NEW HPI BRAMA 18!

[MikeR]

HPI has been releasing so many awesome new models that this one must have slipped under everyones radar! New rival to the tried and true RC18;

http://www.hpiracing.com/products/en/100509/

Should be an easy slam dunk to convert over to a truck.

[trdsupra88]

cool find, looks sort of similar to the 18s...

[Ride1226]

Looks just like an 18t. If only they would seal the geabox then I would buy it. Aftermarket parts support is already out for the Associated so Im not really sure how much of the markey they will grab with this one. Unoriginal unless Im missing something big.

[Dieselpower]

Looks like it has a real bellcrank. That's pretty cool.

[oXYnary]

You would think with access to an engineering firm, that HPI would see what the market needs versus just creating another generic platform. Bellcrank on a 18T platform? Propulse already did this.

I am happy to see more releases. I am unhappy that none of them recently (other than the Traxxas) have shown any originality or giving things to consumers they want. Like a slipper clutch or at least a sealed tranny.

When these sales slip, they will blame the market, versus themselves for not giving the market the evolution of the platform consumers have been waiting for.

AE is past due for an update. Maybe they will lead the way... RC18SC with a sealed slipper clutch, bellcrank steering, big bore shocks, and a less flexy flier chassis where the upper deck is molded separate from the gearboxes.

Wish HPI had gone with something they started and showed some originality on. The MRS4-2. Full independent suspension this time, with a bellcrank steering, and oil shocks.

[MikeR]

Sometimes, like in the real car business, it's all about price point. New racers joining the hobby don't really care that much about innovation- to them the hobby grade RC car is pretty trick and innovative any way. The Brama18 is no doubt geared for the people who want to get into the hobby but unwilling to spend more then $130 to do it (If it is legal to race at Madness well that is just a bonus).
You know what the ad execs say- if you don't like a TV advertisement then the message was never meant for you At $250 the 1/16Revo is more our speed right?

[Chiefy 707]

I forgot all about this car. I remember reading about it almost exactly a year ago, around the same time I was looking into the RC18.

MikeR, so will Exotek have some goodies on the way for this one too? My buddy just converted his Cup Racer with the CRX chassis, all I can say is pretty effing nice! Now it has the high end shaft drive TC look about it.

[JatoTheRipper]

I'm confused by this release as well. When I first saw the news I just thought "Why?" It's too little too late and I don't see HPI selling many of these. Two awesome 4WD minis, the AE RC18 series and the Vendettas and others, are already available. Plus, the new 4WD Traxxas minis are amazing!

[Chiefy 707]

Release a Brama 18b Flux and I'm sold! ...please?

[MikeR]

Originally Posted by Chiefy 707

I forgot all about this car. I remember reading about it almost exactly a year ago, around the same time I was looking into the RC18.

MikeR, so will Exotek have some goodies on the way for this one too? My buddy just converted his Cup Racer with the CRX chassis, all I can say is pretty effing nice! Now it has the high end shaft drive TC look about it.

Thanks Sir! Cup Racers are a blast arent they?

[Chiefy 707]

Originally Posted by MikeR

Thanks Sir! Cup Racers are a blast arent they?

Sorry for getting off topic guys but CR's are hella fun. Just too bad I got of mine too quickly. I was the 1st guy around here to get oneand at that time there were no CR parts anywhere nor hop ups.

Back on topic, will Exotek make anything or the little brama?

[Mach Nine]

Does anyone think these will stand a chance in a open 1/18 race on a dirt track with a brushless system and lipo? I know there are proven platforms like the Vendetta, but i'm just curious. I'm weird and I want a car that is quality, but not many people would have racing it, aaand be able to bet them .

[cbr74]

Ummm... no. Is it me or is that a moulded in, plastic motor mount? Plastic... for the motor.....