jbeech
rrAdvertiser
Location: Sanford, FL (Orlando area)
| I have to agree with majorsmackdown how the clutch and clutch bell prices seem out of line - but everything isn't as it seems. Let me explain . . . and please understand that I don't do everything around here. For example, the website is something delegated to another. Anyway, I investigated to get you some answers.
First, I learned pricing is mostly determined by how we are being sold these units. And in the case of the clutch bell and clutch assmemblies, I am responsible for the assemblies being offered (more later). But I also learned everything isn't quite like it's been presented - I'll explain further in a few moments.
Second, the present iteration of our website sucks, i.e. it doesn't clue you in to what's included with your purchase . . . and I take full responsibility for this also! The reason is simply that we're working on a replacement website (to resolve a host of issues with the present one). Unfortunately, this is taking longer than expected (for which I can only ask your patience). However, this also means we're not devoting resources to the exisiting website (because we know we're about to replace it). Understand what's going on?
Third, we didn't have all our parts listed correctly on the website in the first place. Again, I take full responsibility. Please let me explain in more detail.
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1.
AUD5526 Clutch Bell Asssmebly $44.99 - this is an assembly, which includes AUD0526 Clutch Bell, AUD3075 Bearing, AUD3077 Bearing, the pinion gear itself, plus AUD1510 Clutch Lining.
Is this overpriced? I don't think so because it's important to note that because this is an "assembly" it means the clutch lining has been epoxied into the clutch bell. Furthermore, the small bearing has been pressed into the clutch bell. Plus the pinion gear is included and has been installed (with thread locker) to the clutch bell. Finally, the large bearing has been pressed onto the pinion gear (with adhesive).
By way of comparison, let's examine similar part offerings . . .
Hirobo Sceadu 50 is $50.41 (w/o top bearing like AUD3077)
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me...uct_Code=412118
Venture 50 is $44.99 (doesn't include AUD3077 type bearing)
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me..._Code=JRP960724
Anyway, I take full responsibility for offering this as an assembly. We do so largely because some of my customers don't have the press for the small bearing and would appreciate this convenience. Furthermore, the lining had been epoxied into the clutch bell, which is a real time saver (in my opinion). Thus, I feel this assembly is priced fairly in light of what's included (plus what has been done for you). However, if you disagree, there's another way to source the parts!
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2.
AUD0526 Clutch Bell $24.99 - this is another assembly, but only in that the AUD3075 bearing is included and has been pressed into the clutch bell for you. Again, this is done for the convenience of the customer because the bearing is very small (and exceedingly easy to damage during the installation), which will result in problems down the road.
By way of comparison, the clutch bell alone w/bearing for a competing unit.
Raptor 90SE is $23.99 from Rick's
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me...gory_Code=R90SE
- or -
Raptor 90SE is $24.99 from Heliproz
http://www4.mailordercentral.com/he...p?number=132415
. . . and before someone cries foul, because our clutch and clutch bell are the size of the Raptor 90SE units, this is a more accurate comparison vs. the tiny Raptor 50 clutch and bell.
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3.
AUD0538 Clutch $24.99 - w/o bearing (i.e. the clutch itself)
AUD5538 Clutch Assembly $29.99 - this has AUD3072 Oneway bearing pressed into the clutch for you.
By way of comparison:
Raptor 90 Clutch is $24.19 (w/bearing) at Rick's
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me...gory_Code=R90SE
Sceadu EVO 50 is $38.72 (no oneway bearing, includes short shaft)
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me...uct_Code=412119
Venture 50 is $37.99 (w/bearing)
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me..._Code=JRP960722
Please note: the Chinese Thunder Tiger is far less expensive than the Japanese units but only slightly less expensive than ours!
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AUD1510 Clutch Liner $2.99 (two included)
By way of comparison:
Raptor 90 $5.57 (three included)
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me...gory_Code=R90SE
Kyosho 30 is $6.99 (one included)
http://www.ronlund.com/Merchant2/me...oduct_Code=H997
So as always, there's more to the story than may first appear to the eye. This has been my 2¢ on the subject. Thanks for letting me explain what's really going on.
John Beech - GM (and janitor)
Audacity Models |
. Even my Hawk bell is only $30 and fits the 30-50 size helis. I have the metal one and even that's high if you ask me. Good thing I have a spare. They come with the clutch lining and spur gear. However no bearings are included. What's the real chances of you blowing one up or damaging it in a crash? <---Yes this is a real question!
