Target Exclusive Cobra Rattler Sticker Comparison

[arch2b]

thought i would start a new thread on this topic since i'm comparing the stickers for one vehicle from a couple sources. i bought rattler stickers from both jruben and cobrasticker.com to compare with the stock stickers.

Sept. 24, 2008, ordered from Cobrastickers.com
1 ea. Rattler VTOL (Cobra) $14.00 + $2.00 Shipping = $16 total
updates:
09-27-08- order still processing
09-29-08- order still processing
10-03-08- order still processing
10-06-08- order shipped!
10-11-08- order arrives!

sept. 21, 2008, ordered from jruben
Rattler $6.49 + $4.00 shipping = $10.50
updates:
09-22-08- emial from ruben, they will be mailed sept. 24. 10-15 days for delivery.

sept. 24, 2008, bought 1 rattler from target

task 1- scan/pictures of sticker sheets

please let me know if there any specifics you want to know or see.

[esg2145]

I'm getting ready to order a set from Cobra stickers and would LOVE to see a Target stickered Rattler vs the Cobra stickers Rattler if you would post the pics please.





Thanks!

[arch2b]

i will document each in detail nad post everything.

i have no idea when the cobrastickers will arrive. the order status says its still processing. i'll update the order status as i get info as well.

[Alley Viper]

I will be interested in seeing how Ruben and Cobra Stickers look compared to each other.

[esg2145]

FYI -

Cobra stickers is SOLD OUT of Rattler (and a lot of other things too) stickers......... :(





.

[arch2b]

thanks, i hope i get my order...

in terms of ordering, ruben has been the easiest so far. just add, send money with paypal, got a receipt and follow up from ruben for shipping info via paypal. sure, ruben doesn't have a website, he doesn't have formal links, etc but it's simple and easy with the information we have to place an order.

with cobrastickers, it's very nice to have a website to order from. i ordered, got a order confirmation emial and since then nothing.
the mass market will appreciate seeing a website much more than purchasing from a list. it's much like the rc world used to be ie; catalogue ordering vs. internet stores.

[psycho_klown66]

Can't wait for the review! :D

[Steel Brigade]

Looking forward to the comparison...

[CrimsonGuard101]

I got my Rattler stickers yesterday and I can tell you just by looking at them in hand with the ones that come with the new rattler, they are superior. If your looking to order them I would do so if you want better stickers for your rattler (sux they are sold out). I have a rattler with the stickers it came with, don't look to bad, but it is a far cry from what one will look like with the new stickers.

I would post pics, but I am keeping these stickers for a future project on one of my rattlers.

[arch2b]

still no change in cobrastickers order status.

you don't know how hard it is to have 2 rattlers sitting in the closet just teasing me...

[arch2b]

still no change in cobrastickers order status. i have to say, thus far i am not impressed by thier level of service. i have yet to receive any email explaining the lengthy delay in my order.

[esg2145]

They are listing them back in stock now, I ordered a set last night.

No word on a delivery date though.................................






HTH

[arch2b]

i finally got an email from cobrastickers, my order has shipped! someone was out of town, yada, yada... whatever the reason, i expect a notice if an order i placed will be delayed.

[arch2b]

I was racing rc all day yesterday but i came home to find my stickers had arrived!

initial impression: i was expecting these to be good for the price. they are indeed very well presented. the die cut is very nice and there is not much overage. you can see the print passes on solid black stickers however.

[arch2b]

lets first take a look at the stock stickers

here is a full size scan
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/Stock_Rattler_Sticker_Sheet.jpg

you can see the stickers do not actually stick well to the backing either. these came out of the box nice and flat, not creased like some others.

[arch2b]

now lets take a look at the cobrastickers reproduction set based on the originals. this set is split into two seperate sheets.

here is a full size scan
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/Cobrastickers_Rattler_Sticker_Sheet063.jpg

you can see some tiny flaws like white breaks in red lines, clear spots in one fo the Z06 stickers, etc.

[esg2145]

I got mine too yesterday, but I have not put them on the jet yet.

I'll post pics too.






.

[TransGoJoBot]

Looking forward to the actual review of the stickers and pictures comparing the stickers. My order is pending on the results of this comparison.

