Author Topic: New ARF rom Sig (Read 3196 times)

Clint Ormosen · « **on:** April 05, 2008, 10:09:57 PM »

The new ARF Skyray. But would you pay $130 for a Skyray?

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #1 on:** April 05, 2008, 10:29:20 PM »

I love them, but Sig isn't known for heavy discounting on their web site

. I would expect this to eventually show up on Tower's site---at least I hope it is less than the Primary Force!

Leester · « **Reply #2 on:** April 06, 2008, 06:36:09 AM »

By the list price at 129.99 the Strega ARF is the only C/L ARF that it is cheaper than.
Like said already for a Skyray

? Not me.

Steven Kientz · « **Reply #3 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:07:37 AM »

I built a Skyray two years ago, had $130 in it counting the engine. I would hope that the LHS would discount it somewhat. S&S hobbies might be a good place to check.

Steve

Joe Messinger · « **Reply #4 on:** April 06, 2008, 07:58:24 AM »

I wonder if Sig builds their planes in China? If not, and they're built here in the US (imagine that) that could be the reason for the higher asking price for their planes. . . Silly thought, I suppose. Couldn't be made in the USA, could they???

Joe

john e. holliday · « **Reply #5 on:** April 06, 2008, 08:12:21 AM »

Quote from: Alan Hahn on April 05, 2008, 10:29:20 PM

I love them, but Sig isn't known for heavy discounting on their web site . I would expect this to eventually show up on Tower's site---at least I hope it is less than the Primary Force!

Have attended SIG Control Line contests and they would a small discount on stuff, but, they want customers to go to their local hobby shop. DOC Holliday

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #6 on:** April 06, 2008, 09:17:37 AM »

Doc,
Sig, of course is not only a manufacturer, but also a distributer. So they don't compete with their main customers---the hobby shops.

AFAIK, these planes are also made in China. Someone could correct me if I am mistaken.

wwwarbird · « **Reply #7 on:** April 06, 2008, 03:34:16 PM »

Kudos to Sig for bringing out any new C/L products, I hope it continues.

My two cents:

As I've stated many times before, personally I'm not really into ARF's, but what is YOUR time worth? Take away the retail cost of a Skyray kit, and then figure the retail difference of the ARF kit as your labor. Now don't forget this, how long does it take you to take a Skyray kit, open the box, and have it ready to fly? How much did all of your building materials cost you? While building the kit, how much $3.00+ gas did you burn up for the silly little hardware item you forgot to get at the LHS last time you were there? I don't care what anybody says, most all ARF prices are a deal, even at full retail. If you don't like it OR the price, don't buy it, and most of all, don't b*#@h.

Thank you for your latest offering Sig.

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #8 on:** April 06, 2008, 03:47:04 PM »

Well of course we are all entitled to our opinions---even if we are bitching.

I am sure Sig has done some market research and by the time these are delivered to the stores, the prices will attract buyers.

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #9 on:** April 06, 2008, 04:45:13 PM »

Quote from: wwwarbird on April 06, 2008, 03:34:16 PM

Kudos to Sig for bringing out any new C/L products, I hope it continues.

My two cents:

As I've stated many times before, personally I'm not really into ARF's, but what is YOUR time worth? Take away the retail cost of a Skyray kit, and then figure the retail difference of the ARF kit as your labor. Now don't forget this, how long does it take you to take a Skyray kit, open the box, and have it ready to fly? How much did all of your building materials cost you? While building the kit, how much $3.00+ gas did you burn up for the silly little hardware item you forgot to get at the LHS last time you were there? I don't care what anybody says, most all ARF prices are a deal, even at full retail. If you don't like it OR the price, don't buy it, and most of all, don't b*#@h.

Thank you for your latest offering Sig.

I don't see anyone b!tch!ng.

Just a discussion going on here. I asked a simple question; Would you pay $130 for a Skyray? Considering the $50 kit cost (which comes with just about all the hardware), maybe $20 in finishing materials, and the fact that this model can be built in an evening or two, $130 seems steep. So is your time worth the extra $60?
Now, if the ARF can be had for more like $85-$90 it becomes a little more attractive. Especially since the ARF Filte Streak is around $50 (although cheaply built) and will run circles around the Skyray.

I also am happy to see Sig do more C/L stuff. I just wish it wasn't another profile ARF.

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #10 on:** April 06, 2008, 05:41:04 PM »

"...wish it wasn't another profile ARF"

Right on - Super Chipmunk, Banshee, Twister, fine designs all but unchanged in say...30 plus years?

OK, so the kit market is not what it used to be, (don't tell Eric Rule that) but isn't it time for an update?

Yes, I know, it's ARF's that are selling (overall a good thing, at least it's C/L) - but many of us still prefer kits.

On another note: Although relatively pricey, the Prime Force seems to be a cut above quality wise, than many of the other ARF's, especially compared to the previously mentioned Flite Streak. So if you absolutely have to have an ARF and the Skyray is as nice as the Prime Force, it may be worth the extra $$. FWIW: Too bad they retained the original single wheel LG. Standard gear would make it more user friendly for beginners IMO.

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #11 on:** April 06, 2008, 06:07:58 PM »

The first url posted didn't do me any good, so I searched for the product and got a useful url. Maybe some of your answers will be in the information offered. Discounted enough, it should be a good flier!

