Zx-5 RTR

[dyops]

I finally got the brand new zx5 readyset I won in ebay. I paid a total of US$291 for it which included shipping from Japan. It was, of course, fully assembled but NO spare parts (no grease, oil, etc.), only a couple of allen keys and the cross wrench, and 2 manuals -- the readyset manual and the kit manual which they called "maintenance manual." The controller was the Kyosho Perfex AM controller. Looked cheap to me but you get what you pay for. I charged up my 3600mah nimh venom battery and took it for a spin on the road outside my house. I live at the end of a cul-de-sac so no worries of cars passing by.

BTW, when it arrived it was raining, so I had to wait until the afternoon to play with the car. I do not have anything to compare it with since the last car I owned was a Falcon 20 years ago. But a couple of things I noticed -- one, the shocks were very soft aside from being plastic. (Need suggestions of good shocks to get for the car) Is it normal for the car to lower after placing the battery? After I placed it there was a half an inch gap between the bottom of the car and the ground. Good thing there were no ramps around or else I would have scratched the bottom. 2nd, the front left swing shaft was bent a bit but I only noticed this after the battery died. No worries here since it can be replaced and it did not really after the performance.

Anyway, when I took it out for a run, it felt slow IMO. My Falcon (after upgrading its motor) felt faster even though the last time I ran it was 20 years ago. I had to get used to the pistol grip since I never really used one before. Steering was a bit of a challenge but I eventually got the hang of it.

Overall, it was fun. I can't complain a lot since I do not have the authority to and I paid $291 for it (brand new) when the kit alone cost $330. The spikes on the tires are half its original length since I was skidding a lot on the road. Now, I have to make my way to the track here to test it and my almost non-existent driving skills . But before I do that, I will install the bumpers I ordered and upgrade the shocks first. I would have to buy something readily available in either Canada or the US.

I am also waiting for a slightly used Dark Impact set I won cheap at ebay($100). Futaba 2PL FM controller, Trinity SpeedGems 17 turn motor, Duratrax ESC, battery and charger were included. I was lucky since no one else bid.

I can use this as a comparison with the zx-5. With lotsa practice between these 2 cars, hopefully by next year I will be race ready!

Suggestions and advice are always welcomed!

[lazerboy]

yes, it is normal for the car to do that. it is called droop. As long as the springs are silver, they should be perfect(that's what jimmy used) that kind of droop is actually good. There have many advances in rc suspension over the last 20 years. I would suggest getting cvd's and a 12 turn or lower motor if you don't mind whether your runtimesw are affected.

[lazerboy]

$100 for shocks!!!! don't EVER pay that much again. You can get ft ae shocks(threaded) brand new for $40 on ebay. and i think that the di front shocks are way too short.

[dyops]

Originally Posted by lazerboy

$100 for shocks!!!! don't EVER pay that much again. You can get ft ae shocks(threaded) brand new for $40 on ebay. and i think that the di front shocks are way too short.

Sorry for the misunderstanding. I meant to say that I bought a Dark Impact car, motor, esc, controller, battery and charger from Ebay for $100. In other words a WHOLE used DI package for $100 ($135 with shipping) when the DI buggy kit alone cost $126 brand new in Ebay.

I meant to compare both cars since I haven't driven an RC in 20 years and the only one I owned was a 2WD Falcon (and 2 1/24 tamtech cars).

I would never pay $100 for shocks! I'm too cheap. Thanks for the comments! At first I was lost with the CVD since I didn't know what it meant. But after doing a little research, I know what it is. BTW, do you know of an upgrade for it or do I just buy the Kyosho version of the CVDs? Also, ae shocks are ok with the zx5? I'll check them out.

[JCJC]

Shocks, generaly good quality on the Lazer (no need to change), mabey just a change of oil & spring/piston.

MUST have the ally front brace to stop major breakages.

Look at front shock tower mount & carbon shock tower as well. Search all posts on here, inc http://www.oople.com/rc/index-reviews.html (ZX-5 review & look at Keen Hawk review), setups, tips - you should be good. Do you get the one way options with the RTR ?

BTW - and we know what a Dark Impact is, good strong car from what I've been told.

[lazerboy]

OH! then that's a pretty good deal!