[arch2b]

my laptop hard drive failed this week :( i received the jruben stickers this week and will try to get them uploaded but it's difficult to do stuff without my laptop.

first up will be the scanned image of the juruben stickers.

second will be applying the cobrastickers followed by the jruben stickers.

last will be pictures of applied stickers from each.

[Marine_Deadpool]

Let me know how those hold up... I HATE the ones that came with the new rattler. After applying the stickers, I picked it up a week later to find the stickers completely unwrapped from the missiles, one fell off, and some of them coming up on the body of the plane. They get the "Craptastic Award" for shitty stickyless stickers...

[nighthawk]

I can vouch for the J Ruben stickers. They are awesome as long as you don't mind cutting them out yourself. Inexpensive when you buy large quantities because of his flat rate shipping.

[arch2b]

now lets take a look at JRubens reproduction set. this set is printed on one sheet.

here is a full size scan
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/JRuben_Rattler_Sticker_Sheet066.jpg


the edge quality is nice. there is the ocassional ink spots but there are no discernable printing pass line as evident on the cobrastickers reproduction set. the colors are more vibrant as well. they just seem to pop more than the others.

in general, i do like the original sticker set much more than the target exclusive set.

[arch2b]

oh, on a side note...it would be nice to have a pdf of the original sticker sheet instructions. it's not easy enlarging the low quality images from yoejoe.com. they offer the current line of instructions as pdf's online. it's a shame we can't get the vintage sheets as well.

[arch2b]

i finally got around to putting the cobrastickers reproduction set on a freshly opened rattler.

first impression, if you don't like the clutter look of the stock sticker set, this one is much more subdued. the black text makes many of the stickers disappear almost.
if you want to make a nice display rattler, don't bother with the stock stickers. mine already looks like the hand me down rattler next to this one.

getting the images uploaded is going to take some time. i had to order a replacement oem software cd from dell inorder to repair my laptop which means another 3-5 days before i can try to get it back up and running.

[arch2b]

since i have so many pictures, i'll post them in the follwoing order; comparison of each set ie; picture of front wheel sticker with stock, cobra stickers. i'll update each set of pictures as i add pictures of the completed jruben plane.

this makes tracking pictures easier on my part in terms of direct comparisons and for ease of use for you guys to view them.

[arch2b]

Stock Sticker Sheet PRECUT
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/Stock_Rattler_Sticker_Sheet.jpg

Cobrastickers Sticker Sheet PRECUT
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/Cobrastickers_Rattler_Sticker_Sheet063.jpg

JRuben Sticker Sheet NOT PRECUT
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/JRuben_Rattler_Sticker_Sheet066.jpg

[arch2b]

Stock Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7221.JPG

Cobrastickers Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7220.JPG

JRuben Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7219.JPG

[HissCommander]

u sure are putting a lot of effort into this

[arch2b]

Stock Sticker Sheet Back
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7222.JPG

Cobrastickers Sticker Sheet Back
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7223.JPG

JRuben Sticker Sheet Back
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7224.JPG

[arch2b]

Stock Sticker, black nose stripe
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7227.JPG

Cobrastickers Sticker, b lack nose stripe
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7226.JPG

JRuben Sticker, black nose stripe
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7225.JPG

[arch2b]

this set of pictures is to show the relative flexibility of the sticker which you can infer the relative thickness.

the stock stickers are the thickest and jruben are the thinnest.

Stock Sticker, danger sign
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7229.JPG

Cobrasticker, danger sign
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7228.JPG

JRuben Sticker, danger sign
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/medium/IMG_7230.JPG

[arch2b]

left side profile pictures

Stock Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7257.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7231.JPG

JRuben Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7325.JPG

[arch2b]

right side profile pictures

Stock Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7256.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7232.JPG

JRuben Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7326.JPG

[arch2b]

front pictures

Stock Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7258.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7233.JPG

JRuben Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7327.JPG

[arch2b]

rear pictures

Stock Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7259.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7234.JPG

JRuben Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7328.JPG

[arch2b]

red target sticker over body seam behind turret

Stock Stickers, red target sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7267.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, red target sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7235.JPG

JRuben Stickers, red target sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7329.JPG

[arch2b]

front landing gear sticker. in all fairness to the cobrasticker rattler, the plastic was not a smooth surface as is on the stock sticker rattler

Stock Stickers, front landing gear sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7280.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, front landing gear sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7281.JPG

JRuben Stickers, front landing gear sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7330.JPG

[arch2b]

not a step sticker on main fuselage.
these little stickers realy make a big difference in the overall appearance of the rattler. the white stands out nicely but the black ink cobrastickers look much more subdue.

