HPI quality - anyone else notice this???

[atm92484]

I got a HPI NMT about 4 months ago. I was just curious if I am the only one who notices HPI seems to have a reputation for having to replace parts for free because someone screwed up and didn't make the parts strong enough. Just a few examples of parts that have a repuation for breaking-

-NMT suspension arms
-NMT hinge pins
-NMT dogbones (when it first came out)
-NMT shock towers
-ball ends breaking
-Rush chassis
-Rush spur gear (stipping)

It is nice though that HPI will or has replaced some of the parts for free. It still is a pain though to have to put up with this stuff especially if you are paying 350 bucks for the car. I think the cars should be almost 99% bug free before being produced.

I was just curious if any other companies have had problems with their cars. For example Traxxas built the T-Maxx basically from the ground up and there seem to be no problems.

[Bydenso]

I totally agree, Japan has had the same problem resenty with hpi products. People are no long standing hpi part quility issue here. I now long own a pro2 and have no way wil I buy a pro3.

[R_C_MAN]

Yes I also noticed this. I used to visit the HPI forum, the truck part, and a lot of the topics were about flaws in the Nitro MT. This is one of the reasons I passed on getting it, that and the fact that I wasn't to interested in a nitro. I didn't want to dish out the money on a kit that still has bugs in it. I also stayed away from it due to the fact that it is overpriced. The lowest I have seen the kit was like $260-270, just for the kit. The RTR is like $339 and that is kinda to close to the T-maxx price. If I was going to pay that much I might as well get the T-Maxx. I am not saying in no way that HPI is a bad company, because they have some nice vehicles and their forum is a great place to go to get your questions answered. I personally thought that a little to step for a stadium truck with an extra diff and dogbones.
But HPI is doing everything to get all the problems fixed and are giving the replacement parts for free.

[chucksolo]

Guys, I have been saying this for months. Unfortunately everytime I do, someone, even Kent Clausen, starts to flame me because of it. My friend has an RS4 RTR that simply refuses to stay together no matter how much locktite he puts on the darn thing. I have seen at least nine other kits with quality control problems coming from HPI. I'll say it again, if you want to constantly wrench your car, buy HPI. Sorry Kent, other people are beginning to notice too. Are you guys concentrating on the helicopter thing too much?

[Throtl Hapie]

One name: Tamiya
http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif

[hpiguy]

What I don't like is that when a car comes out and it immediately starts to break, guys like Kent at HPI always blame the customer.

Then months down the road when HPI finally admits the part was junk they never say SORRY.

Also, why do they make all these new kits and then NEVER have any spare parts handy for the LHSs and Mail Order houses that sell the kits? When GM builds a new car they have twice as many spares as cars on the road.

I own a couple HPIs (not why I have this username though BTW), and they all have huge QC problems that HPI refuses to admit. Like the Rs4 MT eating rear belts. They still refuse to admit that problem, yet know they are planning a new electric MT and it will be shaft drive. Hmmmmm.

[R_C_MAN]

If what you say about the new RS4 MT is true hpiguy than HPI read my mind. I have been wanting a new vehicle that was 4WD. First I set my eyes on the electric MT. But I didn't want it cuz I dont want to replace any belts.
So then I set my eyes on the Nitro MT. I like the idea of a shaft. But then I realized the price I was paying for what I was getting. The ratio of price to kit was not equal enough. Plus I saw a lot of complaints about it on the HPI forum. One person stated "that their chassis was so twisted it looked like a strand of DNA". Kent Clausen was overwhelmed with all the complaints. I wouldn't have been sure that if a kit I got wasn't a defective kit. So I decided no on that.
Then I set my eyes on the TC3 after it came out with the rally conversion. I am looking for an off-road/on-road type of vehicle.
But now that you say a new MT with shaft, my eyes are set on this now. I hope it is better than the other kits they have been producing in quality.
If it comes out I guess I'll get that. Oh.....about a year or so after so I can give them time to get the bugs out.

[chucksolo]

First of all, I want to apologize to HPIGUY for our previous disagreements. You're completely right HPIGUY on this count. I actually got a scathing e-mail from Kent Clausen because I asked him why he was always blaming the customer for poor quality control at HPI. I have bought a lot of stuff from HPI, bodies, tires, etc. and never had a problem. It just seems to me that in the last few months their kits are just coming out of the factory sub-par. I find out today that they just bought a helicopter company, maybe their efforts are all concentrated on that right now? Who knows? Oh well. Again, Sorry HPIGUY.