Steve

http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/DetailProduct.html?L+Sig+itgj6405+_Dimagefile_02SIGCL25RF_2ehtml_01num_02SIGCL25ARF_01

John KruziK · « **Reply #12 on:** April 06, 2008, 06:39:15 PM »

Good to see more beginer Arfs, would be nice if sig sold it in a package with engine and lines. Its a good way for someone with out any building skills, time or knowledge of control line to get started flying. Any new flyer is a good thing. John

Mike Foley · « **Reply #13 on:** April 06, 2008, 08:54:27 PM »

>>>I don't see anyone b!tch!ng. Just a discussion going on here. I asked a simple question; Would you pay $130 for a Skyray?<<<<

Uh!! NO!

Not when I can buy the Strega ARC and have it shipped to me for the same price.
I was really hoping Sig would have come out with a Classic Chipmunk as a ARC or ARF. When you consider the price of the Skyray you can have three Flite Streak ARFs for about the same price when you count in the saver codes on a 150 dollar order from Tower. My opinion is the Flite Streak is a better flier and definitely better looking

Garf · « **Reply #14 on:** April 06, 2008, 09:43:25 PM »

The ARF Skyray actually costs more than the Primary Force. Strange.

Andrew Borgogna · « **Reply #15 on:** April 06, 2008, 10:13:36 PM »

No I would not pay $130 for the plane. But I suspect it will be greatly discounted at the distributors. I didn't pay that much for my Cardinal and the Cardinal is more plane at least in my opinion it is.
Andy

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #16 on:** April 06, 2008, 11:22:46 PM »

Quote from: Mike Foley on April 06, 2008, 08:54:27 PM

Not when I can buy the Strega ARC and have it shipped to me for the same price.
I was really hoping Sig would have come out with a Classic Chipmunk as a ARC or ARF.

Mike, can't say I could get behind that idea either. Although a better idea than the Skyray, I just don't want to see ten Super Chippy ARF's at a contest. It's not Classic legal anyway.

Alan Hahn · « **Reply #17 on:** April 07, 2008, 07:28:56 PM »

Clint,
I don't know about that. FWIW, the Super Chippy as done on the cover was always a really sharp looking plane. I have the kit, but the kit cowl is pretty heavy, and I've always been intimidated by the cover paint scheme. But I can't imagine doing one looking different either, so I've never started it!
John Paris flies a really good pattern with the "Super" (the Milwaukee guys also have a few as I recall). I think Sig could pick up some real sales with it. Even at their prices, this is one sharp looking plane. Ok I have always been a sucker for the red/white sunburst--ever since visting Curtis Pitts old Hangar in Homestead Fla. with my Dad.
Now offer the Magnum-----drooool.......

On the other hand, I bet most Skyrays are sold for Foxy Hazel Racing. Maybe that's the point.

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #18 on:** April 07, 2008, 10:05:09 PM »

Alan, I built one when I was 13 or 14. Did the red, white, & blue in MonoKote. Didn't look too bad. Lost it to and improperly broken in McCoy 35.

I have another kit though........

wwwarbird · « **Reply #19 on:** April 08, 2008, 05:50:34 PM »

Quote from: Clint Ormosen on April 06, 2008, 04:45:13 PM

I don't see anyone b!tch!ng. Just a discussion going on here. I asked a simple question; Would you pay $130 for a Skyray? Considering the $50 kit cost (which comes with just about all the hardware), maybe $20 in finishing materials, and the fact that this model can be built in an evening or two, $130 seems steep. So is your time worth the extra $60?
Now, if the ARF can be had for more like $85-$90 it becomes a little more attractive. Especially since the ARF Filte Streak is around $50 (although cheaply built) and will run circles around the Skyray.

I apologize for "my two cents" guys.

To explain, I'm a parts and accessory manager at a large motorcycle dealership, and more and more it justs seems that everyone gripes about price on everything. Personally, I'm really sick of the whining. I know times are tight for many, and the economy leaves a lot to be desired right now, but we all choose our hobbies. We don't have to buy anything. Often, when a customer is literally whining about the price of a certain accessory for their motorcycle (and they do), I can't help but think to myself, hey buddy, noone made you buy this bike and/or forced you to get into this. Yes, I'm glad they are or have become riders, because that what gives me my paycheck and allows me to purchase model airplanes. But I just don't get all the whining about it. I've been a motorcyclist for over 25 years, and I honestly don't ever remember griping to a dealer about cost, it just is what it is.
People just need to keep in mind that things are going to cost them money at times, sometimes more than they like, or realize.
Happily, the good thing for me with some of this is that I'm now a 7 plus year re-tread in the C/L hobby, and couldn't be having more fun with it. Why did I come back? Because relatively speaking it's CHEAP. I'm also really glad that I got back into C/L because I have met and gotten to be friends with a lot of fine people. I truly value that. I just can't afford the nice cars I used to drive and show, and I only own 1 regularly ridden motorcycle anymore (a 2006 ZX-14) instead of the four at once that I did have, they just cost too much for me.

Carry on!

Clint Ormosen · « **Reply #20 on:** April 08, 2008, 09:14:01 PM »

Don't apologize for contributing. That's what the forum is for.

11290 · « **Reply #21 on:** April 09, 2008, 12:22:45 PM »

An RC guy that I work with went to the Toledo show and said that vendors were saying that in Q2 and Q3, based on the current weak dollar and the ever increasing fuel and transportation costs, that ARF prices will be going UP, UP & UP for the ones made in the Asian countries. Don't know where they make this one but MAYBE they are factoring in some of that right now. Just my speculation and $.02