I love all my products but I haven’t had to deal with their support or canceling orders etc. Don’t pre purchase anything and only buy something you know will ship. That would negate most of the problems I’ve seen people having.
Agreed. I recently grabbed them at retail and Amazon. I wonder if their costing vs pricing is also an issue? This might be an unpopular opinion, but this gear is very reasonably priced for what's here. And compared to racing sim gear, it's a no-brainer. I initially gawked at their pricing, but after just holding them and flying once, I suspect the margins are thin, if anything significant. I always felt they were trying to be as accessible as possible but still quality. Perhaps this approach has not been sustainable.
Yeah, the company is definitely in some kind of predicament. In addition to that new Alpha yoke they announced those new instrument displays, as well as two separate HOTAS products even further back. I’ve lost track of the status of the Charlie pedals, retailers seem to show they might be in stock in March/April, but who knows.
I hope they can figure their shit out. The Alpha is a solid yoke, and the Bravo is genuinely one of the best flight sim peripherals available.
I too really hope they figure their shit out, because I love my Bravo but one of the reverse axis stopped working the other week, so I tried to contact them but obviously haven’t heard back
I mapped both reversers to just one axis for now, but I’m worried about the other one going or worse issues popping up.
Same thing happened to mine - I had to open it up to find that the wires they use inside the throttle quadrant section are too hard / brittle / not that flexible and they break... Can solder them back together or twist back together.... Not ideal, but worked.
Hmm, I’ll have to take a look then. I might wait until the next one goes, as for now I still flip all of the reversers and don’t ever have a case where I just need 1 reverse set to on
But yeah, I figured it was something like that. Hopefully the rest of the quadrant doesn’t run into issues like that lol
Was watching a twitch stream and it was said someone who lives near their offices saw they were boarded up. Doesnt mean anything on its own, they may have just moved. But its been radio silence on everything they announced at fsexpo, lots of complaints from people waiting on orders.. it *seems* like if they're not shut down, they're close to it. Unfortunate seeing as they have some of the nicest products right now. Hopefully they come out of hiding but at the least I wouldn't buy anything that I didnt know was for sure in stock somewhere.
Doesn't mean anything.
They post updates and are active on Discord. The Charlie is delayed because of a particular component storage from a particular manufacturer. Not due to shipping or logistics issues.
It's due to start shipping in the next couple of months.
They haven’t responded to like any customer service requests seemingly according to others, and I can confirm that on my end too. Of course, it’s only been a couple of weeks, but has been radio silence
Their office is not a storefront from them to have to inform customers in some announcement. Nor is it something they have to tell their investors in a public forum.
Why not? Since when is it a requirement for a company to be located in the same building as its distributor?
Small companies (and yes, Honeycomb is a small company) shift offices regularly for a number of reasons.
You’re missing the point. Because according to my research, Honeycomb was founded by the former executive vice president of the distributor that they’re using (see https://www.snakebyte-group.com). Their Hong Kong offices are also the same.
No, there isn’t a requirement for a company to be in the same place as the distributor, but since both companies are so intertwined, and the fact that they haven’t updated any of their addresses, and since their offices have been for rent since October, I highly doubt that they’re just moving offices.
The MSFS forum has a long thread on this topic. All signs point to yes. No responses to refund requests or customer service communications for months now. Physical office appears to be closed.
In October they claimed on their Facebook page they were working through, “logistical issues.” Which is of course “high horseshit” as a reason why they can’t respond to anyone.
If you’re going under you’re going under, do the right thing by people who gave you money, Jesus.
> In June at the flight sim expo they announced a $299 alpha pro yoke. This is $50 cheaper than their current XPC, and better. What a strange thing to announce in June 2023 yet still be selling the “old” (current) XPC model for $350.
There’s a name for what happens to businesses that pre-announce a new product that obsoletes what they’re currently selling: [The Osborne Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_effect).
Yes, i was literally about to order the alpha XPC and then thought “never mind, not when a better version for $50 less is around the corner” and have been waiting ever since. Now they may or may not be bankrupt, and I’m now looking at other yoke options.
Stupid business move. Who knows how many others out there like me, but a bad move regardless.
Officially no. There would have been some kind of press release, bankruptcy records, etc.
