I recently had a problem with some LiPo batteries. I had purchased 5 Spektrum Smart 3 S batteries and 2 Spektrum Smart 6s batteries (all generation 1 - have the balance leads) back in 2022. Due to health issues, I only used a couple of them since I bought them. I stored them this winter after placing all of them at storage charge using my HiTec intelligent chargers. A few weeks ago I checked all of my LiPo batteries to make sure they had held their storage charge. All of my older LiPo batteries, plus one of the newer Smart 3S batteries, had held their charge well. The other 4 Smart 3S batteries and the 2 Smart 6S batteries had self discharged to a point where my voltage checker or charger couldn't recognize they were connected. I emailed Horizon Hobby, not really expecting any results since the batteries were well past their warranty period. A product support person emailed back and said that "The Smart batteries do have a self-discharge feature that will bring a charged battery down to storage charge if shelved long enough. If a battery goes flat sitting at rest with a sufficient storage charge, it may be due to a bad cell that dropped low enough to engage the balance feature of the battery and pulling the other cells down with it." He asked me to send photos of the batteries showing their voltage readings and copies of the receipts and he would see what they could do for me. I used my voltmeter to indicate the voltages of the batteries in the photos (I also included photos of the one good 3S Smart battery plus one of my older batteries that held it's storage charge no problem for comparison sake). A few days after I sent in the photos and copies of the receipts I got an email back from Horizon Hobby stating that although the warranty period had expired they were honouring the warranty and had already shipped out replacements for all of the bad batteries, which just arrived today. So, a few lessons here : #1 - there appears to be a problem with the self-discharge function on some of the Spektrum Smart batteries that Horizon Hobby has become aware of, and is no doubt sorting out in their manufacturing. Due to this potential to self discharge to too low a voltage, I intend to check the storage voltage on these batteries more often than I have done in the past with my other LiPo batteries that have never displayed this issue. As long as the batteries are checked regularly and brought back up to storage level if required, then there shouldn't be an issue with them discharging to the point where they're no longer useful. #2 - I have heard various people badmouthing Spektrum/Horizon Hobby for their products being overpriced or faulty, but I have serious doubts that any other manufacturers would replace their products free of charge over a year beyond their warranty period. This is not the first time that I have experienced excellent customer support from Horizon Hobby. The first plane I purchased from them back in 2018 was a UMX Timber. When it arrived the flaps wouldn't work no matter what I tried. When I contacted Horizon Hobby and described the issue, they simply sent me a new plane at no cost, so in my books this company definitely backs up it's products and deals fairly with customers who have had legitimate problems due to faulty components in the products. #3 - this is more housekeeping, but KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS FOR ALL PURCHASES FILED AWAY IN CASE THEY ARE NEEDED IN FUTURE. read more

Do not, I repeat, do not order from Horizon Hobby. I have been dealing with Horizon for 25 years and issue free. I owned a Hobby shop for 10 years, 8 years ago and probably spent more than 270,000.00 dollars with them. Well Horizon Hobby is a sinking ship at this time. I have said nothing negative about this company until now. My last 3 orders were a nightmare and today is the last straw. The last 3 orders were accepted, on the website it stated item is in stock and will ship in 2 days. Horizon charges your bank account for the full amount, then e mails you 3 days later that the item is backordered and no date for a restock! So I call to ask why was I charged for an item that you do not have? Here's what you get when you call, sorry we no longer have customer service by phone! They instruct you to go to website and e mail them your issue. I tried that, no response yet, 4 days later. The live chat on the website is no longer available. So the plane I ordered is not in stock and may never be back in stock. But these morons are sending me 3 lipo batteries and connecters i ordered with the plane! wtf? I tried cancelling the order 3 times, but no success. Mean while you are out the money you spent and no product. I waited 2 weeks for a refund for the Eflite Ultimate I ordered 8 months ago due to it not being in stock, even tho they said it was in stock. So before the customer support was discontinued I spoke to a rep on the phone at Horizon who remembered me from my Hobby Shop. I explained to him what was going on with my last orders. He told me in so many words the place is upside down! One complaint after the other and we can not keep up with it. He said you have no idea what's going on here behind the scenes! Now that Horizon bought out Tower thigs are far worse than ever. No one to speak to on phone. No customer service at all. I am still waiting for a refund 8 days later. SO i AM WARNING YOU HORIZON IS DOOMED AND WILL NOT BE AROUND MUCH LONGER. read more

