yoke, that is what I did. I had a 008EU and moved to the Photon.
For handling, unfortunately I went over two months without running my Xray, then started running the Photon on another track, so it's hard to be certain about handling or speed. Also, I've developed the opinion that any touring car can be fast enough, it's a question of setup and driving that determines speed.
Part quality is great, and at the prices of TOP parts, I think that's a huge advantage.
There are a few times during the build had me thinking "here, I prefer the Xray," but also times when I thought the Photon was better. Overall, the Xray is _slightly_ more refined, but that's the advantage of re-releasing the same platform repeatedly over four years. And TOP seems to be working at correcting most of these issues, so I don't think it'll be four years before they are even.
Examples where I preferred the Xray:
-pre-built diffs
-servo mount was simple as possible (servo right against mounts, done)
-built-in servo saver
-instruction manual
-kit includes diff oil and shock oil
Examples where I preferred the Photon:
-greater range of inner camber link adjustment
-easier and greater range of lower hinge pin height adjustment
-shocks are spectacular
-flat spots on CVD pins
-lipo holding system is brilliant
-bearings are extremely free out of the box
-every time I see the invoice on my credit card ;>
I'm convinced that they are both excellent cars.
Adam Glatt
Last edited by adamge; 08-13-2009 at 12:25 PM.