THURSDAY TESTIMONIALS: VRP Clicker rotating magnetic ride height gauge

0 Oct. 19, 2017, 8:19 a.m.

Main Photo: THURSDAY TESTIMONIALS: VRP Clicker rotating magnetic ride height gauge

By 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 review of each every Thursday morning!

Product info:

VRP “Clicker” Ride Height Gauge
$25-40
www.visionracingproducts.com

The new VRP “Clicker” ride height gauges are available in three different sizes; 1/10-scale (16-23mm), 1/8-scale (23-30mm), and 1/8-scale truggy (coming soon). Each are made from 6061-T6 aluminum and are a unique design that features a rotating magnetic dial. By turning the dial, whichever number is placed to the top is the desired ride height measurement. The gauge features an extended handle to slide in and out from underneath the chassis. As with most VRP products, the new gauges are available in black or blue anodizing, and feature a laser etched finish which is all done at the VRP headquarters in Houston, Texas.

Product introduction video from AMainHobbies.com:

There are many unique ride-height measuring devices on the market, however, VRP’s magnetic rotating dial is the first of it’s kind (that I am aware of). Over the past 10 years, I’ve used everything from the translucent plastic sliding gauges, adjustable twisting gauges, 3D printed blocks, and now the rotating magnetic VRP “Clicker”.

The multiple size options of the VRP Clicker are very nice and well suited for the appropriate application. Often adjustable gauges range from 10-20mm for one, and 20-30mm for another. The problem, especially for 1/10-scale, is that 19mm front ride height and 20mm rear ride height aren’t uncommon. To do that, it requires two separate gauges. The VRP Clicker, however, is specifically designed with the common 1/10-scale and 1/8-scale ride height ranges in mind and eliminates the need for multiple gauges in most instances.

The struggle with many ride height gauges is finding a good way to slide them under the chassis for an accurate measurement, without disrupting the chassis by bumping your hand on the car – raising or lowering it from its actual sitting ride height. VRP has incorporated a lengthy handle to help you stay clear while getting an accurate measurement. The handle is very handy; however, it angles upwards for easier handling which if you are not careful will tend to make you want to push down on it – which raises the measurement portion of the gauge. With a little practice, and conscious effort to keep the gauge flat, the handle is rather useful.

The idea of anything magnetic scares me, as I always fear that the magnets won’t be strong enough, and/or in this case the measurement will not be accurate. My faith in magnets is beginning to be restored, as the magnets used in the VRP Clicker are very strong. To aid the magnet, the rotating gauge fits into small cut-outs to keep it firmly in place. The accuracy of this gauge seems to be spot-on as 2 out of 3 calibers measured the gauge within .01-.05mm of the claimed height. The third pair was plastic, purchased from a discount hardware store, and ready 3mm off in each direction – in which I know for a fact was not true.

Changing the ride height setting is easy. Pull the gauge itself off, turn it to whichever setting you want, and set it back in place. Much easier than setting the height on a sliding gauge, and as easy or easier than a twisting adjustable gauge as you are not counting clicks.

I like my tools to look good, but unfortunately some of the best tools on the market have less than appealing appearance. VRP has made the Clicker ride height gauge just as fashionable as it is functional.

Pros:

Unique and innovative design.
Three different models with each fitting their appropriate application based upon the most popular ranges of ride height settings.
Lightweight, compact, and durable.
Rotating gauge is accurate, and easily adjustable.
Available in black or blue anodized finish.

Cons:

Among the higher priced ride height gauges on the market.
Handle can be a little tricky to use and keep the gauge flat, but with practice becomes little to no issue.

Final word:

For years I have a been a fan favorite of the twisting adjustable gauges. For me they have been the easiest to use, adjust, carry around, and have on hand no matter what I am racing. The new VRP Clicker definitely gives my trusty twisting gauges a run for their money, as this unique new design is very functional, very accurate, very fashionable, and easy to use. The highlights of this gauge for me are the easy to read numbers, the ease of adjustment, its accuracy, and the ranges in which each model covers. The VRP Clicker is definitely higher priced than many other ride height gauges on the market. Essentially, they all do the same thing, so what you are paying for is accuracy and functionality. Is the VRP Clicker accurate? Yes. Is it functional and easy to use? Yes, very much so. Assuming others on the market are accurate, it comes down to personal preference and what works best/easiest for you personally. My final word; this is yet another fashionable, functional, and unique creation from VRP - one that will be used very often from this day forward.