As has become a somewhat usual occurrence, a fellow will call, or write to ask a question regarding how another brand compares to a ProModeler servo. In the process of responding, especially regarding one for which I've fielded inquiries several times (and because I'm a note taker), eventually it's time to combine my thoughts. These notes thus, forming the basis of an askJOHN.
So here we are once again, this time about one of the most renown servos in the world, the famous DS8711 from the prodigious JR Servo lineup of very fine quality standard size digitals.
By the way, an advantage for us of pointing folks to one of these white papers is, quite honestly, it's both quicker and easier for me than repeating myself over and over. However, several advantages accrue for you, also. 1st, it's available outside of business hours (since our website is accessible 24/7/365 - so on your schedule). And 2nd, because as an engineer I tend to share a *lot* of details, it means you may miss something important while we speak.
Basically, you call expecting a quick answer, e.g. a sip of water information-wise but get a fire-hose worth of data because I try to be thorough. Honestly? These papers turn out better for you because you're able to review and learn at your own pace.
Means these white papers are a win for you and for us . . . win-win!
Anyway, and as it turns out, there are 7 ProModeler servos, which may be fairly compared to the venerable JR DS8711, which as a reminder, is a;
- Class - Standard
- Case - Polymer/alloy
- Gears - All-metal
- Bearings - Dual
- Motor - Coreless
- Torque - 347oz-in/403oz-in @ 4.8V/6V
- Transit speed - 0.19sec/60° or 0.15sec/60° @ 4.8/6V
- Price - $139.99 (2006)
Note; using a free Inflation Calculator phone-app called Back In The Day (available from Apple, Google Play, and the Microsoft store), that same $139.99 in 2006 equals $212.35 in 2023 (and it'll be worse in future). So thank you Federal Reserve for royally screwing us over destroying our currency's value through inflation . . . not!
By the way, click this link if you'd like your own copy of this nifty little app.
These seven servos range from $49.99 to $139.99 (maxing out like the DS8711 back in the day);
- DS360DLHV - $49.99
- DS355CLHV - $99.99
- DS405BLHV - $109.99
- DS415BLHV - $89.99
- DS505BLHV - $99.99
- DS630BLHV - $119.99
- DS635BLHV - $139.99
. . . and you don't need a decoder ring to suss out what our model numbers mean because;
- DS = Digital Servo
- xxx = Torque rating in oz-in
- BL = Brushless Motor
- HV = High Voltage (to 8.4V)
Our focus is on comparing the metrics folks have mentioned as important to them, like;
- price
- construction
- torque
- speed
- size
. . . which because of technological progress and the innovative use of materials, means all seven of these servos - in one way or the other - deliver more bang for your buck than the DS8711.
Price - ordered by decreasing torque
- DS635BLHV - $139.99
- DS630BLHV - $119.99
- DS505BLHV - $99.99
- DS415BLHV - $89.99 (polymer/alloy)
- DS405BLHV - $109.99 (55g brushless mini)
- DS360DLHV - $49.99 (polymer/alloy)
- DS355CLHV - $89.99 (44g low-profile mini)
Construction - polymer/alloy alternatives - DS360DLHV & DS415BLHV
Plastic: let's discuss the plastic (polymer) parts of these servos, first. The DS8711 features a polymer/alloy case (as do two of our recommended servos, the DS360DLHV and DS415BLHV).
With theirs (and both of ours), the transmission section and electronics cover are injection molded of Nylon 6,6 (a glass-filled engineering-polymer). This is like what's used in Glock handgun frames (and for the same reason, because it's tough and resists
impact).
Moreover (and just like the JR DS8711), we also reinforce the bores where the gear-shafts are fitted. These reinforcements (made of bronze) create hardpoints within the plastic. This, so the shafts don't wallow out the pockets under load.
Basically means you get the durability of an all-alloy case servo without the weight (or cost).
- Tiny Swiss-turned bronze inserts are what cheaply made servos leave out.