[hpiguy]

I apologize also.

Now we can move on to the most important thing.

R/Cing.

[R_C_MAN]

Well sometimes it could actually be the customers fault. In a post I read someone was complaining about a the rear bulkhead splitting or something like that. I believe Kent was going to send him a new part. Then in a later post the person said they hit a wall at the track and that was how it broke.
Now I don't know if he hit it hard or if another truck would have broke in a situation like that, but I just wanted to point out that it could sometimes de the drivers fault. I am not saying it is the drivers fault all the time though.

[atm92484]

You guys know what else is kind of funny. A couple of weeks ago someone posted on the HPI forum that HPI was losing customers over part availability and quality. Kent admitted there was a problem with availbility. When I posted complaining about the parts quality and me breaking parts he told me I needed to ask for help. I guess he thinks I am new or something.

[hpiguy]

FYI.

I have ordered the Front Graphite Chassis Brace from Tower Hobbies for the Rs4 MT.

Tower says that HPI has backordered this item for over six months now. Since their chassis for this truck is junk and bends off jumps I need this brace, but of course they can't get one made in six months.

It's been six months since my order and HPI keeps handing off the buck to new excuses everytime.

I'm really getting sick of them, but since I have three kits of theirs I have no choice. I'm not just gonna scrap three kits. Especially when I have them all hopped up and a small fortune in them all.

[chucksolo]

Yeah, I hear you. When I mentioned in a post that this is typical of some Japanese companies, Kent Clausen sent me a private e-mail calling me a racist (I am hispanic)!!!! I think this is because for the past couple of months, maybe 3, I have been saying that quality control at HPI has gotten really bad. He is the typical company "yes" man and will not own up to the fact that HPI has sunk to new levels of horrible quality control, hence the personal attack. In their defense, Xtreme RC magazine reports that they (HPI) have just bought a model helicopter company, so maybe they are concentrating most of their efforts on that. It is really sad though, that they would let their car customers suffer like they have been doing.

[Bydenso]

Hea I know http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif about those copters that hpi is going to start selling. They need another r/c area to fool the buyers. It seem more and more HPI is trying to be like KYOSHO. But there is one big factor! THE CAN`T be this can`t been up withthe big boys. As for Kent, he is as you say a "YES Man NAd and so is Frank!But I need to say this...... HPI of Japanese is 1000% better the HPI of the USA or europe. I am not the only Japanese that hates HPI their is a whole group of us.

[Bydenso]

chuck, to reply to your earlier post, about kent temper he seem to be all stressed out over this issue we talked about to the point frank and him are dieing over this.I bought many items from them and all the hpi does is blame the buyers. Even Shops now are telling buyers that HPI is cheap. They told me and others instead of replacing the whole pack of alum mips, they "CUT the Pack open" and gave me new jooint coupl.They told me ( The Shops in Japan)that hpi is a cheap company and they will not replace whole defective item only the parts.
Hpi stands for Horrible Products International


[This message has been edited by Bydenso (edited 12-02-2000).]

[BadRacer]

The only thing that i have ever had from HPI is there 5 start crome rims. Ill never buy thing again, the stuff flaked off from them and i didn't have a change to do my damage yet! I used them for play around untill the back ones split in two. If they want more buizz they should thing of at least improving the parts they come out with!

[Bydenso]

those crome crappy rims! god i had some they crome cam right off! and the bent! JUNK JUNK JUNK!

[Kent Clausen]

hpiguy, Tower lists A700 coming in by Mid December. If you can't wait for them to get to Tower, Horizon (one of the largest distributors in the USA) has A700 in stock right now:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Search.asp?Prod=hpia700&SearchMethod=All


Any time you have an item that is on backorder for a long time, you can email me directly at kclausen@hpiracing.com and I will personally look into the situation for you.

[Kent Clausen]

Originally posted by Bydenso:
In Tokyo parts are just sitting on shops and so are their pro2`s and( other kits). WOW I saw about 300 (pro2)of them just sittin on the top shelf of one shop and another 100 in another.

"WOW" is right, I have never been to any hobby shop anywhere in the world that is large enough to stock anywhere close to 300 of any single kit. Give me the name of that hobby shop and I will check there stock and post the information here.