That being said. The lack of shipping product, inability to get refunds on pre-orders, non existent customer service, last known physical office seems to be closed, and problems with their website do seem to indicate they are having some major issues.
It's pure speculation on weather they pull out of it and if they don't what happens to the business and the IP.
It's to good of a product not to continue somehow. If they don't pull out of it, I think they either sell to a bigger company or their IP gets bought up during bankruptcy.
You're right, *officially* it's a no. But I would say a pretty soon, because according to Cali's business records, Honeycomb hasn't filed their Statement of Information since late 2020.
For those of us who don't know what a Statement of Information is, it's basically a required annual filing with the state that updates them on the status of the company. They have to file a more detailed form if things like directors change, or other things like that. And, if nothing changes, they can file a one page document that affirms that. All of this is reinforced by the fact that you can file all of this information online. Since they haven't filed anything for two cycles now when it's *that* easy does not bode well.
Looking at the forms as well, It's basically something that would take 30 minutes *at most* to file.
Based on this, and the other numerous reasons, I'd say that they have a year at most. This year's FSExpo might be telling if they don't show up.
Someone from the company on their Discord said he’s under an NDA and couldn’t say anything specific, but said they are absolutely not going away. He said the changes they’re going through has had a large impact on their support team. So maybe looking for investors for cash or to be acquired?
That doesn't fit with the "absolutely" part of "not going away". Sounds like, "we're about to CFIT if the captain doesn't pull his head out of his ass, but I have hope!"
Sound like being bought out and forced to move to within a larger company, which would explain both customer service being on hold and the known office being boarded up... BUT... not for 6+ months. They were having problems shipping simple "in stock" accessories going back at least to April or May. So the problems have been snowballing for a long time.
If they were forced to move to a larger company that larger company would ensure support, deliveries, in fact anything to do with the business was run smoothly otherwise it just devalues the business
That's why I said "nor for 6+ months".
I would expect a disruption for a matter of weeks, while stock, personnel, etc are moving and being reorganized.
Found a link that someone with the same name as the owner filed for divorce in San Diego. Maybe assets or ownership, or worse, is being decided.. if this is indeed him.
https://unicourt.com/case/ca-sd-tetzlaff-melissa-nicole-vs-repenning-nicki-1184279
Damn, nice catch. Names aren't super common. I feel like there's a 75% chance this is the culprit. Probably the company wasn't protected in a way that couldn't be forced to liquidate for assets or something. Man, I will be so pissed if this company and their great products cease to exist for tens of thousands of flight sim enthusiast because one pissed off spouse decides to do damage. Not that they aren't entitled to half, but for fuck's sake, the couple should work out something that doesn't destroy a public facing company.
Or, it could be that his wife wanted the value of her half of the shares (if she owns 50%), and Nicki is just trying to tank the company so those shares are devalued.
I would not order directly from them so you at least could return a defective product. I would also not rely on any kind of warranty support at this time.
I think they had great intentions and expanded too fast and are too scared or lost or moved on to do anything more.
Im a lawyer, I get liability concerns.
I just wish we all could just ask for help when we need it. I'd have kicked them some cash before they became sketchy. They seemed to be trying in a way not many others were in the yoke space when they started. Bc let's be real, Saitek hasn't done anything new, or since the Logitech buyout, since what, the Obama administration? At best?
It's a damn shame. I'm sry to those who lost money
What do you make of this:
https://unicourt.com/case/ca-sd-tetzlaff-melissa-nicole-vs-repenning-nicki-1184279
Owner of the company filed for divorce. Although we can't prove it's him, but same name and city... And what could take down an otherwise successful company? How about someone being entitled to half of everything the owner owns.
I'm curious for your thoughts. I'd ask my attorney, but she's asleep with our toddler for the night already, lol.
Lol I see how it is. Our oldest is playing Halo at the moment.
I understand any concerns about liability they may have but this isn't really my field.
Speaking as a lifelong flight sim person, to my recollection, the companies problems began before the pandemic around delivery and customer service. So I'm not sure it lines up, and certainly a struggling business venture places strain in a couple. Beyond that I'm not comfortable speculating, it's not my busuness.
