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Old 10-31-2014, 12:33 PM
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MikeR
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Originally Posted by Wildcat1971
I talked to someone from one of the Aftermarket companies we use. I asked about the alum caps. I was told, that it is not super easy. You have to basically reverse engineer the threads, since they can be non standard. For instance look at the issues propel have getting the serpent or AE cap "perfect". MY AE caps do NOT go on as easy as the OEM caps. Plus, you need a new mount system. Do you clone the AE/TLR or Kyosho mounting. Ty is using Kyosho mounts. What if in 2 months HB releases Plastic or Alum caps using "normal" standoffs. Will they copy AR/TLR/Kyosho or do their own stuff. There is some financial risk in replacing OEM parts. Look at exoteks TLR 22 bell cranks. Now that TLR released theirs, exoteks sales will drop. If TLR had come up with theirs at the same time as Exotek, then Exotek may have sustained financial loses. With proline showing off their caps for a year, some companies were probably waiting to see if Proline made them. I also thought shock caps were a simple think to reproduce, but I am told that is not the case. As far as gears, I know a few people that want to have them made, but the costs of the molds can be pretty high. If you machine them, you need to find the right material and quality machining to make them good.
All very true- alloy caps are very tricky with RE and then many samples and revisions to test for perfect thread fit and sealing. Add to the mix that the D413 was so hard to acquire- August for me!
But I'm on it now and should have a good mix of parts for the D413 starting in Dec.

On the 22 rack I had these on the market for a year before Losi released theirs (surprised actually it took that long) so I am very happy with the sales and customer demand on these although I don't think you ever picked up a set lol!
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