Last week while browseing for Heli parts for my Raptor, I came across several websites that sold OEM parts with the same number at 50% of the price.
For example this clutch for Raptor (PV0359):
http://www.infinity-hobby.com/main/product_info.php?products_id=2785
Sells at $17.49 at Infinity Hobbies and The OEM version here :
http://www.helikraft.com/Thunder+Tiger/Raptor+30+V2+Parts/RCT/PV0359-OEM/Clutch+(PV0359-OEM).html
sells for only $8.90 !
Similarly the tail booms, boom supports etc are half the price.
Wanted to check if anyone has experience using these OEM products ? Logic says that there would be a single company that would be making all the stuff, but the OEM parts may not be going through quality checks/branding, so should be OK for non critical parts ?
Gaurav
There is a clear quality difference as seen in the phots put on both the sites. Its better to have a mail confirmation from the former shop to be safe.
There are tons of OEM-like part for TRex-450. No surprise clones using these lucrative nomenclature to attract people. Pay using Paypal so that if they lie to you, you can atleast open a case.
The helikraft OEM parts generally have a good name. It also depends on what you are trying to do... if you are doing pitch pumping 3D, I would not come anywhere near such parts. Same with even other brands like Align.
Now there are "upgrade" parts for many models/brands, and they tend to cost MORE than the originals... that is often recommended for 3D type of aggressive flying. But these are sort of the opposite of the OEM parts being discussed.
Well, I am not into the heavy 3D yet ! I guess it would be OK to use the OEM parts for non critical areas, like tail boom, spindle etc. For clutch, engine mount, fan etc, i will still stick to originals.
Will order some, and update here on the experience !
Plus 1 to anwar's comment.