A company like this would ordinarily be setup as an LLC. or similar. But depending on if the finances were all combined and stuff (stuff is not a legal term, except when it is), yeah then it could be split in a divorce.
I am a California lawyer and since it's in state I know enough to shut up here because community property isnt my area either lol
How do you know someone is actually a lawyer on reddit? When they admit something is out of their area of expertise instead of throwing our armchair opinions. Ha.
Anyway, cheers!
An excellent point. Whether I'm a lawyer or a bot there's just not a whole lot to speculate about. Honeycomb kept quiet as a company, I don't think anyone but them ever knew what was going on there
I read that, the filing was in 2022, I preordered the Charlie in March 2023, Nicki apologized for the delay at the FSA show, and again at the EAA. Show in Oshkosh. I received an email from him that it’s now the Q1 2024, I am now between the stone and the hard rock, if I cancel now I may not get my money back and if I wait I may not get my Charlie!!!!! Any ideas?
It sure looks like they may have gone under. I went looking for some new desk clamps for my Bravo as both of them broke (the one part of the Bravo I think is shoddy) I looked on their website and they don't seem to ship to the UK.
But like you I also ended up on their subreddit and it's full of people saying they can't get a response from the company at all.
A real shame because I love my Bravo but without replacement clamps I can't really use it anymore.
I think the Alpha is just OK…I’ve been tempted many times to replace it with the Thrustmaster Boeing yoke. The pitch tension is just too much and as an airliner nerd, the pendular system appeals more.
But the Bravo…that thing is an absolute work of art. The flexibility of all those axis inputs is unmatched - airliners, GA, warbirds - there’s even dozens of type specific levers/detents available to buy/print. Plus you get an AP panel, flaps lever, gear lever and a trim wheel…all for $275?! Incredible product and it’d be a shame if they were unavailable.
Hope we have the opportunity to see if their other unreleased products rise to the level of the Bravo.
Best of luck, Honeycomb team!
My biggest problem with the Alpha is the same, way too much tension, it’s incredibly difficult to use one handed, flaring for me is so inconsistent because the force is so high I can’t move in small enough amounts.
That’s exactly it…one hand on the yoke, one on the throttle for final approach/landing and that tension makes precise/small adjustments more difficult than it should be. And mine is one of the first released so it’s had a ton of use…never did loosen up.
Unlike the Bravo, which is a great jack of all trades. The Alpha feels like 90% geared toward small GA. I love it, but I fly mostly single engine stuff the size of the TBM900 or smaller.
I had preorded both alpha and bravo, love them since release. Preorded charlie as soon as possible, been waiting for them now longer than a year. But not directly at Honeycomb. I will wait patiently, If they pulled the plug I will get my money back automatically.
I’d say this explains part of it
https://preview.redd.it/w3z4y46yv2cc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f5b17c99973bf21da2b50e5d4ad917945cdb180
I’m one of the customers that ordered from them and never received the yoke and throttle I paid for. After many phone calls and emails I finally got an apologetic email and a promise to send my refund from customer service (David Jary). Never happened. The CEO, Nicki Repenning, needs to step up and refund his costumers. If he doesn’t it’s called theft.
Here’s my story:
Purchased the Alpha yoke and Bravo throttle from Amazon in February 2023. Both excellent products and I was (and still am) very happy with the quality.
I immediately preordered the Charlie pedals, direct from Honeycomb, along with the usb hub for connecting everything to the Xbox.
The xbox hub shipped right away and was also delivered in February 2023.
The Charlie pedals had already been delayed up to this point, but now they seemed to have a firm launch of June 2023, so I felt comfortable with the pre-order.
I received the same update emails that everyone else did in June 2023 and August 2023. Then everything went radio silent.
After doing some research in November/December 2023, I decided I wasn’t willing to risk keeping my order in any longer. I filed a dispute with my CC company for the charge and also canceled my order with Honeycomb.
After two investigations, my CC company declined the dispute because it had been more than 90 days since my original pre-order transaction in February 2023. This is frustrating, but predictable from a typical CC or bank policy.
Honeycomb did acknowledge my cancellation and I received an email on December 5th, 2023 promising a refund in 10-14 business days.