Stock Stickers, not a step sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7268.JPG

Cobrasticker, Stickers, not a step sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7255.JPG

JRuben Sticker, not a step sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7331.JPG

[arch2b]

tail turbine section

Stock Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7260.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/medium/IMG_7239.JPG

JRuben Stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7332.JPG

[arch2b]

wing turbine intake and unlatch stickers

Stock Stickers, wing tubrine intake and unlatch stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7264.JPG

Cobrastickers Stickers, wing turbine intake and unlatch stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7241.JPG

JRuben Stickers, wing turbine intake and unlatch stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7333.JPG

[arch2b]

nose stripe sticker

Stock Stickers, nose stripe sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7277.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, nose stripe sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7246.JPG

JRuben Stickers, nose stripe sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7336.JPG

[arch2b]

fule and check stickers

Stock Stickers, fuel and check stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7274.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, fuel and check stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7247.JPG

JRuben Stickers, fuel nad check stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7337.JPG

[arch2b]

left side nose stickers, 41, rescue

Stock Stickers, left side nose stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7273.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, left side nose stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7245.JPG

JRuben Stickers, left side nose stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7338.JPG

[arch2b]

right side nose stickers, 41, adjust, rescue

Stock Stickers, right side nose stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7276.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, right side nose stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7243.JPG

JRuben Stickers, right side nose stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7339.JPG

[arch2b]

right side cockpit stickers, cobra insignia, danger sign, warning, circle

Stock Stickers, right side cockpit stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7275.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, right side cockpit stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7242.JPG

JRuben Stickers, right side cockpit stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7340.JPG

[arch2b]

left side cockpit stickers, cobra insignia, danger sign, warning, circle

Stock Stickers, left side cockpit stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7271.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, left side cockpit stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7244.JPG

JRuben Stickers, left side cockpit stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7341.JPG

[Edhaskel]

Okay..let's cut to the chase...the stock stickers blow.....what's the consensus on who to buy from??

[arch2b]

tail sticker, cobra insignia

Stock Stickers, tail sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7262.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, tail sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7240.JPG

JRuben Stickers, tail sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7342.JPG

[arch2b]

Okay..let's cut to the chase...the stock stickers blow.....what's the consensus on who to buy from??

there are threads asking that very questions. i started this post to compare them all. if you want to jump ahead to recommendations, try one of the existing threads.

[esg2145]

Nice work.

While the 25th stickers do look like crap, I do like the white lettering of them compared to the other two.

I still have yet to put on my Cobra Stickers set. I am not contemplating using a combination of Ruben's and CS's to get the white lettering effect of the 25th.


Again, nice work man, I know what a bitch it is to take all those pics, up load them and get all the text in too. Everyone who is on the fence about the stickers needs to appreciate this thread and your work. :)

[arch2b]

rocket/bomb sticker

this is to illustrate the main difference between the stock and reproduction stickers. the stock stickers completely circumnavigate the rocket/bomb while the reproduction stickers do not. one of the issues is the stock stickers to not stick well and peel on round surfaces. since i just applied the reproduction stickers today, it's a bit unfair to compare them in this regard but you can see how the lenght differs. it's not a case of me cutting is short either as cobrastickers are precut.

Stock Stickers, rocket/bomb sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7278.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, rocket/bomb sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7249.JPG

JRuben Stickers, rocket/bomb sticker
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7344.JPG

[arch2b]

bomb stickers, cobra insignias

Stock Stickers, bomb stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7286.JPG

Cobrasticker Stickers, bomb stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7250.JPG

JRuben Stickers, bomb stickers
http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/1299/IMG_7345.JPG

[arch2b]

Nice work.

While the 25th stickers do look like crap, I do like the white lettering of them compared to the other two. it is a shame that cobrastickers can not offer a color revised option and tag it as the 25th version to get the best of both worlds. i'm sure with enough emials they could be presuaded.

I still have yet to put on my Cobra Stickers set. I am not contemplating using a combination of Ruben's and CS's to get the white lettering effect of the 25th.


