Kagama Just shouting out a little Kagama love.

[CCB-MN]

@CCB-MN - that body on your Sparko is really quite something.

I think we're all really looking forward to your build thread here.

I'm still torn between building a Tekno, Mugen or Sparko.

That said, I'm also really tempted to do something completely different and build an MCD gasser.

Then there's the billet engine I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on and installing that into the Baja....I've seen an 29.5cc SCZ reed engine for about £310...
View attachment 6552
Decisions, decisions...

Dang H, That motor is dope!

I’ve kind of been thinking about a gasser as well. Everything electric seems to be going the direction of $$$$, while I’m seeing the price on non electric plummet, especially on anything used.

I’m still trying to put together one last truggy this summer but I’ve all but given up on decent used stuff at the prices I’m seeing lately. I did get offered a new MP10TE for $450 and a new sealed box HB D8T Evo for $465 but I passed because I heard that HB had a new truggy coming and I would really rather have the Sworkz S35-T2e or wait to see if a new Sparko Truggy arrives. I’m pretty impressed with the Sparko F8e, (not pleasant to build, but damn nice once completed).

I would gladly build another Sparko but for my 2 cents, my Tekno build was much more of a pleasant build process and Sparko was much more of a “what in the hell are they trying to do here?” followed but 15-30 minutes of stress, looking at YouTube clips and an occasional email to the manufacturer. (Kit was missing 2 bags, F and G if I remember correctly.) to be fair, they overnighted the missing parts to me, no questions asked so I can’t complain too much but their instructions could use some help. Not horrible, but not Tekno easy.

I don’t think I’ll jump in head first, but I could see a gasser showing up here at some point. lol, probably not something at bad ass as a Baja but I love the sound of those little motors winding out.

I’m sure whatever you build H, it will be insane, fast, and it will look dope while doing it!

 

[Horatio]

Dang H, That motor is dope!

I’ve kind of been thinking about a gasser as well. Everything electric seems to be going the direction of $$$$, while I’m seeing the price on non electric plummet, especially on anything used.

I’m still trying to put together one last truggy this summer but I’ve all but given up on decent used stuff at the prices I’m seeing lately. I did get offered a new MP10TE for $450 and a new sealed box HB D8T Evo for $465 but I passed because I heard that HB had a new truggy coming and I would really rather have the Sworkz S35-T2e or wait to see if a new Sparko Truggy arrives. I’m pretty impressed with the Sparko F8e, (not pleasant to build, but damn nice once completed).

I would gladly build another Sparko but for my 2 cents, my Tekno build was much more of a pleasant build process and Sparko was much more of a “what in the hell are they trying to do here?” followed but 15-30 minutes of stress, looking at YouTube clips and an occasional email to the manufacturer. (Kit was missing 2 bags, F and G if I remember correctly.) to be fair, they overnighted the missing parts to me, no questions asked so I can’t complain too much but their instructions could use some help. Not horrible, but not Tekno easy.

I don’t think I’ll jump in head first, but I could see a gasser showing up here at some point. lol, probably not something at bad ass as a Baja but I love the sound of those little motors winding out.

I’m sure whatever you build H, it will be insane, fast, and it will look dope while doing it!

Cheers buddy!

Gassers are great value for money and super easy to live with. They're not as rapid as brushless, or a nimble as nitro rigs.

But so easy to run all day with.

The T2E had missing parts, too - steering trackrod ends. Answer RC remedied the situation next day, but it's disappointing on such a high end rig.

Sounds like your Sparko had similar issues - but 2 whole bags missing!!!

The thing is, these rigs are so nice, we forgive them. Sworkz and Sparko are exotic rigs!

I think assembly-wise, Xray and Tekno are leading the way.

MP10TE is such a nice rig. I love Kyosho.

 

[CCB-MN]

Cheers buddy!

Gassers are great value for money and super easy to live with. They're not as rapid as brushless, or a nimble as nitro rigs.

