bender

iTrader: (4)

I think the biggest problem kyosho has is that, having been out of the TC and off road classes for so long, it's very difficult to "tool-up" for new cars without knowing how well they'll sell.

They've always stuffed up the US market, which is generally dominated by AE and Losi - they really have to have a great car PLUS great parts support to make any inroads in the US. And they face a similar problem in the UK and Europe.

It's a question of whether they want to do this, they are still the world's top seller of 1/8th off road, plus they remain very popular in their home country (they still fill 3 or 4 A-Main places at the electric off road Japanese Nats every year with the old Lazer )

robk

iTrader: (22)

Great Planes would do well to try to A) have stock on parts and B) have a reasonable price on the cars. That's what holds their cars back, besides a total lack of a race team and setup help.

Note: 1/8 cars are not included in this criticism

mashimaro

I agree kyosho has been out of it for too long, but they have the ability to enter the market again and be competitve as they are such a big company. although they dun seem to be really involved in eletric r/c right now, as they seem to be just concentrating on nitro only.

edseb

Those designs are nice, just wish they produced them. I heard the 4wd offroader was in the A-main at Japans equivalent to nationals. The tourer is cool. I know they have the resources and distribution, let's see a good car here.

mashimaro

well, both TF5 and the new buggy were displayed at the tokyo hobby show, hope both can make it to the market and not just inside Japan but outside too!

edseb

I hope so too, but realistically they will proably have more luck with a touring car since the 4wd buggies are such a small class. I think TC owners tend to be more in toexperimenting and will give a Kyosho a chance. Also, I hope it is belt. Belts have always been a favorite of mine vs. shaft.

Chill Will

Kyosho 4wd buggies are always overpriced. Thats why no one buys them. How much will that one cost $700? How much will the sedan cost? About the same.

bender

iTrader: (4)

Of course it's going to cost more compared to a locally (US) produced product

jeffreylin

nah. kyosho products have been overpriced due to the US distributor's pricing policy. This should not continue for much longer.

mashimaro

edseb- it's clear from the photos that they are both shaft driven

_sleigh_

Here's a thread from www.rcracechat.com with lots more internal photos of the ZX5 buggy.

http://www.rcracechat.com/vb/showthread.php?t=11449

840918001

Hi,

It isn't any problem when it's more expensive, as long as it's faster, and service is at the same level.

If you look at the Tamiya TRF 415, that chassis is more expensive, but is performing very well.


Thomas

Entropy

The chassis looks more at home in a buggy than a tourer.

Anyone bothered by the cheesy looking center shaft drivecups??

Mr. Shookie

iTrader: (9)

Yup the drive cups look like the original RC10 man you would think that manufactures would get a handle on what racers and bashers, want. But oh well "you can always get what you want"
I have seen a sneek peek at a possible nitro micro 4wd buggy in the future for Kyosho.....I have heard the name will be the Micro MP777. I would love to see that.

edseb

Mashimaro:
Yeah I know the photos show a shaft, but those are prototypes. I'm hoping for belts in a production car, I guess for selfish, personal preference reasons.