Schumacher Racing has another buggy out called the CAT SX2. Some new features are the big bore shocks, 2.5mm chassis for easy lipo location, and a 3 belt transmission. The center of gravity on this thing sure is low!
Check the official Schumacher Racing site for more details.
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See the new Schumacher Cougar SV 2wd buggy? If you are a basher, you could probably care less, but for the racer types it’s a significant piece. Now days 2wd buggy isn’t “the” class to be in, but the new Schu looks like a potential tour de force.
Industry types have speculated whether or not Associated and Losi will ever release new buggies (a “B5″ and a “XXXX” respectively) because they aren’t likely to have as high of a return on investment as a new monster truck or a 8th scale would have. Well the Schu Cougar SV might just kick the tires and light the fires of the American big two. The new Schu looks to be setting a new standard for design in the 2wd buggy class. It’s been a long time since Schumacher enjoyed having the most uber off-roader on the track, but the Cougar looks like it could very well put it on top of the heap.
In a nutshell, the new Schumacher buggy will show us in the states if 10th scale electric racing is going to die as we know it. If it’s not meant to die off, we will see trick new racing platforms from AE and Losi. If it is, the Associated B4 and Losi XXX platforms will be the last of their breeds. Time will tell, and while I dearly have loved that class for years, it has just evolved into a mutant of what it originally was, a mutant that may not make the cut in a Darwin’ish world.
One last note here- Brian posted photos of some new JConcepts bodies, and I guess maybe he thought I would not dig their new RC8T Punisher shell. Well, I love the look of that body, as I do all the bodies of that genre (from the Losi 8T 2.0, to the Pro-Line Bulldogs). Like others in this industry, I do feel there is a need for an “F1″ class to showcase just what our cars/trucks can do at the upper limits of performance, even if they look like they came from Mars. But if there is an “F1″ class right now, it’s 8th scale buggy. All the other classes need to gravitate towards realism if we want the hobby to grow. And really, 8th scale “truggy” is just a waste of a class, it’s only there because races are too short and racers wanted another class to get more track time. So the JConcepts Punisher is a great looking body, but it really shouldn’t exist (just like all the others in the “truggy” genre).
That’s it for this week. Thanks for reading, and as always support your local hobby shops and tracks.
YOUR Cub Reporter
Acer Racing has just announced their new Ceramic Ball Bearing kit for the XRAY XII Link 1/12, and for a limited time it’s only $59 instead of the normal $89!
Also, ACER Racing has a coupon code for Big Squid RC readers! If you have been thinking about buying some of their bearings, but wanted them a little cheaper, now’s your chance! From now until Sunday Feb 7th, any order over $100 you can get 15% off by using coupon code “bigsquid“. So head over to their site, pick up some uber bearings, and don’t forget to use the bigsquid code to save yourself some cash!
Venom has released a new version of their Creeper RC Rock Crawler called the Safari. It comes RTR with a 35T 550 Brushed motor, and the DIG unit pre-installed. It also comes with a 3 channel radio, and Beadlox crawling wheels.
Visit Venom-Group.com for details.
Venom has another RC motorcycle called the GPV-1 Pro. The GPV-1 Pro kit is based on their first GVP-1 RTR Motorcycle but with some carbon fiber and extra hop-up parts.
The GPV-1 Pro Kit is a 1/8th scale rc bike.
Maybe it’s the year of the bikes?
Visit Venom-Group.com for details.
It looks like Venom is also jumping on the rc motorcycle wagon, and is showing their 1/4 scale RC Dirt Bike called the VMX. What really makes this bike stand out are some of the cool features and hop-ups available. They have street tires and stand tires that work with their BeadLox and GripLox tire system with a bead locking wheel and molded foam inserts. They also offer a optional front brake system that you can see in one of the pictures.
It’s interesting to see several companies come out with rc motorcycles this year, and I like to see stuff that’s different. We’ll have to see if we can get our hands on one of these to see how fun and or difficult they are to drive.
Visit Venom-Group.com for details.
For those HPI Blitz fans, JConcepts has two bodies for you. The Illuzion Manta body, and the Illuzion Truth body. Both look like decent designs, but I really dig the rivet bumps on the Manta body for that scale look.
