I've just read on LosiBk2.com that Team Losi are not sending a team to the worlds.
#106
That is probably the most important and true statement in this thread. The RTR market apparently eclipses the racing kit market. RTR's are obviously profitable but racers are on again, off again and sometimes a company has to make big changes. Associated got bought by TTR, Losi by Horizon. This was probably not done because they were raking in the dough participating only in the race markets . As for Horizon squeezing Losi for every dime, they are.They have to. If they don't the money counters at Horizon will make Team Losi dissapear. It's unfortunately a matter of fiscal responsibility.
#107
Tech Master
iTrader: (1)
If Horizon takes the Losi name mainstream, more power to them!
If it ends up at Target or Wal-Mart or Toys-R-Us, that would be a great accomplishment!
A feat not easily accomplished.
It would make those of us who grew up with the Losi name as a Racing force kinda sad, but it will be for the better of the hobby.
If Losi makes an affordable car for those above stores, they instantly become a force to be reckoned against toy companies like Nikko.
Offering inexpensive hop-up options for those vehicles will also help distinguish itself from Nikko and give entry level kids a sense of excitement being able to modify their cars.
(Nothing big as far as hop-ups, more along the lines of bling like Wheels, Tires, Bodies etc..)
Pricing will be really key as I never see anything in the "Toy" Radio Control area be more than around $79.99. And those were the MOST expensive I saw.
(I frequent these stores often since I have a toddler)
If Horizon is smart, they will spend some good money to re-do the Losi Website.
Make it a portal for the entry level kids buying the Toy versions to see their big brother hobby versions.
Most toy websites (not RC but toys in general) are geared towards the parent, so this should be something Horizon should consider.
I'm for anything trying to make the hobby grow.
If it ends up at Target or Wal-Mart or Toys-R-Us, that would be a great accomplishment!
A feat not easily accomplished.
It would make those of us who grew up with the Losi name as a Racing force kinda sad, but it will be for the better of the hobby.
If Losi makes an affordable car for those above stores, they instantly become a force to be reckoned against toy companies like Nikko.
Offering inexpensive hop-up options for those vehicles will also help distinguish itself from Nikko and give entry level kids a sense of excitement being able to modify their cars.
(Nothing big as far as hop-ups, more along the lines of bling like Wheels, Tires, Bodies etc..)
Pricing will be really key as I never see anything in the "Toy" Radio Control area be more than around $79.99. And those were the MOST expensive I saw.
(I frequent these stores often since I have a toddler)
If Horizon is smart, they will spend some good money to re-do the Losi Website.
Make it a portal for the entry level kids buying the Toy versions to see their big brother hobby versions.
Most toy websites (not RC but toys in general) are geared towards the parent, so this should be something Horizon should consider.
I'm for anything trying to make the hobby grow.
#108
Tech Master
iTrader: (5)
No, thats not mixing and matching. Its from the same buggy, just a different material. I'm saying that you don't see B4 drivers using B3 arms, transmission, CVA's, rear hubs, and more to make their car handle better. Losi drivers are mixing and matching parts from a different car to make it handle better. I've even seen a driver flip the tranny in his BK2 to make it faster than his B4. I've a victim of hybrid Losi's but I don't like the fact that all of Losi's latest buggies parts are almost bolt on to older/newer buggies.
#109
Tech Master
iTrader: (10)
[QUOTE=JamesnMeyer;3497746]I have to admit the quality is not what it used to be. I bought two MF2's amd both had fit issues that required me to us larger screws to make the fit tight. this was for both cars. In one of the kits I had XXX Nt stickers and the other had an NT manual We ran them once and sold them.QUOTE]
The quality is not gone down, the cars are still very durable,i have owned a mf2 and the only reason why the screws did'nt tighten up,is because i stripped it out, you can't blame losi if you strip a hole out.
The quality is not gone down, the cars are still very durable,i have owned a mf2 and the only reason why the screws did'nt tighten up,is because i stripped it out, you can't blame losi if you strip a hole out.
#110
Tech Elite
iTrader: (41)
Holes were stripped prior to me placing screws in it. It didnt strip from me over tightening it.
The quality is not gone down, the cars are still very durable,i have owned a mf2 and the only reason why the screws did'nt tighten up,is because i stripped it out, you can't blame losi if you strip a hole out.[/QUOTE]
The quality is not gone down, the cars are still very durable,i have owned a mf2 and the only reason why the screws did'nt tighten up,is because i stripped it out, you can't blame losi if you strip a hole out.[/QUOTE]
#111
Tech Elite
iTrader: (10)
you guys need to look at the big picture....where is the worlds?
just so happens to be at a track that yok, hb's, and other japanies companys are at EVERY day, kinda hard to beat them on a track that they have setups for every condition..
kinda like the reedy race....tamiya always wins
10k is a little low too....gotta remember how much stuff is there, 50usd for lunch is the norm, and everything else is just as much..they do have a racing budget, wouldnt you like to see a pro come out to your local race and show support? LOCAL wins with a car will sell more that a big race imo...
just so happens to be at a track that yok, hb's, and other japanies companys are at EVERY day, kinda hard to beat them on a track that they have setups for every condition..
kinda like the reedy race....tamiya always wins
10k is a little low too....gotta remember how much stuff is there, 50usd for lunch is the norm, and everything else is just as much..they do have a racing budget, wouldnt you like to see a pro come out to your local race and show support? LOCAL wins with a car will sell more that a big race imo...
