Return to racing - Opinion on options please

[brown4s]

Guys,

After nearly 20 years since trying to build, setup and then race a topcat with 1700 SCRC's and SCE's I promised myself I would return to racing when the time was right.

Having started looking into a return some months ago, to say things have changed is an understatement !

I know that everyone has their own views on which packages are the best based on what they raced, so in order to try and not create a massive thread I wanted peoples views on the following products that I have almost decided on please:

Racing on mainly astro, grass and indoors:

Buggies
1/10th 2wd buggy - AE B4.2, Yok B-MAXMR or Durango DEX210

1/10th 4wd buggy - AE b44.2, Yok B-MAX4 2 world spec or Durango DEX410V3

Thoughts on both the above classes steers me to the durango's with geared diffs as they seem more reliable, not sure if they both come with geared though or whether there optional part upgrades ?

Electrics package:

- LRP Lipo, speedo and modified motor (Not sure what turn to start with)
- Dualsky Lipo, speedo and motor (Not sure what turn to start with)
- Reedy Lipo, Novak speedo and motor (Not sure what turn to start with)

Radio - Sanwa Gemini X 2.4 ghz with 451 receiver

Charger - LRP Pulsar touch competition charger

Steering servo:

Sanwa or Savox - not sure which one is the best

Really appreciate your views on these areas please.

Thanks

[danDanEFC]

Seems like you have it all in hand.

I would get down to your local track and see who runs what. No point running the excellent 210 if no one else has one and you have to go home early as you don't have the spare part.

[Richard Lowe]

One thing to note in the options you've listed, the charger you've picked is really expensive.

These days with LiPo's they are either charged or they aren't, there's no need for fancy chargers like there was in the old days of SCR/E's ect. All you need to look for really is something that supports balance charging, the one I'm using at the moment cost all of £35...

http://www.rccarshop.co.uk/index.php...s-80-watt.html

It even has mains/12v input so you don't need a separate power supply

[charlesk]

I was in the same boat as you a few months ago, returning to racing after nearly 20years.
My advice for what it's worth (looking back on the last few months):
i)decide which club(s) you're going to go to.
ii)see what people are running there (both make/model and class)
iii)go with whatever the bulk use (for spare and knowledge/tips)

Your 1st year (maybe more) back in racing support for what you run is far more important than a car that is 1/10th faster. You will be the limiting factor, not the car.

I will also advise to go 2wd for the first year at least. They are cheaper to buy and run, but most importantly they will teach you again how to drive an rc properly. 4wd is faster (most places) and I do prefer how it handles, but 2wd is invaluble in teaching you how to carry corner speed, throtle control etc. I short terms it will make you a better driver, even if ultimatelly you go 4wd.

For the UK, mid motor 2wd buggys have a distinct advantage (asto/carpet/grass), so I would advise getting one that can be had in that format. I really do like the B4.2 (and most associated cars), but by the time you add a conversion kit it gets very expensive for the class (and a a novice probably a waste, later on maybe).

Motor turn wise, see what people are running at the tracks you'd be going. A big outdoor track will want something a bit faster than a tight indoors, but stay on the slower end, since this will make the car easier to drive and probably be faster over a lap.

Have you got a max budget? Easier to make suggestions that way.

[neallewis]

In 2wd, the B4.2 is great car (for lots of reasons) and will work well, but you'll most likely be wanting to upgrade it with a mid motor conversion (X-factory CML C4.2) at some point after you have run it a bit.

I'd therefore recommend the Yokomo BMAX2-MR as it just builds as mid (or rear) motor out of the box, and you don't need to upgrade anything. Just buy the kit, build it and run it. The Yok plastic quality is far higher than the AE, and it's loads stronger too. I've been running my BMAX2 and other than getting ceramic diff balls, not needed to use/buy any spares. I simply haven't broken anything, and it sure gets a lot of abuse.

I restarted last year (after a 22 year break), started with a B4.1 (which i still have and run at some tracks), but also upgraded to centro C4.1, and now settled on the BMAX2MR, as it's a super good car.

I can't comment on the Yok BMAX 4, as I've not got one, but is sure looks good. The AE B44.2 is great, and I run an Xray XB4 which is bullet proof tough, but has been tricky to get setup right on low grip tracks.

Durango cars are good (from what I see club mates using), but be prepared for replacing it bit by bit with blingy extras.

[jo90]

I have been running the DEX210 and recently the DEX410 since coming over to off-road in November of last year.

The DEX210 is a brilliant car, highly competitve and no it does not need all the bits changed at all..it's a personal choice. There are two upgrades that are necessary, but thats all. These being alloy hexes for the wheels and the layshaft spacer for the HD version. Simple and cheap upgrades and from there you can race.

You mention the gear diff. For the DEX210 this is an upgrade and a good one, so when you have the extra money it is worth getting. I only run this as I find the car, for me, handles better. Plus the upside is less maintenance.

Spares wise you only really need to carry a front bulkhead, front wishbones and C-hubs and perhaps front hinge pins. If you are worried about how you will drive and perhaps hit things then maybe updating the rear-front suspension block to metal might be worth while (and again very cheap).

The DEX410 again is a car that needs little. Alloy hexes are a must and to be fair the only real update you need to make, everything else being choice than need. I admit I have blinged mine out with tresrey gear, but im diong this to really bullet proof a strong car.

The other manufacturers all have good cars, and all probably need similar spares to the Durango cars. The pricing on the Durango though is really good. In fact so good if you bought it new, bought a spares pacjkage and added alot of the 'bling' stuff, it would still be cheaper than some other manufacturers cars!

The Electrics you mention are all good. I have run Nosram LiPo's for a few months now and like them alot (the same as LRP, only red). Likewise I have the Nosram version of the touch charger. richard is right in saying though you don't need to spend out hundred's on a charger..but im a fan of their gear, have used LRP/Nosram for years without any problems, so put my faith and money into them.

Speedo wise it's quite open. I use a Tekin, but many also use HobbyWing, SpeedPassion and so on. For this perhaps it's best to see what the best deal you can get, and double check with other racers using them what motors they use (as some motors do work with some speedo's better than others).

Servo wise i switched to Futaba from Savox simply because mine blew apart. Since going to the Futaba im happy as larry, no issues, fast and bags of torque.

Fnially control wise i use a KO Propo Espritt 3. Admitidly though you can no longer buy these new (if you can well done for finding one) they are simply awesome kit. KO are still one of the best out there and i recommend them highly having used KO equipment for all in about 20 years of racing now (when i was a kid and when i came back as an adult). Alot seem to have switched to Sanwa though as they still offer sticks over steering wheel.

Hope that helps

[jo90]

posted twice

[brown4s]

entered by mistake

[Chop chop]

Hi

I have just got back into racing after nearly 15 years and like you say, so much has changed.

I went for a durango 210 and changed from rear motor to mid motor as I race at local track on astro. My brother and I went for the same and must admit, we are really impressed with the cars.

Agree with the comments as well worth going down local track to see what people are running. I have had to call on some help from the other durango owners :-)