc) I made a decision and bought an heli that is the same as Vario very pretty, it has more aluminum in it, and that's all. I have a lot of toys, I want them all. Sorry if you had trouble with any thing that you bought, I have had troubles like this before. I like to assemble my things too. It is not the end of the world. I maybe not here for the long run because I work a lot and when I want to buy an expensive new toy I ask for information to try not to make a mistake. RC is my hobby not my life. I don't do any favors no one does favors for me either. You are very nice people giving me info and that's all, I hope I can help some times.
Another thing is my economy, The heli that I bought is simply cheaper because it is made in the USA now. The euro is expensive now and that is what happens with world economy , 10 years ago that would have been different.

Take care TOM :)

PD Next time is going to be a lovely SpectraG (soon), and remember "the one who dies with more toys....WINS"

[BeyondLimits135]

The question seems to be what makes Airstar better than Vario? I think that I am going to just start off with just saying that I believe people have a preference based mostly on the look of the machines and what the helicopters are made of. Some people prefer the original Vario and other prefer Airstar, but both are very good machines.

The advantages to going with Airstar over Vario would be: the elimination of a wood servo tray and direct 4 point CCPM that to my knowledge has not had a failure yet, but I cannot confirm that 100%; reduction in parts count also related to eliminating the servo tray which eliminates the additional pushrods, mounting hardware and bell cranks; having the choice of what color each person prefers; metal rotor head is standard; complete metal tail gear box is standard; the option of torque tube or belt driven tails for scale ships; elimination of the extension pieces for the front structure; and lower priced parts, but not lower quality.

The advantages to going with Vario over Airstar: purchasing all Vario equipment to fit a Vario scale helicopter; and the ability to purchase the helicopter in kit form.

This comparison was simply based on the actual hardware and not the companies. Airstar may have a less than stellar reputation for their past customer service, but the product that Airstar offers is a great product.

Adam

[Surri]

Leon,

As you have made your initial experience, may I ask if you would buy an ASI Mongoose again? I'm asking because I decided to go for a Gasser as well; likely the ASI Evolution.

And to all - anyone has experience with the ASI Evolution he likes to share?

Thanks - Surri

[iedit4tv]

Surri

My experience with ASI has been wonderful. When my Mongoose was delivered, it flew hands off on its first flight. There isn't a smoother flying heli out there anywhere.

Mine came with Futaba 9550 servos with 9254 and a 401 gyro on the tail. Big MAH 810mm. This ship will fly my 12 lb camera package with no problem.

Sure you can get something for less almost anywhere, but tell me; will the Vario rep, or the Maxi rep put their cell phone number on the website?? Now that's customer support.

Josef and Jamie have been great and I've had no problems with my relationship at ASI.

Buy the Mongoose.

Mike

[Surri]

Thank you Mike....great feedback and good to hear about your positive experience.

Cheers - Surri

[vario]

Our cell phone number is actually on the front page of the Joker Web site.
Joe

[Surri]

I bought a ASI Evolution.....

Thank you Josef for all your great support and advice.

Servus - Surri

[Seef]

Hi All

What are your opinion of the Century Predator Gasser kit? Who sells Bergen?
Seefheli
South Africa

[PaulH]

Century Forum: http://www.helifreak.com/viewforum.php?f=85

Bergen Forum: http://www.helifreak.com/viewforum.php?f=82

Bergen manufactures and directly sells their own products. http://BergenRC.com/

[Seef]

Thank you for this information

Regards
Seefheli