The Buggy

[skeller]

Hey guys...I'm Shane Keller.

Would you guys mind sharing your honest thoughts and opinions on the buggy with me? I'm looking to find out any issues or potential issues it may have. I'm not here to ambush or sabotage the company...I'm just looking into this buggy for myself. May try one out later on. :)

If you don't feel comfortable posting things directy on here...you could pm me or e-mail me @ rcblder@aol.com.

Any and all info will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks guys,


Shane Keller

[hakmazter]

http://www.casterracingusa.com/forum/showthread.php?t=169

in race mods and setups..... I beat you to it.... but hopefully some more will answer here also. I meant it when I said "watch this" in our e-mail exchange.

These guys are honest and they know that if they complain, things get fixed or we find an alternative solution immediately. That is one of the things Cam is great at. He needs to post on here more often though.....lol. I really want to have the best alternative in 1/8 scale. I think that everyone else on here agrees.

Mike

[skeller]

?&^ ?&^

[razzor]

What Hak said ;)
To add and not being biased but the Caster range of cars are really good value for messing around and capable racers too.
Read through the threads, there is plenty of info .
Note though for most recreational rc guys, they will be extremely happy with what they have bought and what you read here is mostly feed back from racers to improve the product for race apllications as well as make it as close to bullit proof as possible.
No matter what other brands are out there , you will always find poeple posting critism or praise for them.

[skeller]

Ok guys....I'm gonna fire some questions at you.:D


What's different about the Caster compared to the Mugen? Some say it's a direct copy.....I wanna know. If it's not.....

How are the stock shocks?

How is drivline wear....fast or average?

Does it have really good on/off power steering?

Is the steering and shock location geometry different from a Mooog?


Please give me the honest truth.

<*& :&!@

[skeller]

What Hak said ;)
To add and not being biased but the Caster range of cars are really good value for messing around and capable racers too.
Read through the threads, there is plenty of info .
Note though for most recreational rc guys, they will be extremely happy with what they have bought and what you read here is mostly feed back from racers to improve the product for race apllications as well as make it as close to bullit proof as possible.
No matter what other brands are out there , you will always find poeple posting critism or praise for them.


I agree with that!!!


I'm a racer myself but I know how much the basher guys put their stuff through....their opinion speaks volumes.

[BigC123]

I have been driving the Buggy and the Truggy for about 4 Months now and I love them both the drive train is bullet proof, and the car's handle awsome, now is for Being a Mugen copy, it is similar but it handles different more forgiving. Myself I used to drive a Jammin X1-CR, so that's all I have to compare the handling to, but I am faster with the Caster Buggy and agian I don't have any problems. I also drive the Truggy and I feel the same on that car to it handles great and it is real competitive. The only thing different I have on the car's is Big Bore shocks, they are Jammin. The reason I went to those is I was already familiar with them from driving the X1-CR. The Caster Big bore shock's are on the way and I cant wait to try them. I also Know alot of drivers that like the shocks that come with the car. Other than that if I missed anything feel free to give me a call and I will go over some things with you in more detail, this is the most I have ever typed and my fingers are tired.LOL # 817-933-7315?&^

[razzor]

sorry double post

[razzor]

Ok guys....I'm gonna fire some questions at you.:D


What's different about the Caster compared to the Mugen? Some say it's a direct copy.....I wanna know. If it's not.....
While it is very similar to a Mugen it holds its own against them.
The Caster i feel has more steering than a Mugen and is lighter as well.
There are a lot of aftermarket parts that can be used on the Caster that are designed for the Mugen.
If you looked at most buggy brands out there, you will notice a lot are similar to the Mugen and a lot are similar to the Kyosho. They are proven designs that go back over 10 years.


How are the stock shocks?
They are very good and work well. I have had no issues with them. The trend at the moment is big bores though.

How is drivline wear....fast or average?
I would think its dependant on how you look after, maintain and prep your vehicle

Does it have really good on/off power steering?
Like i mentioned above its got good steering thats better than a Mugen but note that steering is also dependant on other factors like setup, tyres and surface you running on.

Is the steering and shock location geometry different from a Mooog?
This i cant comment on since i havent sat down with teh two to check but i would say there is small geometry differences. I do know from experience that the Caster plastics are a bit stronger as i have customers with Mugens that replaced there a-arms with Caster ones and swear they are much better.


Please give me the honest truth.

The truth is that teh ZX-1R has to be experienced for you to make your own conclusion. Most cars out there have the pro's and cons and also feel different when you drive them.

[vnmsgt]

What's different about the Caster compared to the Mugen? Some say it's a direct copy.....I wanna know. If it's not.....
It is not a direct copy. I have been told the gearing is different. Shock positions on the a-arms and slightly different as is the tower position, (guy at the track put the arms side by side) 3 people I know that drive mugens drove my caster and agree it turns better and feels light.

How are the stock shocks?
I LOVE the stock shocks!! Was fine stock but when I drilled the pistons out they are like butter and forgot all about big bores. Very smooth!

How is drivline wear....fast or average?
I think the driveline is tough as nails. I start my buggy on the box and revved up the driveline is smooth as hell, wheels do not even vibrate or bounce or nothing after all the time I have on it. Only part I have found soft and was ONLY on the truggy was drive cups. Buggy ones have been fine. Diffs are perfect and not had a failure yet.

Does it have really good on/off power steering?
Mine has awesome off power steering but whips the back end around on a dime with a tap of the brakes.

