Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Hello all. I have recently rejoin RC'ing, I took one h*ll of a long hiatus with the whole marriage, children, career, and house buying.

During my time off I would here and there look to see what my fellow RCers are doing and immediately knew damn good and well that when I get my chance to rejoin the ranks I was going to get an XR10. Wellllll time came, I raise up some extra cash, did some research, readied my purchase approach, hopped on eBay bought a used XR10, received it, and slammed straight into a brick wall when it came to beefing it up.

Whats going on? No one is supporting XR10's anymore, did I mess up by getting one? My axles are bone stock and I need to get all of the strength goodies, and can't find a daggum thing.

From the looks of it MOA is going to be a lost sport. If your lucky you can find some Berg axles, and Bully is the only other option. I'm nervous here fella's (and felloetes if any are reading this)

Can anybody point me in the right direction for aftermarket parts? Anybody have any leftovers laying on the shelf they would like to sell?

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

The XR although losing a lot of support is still a great platform... As for beefing up the axles you can still get pretty much all the parts you need for them... Here's some links for most of the parts that you'd need...

RC4WD Lightened Gears

Motor plates RC4WD Motor plates and gearbox Or you can mod the stock plates for bigger bearings.

Vanquish Wraith Knuckles or DLux custom Knuckles

Vanquish C-Hubs

CDF Upper link mounts Or find some used Vanquish Ones in the classifieds.

And the 2 Screw Mod to keep the axles nice and tight so the gears don't pop.

Hope that helps some "thumbsup"

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Creeperbob makes rear axle shafts and you can install the brass inserts on the stock cases for a nice tight fit

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

wraith c's and knuckles fit just fine so grab those from vanquish

rc4wd gears

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Fortunately the previous owner did do some of the upgrades, main thing I am after is the transmission housing, upper link mounts, and axle cases. I am actually online now looking for steering solutions. Chaotic Crawlers is evidently sold out of everything. Everrety thanks for the RC4WD link for the trans casings, thats probably my only hope now. I tried ordering a bunch of stuff from Vanquish to only find out that everything I wanted is no longer available.

This is a huge bummer!!

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

WICKEDWOLF still has some motor plates in stock according to his site, but check with him to be sure. I do know it shows he has front link mounts, but he's out of them. As far as the VP axle top halves, not really needed.

Shop - Wicked Wolf RC

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Consider yourself lucky. You missed the era of VP bling for bling sake. There are plenty of people on here that will point you in the right direction to getting you up and running reliably. Good Luck! keep reading and asking questions! Chaotic bends Ti they'll help out for sure they are a bunch of really cool dudes!

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I have almost every color of VP in stock right now, let me know what your looking for exactly. Even have some 6mm rear axles, have some used axles as well that are already beefed up. Hurry though they sell out fast. Maybe we can work something out. Also people have lots of parts out there and you can build some nice axles. Just need to know exactly what you want.

ORK

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

you don't need the axle cases, just bling, same with the axles, stockers work the best

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I have everything bought and in the mail for my first MOA. Buy a star! I've found most of it right here in the classifieds. This site is the only site you need. There's also vendors here that specialize in XR upgrades. I'm not scared, I know anything I need is here. Even though there are threads here by true artists, I'm gonna do a thread on mine.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Well I must say that this forum is definitely more open and optimistic about what they stand for. I have been on other forums for other hobbies and start a thread like this and oh no, I've started a world frikkin epidemic and all the "Forum Gods" get pissy and start bichin about newbs.

You guys rock! I appreciate the support. I understand the the axle cases are just bling, but the previous owner has done a rather fantastic job of stripping out all of the screws holding the knuckles on. I realize that I can get another case for $12 bucks or so, I am just nervous about the plastic as I am sure you all are aware of. I am the type of guy that will run the truck for all she's worth right out of the box, but as things break I replace them with whatever I can get my hands on. Push comes to shove I can replace the stock toppers. I do have a star and have been digging frivolously, but to be honest "I am concerned about the future of Competition Crawling" this is ridiculous.

