Whether it's wheel nuts, wings, tools, tracks, trinkets and/or anything in between, the LiveRC staff gives their testimonial and mini-review of each every Thursday morning!
PSM B4.2 Carbon Fiber Front Shock Tower
$35.22
PSM Option Parts and Accessories has been on a hot streak lately releasing everything from brake discs, to axles, and everything in between. The PSM crew sent us the latest in their carbon fiber option part lineup, the new Team Associated B4.2 carbon fiber front shock tower kit. This carbon fiber front shock tower is a beefy 5mm thick and includes additional shock mounting hardware and screws necessary to bolt it in place.
Upon first glance, instantly we were impressed with its thick, durable, and yet very lightweight construction. The new tower provides an additional inside shock mounting position, recommended for high bite tracks and/or carpet.
We bolted the PSM carbon fiber on and hit the track. We did not go easy on the tower as multiple hard impact crashes, flips, and tumbles were performed during the test. As recommended, we sealed the outside edge of the carbon fiber tower with CA glue before hitting the track, which kept the layers from "flaking" or splitting apart. The tower held up like a champ and is still going strong!
Our test grounds were not suitable to use the additional inside mounting hole, however it is a neat addition to the tower for those who are racing in very high traction, carpet, or astro-turf conditions. The additional mounting hardware fits great, and the aluminum shock standoffs look super trick!
Pros:
- Very thick and durable.
- Lightweight
- Offers additional tuning options over the stock shock tower.
- Includes neccessary mounting hardware.
- Includes aluminum shock standoffs.
Cons:
- IF you are able to break the tower, a replacement tower is not available separately, therefore you must purchase a complete kit.
Conclusion:
The PSM B4.2 Carbon Fiber Front Shock Tower kit is a very cool new product. While it may not enhance our driving performance or skills, it DOES allow for additional tuning, added durability, and factory appearance on your B4.2 buggy. For anyone looking for a little bling and extra beef on their buggy...this tower is for you!
Beacon Rating: 5/5
Pro-Line Racing "PowerStroke" SCT shocks
$53.51
The Pro-Line Racing "PowerStroke" shocks for shortcourse truck racing are nothing new to the market, however, they are new to us. At a recent event the rules of Stock Traxxas Slash class allowed for changes to aftermarket parts, however, the stock ESC/motor were still required. We felt there would be no better time to try out the Pro-Line Racing shocks!
These shocks are a universal fit for many shortcourse trucks on the market today including Traxxas, Associated, Kyosho, HPI, and several others. These shocks feature two springs (one big, one small) which offers a dual stage spring rate. An aluminum threaded shock body and cap in cooperation with thick 3.5mm shafts provide a very durable and smooth working setup.
(Option spring set sold seperately.)
Upon replacing our stock Traxxas shocks with the Pro-Line "PowerStroke" shocks, we used the standard Pro-Line springs included with 35 wt. oil front and rear. The pre-threaded shock bodies allowed for easy ride-height adjustment, and it wasn't long before we hit the track. The dual springs allow for fine tuning the characteristics of the shocks using downloadable tuning guide. Using the optional Pro-Line spring sets we were able to find a spring setup front and rear that was soft enough to absorb the bumps, yet also handle the big jumps and hard landings. Our lap times improved using the "PowerStroke" shock setup, and definitely enhanced the performance of the truck.
Pros:
- Sold in pairs, and pre-assembled.
- Durable and stylish aluminum shock body and cap design.
- Beefy 3.5mm shafts.
- Dual springs allow for fine tuning and dual spring rates.
Cons:
- Most hobby shops and tracks do not carry replacement parts.
Conclusion:
Without a doubt, the Pro-Line "PowerStroke" shocks are a vast improvement over the stock Slash shocks. The PL shocks are available with adapters to fit a long list of other vehicles in addition as well. Most hobby shops do not carry these shocks or replacement shafts, caps, and replacement parts for them. If you were to bend or break a shock shaft, cap, or internal part, they most often must be ordered and shipped directly from Pro-Line...which won't help you get it fixed for the next qualifier. Overall the shocks are easy to work with, easy to tune, and very durable. We do recommend the optional spring sets in addition to the shocks, as they offer a wide range of setups for the various tracks and terrain you will be running on.
Beacon Rating: 4/5
THURSDAY TESTIMONIALS - "RANDOM ITEM OF THE WEEK!":
Each week outside of the R/C world we test out and use a variety of items in our daily routines that have absolutely nothing to do with R/C, and THIS is what we think of them!
OtterBox iPhone 5 "Mono Gold" Defender Series Case
$59.95
I am every cell phone's worst nightmare. I can drop, run over, submerge, smash, and lose a cell phone better than anyone on the planet. After the death of my last phone (due to an accidental drop and rollover) I decided my new phone would be equipped with something tough enough to handle the mishaps of Mike Garrison. While browsing the web I came across the Otterbox Defender Series cases. I began looking at color choices and custom options, none of which really appealed to me.
Then I found the "Mono Gold" case. This precious jewel is just what I was looking for. It is designed, like all of the Defender Series cases, to defend against anything and everything from accidental drops to angry throws when that hot girl from the mall won't text you back. Did I mention it features a vibrant yellow and black appearance to show off your style?
Upon first sight I instantly clicked "ORDER NOW" and got the case here asap. I unwrapped the case, popped it on my phone, and was ready to hit the town...or so I thought.
Pros:
- Built in screen protector eliminates scratching your screen.
- Rubber outer case gives it a nice bounce when hitting the ground.
- Rugged design is wheelchair rollover approved.
- Yellow and black appearance is flashy and says, "This phone's got style."
Cons:
- That style is instantly lost when you find out that your new super trick phone case has the face of a giant beaver on the back...
Conclusion:
When purchasing something, especially online, make sure you read the FULL description and view all of the photos. You will catch the eye of everyone around with the bright yellow/black appearance of your "Mono Gold" iPhone 5 case, and you will also become known as the guy with "the beaver phone," thanks to the friendly face of a giant bright yellow beaver on the back.
Beacon Rating: 3/5
(64 LiveRC beacon stickers later, the beaver face is covered and my phone is still well protected.)
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