But so easy to run all day with.

The T2E had missing parts, too - steering trackrod ends. Answer RC remedied the situation next day, but it's disappointing on such a high end rig.

Sounds like your Sparko had similar issues - but 2 whole bags missing!!!

The thing is, these rigs are so nice, we forgive them. Sworkz and Sparko are exotic rigs!

I think assembly-wise, Xray and Tekno are leading the way.

MP10TE is such a nice rig. I love Kyosho.

I would agree. Everything Tekno and Xray really seem to be on top of their games at the moment. I can’t lie, I was disappointed when I realized I was shorted on parts but since they remedied so quickly I kinda let it slide.

My biggest concern with gassers is simply the noise involved. My electrics are so quiet, I can test them on the local street with no problem. Firing up a gasser and turning it loose down my street would most likely get me a quick meeting with the local law enforcement.

However, they just put down a 1.5” lift of fresh asphalt on my street so it may be worth the chance. There is also a restricted maintenance road (no car traffic) as well that the city has said we can use for rc, so we might have a new speed run location to boot. The area surrounding the road is public park land so that free to use as well, it may be far enough from the Karen’s to stay safe.

Mmmmmm, Fresh tarmac! Delicious!

 

[Horatio]

I would agree. Everything Tekno and Xray really seem to be on top of their games at the moment. I can’t lie, I was disappointed when I realized I was shorted on parts but since they remedied so quickly I kinda let it slide.

My biggest concern with gassers is simply the noise involved. My electrics are so quiet, I can test them on the local street with no problem. Firing up a gasser and turning it loose down my street would most likely get me a quick meeting with the local law enforcement.

However, they just put down a 1.5” lift of fresh asphalt on my street so it may be worth the chance. There is also a restricted maintenance road (no car traffic) as well that the city has said we can use for rc, so we might have a new speed run location to boot. The area surrounding the road is public park land so that free to use as well, it may be far enough from the Karen’s to stay safe.


View attachment 6553

View attachment 6554

Mmmmmm, Fresh tarmac! Delicious!

View attachment 6555

This all looks so super smooth. So much space...

Yeah, gassers are loud. I have, on occasion, run my Baja 5B in my residential area, but at sensible times of day when people are at work and only very briefly, just to warm the engine or get fuel through the lines.

The circled area looks like a winner.....

My 'bash' spot:

Big gravel area, with mounds and parking....

The gravel is MOT grade aggregate and it's quite course. Grassy areas are generally better.

For speed runs, probably good enough for 150mph +

It's a private road used for access to 3 A's leisure and the Showground. The owner of the site allows me to use the road, provided it's at sensible times. Even when quiet, it requires vigilance, because workers and security come and go.

Sometimes, they mention 'shutting the gates' - but over the past 10 years, they never actually do.

 

[Mark383]

My flight is delayed. So I present to you the new Skoda Fabia Rally 2 RS.......

View attachment 6536View attachment 6537

How nice is this Skoda RS. Is this coming to market like this or some iteration of it?

Dang H, That motor is dope!

I’ve kind of been thinking about a gasser as well. Everything electric seems to be going the direction of $$$$, while I’m seeing the price on non electric plummet, especially on anything used.

I’m still trying to put together one last truggy this summer but I’ve all but given up on decent used stuff at the prices I’m seeing lately. I did get offered a new MP10TE for $450 and a new sealed box HB D8T Evo for $465 but I passed because I heard that HB had a new truggy coming and I would really rather have the Sworkz S35-T2e or wait to see if a new Sparko Truggy arrives. I’m pretty impressed with the Sparko F8e, (not pleasant to build, but damn nice once completed).

