DuraTrax Raze 1/8 buggy SPY SHOT!

[PeterV]

http://209.2.68.15:8011/pics/duratrax_raze.jpg

I can't name the tipster who sent me this, but I can say that say that he (or she) is getting a big-time hookup from me for snapping this pic and ferreting out a few details. Expect SuperTigre .27 power and FM radio gear, and of course it'll be fully RTR. I tried to look between the front wheel spokes to see if it's a C-hub or pivot ball, but I got nuthin'.

[-=ADA$=-]

i believe i can see cast aluminum knuckle in front right wheel

[PeterV]

What a dummy, I was zoomed in so tight that I didn't even look at the other wheel! Maybe I'll edit my post so I look smarter. Nah, too busy...

[bobf24]

ya, on the right side arm you can see the end of the hingepin,

[TitansGT4]

Duratrax has come a long way

[Blacktiger]

Looks a lot better than the Axis for sure!

[RC10racer89]

I was slightly suspicious when duratrax released their 1/18 scale buggy....

[Wosstifer]

true love to see the inside

[hasminor]

does it have a two speed gears or single gears : :cool:

[Fluke]

prolly single

[CarbonMadness]

does it have a two speed gears or single gears : :cool:
If they plan on making it race legal then it will have a single speed.

[bobf24]

they obviously dont plan on making it race legal since it comes with a .27, at least not out of the box,

[Fluke]

well you guys wanted an american 1.8th bug.i think you got it:D
looks way better than the axis tho

[lextek]

Looks like the Vendetta has a big brother!

[Mini-T Freak]

What can I say......ANYTHING is better than the Axis :D

[Fluke]

at least its not another version of nanda's racing swift

[WH33LS]

Looks great!!

[metalry101]

they obviously dont plan on making it race legal since it comes with a .27, at least not out of the box,
If anyone's gonna be racing this with the stock engine, it'll be in the RTR buggy class, or novice class...and they won't care that the engine is a .27. Any race .21 will blow the doors off of it, so the non-novice guys won't care, and other novice buggies will have big engines too. Ofna RTR's either come with a Force .26 or .28 depending on the model, with the exception of they Hyper series RTR's. I think the Hot Bodies' buggy comes with a .26. The Kyosho RTR comes with a .28. The XTM comes with a .247. Etc.

[mLst182]

dont like the name and dont think it well be too popular but hey, mayb itll give duratrax kind of a comeback

[QUAKE&SHAKE]

well you guys wanted an american 1.8th bug.i think you got it:D
looks way better than the axis tho

No, most likely, just imported with their name on it. They may spec a few things for it.

[CarbonMadness]

well you guys wanted an american 1.8th bug.i think you got it:D
looks way better than the axis tho
The Losi buggy will be american made.

[TheSnick]

Dont be so sure that the losi buggy will made here, the LST is not.

[metalry101]

No, most likely, just imported with their name on it. They may spec a few things for it.
I doubt it. The Warhead is their vehicle I believe. Their micro line is imported, but the Evader series is theirs (ish...adapted from the XX series), and their older stuff was theirs I believe. Hopefully this is better than the Warhead, which so far has been a disappointment. Oh...and please Duratrax...find a different engine for the buggy. That engine so does not have a buggy powerband.

[rc411]

Man, I bet this is one of those chinese imports they picked up on... mp 7.5 clone like the others?

[T/Losi]

Looks good, would look even better if they didn't paint the windows.
Any shots of under the body?

Cheers

[Fluke]

mp 7.5 clone like the others?

All buggies look the same.its hard to be original

[T/Losi]

All buggies look the same.its hard to be original
LOL, so true

Cheers

[Tk08]

remindes me of the OFNA ultra series buggy

[EvaderSTKid]

It looks like it might be semi good, but all I cn hope for is better quality and fit and finish over my Evader.

[Fluke]

guys i think the duratrax is a smartech vanguard http://www.rcmart.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=420_328&products_id=13513


http://www.hobby-estore.com/smartech-nitro-4wd-gas-rc-off-road-buggy-083420.html

[losifreak2004]

TheSnick - The Team Losi 8ight will be made here in the U.S., just like the rest of all of Losi's race-bred vehicles.