FYI on the Pro 3, the kit has been scheduled for a "Spring 2001" release for a long time, the "rumor" that we would delay the release to clear out stock of Pro 2 kits is not true.

[Skateboarder]

Ha! my lhs thinks that hpi is one of the best and each time that I tell him what I heard off the internet he says that its fake only made up. But its not his fault cause he bases that statement on what he has experienced with costemurs(sp) with hpi products. They say that their truck is fine so he inturn thinks so too.

[Kent Clausen]

chucksolo, just because you are hispanic doesn't mean that you can't be a racist. Whether you recognize it or not, the statement you made in the HPI forum was very racist. I'll just post your comment and my response, and let others decide if you insulted the entire country of Japan or not.

Posted by chucksolo:

"When are you guys going to realize that HPI is a Japanese company. That
says it all; you will never get something for nothing from a Japanese
company. These are Kent's employers, he has to play by their rules. If
you want better customer service, it's simple, buy Traxxas stuff!!!!"

Reply from Kent Clausen by private email:

That was a very offensive and racist comment, don't do that on our
forum. HPI was started in America in 1986, we have over 100 people of
all races working for us. That kind of comment is simply stupid, and
certainly does not follow our "be nice" motto for the forum. If you
can't keep yourself from posting that kind of racist comment, then
please find a different forum.

Kent Clausen
HPI Racing

In one of your other posts on this forum you state that people should concentrate on having fun with the hobby instead of bashing products that they don't own. You don't own an HPI car, do you? I've seen you post about 100 times about your "friends" Nitro RS4 RTR kit that burned up the clutch and belts, then the muffler wouldn't stay on... have your friend email me directly and I will go out of my way to fix all of his problems and even upgrade his car the level that makes him happy.

[This message has been edited by Kent Clausen (edited 12-02-2000).]

[Kent Clausen]

Words to live by...

chucksolo
Member
posted 11-28-2000 04:36 PM

"I think most of the negativity comes from the perennial "which is better" or "mine is better than yours" type of posts. We are all in it for the fun, yes? I mean who really cares if the MP is bigger, badder than the T-Maxx. There are people who are going to buy each one. Each has its weaknesses and each has its strengths. What upsets me most is when someone bashes something they have no experience with. If you have had a bad experience with something, let us know in an objective way, just don't say it's no good with no data to back it up. Also, brand bias is the worst thing you can do. One hobby class brand can be as good as another. All companies make some great and not so great cars. Let's just have fun and if I meet you at the track or an empty lot, let's just have fun."

[Kent Clausen]

Originally posted by atm92484:
I think the cars should be almost 99% bug free before being produced.

I was just curious if any other companies have had problems with their cars. For example Traxxas built the T-Maxx basically from the ground up and there seem to be no problems.

atm, that would be great if we could make our cars 99% bug free. Actually, it still wouldn't solve all of the problems. Our Nitro Star 15FE engines have less than a 1% return rate, yet what you read about them on forums makes them appear to "all" be defective. That's why we post a few examples that show the condition of some of the engines we receive in our customer service department.

All of the items in your list have been updated or are in the process of being updated. We react as quickly as possible once we recognize a problem. It's hard to guess what customers can break, we're getting better at it... but we're not perfect.

In the "real world" there are thousands of examples of companies much larger than HPI that can't get their products to be 99% bug free. Microsoft has hundreds of bugs with each new version of Windows, Firestone just spent hundreds of millions of $$ for their defective tire replacements, Mercedes Benz had to recall the A-Class because it tipped over, Audi had to recall the TT because is spun out.

In R/C there are lots of similar examples... Tamiya had to recall and discontinue the entire production run of Juggernauts, Traxxas had to change the EZ Start system, Associated had a problem with fragile parts on the TC3, Yokomo shipped a huge batch of kits that were sent out with missing parts. If Traxxas and the others had a forum you would certainly see more problems exposed, read through the following forum. It's not an official Traxxas forum, so people don't really have the ability to "complain" to the manufacturer, but if you scroll through the pages you will see that "there seem to be no problems with the T-Maxx" is not exactly the case. All cars have problems.

http://www.maxxtraxx.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/forums.cgi?forum=2

[atm92484]

Hey Kent. I don't like to complain and I know HPI tries (hopefully) But eventhough the parts are being update that still doesn't help me. I'll still end up spending money to replace my current parts.