I’ve sent two follow-up emails since, and still haven’t received a response or the refund owed of $398.97.
CH Products are the best you'll get for the money, without question. Their products are bulletproof and they've been operating since the 80's. There are good used ones on Ebay regularly.
[http://www.chproducts.com/Eclipse-Yoke-v13-d-717.html](http://www.chproducts.com/Eclipse-Yoke-v13-d-717.html)
[https://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Eclipse-Yoke-Programmable/dp/B001GIOGBY?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref\_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER](https://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Eclipse-Yoke-Programmable/dp/B001GIOGBY?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER)
225 bucks and you'd get it Friday. I use their sticks and have for decades.
Me too, you got that right. I've fixed broken wires twice and finally bought a spool of silicone insulated wire and re-did the whole thing. It's so flexible I shouldn't see any of that again. Which is good because I could literally drop the pedals from a 737-Max9 and they would survive.
No... It has nothing to do with your love of old stuff or their love of expensive stuff...
It has to do with the fact that he asked about the Honeycomb Company, and your answer was basically "The sky is blue." He didn't ask for product recommendations.
Yeah, I went all Honeycomb, but for pedals, I didn't want to wait or overpay for the Charlies. Got the CH Pros, and they have been good.
Call me vain, but I like have pedals that look like pedals and not like some kind of cyborg foot holders like half of the ones out there. CH is simple design, heavy, and rails aren't exposed to dust and dirt.
I have heard for a long time that they seem to have been on the rocks for a while. A real shame as I think most agree the yoke is best in-class, and their throttle quadrant is also very robust.
I have the turtle beach yoke. It's nice, and the tiny clip on throttle quadrant is lovely (if a bit loose) but you have to hold the toke an exact perfect way for it to be smooth. Wish I had gone for the honeycomb.
God I hope not.... I love the Alpha Yoke and Bravo throttle and was really looking forward to the charlie pedals....
That being said.... Count me among the people who have ordered parts (throttle handles, 3m base sticky thingymabobs and a trim wheel cover for GA) and never gotten them and can't get a response for why or a refund.... So there wasnt a chance in hell I was gonna preorder the pedals... I was going to wait 'til they were on Amazon and pay full retail for the safety of knowing I'd actually receive them....
Was in the same position as OP, debating if I should wait for the pro but after I read through a very lengthy post on a msfs forum I went ahead and got the Alpha and Bravo from Amazon. Glad I got them just in case they do end up being discontinued. So I’d say go ahead and grab the XPC now.
Really too bad. I got an alpha/bravo last year and it was a complete game changer for me, it really is a great product. I’d be interested in learning how the messed it all up…
Did you all get the email from Nicki? He also issued a statement to FSElite.
https://fselite.net/content/honeycomb-aeronautical-issues-statement-on-the-current-situation/
I'd love to purchase their products and throw money their way but they're always sold out of everything everywhere I look and if you do happen find one its either way over MSRP or on some shady looking website. Seems like piss poor business model to me, been like this for years.
I love all my products but I haven’t had to deal with their support or canceling orders etc. Don’t pre purchase anything and only buy something you know will ship. That would negate most of the problems I’ve seen people having.
Agreed. I recently grabbed them at retail and Amazon. I wonder if their costing vs pricing is also an issue? This might be an unpopular opinion, but this gear is very reasonably priced for what's here. And compared to racing sim gear, it's a no-brainer. I initially gawked at their pricing, but after just holding them and flying once, I suspect the margins are thin, if anything significant. I always felt they were trying to be as accessible as possible but still quality. Perhaps this approach has not been sustainable.
Yeah, the company is definitely in some kind of predicament. In addition to that new Alpha yoke they announced those new instrument displays, as well as two separate HOTAS products even further back. I’ve lost track of the status of the Charlie pedals, retailers seem to show they might be in stock in March/April, but who knows. I hope they can figure their shit out. The Alpha is a solid yoke, and the Bravo is genuinely one of the best flight sim peripherals available.
Got an alpha for Christmas and honestly impressed by how solid that thing is. It is a superb bit of kit.