[JDAWG53]

How about getting back on topic. This is the DTX Raze thread not the Losi 8th thread.
If Losi comes out with an RTR version, it will most likely be made overseas like their current RTR vehicles.

[TheSnick]

Fluke, that buggy is one and the same! Good catch. Should go a long way in rebuilding DTX's reputation :)

[JDAWG53]

Any more pics from Duratrax? Body off?

[Fluke]

well i'm not absolutly sure but again i think its the same as the smartech vanguard

[Quinton]

Would I be biased if I were to say that it's still a Duratrash? I think they should stick to r/c accesories, not r/c's. Just MO.

[Fluke]

actually i know that the smartech bazooka is an excellent buggy.but can't say about this one

[4DMNYC]

It looks alittle on the weak side to me. Those shock towers are tiny.And I've always hated cast knuckles. But the shocks themselves look pretty nice. I've never been a fan of duratrax but I always liked their shocks. I would also like to see some body off shots. Just out of curiosity.

[JDAWG53]

Actually the shock towers are 4mm. The same as most other 8th scales. Again, cast knuckles are standard issue on just about all 8th scales. Machined knuckles are expensive and usually left for hop ups.

[4DMNYC]

True, but what about pivot ball suspention?

[DarkSavage]

Kinda looks like the 1/18th one. i wonder hows its going to compete against the others.

[guver]

http://www.himotousa.com/

Is it this one?

[rc411]

I thought the front end looked familar. I also remember the day Smartech had asked if I'd help distribute the buggy here in america. PFFT... duratrax will sell anything they can get their hands on. Too bad they dont make their own products. :rolleyes:

Steer clear of this product. Its like the rest of the smartech stuff they restamped.

So if it really is the vanguard... there sure is no C hub suspension, or any real performance features to look for on this.

[justinspankey]

tower has the raze on tower now but why doesnt durtrax have it up on thier own site since it is thier buggy

[rc411]

Simple. Either A: they released info at RCX and have yet to update the website... or B: Talked with Smartech about using one of their terrible products again, got the deal since they over paid them before, and can't wait to try to rake in the dough with some terrible buggy that Duratrax thinks its the next best thing... and just haven't had time to update the site.

If anyone can get a pic of this "raze" with the lid off, that'd be spiffy. Because if its indeed the Vanguard, you could buy it overseas for cheaper WITHOUT radio gear or the engine for cheaper, wait for duratrax hopups, and pray it was a good investment for a 1/8 buggy.

UPDATE... yep, its a smartech vanguard. After viewing similar pics and comparing with the LIDS both on, its a vangard: http://www.logohobby.es/images/product/1/large/pl_1_1_1039.jpg

The body is the same, the window stickers are the same, the exhaust cutouts are the same, the shock towers are the same, the tires, wheels... EVERYTHING.

Pics:
http://www.smartechracing.com/web_2006/product/cars/083420/images/body.gif

Now, Duratrax said it'd have an FM radio, my guess is they'd stick with the smartech radio gear because its cheap... hence the pc I am providing of it:

http://www.smartechracing.com/web_2006/product/cars/083420/images/p5d.gif

Steering setup... cheap! :

http://www.smartechracing.com/web_2006/product/cars/083420/images/p6d.gif

[guver]

Is that a futaba made radio?

[rc411]

I think its an old school Ko ;) Looks like the Mars, except the buttons are different.

[jaywax]

Here it is.

http://www.duratrax.com/cars/dtxd76.html

[TheSnick]

There is one photo in the DTX gallery, it is the same as the Smartech and Himoto versions. Keep in mind though, Smartech's stuff is all differnt brands. Their 1/5 scale truck is the same as the XTM/GVmodels truck. Their 1/5 buggy is the same as the DTX/olf FG buggy, which is the same as truck with bigger wheels. Their Bazooka is the same as the Speed buggy. IMO, the RC companies in CHina and Taiwan are in such a hurry to make a splash, they are selling their marketing rights to several people/companies at the same time.

Sinyih- also sold as Tower Hobbies, SX0, two other crappy names in the USA, and Sinyih itself.

Nanda- Also sold as PRP (the orginal Swift), Schumacher, RD Logics, and now another company in the USA.

I am sure there are many more, just some examples.