I would gladly build another Sparko but for my 2 cents, my Tekno build was much more of a pleasant build process and Sparko was much more of a “what in the hell are they trying to do here?” followed but 15-30 minutes of stress, looking at YouTube clips and an occasional email to the manufacturer. (Kit was missing 2 bags, F and G if I remember correctly.) to be fair, they overnighted the missing parts to me, no questions asked so I can’t complain too much but their instructions could use some help. Not horrible, but not Tekno easy.

I don’t think I’ll jump in head first, but I could see a gasser showing up here at some point. lol, probably not something at bad ass as a Baja but I love the sound of those little motors winding out.

I’m sure whatever you build H, it will be insane, fast, and it will look dope while doing it!

Hi Mate, my next purchase will be a Truggy race kit and after reading about the Sparko buggy I went to see if they had a Truggy ... Do you know how far off they are with it? Like you I'm always watching RC racing or reading comments on YT etc and I have to say that I can't recall anyone saying anything bad about Tekno so even though I have a TA RC8 3.1e for my next purchase I'm going to pick up a new Tekno Truggy when the minister for war and finance ( wife ) allows ..

 

[Horatio]

How nice is this Skoda RS. Is this coming to market like this or some iteration of it?


Hi Mate, my next purchase will be a Truggy race kit and after reading about the Sparko buggy I went to see if they had a Truggy ... Do you know how far off they are with it? Like you I'm always watching RC racing or reading comments on YT etc and I have to say that I can't recall anyone saying anything bad about Tekno so even though I have a TA RC8 3.1e for my next purchase I'm going to pick up a new Tekno Truggy when the minister for war and finance ( wife ) allows ..

The Skoda RS is going to be released like the one shown above across Europe and the UK from what I've read. A 300bhp Skoda! If it's anything like the VW Golf R32, it's going to be up there with the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti Pro Drive...

Good luck with the boss. My wife really doesn't think I need any more toys. This presents a significant operational problem - so I feel your pain!

 

[CCB-MN]

How nice is this Skoda RS. Is this coming to market like this or some iteration of it?


Hi Mate, my next purchase will be a Truggy race kit and after reading about the Sparko buggy I went to see if they had a Truggy ... Do you know how far off they are with it? Like you I'm always watching RC racing or reading comments on YT etc and I have to say that I can't recall anyone saying anything bad about Tekno so even though I have a TA RC8 3.1e for my next purchase I'm going to pick up a new Tekno Truggy when the minister for war and finance ( wife ) allows ..

Hi Mark,


No, I have no idea, if ever. I was discussing some part orders with my local supplier and during the conversation he stated that a truggy was in development. Unfortunately that is a pretty open ended answer, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I am also a Tekno fan, I like my ET48.2 a lot, it is definitely my favorite “race” rc and it was super fun to build so I would champion that quest to say the least.





lol, It’s the Minister of Finance in my house that I have to skirt around. Fortunately for me, flowers and sparkly things still work!

 

[Horatio]

Apparently, every time I go on holiday, I come back home with COVID-19. This is the 3rd time that it's happened.

That would explain my temperature of 101°F and feeling like crap.

 

[CCB-MN]

Apparently, every time I go on holiday, I come back home with COVID-19. This is the 3rd time that it's happened.

That would explain my temperature of 101°F and feeling like crap.
View attachment 6561

Sorry to hear that H!

I hope that you get through it quickly. That damn Covid just keeps on giving. Although I suppose it’s better than getting it during Holiday.

 

[Horatio]

Sorry to hear that H!

I hope that you get through it quickly. That damn Covid just keeps on giving. Although I suppose it’s better than getting it during Holiday.

Cheers buddy.

I conclude that it's the aircon on the plane - if one person gets it for the flight back - you're all going to get it.

Had I got this on the way - holiday would have been destroyed. There would have been no way we could have walked the 45 miles + that we did while we explored.

 

[VaporTrail]

the last time I flew with the family I made sure everyone masked up. The last work trip they sent me on I also masked up. I thank the Lord that I was able to avoid the Corona.

