Would You Buy From The First Production Run?

[storklappe]

I put my name on a list to buy a plane that is coming out soon. I don't want to mention the name because I don't want to start a brand war.

My question is: Have you guys had trouble with planes from the first production run?

My concern is that even though the plane may be from a highly respected designer/company, there maybe differences between the prototype and the first ones built.

[bodywerks]

It is definitely a risk, but there isn't much less risk in waiting on run ##2. Almost all of my planes were first run. The majority of them had problems, but they were minor, IMO. My next plane will also be a first run and I haven't thought twice about it.

[SleepyC]

Well I think thats the risk you take buying a new item.
I mean any plane that has been out for a while usually has revisions.

BUT... I have bought CRAP planes that held together pretty darn well if put together properly SO..

1) your buying from a respected company... meaning they have had success with other planes, they probably won't put out crap.

2) Its a respected company, if there is an issue I bet they would handle it.'

I mean look at the QQ 102" YAK.. its on Ver III, and people still love the Ver 1 and Ver 2.. sometimes all of them are good!

Ps.. its only money... you spend it they make more.

[falconpilot]

Before you buy the "first run" airplane, you must know the company you are dealing with, and what kind of customer service that they will offer. I bought the first run of an airplane "brand X", only to have a wing failure due to poor design, which result in the loss of a new 42% airplane, and alot of my new equipment. It was a bad experience for me. The companies customer service is terrible.

I'll never buy the "first run or A-Model of anything again unless I know the company that I'm dealing with personally.

Just my 2-cents worth...

Jim

[dubd]

your mileage is going to vary between company to company.

[forgues research]

I would think that this would have been the case some years ago with the new influx of chinese ARF's , but we have come a long way and the guys importing these have done a good job checking them out before releasing them, soooo, I presume it is no longer such an issue.

Regards
Roger

[dubd]

It is still an issue. The 50cc Extreme Flight Yak 54 comes to mind.

[bodywerks]

Which one, the 85" or new 88"? I agree, there are going to be issues, some may cost you the plane. So long as the company replaces the plane, to are getting exactly what you should. Anything above and beyond that is your deal. Good luck finding ANY company that will replace any damaged equipment. You may hear about "company X" that bought some dude a new receiver or whatever, but the bottom line is that ALL written warranties that I have ever read say they will assume no more responsibility than the value of the plane.

[mxcop]

Any batch of planes could have problems, just make sure the people you are dealing with have good customer support.

[JimC-MD]

I purchased a first production run plane from a new company. Many people were expressing their reservations about a new product here. I have been very happy with the purchase. I have done this with several planes over the years and all of them have been good buys. Trust you eyes and gut then remember that you are buying toys so do not spend what you cannot afford to lose.

[airborneSGT]

I bought a Wild Hare 41% first production run. Nearly a year later I finaly got it flying and anything that has come up (nothing major) Tom has sorted out quickly. With some companies I would be a little hesitant, however, the ones which have good support I would say go. In my case I know there was some research and R&D before I even flew mine.

I think with anything after something gets into a further production run a lot more has been hashed out. Bottom line is if you deal with people who give you good support, then you should be fine.