The only companies that are not selling their products under their own name, that are doing it right, are Ho Bao and Hong Nor. In North America, Hong Nor is Ofna for low end buggies and trucks, and now Jammin for the race quality (used to just be Ofna for both). Ho Bao in North America are under Ofna name, but it seems with the Hyper 8, they may be switching to the Ho Bao name.

It just seems silly to me, even with those examples, that I can buy a Jammin CRT here, but go on RCmart and buy a Hong Nor CRT. JUst call them one name and be done with it.

[jaywax]

There is one photo in the DTX gallery, it is the same as the Smartech and Himoto versions. Keep in mind though, Smartech's stuff is all differnt brands. Their 1/5 scale truck is the same as the XTM/GVmodels truck. Their 1/5 buggy is the same as the DTX/olf FG buggy, which is the same as truck with bigger wheels. Their Bazooka is the same as the Speed buggy. IMO, the RC companies in CHina and Taiwan are in such a hurry to make a splash, they are selling their marketing rights to several people/companies at the same time.

Sinyih- also sold as Tower Hobbies, SX0, two other crappy names in the USA, and Sinyih itself.

Nanda- Also sold as PRP (the orginal Swift), Schumacher, RD Logics, and now another company in the USA.

I am sure there are many more, just some examples.

The only companies that are not selling their products under their own name, that are doing it right, are Ho Bao and Hong Nor. In North America, Hong Nor is Ofna for low end buggies and trucks, and now Jammin for the race quality (used to just be Ofna for both). Ho Bao in North America are under Ofna name, but it seems with the Hyper 8, they may be switching to the Ho Bao name.

It just seems silly to me, even with those examples, that I can buy a Jammin CRT here, but go on RCmart and buy a Hong Nor CRT. JUst call them one name and be done with it.

The pics are close, but are not the same exact picture. Notice that some e-clips are positioned differently and the shocks are adjusted different. Look at where the screws are positioned. Look close.

[1822]

TheSnick is right on the money. There are so many companies now that buy cheap crap they find in Taiwan or China and throw their name on it to make a quick buck. This is another one.

[TheSnick]

JayWax, not saying they are the same picture, saying they are the same buggy featured in both sets of pictures.

1822, its ok to make a buck, its just up to us to watch out for junk.

Taiwan does pump out some good stuff, the HoBao and Hong Nor stuff is good, Thunder Tiger is pretty good......sometimes. Taiwan is where all of Traxxas' stuff is made (yes, ALL). Thats where all of Losi and AE's RTR are made (AE RTR's are made by TTR in Taiwan).

Its products like the million names for one buggy, and that funny one where they copied the Madforce and 777 buggy, and used the brand name BEAST.

[jaywax]

TheSnick is right on the money. There are so many companies now that buy cheap crap they find in Taiwan or China and throw their name on it to make a quick buck. This is another one.

Think about it. What good products are made in the U.S.? If you take out Ford and Chevy trucks, we really do not produce good products. I do not see any reason it would be different in the rc world.

[JDAWG53]

I love how some of you guys are so quick to judge just because of the name on the side of the box.
In case you don't know, DuraTrax is not trying to win the next worlds with this buggy. They are simply trying to offer a quality, budget minded vehicle to the r/c market that can be used as a back yard basher or compete at a local level. If you want to take it to the next level of competition they offer a large selection of hop-ups.
The majority of r/cers today just want to have fun, either running in their yard or racing on the weekends. This buggy will do just that and doesn't have the price tag that the high end buggies do.
411 you say "So if it really is the vanguard... there sure is no C hub suspension" but in your next post you show an up close pic of the car with c-hub suspension.
Save your opinions of the buggy till after it is out. You might be pleasantly surprised.

[jaywax]

I love how some of you guys are so quick to judge just because of the name on the side of the box.
In case you don't know, DuraTrax is not trying to win the next worlds with this buggy. They are simply trying to offer a quality, budget minded vehicle to the r/c market that can be used as a back yard basher or compete at a local level. If you want to take it to the next level of competition they offer a large selection of hop-ups.
The majority of r/cers today just want to have fun, either running in their yard or racing on the weekends. This buggy will do just that and doesn't have the price tag that the high end buggies do.
411 you say "So if it really is the vanguard... there sure is no C hub suspension" but in your next post you show an up close pic of the car with c-hub suspension.
Save your opinions of the buggy till after it is out. You might be pleasantly surprised.