Alloy center: but where we turned it up a notch compared to the DS8711 is how instead of using a smooth-side aluminum center case, we mill cooling fins into ours. This, because the cooling fins shed head better when the servo is working hard. Speaking of the center-case, ours is CNC-machined from a solid billet of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum (nothing better at any price).
Moreover, the center case is drilled and tapped 10X for M2 machine thread bolts (fitted with o-rings). We refer to it as the porcupine case-section.
And what makes our center case flat out better than older smooth side designs, is the old ones use just four screws in the assembly. The ProModeler transmission section threads into metal instead of plastic using six machine-thread cap-bolts instead of four coarse-thread screws.
Bottom line? Our way is better because it's a lot more rigid *and* the electronics stay cooler.
Gear trains
The JR DS8711 uses all-metal gears (steel pinions, brass bulls, plus an alloy 23T output gear). However, these ProModeler servos give you all-steel gear trains. Yes, steel is also a metal *but* it's FAR more rugged and durable (Ferrari and NASCAR racers use all-steel gears in their transmissions, also). That, and money is no object for them so if there were something better, they'd use it, capisci?
Moreover, while the JR servos used in competition were known to be needing gears every couple of years, with the more durable steel gears in a ProModeler, you get a significantly longer service life.
- Custom seal at the 25T output spline shaft protects against water intrusion
Motors - Iron pole, coreless, and brushless
The DS8711 uses a coreless motor and deliver transit speeds of 0.15sec/60° on 6V while the DS360DLHV with an über reliable iron pole motor transits a whisker more quickly at 0.14sec/60°. But the speediest of the bunch by a country mile is the DS415BLHV, which by virtue of it's brushless motor transits in 0.052sec/60°.
Don't know diddly squat about servo motors? You're not alone *but* we make it easy with another askJOHN;
. . . this time, it's one showing you the inner details of what makes the motors different and why one is better than an other depending on the application.
By the time you review and grok this information , it will make *you* the expert in your club on the topic of the part of a servo that makes them do the work.
And note, this information holds true for all the servos on the market, all brands and models, because we all rely on the same three-types of motors in our servos.
What we did was simple; we took samples of the 3-types of motors, and using the lathe, cut them open to show you their guts. Then aided by CU photography, we explain what's what.
So why were the DS360DLHV & DS415BLHV the first ones compared to DS8711?
Simple, because of their similar performance, similar construction, and popular price points (or more popular than more expensive servos).
As for the use cases;
DS360DLHV
This servo maxes out on 8.4V at about the same torque as the DS8711 on 5V while the DS415BLHV maxes out about where it does on 6V. That, and the speed of the DS360DLH at 0.14sec/60° compared to 0.19sec/60° the DS8711 is transiting 26% faster. Even at 6V, where the DS8711 transits at 0.15sec/60°versus the 0.14sec/60°, the DS8711 is still 7% slower than the DS360.
Major point being, for $50, if you were happy with the DS8711 on 4.8V in terms of torque and speed, you'll be plenty happy with the performance of the DS360, too. And you'll get significantly better service life by virtue of the all-steel gear train.
Example models where the DS360DLHV works great are warbirds, think 85-96" wingspan P-51 Mustang going 35lbs. Or aerobatic models as flown by a club pilot instead of an XA-pilot. This means an 89" Extra, for example, one powered by a DA-70 for power but - and this is important - where the maneuvers are more IMAC style versus XA-style.
Think inverted flight, snap rolls, loops, stall turns, combat maneuvers like Split-S and Immelman, as well as turnaround maneuvers like a Humpty-bump. Meaning smooth, big air maneuvers. Why?
Simple, it's because of the relatively slow transit speed of the DS360DLHV servo. Sure, back in the day when the DS8711 was in its prime, 0.015sec/60° was pretty quick. But times change and our faster DS360DLHV, which transits at 0.14sec/60°and which I characterize as a whisker quicker than the DS8711 is still considered pretty slow. At least by the modern standards of pilots who fly XA-maneuver! So now let's discover why I bring the DS415BLHV into the conversation.
