ROWDY RACING
I wanna be Dave
I don't think it's a must, but it's recommended by Axial drivers.Meh, to each their own. I'm plastic top no rear brace, 35t on 3s and have bound the hell out of it and my axial gears are happy as can be. More effective solutions to keep gears from popping IMO. You can lead the sheep to water but can't make em drink.
I have aluminum tops, so I use no brace.