I have sent a couple PM's to some of you guys, thanks again. I already contacted Chaotic Crawlers about the titanium tie rod, I guess I already missed that train too cause he said he didn't have what I was after, and surely didn't incline any offers to produce any more.

With the support from you guys here I am sure I'll be up and comping soon. Ya'll kick a$$!!

Thanks again

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

May be cheaper and easier in the long run to get a set of Bully 2's.

I have got your pm about battery mounts, trying to get caught up before taking new orders.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

if your looking for a tie rod Maybe try
D-lux
Nordic Crawler
both of those guys should be able to help you out with links and a tie rod

Chaotic is done.

If your looking for knuckles and knuckle weights look into d-lux's new knuckle/knuckle weight all in one option."thumbsup"

Plastic diff housing is all you need

The new RC4wd Bully 2 axle's are a sweet option as well and the price you get them for and what you get with them you can't beat it. "thumbsup"

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

WHOAH! Well hello there RR, I had given up on the hopes of getting one of your battery trays. Thanks for letting me know now, I'd be glad to get one from you.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I have Vanquish Knuckles and Weights (fortunately it came with them) I suppose I can just buy the replacement plastic housing's, I'm sure I'll treat the screws better than the previous owner did.

Is Chaotic still doing the chassis and links? Or are they finished? They have good looking stuff.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Oh man, I am so in that same boat with you! I started a XR10 build back in 2012, and then got a new job that required more travel than expected. I'm now mostly done with travel so decided to [try to] pick up where I left off. That was one of the first things I noticed... out of stock XR10 parts!

Fortunately, I already had most of the bits I needed. But good to know there are some alternatives out there. All I can say is that I hope I never take a long break again, since I forgot so much that I know have to re-learn!! Dooh!

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Yeah I am pretty bummed out. I have to say though, since I posted this thread I have received an amazing amount of support from other members. Folks willing to sell leftover goods, and a ton of information. Thanks to forums like these people like you and I can still wiggle our way back into the hobby.

I can't thank you all enough for all the help. I have a few other goods that I need to pick up, and I'll be back in business. Hell I even got a beetle juice chassis today for a real good deal. GO RCCRAWLERS!!

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I'm in the same boat. I bought am xr10 new to build up around Christmas and had a hell of time finding the VP stuff I wanted. I have everything in order and most of it showed up for sale here in classifieds.

Erik at Dlux is awesome and will make custom links for steering and chassis. Keep an eye for used chassis here In classified section.

I just got a Sniper amd Erik made me some sweet 1/8" titanium uppers and 3/16" lowers.

I think I bought the last two chaotic crawlers steering links last week. Bummer he is done...

Great guys on here.

VP told me if there is enough demand they would remKe some items. If we all send an email and tell them we still want xr10 stuff, who knows.

Jon

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Well, isn't this just about the story of my life!

Didn't start falling head over heels in love with the Poison Dart chassis until well after Jones'n had stopped making them. Got insanely lucky and found a pristine model in the classifieds. Now here I am down to just a paint job, and my third shafty will be done.

Well, figures, now I'm getting curious about MOA, and have been rifling through Tower's parts page seeing how bad it's going to be to piece-meal order up everything I need to build up an XR axle set.


(sigh) Ya know.... if had so much as a modicum of brains, I'd just close that tab and walk away, just let it go. (smh) Ugh!

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

There's always the berg option. Dlux has tons of options! Mt cases, super lites, etc. I finished my dlux axles two months ago. Now my xr is a back up rig I let my friends drive. Hahaha

The game is not over for xr drivers. Not by a long shot. But if your buying piece by piece. You have many many options.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

For those stripped out bolts search for the "brass insert mod" there are some thread inserts you can get from McMaster Carr that work great . I think the user that first did this mod was "4x4ford"

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Funny thing here, I actually email Vanquish asking if there were any leftovers laying in a box somewhere and gave him a brief rundown of my situation. About 20 minutes later one of the co-owners of VP actually called my at my shop and we talked on the phone for a few minutes. I was rather baffled that an RC aftermarket gawd called little ol me. He said that he was going to dig around for something, but he never found anything.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Unfortunately the screws that are stripped out are the ones holding the c's and lockouts on. I bought a set of replacement axles last night on eBay. I'll start new and go from there.