DS415BLHV
While the DS8711 made 403oz-in at max voltage, the DS415BLHV makes a comparable 415oz-in at max votage. But the major difference is instead of a dog slow 0.15sec/60° transit speed, the DS415BLHV transits in a lighting fast 0.052sec/60° (or faster than a goose takes a poop before taking flight). We're talking about ~3X faster . . . and this is a night and day difference versus the DS8711.
So super speed is what lets the DS415BLHV - in the right hands of course - using an Extreme Flight Extra, for example, perform XA-maneuvers like rolling Harriers, Crankshafts, and all the other maneuvers that slow ass servos like DS8711 or our own DS360 will hold back more pilots. XA-servos are all about speed!
So for the DS415 servo, you'll pony up $89.99 today, which back in the day (2006) would have been a mere $92.29 when you paid $139.99 the DS8711. This means the DS415BLHV beats inflation!
But this one gives you a brushless motor, n all-steel gear train, better cooling because of the fins, and transits 3X quicker for the same kind of money! Honestly, this servo is causing a lot of sleepless nights for our competitors.
And for our part, we're dancing a jig because of it because kicking their ass and handing them their heads is our goal (remember, it was the Japanese who coined the phrase, business is war).
By the way, you also get an intangible with ProModeler, which you didn't with the old Japan Radio (JR) product.
Part of what makes your ProModeler servos better than competitors (old and new) is that unlike hobby-grade servos, they're built to meet military standards (and subjected to these tests).
MIL-STD-810G-Part 16
- Shock - Test Method 516.6
- Vibration - Test Method 514.6
- Rain - Test Method 514.5
In part, this is due to the requirements of our primary customer. However, because we're modelers and have knocked a servo off a workbench, experienced crashes, and know a thing or two about engine vibration (plus how a summer afternoon pop-up rain shower may drench a model before landing), it means these tests are important for civilian users as well. So if you're looking at another servo, one which offers similar performance and pricing, but hasn't been tested to military standards, which would you rather have?
Added to which, I suspect competitors these days are guided by accountants and businessmen instead of engineers, and they will cheap out the product to save a few pennies. Like instead of the world’s best potentiometer, which we use, the Japanese Nobel 1mc, maybe they’ll resort to a clone because it’ll be cheaper.
Facts are the clones look the same, and even perform the same (but only for a little while). We know because we've tested to failure under harsh conditions of shock and vibration. We don't use the 1mc just to spend more money, it's better!
So because the clones only cost about 25% of much as the genuine item, I suspect plenty who claim 1M cycles are lying. Us? While we resist the siren's song of lower cost by using the real thing, when it comes to vendors specializing in badge-engineering (like their engineering input amounts to sending an art file to be placed on someone else's servo), do you really wanna bet they'll use the good stuff like we do? Just an observation, OK?
For example, maybe they’ll turn to using el cheapo Hall Effect sensors, instead to save money. They'll try to fool you with how they're better by preaching technical gobblygook. And it’s true, they are very good sensors, every bit as good as the 1mc . . . until they’re not. But what they're really better at is saving money because these types of sensors are dirt cheap. I mean at most costing just 10% of what the 1mc goes for.
But here's the rub (and the part they don't speak out loud). Part of why you pay us the big bucks is for doing something for you, which you may not even realize we do, but is a big deal. This is -making a better engineering decision - decisions which involve factors like how something fails, that is actually more important than when it takes a crap.
This matters. Learn more about pots if you’re curious by reviewing this;
DS505BLHV
Next, let's step up the price ladder to $99.99 with the DS505BLHV servo. You'll recall from the decoder ring, this means it outputs 505oz-in (a 25% increase in torque) and has a far superior brushless motor. What's better about it? It lasts about 5X longer, is what. Brushless motors are a big deal.
