Storm Launcher Finally Here
One of the early creators of the Hydro Foam prototype, Michael Connally, created a video that hit the industry at a rapid pace.
A handful of true hobbiests were clever enough to build their own versions from scratch, and Chinese manufacturers tried to mass produce ARF (almost ready to fly) kits and be first to market.
Everyone wondered why Connally's video inspired so many people, yet he had not produced a single unit for almost 2 yrs.
My hunch is that he held out for the big bucks, developing a kit that could retail at $69.99 and would be ready for the holiday 2006 season, and invested his time into distribution through Walmart, Target, and other high volume channels.
The new Web site at www.stormlauncher.com (a link from www.michaelconnally.com) is a cool Flash-based site
with choreographed music and a rotating model, offering links to the retailers. Retail price ranges from $69 to $79, and the age requirements ranges from 6-12. Can you imagine a 6 yr old flying this around??The StormLauncher video is also one of those things... AS IF the production unit was actually used in the video. It's like most RC toys you see on TV... they do all this cool stuff, then when you bring it home, it doesn't really perform. (but now I stand corrected below)
But heck, for $69, and a $25 LiPo battery, you're at budget for your 'big' present for Chrismukah.
Places to Buy the Storm Launcher:
 |  |
so - is the storm launcher the way to go (who is selling the lipo battery for $25 by the way?) - or is the hobbytron.com hydrobalsa the way to go? what are the differences and what is going to be the best bang for the buck?
Thanks!
Posted by Eric Jensen | 6:20 PM
FYI: That is a production unit in the video. There are two changes, the prop gaurds were removed for the whole thing, and for some of it, the rear horizomtal was removed for some stunts, but that's it. Most people won't have the skill to do all many of the stunts, but each production piece is capable of doing all of them.
Posted by cold | 11:18 AM
FYI: That is a production unit in the video. There are two changes, the prop gaurds were removed for the whole thing, and for some of it, the rear horizomtal was removed but that's it. No hopped up motors or radios. Most people won't have the skill it takes to do all the stunts, but every piece off the line is capable of all of it. And there's only one shot in that video that is sped up. It's an underwater shot, you wouldn't even notice.
Posted by cold | 11:21 AM
The $25 battery, I'm just quoting from the Walmart link - oops, sorry, that would be $29.97. http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5075214
As for the production unit being the one in the video... that is pretty darn impressive. Is a 2 channel setup?
Posted by Hydroflyer | 11:53 AM
so - what you are saying is that storm launcher for $100 can do everything that the others can do for $250?
yes - is it a 2 channel? will walmart have them in store - or is it only order online for Aug 4? anyone know?
Posted by Eric Jensen | 9:06 AM
It is a 3 channel radio.
Yes it does every thing in the web site video. I know because I was the one flying it. They were production models taking straight out of the box. Only the prop guards were removed. Some had the horizontal removed also in some shots because it makes them more maneuverable for pros, but is by no means necessary. They will be widely available at all major retail outlets in October. There is a small online pre sale that went on but the are almost out of them already.
Posted by UAV | 10:43 AM
I am interested in promoting these hydro foams at a National Boat racing competition held at Raging Waters in San Jose, CA in 2007. This will be a huge 8 day event attracting more than 200 expert boating RCers racing near 1000 boats in 32 hull and engine classifications with 2500 spectators a day. If someone has contact information to this guy please email me at rogerh@hookscity.com
Posted by MarketMind | 2:47 PM
Toys R Us stinks - don't order from them - they send you the battery pack, charge you for the full shipping (as if they had also sent the storm launcher) - then CANCEL your storm launcher order! They are 10 years behind on their website after separating from amazon.com this summer!
Posted by Eric Jensen | 6:16 PM
Oh geez, yet another wanna-be etailer. There's a reason they were going down the tubes... and sure, we can blame finer etailers but service like this sure stinks!
Posted by Hydroflyer | 1:49 AM
There's These New ones in the market, really fast and power ones. You can get them at www.CubeBerry.com
Posted by Anonymous | 11:49 AM