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Post by Cole S. on Dec 13, 2016 22:17:06 GMT -5
I mean, if we're getting technical, this motor is 'WhisperWind' in basic construction though it was never umbrella'd under that name. AirMax's defining factor was always the cast skeletal bottom, so it could definitely be argued that AirMax had better heat control for example, but disregarding those things, a motor this beefy is going to blow anything smaller out of the water.
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Post by Jean Lemieux on Dec 13, 2016 23:27:49 GMT -5
Hummm very nice. I love how thick the housing is and how it was offered in polished brass for a Hunter model that came out relatively recently in history.
I also don't like Hunter's mountings. The one on my 1991 Summer Breeze is not too bad, it's done similar to an Encon mounting, but the one on my 2001 Bayport is really not pleasant to mount.
The only thing I like better with the flash is that it makes the finish shine a little more but other than that without the flash is better and more natural.
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Post by Noah C on Dec 14, 2016 3:48:31 GMT -5
I mean, if we're getting technical, this motor is 'WhisperWind' in basic construction though it was never umbrella'd under that name. AirMax's defining factor was always the cast skeletal bottom, so it could definitely be argued that AirMax had better heat control for example, but disregarding those things, a motor this beefy is going to blow anything smaller out of the water. Odd; so the 188×25mm motor used in your Paramount XP is a standard 188×25mm motor as far as construction goes, and yet my Grand Lodge has the same exact size motor, but with the die-cast skeletal bottom. Odd, since my Grand Lodge's motor was never referred to as an AirMax motor. Thanks for the info, Cole! So, AirMax motors were Hunter's line of 172×15mm and larger fan motors that have the die-cast skeletal bottom. The Paramount XP seemed to have been the only fan of Hunter's lineup, at that point in time, that actually states the dimensions of the motor being used.
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Post by Cole S. on Dec 16, 2016 14:00:35 GMT -5
See, that's where I've always been very confused. I had always assumed AirMax was the name of the physical design, but it seems it was more of a marketing term geared for certain areas of retail. Hunter is very good at doing that, as we've seen before, but it makes things ridiculously confusing for us 10 or 20 years later. There are the two basic structures, and two general names, but there's really no rhyme or reason behind it that I can see other than marketing. I can't keep track of all these sizes and names at this point, congratulations to anyone who thinks they've got it down lol.
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Post by Cole S. on Dec 16, 2016 14:25:30 GMT -5
On to the second Hunter fan for this week, what most of us would probably call the Valhalla. This one, however, has been repackaged in an updated Hunter carton and was renamed Scandinavia. Instead of an integrated remote, it includes the basic Hunter 3 speed fan/light dimmer combo wall control. The fan itself inside is dated all the way back to 2008, when Hunter was still making pretty outstanding products. Hunter put out a few of these very progressive designs throughout the early and mid 2000s, I've really never had much interest in any of them, but this was a super expensive fan at retail so I was curious enough to pick one up when I saw them being cleared out. As with a lot of fans I didn't care for before, I like it more than I thought I would after working with it in person. Actually moves good air, not disappointed there. The main complaint I have is how the blades mount. They kind of 'float' using rubber grommets (typical Hunter), so they don't tighten down. While that makes for usually ultra-quiet operation, when you go to high speed the blades make creaking/clacking/cracking noises for a minute or two while they adjust to the motion. They quiet down, and maybe it would improve over time as the fan breaks in, but I just wasn't impressed with that aspect. Motor is AirMax (172x18), and the new carton still lists it as such. Just thought I'd mention that, since we're still kinda on the AirMax/WhisperWind debacle. Again, pics with and without flash because I didn't like how the flash reflected on the housing.
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Post by fancollector12 on Dec 17, 2016 1:32:17 GMT -5
I always liked the Zoe/Vahalla/Scandanavia. Cool looking fans!
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Post by Cole S. on Dec 21, 2016 21:51:27 GMT -5
Gonna be hard to top 96" as my new biggest fan! Got joined up with Kichler's new product sampling program. They give options of products to pick from, the only one of major interest this first rounds was the latest incarnation of the Szeplo. Clearly I had to put it up in my new fan space, I don't have a place to hang a 96" fan elsewhere. Honestly it's pretty impressive. Quality is good, as I've come to expect from Kichler. Wide aluminum blades, moves nearly 13,000 CFM. I can feel the air strongly clear across the room, very HVLS-ish. LED light is nice too, no complaints there. Main complaint is a persisting issue with the DC control system not responding as it should. I finally got it working fairly reliably, but I'm still probably going to go back to technical support to try to get it ironed out. Video coming soon. No light cap.
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Post by Jordan U on Dec 21, 2016 22:22:44 GMT -5
Is the light actually bright enough to reasonably illuminate a room the size this fan would go in,, or is it more of a gimmick?
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Post by fancollector12 on Dec 22, 2016 0:25:22 GMT -5
I love it, Cole! How did you get signed up? I'd love to do that!
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Post by Cole S. on Dec 22, 2016 23:35:54 GMT -5
Is the light actually bright enough to reasonably illuminate a room the size this fan would go in,, or is it more of a gimmick? I think you can guess the answer. There's no way they could put a light on something this big that would be effective alone, but I wouldn't call it a gimmick. It's bright enough that it could contribute to a room's full lighting design, it's not completely purposeless.
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Post by Max C. on Dec 24, 2016 3:47:24 GMT -5
Have a couple Hunter products coming up this week! First is this Paramount XP, a model I've wanted for quite some time. I've almost pulled the trigger on getting one multiple times over the past couple years, but have just never done it. Seems Hunter is clearing out some product, so I figured this is kinda my last chance to get one easily at a decent price. Overall I love it, there are just two things that were a little off-putting. First, the blade finish isn't what I would call showroom quality. The blades themselves are nice and WIDE, very good quality construction, but the finishes seem to be some kind of overlay which was disappointing. Second, I hate pretty much all Hunter mounting systems, but this one is among the WORST. Just an absolute pain. While it's not exclusive to this model, it just kinda made me hate it a little bit because I loathe the system so much. I do LOVE the quick-install blade arms though. If you're unfamiliar, basically it comes with all the screws already on the motor. You loosen the screws a little, slip out the shipping blocks, slide the blade arms back in over the screws, and retighten. This fan was quick-connect done RIGHT. No rubber, and the casting of the arms is thick so I don't see any potential for sagging. Very slick system. Air movement is great, I mean basically the same thing as the new Casablanca's I've been raving about lately. It's old stock, pre-2009, so still a really fantastic Hunter fan. Pics with and without flash, wasn't sure which would display better. Now that is a refreshingly-Hunteresque fan May I ask what constitutes a "decent price?" You are certainly perceptive regarding the blade finish. In general, maple blades on nickel-based finishes may appear bland, however these seem particularly cheap. What specifically was a turn-off about the Installer's Choice canopy (ironically my favorite non-oil bath Hunter mounting system)? On to the second Hunter fan for this week, what most of us would probably call the Valhalla. This one, however, has been repackaged in an updated Hunter carton and was renamed Scandinavia. Instead of an integrated remote, it includes the basic Hunter 3 speed fan/light dimmer combo wall control. The fan itself inside is dated all the way back to 2008, when Hunter was still making pretty outstanding products. Hunter put out a few of these very progressive designs throughout the early and mid 2000s, I've really never had much interest in any of them, but this was a super expensive fan at retail so I was curious enough to pick one up when I saw them being cleared out. As with a lot of fans I didn't care for before, I like it more than I thought I would after working with it in person. Actually moves good air, not disappointed there. The main complaint I have is how the blades mount. They kind of 'float' using rubber grommets (typical Hunter), so they don't tighten down. While that makes for usually ultra-quiet operation, when you go to high speed the blades make creaking/clacking/cracking noises for a minute or two while they adjust to the motion. They quiet down, and maybe it would improve over time as the fan breaks in, but I just wasn't impressed with that aspect. Motor is AirMax (172x18), and the new carton still lists it as such. Just thought I'd mention that, since we're still kinda on the AirMax/WhisperWind debacle. Again, pics with and without flash because I didn't like how the flash reflected on the housing. "Updated" as in current? When were these taken off the shelves? I know this was featured in the 2010 "Prestige" catalog. While the design in and of itself is rather odd, it could look excellent in the right décor. There's no way they could put a light on something this big that would be effective alone, but I wouldn't call it a gimmick. It's bright enough that it could contribute to a room's full lighting design, it's not completely purposeless. Don't tempt me www.1000bulbs.com/product/64825/BH-MC1501F120U.htmlwww.1000bulbs.com/product/5045/MHS-10111.html
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Post by Noah C on Dec 24, 2016 7:12:46 GMT -5
Have a couple Hunter products coming up this week! First is this Paramount XP, a model I've wanted for quite some time. I've almost pulled the trigger on getting one multiple times over the past couple years, but have just never done it. Seems Hunter is clearing out some product, so I figured this is kinda my last chance to get one easily at a decent price. Overall I love it, there are just two things that were a little off-putting. First, the blade finish isn't what I would call showroom quality. The blades themselves are nice and WIDE, very good quality construction, but the finishes seem to be some kind of overlay which was disappointing. Second, I hate pretty much all Hunter mounting systems, but this one is among the WORST. Just an absolute pain. While it's not exclusive to this model, it just kinda made me hate it a little bit because I loathe the system so much. I do LOVE the quick-install blade arms though. If you're unfamiliar, basically it comes with all the screws already on the motor. You loosen the screws a little, slip out the shipping blocks, slide the blade arms back in over the screws, and retighten. This fan was quick-connect done RIGHT. No rubber, and the casting of the arms is thick so I don't see any potential for sagging. Very slick system. Air movement is great, I mean basically the same thing as the new Casablanca's I've been raving about lately. It's old stock, pre-2009, so still a really fantastic Hunter fan. Pics with and without flash, wasn't sure which would display better. Now that is a refreshingly-Hunteresque fan May I ask what constitutes a "decent price?" You are certainly perceptive regarding the blade finish. In general, maple blades on nickel-based finishes may appear bland, however these seem particularly cheap. What specifically was a turn-off about the Installer's Choice canopy (ironically my favorite non-oil bath Hunter mounting system)? On to the second Hunter fan for this week, what most of us would probably call the Valhalla. This one, however, has been repackaged in an updated Hunter carton and was renamed Scandinavia. Instead of an integrated remote, it includes the basic Hunter 3 speed fan/light dimmer combo wall control. The fan itself inside is dated all the way back to 2008, when Hunter was still making pretty outstanding products. Hunter put out a few of these very progressive designs throughout the early and mid 2000s, I've really never had much interest in any of them, but this was a super expensive fan at retail so I was curious enough to pick one up when I saw them being cleared out. As with a lot of fans I didn't care for before, I like it more than I thought I would after working with it in person. Actually moves good air, not disappointed there. The main complaint I have is how the blades mount. They kind of 'float' using rubber grommets (typical Hunter), so they don't tighten down. While that makes for usually ultra-quiet operation, when you go to high speed the blades make creaking/clacking/cracking noises for a minute or two while they adjust to the motion. They quiet down, and maybe it would improve over time as the fan breaks in, but I just wasn't impressed with that aspect. Motor is AirMax (172x18), and the new carton still lists it as such. Just thought I'd mention that, since we're still kinda on the AirMax/WhisperWind debacle. Again, pics with and without flash because I didn't like how the flash reflected on the housing. "Updated" as in current? When were these taken off the shelves? I know this was featured in the 2010 "Prestige" catalog. While the design in and of itself is rather odd, it could look excellent in the right décor. There's no way they could put a light on something this big that would be effective alone, but I wouldn't call it a gimmick. It's bright enough that it could contribute to a room's full lighting design, it's not completely purposeless. Don't tempt me www.1000bulbs.com/product/64825/BH-MC1501F120U.htmlwww.1000bulbs.com/product/5045/MHS-10111.htmlThe "decent price" paid for the Paramount XP= $79. I don't think Maple and Brushed Nickel necessarily look "cheap" in and of themselves; It depends on the actual look and build quality of the product. Hunter is selling Paramount XP's directly for $79, because even though the Paramount XP has been discontinued for a couple years now, Hunter is sitting on TONS of stock, and has been for a long while. If I recall, Max, earlier this year, you were searching for a brushed nickel ceiling fan for a space in your house. Even though the mounting system is $#!+ (rant below), this would be a good option. Definitely one of the best Hunter models made in recent times, Original models aside. That mounting system is a DISEASE. It is absolutely horrid, and here is why: •It uses a mounting plate as opposed to a mounting bracket. •As opposed to the fan motor assembly being seated and supported by the canopy it self (Hang-Tru) or mounting bracket, the canopy is hung on a hook on the mounting plate by a slot in the canopy during wiring. •As opposed to merely securing the canopy to the mounting bracket, or attaching the hatch in the case of the Hang-Tru system, you've gotta lift the entire fan again and engage it with some slots on the mounting plate. •In-canopy control receivers cannot be properly supported or placed inside of the canopy. Oh, and don't get me started about removing one of these. Working with this system while taking down my Grand Lodge was definitely not a good experience. This is definitely one of the worst mounting systems from Hunter; the 5xxxx mounting system used on new Hunter and Casablanca fans is MUCH better than this bullcrap and Hang-Tru, due to it being a more conventional system that is therefore much more versatile. Never really dug the Valhalla/Zoe/Scandinavia... It looks odd and disproportionate, like the blades are too skinny and bent to really go with the rest of the fan's design, which would call for wider, straight blades. Sorry if this is offensive, but the Scandinavia kinda looks like a Jamaican drum cylinder with burnt plantain peels for blades. It could look cool in a retro/eccentric design, but is definitely unconventional enough to not be of appeal to somebody who prefers more classic design.
