CEN matrix c-1
 

i bought Jason's Matrix last week and am now waiting for it to show up. A tracking number was provided, but once the buggy entered the states, it stopped tracking. now, i get to play the waiting game. Jason gave me a great deal and all i'll need to run it is an ESC and radio gear. it has a Medusa 60mm 2000kv motor.

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...CenMatrix1.jpg

http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/s...tboa/cen10.jpg

now, i just need to decide which voltage to run. should i get a 4s lipo or a 5s lipo? either way, i will gear for ~40mph.

edit: the motor mount is mounted to the chassis and not the center diff mount. the chassis is 3mm 7075 with metal braces. usually, it isn't a good idea to mount a motor like this on a buggy or truggy. is this chassis stiff enough to get away with it?

well, i went ahead and ordered a 5000mah 20c turnigy 4s lipo as well as a 13t pinion. this will gear it for ~38mph on 4s and for when i wanna do speed runs, i can pop my 2 3s lipos in for ~58mph. also, when i feel like going "slow" and just messing around, i can run 3s for ~29mph.

the buggy showed up on Friday and i am impressed. it feels very heavy, especially since it doesn't even have the battery or esc yet. that is fine by me though as it will be used mostly for brutal bashing and i need an overbuilt buggy. if there's one thing i hate, it's getting to my bashing spot, only to have something break in the first 2 minutes. my only complaints are there was a small hole in the bottom of the box it was shipped in (inside-out ps3 box, lol) and i am missing a wheel nut and a wing mount screw. also, there is a little rust on some of the metal parts in the screws, rear suspension and driveshafts. not a big dea though, as i also ordered some ofna wheel nuts for about $5. hopefully, i will have this running by next week.

ok, now to point out the positives. the bottom of the chassis is very lightly scratched and the tires are in decent condition. this buggy seems to have less runtime on it than i was expecting. the motor mount isn't half bad, even if it is mounted to the chassis. the battery tray is nice, but will need stronger straps, which i already have. it is secured very nicely to the chassis and will fit a large variety of lipos. i also like the padding.

edit: the shock springs seem a little soft for my liking. does anyone know of stiffer springs that will fit the stock shocks? the a-arms sit level without the battery, esc, or radio gear.

I think you´ll like the matrix, I had one before and I must say it holds up for almost anything. You could almost run a train over it and it wouldn´t break :mdr:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0a9Ssc1fnY

just a quick update on the matrix. i have about 2 hours of runtime with 3s on it and even with just 3s, it's a blast to drive. it is just a tiny bit bigger than my rustler and it is just so much quicker and more agile. my rustler vxl has been my rc for just putting around in the street, but this buggy just does it so much better, AND i can jump it better AND race it later if i want. i'm seriously considering selling the rustler and using the money for the buggy. (more batteries and a better charger)

also, i had to dremel the crap out of the motor mount to fit a 13t pinion. the smallest it would fit before was a 19t.