JonBoy, with all due respect (this post is meant with politeness and respect ... I hope that is how it is read), weight distribution is a key part in the physics of how a chassis handles. Geometry changes, especially roll centres, and sping / damper changes can all effect the way a car transitions from one part of the corner to the next and how it follows the ground. However if the centre of mass is particularly towards one axle or the other the natural characteristic of the chassis will tend towards under or oversteer. This is just pure statement of physics. I probably should tell you at this point that I am an automotive engineer who has specialised in chassis dynamics both in previous employment and during my years of study.
There will always be certain driving styles that will prefer specific handling characteristics in a car, model or full size. Part of the reason I find the Ultima RB5 such a nice car to drive quickly compared to say a B4 is it's balance, this is partly due to it's geometry but largely due to the car's weight distribution. Similarly the Lazer ZX5 I have driven is preferable to say a Losi XX4 for my driving style due to it's balance of front to rear lateral grip and it's sensitivity to small steering inputs. Both of these are largely due to it's weight distribution ... directly or indirectly due to the spring damper settings that can be successfully run due to the cars naturally neutral dynamic.
Equally your statement about not being able to tell the difference between two different chassis layouts over a single lap is probably true, but mainly due to most people not being able to drive an unknown car at 100% on an unknown circuit. However I would put it to you that most people will be able to adapt to a particular chassis / setup combination better than others. The proof in if a car suits an individual driver is their ability to tune it too suit themselves well over the course of just a few runs.
When I was racing Kyosho cars previously I always found their neutral natural balance easy to tune (to 95%) for myself and other people, the last 5% being a very personal thing.
Some other cars have natural characteristics very much towards under or over steer
and these are much more difficult to adapt to a driver if their preference is towards the other extreme.
If this was not the case why are we all not finding one particular chassis supreme above all others, no matter the driver or surface!
I understand that you have to support your products, both current and uncoming. I also understand that the UK / northern European market is small in the grand sheme of things and thus manufactures (certainly those outside this area) will produce cars that work well in the conditions found in the major market sectors, this would explain why Kyosho are researching the revised layout.
I do hope that I have put my point across without causing any offence to you or the other readers of this thread as that was never my intention.
All that said I was wondering if you could answer the question I asked you via PM please as your answer will help me make my mind up as to if I will be running a ZX5 SP for next season.
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