As I get older, I find the longer flights to be much more overbearing. I can comfortably do a 3-4 hour flight, but longer than that I'm not a comfy camper. Almost feels like I'm going through an ADHD episode on the plane or something.

 

[Mark383]

The Skoda RS is going to be released like the one shown above across Europe and the UK from what I've read. A 300bhp Skoda! If it's anything like the VW Golf R32, it's going to be up there with the Subaru Impreza WRX Sti Pro Drive...

Good luck with the boss. My wife really doesn't think I need any more toys. This presents a significant operational problem - so I feel your pain!

Yeah you're right mate it'll be epic!

Oh mate isn't the struggle real.. They just don't understand that each car/truck drives differently that the next.. That's OK we'll take the Operation into phase 2 and start the nagging and whining.. Hopefully we can wear them down that way! lol

Hi Mark,


No, I have no idea, if ever. I was discussing some part orders with my local supplier and during the conversation he stated that a truggy was in development. Unfortunately that is a pretty open ended answer, but I’ll keep my fingers crossed. I am also a Tekno fan, I like my ET48.2 a lot, it is definitely my favorite “race” rc and it was super fun to build so I would champion that quest to say the least.





lol, It’s the Minister of Finance in my house that I have to skirt around. Fortunately for me, flowers and sparkly things still work!

View attachment 6559

View attachment 6560

Hi Christian,

WOW isn't she beautiful!! Can't wait until I have one like that on my bench .. Looks soooo good! I was wondering what KV motor and steering servo do you have in it? Did the kit come with that yellow wing or did you have to paint it?

Nice to hear you have "the boss" worked out and know what her "kryptonite" is!

 

[CCB-MN]

Yeah you're right mate it'll be epic!

Oh mate isn't the struggle real.. They just don't understand that each car/truck drives differently that the next.. That's OK we'll take the Operation into phase 2 and start the nagging and whining.. Hopefully we can wear them down that way! lol


Hi Christian,

WOW isn't she beautiful!! Can't wait until I have one like that on my bench .. Looks soooo good! I was wondering what KV motor and steering servo do you have in it? Did the kit come with that yellow wing or did you have to paint it?

Nice to hear you have "the boss" worked out and know what her "kryptonite" is!

In the Tekno I’m running a Cobra 8 with the 2200kv motor sensored motor, it runs nice and stays fairly cool even without fans. It’s the only Castle set up that I’m currently running but I like it. I’m generally more of a HW guy but no complaints with the Castle Covra 8, except maybe the $$$ but it’s seriously really nice.

Servo currently is the Protek 170sbl. Out of respect for the servo curse, I’ll simply say, .
(Ominous music starts playing).

I did a build log thread on this when I built it a few months back and I’ve been very impressed with this set up. For a novice hack like myself, it a great rig. It’s very easy to build, easy to maintain and adjust and really, really fun to run. (Although I still have more fun with the Kagama!)


Thread 'CCB’s Tekno ET48 2.0 Build'
https://www.corallyforum.com/threads/ccb’s-tekno-et48-2-0-build.1098/

Oh, I picked up the yellow wing from Amain with store credit. I believe the kit comes with white.

 

[VaporTrail]

Aye. Let's not incite the servo curse.

 

[Horatio]

Aye. Let's not incite the servo curse.

What's a servo? I've completely forgotten what they're for!





Does that help?

We all know what's really going on inside RTR supplied servos.....drum roll please.......

 

[Mark383]

In the Tekno I’m running a Cobra 8 with the 2200kv motor sensored motor, it runs nice and stays fairly cool even without fans. It’s the only Castle set up that I’m currently running but I like it. I’m generally more of a HW guy but no complaints with the Castle Covra 8, except maybe the $$$ but it’s seriously really nice.

Servo currently is the Protek 170sbl. Out of respect for the servo curse, I’ll simply say, .
(Ominous music starts playing).