After years of wanting to fly radio control airplanes, I discovered Horizon Hobby in 2019 and after looking at their products and prices, I decided that the hobby could be affordable and enjoyable for me. I made my first purchase from them, and have never regretted it! Since then, I have purchased over 20 planes, three transmitters, and numerous batteries other products from them without any regrets. My radio control flying club also exclusively uses their products to train student pilots due to the reasonable cost, reliability, and quality of products. Have there been manufacturer's defects with some products? Sure, however the customer service staff has ALWAYS been responsive and timely to my communications, and have always been fair and made-good on any issues. When Horizon Hobby began their Elite Club Membership, I was one of the first to purchase Elite membership as it was obvious that the benefits far exceeded the cost. As an Elite member, I receive free two-day shipping on all purchases, extra points on all purchases (which helps me to get reduced prices on future purchases), direct phone support with my Elite customer service representative, and other benefits. The direct phone support is especially valuable as it allows you to develop the same kind of business relationship you would have with a local hobby shop staff. Horizon Hobby's products, prices, and customer service has definitely advanced the hobby of flying radio control model airplanes, and I encourage you to use them for your purchases. read more

I do not often leave reviews, mostly because I always expect the best when spending my dollars, but I have had such a wonderful, above and beyond my expectations experience being a Horizon Hobby Elite member, and have been so impressed the the personal representative they assigned me Joseph C., I find I must take the time to urge any reader who sees this to spend the money to become a Horizon Hobby "Elite" member. You simply need to experience it to understand it's value. Horizon is a great asset for the hobby, and their Elite Membership is the best money you can spend in the hobby. Every year I reap far more than the cost for the membership. Any time I need an answer I get it within minutes. If a return is needed a simple E-male makes it happen. When trying to make a decision about something they offer advice that has been proven to be successful. I know it cost a bit of money to be an Elite member, but I know they are there to make sure I am enjoying my hobby. The best way to describe having an Elite Membership is it is as close as it comes to having your best friend own a hobby shop. Please consider becoming an Elite member, it is the best way I know of to experience the very best of the hobby. read more

It's not Horizon Hobby's fault that YOU broke your toy the first time you played with it. Everyone should know that's not how things work in a capitalistic system. I learned that in 1986 in 6th grade when I got my first RC car. So if a Kid can figure it out so can you!!!!!! My experience goes like this. One of the many RC cars I have purchased recently lost a part of the body the VERY first time I took it out. I searched the web for a part number but couldn't find one that matched what the manual listed. So I messaged Horizon in search of a Part number so I could buy the new part. After being transferred a few times I started to get a little upset. (even wrote a sarcastic reply back) I didn't know why I was getting transferred and why I needed to provide proof of payment. Either way...they ended up just sending out the part for free. (that's why they wanted the receipt) So in my book that is great customer service. They could have communicated a little better during the process but at the end of the day what they did was OVER AND ABOVE. I would never expect a company to pay for and send me free parts for a toy that I broke. Thank you Horizon Hobby!!!! read more

I love Horizon Hobby. Horizon is just a name, but a business is made of people, and the people that make up Horizon are exceptional folks. Every now and then, stuff happens. I make mistakes, people make mistakes, stuff gets damaged or broken. What sets us apart is how we respond and manage those occasions. I have never been disappointed in the service provided on those rare events. I received 3 servos in an order and one did not work. The representative immediately sent me a new replacement. I received a long awaited Timber Evolution only to find the box had been dropped and the plane had been damaged. Again, the rep immediately sent out a new plane. On and on; the attention to customer satisfaction and the technical help is what makes them an excellent business. I waited for a couple of years to join the Elite Club; I wasn't sure if the value would equal the price. Boy, I wish I hadn't waited. Between the added personal touch (which is appreciated) the value and benefits far outweigh the cost of membership. I just renewed for my second year and I couldn't be more pleased. Did I mention that I love Horizon? read more