As far as the classifieds I actually found a BJ V4 with a full set of titanium links for a damn good price and bought it on the spot as well. With all your guys help and the awesomeness of this forum, I'll be in business in no time.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I do have a tricky question that I don't know the answer to though. The XR I bought came with an FXR Pro and a Punk Dig, I am definitely going to do dual esc's, what I was wondering is do I have to buy another FXR Pro, or can I just buy the standard FXR? I really don't want to have to pay the extra money for pro version when I really don't need it.

I've also been eyeballing Holmes Hobbies Dual 'smashed' ecs set up, does anybody here have any real world experience with that set up? I love how small of a footprint and lightweight they seem to be.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

You should be fine with a regular fxr.

The holmes br minis have been a favorite for many of my fellow byb drivers. Im waiting for an opportunity to buy a set for my self.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I just bought the dual smushed br minis and HH 13t crawlers "red label"

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I have a TF2 that I apparently over waterproofed the FXR that I have in it, and it burned up. So I need 2 FXR's on for the XR and one for the TF2, I was thinking about throwing the FXR Pro from the XR into the TF2 and getting a set of the BR Mini's. I email Holmes Hobbies about them trying to dig up any real world experience. They offered all the information about the product but not much experience. So I thought I would ask around here. I'm thinking with the BJ V4 chassis on the way its going to be in my best interest to get as compact as possible.

Is there any reason what so ever that after I get dual ESC's in my XR that I should keep the Punk Dig in there as well? I wouldn't think so but I have seen in some peoples builds where they have 2 esc's and a dig switch. Why exactly would they do that?

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

If you run dual esc's there is no need for a punk dig.
Never seen dual esc's and a punk dig in a rig so I cant touch that one.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

I really didn't figure it was at all necessary. That is why I was shocked to see some folks had that in their setup.

Hey Curcal: Dumb question for you, What is a BYB driver?

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Depends on how they hooked up their ESCs. If they were using a radio with no channel mixing, and just threw both ESCs on a Y-harness, both of those would run in the same throttle channel on their receiver, and run a Punk dig (after-ESC) to de-power one axle. Or run a Novak 'The Dig' (pre-ESC dig).

On a Punk-style dig, basically the (typically) front ESC would just be connected to the front motor and always power it, no ability to turn it off. The rear would go through their Punk dig same as before. When they select 'front only' on their dig, since there's no front ESC it would just shut off the rear ESC. Their front ESC doesn't run through dig, so it would remain on. The dig, in their case, would then be used solely as an interrupter switch.

If they were using a Novak 'The Dig', it would work as advertised, and shut off signal to one ESC or the other.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

That makes sense, without the extra channel available that will get them closer to being able to utilize the esc's better.

So, now all I need to do is sell off my Punk dig, and get a set of BR mini's and off to the rocks I go!! WHEEE!!!

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

for the money you cant go wrong with sw micros... hh sells them for $45... that's $25 cheaper than a br mini, less than half the price of an fxr... and arguably the same performance.

I have been running sw micros since they came out and have never been disappointed

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

VP currently has 8 front upper link mounts in stock.

Just run two front axles, put in HD motor plates, HD gears and your in business!

The stock axle shafts hold up great.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Oh man I never even thought of that!! You can run a front axle in the rear? Just put the lockout and inner axle shafts in?

Yeah, and a front output shaft from the trans to the upper link mount. I recommend running the axial Ti version, then have the end at the link mount turned down to 3mm. Check out my build thread in my signature

I agree: For the money, you can't go wrong....

Arguably... The performance just isn't there.. imo, and heard it plenty. They are on or off..