Moreover, transiting in 0.10sec/60° versus 0.15sec/60°, you basically get about a 50% improvement in transit speed. This is performance that blows the DS8711 out of the water! But there's more because the servo also features a MUCH stronger all-alloy case. How strong is it really?
- The DS505BLHV, in addition to being made of aluminum has steel inserts
So how about I let a brief article about repairing the DS505 speak for this servo? Reason is, a fellow sent a couple in for repair that had had a traumatic experience. And in we took pictures of the process because we felt it reflected what we offered fairly well.
So instead of hiding from the damage (after all, nothing is indestructible), we're actually pretty proud of the lick they took and how they held up. Enough so, we don't mind showing you! Review this;
And by the way, the DS630BLHV, the next standard size servo up the price food-chain is built the exact same way as the DS505 (it should be, it's the same servo - just a different motor). So this article will speak for the $119.99 DS630, the one outputting 56% more torque than the DS8711. Both the DS505 and DS630 have the goodness of the all-alloy case, the brushless motor, and the all-steel gear train! Simply better servos by any measure.
DS355CLHV & DS405BLHV
The next two servos are mini-class, one priced the same as the DS505 and the other between the DS505 and just below the DS630 price-wise at $109.99. And they output 355oz-in and 405oz-in, respectively.
Again, one's about comparable to the DS8711 on 4.8V and the other on 6V. And despite being minis, you can install them where standard servos fit by using a Mini2standard alloy adapter, a 3g bit of 6061-T6 that screws into the airframe where a standard servo fits, and to which you then install the mini - easy peasy!
These are part number PDRSSM2S and as usual, clicking the link opens the product in a new browser tab instead of jumping to a new page, e.g. meaning you lose your place!
So the DS355CLHV mini transits in 0.077sec/60° and the DS405BLHV transits in just 0.05sec/60°. Again, both have all-alloy cases, and all-steel gears. Plus the S355 is a low profile that goes a mere 44g while the DS405 goes 55g - significantly less than the DS8711. If the low profile matters, then it matters, and if it doesn't then it doesn't. So we're about giving you alternatives but you're always the decision maker.
So what makes both of these puppies better for you than the DS8711? Simple, lower weight, significantly faster transit speed, and great price. Remember, if you're into IMAC, you don't really care too much about transit speed but if you're into XA-maneuvers, you definitely do.
Only thing about a mini versus a standard class servo is gear size. Since the servos are smaller, their gears are smaller too. As a matter of physics, this means they're going to be less durable when carrying the same load. Means less durable when engine vibration is a factor.
No, not a defect in the product, different purpose in life. Same reason a football coach has a 200lb halfback that runs the 40 in 4.3sec and a heavier/slower fullback that goes 240lbs/4.6sec 40yds). Both carry the ball but when he needs a yard for 1st down against a stout defense, he sends the fullback to tote the rock, instead.
Point being, when it comes to using a mini instead of a standard, you've gotta pick your battle. Here's an example, Baker Hart of Petaluma, CA a gray beard who realized something important, and thought around corners to accomplish his goal - building an ultra lightweight 3D model because the less weight it carries, the more agile!
To do this, he focused on grams because as all competition pilots know, grams become ounces!
So beyond models optimized for XA-maneuvers, what other types of models rely on powerful minis, which are as powerful as the good old JR DS8711? Well, how about scale models. Serious efforts, too.
Examples of users specifying this DS355CLHV low-profile super-mini include Bret Becker. If you're unaware, he quite notably used ProModeler servos throughout his model. But right now, we're talking about his useof DS355CLHV to drive the flaps of his self-designed molded carbon fiber (and Top Gun event overall wining) reproduction of the Lockheed U-2.
- Tucked away, discretely hidden the DS355CLHV in Dr. Becker's U-2 model
And as an aside, because there were a few scale modelers who espoused sour grapes at his using an EDF powered model instead of a turbine, he made monkeys of them by winning the title of Mr. Top Gun with his U-2 . . . two years running!
