"OK This is an update of a review I posted about a week ago. I finally heard back from Helipal who were very apologetic and claimed that all my attempts to get help had fallen through the cracks and had been overlooked rather than ignored. They let me have the information I needed and I am now FINALLY flying my equipment.
I suppose that as I get more knowledgeable I shant need be as concerned about technical support as I am now. But until Helipal starts taking newbies to the world of RC seriously I would suggest that anyone just wanting to get started shopping for equipment, particularly more advanced equipment, consider somewhere closer to home that offers better instructions, manuals/videos etc.
There is a lot to like about Helipal, they have a great range of products and good prices on many (though not ALL) items. My original review basically concerned customer support issues which have largely been resolved - you can read it below.
I have spent in excess of $1400 with this company over the last few weeks and as promised shipping was very prompt.
After my first order which consisted of a Storm 6 GPS system I decided to go ahead and order the SD8 camera gimbal as my purpose for buying this is primarily for photography. I had had a couple of issues assembling my Storm Drone so I specifically requested that all necessary instructions for installation be shipped with the gimbal, as I could find no detailed information on their website. I received the gimbal a few days later with NO instructions at all. I tried to follow the vague info on their website for installation but with no success. I have emailed their support dept 4 times over the last week with NO response and NO help. I have over a $1000 worth of helicopter stuff on my kitchen table which I would love to use but so far I cant solve my problem.
So here is my request to Helipal. GET YOUR CUSTOMER SERVICE SORTED! Yes you seem to sell some nice stuff and yes you ship promptly. But while I could get almost no help from you with my questions I was able to chat with a representative from HOBBYPARTZ for 30 minutes before I even ordered anything.
I explained to Helipal that I was not an RC expert and that I needed some basic help with setup etc. but Helipal is slow and not easily reachable with its customer support and I dont recommend buying from them unless you are absolutely sure that you are comfortable calibrating, installing and troubleshooting everything you buy with no instructions and minimal guidance or support from Helipal."
"I made a purchase over Helipal of a Tarot 2D Gimbal to be used on my DJI Phantom, when I received the item I realized it was incorrect so I contacted Helipal via email and they were very responsive, after exchanging a few emails with their customer support they proactively offered to ship me the correct item. They exceeded my expectations for their customer service and I can say that I am very happy with the resolution of this case, which makes me confident not only to keep buying from Helipal, but also to recommend it to my fellow hobbyists. Thanks Helipal you Rock!"
"I have placed orders with Helipal for helicopters and parts. My decision was based on reviewing many different vendors and their websites. I chose Helipal based on their well laid out web pages and the availability of products I wanted to purchase. When I placed my orders, I received concise and prompt Email verifications and alerts. Both orders have been delivered in well packed and protected boxes, delivered by very reputable Delivery Services. I will continue placing orders with Helipal. I am very satisfied with their professional service."
"HeliPal is a great company. The staff is always on the job and they take care of everything in a professional manner. Because of their service and low prices they are my premier hobby supply source. I have never had to return anything but I am sure it would be no problem. They are great!"
"since helipal has switched to dhl shipping my parcels are arriving much sooner than before... all orders have been accurate and on time delivery..."
"Very nice seller.The product seems Fantastic, . I do not assembled yet but All the process and communication is fine. thanks"
"I live in Kansas City, Kansas, and I was completely blown away on how quickly my package arrived. I got am email saying the package had left Hong Kong on a Saturday. It arrived in the U.S. the next day (Sunday) and the package was at my door on Monday. The shipment took a total of 3 days!!! I couldn't believe it. My package was no small package either. It was a quad with an FPV package weighing roughly 14 lbs. I have read a lot of accounts of packages taking up to 3+ weeks coming from China to the U.S. and this took 3 days."
"Helipal was the best at getting my parts to me as quick as possible.from fri to mon ..3 days!!!..helped me get my heli back in the air, so I can crash again..lol.helipal sent me an email to let me know the progress of my shipment.that is what a customer expects. On a scale of 1 to 10...I give helipal an11....thanks helipal you will be getting a lot more of my business. "
"Had a few issues at first with a drone we ordered, but HeliPal rushed a replacement to us. "
"I have been saving for a while to get the Storm Drone 4. When I finally saved up enough money, I went on line and placed my order. It was very simple . when I learned that the order was placed to a business in Hong Kong, I thought it would take forever to get here. And I fered that the package would be damaged and hung up somewhere in customs. But thank goodness I was wrong. I received my Storm Drone in 4 days, I would have gotten it in three but it didn't make the truck on the third day. When I received the package it was in perfect shape. I opened it and there it was, just what I had been waiting for for a long time. Everything was intact and it worked great. They were right about flying right out of the box.The first day I had a few problems flying it, and I would suggest for any beginners ,like me, to buy spare parts like propellers, and spare batteries if you enjoy flying these drones. Yes the first day I wanted to see how far it would fly, lost sight of the drone and flew it into a tree.i came back home and ordered replacement blades and spare batteries and had them i days.
The only problem I see, is that they say the batteries should charge in 1 to 11/2 hours. My batteries are taking 12 hours to charge."
"Disappointed with customer service from Helipal, ordered V12 heli, received same promptly, first flight dropped power, contacted them they said faulty power board, they sent new power board, wrong one, now one month and still no resolution ."
"I loved the ease of service with your company. I will be doing a lot more business with you in the future."
"I have places 2 orders at Helipal. Helipal sent my orders quickly after I ordered. The first order I already got in 6 working days, unfortunately the 2nd was here (Netherlands) after 18 working days. But Helipal was not to blame for that because they sent the items quickly after I ordered. Also the packaging was very good. And helipal's response to my emails was quick and good. I will order from helipal again. Also a good thing of Helipal is that all items are always in stock and Helipal is very reliable. I would really reccomend Helipal."
"Great product!!!! can't get it here in the States. ABSOLUTE PROFFESIONAL, COURTEOUS, CLEAR CONCISE communications, in ENGLISH, not CHINEGLISH!!!
Fast shipping. I got this product to the US and at my door for less money than a "comparable" Hitec unit just right down the street. I will start ordering from China (HeliPal) more often with service like this. I got unit in 4 days from China, works like it should.
Robert Hassenpflug
***-***-**** cell"
"Hi,you guys!
Is here anyone deleting comments or to change the topic?
This could really be fantastic.Isn't it?
http://www.rctophobby.com"