[Arune]

Canada being such a small market, I note that many helis are not available from dealers in Canada...

Looking to invest around $400 in a new bird next spring, I don't really want to be limited to only those sold at the LHS - EFlte and a few others. So, a few questions:

1. Freight - how have you found American dealers at charging freight. With books, the dealers at times add far too much to cover shipping costs. The exchange is bad enough right now...

2. I assume that one has to pay duty on RC helis. What rate applies? Does this differ with new or used?

3. I have looked at several brands that seem to offer more. Ideally, I want a new bird that has all the aluminum parts as standard, not as hop-ups. There are a few that fit this criteria.

4. Is it better to buy the bird and also buy a TX seperately? If so, what TX is the least expensive and best general purpose model.

5. Is that TX available in Canada?

6. My womanly mechanical skills are limited and thus a kit seems out of the question. I think I have to have a RTF or ARF, limiting as that might be.

7. I have real problems figuring out batteries and chargers. Right now, I have a Blade CX2 and three Eflte batteries. I am told tha other batteries offer better performance, but those tend to need a charge, a rather expensive and complicated device. Having looked at teh manual for several I am totally confused. Is there a charger that would work for my Blade and also for a new bird such as above?

At the moment, the Falcon 400 SE and Raptor are looking like good choices. Or should I go local and get a Blade CP Pro from eFlite? Oh dear.

Willow

[OICU812]

www.3dhelidepot.com is in Alberta and is getting a fair bit of selection indeed.

[Charlie]

Before ordering from the USA check with the dealer and make sure they "don't" ship with UPS, if they do you will get stuck with brokerage fees and GST when it gets to your door.
When ever buying anything from the USA make sure they ship USPS and you shouldn't have a problem.

[G-copterbous-funk]

What electric model to you want? Canadian merchants such as Great Hobbies sell: TT Minititan/Innovator(soon), T-Rex, CY Rave, E-flight, Helimax, Hobbico, Beam,Century, MS, SPA, Twister, Venom, Wakera.

The Canadian market is not that small, you just need to know where to look. GH have a tech line that can advise you on your needs when the time comes. The mini electric market is rapidly changing so who knows what additional lines GH might have next year.

Stephen

[zuiderdam]

As stated by others USPS is the way to go. Look at readyheli.com Have used them for a couple of years. They answer your e/m in a timely manner and NEVER had a lost shipment unlike another company who at the time shipped UPS. Package never arrived. Being new to Canada i was amazed that UPS is charging a brokerage fee.My UPS store stated its a charge for taking my parcel across the border.Im still shaking my head.Fees that i have paid have had no rhyme or reason. Give readyheli a call,or any larger company for that matter. Im sure they will answer all of your questions. Yes, i do support my LHS as much as i can. Sometimes you have to branch out a bit. As far as transmitters, buy one you can grow with. That way you are not looking at an upgrade six months down the road.
Since i use JR I can only relate to it. Look at the DX7 2.ghz. Low to mid $300. User friendly, New technology and is very common.
Heli's, once again everybody has their own preference. I like Align.
The reason why I went with Align (T-Rex 450se and 600np) are the parts are readily available almost anywhere.
As far as the battery chargers. Yes,they can be confusing at 1st. Ive been very happy with my little Triton. Also easy to program. As the old saying goes,"you get what you pay for". As far as womanly skills,don't under estimate yourself. try a ARK and take your time. And after you complete you build, pat yourself on the back. Finless Bob over at helifreak.com has a great build video library for free. Plus other topics that you will find helpful.
Hope this helps a bit. Keep us posted.

[Kelly W]

With reference to duty, there is no duty on this type of shipment. There is however tax due, which amounts to both PST + GST if you live in BC for example. I always make sure my stuff is classified as model aircraft parts, and it usually been just fine... That said, I live relatively close to the boarder, and for those in similar circumstances it very beneficial to source a shipping company that will let you have US packages delivered there and available for you to pick up for a small fee. In Vancouver I use these guys: http://www.thelettercarrier.com/

I've learned the hard way using UPS as well, both ways... I shipped some hardware out and used the recipient's account, as authorised, only to be threatened with collection services by UPS some time later when someone in their accounting office decided not to bill the account holder overseas. I guess it was an addition piece of paper to fill out or something, and it was easier just to hit me with the charges... Nobody on the phone had a clue how to fix the problem either, while I got notice after notice... I prefer to stay away from UPS now when a boarder is involved.

Kelly

[moo]

Originally Posted by zuiderdam

amazed that UPS is charging a brokerage fee.My UPS store stated its a charge for taking my parcel across the border

No, it's a fee UPS charges for filing assinine Canada Customs paperwork on an Item than has no duty (Model Aircraft).

They do have to collect GST and PST even though the sale is outside the country, really it's our government taking the bite.

If it comes by USPS, Canpost may charge a brokerage fee if they catch it, but they are often lazy about this.

[G-copterbous-funk]

Looks like someone got fed up, and look where it got them. As many pointed to, always go with the federal postal system. The government certainly is not screwing us over, UPS is.


http://www.thegatesofdawn.ca/wordpre...-class-action/

http://www.poynerbaxter.com/UPS.htm

[Arune]

I ran into the UPS scam for Canadians some years ago and theereafter have always told American suplies to use anything but UPS GROUND. They do not charge the same fee on AIR shipments, for some reason...

Willow