Both of the chassis I have listed are made specifically for drifting w/ the exception to the TC-FD which comes with all pulleys for either one minus the CS stuff unfortunitly... I am not saying this chassis will not work but what it will take to match the Tamiya VDF - just buy the VDF... Either way wrong thread for this debate
No debate, just a VERY experienced opinion. The VDF is nice, and sure, it has bling, and costs a fortune, but its 80% setup and 20% driver. I have been overtaken and defeated by drivers with a basic TA05 with TEF dampers or a basic Yokomo MR4-TC. They were just better drivers/drifters than I. The TA06 is considerably lighter than the VDF(even though the VDF is carbon and aluminum) The benefit the ta06 has is the weigh distribution. The lack of side weight allows it to transition much quicker and predictable.
I am sorry but no one is going to notice that little bit of difference in weight unless you are a factory pro driver such as Marc Rheinard... $70 vs $21 for hex over philips is a positive in my book. If you are going to race in RCGT/USGT/VTA you need the added weight and the minimum is set so high.
The car is heavy, as stated above, its lighter than the VDF but still a cow compared to other chassis like TC6, Schumacher, 416/417 etc.When shaving weight, EVERY ounce counts. you are right, the weight difference in screws is barely noticeable from a novice/beginner, but the screws with carbon reinforced parts with other light weight mods will create a more dramatic adjustment. Its not one part, but the collection of parts and how each part can contribute to the whole. If price is the issuse, buy the TA05 IFS titanium kit from 3racing. Its about $30-35 shipped. (compared to $56 Tamiya titanium or $25 stainless from company X) the only screws not included are the 3 screws that hold the gear case together. the weight difference between those 3 screws (in my opinion) arent justifiable for spending the extra $25 for the tamiya packaging. Eventhough it sure is purdee...
Of if you are like myself and plan on upgrading to graphite the VBC Chassis kit comes w/ the hex screws already. I am just waiting to see what Exotek is coming out with before I decide.
The last 3 Exotek chassis I have purchased have not come with screws. I assume this will follow suit. We will have to wait to see...