They have also released this RC8T-CE body called the Punisher. This is one of those bodies I’m sure Cubby would talk about in one of his rants.
Jump on over to the Jconcepts website for more info.
Venom has just revealed the new Venom SCX 2wd Short Course Truck at the Nurnberg show in Germany. (VEN-8500) The truck is modeled after the full scale Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series trucks.
One of the more interesting design features is the MORdrive system that allows you to mount the motor in the rear or middle (in front of the rear shock tower). So depending on your track, or how you like the feel, you can change this around.
They also have a nifty VCD Captured Pin System that eliminates the set screws that normally hold your hinge pins in place allowing for smoother action.
The battery compartment can handle 6,7, or 8 cell NiMH packs and 3S LiPo’s.
Price point will be around the $199 area. We look forward to testing this thing out when it’s released in a couple of months.
Visit Venom-Group.com for details.
Ask Cub Reporter, A Weekly Advice Column- 02.4.2010
Yes indeed it’s time for yet another scintillating edition of “Ask Cub Reporter”. Oh boy do we get letters, here’s a couple from this week. If you’d like to submit your own, hit us up at cubby at BigSquidRC dot com.
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I have had a scorpion for about 3 years and tinkered around the yard. Would like to join a club. I am in Rochester, Indiana. Where are you? What are you dues? etc.
Richard
Club? My name isn’t Club Reporter, it’s CUB REPORTER. But seriously, if you want to join, shoot me a money order for $600 and you can be the first member and President of the Cub Reporter Club. Thanks, looking forward to that money order!
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Cubby,
My track can’t decide if it’s better to run 17.5 motors or the stock kit motors in the Slash class. What should we run?
Herbie
New Jersey
Just what kind of demented stoner/VW loving parents did you have to name you Herbie? Seriously, damn. Well unless your last name is Hancock, then I take that back. 
So you have a bunch of morons at your local track? That sounds to be the problem, because for stock/spec Slash class there is only ONE motor choice, and that is to run the kit motor. Running the kit motor is a zillion times friendlier to noobs, and that really should be any local tracks number one priority.
So why do some morons want to include 17.5 brushless motors in the class? Because it’s an advantage to them. A local core “wanna be as fast as Tebo” racer already has a few of them in his parts box, something a noob doesn’t. A 17.5 brushless is Faster than the kit motor (see Snowbirds this year? Looks like 17.5’s are as fast as full blown mods), so the core local will have more power than the noob. And lastly, we shouldn’t force noobs to spend the money on a brushless system when the kit motor is perfect for the class. Actually, some core guys will argue that the stock Slash motor doesn’t last very long, but I’ve had mine in my Slash for over a year, so I find that hard to believe. Oh and I just find 17.5’s stupid in any class, having “stock brushless” is like having “stock top fuel dragster”, it’s really an oxymoron.
That’s it for this week. Thanks for reading! Support your LHS’s, tracks and bash spots.
Your Cub (Club?) Reporter
Schumacher Racing has finally posted the official information on their new Cougar SV 2WD Off Roader.
It has a mid-motor design, will take stick or saddle lipo’s (with optional tray), 13mm big bore shocks with titanium shafts, ultra compact transmission, and a ton of other features!
Check the official Schumacher Racing site for more details.
Ok, I know this is going to be a mouthful, but stay with me. These are pictures of the new O’Donnell Racing Z01B-SG Team 1/8 Scale Nitro 4WD ULTRA Competition Buggy Kit. See, I warned you. This new kit has a TON of upgrades. Here are a few highlights:
• Stronger, lighter 7075-T6 machined chassis plate with improved weight distribution
• Rear arms with improved geometry
• Rear hub carriers with improved geometry
• Front & rear shock tower with improved geometry
• Stronger CVA axles with large, 3mm cross pin
• New, stronger, front top carbon fiber deck
• New center carbon-fiber top deck
• New carbon-fiber radio tray
• Improved, stronger diff cases
• New 4.3:1 diff gears ratio
• New narrow side pods
• New, solid, 7075-T6 billet-aluminum torsional front torque rod
• New 7075-T6 billet-aluminum rear torque rod with glass- filled rod ends
And there is a bunch more! The kit will need a radio, servos, .21 engine, pipe, tires, and oils to complete.
Hit the O’Donnell Racing Website for details.
