Email to Horizon Hobby, ECX.....

kruzracing169

Well-Known Member
Messages
366
Location
ND, USA
I wanted to vent and reach out. I like to speak loud and not ashamed. I am a firm believer of doing my research, and living by what I learn, and bettering the overall solution to a better experience.
I had an itch that I wanted scratched, and here is what I did with the response. Enjoy!

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THEIR RESPONSE.

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MY RESPONSE.....

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Just to clarify, I am not trying to start anything. I just want to see a change.
 
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Crap, now he's never going to come here and take a look. (extra N in the address) :D

Joking aside, we have atleast one ECX employee on the forum that I know of, so they do read it.

I'd love to say someone worthwhile will have read your message. Sadly though, knowing how customer service works, it won't see anyone worthwhile unless it contains issues that NEED to be resolved. Such as parts failures.

That being said, giving up is the first step of defeat, so I applaud your effort. Keep us updated if any further responses come in.
 
I'd be inclined to disagree with your statements about removing the battery etc.

As a newbie you need a start point, the ECX RTR packages are an easy no brainer.

Upgrades are for later and once knowledge and experience has been acquired.

As a newbie to RC I come out in cold sweats when faced with the thousands of battery and charger combinations available to choose from.

ECX are doing well keeping it simple even if it is inferior in the long term.

Price point is key.

The balance of components is fine as it stands.
 
The balance of components is fine as it stands.
Thanks,
There is so many ways to go about it, and takes from it. Yes, it is nice that ECX makes a complete package and they keep it simple. What I am trying to saying is, there is ways to getting the same product, and have upgrades done, and still hold it around the same price range. It's just they have not changed their platform.
I'm also not trying to say, put upgrades to it all either. I will agree with you to leave areas for improvement. Here's the thing, there is not a single RC out there that does not have a single issue. I watch reviews across the board on all brands. They all have their own problems, and it comes down to you just need to pick your battles on what you want to fix. Eventually, everything will have a breaking point, it's reality. You can't have a bullet proof piece either, otherwise companies will go out of business if you didn't need to buy.
I'm trying to put it out there to say, hey, let's change it up. Let's give the consumer a little bit more. Change is good. No change is bad.
Batteries, ok, yes.....everyone has been there. That area of worry, what battery to use. RTRs are nice for this package. ECX can put it on the side of the box for suggestions to what is needed. Have a package deal seperate. Or, the hobby store you purchase from also is a help in this area too.
Again, thanks.
 
I think essentially you are asking for another offering based on the RTR concept.

Straight RTR - leave alone it works as a package
No battery RTR - Gives the end user options to put which ever battery and charger system in they like without wasting money on the rubbish wall plug charger and 1600 battery.
No battery upgraded motor RTR - Gives the end user a brushless motor and Lipo ESC, again giving them the freedom to add a battery system.

The latter two options would suit individuals who already have an RC car with an interchangeable battery system, particularly if they are all ECX models.
 
I think the I store only thing is a dumb idea how about available everywhere. If they want instore only they should at least have them all in stock and plenty to spare!:unsure:
 
Agree. I wonder what the idea is behind "In Store Only". I get to try and help the hobby shops get more business maybe. Like you said though, if the shops would even carry ECX. My local hobby shops are dealers, but no go on the in stock.
 
Let's face it the 1/10 2wd line is what we are mainly talking about and I am sorry to say you have to address the 300lb gorilla in the room Traxxas it's chief competitor. Keep in mind Traxxas has not really changed there 2wd (mild changes) line in over 20 years ECX is following the same suit. Traxxas has made some changes though and YES ECX needs to finally change some things also. All Traxxas 2wd come with brushless ready metal transmission now (272 magnum) ECX needs to follow suit and lose the plastic diff. There are still plastic camber links on the brushed Rustler and Stampede but the Slash (SCT) has adjustable links. What is nice is ECX allow you to use the same wheels all the way around unlike Traxxas (different offsets front and back). Traxxas does offer 2wd less battery and charger models now also ECX should follow this also. The Titan 12t 550 is not a great motor but it has lasts longer than the Dynamite 15t for me anyways hate to say it maybe one of the best sealed can stock motors. I could go on and on about differences like the differences between the brushless models. I am afraid with the diversity of brands Horizon offers now that ECX will never really change even though they should. Horizon would rather push ECX as a budget brand rather than innovate and improve it and that's a shame as said in the email they want to push you into buying a Losi instead of a improved ECX that's just business (you may not like this so buy that).

I totally agree some things could be changed for the better and not increase cost that much. I aslo agree that what is offered now I would rather buy used and put what I want in it. A RTR package is what it is just enough to get you by with trying to keep cost low and profits high ECX is a beginner brand plain and simple a gateway into the hobby. If the ECX cost as much as a Losi or Team associated people would probably skip the ECX line altogether without some significant changes being done but Horizon does not mind if they lose sells they have other brands now (Hobbico brands) to push off on to buyers. Loose sales on one brand not to worry we sell other stuff.

I still like my ECX stuff but can't recommend the brand (new anyways) without some changes especially as mentioned the whole in store only thing I agree stupid move Horizon you could be on the way to making ECX a way too budget irrelevant (hardly available for most) brand.
 
I personally think it's time to scrap 2in1 ecx/Rx. That's where I would start, especially since they already have an rx that is compatible with that TX(great for children). Make the Circuit/Amp 1 vehicle.
The Circuit price is coming closer to the Amp, horizon actually has them at the same price but Circuit w/o battery.
My second suggestion would be a reply by 1 of this site vets(sorry can't remember who right now)from a post I posted about what upgrades buyers would want. Handling, slop, etc.. Are some of the biggest complaints about the Ecx, solutions range from using a cheap zip tie to my servo that cost $4 all the way to your price of choice. If ECX somehow bought these servos in bulk they probably would pay a number that shouldn't affect overall price compared to what they pay spectrum or invest in better servo equipment.
my last change would be an upgrade to the brand and I would change to mid motor. Give consumers a reason to buy new.
Another comment on scale size is more marketing for the 1/18 class. I have Dromida's & Redcats & they don't hold up to ECX. Dromida upgrade kit packages are convenient but overpriced. The 1/18 also could use a little more space in the chasis.
Finally a 1/8 Truggy is a must!
 
This is a great thread. Great thoughts and opinions. I looked around for some time before I settled on the ECX Torment for my son.
All the reviews and stuff pointed to the fact that it is a entry level beater. With potential.
From what I understand, if ECX is linked to Losi, this is purely a business decision. If you want "better" then purchase a Losi brand.
Allthough I would also say, that ECX has a chance to take the ECX brand to another level, if their business model lends for that.
They could very easily offer "versions" of say the Torment, one as a RTR entry level, all in one box thing, which is great for beginners.
One, as a stand alone buildable kit, minus all electronics, but with beefier turnbuckles, transmission.....ect. for the more advanced among us. Heck if they put enough upgrades in this kit, they could charge the same price as the RTR versions.

But if not, I think it's fine the way it is, doesn't appear they want to battle with a sister line. Which is completely understandable.
But the one spot they should be looking at, is the replacement parts, upgrade area, and this whole "in store only".
I don't have a hobby store even remotely close to me, easy 2 hour drive. That doesn't even mean they are distributers or have anything in stock that I might need. I'm not driving 2+ hours to see.
 

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