ADVERTISEMENT | ADVERTISE WITH US
0
May 8, 2013, 11:24 a.m.
5/16/2013By Mike Garrison
LiveRC.com
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!
R/C Cheat Sheets iPhone App - By Team Associated $2.99
Have you ever been in that awkward conversation with someone talking about something you have no clue anything about, SO you simply smile and nod pretending to understand and agree? For me that happens ALL the time. I decided to eliminate that problem in R/C when people are discussing with me their in-depth setup changes and theories. When caught in these discussions I can now casually be "playing on my iPhone" while actually opening up the Team Associated R/C Cheat Sheets app. Inside the app I am able to choose from onroad and offroad vehicles, in depth setup changes and their characteristics, calculate figures and ratios instantly, and more.
For example, someone asks, "What should I do for traction?"
I simply type in the word "Traction" in the search bar, scroll the results, and answer them like I am some sort of R/C genius!
Pros:
- Instant access to hundreds of setup information pages and advice.
- Helpful checklists including transmission ratios, drill charts, etc.
- Ratio calculators
- Lap counter, pit stop charts, random number generator.
- "Cheat Sheets" for electric and nitro onroad, offroad, and pan cars.
- Adjustable font so even my old man can read it.
- Available for iOS and Android users.
Cons:
- If someone catches you using it during conversation, they too can become a genius for only $2.99.
Conclusion:
The Team Associated R/C Cheat Sheets app is a very helpful little tool whether you are trying to look like a genius or not. While many of the tips and "how-to's" directly apply to only Team Associated vehicles, the general knowledge of what different setup changes effect and majority of the app can be applied to almost any brand of vehicle. Some might say $2.99 is a little pricey for an app, when something like Angry Birds is free...but then again, when was the last time Angry Birds made you look like a genius?
Beacon Rating: 5/5
JConcepts "Satellite" Tire Gluing Rubber Bands
$13.00
Tire gluing is not an easy proposition. It takes a lot of patience, time, skill, and the use of rubber bands for an solid hold on your tires. Traditionally most racers use "tire bands" which are nothing more than wide rubber bands with a company logo printed on them. We received word that our friends at JConcepts were sending over some "tire bands" for a Thursday Testimonials review. My first thought was, "Ok, I will be doing a review on a blue rubber band...sweet." As I opened the box, expecting the boring old traditional tire band, what I saw was far from traditional or boring, but instead an innovation that will change my tire gluing experience forever.
The new "Satellite" tire bands from JConcepts are designed to fit 1:10, SCT, and 1:8 wheels and tires. The bands are made up of super durable, thick, rubber material that is sized correctly for a tight fit on 1:10 vehicles, yet stretches easily to fit SCT and 1:8 tires. The innovation comes in with the added finger tabs. These tabs all the way around the bands feature finger depressions which makes it easy to grab on and pull the band while gluing. These little guys keep your finger tips out of the glue, and make it very easy to release pressure from the bead to drop glue in.
Anything new to the fashion world is first looked at as an odd appearance, but slowly catches on, and before you know it everyone is wearing the latest trend. Not only are these an innovation in tire gluing bands, they could very well be the next big fashion statement in rubber wristbands.
Pros:
- Durable construction keeps the bands from tearing or ripping when stretching.
- Fits 1:10, SCT, and 1:8 wheels and tires.
- Finger tabs keep the glue away from your finger tips.
- Available in blue or black.
- Include re-sealable bag to keep you organized.
Cons:
- By wearing these as rubber wrist bracelets, it will take time for the look to catch on, so you may temporarily receive strange looks.
Conclusion:
In conclusion we highly recommend the JConcepts "Satellite" tire bands to any avid tire gluer. These bands are based around the traditional rubber band tire theory, however, they are far from traditional.
Beacon Rating: 5/5
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!
VANS Canvas Authentic Skate Shoe
I recently decided it was time for a new pair of shoes. Today's shoes cost a small fortune and none of the "new styles" really seem to catch my eye. While I thought for a brief moment about stepping out of my box for something crazy, I decided otherwise, and went with my trusty VANS Authentic Skate Shoe. These shoes offer the traditional look that I was going for, very reasonably priced, and available in a wide range of colors.
I was feeling patriotic, so I went with navy blue, white, and red. I decided to push these bad boys to the limit to really test them out for this edition of Thursday Testimonials. The comfort and fit is amazing. The shoes slide right on, fit like a dream, and don't have that uncomfortable "new shoe" feeling. For durability I took them through deep puddles, mud, gravel, dirt, grass, asphalt, and after all of that they somehow STILL look brand new!
These VANS are the absolute bee's knees when it comes to shoes! I will be the first to tell you, coming from a guy who can't feel his feet and his shoes never touch the ground...you won't find a more comfy and durable shoe on the market today!
(The VANS skate shoe puddle test...)
Pros:
- Reasonably priced.
- Available in a variety of color combos.
- Traditional skate shoe styling.
- Comfy...I think.
Cons:
- Sticker included in the box is junk.
Beacon Rating: ? / 5
(Come on people, am I REALLY the guy you want to give you ratings on a pair of shoes??)
Eng / Usd
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Recent comments