I’m very happy to see that Traxxas is now shipping their TQ 2.4GHz radio with many of their RTR vehicles! This will really help the basher and newbie market! It gives people 1 less thing to have to worry about. Also, it gives them a nice cheap reliable alternative for receivers for their other vehicles! A 5 Channel Micro Receiver is only $45!!
The vehicles the radio comes with are the Bandit VXL, Stampede VXL, Rustler VXL, Nitro Rustler, T-Maxx 3.3, E-Revo Brushless Edition, and the E-Revo 1/16 scale! Another great job by Traxxas to set the bar for other RC companies!
The only issue now is getting them all to agree to a standard receiver, so I don’t need 10 different radios.
For more info on Traxxas click HERE.
New from Novak is the Smart-Stop 2-Cell LiFe Battery Cut Off Module. The Smart-Stop connects between the receiver and speed control, it monitors the battery pack voltage, and prevents batteries from going below their critical safety voltage level. There is a blue LED as well as throttle interruption to let you know that your power is getting too low. If you are running Li-Fe packs, you might want to consider one of these to help protect your investment.
Visit Novak’s site for all the details.
Ok, this product will make a lot of bashers happy! New from MaxAmps is the LiPo XL series! These new packs come in 6000mah, 9000mah, and 13500mah! Holy Snikies! MaxAmps says it’s the ultimate upgrade for the Traxxas Slash with the 13500 pack giving up to 81 minutes of run time! That’s some serious bashing there!
Other Details:
# 81 minutes average runtime(13,500mah Capacity)
# 45mm X 162mm X 39mm
# 60C - 5990 surge watts(810 amps)
# 654 grams
# 5C Fast Charge Capable
# Water-sealed for all-weather protection
Note: These packs are a little larger, and will only fit vehicles that can take a 7-cell NIMH pack.
Visit MaxAmps.com for more info!
Novak has a new Low-Profile Heat Sink replacement. It can be installed onto the Sport Brushless ESC’s, and has the same screw hole placements. For those looking to go a little lower, these may be for you.
Visit Novak’s site for all the details.
I have a few things I NEED to get off my chest this week.
Marshalling is bad for our sport. Yes, it is. Everyone hates to marshal. I didn’t pay my entry fee to run my ass off and still get yelled at by some F’n moron on the drivers stand, I paid to RACE. If I crash in a race, I am prepared to pay for it. If I am hacked in a race, I expect the guy that hacked me to be penalized (unless he stops and lets me regain my position), and my car to be righted. Having a lot of marshals on the track only encourages over driving and hacking. Reverse NEEDS to be legal, I mean, if it’s perfectly fine for F1, NASCRAP, and Indy cars to have reverse, it is perfectly fine for toy cars, and will cut down on the need for marshals. Small tracks need ONE marshal, big tracks need TWO, just to right hacked drivers and those that still insist on driving over their heads (albeit very slowly to encourage people to drive within their skill range). Oh and, the TRACK needs to supply the ONE or TWO marshals. YES they do. If you have a club track, you’ve got Plenty of members to pick from. If you have a privately owned track, perhaps you can trade a couple weeks race fees in exchange for “working” marshal duty.
Why do racers run multiple classes? To get more track time. Problem is, it costs a lot of money to set up two, three or more race cars/trucks. Guess what? You can give racers more track time without having them enter multiple classes. It is soooooo beyond the time to increase race lengths. Every race in the world should be no shorter than 10 minutes. Having longer races for one class saves the money of having to set up another truck, and also saves on a second entry fee. Make racing cheaper, get more racers, win/win for everyone. There are simply too many classes now, this will also help there.
I’ve flipped out about this several times, but there is no F’n need in the world to make qualifying 75% of a race day schedule. It’s called RACE day for a reason, to RACE. So how about 2 quals and 2 mains? Two quals are needed in case some jackass hacks you (and breaks you) in one qual, at least you have a second shot. Two mains doubles the current standard for actual racing. More racing, less jerk’n around with this p&ssy IFMAR qualifying crap, it’s something that needs to be done to help aim the hobby in a better direction.
I’ve said this many times before, but to be perfectly clear, realism is GOOD for this hobby. Sanctioning bodies should start encouraging, and promoting the short course classes. They are the future and they will help get more people in the hobby. Developing the short course classes should be the number one priority of any sanctioning body.