I agree totally. I race at the local level and I see $1200-2000 buggies never make to the race or they end up breaking during the race. I catch flack because I race my DTX Evader. It competes well with all the other trucks. It would win if it had a better driver :) . The Raze looks like a solid buggy. It compares to all the other rtr buggies out there. Even if the buggy breaks or does not work well, DTX customer service will handle those issues with no problem. I am buying one as soon as it comes out. The only thing I will upgrade on is a high torque steering servo. (that is every rtr buggy) Other than that I am good. Guy by the quality, not the name.

[rc411]

I don't know why you'd want to waste money on another "duratrax" product. Look at the steering linkages, they are very weak. Ever seen the Smartech vanguard? Its weak, cheap, pretty much garbage. Perfect vehicle for duratrax to put their label on.

This is by far, the most "bottom line" buggy out on the market as far as quality, features, and value goes. Any other 1/8 buggy is better.

[dom223]

The Raze looks like an alright buggy to me. I wont be buying one but i would if i were new to rc and just wanted a buggy for bashing or racing with freinds. Why are some of you guys trying to compare it to a top dollar racing buggy when it clearly is not, and was probably not intended to be? How can anyone say it sucks when nobody has one yet?

[TheSnick]

Jdawg, perhaps you should follow what the thread is saying. We are saying that it is a rebadged Smartech car. Draw your own conclusion from there. DOnt jump down our throats for something we did not even say. Read man, read.

[JDAWG53]

Jdawg, perhaps you should follow what the thread is saying. We are saying that it is a rebadged Smartech car. Draw your own conclusion from there. DOnt jump down our throats for something we did not even say. Read man, read.

If you read 411's posts he is doing more than saying it is a rebadged Smartech car. He tells people to "Steer clear of this product." Saying it is junk and how weak everything is. This sounds like an opinion to me "and can't wait to try to rake in the dough with some terrible buggy that Duratrax thinks its the next best thing..."

I read the posts.

[rc411]

Its not an opinion, its a fact. Ever hear of Redcat Racing? They import chinese products, Himoto's. Similar product, and same soft plastics. If you have ever owned a smartech, you'd know how weak they are.

Duratrax on the other hand, ALREADY has hopups for it and its not even out yet. Looks like they want it to be "race ready".

[jaywax]

Its not an opinion, its a fact. Ever hear of Redcat Racing? They import chinese products, Himoto's. Similar product, and same soft plastics. If you have ever owned a smartech, you'd know how weak they are.

Duratrax on the other hand, ALREADY has hopups for it and its not even out yet. Looks like they want it to be "race ready".


Compare this set up to Duratrax. They look identical. It is the Kyosho Inferno. I guess Kyosho is crap as well.
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Kyosho-Inferno-2-MP-7-5-MP7-5-Sports-1-8th-Buggy_W0QQitemZ6064426170QQihZ009QQcategoryZ19168Q QrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[rc411]

Kyosho is quality. Notice that it has CVD's and not dog bones on the front. Plus, the kyosho has more meat on it compared to the "raze". Definitely a stronger hub design on the 7.5 sports buggy, same goes for the linkages.

[jaywax]

They are identical. Why don't you guys give DTX credit now that I have produced a quality comparison. If some would have posted a picture of Red Cat or the other low end buggy, you guys would have been jumping all over the comparison. Now it is compared to one of the high end buggies, no one wants to give credit. People must realize, you can only make so many changes to a buggy. They are all pretty much the same.

[TheSnick]

The only thing that is identical from the Raze to the Kyosho you posted is blue aluminum and black plastic. Give your head a shake man. Keep digging, the more you post the dumber you appear.

