Volts
May 13, 2009, 11:11 AM
I guess I just have to say something since Jim has sold HL and a new owner has arrived on the scene. I started with HL products when I bought my first Telemaster 40 kit in 1988 and have continued to either buy through maill order, or a dealer since. I am luckey haveing a friend close by who is now a dealer for HL so I generally order through him. :)
Over the years I have for the most part been satisfied with HL's quality and value recieved. Service has been pretty good most of the time. Yes I still have my Telemaster/Senior Telemaster video with Jim talking :D .
What I want to say is HL over the years has had a nich in the market, kind of wedged inbetween the two big companys. HL has been able to carve out some market share by offering something a little differant. It seems lately the strategy is changed, and HL is getting more into slugging it out in the low end parkfly arena with the Chinese e-bay stuff etc. However offering service and parts. The nich I really hope the new HL does not lose is the quality Euro stuff they are known for, The glider segment (that is slipping) and the connectors, cables, hinges, etc. you can't get elswhere.
For instance the boat stuff has gone down to almost nothing, and gliders seem to be either expensive or entry level nothing in between. Both of these areas where once almost dominated by HL.
I fly almost all types of RC, although I am slowly getting out of glow, and also giveing up my small fast stuff, as my eyes are older now.
I hope the new HL explores these market segments before becoming another clone of the big rivals with the same type of stuff offered. I still really like HL and continue to be a customer, I just hate the new website :( and the tiny video's though :( . The old saying may apply "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Just my ramblings :rolleyes:
Over the years I have for the most part been satisfied with HL's quality and value recieved. Service has been pretty good most of the time. Yes I still have my Telemaster/Senior Telemaster video with Jim talking :D .
What I want to say is HL over the years has had a nich in the market, kind of wedged inbetween the two big companys. HL has been able to carve out some market share by offering something a little differant. It seems lately the strategy is changed, and HL is getting more into slugging it out in the low end parkfly arena with the Chinese e-bay stuff etc. However offering service and parts. The nich I really hope the new HL does not lose is the quality Euro stuff they are known for, The glider segment (that is slipping) and the connectors, cables, hinges, etc. you can't get elswhere.
For instance the boat stuff has gone down to almost nothing, and gliders seem to be either expensive or entry level nothing in between. Both of these areas where once almost dominated by HL.
I fly almost all types of RC, although I am slowly getting out of glow, and also giveing up my small fast stuff, as my eyes are older now.
I hope the new HL explores these market segments before becoming another clone of the big rivals with the same type of stuff offered. I still really like HL and continue to be a customer, I just hate the new website :( and the tiny video's though :( . The old saying may apply "If it ain't broke don't fix it". Just my ramblings :rolleyes: