Mini-Max buying guide
Base vs. Prefab vs. QuickBuild: what changes?
Every Mini-Max full aircraft kit comes in three kit levels: the Base Kit, the Kit with Prefabbed Wing Ribs, and the Kit with Prefab Wing Ribs and Prefab Metal Parts (the level the SKU calls QB and the Compare tool calls Quick-Build). This guide explains what each level adds, what never changes, and how the three are priced for every model.
1. Three levels, one airplane
The kit level does not change the aircraft, the plans or what is in the kit. At every level you receive the airframe materials for your model, a covering kit, a separate ½-gallon T-88 epoxy kit, the Metal & Hardware Kit, the aircraft plans (the assembly manual for the 1950S AeroMax), one fuel tank and a windshield (additional tanks are optional extras). The exclusions are the same too: engine, propeller, instruments, avionics, battery, wiring, electronics, paint, upholstery, registration, certification, inspection services, training, shipping and assembly labor are not included unless the product page or invoice says otherwise.
What the level buys is shop time. Mini-Max USA does two kinds of fabrication for you, in two steps:
- Prefabbed wing ribs: the ribs arrive built, so you skip the most repetitive, detail-sensitive part of the wing.
- Prefab metal parts: selected metal components arrive fabricated, so you skip the layout, cutting and fabrication of those fittings.
The three names describe those two steps: Base (neither), Kit with Prefabbed Wing Ribs (step 1), Kit with Prefab Wing Ribs and Prefab Metal Parts (steps 1 and 2).
2. What each level adds
Kit levels
Base vs. prefab wing ribs vs. prefab ribs and metal parts
Every Mini-Max full aircraft kit is sold at three kit levels. The airplane, the plans and what the kit includes do not change between levels. What changes is how much of the wing-rib building and metal-part fabrication is finished before the kit ships.
| What changes | Base KitSKU <model> | Kit with Prefabbed Wing RibsSKU <model>-PF | Kit with Prefab Wing Ribs and Prefab Metal PartsSKU <model>-QB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $10,899.99 to $17,999.99across current models | $11,399.99 to $18,699.99across current models | $11,899.99 to $19,699.99across current models |
| Wing ribs | You build every wing rib yourself from the rib materials in the kit. | Wing ribs arrive prebuilt. Rib building is the most repetitive, detail-sensitive part of the wing, so this is the time saver most builders ask for first. | Wing ribs arrive prebuilt, as in the prefabbed-ribs level. |
| Metal parts | You lay out, cut and fabricate the metal fittings from the metal stock supplied with the kit. | Same as Base: you fabricate the metal fittings. | Selected metal components arrive prefabricated, saving layout, cutting and fabrication time. This is the most complete kit level. |
| Everything else | Identical at all three levels: the airframe materials, the covering kit, the separate ½-gallon T-88 epoxy kit, the Metal & Hardware Kit, one fuel tank, a windshield and the aircraft plans. Additional fuel tanks are optional extras. | ||
| Mini-Kit equivalent | Wing Rib Kit (Raw Materials) and Metal & Hardware Kit (Standard) | Wing Rib Kit (Prebuilt Wing Ribs) | Wing Rib Kit (Prebuilt Wing Ribs) and Metal & Hardware Kit (Prebuilt Metal Parts) |
| Build time | The longest of the three. Each model's base-kit estimate is on its product page under Build Time & Skill Level. | Shorter than Base. The published prefab estimate assumes both prebuilt ribs and prefab metal parts, so expect this level to land between the two figures. | The shortest of the three. Each model's prefab estimate is on its product page under Build Time & Skill Level. |
| Best for | The lowest price, and builders who want to make every part themselves and have the shop time to do it. | Builders who want to skip rib building but are comfortable making metal fittings. | Builders who want the shortest path to assembly, or the least shop equipment for metal work. |
Included at every kit level
- Covering kit
- ½-gallon T-88 epoxy kit (a separate item, not part of the covering kit)
- Metal & Hardware Kit
- The aircraft plans
- The airframe sections used in the staged-layaway schedule: empennage, wing rib, wing assembly, fuselage, Metal & Hardware, landing gear and fabric kits
Not included at any kit level
- Engine and propeller
- Instruments and avionics
- Battery, wiring and electronics
- Paint and upholstery
- Registration, certification, inspection services and training
- Shipping and assembly labor
Usually bought separately
- Engine, propeller and any firewall-forward accessories your engine needs
- Flight instruments and avionics
- Paint and finish coatings
- Tools and shop supplies
- Registration, inspection and documentation fees
- Transportation, crating or delivery unless stated separately
The set of prefabricated metal components varies by model. Ask Mini-Max USA for the current list for your aircraft before you order. See What's Included in a Full Kit for the complete list and exclusions.Buying guides: What does it cost to finish a Mini-Max? · Base vs. Prefab vs. QuickBuild: what changes? · Building a Mini-Max in a garage: space, tools and experience
3. Prices and build-time estimates by model
Prices are today's store prices for each kit level. Build times are Mini-Max USA's estimates for a Base Kit and for the prefab (quick-build) level, taken from the owner-audited aircraft data that also feeds the model pages. Estimates They assume a careful builder working steadily; your experience, workspace and schedule change them. The prefab estimate assumes both prebuilt ribs and prefab metal parts.
