This is taking a long time

[rkj__]

When the 10.3 was released, I was captivated by all the details. Axial did a great job with the JL body. I did not want portal axles, but from the start, the instruction book gave us the hint that standard axles would follow.


Well, it's been what, 8 months, and finally, Axial has unveiled standard axles, as a kit. That was a little unexpected for me.


Now, I have the following options:


1. Buy a 10.3 kit or RTR $$. Buy standard axle kit $. Try and sell portals to recover some costs. This is a lot of money up front, but is a fairly easy option. I'm not sure how much money I'd be able to recover selling the portals.


2. Wait until Axial finally sells a 10.3 with standard axles, and decide at that time if the package fulfills what I am looking for. There is uncertainty here, as I can't predict what the next release will look like. It could be body that is not appealing to me. It could be months away still.



Since I picked up an Ascender K10 almost two years ago, I've been keeping my eye out for another crawler, but have yet to commit to anything. Value is very important to me, so I struggle with the prospect of buying something that would require replacing a lot of "scrap parts" right away. I'm too picky.



Anyway, I just sold my basher (it turned out, 50mph RC is not for me), and I've really got the itch for a new RC. Should I wait to see what Axial releases next, or take action now?

 

[Phildirt]

I've been happy so far with the Element Enduro. Very simple rig but it all just works. The BTA steering is nice. I know its more comparable to the SCX10ii than the iii but something to consider if straight axles are desired.

 

[Fricker08]

It is a lot of money up front, but you either wait or buy the kit and the standard axle kit. Then sell the portals. You’ll likely pocket more off the portals than the standard axle kit will cost you. Then take that money and buy upgraded electronics because we all know how rtr electronics are.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[B-MOW71]

That's a tough decision! It's hard to predict what Axial will have up their sleeve next!

If you did get the 10.3 and bought the straight axle kit, you could always use the portals in another build. That is my plan eventually. I'm thinking about using my portals from my 10.3 and using them in a VP Chassis Kit with VFD trans build. Looks like the front offset diff will line up with the VFD.

But like @Fricker08 said, you could probably get your money back out of them if you were to sell them.

 

[rkj__]

I've been happy so far with the Element Enduro. Very simple rig but it all just works. The BTA steering is nice. I know its more comparable to the SCX10ii than the iii but something to consider if straight axles are desired.

I've strongly considered the Enduro, especially when I was interested in the IFS. Their kits / RTRs are just not to the completion level of the 10.3 though. I'm not into the unlicensed bodies with exposed body posts and stickers for head / tail lights. You can certainly add an interior, inner fenders, etc, but the 10.3 just has it all, straight away.

You’ll likely pocket more off the portals than the standard axle kit will cost you.

Really? I have not done much buy / sell with RC stuff. If you think the axles would sell for good coin, I would not be too worried about the initial cash outlay.

That's a tough decision! It's hard to predict what Axial will have up their sleeve next!

That's been part of my struggle. Since nothing on the market has been exactly what I want, I keep holding off, hoping that exactly what I want, is right around the corner.

 

[Fricker08]

I haven’t priced out 10.3 axles to build but for example to build a set of Capra axles is over $200 and the kit is only $329. Knock off Chinese 10.3 axles are about $150 and I’d much rather have the originals


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[josh9mile]

I sold a set of new 10.3 axles for 170 when I parted out my shelf queen 6 weeks ago

 

[rkj__]

I sold a set of new 10.3 axles for 170 when I parted out my shelf queen 6 weeks ago

Thanks for the data point. That's a good return.

 

[josh9mile]

Thanks for the data point. That's a good return.

I also sold the chassis for 160. Still have shocks, wheels/tires, and the body left and Ive almost broken even on it so far.

 

[LTCirabisi]

Why not buy a scx10.2 and buy metal links and the body you want?

$360 for the RTR 10.2, $60 for the new body you want, $60 for the metal links, and $20 for the lights, $20 for an inner fender kit. THats what $520
? you'll be getting what you want too.

EDIT: Might need to buy light buckets idk

 

[Topher Builds]

I usually see AR45P axles going for 150-200, the latter if they’re NIP. You should cover the cost of the conversion easily, considering you’ll have shocks to throw in if you want.

Neither option is a bad option though, given that the new generation of axial rtr’s have been of the same quality components as the kit you wouldnt do bad by waiting for an rtr, but they’re also not cheap and rtr electronics are, well, rtr electronics.

I’d go option 1 myself, then you can do the body the way you’d like with which such a nice body is a big part of the appeal of the 10.3 imo.

 

[rkj__]

Why not buy a scx10.2 and buy metal links and the body you want?

$360 for the RTR 10.2, $60 for the new body you want, $60 for the metal links, and $20 for the lights, $20 for an inner fender kit. THats what $520
? you'll be getting what you want too.

EDIT: Might need to buy light buckets idk

I’ve considered mounting a JL body kit on a 10.2 or Trail King. That’s certainly a reasonable option as well. It just seems like the 10.3 JLU RTR is so close to what I want, that it should be the most reasonable starting point. I like driving more than I like the building aspect of the hobby.

 

[twade984]

I would say get that 10.3 kit on order! I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the rtr I ended up with. if it's more of a scale/trail truck, I was even satisfied with stock electronics (minus motor, as it had a crawlmaster sport already). Radio was good, esc was as good as my 1080's, and steering servo even felt adequate. stock micro servo is junk however. Between shocks and axles, you should easily be able to recoup cost of the straight axle conversion.

I sold mine simply because the roof was cut off, I wanted to eventually build the kit version, and me and my son needed some trailwalkers. my next purchase is either going to be vs410 pro, or 10.3 kit with straight axles.

 

[rkj__]

I would say get that 10.3 kit on order! I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the rtr I ended up with. if it's more of a scale/trail truck, I was even satisfied with stock electronics (minus motor, as it had a crawlmaster sport already). Radio was good, esc was as good as my 1080's, and steering servo even felt adequate. stock micro servo is junk however. Between shocks and axles, you should easily be able to recoup cost of the straight axle conversion.

Thanks for the feedback. I'm glad to hear you were happy with the RTR electronics. I've been happy with the stuff that Horizon included with my Asceder RTR. I even got ~6 months out of the stock servo, and I understand the unit with the 10.3 is thankfully a little stronger. It sounds like the Firma delivers 1080-like performance, which is commendable for sure. The radio even has that cool thumb-steer lever, which is good.


I don't have any interest in the dig function, so I'd probably pull the micro servo off right away.


I've asked my hobby shop of choice to order an Axial SCX10iii Wrangler JLU RTR (red).


Thanks for the help everyone. I knew I could count on you guys to help me make a quick decision and spend money.