Again, nice work man, I know what a bitch it is to take all those pics, up load them and get all the text in too. Everyone who is on the fence about the stickers needs to appreciate this thread and your work. :)

while i agree the white text looks nice as a contrast, the black text makes the plane look less cluttered.

the two don't really seem to lend themselves to mixing well due to the finish.

thank you, and yes. it is a HUGE pain to get all the pictures, upload them all, and type all this stuff out. there are atleast twice as many pictures as i've compared directly... the full gallery can be seen here (http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/showgallery.php?cat=1299&ppuser=1001)

the point wasn't for me to tell which is better but to offer comparisons. there are threads already posted with questions and recommendations. i'm providing visual guidance/reference and letting the reader make thier own decisions.

for the record though i will state my early opinion; i hate the stock stickers in terms of quality however they offer high contrast. at the same time cobrastickers set is much more expensive than it needs to be to be an easy purchase decision to make. i just happen to like being able to custom tailor/cut my stickers so i am leaning toward the JRuben set however i have not applied any or know how well they stick and the cost certainly makes it much easier to pull the trigger on the purchase but the waiting is also a pain. these are my own opinions and not recommendations.

[Edhaskel]

while i agree the white text looks nice as a contrast, the black text makes the plane look less cluttered.

the two don't really seem to lend themselves to mixing well due to the finish.

thank you, and yes. it is a HUGE pain to get all the pictures, upload them all, and type all this stuff out. there are atleast twice as many pictures as i've compared directly... the full gallery can be seen here (http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/showgallery.php?cat=1299&ppuser=1001)

the point wasn't for me to tell which is better but to offer comparisons. there are threads already posted with questions and recommendations. i'm providing visual guidance/reference and letting the reader make thier own decisions.

for the record though i will state my early opinion; i hate the stock stickers in terms of quality however they offer high contrast. at the same time cobrastickers set is much more expensive than it needs to be to be an easy purchase decision to make. i just happen to like being able to custom tailor/cut my stickers so i am leaning toward the JRuben set however i have not applied any or know how well they stick and the cost certainly makes it much easier to pull the trigger on the purchase but the waiting is also a pain. these are my own opinions and not recommendations.

Thanks arch....this was what I was looking for!! Im going with JRuben

[arch2b]

update...

i have the cobrastickers conquest set as well ;) look for that thread to start soon. i also plan on getting the jruben stickers applied to the rattler tomorrow.

[arch2b]

update:
i completed the jruben stickets and updated all the image comparisons.

despite the apparent brighter colors and tailoring the sticker cuts of jrubens set i must say i think there is alot to say for the quality and ease of use for the cobrastickers set. both go on nicely and make for a very clean look. also, based on perception, i think the cobrastickers actually stick a fraction better than jruben's.

i'm really torn here. i like the cobrastickers set but the price alone will limit my purchases. if there were cheaper, i would certainly buy them for all my rattlers. as is, the cost is just too high in comparison to the actual rattler.

tip for jruben stickers, use a very sharp xacto knife blade. if the cutting eedge is dull, the edges do not stick as well and become warped as the material stretches instead of being cut.

in the end, i am using the cobrastickers and jruben planes for my display. i gave my stock sticker rattler to my kids as i just doesn't even compare anymore.

[chickenbroth]

Thanks for all the hard work arch. I think my 4 vintage rattlers with be receiving some jrubens stickers.

[arch2b]

here are these two planes hung in my general cobra troops display

http://mini-zracer.com/mini-zgallery/data/968/IMG_7349.JPG

[Alley Viper]

Wow, thanks for the hard work and going through the pain of taking all these pics and up loading them for us to see. You did a great deed here for ever one. After looking at all your pics I have to say I glad I have always stuck with Ruben. His whites look a lot better, I just wish they were pre cute.

[Syn3sthesia]

I like the white lettering better. And while I have not applied them to the planes yet I seriously doubt I will apply all of them. It just looks way too clutter in there with all of them in there.

[Dunklar]

Let me know how those hold up... I HATE the ones that came with the new rattler. After applying the stickers, I picked it up a week later to find the stickers completely unwrapped from the missiles, one fell off, and some of them coming up on the body of the plane. They get the "Craptastic Award" for shitty stickyless stickers...

agreed

[WildBill]

Thanks for taking the time to do this Arch!