Custom build vs new VP and Axial offerings

[gein]

Planned to do my first "custom" chassis build with a Rock Pirates Interceptor chassis and a element builders kit 2 or similar, but with those new chassis releases from VP and Axial, im not so sure anymore...

Prices for the VRD carbon and SCX10 pro kits are not bad considering all the parts you have to buy separately to get there with a custom build...

Anyone in the same situation?

[Lashlee]

I've built a few flat rail rigs over the years and the versions that are offered today are one heck of a deal compared to putting parts together to build a rig. The only time they aren't worth it is if you want a fancy axle combination or transmission.

[twade984]

I’m not much in the flat rail side of things, but I’ve put a couple together. Early feedback on the vrd seems good so far, and the price is phenomenal for what you get out of the box.

I’ve never even seen an scx10 pro in person, but that kit never held any interest to me since it uses multi piece axle housings. Never been a fan of that, plus I think selectable o/d is a bit gimmicky.

So my answer is yes, I was debating building a flat rail truck with some spare f10 portals and vfd I had, but the vrd was released, so i sold those parts for $300 and got a vrd delivered to my door for $395.


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[Speedy-Triple]

there is definitely great value on the pro and the vrd kits compared to putting any sort of flat rail custom built ... the time to look around for parts that will work together ... having some extra parts in case the ones you had dont work ... chassis (100-250), links (75-100), axles (150-300), transmission & transfer case (100-300), shafts (40-60), body mounts, hardware, battery trays, braces, bumpers etc. as you can see a costum built flat rail ends up way more than either one of the pro or the vrd ... I would personally prefer the vrd as it seems to be more capable and thoughtful engineering went on its development in comparison to the pro due to the weight up high from the pros transmisson.

[SteveB1]

Just got the VRD in and currently in build. That's the one to get unless going full custom, and I bet this VRD will be highly capable.

[Col_Sanders]

Buying a complete kit like a VRD or SCX10 Pro is significantly easier and more cost effective than building from scratch. It is incredibly irritating to have a build grind to a halt because you have to order a $8 part, pay $10 for shipping, and wait a week to get it. I didnt have time to deal with that crap earlier this year so I bought an SCX10 Pro to comp with. I did well with it. Before they dropped the worst two scores for everyone, I had 2nd place overall for the season. If I was in that situation today, I'd probably go with the VRD instead. I'm building a new comp rig for 2024 but keeping the Pro as is until I get the new one sorted.

[gein]

Im really looking at getting the SCX10 Pro or VRD!

But i also already have a Base Camp rtr that could really benefit from a Rock pirates or Zoku chassis....

Decisions decisions.....

[lizard lips]

They’re both solid kits. I’d get one and run it as is and see how it is before starting to buy a new chassis to swap all the parts over

[ferp420]

my capra based lcg rig cost me about $270 before tires and inserts and fancy aluminum color matching wheels
the j concepts tires and 3d printed inserts were another $110
so as long as you have a radio it's not hard to build a custom rig for under $400 all in
i could have saved more money by going with plastic axles and wheels or thrown the budget out and bought vanquish axles or a quality servos

those kits cost about 400 just for the kit then you need tires and wheels and all electronics and the body personally I don't see the value in the kit especially since I would be upgrading the axles out of the box
ever seen what happens to plastic axles in 100+ heat well basicly looks like striped gears and exploded bearings
now that I think about it that 270 might have included the aluminum wheels I'll have to go back to the build thread and see lol
for me custom is the way to go
build thread
the mudder trucker build
video
up da shoooot

[bgredjeep]

Does that price include electronics, buying axles, etc.? I've seen mixed results from the chi-co axles. I generally expect the gears and shafts to be junk and need replacement reasonably soon.

I think the kits offer good value if you are starting from zero compared to buying and upgrading an rtr or non-comp style kit. On top of that, you'll get a platform that you can expect to perform out of the box.

Sure you can piece something together that works well and might save a few bucks in the near term. Nothing wrong with saving some time, and spending a few bucks on a quality car. Now, custom from the pile of spare and leftover parts that we tend to accumulate, that's a whole other discussion.

[ferp420]

Originally Posted by bgredjeep

Does that price include electronics, buying axles, etc.? I've seen mixed results from the chi-co axles. I generally expect the gears and shafts to be junk and need replacement reasonably soon.

I think the kits offer good value if you are starting from zero compared to buying and upgrading an rtr or non-comp style kit. On top of that, you'll get a platform that you can expect to perform out of the box.

Sure you can piece something together that works well and might save a few bucks in the near term. Nothing wrong with saving some time, and spending a few bucks on a quality car. Now, custom from the pile of spare and leftover parts that we tend to accumulate, that's a whole other discussion.

the chopra was around 390-395 with good tires
metal axles and all hardened steel internals I bought all the axle parts separate they weren't a complete set
has a little outrunner and my go to cheap 120a china esc and 2 servos 1 steering 1 for dig and
titanium links
its pretty much what I would turn one of those kits in to anyway but with out spending the 400 upfront and just went straight to the upgraded parts out the gate



i get it if someone isent confident in there building skills or haven't built alot of rigs it's easyer and takes less though to buy a kit but there not cheaper



i have been doing this long enuff to know what parts I like and what ones I don't like and enjoy the picking out of the parts 1 part at a time so a kit would take away half the fun

[JatoTheRipper]

Depends on if you are a fabricator or tinkerer. If so, you may want the added challenge of something pieced together. The kits are the more economical choice and the design is cohesive meaning all components were designed to work together and work well. Plus, with the kits you can always change the frame rails, etc down the line if you want to try to customize it or improve the performance.