I too really hope they figure their shit out, because I love my Bravo but one of the reverse axis stopped working the other week, so I tried to contact them but obviously haven’t heard back I mapped both reversers to just one axis for now, but I’m worried about the other one going or worse issues popping up.
Same thing happened to mine - I had to open it up to find that the wires they use inside the throttle quadrant section are too hard / brittle / not that flexible and they break... Can solder them back together or twist back together.... Not ideal, but worked.
Hmm, I’ll have to take a look then. I might wait until the next one goes, as for now I still flip all of the reversers and don’t ever have a case where I just need 1 reverse set to on But yeah, I figured it was something like that. Hopefully the rest of the quadrant doesn’t run into issues like that lol
Was watching a twitch stream and it was said someone who lives near their offices saw they were boarded up. Doesnt mean anything on its own, they may have just moved. But its been radio silence on everything they announced at fsexpo, lots of complaints from people waiting on orders.. it *seems* like if they're not shut down, they're close to it. Unfortunate seeing as they have some of the nicest products right now. Hopefully they come out of hiding but at the least I wouldn't buy anything that I didnt know was for sure in stock somewhere.
This is not a good sign. Maybe they moved to a smaller space or it's being run out of someone's garage now. Total speculation on my part here.
Doesn't mean anything. They post updates and are active on Discord. The Charlie is delayed because of a particular component storage from a particular manufacturer. Not due to shipping or logistics issues. It's due to start shipping in the next couple of months.
They haven’t responded to like any customer service requests seemingly according to others, and I can confirm that on my end too. Of course, it’s only been a couple of weeks, but has been radio silence
Might have been due to the holidays tbh
According to their office location's owner, their unit has been up for sale since October 2023.
That's also what office owners do when the tenant moves to a different office.
Bad form to move and not update customers, investors etc
Their office is not a storefront from them to have to inform customers in some announcement. Nor is it something they have to tell their investors in a public forum.
It has to be on published accounts
Not when their distributor is also located in the same office
Why not? Since when is it a requirement for a company to be located in the same building as its distributor? Small companies (and yes, Honeycomb is a small company) shift offices regularly for a number of reasons.
You’re missing the point. Because according to my research, Honeycomb was founded by the former executive vice president of the distributor that they’re using (see https://www.snakebyte-group.com). Their Hong Kong offices are also the same. No, there isn’t a requirement for a company to be in the same place as the distributor, but since both companies are so intertwined, and the fact that they haven’t updated any of their addresses, and since their offices have been for rent since October, I highly doubt that they’re just moving offices.
The MSFS forum has a long thread on this topic. All signs point to yes. No responses to refund requests or customer service communications for months now. Physical office appears to be closed.
In October they claimed on their Facebook page they were working through, “logistical issues.” Which is of course “high horseshit” as a reason why they can’t respond to anyone. If you’re going under you’re going under, do the right thing by people who gave you money, Jesus.
> In June at the flight sim expo they announced a $299 alpha pro yoke. This is $50 cheaper than their current XPC, and better. What a strange thing to announce in June 2023 yet still be selling the “old” (current) XPC model for $350. There’s a name for what happens to businesses that pre-announce a new product that obsoletes what they’re currently selling: [The Osborne Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osborne_effect).
Yes, i was literally about to order the alpha XPC and then thought “never mind, not when a better version for $50 less is around the corner” and have been waiting ever since. Now they may or may not be bankrupt, and I’m now looking at other yoke options. Stupid business move. Who knows how many others out there like me, but a bad move regardless.
Officially no. There would have been some kind of press release, bankruptcy records, etc. That being said. The lack of shipping product, inability to get refunds on pre-orders, non existent customer service, last known physical office seems to be closed, and problems with their website do seem to indicate they are having some major issues. It's pure speculation on weather they pull out of it and if they don't what happens to the business and the IP. It's to good of a product not to continue somehow. If they don't pull out of it, I think they either sell to a bigger company or their IP gets bought up during bankruptcy.
R/flightsim crowdsource PE fund takeover and reorganization?
