I own two Yatsenko models, a Classic, the one with the tall bubble canopy and a New Classic which is similar but has a turtle deck style fuselage and is the nicest looking of all the Yatsenko variants in my opinion. The Classic and New Classic are designed by Yuri Yatsenko and the Shark is by Andrei. I have never flown the Shark but my understanding it's superior in windy or turbulent conditions.
The answer to Paul's question is complex. Are they worth the money, I would say yes but with caveats. I am being totally honest about MY experience with the Yatsenko models I own.
The reason they are worth the money are:
1. Obviously they fly well, otherwise so many would not have been sold. My guess is the total no. in Europe would be in the order of 3 figures.There are at least a dozen in sparsely populated Australia.
2. They are easily transported and they break down into a beautifully made wooden case supplied with the model and included in the price. This makes them ideal for air travel.
It cost me nothing in excess baggage fees to get my model to the 2012 World Champs. It cost my team mate, Russell Bond well into 4 figures to transport his two piece model to and from Bulgaria.
3. The build quality and finish are first class. However I would guess not in the same class as top US models built to the BOM rule, ie Nats front rowers.
4. For me to build an equivalent model and get it to fly as well would take up an enormous amount of my free time, which is very limited. I built a nicely finished Vector 40 from the Brodak kit
a few years back and recorded every second I spent on it form opening the box to it being ready for it's test flight and it was over 400 hours. I know I'm a slow builder because I over finesse everything but that is how I am hard wired. How much is my time worth, I reckon more than the $10 per hour if you amortize 400 plus hours versus the approx $4000 it cost to buy each model and have it shipped across the world.
The caveats are;
1. They are very light, my Retro 76 powered models weigh in at 55 and 57 ounces. These are 700 sq in models. They must be assembled and taken apart with great care.A ham fist launcher can easily cause damage if gripped too hard or in the wrong spot. I don't ask others to carry my models to avoid the risk of damage. They must be handled with care and finesse and are not for the inexperienced. The models come with not one single word of instruction, no assembly instructions,no line length, no fuel mix advice no motor setting hints; nothing, nyet, nichts, nada!
2. They are not trimmed to fly perfectly out of the box. I had to change the control ratios from as supplied to suit my personal preferences. It was not a big deal but everyone is different.
3. The Retro 76 motors ar not user friendly as supplied. I had to experiment a lot with venturi size to get a good 4-2-4 run, which is how they are designed to operate. I had a lot of trouble with carbon build up due to the stock very restrictive exhaust system. Only one oil will work IMHO and that is Motul Micro 2t. It took me a long time to realise this. My conclusion was the models would be much much better if fitted with a PA motor. I am still not entirely happy with the way the Retro 76 runs. I am converting my New Classic to electric power.
4. Whilst we fly F2B her and have no BOM rule to adhere to in Australia it has strong adherents and am actually one of them. You will not get anywhere the amount of satisfaction owning one of these versus a model that you have built yourself to equivalent standard.
5 Lastly if you sustain major damage, to be repaired effectively the model or at least part of it has to go back to the manufacturer, and this takes time and costs more money.
Paul, I have not seen your models first hand but what I have seen on the 'net' you are a first class builder and finisher. You will not gain much from purchasing one in my opinion. Once you have a decent model you need to practice the pattern effectively with a good coach / spotter, which is what is holding me back.
Regards, Peter