ok i got that bit, but why the 8-9 change ? same size ? just go by the shore rating ? cheers.

Same size, but different type of rubber. Both the Yellow and Pink rears are 30; can't have the same part # for two different tires.

What specs make for a good 1/12 servo? Torque and speed, specifically.

ko 951

It's not about specs, it's about accuracy and centering. I've seen servos with great specs that wander all over and I have seen servos with low specs do a good job.

So, recommendations for a digital metal gear servo that you've seen do a good job?

Futaba 9650

or the KO 951, which I really like.

best servo jr 3650

See below in red:

Avoid Hitec and Airtronics for this application.

The 9650 doesn't have metal gears. It makes no difference, as it is a KILLER 12th scale servo. I have two seasons on mine, still centers perfectly, and is more than strong and fast enough. I have in the past, used the JR3650, and the KO 951.

My current set-up utilizes a 2s lipo rx pack. I find the lighter and slightly slower Futaba to suit my driving and car set-up better than the KO. I haven't tried a 3650 on 2s power, but I know others that have and say it works very nicely.

These are the ONLY three currently available servos I'd consider putting in a 12th scale car.

Currently have a Futaba 9650 in my R12 and it is awesome! drives so straight and the feeling is great!

Thanks for all the replies; I'll definitely pick up one of the three mentioned here.

HKS makes a metal gear servo that is physically identical to the futaba 9650. the 9650 with these replacement gears is popular for cyclic control on 500 size helicopters.

Interesting but the Kimbrough servo savers we almost all use are so soft that I have never seen a 1/12th break a servo gear. Burn some up yes but never break.

I actually wish they would make a stiffer one.

run the medium servo saver. alot have gone to the medium because it seams to hold better and last longer