Hints about a new Associated lineup - Associated B7

[9x19]

...and I think in the 4WD lineup the 'D' designates a center diff instead of a slipper?

No idea what it designates in the 2WD lineup.

 

[DavidB1126]

...and I think in the 4WD lineup the 'D' designates a center diff instead of a slipper?

No idea what it designates in the 2WD lineup.

Yes for 4WD, they have a regular carpet / turf version, and a dirt/clay version.

Carpet version has a center slipper clutch and with a general high traction carpet setup out of the box.

Dirt version has a center sealed diff and with a general dirt/clay setup out of the box.

I had the dirt version. Changed to a carpet setup, and back to kit, and back to a clay setup multiple times.

For 2WD, it's kinda the same thing.

The regular B7 should have a gear diff and a general carpet/ turf setup out of the box.

B7D should have a ball diff and a setup for clay/dirt out of the box.

But I will tell you something, for 4WD and on carpet, people seem to be using center diffs now instead of slipper. But there is nothing wrong with a slipper. My uncle uses a slipper in his XB4 and raced on carpet mainly, but used it on dirt once and did just fine. I am considering to get a slipper conversion for mine to test it out.
Seems like slipper cars are more smoother and quieter than diff cars.

 

[Jerold]

Might be looking at a B6.3 or B6.4 (2WD Buggy) to get into 2wd. I have 4wd right now.

RC10B meaning RC, 10th scale, Buggy. 6.4 is the generation (6) and the version (.4)

The B7 is the next gen 2wd buggy.

RC10B74.2 is the latest 4WD / Wheeler Buggy. 7 meaning the generation, 4 meaning 4WD. .2 meaning the version.

That's helpful.

Now is there anyway to know what the differences are between the generation/versions? I'm assuming that if I were to get a 7.2 and they came out with a 7.3, there could be some part swapping to get the latest. But generation probably refers to the chassis/platform which means a new buggy.

As someone that is thinking of dipping my toe in to that expensive pool, I'm inclined to just buy the latest super wazzo version. But I'm still pretty confident that I wouldn't be competitive because of lack of experience. Would it be better to get last years or the less expensive version to start with?

 

[DavidB1126]

As someone that is thinking of dipping my toe in to that expensive pool, I'm inclined to just buy the latest super wazzo version. But I'm still pretty confident that I wouldn't be competitive because of lack of experience. Would it be better to get last years or the less expensive version to start with?

Sure I guess
I got my B74.1 right when the B74.2 released. Because I was a little bit cheap, the .1 was on sale for 300 for black friday. With starting out in racing, it was fine, and still is. I know a couple people who still race 8+ year old buggies and still do well. I would say only get the latest of the greatest that just came out if your into racing and race every week, or if you are a pro.

If I wanted to get a 2wd buggy, id probably get a B6.3 or B6.4. The last gen or version of the cars would be alot cheaper than the newer ones by far.

Although if you get the previous gen or version, or if you go back to far, it could be considered outdated. But I would only get a car that still has parts support. Or if you already know that the new version of the car's parts can work with the older versions. Same case for me with the B64 vs the B74 and B74.1/.2.

And it looks like I am a big thing on associated. But I do want to try out other brands like Yokomo, Losi, Xray, Schumacher, Sworkz, LC Racing, ect.

Losi / TLR, their buggy line up hasn't been updated for atleast 5 years now.
Xray releases a new version of their kit every year
Yokomo and other brands, I'm not too familiar with so cannot comment on those.
Associated does seem on the most cheapest side of the game here. Xray parts are very very expensive, and sort of hard to find here in the US. But you can find them.

Associated - US
TLR / Losi - US
Xray - Germany
Yokomo - Japan?
LC Racing - don't know
SWorkz - BeachRC I think help create that brand so I guess US
Schumacher - UK
Tekno - US

Another brand that I haven't seen and isn't as popular today is Serpent.
I always seem to forget about Tekno. Probably because they only make 4WD Buggy, and are huge for 8th scale.

 

[Greywolf74]

That's helpful.