Major point being, Dr. Becker very intelligently used what we offered in a low-profile super mini to build a championship caliber model. We're honored to have played a small role.
- Just look at the hardware accorded the man who wins all the marbles!
Recapping
Bottom line? If you pick your battles, then you can definitely use a
super mini in models, which might surprise you.
So what's left? Well, the kick ass servo priced along the lines of the DS8711 at $140 is our DS635BLHV. Again, brushless, all-alloy, steel gears. This servo is a beast.
DS635BLHV
We take pride in our servos. Enough so, to show you their guts instead of just the outside which is all our competitors share.
For example, our BLS2 servos like the DS635BLHV (what we recommend for pilots proficient in XA-maneuvers who are willing to pony up the $140 a DS8711 went for back in the day) are built to a higher standard. They're just more ruggedly than competing servos. And it shows.
Since talk is cheap, you should know, we competitor's servos, disassemble them and show you how they're made by juxtaposing them with on e ours (because you can run but no hide).
The Savox SB-2290SG is a great example of a popular servo priced at $140 like ours, which is well regarded for good reason, it's a pretty darn good servo. But surprising nobody, we think ours is better.
Proof? Eyeball the next few photos where we show you ours has larger bearing, larger gears, larger diameter shafts, and more. Added to which, ours meet three MIL-STDS.
Also take note (in the next photo) of the use of hardpoints within the alloy of the case (where the bores for the shafts are fitted). The purpose of these is to spread the loads so when a servo is stressed over and over and over again, the bores don't become egg-shaped. If the holes aren't round, then the gear mesh shifts slightly, understand?
Thing is, once this happens, because aluminum doesn't heal, the servo is toast and gear wear accelerates. If you've ever wondered why in Hell you can't get more than a season out of a set of servo gears, this is why!
Worse still, buying a new set of gears is a temporary fix because the root of the problem is the case! So to make it like new again, you also need to replace said case. This makes the repair uneconomical. By design? Not for us to say but that's what it amounts to.
- Note, this photo is from a few years back, we switched to steel from bronze for this servo
But there's more, a lot more, like bearing size. Ours is larger so once again, we're spreading the loads more resulting in lower pressure loadings and thus, we're better protecting the case. Or put another way, protecting *your* investment!
And it's true, we make a big deal about our servos meeting MIL-STDS but shock and vibration are a big deal to our military customers. Maybe it should be a big deal to you, also. Especially when there's maybe $3000-4000 riding on things, eh? So we're more generous with the potting compound, too.
Our servo arm recommendations are a mixed lot.
Say you'll need the same arms for ailerons and elevator surfaces, plus a double arm for the rudder like in this next photo, plus an arm for throttle (and maybe choke). This one (below) is a tad over 4-5/8" ball-to-ball to deliver the monster throw required for gonzo nuts CA-class maneuvers.
So for wild 3D, you want our longest arms. Thin is, that whole set up (XA, or 3D) is the opposite of a smooth IMAC style or mild 3D. Instead, of the IMAC or pattern-setup where you are trying to create juuuust enough throw to complete the maneuver, for 3D you want to engage in full on post-stall maneuvers where there's +30° of throw. Requires really long servo arms.
These arms are MUCH too long for mild 3D and IMAC because the point of using these with a model is to get loads of throw. Precision goes out the window when you're performing the harshest of aerobatics. And because of how long they are, then you'll see the gear train backlash magnified at the ends of the control surfaces (not that it changes based on servo arm length). So what you're seeing is because of the use of long levers. Taking it to an extreme, if you used a servo arm 36" long, then you'd see more than an inch of movement at the end (e.g. the backlash), but it's the same servo, so the backlash is unchanged (so it's a visual artifact).
What's more, these super long servo arms are a terrible choice for an IMAC pilot because the model will lack precision, which is of no concern for flying the hard XA maneuvers hard chargers perform, capisce? So don't let some idiot who doesn't know his ass from a hole in the ground see the backlash magnified due to long levers at play who doesn't understand they simply change perception - heads up - this is down to physics!
