Invaluable source for the metro Des Moines scale modeler, whether you are interested in cars, trucks, planes, tanks, or other assorted military and civilian vehicles. Hobby Haven carries a broad selection of model kits, many of which you can't get anywhere else in town. Yes, some kits at Hobby Haven you can buy cheaper at other stores, but you won't get the selection, the expertise - or the service. And if Hobby Haven doesn't carry what you want, they can often order it for you, so you don't have the hassle and cost of mail-order shipping. In addition, you won't find a better one-stop place to shop for adhesives; modeling tools of all kinds; paint; after-market stuff like tires, decals, and photo-etch; and more plastic sheeting and plastic shapes than you can shake an X-Acto knife at. The staff knows their stuff and are friendly and easy to work with. No matter what you want to create a replica of, Hobby Haven has what you need to make scale models you can display proudly. Take it from a long-time customer - you owe it to yourself to visit Hobby Haven. If not for modeling, then for their slot cars, electric trains, RC cars and planes, drones, and other amusements that make hobbyists (and kids) jump for joy. read more

I agree completely with the sentiments provided by the reviewer James Z. previously. Hobby Haven has an outstanding product selection/inventory and if something isn't available, they will help locate and order it for you. The consignment services are great too - for both buyers and sellers - I personally LOVE that they do this. Most importantly, in my opinion, is the friendly and extremely helpful service Rick, Ryan and the rest of the staff provide. They are honest, fair and never try to up-sell. They are hobbyists themselves with years of experience, so they know the products inside and out and they know what works and doesn't. Further, when it comes to model building (specifically RC planes in my experience), their input and advice can be invaluable. I've been a frequent customer of theirs since the 80's and have always enjoyed my visits. I have NEVER had anything short of a great experience there. I couldn't recommend them more. Thanks HH! read more

I have been a customer of Hobby Haven since 1973 and I visit the store several times per week. The service that I get and that I have seen other customers get has been great. They have gone out of their way to get me the supplies that I need and have been a great resource for me and the RC hobbyist in the area. They have supported local RC events and offer RC car racing during the summer and fall months. The experience that Nick W talks about is not what I have observed in the 40 plus years that I have been going there. The quality of the merchandise and support has always been good and the only Chinese Junk that I have ever seen at Hobby Haven was a scale model boat kit that was sold at least three years ago. read more

This store does not welcome American Express card holders. The owner Rick Marble is so worried he is going to get a charge back, he will make you feel extremely uncomfortable at the checkout counter if you pull out your AMEX card. He must be worried about charge backs because he is carrying low quality - junk built over seas. I certainly recommend staying far away from this store. Why would a store owner not welcome an American Express card holder who statistically spends 30% more than a Visa/MC holder? Especially when the rates to process an AmEx are now the same as a Visa/MC when you ask your credit card processor for OptBlue Rates! Horrible experience, never going back!!! read more

Great people to deal with. I was there Yesterday with my Traxxas Bandit. The gentleman found my problem right away and it was no charge. I really thank him for that. Very knowledgeable. I will be going back soon to purchase another Traxxas product i know that. I was noticed the minute i walked through the door and greeted with a nice smile and helped me right away. Awesome staff. They give you time to look around also and decide if you would need help. Great stall. Thank you all, Larry Benedict Milo,Iowa read more

Great place to get name brand Hobby Grade products like Associated, TLR, Losi, Traxxas Lionel, Estes , Walters etc etc. They have always been helpful and make in easy to enjoy my hobby. I noticed on a previous review that a guy was mad they didn't take American Express. I find it odd that a American Express employee would badmouth a business.. Does not seem very professional for American Express to have their employees bad mouth places. Anyway they take my money and cards so it's all good to me!! read more

This review is long overdue. Owner Rick Marble and all of his staff are the most knowledgable and friendly folks imaginable. Regardless of whether you are an experienced RC'er/scale modeler or a novice, like me, they are very accommodating and go out of their way to assist and educate. They are an invaluable resource and I very much appreciate all the help they have given me. I wouldn't consider going anywhere else. Hobby Haven is ground zero for me ! Morey K. read more

Was in Hobby Haven last night. Great ppl there. You can never go wrong going there. If there is any problem with these ppl it pretty much has to be the customer just being an ass as these are some of the best ppl ever to work with. I will go there as much as I can. Too bad some ppl just have to be jerks in this world read more

Best employee's and selection in the Midwest, so happy to have a store like this one, no need to drive to Chicago to get hobby supplies, they have everything you need, and if they are out, special orders is their specialty along with top notch friendly service, and they accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. read more

I have shopped here for 10+ years and love it every time I enter the store. The best people, and best knowledge in town. When shopping Hobby Haven you also support a Iowa family, instead of a big corporation like other shops in town. read more

I love this place! You can buy your vehicle, race, customize, repair your vehicle all right here! Everyone here is helpful and knowledgeable about their products! I highly recommend this place to anyone in the rc hobby! read more

Hobby Haven has been selling Bob Smith Industries adhesives for over 35 years and has consistently been in the top 20 of the over 1500 BSI dealers in the US. read more

I love this place watching the races the nice people and the store. it helped me gain my hobby too. it's also where I got my first hobby-grade RC car read more

Great place the workers were awesome and they actually had great knowledge of everything I needed. I really wish they had a store in my town! read more

Gave me great advice, and even cleaned and repaired my airbrush when I was having trouble with it. Very patient with newbies.