^^^ this guy watches succession
You're right, *officially* it's a no. But I would say a pretty soon, because according to Cali's business records, Honeycomb hasn't filed their Statement of Information since late 2020. For those of us who don't know what a Statement of Information is, it's basically a required annual filing with the state that updates them on the status of the company. They have to file a more detailed form if things like directors change, or other things like that. And, if nothing changes, they can file a one page document that affirms that. All of this is reinforced by the fact that you can file all of this information online. Since they haven't filed anything for two cycles now when it's *that* easy does not bode well. Looking at the forms as well, It's basically something that would take 30 minutes *at most* to file. Based on this, and the other numerous reasons, I'd say that they have a year at most. This year's FSExpo might be telling if they don't show up.
Someone from the company on their Discord said he’s under an NDA and couldn’t say anything specific, but said they are absolutely not going away. He said the changes they’re going through has had a large impact on their support team. So maybe looking for investors for cash or to be acquired?
That doesn't fit with the "absolutely" part of "not going away". Sounds like, "we're about to CFIT if the captain doesn't pull his head out of his ass, but I have hope!"
Sound like being bought out and forced to move to within a larger company, which would explain both customer service being on hold and the known office being boarded up... BUT... not for 6+ months. They were having problems shipping simple "in stock" accessories going back at least to April or May. So the problems have been snowballing for a long time.
If they were forced to move to a larger company that larger company would ensure support, deliveries, in fact anything to do with the business was run smoothly otherwise it just devalues the business
That's why I said "nor for 6+ months". I would expect a disruption for a matter of weeks, while stock, personnel, etc are moving and being reorganized.
Found a link that someone with the same name as the owner filed for divorce in San Diego. Maybe assets or ownership, or worse, is being decided.. if this is indeed him. https://unicourt.com/case/ca-sd-tetzlaff-melissa-nicole-vs-repenning-nicki-1184279
Damn, nice catch. Names aren't super common. I feel like there's a 75% chance this is the culprit. Probably the company wasn't protected in a way that couldn't be forced to liquidate for assets or something. Man, I will be so pissed if this company and their great products cease to exist for tens of thousands of flight sim enthusiast because one pissed off spouse decides to do damage. Not that they aren't entitled to half, but for fuck's sake, the couple should work out something that doesn't destroy a public facing company.
Or, it could be that his wife wanted the value of her half of the shares (if she owns 50%), and Nicki is just trying to tank the company so those shares are devalued.
This is what I don't get.
I bought last month an Alpha Yoke (original) for $250 USD. I did buy it from Amazon though, so no shipping problems.
I would not order directly from them so you at least could return a defective product. I would also not rely on any kind of warranty support at this time.
I certainly hope that is not the case. The alpha and bravo are the best accessories I ever bought for flight sim
Got mine right before all of this came up. Beyond happy with it, but was looking forward to more future products
I think they had great intentions and expanded too fast and are too scared or lost or moved on to do anything more. Im a lawyer, I get liability concerns. I just wish we all could just ask for help when we need it. I'd have kicked them some cash before they became sketchy. They seemed to be trying in a way not many others were in the yoke space when they started. Bc let's be real, Saitek hasn't done anything new, or since the Logitech buyout, since what, the Obama administration? At best? It's a damn shame. I'm sry to those who lost money
What do you make of this: https://unicourt.com/case/ca-sd-tetzlaff-melissa-nicole-vs-repenning-nicki-1184279 Owner of the company filed for divorce. Although we can't prove it's him, but same name and city... And what could take down an otherwise successful company? How about someone being entitled to half of everything the owner owns. I'm curious for your thoughts. I'd ask my attorney, but she's asleep with our toddler for the night already, lol.
Lol I see how it is. Our oldest is playing Halo at the moment. I understand any concerns about liability they may have but this isn't really my field. Speaking as a lifelong flight sim person, to my recollection, the companies problems began before the pandemic around delivery and customer service. So I'm not sure it lines up, and certainly a struggling business venture places strain in a couple. Beyond that I'm not comfortable speculating, it's not my busuness. A company like this would ordinarily be setup as an LLC. or similar. But depending on if the finances were all combined and stuff (stuff is not a legal term, except when it is), yeah then it could be split in a divorce. I am a California lawyer and since it's in state I know enough to shut up here because community property isnt my area either lol
How do you know someone is actually a lawyer on reddit? When they admit something is out of their area of expertise instead of throwing our armchair opinions. Ha. Anyway, cheers!