What else? When it comes to powering your servos, an old school battery pack or an ESC might be risky. You need to bring your thinking into the present and begin to think beyond voltage and think in terms of current flow. What do we mean? Simple . . . read the specs and use your brain. This means assess what the specs are *really* saying and what it means to you and your model.
Power to the people
For example, every single ProModeler servo gives detailed specification. And not just child’s level torque and speed, but by delving deep and presenting really detailed specifications. Ones broken down into five voltage ranges.
So if you look, you’ll see the performance of our servos is detailed at 5V, 6V, 6.6V, 7.4V, and 8.4V. These correspond to a 4-cell NiCd/NiMH and 5-cell NiCds/NiMH). Yes, old school chemistry but still favored by some.
The 6.6V is for the users who favor easy to live with A123 type battery packs (LFP, LiFePO4, or Lithium-Iron-Phosphate).
Meanwhile 7.4V is the domain of LiIon packs while 8.4V is for fresh off charge LiPo or synthetic derived sources like BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuits). What’s the IMPORTANT number?
- Current, denoted in Amperage, or abbreviated A.
And take note, performance varies based on voltage. This is not a brand thing, it's down to physics. Maybe you like 6.6V of the A123 packs because they're easier to live with (I do, I prefer flat out them). Thing is, at 6.6V the DS505 is delivering about 450oz-in instead of 505oz-in. So you need to *think* about these things, also, when selecting the best servo for you and your model. You can't play checkers, you need to think around corners and play chess. Don't be like rookies who focus on just torque at max voltage without consideration for which chemistry they prefer using!
Major point being, if you eyeball the current draw when stalled (meaning the exact point when the servo is delivering rated power), for the DS505 it’s 5.8A at 8.4V. Multiply that times how many servos in the model, and bearing in mind what engineers think of most (the worst case scenario), then it becomes bloody obvious a battery pack with a single 3.5A power lead won’t cut it. In truth, the freebie BEC built into most 6S ESC probably won't either. Just saying, OK?
Look, it's a hobby, not your job. You can take the time before deciding to learn more by reviewing these brief articles.
Is this a lot to read? Yes, but what's your alternative? A forum where you may actually be interacting with some 12 y/o, or maybe a keyboard warrior with thousands of posts in his history but who is merely rehashing old wives tales?
Anyway, and succinctly, each power lead (DuPont connector whether branded JR, Futaba, Spektrum, or the Universal we use) is rated at 3.5A continuous. As it happens, deciding to use a battery pack with a single lead is a questionable decision regardless of what you’ve always heard or done.
Not trying to scare you, just want you to ponder long and hard what the risks are of doing things the way it's always been done. We're in a new world when minis make north of 400oz-in, and even more so withstandard class servos producing +1100oz-in.
Remember, torque and speed doesn't materialize out of thin air. It takes current to make things move. The days of servos that consumed a few hundred milliamps are history!
Word to the wise, eh?
Also, please remember, we live in a litigious society and despite AMA insurance of $250,000, you’re going to be on the hook financially for far more than you can imagine if you ever find yourself in a courtroom nervously sipping from a glass of lukewarm water whilst swallowing hard and sitting in the witness box while serious questions are barked at you by a lawyer. Like, 'Sir, what were you 'thinking' when you supplied insufficient current for your model’s avionics?'
This, because despite your best efforts, you miscalculated a maneuver and stuffed your model through someone’s windshield thereby killing their wife - added to which, you're also going to be personally devastated because said woman, minding her own business crocheting a baby blanket for her granddaughter, a) didn't deserve it, and b) you didn't mean to do it, either, and c) she was your best friend's wife! Could be a seriously heavy emotional load - take my meaning?
After all, we’re flying models, and while some may view them as just toys for big boys, any in no way are they less lethal at 6lbs @ 88fps (60mph) when possessed of far *more* kinetic energy than a .45 caliber bullet (115 grains, or 0.26 oz) traveling at 800fps . . . understand?