Now is there anyway to know what the differences are between the generation/versions? I'm assuming that if I were to get a 7.2 and they came out with a 7.3, there could be some part swapping to get the latest. But generation probably refers to the chassis/platform which means a new buggy.

As someone that is thinking of dipping my toe in to that expensive pool, I'm inclined to just buy the latest super wazzo version. But I'm still pretty confident that I wouldn't be competitive because of lack of experience. Would it be better to get last years or the less expensive version to start with?

If it was me and I was just starting out, I'd start with something that's popular where you're going to race, that way you'll be able to get a lot of different advice/help from other people already in the know.

 

[WickedFog]

That's helpful.

Now is there anyway to know what the differences are between the generation/versions? I'm assuming that if I were to get a 7.2 and they came out with a 7.3, there could be some part swapping to get the latest. But generation probably refers to the chassis/platform which means a new buggy.

As someone that is thinking of dipping my toe in to that expensive pool, I'm inclined to just buy the latest super wazzo version. But I'm still pretty confident that I wouldn't be competitive because of lack of experience. Would it be better to get last years or the less expensive version to start with?

I am not a racer, but AE has always been good about taking the RC10 and revamping it based on racing experience and racer feedback. It has been one of the top racers since the 80's. Grabbing an older model... you're still getting a kickass buggy. They used to race indoors here and there was a guy running an old gold pan RC10 against guys running Losi's and RC10-B3's snd B4's. He kicked their butts almost every race.

My advice, just grab an older model and dive in. If you are racing in a friendly group, you're sure to get tips and advice along the way. Just listen, be receptive, and ask questions. Hopefully your racing crowd is much friendlier than the one we had here, who were all a bunch of A-holes.

 

[Lumikko]

I see many interesting changes and the generation number change is definitely justified.

It’s an age-old question whether it’s better to buy the latest kit or something older for a good deal. The short answer is that it depends.

Older kits are most definitely cheaper but the latest kits have upgrades that do have a dollar value. The price difference might seem big when comparing the kits only. However, the cost of radio and electronics, wheels, track fees, gas spent when driving to the local track… it all adds up to figures where 100–200 dollars saved when buying the kit becomes less significant.

Is it justified for a beginner or novice to invest in the best option available? I think it is. Everyone has heard about the local legend who beats everyone else with their workhorse buggy from 10 years back. If you’re skilled you can do it. On the flipside, less skilled drivers will benefit more from a car that is easy to drive and has consistent handling.

Driving ”around” the shortcomings of a car is best left to experts.

In the end, it’s entirely subjective.

If you’re not too serious about racing and looking to save some money, a slightly dated kit will serve you well. It’s not like they are suddenly less capable simply because something new is available.

If you have a desire for the latest kit, stop talking yourself out of it. It’s not a waste of money even if you are a complete beginner: it doesn’t take skill to appreciate an easy-driving car.

 

[DavidB1126]

 

[9x19]

Looks like it'd be perfect for a gravel parking lot... as long as the gravel was small.

 

[RustyUs]

Oh my. That side profile . At what point do we stop calling them buggies? I mean, stadium trucks/mini truggies with "bruggy" bodies on... stop it people! Just stop it!

It's all good. I just like to stir the pot sometimes. I have a hard time with things changing I guess.

 

[WickedFog]

Oh my. That side profile . At what point do we stop calling them buggies? I mean, stadium trucks/mini truggies with "bruggy" bodies on... stop it people! Just stop it!

It's all good. I just like to stir the pot sometimes. I have a hard time with things changing I guess.
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Spoiler: Wait for it...

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I'm right there with ya man. The Ultima, the Beetle, and the RC10 B4 - These are buggies. The 18th scale 4wd Dromida Dessert Buggy is a fun one. I have never had an 18th scale that would burn its tires off after only 5 or 6 runs. But this one does.

 

[Jerold]

Oh my. That side profile . At what point do we stop calling them buggies? I mean, stadium trucks/mini truggies with "bruggy" bodies on... stop it people! Just stop it!

It's all good. I just like to stir the pot sometimes. I have a hard time with things changing I guess.
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View attachment 178992

LOL Keep stirring.

Maybe we should call the Bro-ggies.

 

[DavidB1126]

Bro-ggies

Brooo