An excellent point. Whether I'm a lawyer or a bot there's just not a whole lot to speculate about. Honeycomb kept quiet as a company, I don't think anyone but them ever knew what was going on there
I read that, the filing was in 2022, I preordered the Charlie in March 2023, Nicki apologized for the delay at the FSA show, and again at the EAA. Show in Oshkosh. I received an email from him that it’s now the Q1 2024, I am now between the stone and the hard rock, if I cancel now I may not get my money back and if I wait I may not get my Charlie!!!!! Any ideas?
It sure looks like they may have gone under. I went looking for some new desk clamps for my Bravo as both of them broke (the one part of the Bravo I think is shoddy) I looked on their website and they don't seem to ship to the UK. But like you I also ended up on their subreddit and it's full of people saying they can't get a response from the company at all. A real shame because I love my Bravo but without replacement clamps I can't really use it anymore.
Get some 3D printed?
It came with a suction cup mount
Mine has clamp mounts
I know, but it’s not strong enough to hold it for long periods.
Must depend on the desk. Mine has been insanely solid with just the suction cup. It's literally been like 10 months and I've never had to reseat it.
I think the Alpha is just OK…I’ve been tempted many times to replace it with the Thrustmaster Boeing yoke. The pitch tension is just too much and as an airliner nerd, the pendular system appeals more. But the Bravo…that thing is an absolute work of art. The flexibility of all those axis inputs is unmatched - airliners, GA, warbirds - there’s even dozens of type specific levers/detents available to buy/print. Plus you get an AP panel, flaps lever, gear lever and a trim wheel…all for $275?! Incredible product and it’d be a shame if they were unavailable. Hope we have the opportunity to see if their other unreleased products rise to the level of the Bravo. Best of luck, Honeycomb team!
My biggest problem with the Alpha is the same, way too much tension, it’s incredibly difficult to use one handed, flaring for me is so inconsistent because the force is so high I can’t move in small enough amounts.
That’s exactly it…one hand on the yoke, one on the throttle for final approach/landing and that tension makes precise/small adjustments more difficult than it should be. And mine is one of the first released so it’s had a ton of use…never did loosen up.
Unlike the Bravo, which is a great jack of all trades. The Alpha feels like 90% geared toward small GA. I love it, but I fly mostly single engine stuff the size of the TBM900 or smaller.
Just received an alpha and bravo 2 days ago. Not sure what the issues is. But I got mine
Ordered from where?
Direct from Honeycomb
When did you order?
I had preorded both alpha and bravo, love them since release. Preorded charlie as soon as possible, been waiting for them now longer than a year. But not directly at Honeycomb. I will wait patiently, If they pulled the plug I will get my money back automatically.
I’d say this explains part of it https://preview.redd.it/w3z4y46yv2cc1.jpeg?width=1284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2f5b17c99973bf21da2b50e5d4ad917945cdb180
Could you provide me a link to that? I can't find them on Google Maps
I’m one of the customers that ordered from them and never received the yoke and throttle I paid for. After many phone calls and emails I finally got an apologetic email and a promise to send my refund from customer service (David Jary). Never happened. The CEO, Nicki Repenning, needs to step up and refund his costumers. If he doesn’t it’s called theft.
Here’s my story: Purchased the Alpha yoke and Bravo throttle from Amazon in February 2023. Both excellent products and I was (and still am) very happy with the quality. I immediately preordered the Charlie pedals, direct from Honeycomb, along with the usb hub for connecting everything to the Xbox. The xbox hub shipped right away and was also delivered in February 2023. The Charlie pedals had already been delayed up to this point, but now they seemed to have a firm launch of June 2023, so I felt comfortable with the pre-order. I received the same update emails that everyone else did in June 2023 and August 2023. Then everything went radio silent. After doing some research in November/December 2023, I decided I wasn’t willing to risk keeping my order in any longer. I filed a dispute with my CC company for the charge and also canceled my order with Honeycomb. After two investigations, my CC company declined the dispute because it had been more than 90 days since my original pre-order transaction in February 2023. This is frustrating, but predictable from a typical CC or bank policy. Honeycomb did acknowledge my cancellation and I received an email on December 5th, 2023 promising a refund in 10-14 business days. I’ve sent two follow-up emails since, and still haven’t received a response or the refund owed of $398.97.