| Model | Base Kit | Prefabbed Wing Ribs | Prefab Ribs + Metal Parts | Base build time (est.) | Prefab build time (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1030R MAX-103 Ultralight Full Aircraft Kit | $11,499.99 | $11,999.99+$500.00 | $12,499.99+$1,000.00 | 300-350 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1100R Mini-Max Full Aircraft Kit | $11,299.99 | $11,999.99+$700.00 | $12,699.99+$1,400.00 | 250-300 hours | 175-225 hours |
| 1103R Mini-Max Ultralight Full Aircraft Kit | $10,899.99 | $11,399.99+$500.00 | $11,899.99+$1,000.00 | 250-300 hours | 175-225 hours |
| 1200S Speedster Sport Full Aircraft Kit | $11,999.99 | $12,699.99+$700.00 | $13,499.99+$1,500.00 | 300-350 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1250SS Speedster Super Sport Full Aircraft Kit | $12,499.99 | $12,999.99+$500.00 | $13,499.99+$1,000.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1300S Sport Coupe Full Aircraft Kit | $12,699.99 | $13,499.99+$800.00 | $14,199.99+$1,500.00 | 300-350 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1350SS Super Sport Coupe Full Aircraft Kit | $13,199.99 | $13,699.99+$500.00 | $14,199.99+$1,000.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1400S Hi-Max Sport Full Aircraft Kit | $13,299.99 | $13,999.99+$700.00 | $14,799.99+$1,500.00 | 300-350 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1450SS Hi-Max Super Sport Full Aircraft Kit | $13,799.99 | $14,299.99+$500.00 | $15,099.99+$1,300.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1500R Sport Full Aircraft Kit | $11,699.99 | $12,199.99+$500.00 | $12,699.99+$1,000.00 | 300-350 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1550V V-Max Full Aircraft Kit | $12,799.99 | $13,399.99+$600.00 | $13,999.99+$1,200.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1600R Sport Full Aircraft Kit | $12,399.99 | $12,899.99+$500.00 | $13,399.99+$1,000.00 | 325-400 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1650R EROS Full Aircraft Kit | $13,299.99 | $13,799.99+$500.00 | $14,299.99+$1,000.00 | 325-400 hours | 225-300 hours |
| 1650V V-Max Full Aircraft Kit | $13,499.99 | $14,199.99+$700.00 | $14,699.99+$1,200.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1700R Hi-Max Full Aircraft Kit | $12,999.99 | $13,499.99+$500.00 | $14,299.99+$1,300.00 | 350-400 hours | 200-250 hours |
| 1703R Hi-Max Ultralight Full Aircraft Kit | $12,499.99 | $13,199.99+$700.00 | $13,999.99+$1,500.00 | 350-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1750V V-Hi-Max Full Aircraft Kit | $14,099.99 | $14,599.99+$500.00 | $15,099.99+$1,000.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1850V SuperMax Full Aircraft Kit | $14,999.99 | $15,899.99+$900.00 | $16,399.99+$1,400.00 | 325-400 hours | 250-300 hours |
| 1950S AeroMax Full Aircraft Kit | $17,999.99 | $18,699.99+$700.00 | $19,699.99+$1,700.00 | 250-300 hours | 175-225 hours |
The step from Base to the next level is not the same for every model, and neither is the step to the top level. Read each kit page before deciding, and compare models side by side if you are still choosing the airplane.
