XXX-4 Vs. Dark Impact

[4x4_Racer]

Hey Guys,

Alright first off, I would like to state NO FLAMING the companies. I want to know a good honest opinion between the two 4wd electric buggies. I am looking to purchase one very soon, I just am tied between the two.

Reason for considering XXX-4: I have owned several Losi's in the past, still do now. I like the fact I can get parts fairly easy, and I like the options. The downside the XXX-4 is the price tag! At $330 for a kit its a little discouraging.

Reason for Considering Dark Impact: Looks like a quality buggy for about $150 kit. Never owned a Tamiya, yea thats a "+" because I like getting a feel for each company.



From Looks the Dislikes:

XXX-4 ---> COST!

Dark Impact ---> Looks like it needs a few upgrades immediately to be competetive. Could be wrong?




What is all of your opinions? More info would appreciated.

[josh222]

The Impact Needs little things like the Slipper Clutch and Cvds mostly. But you can go all out with it. I am building a club racer out of mine. http://i142.photobucket.com/albums/r83/HpiJosh222/Picture017.jpg

[tcolesen]

I've heard of durability issues with the XXX-4. The DI is quite strong, and I imagine it is stronger than the XXX-4. The DI is a fun little buggy.

[4x4_Racer]

The Impact Needs little things like the Slipper Clutch and Cvds mostly. But you can go all out with it. I am building a club racer out of mine.

What does it come with from the factory that is so bad, that made you substitute a slipper?


I've heard of durability issues with the XXX-4. The DI is quite strong, and I imagine it is stronger than the XXX-4. The DI is a fun little buggy.

Ya know, I've noticed the XXX-4's breaking lots of hubs at our track. Other than that they hold together pretty well. I know a guy with an academy, and his hold takes a beating. Driver error, LOL... Last weekend all he managed to break was his shock tower.



Anybody else have an opinion on this?

[Flyojumper]

I was in the same position a month ago and I went with the DI (which I am in the process of upgrading).
Besides the durability factor that will go to the DI, I personally prefer shaft over belt (for maintenance from what I've heard) and the DI also seems to have a better weight distribution (completely centered battery) than the XXX-4.
In any case, my vote goes to the DI.

[mugenX5]

I've heard of durability issues with the XXX-4. The DI is quite strong, and I imagine it is stronger than the XXX-4. The DI is a fun little buggy.


Any car will break when you hit something, but I think the XXX4 cars are just a tad more fragile than other's on the market. I think it has to do with the front castor and landing from jumps, you need to land on the same plane as the landing itself. I've had a few XXX4's and XX4's, and of the two I'd say the XX4 handles better.


Dark Impact, never owned one and probably never will due to parts.


Every car will have it's flaws, if you can get parts to either car then it's up to you.

[Stuart B]

What does it come with from the factory that is so bad, that made you substitute a slipper?



The DI doesn't come with a slipper. He added the slipper.

I have never had a Losi, but I love my DI.....but I am a basher not a racer. Its a tough little buggy/bugger

Stu

.

[crazy4wdracer]

thre is a regular xxx4 (plastic) for around $200 right?

[newbie816]

The Losi is more of a racer while the DI is more of a bashed. Honestly If I was racing I wouldn't waste my time even thinking about a DI. I would just go for the losi. So if your just looking at Bashing then maybe the DI will be enough for you. But if you plan on doing ANY racing then the Losi will be much better. However the Kyosho ZX-5 is a pretty good little buggy to. Kyosho ZX-5 (http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_44_228/products_id/5026) Their's a link to it. Also you have to add it in to cart to see the actual price which is $285. Which is 50 dollars cheaper than the losi and just as good if not better.

[crazy4wdracer]

The Losi is more of a racer while the DI is more of a bashed. Honestly If I was racing I wouldn't waste my time even thinking about a DI. I would just go for the losi. So if your just looking at Bashing then maybe the DI will be enough for you. But if you plan on doing ANY racing then the Losi will be much better.

agreed

[EarlThePearl]

Would a Novak 5.5R brushless be a good match for a DI kit? Not for racing, just front yard bashing and such.

[Eli the rc guy]

No I think that with the acceptations of a few upgrades the DI should be a good racer. It can take corners well, and because of the durability there is a less chance of having a brake down at the track. I don't hear of much to any complaints about performance and its mostly little stuff too. My vote for the DI.

[All-Or-Nothing]

I have heard of people racing Dark Impacts and being very successful too. I plan to race a Dark Impact and a Rising Storm.

[Metla]

People always seem to ignore that driver skill has far more bearing on your racing results then if you are racing a Dark Impact or a Losi.

After owning numerous examples of each, (well ok, only a couple of Losi kits) I would take the Tamiya in an instant.

[EarlThePearl]

What is a good internet resource for DI parts?

[Eli the rc guy]

Here is what Towers got.. http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0005p?&I=TAMC0380&P=Z

[Stuart B]

What is a good internet resource for DI parts?

rcmart.com who is finball on ebay also. Jasosns store on ebay too.

Used both, both seem good so far.

Stu

[JDT]

What is a good internet resource for DI parts?

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://www.rc-champ.co.jp/&sa=X&oi=translate&resnum=2&ct=result&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dchamp%2Brc%26hl%3Den

These guys are awesome, they give nearly a 20% discount off the tamiya list price(tamiay Japan list not the inflated Tamiyausa cost) its in Japan so you will have to email with part numbers and manufacturers info and request a total price, they stock Tamiya, Tobee, Square and five stars which is pretty much the whole gambet of DF 03 parts unless you want some aluminum bling then just go to Dinball for gpm and yeah. They only ship EMS so shipping is a little higher but depending on the part it may cost more but I can typically get four parts trees shipped from Japan for the cost of three shipped from tower and tower averages 5-6 days shipping from the state next door to mine(IL) and champrc can get it from Japan to Iowa in just 4-5 days average, remember Japan is the other side of the world so your email will be 10 or more hours off don't be suprised if it takes a day to get the info back.

[Flyojumper]

JDT, did you get charged import fees from the US customs when you ordered from RCchamp?

[JeffEmbracedDC]

JDT, did you get charged import fees from the US customs when you ordered from RCchamp?

I'm pretty sure import fees only apply when you're receiving items to re-sell from another country. When you're the end-user I am pretty sure you just pay regular shipping.

-J

[Flyojumper]

How would the customs know that though? They would assume based only on the size of the package? (larger=resale)
I'm asking because I just placed my first order from RCchamp a few days ago, and they warn about custom fees on all orders on their website before you place an order. I'm hoping for none but I thought I'd ask JDT since he seems to be experienced with them.

[JeffEmbracedDC]

Size of package, number of packages, weight of package, duplicate packages, a bunch of packages going to a certain address, whatever. I don't know much about it but I think generally it's not too much of an issue... Especially if it's just a pound or two little car parts.. but hey.. I don't know :)

-J

[JDT]

no import fees were ever charged to me, not sure how they determine who is charged or not to be honest

[Flyojumper]

Alright thanks, I hope it'll be the same for me.