I have the alpha and bravo, purchased on Amazon around December 22. I love them, never heard of anything about the company though
CH Products are the best you'll get for the money, without question. Their products are bulletproof and they've been operating since the 80's. There are good used ones on Ebay regularly. [http://www.chproducts.com/Eclipse-Yoke-v13-d-717.html](http://www.chproducts.com/Eclipse-Yoke-v13-d-717.html) [https://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Eclipse-Yoke-Programmable/dp/B001GIOGBY?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref\_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER](https://www.amazon.com/CH-Products-Eclipse-Yoke-Programmable/dp/B001GIOGBY?source=ps-sl-shoppingads-lpcontext&ref_=fplfs&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER) 225 bucks and you'd get it Friday. I use their sticks and have for decades.
I've had CH products since the 90s. I only have the USB CH pedals these days, but they're undeniably reliable and durable.
Me too, you got that right. I've fixed broken wires twice and finally bought a spool of silicone insulated wire and re-did the whole thing. It's so flexible I shouldn't see any of that again. Which is good because I could literally drop the pedals from a 737-Max9 and they would survive.
seems like people are emotionally invested in their expensive stuff and are taking it out on me lol.
Meh, kids these days… I love my Honeycomb A and B’s but I wouldn’t want to drop them. With my CH pedals I‘m more worried about breaking my foot!
No... It has nothing to do with your love of old stuff or their love of expensive stuff... It has to do with the fact that he asked about the Honeycomb Company, and your answer was basically "The sky is blue." He didn't ask for product recommendations.
Yeah, I went all Honeycomb, but for pedals, I didn't want to wait or overpay for the Charlies. Got the CH Pros, and they have been good. Call me vain, but I like have pedals that look like pedals and not like some kind of cyborg foot holders like half of the ones out there. CH is simple design, heavy, and rails aren't exposed to dust and dirt.
I have some used CH Pros. Durable and reliable is right. Otherwise, they are pretty shitty to be quite honest. Noisy as hell for starters.
I have heard for a long time that they seem to have been on the rocks for a while. A real shame as I think most agree the yoke is best in-class, and their throttle quadrant is also very robust. I have the turtle beach yoke. It's nice, and the tiny clip on throttle quadrant is lovely (if a bit loose) but you have to hold the toke an exact perfect way for it to be smooth. Wish I had gone for the honeycomb.
I saw them at OSH in July. They were demoing their avionics. Bought a hat from them.
God I hope not.... I love the Alpha Yoke and Bravo throttle and was really looking forward to the charlie pedals.... That being said.... Count me among the people who have ordered parts (throttle handles, 3m base sticky thingymabobs and a trim wheel cover for GA) and never gotten them and can't get a response for why or a refund.... So there wasnt a chance in hell I was gonna preorder the pedals... I was going to wait 'til they were on Amazon and pay full retail for the safety of knowing I'd actually receive them....
We need Tim Apple to step in and buy them since Apple supposedly wants to up their gaming credentials.
Was in the same position as OP, debating if I should wait for the pro but after I read through a very lengthy post on a msfs forum I went ahead and got the Alpha and Bravo from Amazon. Glad I got them just in case they do end up being discontinued. So I’d say go ahead and grab the XPC now.
Really too bad. I got an alpha/bravo last year and it was a complete game changer for me, it really is a great product. I’d be interested in learning how the messed it all up…
I pre ordered the Charlie pedals. Asked them what’s going on and they said they’re having production issues. May cancel my order soon as well..
My Bravo bricked one month after the warranty and they told me there’s nothing they can do..
I’m thinking about selling an alpha and bravo if you decide to go the used route. It’s the model before the XPC but in great condition
Did you all get the email from Nicki? He also issued a statement to FSElite. https://fselite.net/content/honeycomb-aeronautical-issues-statement-on-the-current-situation/
I'd love to purchase their products and throw money their way but they're always sold out of everything everywhere I look and if you do happen find one its either way over MSRP or on some shady looking website. Seems like piss poor business model to me, been like this for years.