I did a build log thread on this when I built it a few months back and I’ve been very impressed with this set up. For a novice hack like myself, it a great rig. It’s very easy to build, easy to maintain and adjust and really, really fun to run. (Although I still have more fun with the Kagama!)


Thread 'CCB’s Tekno ET48 2.0 Build'
https://www.corallyforum.com/threads/ccb’s-tekno-et48-2-0-build.1098/

Oh, I picked up the yellow wing from Amain with store credit. I believe the kit comes with white.

Hi Mate,

Thanks for the info and the link to the build I'll be checking that out for sure.... I'm a HW guy too and will most likely grab the sensored 2200KV set up when the time comes. I have a Max 8 combo in my EXB Kraton V1 and it's been awesome..

That servo definitely seems like a popular choice especially in the pro racing seen. I dare not say anymore as I don't want to unleash the curse on you

The Kagama is a beast isn't it... I love it.. I think I'm going to put lighter oil in the rear shocks as me and the guys I drive with aren't savage bashers preferring to set up a track on the gravel or grass ( depending on where we go ) and race around. We don't really do any jumping and TC's out of the box set up seems to be for the extreme bashers and it seems over damped and somewhat slow which I think is affecting how it handles racing around. Comparing it to my EXB which rotates at the rear so well with a touch of the brake I'd like to see if I can get the Kagama to rotate similarly..

I'm not sure about your Kagama but mine had a lot of positive camber on the rear which seemed to cause it to traction roll very easily so I moved the hub one hole in which is quite an adjustment when you see how much negative camber it now has but I have to say the rolling has been reduced a lot.. It's winter here in Sydney and we've had a heap of rain so it's been ages since we've been out. I reckon I've only run half a dozen packs through my Kagama so far so hoping for some better weather soon..

Cheers.

 

[CCB-MN]

Hi Mate,

Thanks for the info and the link to the build I'll be checking that out for sure.... I'm a HW guy too and will most likely grab the sensored 2200KV set up when the time comes. I have a Max 8 combo in my EXB Kraton V1 and it's been awesome..

That servo definitely seems like a popular choice especially in the pro racing seen. I dare not say anymore as I don't want to unleash the curse on you

The Kagama is a beast isn't it... I love it.. I think I'm going to put lighter oil in the rear shocks as me and the guys I drive with aren't savage bashers preferring to set up a track on the gravel or grass ( depending on where we go ) and race around. We don't really do any jumping and TC's out of the box set up seems to be for the extreme bashers and it seems over damped and somewhat slow which I think is affecting how it handles racing around. Comparing it to my EXB which rotates at the rear so well with a touch of the brake I'd like to see if I can get the Kagama to rotate similarly..

I'm not sure about your Kagama but mine had a lot of positive camber on the rear which seemed to cause it to traction roll very easily so I moved the hub one hole in which is quite an adjustment when you see how much negative camber it now has but I have to say the rolling has been reduced a lot.. It's winter here in Sydney and we've had a heap of rain so it's been ages since we've been out. I reckon I've only run half a dozen packs through my Kagama so far so hoping for some better weather soon..

Cheers.

I would agree, it’s a beast. I like the Kraton a heck of a lot as well, it’s a great rc but I’ve had part issues lately with everything Arrma it seems.

I honestly don’t remember what I’m running for fluids at the moment. I have it written down in my shop but I’m not there at the moment. I played with the fluids and shocks a lot initially and added some wheel spacers, they seemed to help a lot along with getting better tires on it. Once the spacers and tires were sorted out it was a blast and most of the “drive ability” issues were pretty sorted out.

It seems like whenever we take the rc’s out, no matter which we intend to drive, we always end up with a Kagama or SSTE. They are both great imo.

 

[Mark383]

I would agree, it’s a beast. I like the Kraton a heck of a lot as well, it’s a great rc but I’ve had part issues lately with everything Arrma it seems.