So Horizon Hobby not only goes out of their way to assist beginning pilots, they basically have paved the way for how remote controlled companies should be ran. There are a multitude of horror stories out there from an RC aircraft, boat, & surface machine standpoint when it comes to the buying/learning process. Horizon Hobby takes the guessing & ignorance out of everything. They give such detailed instructions and assistance that it makes purchasing anywhere else seem un-ideal. I started this hobby purchasing from a HORRIBLE company called BananaHobby.com. They would get negative stars if that were possible but Horizon Hobby assisted me with fixing Banana Hobby's screw ups and even though I still have not been able to fly anything bought from Banana Hobby, Horizon has been able to provide me with valuable information that will make the other company's planes obsolete. Horizon Hobby cares about their customers and it shows when visiting their website. Thank You Horizon for all of the dedication and hard work. It shows and your company will undoubtably grow beyond any of the competitions. read more

I have been purchasing items from HH for more than 5 years now. So I have seen quite a few changes to what HH is able to provide as an online retailer. In the last 12-16 months I have watched HH do what appears to be an overall total overhaul of their shopping experience. It has had its ups and downs, but has finally come out of fire with a much better experience. Shipping has improved, Rewards program has stepped up and Customer Service has supported by the consumer. Products now have much more consistent shipping times, especially as an Elite member. 3-5 business days are not being achieved much more often than in Summer '23. The rewards program has been improving with more options to earn and redeem on products of interest. Last years Gift box for members was a welcomed surprise that I hope they continue to do as well. Customer Service has been quite supportive with questions and support for items that may have shown up damaged (as an example). Replacements have quickly been shipped out to correct the issue. Looking forward to see the continued progress with HH. read more

A big shout out to the folks at Horizon Hobby - Thank you for being an industry leader. I've been a Loyalty Member since the launch, and I must tell you it's well worth the money. Free 2-day shipping, additional loyalty points, incredible response to questions and service. It doesn't get much better. Mike and his team, really care about us and do their best to satisfy our requests, and if they don't have the answer they will direct/contact the proper person to make sure our questions/concerns are taken care of. They even call you back, normally within 24 hours...... I've had good fortune to meet some on Team Horizon Pilots and let say, their top notch and are some of the best pilots out there - David, Rob, Bruce, Patti and a host of others. They take the time to help others when they really don't have the time. They want to fly just like the rest of us. So, in summary, spend a few $'s and join Horizon's "Elite Loyalty Program" and reap the benefits that are offered to members. read more

Horizon Hobby Tech and Product support is second to none. Over the years whenever I have reached out to them for advise concerning an issue with my equipment they always get back to me in a timely manor and always helped me get the problem resolved, whether it was something I did or an equipment issue. I have over twenty something Eflite aircraft, (mostly scale WarBirds). Over the years I've had very few issues, but the few I have had were resolved quickly. That also applies to my Spektrum transmitters and receivers. The times the issue was because of something I did they were not only patient with my questions, but then they provided me with a step by step procedure to resolve the issue. I have to also say they have the most awesome WarBirds out there. they not only look Great but the fly as good as the look. I'm really Happy with them. GOOD JOB Lou L. read more

I have had first hand dealings with this distributor as a retailer. This is my review. The people that run this company are a bunch of pompous executives. They act like they are doing you and the whole hobby industry a favor by even talking to you. I was shorted 150 dollars in goods by this company. Then they wanted me to pay for them, When I refused they cancelled my acct. (after spending tens of thousands of dollars) and started sending bills to my house. Screwed me over for 150 bucks. Till This Day. I deal with many hobby distributors, this company is the worse. They now sell all the R/C stuff that Great Planes , Tower Hobbies and other distributors pass's on. Do your self a favor, if its distributed by Horizion Don't buy it, You will get burned sooner or Latter. The company Stinks. read more

I love Horizon Hobby! I'm an Elite club member and honestly can't say enough good things of how happy I am with them. Sure I pay for a support program, but it's worth every penny. Between an included full flight sim, 30% ANY item coupon, 10% off most parts, and the huge reward point system it's a no brainer! Everything I use from the models, to the radio, tools, wing bags, and even most of my batteries are from them. I love the ecosystem, and on rare occasion something doesn't work I appreciate having a direct line to a fantastic specialized team and they have ALWAYS taken care of issues promptly and more than fairly. 16+ planes, 3 surface vehicles and 2 boats, and nearly EVERYTHING I own and use in the hobby came from them! TIP: Take advantage of the 4X points days to get so much free stuff via reward points! read more