Current consumption (amp draw) is serious stuff so use your head because we’re not kids playing with toys regardless of how some may look at it.
Major point being, these new high voltage servos make significant current demands. More than servos from back in the day like the DS8711. And this is 100% true as well for our better quality competitor's, like the very nice;
. . . so high current demand is not just an issue with ProModeler, but with all high performance minis - because it's physics - not opinion!
So measures like using built-in BECs, which work fine for toy-like foamy ARFs equipped with cheapo servos won't necessarily be best practice when dealing with high performance models of the caliber of these by AJ Models, Extreme Flight, Pilot RC, and OMP - not when equipped with high performance servos, understand? You must have your head fully engaged!
Anyway, we offer a standalone BEC by Castle that has two power leads instead of one. It’ll do the job (delivering more than the 3.5A a single lead is rated for) if you fly electric powered models and have a phobia against maintaining a dedicated battery pack for your model. And remember, it doesn't matter if the BEC is rated for 8A or 800A because the connection for delivering that current to the receiver only flows through a 3.5A connector! You must have at least two of these to get enough current for these types of models equipped with high performance servos.
Note; if you’re fine with a dedicated avionics battery, we offer them ranging from 650-6000mAh, each with four leads. Four?
Yes, four leads because these packs have a pair of DuPont connectors, each capable of delivering 3.5A to your receiver simultaneously, so 7A without heat build up (continuously, and in our opinion, this is enough).
There’s also a balance connector (for the charger to monitor the state of charge of each cell as it does it’s thing). Plus an XT30 (rated at 30A) via a 16AWG lead, which is actually what we use for charge/discharge purposes to minimize wear and tear on the DuPont connectors.
These all share silicone jacketing material, the soft supple stuff that is so flexible and resists abrasion. Basically, the best packs money can buy.
Anyway, when it comes to powering your control subsystem, it would sure be a shame to pony up for the best of the best model airplane-wise, ditto motor, ESC, servos, etc. and then take a shortcut in the power department because nobody told you about modern day servo current requirements. Consider yourself informed. Heads up, eh?
Closing and summary
So wrapping this up, we've discussed seven possible alternatives to what was once, the best servo money could buy, the Japan Radio (JR) DS8711 Ultra Torque. But what was once a big deal torque and speed-wise, is now ordinary. What cost fro them in 2006 $140 would be selling for over $200 adjusted for inflation.
But ProModeler offer you seven alternatives ranging from $50 to the same $140, today.
- DS635BLHV - $139.99
- DS630BLHV - $119.99
- DS505BLHV - $99.99
- DS415BLHV - $89.99 (polymer/alloy)
- DS405BLHV - $109.99 (55g brushless mini-class)
- DS360DLHV - $49.99 (polymer/alloy)
- DS355CLHV - $89.99 (44g low-profile mini)
What's more, we beat inflation because for what would have been $92 back then (today $140), we offer you better servos, better built, from better component parts and simply kill our competitors product-wise and price-wise. And it's not magic, it's down to our business model.
You see, the other guys sell to distributors who make 25% selling to the hobby shops who make 40% on top of that. And you pay for them to merely touch the product whilst having zero to do with actual production. Not with us. And note, neither the distributor nor the hobby dealer is screwing you, it's just what it costs to run distribution and retail stores. Fact.
Buying your servos from ProModeler means you cut out these middlemen. To be honest, just like we took a page from JR and their DS8711 when designing our polymer/alloy servos by using bronze inserts to reinforce the plastic cases, we similarly took a page from Amazon, too. From them we learned folks will buy what they haven't touched if it's offered for a fair price and delivered quickly.
So which of these seven servos is best for you? The answer as always is . . . it depends.
Any further questions, suggestion for this article, etc. then just reach out to me at 407-302-3361, or via email: info@promodeler.com