Someone said something about HPI making helicopters. If the parts are made like those on my NMT I don't want to be at the field with my Great Planes Extra 300S or my Goldberg Tiger 2 when an HPI heli takes off.

You were saying Firestone and Microsoft were not defect free. I don't think Firestone is a good example (especially to try to compare your company to) because they knew those tires were defective but they didn't recall them. Hopefully this isn't the case with HPI.

Ya I will admit other cars do have problems. The Juggernaut (in my opinion) is the worst of them. I would consider the TC3 a car that is designed for competition not sport driving. If someone who can drive half way descent is at the wheel the cars shouldn't have to take the hits sport drivers can dish out. Look at the wins the TC3 has though.

[This message has been edited by atm92484 (edited 12-03-2000).]

[Skateboarder]

Hi Kent whats up. The thing that I would like to know is how come there are so many complaints(about the NMT and rush). I have been a member of the maxxtraxx board since it started and there was never anywhere close to the number of complaints about the T-maxx. I just dont get it. I would like to believe my lhs because I would love to get a NMT but I always read stuff (like this thread) and get very discouraged(sp)

And while Im at it how come the NMT rtr cost more then ofna ultra gt rtr. Too me a 1/8 buggy would cost a lot more then a 1/10 truck. So I feel that if Im going to spend some money why not get the buggy since it will be cheaper, faster, more powerfull and more durable.
Thats it, so thank you for reading

[Bydenso]

I still own My MT, but the Pro2 is long sold.
I just don`t like the quility of their parts. After seeing some of their purple alum part and installing them, I say this.......... POOR production levels. Where is the quility control???????? ( I bought two extra pairs of purple alum CVD`s There was no hole to insert the pin in the cup and joint! (Now tell me this how could hpi even sell this junk! And worse of all they caused MIP company name to be looked at as junk too! I heard mip is thinking about pulling out of the hpi ageement because of their two faced consumer support.)Then they have enough guts to blame us if we install the part(s) wrong! But sorry HPI(Kent) I been installing and building r/c for years. If their pro2 is any sign of their Pro3 in 2001. I say this...... It will make or break them. In Tokyo parts are just sitting on shops and so are their pro2`s and( other kits). WOW I saw about 300 (pro2)of them just sittin on the top shelf of one shop and another 100 in another.(the reason why hpi has not released their pro3 here (rumors) is that hpi wants to sell more of the pro2 inventory be fore the pro3 in released) Nobody is buying them anymore(any of their kits). Its rally sad here. AS for the MT graphite Impreg parts. God they where BAD! Why In the world did they sell them if only 3 months later say don`t use them because they break under tress!!!!!!!!! And those ti hing pins too! ( they where not cheap!) It just seem HPI really does not car anymore about the quility but only producting QUICK CHEAP and Impulse kiddy buyers now days
But the kicker has on their web site, blamig buyers about engine problems! They posted letter of people (insulting views on the part of hpi teck people) blaming (the Users) about lack of care. Now ok maybe one or so complains are true, but all!!!!!! Hpi should have know that introducing Nitro to newbies (not all newbies are bad http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif) that Nitro is not easy to deal with for them. Then they post "well this buys claims he only ran the Engine twice......BUT................ Look at the pics of the engine inself!" GOD! What you expect for newbies using NITRO! HPi don`t you think Your quility stinks!!!!!Well I can go on and On. But I don`t want to talk your ear off ( which I done already) http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif.
Thanks for reading http://www.rccaraction.com/ubb/smile.gif




[This message has been edited by Bydenso (edited 12-02-2000).]

[Bydenso]

Nice comments KENT! As always ready to say anything to protect hpi right!. Ok I will say this much, 300 kits well I went back and counted them SIR and it was more like 170! YES SIR 170! all along the top! But the other store did have 100 kits. If I was telling untruth then WHY are they so many parts and Kits just sitting in the shops! These shops are large 20% to 30% off places too.
Call HPI of Japan and asked them! They will tell you there are large stock piles of kits that are unsold and unwanted. As for my other comments, myself and other in tokyo HAVE been told those comments! Not lies But rumors ABOUT THE PRO3! NEVER SAID ABOUT THE RELEASE DATE OF THE PRO3 DA!)
I DON`T LIKE YOU OR THE WAY HPI DOES BUSINESS! IF YOU DON`T LIKE MY comments KENT I REALLY DON`T CARE!
If I really felt that you were worth the time insulting you I would have e-mail you directly, instead of writing on this board!
I don`t like writing this types of replies, but in this case its needed to said!

