Some models being discontinued?

[PeteStewardson]

So curtis enterprises have the Rave Ballistic 635, Rave ENV Nitro, and the Rave Env Electric Flybar all on sale. Fast lads only stock the remaining Ballistic 700 and ENV Electric FBL so I'm guessing from these tit-bits of evidence that the others are likely to be discontinued and CYE are selling up the remaining stock. I guess the flybar models going is no huge surprise, I don't think the 635 was ever a big seller, but the Nitro?

[SaneAdam]

So curtis enterprises have the Rave Ballistic 635, Rave ENV Nitro, and the Rave Env Electric Flybar all on sale. Fast lads only stock the remaining Ballistic 700 and ENV Electric FBL so I'm guessing from these tit-bits of evidence that the others are likely to be discontinued and CYE are selling up the remaining stock. I guess the flybar models going is no huge surprise, I don't think the 635 was ever a big seller, but the Nitro?

The 635 has been discontinued for a while now. As you say, i don't think it was ever a big seller. I loved my Ballistic. It wasn't cheap though in comparison to other models.

I also think they suffered from not really updating the models aesthetically…. although i personally love the old fashion design of the Raves, i think the general masses prefer Goblins and other super sleek low profile models now. The Raves were kinda left behind in the arms race for customers

[Raptormad2]

Not many rave 450 spares about either I have a few so I best not crash, as I only have 1 spare boom left and there is none in stock anywhere.

[PeteStewardson]

Yeah, I still have a few rave 450 spares that I kept hold of in case I bought another one. Loving my Chase 360 though.

[PeteStewardson]

The 635 has been discontinued for a while now. As you say, i don't think it was ever a big seller. I loved my Ballistic. It wasn't cheap though in comparison to other models.

I also think they suffered from not really updating the models aesthetically…. although i personally love the old fashion design of the Raves, i think the general masses prefer Goblins and other super sleek low profile models now. The Raves were kinda left behind in the arms race for customers

Sadly I think you're right on them being left behind. It's a shame as the Rave 450 was always a 350mm blade swinging heli, all CYE needed to do was tweak it a bit with stronger frames, release a different canopy or something and bundle it with a 6s motor and it would have been right up there with the Align 450L and X3 etc. It's a shame they didn't think of doing it.

I'm not sure they've been mainly left behind for any other reason than lack of marketing. It's all about the buzz these days and CYE didn't really do that ever.

[SaneAdam]

I'm not sure they've been mainly left behind for any other reason than lack of marketing. It's all about the buzz these days and CYE didn't really do that ever.

True… but even with marketing i would still say the old fashioned designs and relatively plain canopy themes let them down and people want something a bit more visually exciting and lets face it…. "fashionable" That is what is at the crux of it. They are not in fashion anymore

Sab and Align excel at making fashionable visually attractive models. Mostly in a canopy sense more than anything. Whatever you say about Align, IMO you can't deny they have striking stock canopies in the kits. Very visible in the air….

They also keep things new and exciting (in a consumer sense) constantly refreshing things so that new comers to the hobby are aways going to gravitate towards the fashionable models of the moment. More seasoned experienced pilots tend to ignore trends and take them for what they are… trends. But CY helicopters are not going to get a look in with new flyers when they are competing with Align and Sab and other more current companies. I agree Pete, the marketing power of Sab and Align will play a huge role vs Raves more low key approach.

People may criticise Align for the fact they constantly change and update things. Sab are moving at a similar rate. But objectively speaking you can see why new flyers see glossy canopies and sleek low profile designs as the standard because that is what is fashionable. They will see the Rave as old looking and clunky no matter how much marketing it gets

[PeteStewardson]

True… but even with marketing i would still say the old fashioned designs and relatively plain canopy themes let them down and people want something a bit more visually exciting and lets face it…. "fashionable" That is what is at the crux of it. They are not in fashion anymore

Sab and Align excel at making fashionable visually attractive models. Mostly in a canopy sense more than anything. Whatever you say about Align, IMO you can't deny they have striking stock canopies in the kits. Very visible in the air….

They also keep things new and exciting (in a consumer sense) constantly refreshing things so that new comers to the hobby are aways going to gravitate towards the fashionable models of the moment. More seasoned experienced pilots tend to ignore trends and take them for what they are… trends. But CY helicopters are not going to get a look in with new flyers when they are competing with Align and Sab and other more current companies. I agree Pete, the marketing power of Sab and Align will play a huge role vs Raves more low key approach.

People may criticise Align for the fact they constantly change and update things. Sab are moving at a similar rate. But objectively speaking you can see why new flyers see glossy canopies and sleek low profile designs as the standard because that is what is fashionable. They will see the Rave as old looking and clunky no matter how much marketing it gets

Completely agree really. Introduce a few sexy canopy choices, market more, and I suspect the Rave helis would be popular again. As you say Align and SAB have it right in these respects and that's why they sell well.

[tomatwalden]

Perhaps Curtis was too busy doing his CP quad ?

[PeteStewardson]

Well the CYE Facebook page has been nothing but Stingray for over a year. So you are probably right there.

[DaveG]

It does'nt look they are being discontinued at all, just appears to be a special offer which is no doubt they are wanting to clear some stock.

CYE has been very quiet with things other than his stingray quad, it is a shame really as i really loved my rave env when i had it but they got side tracked with the quads and forgot about the helicopters. I am still waiting on the Gov sensor bracket that was missing from the nitro kit. Not sure if they ever got them finished and out to everyone that bought kits. The 450 rave was ahead of its time when only now other 450's are using 350 blades and 6s packs. they really should have updated this model.

Dave