Alpha engines are excellent. I have an Alpha F850 and it is fantastic. Close to 3 gallons through it now, still loads of pinch, starts first push on the starter and can keep up with the various OS, Novarossi etc at the club. Yeah the more expensive engines are made from slightly more exotic materials so they last a bit longer but you can buy 3 new engines for the price of the latest OS and a complete Alpha engine is cheaper than a piston and liner kit for the OS!!!
In fact a lot of the top guys at my club have switched to an Alpha after seeing mine run and the fact they are such good value. I am on the verge of buying the Alpha A852 to replace my F850 but there doesn't seem any point at the moment, still going strong.