#112
Tech Master
iTrader: (1)
you guys need to look at the big picture....where is the worlds?
just so happens to be at a track that yok, hb's, and other japanies companys are at EVERY day, kinda hard to beat them on a track that they have setups for every condition..
kinda like the reedy race....tamiya always wins
10k is a little low too....gotta remember how much stuff is there, 50usd for lunch is the norm, and everything else is just as much..they do have a racing budget, wouldnt you like to see a pro come out to your local race and show support? LOCAL wins with a car will sell more that a big race imo...
just so happens to be at a track that yok, hb's, and other japanies companys are at EVERY day, kinda hard to beat them on a track that they have setups for every condition..
kinda like the reedy race....tamiya always wins
10k is a little low too....gotta remember how much stuff is there, 50usd for lunch is the norm, and everything else is just as much..they do have a racing budget, wouldnt you like to see a pro come out to your local race and show support? LOCAL wins with a car will sell more that a big race imo...
#113
Tech Elite
iTrader: (47)
No, thats not mixing and matching. Its from the same buggy, just a different material. I'm saying that you don't see B4 drivers using B3 arms, transmission, CVA's, rear hubs, and more to make their car handle better. Losi drivers are mixing and matching parts from a different car to make it handle better. I've even seen a driver flip the tranny in his BK2 to make it faster than his B4. I've a victim of hybrid Losi's but I don't like the fact that all of Losi's latest buggies parts are almost bolt on to older/newer buggies.
#114
Tech Master
iTrader: (5)
you guys need to look at the big picture....where is the worlds?
just so happens to be at a track that yok, hb's, and other japanies companys are at EVERY day, kinda hard to beat them on a track that they have setups for every condition..
kinda like the reedy race....tamiya always wins
10k is a little low too....gotta remember how much stuff is there, 50usd for lunch is the norm, and everything else is just as much..they do have a racing budget, wouldnt you like to see a pro come out to your local race and show support? LOCAL wins with a car will sell more that a big race imo...
just so happens to be at a track that yok, hb's, and other japanies companys are at EVERY day, kinda hard to beat them on a track that they have setups for every condition..
kinda like the reedy race....tamiya always wins
10k is a little low too....gotta remember how much stuff is there, 50usd for lunch is the norm, and everything else is just as much..they do have a racing budget, wouldnt you like to see a pro come out to your local race and show support? LOCAL wins with a car will sell more that a big race imo...
All i say is rewind to the 90's when masami almost won a world champs each time ( 2wd or 4wd )... the one he DIDN'T win and both 2wd and 4wd were taken out by USA.... 1995 Yatabe Arena in Japan.... basically a Yomoko/Masami test track! Matt Francis 2wd RC10B2 and Mark Pavidis Yokomo YZ10 worlds edition.... Both hailing from the good ole usa
Good Uneducated opinion...
I don't know why Losi aren't sending a team... but it is a shame that they are focusing their money away from 1/10thep offroad...
#115
Tech Elite
iTrader: (10)
well if you wanna know my honest opinion i would have to go with electric is dying, how do i know you ask? well i work at a motor company and have seen ep going down the last year or so, i talk with alot of companys and am not really in the dark about anything....nitro and offroad are just the thing thats hot right now
and im not saying that we wont win....just saying that our odds are a little lower, billy is a fast guy and can win and has won..he also goes to japan A lot! plus MF is just a stud and a wheel
sponsorship has changed in the past few years, i have rarely seen any dramatic bumps in sales when we win a national title, a worlds might be different, i was supposed to go to worlds but its 2 weeks, alot of money and a chance at winning..
and im not saying that we wont win....just saying that our odds are a little lower, billy is a fast guy and can win and has won..he also goes to japan A lot! plus MF is just a stud and a wheel
sponsorship has changed in the past few years, i have rarely seen any dramatic bumps in sales when we win a national title, a worlds might be different, i was supposed to go to worlds but its 2 weeks, alot of money and a chance at winning..
#116
Tech Master
iTrader: (5)
Ok...
Still doesn't really justify your first post... but meh...
I think motor companies are noticing ep slowing is cos EP TC the largest market of the past 5 years or more is dying off... thats why your all noticing it now... If anything offroad is marginally healthier than it has been in the past few years... Wake up and watch a trend... EP TC is slowing up world wide... hence why ur not selling motors... simple... TC eats motors...
I don't think the US guys chances are any lower than they have been at any previous OS worlds... I'd think the 2 Ryan's, Masami, Neil Cragg etc will all be in the mix... as well as heaps of others...
I am sure Gil jnr will be around the place somewhere... even if its JUST r'n'd work... more than the once great team losi are doing...
Still doesn't really justify your first post... but meh...
I think motor companies are noticing ep slowing is cos EP TC the largest market of the past 5 years or more is dying off... thats why your all noticing it now... If anything offroad is marginally healthier than it has been in the past few years... Wake up and watch a trend... EP TC is slowing up world wide... hence why ur not selling motors... simple... TC eats motors...
I don't think the US guys chances are any lower than they have been at any previous OS worlds... I'd think the 2 Ryan's, Masami, Neil Cragg etc will all be in the mix... as well as heaps of others...
I am sure Gil jnr will be around the place somewhere... even if its JUST r'n'd work... more than the once great team losi are doing...
#117
I would imagine motor sales would slow down because brushless motors are becoming more popular and they don't need to be replaced as often. That would not be a perspective I would use to determine if a particular class is less popular.