[Holeshot101]

I don't want to get Jay mad at me, but the beef and the type of plastic (ever heard of polymers?) is probably different between the DTX and the Kyosho. The alloy of aluminum is probably different, the DTX probably has 6061 aluminum, and the Kyosho probably has 7075 aluminum. If you knew alloys, you'd know that 7075 is stronger. The shock shafts on the DTX are steel, the ss's on the Kyosho are Titanium Nitrate. The hingepins on the DTX are probably steel, the ones on the Kyosho are titanium. I could go on. So you see, you can make differences, and all buggies aren't pretty much the same. The only thing good about the DTX that I can see is the stress-tech warenty thing, you can keep braking parts and just get new ones free for a year (though you wouldn't have to worry about this with a better buggy because they probably won't break nearly as easy).

[r.c.dealer]

I seriuosly doubt the rtr kyosho Inferno's comes with any of the stuff you listed. Its a low budget RTR just like the Raze.

[jaywax]

Come on dude. It is no way that buggy comes with all the materials you are claiming. The top of the line Kyosho buggy will come with those materials, but not the Inferno on that picture I provide. Clear your minds for a brief moment. This is not about DTX and the high end buggies. It is about a quality buggy for an affordable price. I just have a problem with people bashing a product before it comes out. Every buggy and I mean every buggy will have flaws. If this was not the case forums like this and others would not exist. You can go to any forum and have people trashing products regardless if they are quality or proven winners. Some people hate kysoho, mugen, cen, xtm, sportwerks, or etc. They will only support whatever they are driving. If you do not believe me, try a different forum. You have idiots who will flat out say that Mugen and Kyosho sucks. Anyone in their right mind knows different, but those people are out there. Most of them are some kid from the ages 14-19 claiming to be experts. I was that age once and trust me, the only thing you can be an expert at that age is "!@$# off".
Simply compare DTX RTR products with other RTR and make your judgment from that angle. DTX is not trying to compete with high end arena.

[TheSnick]

Jaywax, the buggies may be both RTR and cheap materials. Your post that says they are identical is just plain wrong. Have a good look at both pictures. The upper arms are different, the radio tray is different, the center diff is different, they are not even close.

[jaywax]

Jaywax, the buggies may be both RTR and cheap materials. Your post that says they are identical is just plain wrong. Have a good look at both pictures. The upper arms are different, the radio tray is different, the center diff is different, they are not even close.

That is a figure of speech. That means that they are similiar, not exact. I am finished with this topic. DTX will sell a lot of the buggies. Some people will like it and some will not.

[TheSnick]

They are identical. Why don't you guys give DTX credit now that I have produced a quality comparison. If some would have posted a picture of Red Cat or the other low end buggy, you guys would have been jumping all over the comparison. Now it is compared to one of the high end buggies, no one wants to give credit. People must realize, you can only make so many changes to a buggy. They are all pretty much the same.

They are identical is a figure of speech? WOW! You are out there dude!

[rc411]

similar but not exact? LOL you have no knowlege once so ever. The 2 are COMPLETELY different. Look closely at ALL the pics.

Kyosho's features are by far, better than the raze. I have NO idea why you brought any other buggy up and said it was the same, similar, exact... whatever. Fact of the matter is, duratrax did NOT design this buggy, they do NOT make it. They make parts for it and other aftermarket stuff for it. They sell a SMARTECH VANGUARD under the DURATRAX name with duratrash gear installed.

Go do some research... Duratrax hasn't made their own vehicle since they started. They imported a LOT from Flying Point, and now are doing so with smartech. Now do you understand why we say steer clear from Duratrax?

[JDAWG53]

411
You need to get a clue. No, DuraTrax does not manufacture all their kits. But they have designed and manufactured several of their latest kits. The Warhead/Evaders for example. Not to burst your bubble but Losi and Associated don't make all their own stuff either. BIG DEAL. Who cares who makes it if it works well.
If all your gonna do is bash then go somewhere else, it's getting old.

FYI it is "you have no knowledge what so ever."

[rc411]

Duratrax did NOT design the evader. It is a design they got from team losi, sold by losi to duratrax, the old xx series. For the NITRO truck, it didnt take much for them to get the basics from losi.

I wouldn't be suprised if they didn't even design the Warhead.

FYI it is "you have no knowledge what so ever." I've been in the hobby for over 16 years... long enough to know which companies actually design their own vehicles.

Keep posting, you make yourself look even more clueless about r/c.

[rc411]

Well, i put my money where my mouth is... soon as it gets in stock, its shipping to my door. I'll put all my sponsor provided equipment in it too and take it to the track to see how well it really holds up.

