Hobby Hut Models — Local services in Grand Junction

Hobby Hut has been around since I was a kid. I don't really remember it from back then but I do remember going to the store when I was a kid. As an adult, I have gone to Hobby Hut multiple times since my oldest son got into RC Cars. That was probably 10 to 12 years ago. I have 4 sons and my third son, who is 13, is into RC Cars now.

I must admit, 10-12 years ago when Parker was a young 20 something he was friendly and helpful. His father at the time was gumpy a lot and not the person I wanted to talk to or my sons to talk to. However, over the last 10 years the father has gotten a lot less gumpy towards kids. He'll even crack a smile sometimes. And Parker? Well Parker has rocked the customer service to my boys and me. He gets kids and it does seem that he helps the kids and his Dad helps the adults, which is fine by me. Parker is the reason this place is still in business.

Here's what happened to us. My son has a Discovery FMS 1x24m. A part broke and we went in and bought the replacement part. My son thought that it was too big but Parker assured us it was the correct part. My son asked if we could bring it back if it was wrong and Parker assured us we could return it if it didn't fit. It didn't fit and my son called the shop. The older man said it probably wouldn't be returnable, but to come in. We went back in and Parker realized he had sold us the part for the 1x24 not the one for the 1x24m. Parker then exchanged the part for the correct one AND also gave us some grease for the gear to make sure this one doesn't break. Well, we get home and that part won't fit either, according to the owner's manual it's the right part, but it's too big for the casing...they changed the design of the part. The next day, I went back a third time and this time I purchased a whole axle and gear assembly. Parker tells me it will work, we just need to take off a part and it should all work. Great, I head home. Once home my son realizes this part won't work. Today we headed back to the store a fourth time, because at this point things are not working and it doesn't make sense. We take the RC car in so we can show Parker. We showed Parker the parts and how they don't work. He was baffled also and worked to help us find parts that would fix my sons RC car so it would work. Parker was amazing and gave us an amazing deal, my son's car is now working. Parker went above and beyond for my son, and even gave my son tips about how to put some of the parts back together. Thank you Parker!

Having this local shop is amazing. To purchase the part from FMS RC online, would have cost more to ship the part to us then the part cost. And after the issues we had with the parts, it probably woudn't have worked anyway. Because we were able to go in and physically figure out what part(s) we needed his car is working. I can guarentee that the next time I purchase an RC car for one of my sons, I will purchase it from Hobby Hut.

I know Parker's father can have a bad attitude towards people, I've seen it. At the same time, over the past 10 years, I have noticed that he has worked on being more friendly. It sounds like he still struggles, but he has worked on being more friendly and for Parker's sake, I will put up with his Dad to have this local shop to be able to walk in...

Not very convenient if you work week days as they close too early. Only open Saturday so hopefully you don't got stuff to do cause they are closed Sundays. So if you manage to get in there before 2 they might have your part. Chances are they will need to order it and you won't get that product for a month. The son is very friendly and knowledgeable. The dad's stuck in the 20s doesn't know much about the new age of RC doesn't like anything that isn't stock and is very grumpy and won't order anything new age. They have some upgraded parts but probably not the ones you want or are looking for. Definitely not a shop for custom RC projects. Mark up could be extreme on certain products!!! All in all if you go during the right time and talk to the son you won't have a bad experience!!! Would give more stars but lack of product and waiting 1 month for them to place an order or the extreme markup on the products will never let my review pass 1 star. If you have no other choice go in. But your better off ordering it yourself. This review is non biased I have not lived in gj my whole life and only know the 1 hobby shop I've lived in many states and been to many hobby shops and from plenty of passed experiences in the RC hobby I base this review. So I guess if you don't know any better you could disagree with me but then again your opinion really doesn't count at that point cause ur biased and only been to a handful of hobby shop or the 1 lmao. Been in there recently to help out my hobby shop since covid yet they w keep telling me bs about multiple different parts i had them order ive been waiting for a month and get nothing but excuses. Will forever boycott this horrible excuse for a hobby shop. Can't stock parts can't order parts. And I hope you don't break anything because unlike every other hobby shop they tell you to call the manufacturer and do nothing to help u or even inspect what is causing the issues. I've also seen them sell kids parts they didn't need because they didn't...

I have lived all over and have been enjoying RCing for over 17 years, I have never meet such a rude and unhelpful group in my life. The older man has the worst attitude towards people and don't get me started if you have a question. If you don't buy from him he will practically dismisses you in an instant. If you're trying to enjoy a new hobby rc or model, I would recommend driving in any direction other than hobby hut. If I have a kid, I would never bring him/her to this establishment, as it was a disheartening experience for the child who was in the store while I was in there.

My recommendations are to go to any other hobby store, I personaly enjoy Hobby Town USA (they are at least more friendly and willing to help). I now drive to Longmont Co for the customer service; they helped me with my drone even though I didn't buy it from them and they don't sell any parts for it, but they spent hours working on it with me for free; didn't charge me or talk down to me! Also, they have a rule if you need help fixing something they will only charge for 2 hours if you leave it with them (Very fair)! Hobby hut makes sure they charge you for every second they work on it even if it's a simple fix they could explain to you.

Over all, if you need help, YouTube it or go somewhere else. At best, hobby hut is only good for paint and batteries (if they have the right type; they seem to be under stocked every time I stop in) plus they do a great job of putting me in a bad mood every time I go in. They are an absolute last resort in my eyes.

Hope this helps people decide where to go and also hope they didn't discourage too many people from...