Savage ML-E

[_dV]

Received most of my orders this week. I'll go through the parts I'd like to comment on as I get time.

First up are wheels and tires. I've choosen what will likely be a popular combo, Pro-line Desperado 3.8" wheels with 3.8" series Badlands tires. This will be the first combo I'll try. I'm not keen on moving away from J Concepts Rulux wheels as they are just so damn hardy but the new Badlands need Traxxas beads. I've driven on quite a few different MT tires now and the old Badlands MT were my favorite for offroad traction. What I didn't like about the old MT Badlands and the new ones are that they just aren't large enough, diameter and width wise to suit a savage if you want a decent monster truck look. The new Badlands also have two additional flaws, they are too low profile IMO and also they don't come with shaped foams anymore. Anyway, time for some pics and weights.

Pro-Line Badlands 3.8" (tire and foam) - 157gm
Pro-Line Desperado 3.8" (1/2 offset) - 75gm
Total - 232gm

and for comparison

Stock Flux wheel\tire - ~300gm
Pro-Line Badlands MT - 214gm
Rulux wheel (MT size, 1/2 offset) - 49gm
and my the combo I was using
Rulux (half-ups, 1/2 offset) + inner bead mount HPI GT-S tire - ~370gm

As you can see, the new combo is incredibly light. I think it will be too light and I won't get the aerial control that I'm after but I'll it them a go.

[MTBikerTim]

Can you do a pic next to an old badland MT for a size comparison?

[mothman]

Originally Posted by _dV

The new Badlands also have two additional flaws, they are too low profile IMO and also they don't come with shaped foams anymore. Anyway, time for some pics and weights.

You can use this moulded foam..

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...serts-Yellow-2

[_dV]

Thanks mothman, those look much better than the ones that come with the new Badlands. I was going to glue them up this weekend, lucky you jumped in before that, cheers :)

Wide ass basic foams that come with 3.8" Badlands. I'm guessing Proline expects you to trim these to size.

Originally Posted by mothman

You can use this moulded foam..

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...serts-Yellow-2

Nope, to wide for the 3.8 Badlands...

[mothman]

Originally Posted by dikke hond

Nope, to wide for the 3.8 Badlands...

So have you tried this? What can be used?

Originally Posted by mothman

So have you tried this? What can be used?

Yes, I tried this one...
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...serts-Yellow-2

and....
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...serts-Yellow-2

Both are still to wide for the new Badlands. Think i'm going to try these ones!

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ruck-Inserts-2

[mothman]

Originally Posted by dikke hond

Yes, I tried this one...
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...serts-Yellow-2

and....
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...serts-Yellow-2

Both are still to wide for the new Badlands. Think i'm going to try these ones!

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...ruck-Inserts-2

Ohh that sucks. I dont think the VTR would fit though. Its not wide enough. Do you think foam can be cut?

Originally Posted by mothman

Ohh that sucks. I dont think the VTR would fit though. Its not wide enough. Do you think foam can be cut?

I think they can be cut to size, but it will be a pain in the ass....

And I got a mail from Proline...

Hi!

Unfortunately we only can offer the white foams at this time as the VTR foams will not work. We are working with our closed cell foam vendor to try and come up with the size needed for 3.8 tires but it is still a ways off from becoming reality at this time.

Sorry we couldn't be of more help.

Thank you,

Aaron
Pro-Line Racing

So I'm going to order the stock white foams...