Is the steering and shock location geometry different from a Mooog?
shock location is slightly different on the arms but not by much 1-2mm or so. Shock towers are pretty different. Steering geometry is different too because the ackerman plates are different lengths I think and are spaced differently off of the steering rods

Please give me the honest truth.

Like Razzor said you need to drive the new ZX-R and you will see. It is a great buggy and every person that has driven mine has like it and said it is very easy to drive and not twitchy at all compared to most buggies. Captured hinge pins and steering turnbuckle rod ends and the right shock bladders and go race!

[bc24fl]

Skeller, I'm new to the hobby and also did a month of research before I decided to buy caster (K8t though). Since I'm new and can't comment on comparisons of the car, I can say that the community is very nice and knowledgeable and have been a tremendous help for me. I've come a far way in such a short time because of the community.

I have the worst engine at my track (against nova / ninja / osvspec) and am very green yet I'm still competitive during practices (when I don't make dumb mistakes) against mugens and losi's. Either I'm a natural or this car is easy to drive. I hope it's not the latter. ;)

[skeller]

Guys, I appreciate all the info....it's really helping me out.


Keep it coming!?&^

[hakmazter]

bc24fl....the Caster reputation IS that it is very easy to drive...... lol....

However, I hope you are a natural. We need all the help we can get.

[cold_reboot]

I do what I can to help :) . Went to the LHS last week and talked to the car guy there (he races locally and is the son of the store owner) and talked to him about the Caster while I was there and how much I love it (he said he'd read about it on one of the forums he frequents but has never seen one up close). He wanted me to bring it in next time I came over so he could get a look at it, also wanted me to come to the track to race it. The first one's cheaper lol. They currently carry no truggy's in store... odd I know (several monster trucks....since thats what the beginner who walks in always seems to want). They also have a track owned by the store in a vacant lot next door (dirt). I'll let him drive it as well and see what he thinks. Hopefully he'll be impressed and 'maybe' the first Truggy they sell could be a Caster.

[hakmazter]

...and maybr you will be the first driver to get a commission check....lol.

[skeller]

Have any of you guys had problems with the rear arm hinge pins being difficult to install....like they're in a bind?

[razzor]

Only when using the ally toe blocks will it be a bit hard to line up all the holes when fitting the hinge pin.
I believe this is sorted out already.
Not really a issue just some guys would need 3 hands to do the job :)

[vnmsgt]

Only when using the ally toe blocks will it be a bit hard to line up all the holes when fitting the hinge pin.
I believe this is sorted out already.
Not really a issue just some guys would need 3 hands to do the job :)I agree with using the alloy toe blocks but what I do and find it alot easier is I unbolt the diff case from the chassis and removed the complete assembly (only 4 screws) and then change out hinge pins and it is a breeze. No problems at all.

[cold_reboot]

Lower rear hinge pins on my K8T were a bear to get back in when I tore them down to add diff oil. One would go in fine, course after it was in the other was laughing at me. Finally just got a small hammer and tapped it in. No damage, no big whoop. Course when I replace the hinge pins (package came with four...might as well use them) I'll have to do it all over again and hope I don't booger up the threads. Anyone running any toe block other than the 3 degree stocker (Pro kit)? Are the blocks with less toe any easier to get the pins in? I was actually going to replace the 3 with a 1 anyway, toe is a little more than I like on the rear. Anyone use the 1 degree that can comment on how pin install went?

[hakmazter]

I know that rrmccabe was complaining about the rear hinge pin plates not being drilled at the correct degree. I do not know why they are drilled at a straight 90 degrees. I have used a small round file to BARELY change the angle a little. Go crazy and they will be loose in there.....

I wonder if there is an easier fix or a replacement part that can be used instead?

[rrmccabe]

I know that rrmccabe was complaining about the rear hinge pin plates not being drilled at the correct degree. I do not know why they are drilled at a straight 90 degrees. I have used a small round file to BARELY change the angle a little. Go crazy and they will be loose in there.....

I wonder if there is an easier fix or a replacement part that can be used instead?

The fix is Caster should bore the hole at 3 degrees when you have a 3 degree plate, 2 degrees for a 2 degree plate,etc. I realize the hole on the inside (front) is not going to be 3 degrees to match but should be easier to slide pins through.

As mentioned above, its a LOT easier if you do this with the entire rear assembly removed.

[razzor]

i believe from the last time i asked that this was corrected.

[hakmazter]

That I am currently unsure of. We haven't received a new shipment lately as we are waiting for the electric.....

[skeller]

So it appears that there are no serious problems with the buggy....that's good to know. All vehicles have there own small issues to deal with....it's the serious issues that I'm worried about.:p

[BigC123]

Not at all, everything is really good.?&^

[skeller]

Anybody using the Caster tools? My Prospecs are ready to be thrown out.:#$

[vnmsgt]

Anybody using the Caster tools? My Prospecs are ready to be thrown out.:#$
I have tried getting a set but Cam does not have them yet. Once he does I am dying to try a set! He says they are real good and the tips are not aluminum but steel I think, sort of like my dynamite's.

[razzor]

The tools are very nice.
You have the option between a larger handle for those with big hands and a thinner handle.
Tips so far have beem bery durable and fit nice and snug in the screws.
I use Team Magic and Team-Titan tools and the Caster ones are right up there.

[BigC123]

I orderd the tools from Cam about a month ago they are awsome. Also Mikey has Made the Titanium tips I think if you wear out the tips. Give Cam a call I think he has the tools in stock.

[skeller]

Thanks guys.<*& ?&^