RIP the once-great company known as Horizon Hobby. They've totally destroyed the enormous goodwill they had with the RC community. Now, everyone HATES them. . . truly hates them because they've totally eliminated all sales, customer service, and tech support functions. There is no way to speak to a human being any longer. All their phone numbers tell you to go to Live Chat on their website. But there is no live chat; it's just a "virtual assistant" that tells you to write about your issue/question and someone will email you back within 48 hours. It's now been more than 48 DAYS and I still have not heard back. And they don't even respond to questions on their YouTube videos, even though Tom Cogswell says "leave your questions and comments below": why, Tom? You never respond. This sucks so bad. read more

Horizon Hobby has made my entry into the world of RC planes smooth and enjoyable. Despite a few minor issues, their exceptional customer service quickly resolved them, always being prompt and helpful. The E-Flite planes are perfect for beginners with their simple builds and detailed manuals, which helped make the learning process less intimidating. The Spektrum SMART technology also boosted my confidence, with real-time battery monitoring. Overall, Horizon Hobby's combination of great products and outstanding support makes them my top choice when spending my hobby dollars. If you plan to immerse yourself in the RC hobby like I have, I highly reccomend the Elite membership. It has paid for itself with the extra points earned, Real Flight DLC, other promotions & excellent customer service. read more

My most recent order with Horizon Hobby was on 4/25/24. I pre-ordered 2 Losi NASCAR RCs and a spare NASCAR body. I have been regularly ordering from them for over 5-years now. I have ordered multiple planes, vehicles, boats, transmitters, chargers, batteries, parts, bits, etc. Most orders have been executed flawlessly and in a timely manner. A few have had issues. Every order with an issue has been resolved in a satisfactory manner. Warranty related issues have also been resolved in a satisfactory manner. I have also dealt with the "other" big name RC brands out there. All of them. There is a reason why I keep coming back to Horizon Hobby and remain one of their most loyal customers. They remain my favorite online retailer to deal with and I love their brands. read more

I've bought a variety of rc products from here. Drones, airplanes, cars & trucks. They have a wonderful selection of vehicles to choose from with different skill levels for me or my sons(ages range from 15-6) to play with. I appreciate the hobby level of their products. It's awesome to be able to find parts to upgrade or replace parts that break from normal wear & tear. I find that adds value in my mind. Maybe I could buy something from another company but when it breaks or wears out, can you get parts for it? Also, the warranty support has been amazing with quickly sending replacement parts if something breaks before it's supposed to. A friendly & helpful support staff is a great bonus to keep me coming back to buy more toys for me and my boys. read more

Horizon Hobbies carries the top line RC products you need. For instance, all E-flite planes are rigorously tested by the in-house team to ensure they are selling the best flying planes possible. Paying a little more for a well thought out product is well worth it! They also stand behind them and support the customer through technical assistance the always responds within 48 hours. Being an Elite Club member creates additional benefits such as access to RC specialists and additional opportunities for members only sales and bonus points. The included RealFlight software and yearly quarterly updates balances out the price paid for membership. This is before you consider 10 percent of parts under $50 and free 2 day shipping on most items. read more

Not one for writing reviews but as most folks only do so with a negative experience I figured I would throw my two cents in regarding the good I have experienced with the Horizon/Tower Hobby folks. Several RC plane/component orders over the last few years and with that a couple small issues with product quality.....typical of most manufacturing these days. With that said, I have received nothing but top notch support from these guys in both communication and resolution of the issues, in both cases the resolution exceeded my expectation with replacement products shipped quickly. I have no reservations recommending these folks for both sales and service and I will be placing another order with them in the upcoming days. read more

I'm thrilled to share my outstanding experience with Horizon Hobby, a premier Radio Control Airplane Company! Their top-notch products and exceptional customer service have exceeded my expectations. As an Elite member, I've enjoyed exclusive benefits like priority customer support, extended warranties, and early access to new products. The team has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure my satisfaction. One remarkable experience that stands out was when I encountered an issue with my RC plane. The customer service representative, Mike T. promptly responded to my query and went the extra mile to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. His expertise and friendly demeanor made the process seamless and stress-free. read more