We're a single income family with a big mortgage, with little to spare to feed the hobby. Ten or 15 years ago I wouldn't have had a chance to enjoy this hobby the way I can now with the advent of really cheap online stores. The first I came across was Hobbyking. They've got an impressive range, low prices and are not just resellers but involved in manufacturing as well. My purchasing experience with them has been pretty good so far, though I've had a couple of hiccups in my 21 purchases. But I can't complain too much. They're pretty much responsible for my entire collection, including a couple of freebies I've scored.
No other online store really came close to their range or prices until a few months ago, when Leaderhobby appeared on the scene, which was responsible for Hobbyking lowering the price of the 9x below $40 to price match. Hobbyking also held the internet domain leadershobby.com for a while which redirected to Hobbyking, but it seems that's gone back to leader recently.
Comparing the two, the Hobbyking website is much better set out (user-friendly), is both a wholesaler and manufacturer, has local warehouses and has great promotions. Leaderhobby is cheaper but difficult to navigate, and full of airframes rather than PNF type models. They have some common sources with Hobbyking as well as some unique ones, though the electronics brands are mostly new to me (for servos, motors, ESCs etc.).
Hobbyking is the devil I know and lots of friends know too. I've decided to have a go at Leaderhobby, lured in by some $12 EPO airframes and cheap electronics. I'll let you know how things go and what I think of my buying experience and product quality. If other people have made purchases from there already, let me know what you think.
No other online store really came close to their range or prices until a few months ago, when Leaderhobby appeared on the scene, which was responsible for Hobbyking lowering the price of the 9x below $40 to price match. Hobbyking also held the internet domain leadershobby.com for a while which redirected to Hobbyking, but it seems that's gone back to leader recently.
Comparing the two, the Hobbyking website is much better set out (user-friendly), is both a wholesaler and manufacturer, has local warehouses and has great promotions. Leaderhobby is cheaper but difficult to navigate, and full of airframes rather than PNF type models. They have some common sources with Hobbyking as well as some unique ones, though the electronics brands are mostly new to me (for servos, motors, ESCs etc.).
Hobbyking is the devil I know and lots of friends know too. I've decided to have a go at Leaderhobby, lured in by some $12 EPO airframes and cheap electronics. I'll let you know how things go and what I think of my buying experience and product quality. If other people have made purchases from there already, let me know what you think.