To me, the SWM's performance is like having a punk dig, compared to the other 2 options..
HH is out of SWM, as of yesterday. so lets go off the cheapest on the Bay(56-58$ shipped). now ur at 112$ shipped for a low bottom esc and have to smash it and wire em.. for 38$ more you can get the Br's ready to drop in..

Then the idea of having the only esc on the market, specifically made/designed for a crawler. The wire in the boards are thicker, for full juice from the battery. Smaller, more crawler settings, hands down better customer service..

As for the fxr, I found them to have the lowest throttle, smoothest, earliest mixing of all 3. They are bigger, the least solid drag brake/hold power and pricey. Was/is the most reliable of esc's I have used but then again the br mini's are newer and still in my rig. So they may outlast the fxr's. (still have the fxr's on back up in a plug in play manner, if ever needed)

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Welcome aboard!! For replacement parts TowerHobbies/ Great Planes still has a full complement of stock and option parts available. I got spooked a little a while back and my LHS ordered me in some parts. I have 2 each of front and rear axle housings just to have. No worries for a while i would say"thumbsup""thumbsup"

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

If I read your post correctly, you are recommending the Br mini's? It sounds like you are running a pair, do you like them? I have ran several FXR's and have always been rather impressed, but recently fried one with a 2.2 Turnigy 3S playing around the house with my TF2. So now I am kind of skeptical about FXR's now.

I have read a bunch on the SWM's and a bunch of guys here are running them. I can't find a lot of info on the Br Mini's but one thing Holmes Hobbies ESC's are known for is handling big power. I don't anticipate running anything over more than my 850 mah 3S Gens Ace batteries, but the motors that I am looking to buy are going to want all the power they can get, and I am not very light on the throttle sometimes, so the real reason I am leaning towards the HH esc's is because of their power distributing reputation.

T3rry: Do you like the SWM's? Do they have good programming options?

Really I am on the fence either way. I just want to do it once and make sure I do it right. I am highly impressed with HH actually paying attention to what the market is doing and really bending over to make with the consumers want, actually decasing, soldering, and wrapping up a set of ESC's is brilliant. Any novice can step right into a professional esc set up with it, I appreciate good business tactics, and knowing that they are actually looking to see with the crawlers are doing/wanting/needing.

Re: Am I too late to get into XR10 comping?
 

Although i do respect winnerone23's opinion, when the product they are preaching is also a sponsor of theirs i tend to take the opinion/comments seem a little less unbiased.

I have seen several of the br mini's ripped out of trucks on the spot because they were causing so many issues, brownouts, glitching, i know Holmes is good for making things right, i run his puller motors and various other items, but i don't believe the br mini is the game changing solution it's being made out to be.. simply my unbiased opinion.



the Swm's are just as programmable as every other castle esc, i would not hesitate to recommend the sw micros, like i said, i have been running them for a long time and never seen one glitch, or fail, in any way, other than installer failure.

I thought I did pretty good bein unbiased.. even leaned on the fxr a little more then the other 2, I thought..

With any product, specially new ones, they all have their glitches, failures, and problems.
Performance wise, I put the SWM at the bottom.
I'm not bias or throwing opinions around, these are my experiences with all 3.
I have ran over a dozen fxr's in all my diff rigs, I bought most used and have put them thru a a$$ whopping! From 2s on 45t to 4s with a 17t.. right up in till the endbell blew off the motor! Yes, it was a HH torquemaster pro, not crawlmaster. In all of that, I only ever had one fxr die and it just shut off, like lvc kicked in, but never turned back on. (oops, and the one that just fried in my scx, 4s with a HH 30t) but I think more was at play then just the fxr.. :)

As for the brownouts/glitches, most of what I read the fix in that was a better/higher C rated battery, not the esc.

I have only had my mini's for a couple comps and a good bit if practice(couple packs a day at minimum) without issue and really starting to enjoy them.

I'm a crawler first and team driver second. Team drivers aren't out to put a bad product in ur rig, just cause we are team drivers. (which has only been a short period of time and most of my experience with the products was before hand.)