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Post by Cole S. on Dec 26, 2016 13:34:11 GMT -5
Think everything was pretty well-covered in Noah's post.
Yes, I mean updated as in more current packaging, the green box with the new logo.
I like the finish of the Paramount XP blades with the brushed nickel, I just don't like the quality of them. If it was a veneer blade that was of the same general appearance I'd be all over it.
Noah covered a lot of what I hate about all Hunter mounting systems, but I think the kicker with this one is really those slots that you have to lift and engage on the mounting plate. The spare wire inside the canopy (even if you do cut it shorter) without fail gets in the way between the canopy and the plate, and I don't even want to think about trying to get a remote receiver in there with all those wires going every which-way. The slots are hard to get lined up, and once you finally get them lined up it feels like the canopy doesn't want to go onto the bracket. Then on to the screws, the holes of which have absolutely NEVER lined up perfectly for me on a fan with this system. So then you're up there trying to shove the canopy one way or another to get the screws in with the motor swinging in your face. There's just absolutely nothing pleasurable about the installation aspect.
I feel you on the scan-design models, Noah. It's not really my thing either but I was curious enough to try one out.
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Post by Cole S. on Dec 26, 2016 14:35:54 GMT -5
Closing out 2016 with a couple more new models from this year! First is the Casablanca Piston. I will say there is no review video for this as it was not provided by Casablanca. I. L O V E. T h i s. F a n. If this didn't have the new mounting hardware, I'd believe it was straight out of the 90s. And not in the dated way, in the awesome way. This fan epitomizes 90s-modern fan design, though still remains very current. It comes with the 99019 4 speed remote, which is fine. I like all of their current control systems alright, they have less features than older systems but they're so much more user-friendly. It's also LED, and taking out any pitfalls you personally see with LED, I will say Casablanca's LED light pans are superb having worked with a couple now. The color is super nice, the output is excellent, and most importantly: they dim amazingly. Overall construction is like all the other new Casablanca fans, very nice even though this fan is among the lower price points of the new fans I've worked with. Very impressed with the blade construction, being ABS/plastic. Super sturdy, and I didn't really have any balance issues which I normally seem to have with 4 out of every 5 plastic blade fans. Air movement is fine, probably could've been more impressive with less wind noise, but taking into account how much I love the appearance, those things don't disappoint me all too much. It's built well and gets the job done well enough for a 52" fan, can't say I'm disappointed at all.
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Post by Noah C on Dec 26, 2016 17:07:06 GMT -5
Closing out 2016 with a couple more new models from this year! First is the Casablanca Piston. I will say there is no review video for this as it was not provided by Casablanca. I. L O V E. T h i s. F a n. If this didn't have the new mounting hardware, I'd believe it was straight out of the 90s. And not in the dated way, in the awesome way. This fan epitomizes 90s-modern fan design, though still remains very current. It comes with the 99019 4 speed remote, which is fine. I like all of their current control systems alright, they have less features than older systems but they're so much more user-friendly. It's also LED, and taking out any pitfalls you personally see with LED, I will say Casablanca's LED light pans are superb having worked with a couple now. The color is super nice, the output is excellent, and most importantly: they dim amazingly. Overall construction is like all the other new Casablanca fans, very nice even though this fan is among the lower price points of the new fans I've worked with. Very impressed with the blade construction, being ABS/plastic. Super sturdy, and I didn't really have any balance issues which I normally seem to have with 4 out of every 5 plastic blade fans. Air movement is fine, probably could've been more impressive with less wind noise, but taking into account how much I love the appearance, those things don't disappoint me all too much. It's built well and gets the job done well enough for a 52" fan, can't say I'm disappointed at all. Same, honestly, and it looks SO NICE in black. This is one of casa's lower end fans on the totem pole, as you can probably tell since it isn't $400 or something, and it doesn't have the ballistic performance that we are used to even with newer casas
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