[^j!nx^]

Anyone have one yet? Any feed back? RCDriver did a review and seemed to love it, best bang for the buck!

[MattHiggins]

I tested the Raze, and loved it. It's a great sport buggy; the review will appear in our October issue. No real complaints with this machine considering the price. It's simply an exceptional value.

[WH33LS]

Awesome, can't wait to see it....

Duratrax did NOT design the evader. It is a design they got from team losi, sold by losi to duratrax, the old xx series. For the NITRO truck, it didnt take much for them to get the basics from losi.

I wouldn't be suprised if they didn't even design the Warhead.

Yeah, the Warhead looks just like the Savage from Hpi Racing, Ladder frame chassis, same layout....

[MattHiggins]

Yeah, the Warhead looks just like the Savage from Hpi Racing, Ladder frame chassis, same layout....Whether you like the Warhead or not, it has its own design. If you had the trucks side by side, you'd see the chassis really are not similar at all. They have metal side plates, but the Warhead uses more of a modular box design. The trucks are really no more similar than the T-Maxx is to the LST.

The Raze is a pretty solid ride. It is well worth the price.

[c2s]

1st time poster. :wave:


So anyway any other hands on opinions as to if a good backyard basher.

[rccardude04]

If the 1/8 buggy design is so perfected that it really can't be changed, what is an 8ight then?
They did the rear diff different than anybody else has, redid the fuel tank, changed the shock design, and I'm sure there's more but you get the idea.
All the ideas have not been used up. Just nobody is willing to try anything new.
And r/c magazines still will like every car they ever test. They have to. It's in their blood. lol.
-Eric

[Quinton]

That's true!

[Quinton]

1st time poster. :wave:


So anyway any other hands on opinions as to if a good backyard basher.

WELCOME!
It would probably be a good basher, but so is an Ofna Comp II

[suckfish]

Well if runs anywhere near what the vendetta does it has a strong chance of being a good buggy..

[MattHiggins]

The Raze is a really good buggy. I can be as much as a racing snob as the next guy, but I love the Raze. I've swapped in a Futaba servo and GRP tires and it's dialed. It's not meant to be a race buggy, but you could race this thing.

[roadrunnerdude]

if the price is right. i will be getting one to convert to electric.

[microrcdude]

A buddy of mine got a Raze to race it locally, and i think hes been doing pretty well with it.

[seanmanibog]

I have owned one for awhile now, my LHS has sold 40 since thanksgiving, and NONE have come back with complaints. Ive seen the smartech vangaurd and its a hunk of crap. This buggy will not break, no matter what. My cousin also has one, he ran it into a curb FULL SPEED, and only cracked the tire. This buggy definitely cleans up duratrax's name. dont belive me? PM me and I'll give you my hobby shops number so you can try and tell them its crap.

[jmcn r]

hhmmm...good opinions come out and the negative ones temporarily moved away. :rolleyes:

seanmanibog, I read that your cuz hit the curb which leads me to geuss that its mainly a basher. Do the two of you ever hit a local track for any club racing? how do they hold up to the competition? microrcdude, whats the local competion like for that raze?

Always curious when people get to talking about these sport buggies, just how well they can do at the track. Have no idea why, for years I thought a RTR would be fun to try and pull some upsetters with if possible :p

rccardude04:
They did the rear diff different than anybody else has, redid the fuel tank, changed the shock design, and I'm sure there's more but you get the idea.

I dont know how much of a change in design the shock are, rather than just a simple increase in size. Change in design would be the Team Magic m1 fuel tank or shock assembly! now those guys have been thinking (whether the execution has been perfect or not is questionable though :p )

[seanmanibog]

Yeah, I hit the track almost every weekend! It actually does better than the MT's but some of the other buggies show me whos boss. Then again im not the best driver.

[B4 Stealth]

hhmmm...good opinions come out and the negative ones temporarily moved away. :rolleyes:

seanmanibog, I read that your cuz hit the curb which leads me to geuss that its mainly a basher. Do the two of you ever hit a local track for any club racing? how do they hold up to the competition? microrcdude, whats the local competion like for that raze?