I honestly don’t remember what I’m running for fluids at the moment. I have it written down in my shop but I’m not there at the moment. I played with the fluids and shocks a lot initially and added some wheel spacers, they seemed to help a lot along with getting better tires on it. Once the spacers and tires were sorted out it was a blast and most of the “drive ability” issues were pretty sorted out.

It seems like whenever we take the rc’s out, no matter which we intend to drive, we always end up with a Kagama or SSTE. They are both great imo.

Hi Mate ( sorry I forgot your name ) Are you having trouble getting parts for your Kraton? Do you have an EXB? What tyres do you have on your Kagama? I love the Backflips on my Kraton and will wack a set of them on when I've worn out these factory ones. How many millimetres are your extenders/spacers? Did you change your springs as well as fluids?

I don't mind the way the front feels as it's a bit more "plush" but the rear seems too firm and slow in its operation for what I'm doing. I was watching a video US Pro buggy driver Ryan Lutz did with his KYOSHO and what he does is he will hold the shock tower and somewhat quickly push and pull the tower up and down simulating the suspension operating over ruts/bumps and he said if you see the tyres lift off the ground a little when you're coming up its an indicator the shock will need a tune. I checked the Kraton and it was perfect tyres stayed on the ground ( same as my Muraco and Asuga ) but the rear of the Kagama lifted off .. I don't have any softer springs but I do have plenty of different weight shock oil so I'll start with that.

Is the SSTE the HOBAO Truggy? If so how do you find it? I read so many good things about that Truggy and Hobao in general especially their parts quality in their cars/trucks...

 

[Horatio]

Hi Mate ( sorry I forgot your name ) Are you having trouble getting parts for your Kraton? Do you have an EXB? What tyres do you have on your Kagama? I love the Backflips on my Kraton and will wack a set of them on when I've worn out these factory ones. How many millimetres are your extenders/spacers? Did you change your springs as well as fluids?

I don't mind the way the front feels as it's a bit more "plush" but the rear seems too firm and slow in its operation for what I'm doing. I was watching a video US Pro buggy driver Ryan Lutz did with his KYOSHO and what he does is he will hold the shock tower and somewhat quickly push and pull the tower up and down simulating the suspension operating over ruts/bumps and he said if you see the tyres lift off the ground a little when you're coming up its an indicator the shock will need a tune. I checked the Kraton and it was perfect tyres stayed on the ground ( same as my Muraco and Asuga ) but the rear of the Kagama lifted off .. I don't have any softer springs but I do have plenty of different weight shock oil so I'll start with that.

Is the SSTE the HOBAO Truggy? If so how do you find it? I read so many good things about that Truggy and Hobao in general especially their parts quality in their cars/trucks...

I have the the utmost respect for Ryan Lutz and love his onboard footage. For the record, he's a terrific driver, too. And a bloody giant!! He must be nearly 7 feet tall, but the nicest guy.

However, it's a stretch to 'recreate' the effects of bumps and rutts by giggling the car around. And I wouldn't do it if there's anyone in the vicinity that could witness you doing it...

I think it's all about balance. How you drive, how much weight transfer you need and what you find drivable.

The purpose of our oil-filled shock bodies is to absorb energy and prevent it from being transmitted back into ground, in an ever decreasing cycle of 'boing'. (Under damped/over sprung).

The purpose of the spring is to support the weight of the vehicle, keeping wheels/tyres in contact with the ground, return the wheel to the right place on undulating ground and/or whilst enduring acceleration forces during conering.

Left unchecked, suspension will bounce, meaning that tyres part company from the ground, seriously reducing traction and braking. Think friction dampers - or the Tamiya Grasshopper, boinging around all over the place.

There's a lot going on - especially if you take into account all the dynamic forces acting on the chassis as well.

We want our suspension to be able to move as fast as possible (with the least amount of unsprung weight), whilst keeping the tyre in contact with the ground.

Really the only way of getting it perfect for you and your condition on the day is to try for yourself how changing springs and oil weight works for you.

