So what's with UE?

[ClodMaxx]

Originally Posted by squeeforever

Why would it frost him to see a company like FLM to thrive? It makes no sense. There parts aren't really similar, aside from the VBS/FLM Hybrid thing, which even then, its not really that similar. Now Integy, theres no denying that, but I'd figure they paid him for the Racer X rip off...

the FLM hybrids......the FLM multi-point adjustable shock towers...the FLM chassis is very, very similar to the Lightning...etc.

not as *direct* of a copy as the Integy crap, but FLM makes everything much cheaper b/c they cut corners. yet they sell a lot more than UE b/c people who don't know any better (or might, who knows) don't want to pay UE prices.

plus, FLM is about as direct a competitor as it gets. although most parts may be fairly different in design, it's the same replacement parts, same materials, for the same vehicles.

The 4 point chassis brace design as an idea belongs to UE, nobody had thought of that before UE. ClodMaxx has mentioned some other items already. Everything UE has done has been to look at each of teh critical components of the platform and engineer them thoroughly so you get breakage free top performance, Super 6, CVDs, 6 & 8 spyder diffs, 4 point braces and so on. That takes time in development and that costs money. Those costs go into parts pricing otherwise you go out of business or revert to parts that don't perform as well.

UE could shut them down legally if he had spent big bucks and the time to get his stuff patented, but he saw it as a no-win deal and since business has been declining (RC parts side) looks like he made the right call. Besides, as pointed out there is spotty to non-existent patent enforcement if you're making the stuff outside the US.

Another that really has caused a serious rant from Robin was ACNCM - they started their business with a gov't loan that Robin couldn't qualify for since he's native born citizen. They are Indian IIRC, and started knocking off UE stuff immediately. ALl these knockoffs use 6061-T6 and not teh 7075-T6 like UE uses. I don't know if its because its cheaper (it is cheaper and its weaker too) or to try and avoid too much direct infringement. I guess thats one of the corners they all tend to cut.

I worked in retail early on in college, and one thing you learn is the public has no end to their gaul. There is nothing somebody won't ask to do or ask to have and usually expects for free! I've seen someone post a quest on UE forum about why UE stuff wouldn't fit right with FLM pieces (early on when flm was having bugs in their hybrid diffs). He seems to have finally learned to just ignore it, but come on, that's pretty low class. Like its his fault someone who is copying his designs in the first place aren't getting the holes in the right places!!

I watched UE store stock deplete down to near nothing also like a dolt. Like Jim Mora used say "woulda, coulda, shoulda done something!!" Doh!!