Always curious when people get to talking about these sport buggies, just how well they can do at the track. Have no idea why, for years I thought a RTR would be fun to try and pull some upsetters with if possible :p

rccardude04:


I dont know how much of a change in design the shock are, rather than just a simple increase in size. Change in design would be the Team Magic m1 fuel tank or shock assembly! now those guys have been thinking (whether the execution has been perfect or not is questionable though :p )

the M1 is a radical jump in design no doubt about that, but anyone can do that, what matters is the stuff outside the box that actually helps. JMHO

[jmcn r]

the M1 is a radical jump in design no doubt about that, but anyone can do that, what matters is the stuff outside the box that actually helps. JMHO


btw......thats a good point you reminded me about. how come nobody raves so much about the M1 box like I think they should :p lol....sorry, last interuption for the thread.

[graphite07]

If anyone's gonna be racing this with the stock engine, it'll be in the RTR buggy class, or novice class...and they won't care that the engine is a .27. Any race .21 will blow the doors off of it, so the non-novice guys won't care, and other novice buggies will have big engines too. Ofna RTR's either come with a Force .26 or .28 depending on the model, with the exception of they Hyper series RTR's. I think the Hot Bodies' buggy comes with a .26. The Kyosho RTR comes with a .28. The XTM comes with a .247. Etc.


i have one i broke it in and its powerful:) the top end is very nice. so some 21's will have some trouble. it is not a bad buggy for the money

[wlfgnggtr]

Be prepared to replace the steering servo... My son ran his Raze for the first time at the track this past friday... The results... A stripped steering servo :mad: I realize that it's plastic gear servo, but give me a break, one run??
My wife at least got a few months of use on the plastic geared steering servo in her Jammin x1 cr before I had to replace it... I fully expected the steering servo to go in the Raze... Now I have a bummed out son that can't run his brand new buggy...

[seanmanibog]

That's half your fault. Dont expect so much ot of stock servos.

[chewie]

the thing is duratrax uses crap plastic.. look at the quality in materiels between a xxt from back in the day . to a evader today.. the plastic quality is way worse on the evader nowadays...


and for those of you who dont know the evader is identical to a xxt.

duratrax wouldnt have half bad products if the they paid attention to plastic quality. and didnt just use junky plastic.

even the evader graphite parts arent even close to lets say ae losi. or kyosho graphite..
next time. you have some spare money. grab a evader graphite arm. put a allen wrench in it and try and break the part where the hingpin goes in..
it will snap through realivly easily.. now try and do that with a losi or ae. t3 or xxxtmf2 arm. youll bend the allen wrench and still not break it.
and the reason why i say t3. is because ae skimped on the t4 in the durablity department.

[Ed237]

I'm not sure what your test would prove other than the obvious: Duratrax is selling an economical alternative to the top of the line AE and LOSI products.

The Evader was made to compete against Rustlers, Xcellerators, and Ravens, and Tamiya RTRs and I think it holds up pretty well against the other vehicles.

I bought an Evader 4 years ago and it was good enough for me to decide that RC was something I wanted to get into. It was definately not junk or crap.

It sounds like the Duratrax is getting back to what it does best. Getting RTR value to someone who wants to try 1/8 Scale Buggy but doesnt want to spend $1000 . If an Editor of a RC Magazine tests it the Raze and likes it and then takes the time to post on a message board that he meant it and the buggy is good, then who is that hurting?

I wouldnt recommend a T3 over a T4.

[JDAWG53]

Be prepared to replace the steering servo... My son ran his Raze for the first time at the track this past friday... The results... A stripped steering servo :mad: I realize that it's plastic gear servo, but give me a break, one run??
My wife at least got a few months of use on the plastic geared steering servo in her Jammin x1 cr before I had to replace it... I fully expected the steering servo to go in the Raze... Now I have a bummed out son that can't run his brand new buggy...

Doesnt matter how many runs you have on it. Plastic geared servos will only take so much abuse. If you hit something hard enough it will break. I ran my raze hard, OK REALLY HARD and didn't break a servo. I was doubling up a set of plastic bicycle/skateboard ramps and doing backflips in the air and landing on the pavement. It just keeps on going. I can hit the single ramp full speed, land it on pavement and it keeps going.
Check that your servo saver isn't too tight.