AVID releases new Precision Springs

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Mike Garrison

0 April 20, 2012, 7:24 a.m.

Next week on Tuesday, April 24, AVID is bringing you the utmost in precision and performance with new springs for 10th scale 12mm big-bore shocks.   AVID precision springs offer several advantages over conventional shock springs:

1.       The labels are custom printed to show the average spring rate (in lb/in) for each batch of springs after they’ve passed our quality check. We ensure that the labeled rate on the packaging is as close as possible to the springs you are getting inside the bag. AVID springs are checked in-house with precision spring testing equipment.  

2.       AVID springs are raw, un-coated ASTM spec spring wire which ensures consistent spring rates and prevents mis-matched spring pairs.   They are easily polished for a “factory” look.  

a.       Traditional coated springs have a powder coating to protect the wire, but the coating differs in stiffness from the wire. Vendors normally have to compensate by adjusting the wire diameter and number of coils, but as the powder coating breaks down, you’re left with a spring that isn’t the same as when you installed it.

b.      Coatings can lead to inconsistent spring rates within a production batch leaving racers to guess whether or not their left and right shock springs are the same. 

3.       Each set of front or rear springs uses identical wire diameter, varying only the number of coils. This allows for the tightest possible grouping of spring rates, and the most consistent production conditions from batch to batch. 

4.       AVID springs come with pre-cut colored shrink tube in a labeled snap-top tube for storage to keep each spring pair together.

AVID Precision Springs Sets (available Tuesday, April 24)

*rate will vary slightly and will be published on the label. Colored tubing supplied in package.

AVID Precision Buggy/ Truck Springs Individual Pairs (available soon, check website for release)

*rate will vary slightly and will be published on the label. Colored tubing supplied in package.

Dealers contact sales@avidrc.com for information. 

Spring Care and Maintenance:   AVID springs are uncoated, and can be easily polished with polishing compound and a buffing wheel  (or dremel buffing wheel).   A few tips:

1)      If you keep the springs in the factory condition, the wire has some built-in corrosion resistance as a result of the material and manufacturing process. We recommend running them as-is.

2)      If you polish the wire, you are removing the protective shell, and exposing the material to moisture. Once you polish your springs they will require more maintenance.

3)      Don’t over-do it, polishing your springs weekly, because each time you polish the wire you are removing a small amount of material. 

4)      If you are racing in a wet environment, promptly remove springs after race day and wipe down with WD-40 to remove moisture. Don’t store your car wet.

5)      As the standard small print, AVID is not responsible for rust on springs. If you care for them properly, the springs should last through the racing season. As a rule of thumb, AVID does recommend replacing springs every year to ensure peak performance.   Throughout a spring’s life, the performance can degrade after a significant number of compression/extension cycles. This is reduced in an AVID spring which has no coating, but it is still un-avoidable.   This recommendation is based on racing on a weekly basis.