I recently purchased two of the Reptile frames from HobbyKing and thought it would make a change from the standard DJI type frames. I was amazed by the price, around $23 each. Once I received it I realised why it was so cheap. The arms, similar to the DJI nylon types were overly springy. Very little pressure will make it bend. After watching their recent new release frame kit with a carbon fiber shaft imbedded in each arm and claims of how stiff the arms were and how important that stiffness is, I'm at a loss to know why they suddenly changed their minds with this model.

The frame itself is Fiber Glass an rather poorly made. I found a few of the holes weren't quite in line and needed a little work with a fine round file. They are also rather flexible. Combine this flexibility with the overly flexible arms and it could be a recipe for disaster. Strapping a battery and other fixtures to the frame may deaden some of that flex but little will stop those arms from flapping.

To match the flexing I guess the undercarriage should be also in the same class. Once the frame is fully populated I can't see those legs taking any sudden shocks. Add gimbal, camera, and transmitter to the mix and the chance of breakage increases.

Prior to purchasing the frames I took the time to watch some videos of the craft in action. I was suitable impressed and made the order however, I then found out that although the videos I watched were tagged as the Reptile, the previous week they were a completely different craft. The maker of the video appears to say his footage is shot from whichever frame happens to be the latest. After all, we never actually see the frame at any time so who's any the wiser?

I'll be interested to see how the frame works after everything's ready for a test flight. The parts I required will be here tomorrow so I'll have it ready to test shortly. I don't hold much hope for it being "Jello free" and I hate having to run the routine of deadening everything in sight. Judging by the parts supplied (yes those horrible soft metal bolts are used) I'd recommend thinking twice before ordering one. Or as in my case two, it was so cheap I purchased another for parts. I'm sure I'll need them. A definite case of you get what you pay for. Maybe the one with the carbon spar in the arms would have been a better buy.     Stu

Sorry, one thing I forgot to mention. The DJI arms are NOT interchangeable with the the ones supplied. The frame holes don't match. You could however redrill them to suit. I wonder if those carbon spar arms are available as spares  

A few other problems I've had building this quad is one, the motor mounting holes don't match larger motors. I opted for something smaller and although the holes line up, problem 2, the thickness of the mount means either countersinking them to take the supplied bolts which came with the motor or finding 16 longer bolts. Luckily I carry a good selection of spares. Be very careful with your bolt length, too long and they will slice into the windings of the motor. The usual problem has surfaced, connect the ESC to the motor and you're left with too much cable. It's either cut them which means soldering 12 connectors or mount the ESC on the quads top deck and the problem with that is there are very few places to use wire ties. Perhaps double sided adhesive tape. I shouldn't have too many problems with overheating as I'm using 30 amp ESCs flashed with Simon K.

Due to the non-rigid arms and frame I don't think I'd trust the Reptile with my new GoPro. I will test it with PQI camera but I have a feeling Jello will rear it's ugly head and with so much flex in everything I think it's going to be an uphill battle to get rid of it. Maybe it'll make a good racer or fun machine. For my next trick I'll find somewhere to mount the power distribution board. Probably on the underside of the top deck. If anyone is interested I'll take some photos of the build. Let me know if you want to see them.

Certainly interested in seeing some pics

OK, I'll get some on the way later today if I can. If not definitely tomorrow.

sooraj.palakkad , I'm sorry, I was supposed to get those photos today. Things didn't work out the way I wanted today, I got no sleep last night and I slept for most of today. I'll try again for tomorrow. Please forgive me, my new medication is playing havoc with both my sleeping and building. If I had my way I'd throw all the pills down the drain. I'm not sure if I prefer the pain or feeling like a Zombie. If this is how a Zombie feels of course.    ...  Stu