4. The same upgrades as Mini-Kits
Mini-Kits sell the airframe one section at a time, and two of those sections carry the same prefab options as the full kit levels. Using the 1100R Mini-Kits as the example:
| Mini-Kit section | Option | Current price |
|---|---|---|
| Wing Rib Kit | Raw Materials (you build the ribs) | $999.99 |
| Wing Rib Kit | Prebuilt Wing Ribs | $1,699.99+$700.00 |
| Metal & Hardware Kit | Standard (you fabricate the fittings) | $1,769.99 |
| Metal & Hardware Kit | Prebuilt Metal Parts | $2,369.99+$600.00 |
In the 1100R full kit the same two steps cost $700.00 (ribs) and a further $700.00 (metal parts) over the Base Kit. The Wing Rib Kit also offers a middle option, Laser Cut Gussets, that the full kit levels do not. 1100R Mini-Kits shows every section.
5. Which level to choose
Choose Base if
- the lowest kit price matters most;
- you want to make every part yourself and have the shop time;
- you enjoy repetitive, precise work and have a flat bench for rib jigs;
- you are comfortable laying out and cutting metal fittings.
Choose Prefabbed Wing Ribs if
- you want to skip rib building but are happy to make the metal parts;
- your shop time is limited and the wing is where you want it back;
- you have the hand tools and drill press for metal work already.
Choose Prefab Ribs + Metal Parts if
- you want the shortest path to assembly;
- you have the least metal-working equipment or experience;
- you would rather spend the hours on fitting, gluing, covering and finishing.
Still deciding? Builder Assist in Niles, Michigan lets you work on your own kit alongside factory-trained builders, whatever level you buy, and is a good fit for a first-time builder who wants a second set of eyes on the early assemblies. About Builder Assist.
6. Questions builders ask
Is the airplane different at each kit level?
No. All three kit levels build the same aircraft from the same plans, and every level includes the covering kit, the separate half-gallon T-88 epoxy kit, the Metal and Hardware Kit, the plans, one fuel tank and a windshield. The levels differ only in how much wing-rib building and metal-part fabrication is done before the kit ships.
What does the prefab wing ribs level add?
Prebuilt wing ribs. Building ribs is the most repetitive and detail-sensitive part of the wing, so this level removes that work. You still fabricate the metal fittings from the metal stock in the kit.
What does the prefab metal parts level add?
Selected metal components arrive already fabricated, saving layout, cutting and fabrication time, on top of the prebuilt wing ribs. It is the most complete kit level. The exact set of prefabricated metal parts varies by model, so ask Mini-Max USA for the current list for your aircraft.
Can I add prefab parts later if I start with a Base Kit?
The same upgrades are sold as Mini-Kit options: the Wing Rib Kit with Prebuilt Wing Ribs and the Metal and Hardware Kit with Prebuilt Metal Parts. Buying them separately after a Base Kit means paying for the standard section twice, so decide the level before you order if you can. Contact Mini-Max USA before ordering if you already have a Base Kit.
More answers: How long does it take to build a Mini-Max?, Are Mini-Kits more expensive than buying the full kit up front? and What's Included in a Full Kit.
Not sure which level fits your shop?
Tell us your model, your tools and how much time you have each week. We will tell you which level we would order.
Prices are current Mini-Max USA store prices at the moment this page loaded and can change without notice. Build times are estimates, not commitments. Kit contents can vary by model, kit level, product updates and optional add-ons; review the product page, your invoice and current Mini-Max USA kit documentation before ordering. Builders and pilots remain responsible for tools, safe construction, inspection, regulatory compliance, registration, maintenance, training and safe operation.