Serpent S400 Vs Tc5
#1
Serpent S400 Vs Tc5
Which car do you all like?
#2
Tech Master
iTrader: (16)
The S400 is a slightly better car overall, BUT depending on where you live and your patience level, gettings parts support for the Serpent car might not be to your liking.
The TC5 is stocked by many LHS in the USA, so do your research regarding parts support and prices before taking the plunge.
The TC5 is stocked by many LHS in the USA, so do your research regarding parts support and prices before taking the plunge.
#3
The way i see it is that the TC5 is a economy car. is cheap and fast enough for all new guys. If you are new to touring id go with the tc5 especially if yur lhs can't get parts for the serpent,Which is a better car.
#5
The TC5 is a good car and an oustanding effort by associated for there first belt drive but comparing it with the serpent is a little bit of a stretch...I really like the TC5 and I dont think its an economy car like stated above its just common and by that I mean its everywhere and accesible. Its cost about the same but the parts are so avalible and are resonable for $6.00 you get 2 front arms....Xray 1 arm same w/serpent I believe....Its really up to you weather or not you like to order parts in bulk or if you want to walk into your LHS and buy them.....I had a tc5 and ended up w/an xray t2 007 and there is a difference....
#6
Moderator
iTrader: (2)
The TC5 is a good car and an oustanding effort by associated for there first belt drive but comparing it with the serpent is a little bit of a stretch...I really like the TC5 and I dont think its an economy car like stated above its just common and by that I mean its everywhere and accesible. Its cost about the same but the parts are so avalible and are resonable for $6.00 you get 2 front arms....Xray 1 arm same w/serpent I believe....Its really up to you weather or not you like to order parts in bulk or if you want to walk into your LHS and buy them.....I had a tc5 and ended up w/an xray t2 007 and there is a difference....
As far as the two cars in performance, I think the TC5 is a very capable car, however one of the things that I see everyone doing is converting over to the ITF chassis for asphalt racing, which is about another $100 on-top of the initial car. The Serpent is a great car right out of the box even with the box stock setup.
My choice would be the Serpent, the company is trying new things and some old things that had fallen away. Just look at the Gear Diff for electric on-road, its awesome. The new carbon fiber infused arms, pretty cool. And parts are pretty easy to get here in the states with Serpent USA and MMR, there customer support is only getting better and better. Stormer also picked up the whole S400 line. Sure those are not your LHS, but hey you can always ask them to look into carrying Serpent, there is no doubt in my mind the company will become mainstream in the near future.
#7
Tech Master
iTrader: (8)
My choice would be the Serpent, the company is trying new things and some old things that had fallen away. Just look at the Gear Diff for electric on-road, its awesome. The new carbon fiber infused arms, pretty cool. And parts are pretty easy to get here in the states with Serpent USA and MMR, there customer support is only getting better and better. Stormer also picked up the whole S400 line. Sure those are not your LHS, but hey you can always ask them to look into carrying Serpent, there is no doubt in my mind the company will become mainstream in the near future.
#8
pc.....I know the serpent will become mainstream there gas cars are sick and there is no doubt that the s400 is any different.....However mainstream doesnt dictate what an LHS will carry...I live in the midwest and there isnt one LHS around that carries Xray,tamiya or corally 1 only started carrying tc5 parts after I bought 1...and to me all the above mentioned are mainstream I guess it just depends on where you live and what kind of racing is goin on around you....But with the internet all parts are avalible for what ever T/C you choose...
#9
Super Moderator
iTrader: (81)
Every car out there will get you 90% of the way to the podium. It is up to you to get yourself that missing 10%.
Take everyone's reasonable advice given here and then compare the cars, apples to apples. Look at available spare parts in your area, see who stocks what. See what is available on-line, if needed, and take into consideration the shipping costs.
You already know how much you can initially afford so see where each car falls into your budget. Then you can make your own decision.
Take everyone's reasonable advice given here and then compare the cars, apples to apples. Look at available spare parts in your area, see who stocks what. See what is available on-line, if needed, and take into consideration the shipping costs.
You already know how much you can initially afford so see where each car falls into your budget. Then you can make your own decision.
#10
When i said economy i didn't want it to sound like it was a bad cheap car. What i ment by that is it is the cheapest touring car out there that can be use to compete on a high level. Its a nice car and i can probably guarentee that every local hobby shop has them.
#12
Tech Elite
iTrader: (74)
The S400 is a slightly better car overall, BUT depending on where you live and your patience level, gettings parts support for the Serpent car might not be to your liking.
The TC5 is stocked by many LHS in the USA, so do your research regarding parts support and prices before taking the plunge.
The TC5 is stocked by many LHS in the USA, so do your research regarding parts support and prices before taking the plunge.
#13
it really depends on what your local hobby shop stocks but i would go for the tc5 because the serpent is a very expensive car and also parts are more expensive also parts supply isnt good for them either whereas the tc5 has good parts supply but as i said it depends on what your local hobby shop stocks.
#14
Tech Master
iTrader: (16)
For example, if anyone was to compare a TC5 to an XRay '008 after 3-months of racing, which car would have required more work from breakage and worn parts, and which car would be in the best overall condition (less slop, overall wear)? Answer = Xray.Conversely, which cars parts cost less, and which are easier to get? Answer = Associated.
Besides, I wasn't exactly bashing the TC5, and I have recommended the TC5 a number of times. Every single car has Pro's and Con's.
Steve, a number of your local mates run Corally. Do you recommend Corally to anyone? They sure don't get mentioned much on the board here. Unfortunately, at this time I won't recommended a Corally to anyone since the Suspension Arms are like glass, and have been for some time, just like Schumacher. What good is a car if you can't finish a race. The TC5 stock f/r hubs and steering blocks won't take much abuse before breaking.
That is the beauty of a discussion in which a poster asked for an opinion. My opinion is based on personal experiences and preferences.
#15
Moderator
iTrader: (2)
pc.....I know the serpent will become mainstream there gas cars are sick and there is no doubt that the s400 is any different.....However mainstream doesnt dictate what an LHS will carry...I live in the midwest and there isnt one LHS around that carries Xray,tamiya or corally 1 only started carrying tc5 parts after I bought 1...and to me all the above mentioned are mainstream I guess it just depends on where you live and what kind of racing is goin on around you....But with the internet all parts are avalible for what ever T/C you choose...