Go back to your own boards and be KING!




[This message has been edited by Bydenso (edited 12-03-2000).]

[chucksolo]

Mr. Clausen, you realize that by calling me a racist on a public forum you have opened yourself up to a little legal situation some would call "libel." I am above getting into a verbal argument with you and will address the attitude you have to the customers who you should be loyal to. These people, usually young adults and kids, spend their hard earned money on HPI kits and when something goes wrong you respond by blaming them and telling them to follow the instructions. Frankly sir, the instructions that usually ship with your kits, in a word, stink. they are hard to read and follow. The ones I have seen look to have been printed on a home computer. I have had extensive experience with HPI products that other people own, not only driving them but helping them to fix them as well. That sir, is why I would never, ever buy any kit labeled HPI. Defend it all you want, but sooner or later, you will have to admit that the quality of your product is below standard, live with it, others know too. On second thought, you already have, via your own forum when you stated that the Rush was shipped with a junk chassis. Need I say more. If I were you I would drop the name calling. Only someone stupid would actually call someone a "racist" in print and mean it. But then again, some of your replies to your customers would tend to suggest that you are somewhat less than intelligent.

[hpiguy]

Kent:
Thanks for finding the part at Horizon for me.

Small problem though. Tower has it for 17 bucks and change, and since it is on backorder from a previous order it will be shipped for free.

Now at Horizon it is overpriced at 19.00 (Horizon loves to overprice) and then I would also have to fork out 5 bucks or so for shipping. So then we're looking at 24 bucks at least.

I'll wait, besides the snow isn't deep enough to run without cashing a rear belt. LOL! I can wait unitl December.

Answer this for me please. Does HPI have this part in the warehouse, or is it Towers fault that it isn't ordered?

Who is to blame for Tower not having it? HPI for not having any in stock or Tower for not ordering it yet?

Let me know so that if you have them in the warehouse, I can call Tower and make them order the brace ASAP, so I get it.

Later.

[BadRacer]

Okay now we have heard both sides of the story from Kent and everyone else. All i had to say is the 5 star crome rims were crap! But that doesn't mean that the rest of HPI line of cars/trucks and parts are crap. I don't own an HPI car/truck and i think god cuz of what iv been hearing lately (true blue Losi Man!). But all comps. have problems with some cars. Losi, Traxxas, and so on have had problems in the past but they have fixed them and (hopefully) HPI will do the same! If you don't like a model of car/truck from a comp. then do not buy it! I hope everyone feels the same as me.......

[Kent Clausen]

Skateboarder, I don't have any personal experience with that Ofna kit, maybe one of the staff at RCCA can give you more information on it. We also have a "1/8 buggy" thread in our Non-HPI forum that has several people who sound like they can help answer any questions.

[Kent Clausen]

hpiguy, the A700 parts are scheduled to ship this week, so Towers "Mid December" date is correct. I understand your reasons for wanting to keep your order with Tower, just thought I would let you know that the A700 part is available other places.

[Kent Clausen]

We have always struggled to keep the chrome on the rims, we've tried several vendors and we are still looking for someone that can make it more durable. The problem is that the plastic chrome plating doesn't stick very well to nylon, especially if there is any mold release on the wheels. We used to do a "Satin Chrome" finish that stuck to the wheel better, but our customers like the shiny chrome better. If we can't find a plating company that can make it work maybe we will need to go back to the satin chrome, as found on the T-Maxx wheels.

We replace wheels for free if the chrome looks like it is flaking off, check them when you open the package.

[SteveP]

This is clearly not the type of thread we want on this BB. This is a forum in which members are free to discuss any problems they have with their own car, and to look for solutions to that problem. It clearly crosses the line when the comments become personal in nature and lack any positive value to other board members. There are rules in the user agreement to this nature. If anyone has ANY problem with a car and they're seeking a solution, feel free to ask for it. This board is meant to be a resource for anyone interested in RC to find out more about the hobby. But this isn't however, going to become a board that largely allows slamming of one another.