Generally, with higher rate springs, you'll need accordingly higher weight oil to control the oscillations.

Here's the thing. It's always going to be a compromise. You can improve damping and it will be at the expense of response.

You can improve you landings from slap, but it will be at the expense of bump handling.

As you get more experienced, you can choose what to prioritise.

For bashing, you can settle with factory suggestions and learn to 'drive around' certain compromises instead - it's quicker and easier.

Food for thought: Have you ever swapped controllers at the end of a race, with a near peer, and wondered 'how the hell did you manage to finish the race with that thing?!!'.

I have. This is why you should find out what works for you. The only person that needs to be satisfied it's right, is you.

The majority of folks here have lots of experience wrenching and upgrading, but tuning geometry is something of a dark art.

 

[CCB-MN]

Hi Mate ( sorry I forgot your name ) Are you having trouble getting parts for your Kraton? Do you have an EXB? What tyres do you have on your Kagama? I love the Backflips on my Kraton and will wack a set of them on when I've worn out these factory ones. How many millimetres are your extenders/spacers? Did you change your springs as well as fluids?

I don't mind the way the front feels as it's a bit more "plush" but the rear seems too firm and slow in its operation for what I'm doing. I was watching a video US Pro buggy driver Ryan Lutz did with his KYOSHO and what he does is he will hold the shock tower and somewhat quickly push and pull the tower up and down simulating the suspension operating over ruts/bumps and he said if you see the tyres lift off the ground a little when you're coming up its an indicator the shock will need a tune. I checked the Kraton and it was perfect tyres stayed on the ground ( same as my Muraco and Asuga ) but the rear of the Kagama lifted off .. I don't have any softer springs but I do have plenty of different weight shock oil so I'll start with that.

Is the SSTE the HOBAO Truggy? If so how do you find it? I read so many good things about that Truggy and Hobao in general especially their parts quality in their cars/trucks...

I’m just running

Hi Mate ( sorry I forgot your name ) Are you having trouble getting parts for your Kraton? Do you have an EXB? What tyres do you have on your Kagama? I love the Backflips on my Kraton and will wack a set of them on when I've worn out these factory ones. How many millimetres are your extenders/spacers? Did you change your springs as well as fluids?

I don't mind the way the front feels as it's a bit more "plush" but the rear seems too firm and slow in its operation for what I'm doing. I was watching a video US Pro buggy driver Ryan Lutz did with his KYOSHO and what he does is he will hold the shock tower and somewhat quickly push and pull the tower up and down simulating the suspension operating over ruts/bumps and he said if you see the tyres lift off the ground a little when you're coming up its an indicator the shock will need a tune. I checked the Kraton and it was perfect tyres stayed on the ground ( same as my Muraco and Asuga ) but the rear of the Kagama lifted off .. I don't have any softer springs but I do have plenty of different weight shock oil so I'll start with that.

Is the SSTE the HOBAO Truggy? If so how do you find it? I read so many good things about that Truggy and Hobao in general especially their parts quality in their cars/trucks...

I’ve changed about everything at some point, and then I chaged it again. Currently I’m running the Kraton springs on my Kagama with the arena 6s bf’s or Sweep Terrain Crushers, kinda preferring the Sweeps unless I’m really bashing hard.

The SSTE’s are still around, you just need to look for them, at least in the US. I can usually find the RTR for just under $500 US and the ARR version is usually between $300-375 US. I have only ever used the ARR. it’s a really good deal for the $$$ imo. The only drawback for me is that they are already built. At least with the ARR, you can source the electronics and set it up how “you” want it. That parts dope! .

I dropped the same electronics as come stock in Kagama, just a different servo so I jokingly say it’s “Corally Powered”. It’s definitely one of my favorites. Beyond RC has a good review of them on his YouTube channel. I may order a second for my street basher project but I’ve got a couple of other things to pick up ahead of it.

Order is in!