There NEEDS to be only ONE national champion. Yes, indeed, JUST ONE. Having 50 per year only waters down the meaning. It’s time to cut the b#llsh^t, and determine ONE national champion. All drivers with a good enough resume are allowed to compete for it, and it HAS to be a series, not a one weekend deal. It’s what’s best for the sport, and will help generate a lot of enthusiasm and perhaps even outside sponsorship (Red Bull, Monster Energy, Yamaha, Spy Optics, Fox Racing, etc) for the race promoters. Let the amateurs compete for regional “amateur” titles, let the pro’s add some much needed credibility to our hobby with a truly professional national championship series. (how about every regional championship race be a leg on the national championship tour? just say’n)
There NEEDS to be separate rules for the ONE national championship title than for local/amateur racing. Most local tracks just use “ROAR” rules for their local racing, and those are not the most conducive for keeping noobs in the hobby. The national champion rules can allow for some uber tech in the F1 of rc racing, the ONE national championship series, and the amateur rules can be purpose built to keep all those new faces that show up at the track in the hobby more than just one trip.
Since when is FAST a bad thing when playing with toy cars (or any car for that matter)? If you think there should be separate 21.5, 17.5, 13.5, and “mod” classes, you are an idiot. If you think 3S, 6S, 8S, or whatever high cell count batteries should be illegal, ditto. Separating by novice, intermediate, and expert ABILITY is the more responsible way of dividing classes. Brian Kinwald WILL beat you (yes, YOU) with a 17.5 or a 4.5, it doesn’t matter what motor you are using. Give a novice driver a 3.5 motor on a 6S Lipo pack and he’ll be far slower than a 21.5 on 6 cell Ni-mh. If you allow drivers to use ANY cell count or motor wind available, they will eventually end up using what works best for them (and it’s not going to be the 8S Lipo 9000kv motor combo I PROMISE you that). The “stock” class might have worked as intended for a short time after it was introduced 20 years ago, but it’s been a joke since, and it’s just F’n stupid during the brushless age. Separate by ability, not by the motor of the day.
I feel better, thanks for listening.
One last note for this week. It’s good working for BigSquid, we can say exactly what we think here, that’s what makes us different than “most” of the print rags. I can say good things about about a mag, but you won’t see them saying anything good about a website, that’s what really sets us apart. So this week, I gotta give props yet again to Stephen Bess at R/C Car. His “Drivers Stand” column in the March issue of R/C Car is worth every penny of the $4.99 newsstand price. The March issue also features a cool interview with HPI’s Akira Kogawa. So pick up a copy if you can find it. And no, I am not kissing R/C Car mags a$$, I am simply recommending a very well written (and very outspoken) article in one of the mags. If one of the other mags would grow some balls and write something worth reading, I’d be recommending it here too, but so far only Bess has the stones big enough to put some real hard core views in print.
Thanks for reading, and as always, support your LHS’s and local tracks.
YOUR Cub Reporter
The folks over at Traxxas have really been on a roll with the sponsor money lately! From Supercross to Core trucks and now Snowmobiles at the winter X-Games!! They are sponsoring Paul Thacker’s sled in Best Trick, Freestyle, and other events! Paul is also the current long jump record holder for snowmobiles at 301 feet! Congrats to Paul, and Good Job Traxxas for doing everything in their power this year to get the word out about RC!
For more info on Traxxas click HERE.
Wowza, O.S. Engines has a new O.S. .21 VZ-B V-spec Limited Edition engine coming out. How limited? There will be only 300 numbered engines! The 300 will have a specially modified cooling head with 16 machined holes for lighter weight and anodized in gold! The top features graphics to signify all four IFMAR World Championships won with the VZ-B engine. So not only do you get a top of the line engine, but you get some serious points for the bling factor!
Head over to the O.S. Engines site for more details.
HPI Blitz
Tactic 2.4Ghz Radio
HPI Savage Flux
Novak HP Pro Brushless Conversion
Tekin RS Pro Redline
Team Overdose Car Stand
RC Lights - LED Combo
All Other Reviews HERE!
May 28-30th, 2010
NO LIMIT RC!
Your Event Here!
Midwest RC Drag Racing
