Can't decide: Trx Slash 4x4, Losi Ten, or Duratrax DX450

[BrianG]

I am looking to get rid of my 2WD Slash, so I "need" a replacement. I figured the 4x4 Slash would be lighter/better than my heavier MBX5 "Slash" for longer runtime. So, I went to the LHS yesterday with the intention of picking up the 4x4 Slash. Price: $379

However, as I was looking around, I also saw the Losi Ten. I thought that was a much better buy despite the $100 extra since it comes with a motor (which I would sell immediately), and a DX3s (which I would also sell). By the time I sell those parts, the truck will be pretty cheap. And I already have a spare MMPro, Medusa 36-80-2000, 4s lipo ready to slap in there. Then again, I already have an 8th and 12th scale truggy. Price: $500.

Then, I see the DX450 dirtbike sitting on the shelf! I like having one of every type of vehicle in my stable, and this would definitely be a different addition. The first thing to be done to this would be to replace the spring-only front suspension with an oil-filled setup, and replace the stock ESC with a MMPro so I can run 3s. Price: $350. Add ~$50 for the shock upgrade.

So now I don't know what to do!

[_paralyzed_]

definitely the dx450. I hobby graded a radio shack ricky carmichael bike for a buddy and it is a blast.

A guy from tcs crawlers has a good youtube vid on initial things you should do for better performance.

it's a shame medusa is gone, it's a 540 size 50mm motor

yep yep. get the bike!!

I have also been debating the Slash and the Losi. Since I don't plan on using electronics, or motor of either , I can't see the end price being to different. But No where local stocks the 10, or parts, so that kinda is a limiting factor for me. Without being able to put my hands on one the choice is much harder. But I'm very curious as to the quality of the 10. Does it look as good in person? Would you really think it would need a 80 motor, or was that supposed to be 60?

With the bikes, do you really think it capable? All the ones I've seen seem kinda cheesy. Did it really look like it could take a beating?

But there's no such thing as to many, so I would think if your getting rid of one, you could get all three.

[_paralyzed_]

the radio shack bike is very capable, the dtx has to be ten times better. check the youtube vids.....

[Finnster]

More often than not I am disappointed by Losi products. They used to be a solid bet over TRX, but TRX has really made large strides in qulity and durability in the last few years, whereas Losi has just gone down imo, other than the 8's. (ie, they seem to just slop a lot of models out. Some are good some are bad, and you can't count on them to fix them other than releasing a new veh. TRX, otoh, never throws anything away.)

Is this is just for a basher, I would have a hard time justifing the Losi over the TRX, esp given the work involved just to make it cheaper on the on set.

As far as the bike goes. IDK, could be cool, could be lame. DRX is not that hot on quality, ad parts will not be as availible as the 2 above

[BrianG]

All those are good points to consider. Parts availability is not really a big deal since it seems my LHS never has the part I need anyway.

The Ten looks very nice in person. Nice narrow setup, and there is surprisingly lots of room on the battery side (even a 4s pack) because the diff is moved so far over - yet, perfect amount of room for the motor without lots of empty (wasted) space. I'm sure a 60mm motor would be fine, but I have the 80mm Medusa not doing anything. Looks like a very good compromise between a real 8th scale truggy and the CRT.5. I'd probably get stiff/larger shocks and make a top plate like in my XT8, GTP, and MBX5 since this would be more for bashing. And I think it uses either 12mm or 14mm hexes, so standard 2.2" or even 3.8" tires would be perfect on this.

The Trx is nice, but you really don't get a whole lotta truck for 4 bills. There have been issues with the axle bending on the PE because the Al carriers are longer or something (couple guys at the LHS say the same thing). To be honest, I was really planning on making this Slash into a lighter "8th scale" onroad car - sort of a replacement for the 4tec.

The attraction to the bike is mostly novelty. Seems pretty durable and well-made. Chassis is somewhat a TVP design, real chain driven, decent rear shock, etc. Don't really like the underside battery tray though and it is somewhat limiting for battery size. The guys at the LHS said 6 cell NiMH barely fits, so lipo options are likely to be limited to 2s or lower-capacity 3s. And the battery cover has openings, which exposes the cell to rocks and such. The LHS said it is a blast to drive though.

[Havoc]

I would check out the Ofna if you are looking into a 4x4. I would say the Slash 4x4 has more durability, but out of the 7 or so I have seen, they can break a lot. I bet once TRX works out the kinks, the Slash 4x4 will be the better basher, but the Ofna is out performing the Slash at my track right now.

The Ten looks cool, I have no experience with it, just hoping Losi releases an eTen or something in the future.

The DX450 is a love or hate type deal. I think it looks ridiculous and unrealistic when jumping and the spring loaded steering servo connection on the front tire makes it shake all over the place. That is just me though, the bike looks awesome up close when not running.

[gixxer]

I have a slash PE and most of us at the local track are having the rear axle problem. Mine haven't broken yet but they are bent. The TEN-T definitely looks like a better truck(lower center of gravity, better shocks, aluminum chassis) but there isn't a class for it(if you intend on racing).

So I think if you are not going to race the thing then go with the TEN-T. Looks like a better truck plus we all like to see the conversions. :)

[BrianG]

Yeah, I think I'm leaning towards the Ten. The closest thing I do to racing is run at the track during non-race days. All I need is a motor mount and battery tray, but we have Mike for that! Worst-case, I'd have to make my own parts.

I'd be selling the motor, gas tank, and DX3s radio. Those alone should recoup a good 1/3 of the price. And I still want to sell my 2WD Slash (just don't use it much). And if the ten works out well, I'll probably even sell the XT8 truggy.

[rootar]

i got the slash platinum after driving some the last couple weekends, they are ALOT of fun to drive.

[GO-RIDE.com]

I've been wanting to do a Ten-T to Corr 4x4 conversion. Other than coming up with a motor mount it shouldn't be too tough. So, I read up on some of the other boards and was surprised that guys were complaining a lot about breakage with the Ten-T. Maybe it doesn't break as much as the Slash 4X4, but it seems close. I'm a bit dissappointed as my 8ight B and T conversions are amazingly tough.

Let us know what you decide. If there was a motor mount available I'd probably go for it myself.

[skellyo]

Unless you're really stuck on getting a vehicle from the LHS, you can pick up the Slash RTR 4x4 or PE version for ~$330 shipped from Tower if you're a SSC member. By the time you sell off the motor/esc and radio system from a RTR Slash, you've made back $170-190 of that $330. That makes it even that much cheaper than the Ten-T.

[BrianG]

Well, I picked up the Ten-T this afternoon. I could've probably saved a few bucks buying online, but I do like to support the local businesses if the difference isn't extraordinary. Already talked to Mike and I'll be sending the truck to him so he can make a mount/tray for it.

As far as the powerplant goes, I'll either be using my old Medusa 36-80-2000/MMPro/4s. If I end up selling the XT8, I'll be using the Tekin 1700 truggy motor on the MMPro (in sensored/hybrid mode) on 4s.

Tonight, I'll be tearing the nitro stuff out and be listing the DX3s radio and engine/pipe/tank for sale.

Skellyo: I would've kept the BL stuff and radio from the PE for my stepson (he has a CC4600 setup and the stock AM radio ATM). So I wouldn't have saved all that much.

So how big is this, say compared to a 1/8 buggy? Are they a pretty close platform?

[BrianG]

No really sure yet (still in the box), but when I was comparing it to a Slash PE, the wheelbase of the Ten was about 1/2 shorter, and about 1-1.5" wider because of the tires.