whats the best online store to purchase from?

[Psikelly]

I was wondering if theres a recommended site to purchase planes from..50 - $120 range. Anyone here ever purchase online?? And if so was it a good experience???

[cgroves]

In that price range, unless you need something really specialized I would buy it locally. The local guys are usually really good about package deals if you are purchasing a few things together and can usually get close to or possibly match the online price. They also don't hit you with shipping and you will pay GST and PST on either transaction.
That being said, sometimes what you want isn't available locally. I have ordered from www.icare-rc.com (http://www.icare-rc.com) for electric models and gliders. It is a relatively local store since Etienne is based in Montreal and runs a really good shop. What are you looking for?
Other online shops I have had good experience with:
www.greathobbies.com <-Canadian
www.heliproz.com

[John Weekes]

I'll second Corey's comments/suggestions and go even further. Although we've all done it, I'm not sure why you'd want to bother with mail order...unless it's an item you simply can't obtain locally for some reason (like a manufacturer that is only "factory direct").

For the price range you describe, I definitely try to buy locally to support the hobby shops in the region. Generally, they will match the big mail order houses like GreatHobbies and TowerHobbies. In fact, the prices at the local shops on big ticket items (expensive engines, radios, aircraft, etc.) are also pretty competitive with mail order.

Even if you pay a couple more bucks...there is a huge convenience factor buying locally. If these guys aren't there when you need them you will be pretty frustrated! If you are new to R/C and get into it in a big way...I guarantee you will NEED the local shops in order to operate. Many, many of the local modellers I know operate on this principle and believe that spending a couple of extra bucks locally is money well spent.

In addition, the ordering systems at the local shops is excellent. I've ordered from 3 of the 4 shops listed below...and it's a rare day the the item I've ordered does not arrive quickly. I've never been frustrated (and I order a LOT!). Don't let my wife see that last statement! ;)

The shops in the region:

Dynamic Hobbies
Discount Hobbies
Multi-Hobby
Hobby 2000

These are the only shops worth visiting if you are seriously into R/C.

Hope this helps!

John

[TonyL1]

I agree with John And Corey, buy it locally if ya can, also you don't have
pay shipping, or wait for it to arrive etc, if it's a specific kit, say a topflite
Elder 40 etc, ask richard at discount hobbies to order it in maybe!!

[Psikelly]

Cool. Thanks for the advice. I should probably stay out of the local shops until spring comes and i can actually fly a couple of them. If i bring one more home my wife is gonna suggest i build a new home out of the boxes they came in. :o

[MikeZufelt]

PsiKelly - Welcome to R/C!!! hahaha