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April 12, 2012, 7:02 a.m.
4/12/2012
By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com
Very rarely in R/C is a product developed that bashers, weekend racers, and even top level racers can all be found using. The staff at Viper R/C have sent us the all-new Copperhead VX4 550 system for a product test, and this could be one of the few products chosen by ALL levels of R/C drivers!
Product Info
The all-new sensorless system from Viper R/C includes the Copperhead and VX4 Brushless Motor. The VX4 motors are available in 540 or 550 sizes, and are 4 pole designed for heavy hitting power and torque. The VX4R 550 size motors are designed for Pro4 SC trucks, while the VX4 540 motor is a 3900kV designed for Pro2 SC, and other lighter weight 2wd and 4wd vehicles. Each of the motors include pre-installed wires with bullet plug ends that simply plug in to the Copperhead ESC to get running (in other words: NO SOLDERING NECESSARY).
The Copperhead ESC is larger than the 1/10 scale VTX series ESC's, but features many of the same tuning options. The Copperhead includes 6 preloaded setting profiles, or with the additional purchase of a Viper ProGauge, you can customize your settings and easily tune it for your driving style.
First Impression
Upon taking the new Viper system out of the box we had mixed emotions as immediately we loved the look of the all-new Copperhead ESC, the fact it includes a premounted cooling fan, pre-soldered wires with Dean's connector, and signature Viper R/C programming switch. On the flip side the overall footprint of the Copperhead ESC is rather large for 1/10 scale. While there is plenty of room for the ESC in most 4wd short course vehicles, fitting it in a standard size 2wd short course or buggy is slightly more difficult to run the VX4 540 motor.
The VX4R motor surprised us with it's sleek and stealthy look, combined with the stylish graphics and pre-soldered wires with bullet connectors to simply plug in to the Copperhead ESC. We also immediately noticed that there should be no trouble reaching the ESC no matter where we mount it, as the motor wires are extremely long.
Quite possibly the most beautiful thing about the all-new Viper R/C Copperhead VX4 system is it's price! The entire 550 combo (motor and esc) is only $150.00! We had to double check the pricing to make sure that wasn't a mistake, and to our surprise that is no mistake!
The Test
To test the all-new Copperhead VXR brushless system we chose to test it in our Team Associated SC10 4x4. Upon installation in the SC10 4x4, we quickly realized that although the VXR motor wires are 9+ inches long, we only needed a little over 4", so we grabbed the soldering iron and shortened up to a nice and tidy length. After plugging in the system we easily calibrated to our radio, and hit the track!
Being a sensorless system, we had a pre-run assumption that it would be like many other sensorless systems, meaning it would have a "light switch" feel (all power or no power, not very smooth). As we began making the laps our assumptions went right out the window! The Copperhead ESC provided a very smooth feeling all through the powerband, and offered excellent braking power. The VXR.51 motor powered our truck no problem to hit the big doubles and run hard on the straightaway.
(Shown here in our T4.1 stadium truck)
We ran the system over and over and over. Temperatures of both the ESC and motor stayed relatively cool, considering the amount of extended runtime and harsh conditions we were putting on them.
While it is nearly impossible to achieve a completely sensored feel with a sensorless system, this is by far one of the closest we have ran. Whether you are bashing, racing, and/or everything in between, the new Copperhead VX4 system provides plenty of power, good braking, easy installation and setup, and Viper provides some of the best customer service in the industry.
Thumbs Up- Easy installation
- Smooth powerband for sensorless
- No soldering necessary to get running
- Easily tuned using the optional ProGauge
- ESC cooling fan included
- Only costs $150 for the entire system
Thumbs Down
- The Copperhead is nearly 1 3/4" x 1 1/2" in size, making it somewhat difficult to fit in smaller and narrower 1/10 scale vehicles
- Although the pre-installed motor wires are handy, it makes them difficult to replace if damaged.
- The Copperhead switch wire places the switch upside down without putting a twist in it. (Yeah we know, we are clean wiring freaks)
LiveRC Beacon Rating
Overall we give the new Viper R/C Copperhead VX4 system a 4 out of 5 on the beacon rating. The product offers exceptional performance at an exceptional price, and once clearing a little extra room for it, we were extremely happy with it!
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