A Few Questions

[Buzzbait]

Okay. I'm seriously looking at buying an Epoch, for a few reasons. First and foremost, I'm sick of constantly messing with my Bits. I just want to car to ride around the house, which works well without constant fiddling. Overall, the quality of materials on Bits is pretty low. I also want something just a little bit bigger than a Bit, so I can get over the humps in the carpet and those nasty metal strips between the carpeting in rooms, without tipping over all the time. I’m worried that the epoch may be a little too big though. I’d also like to try full propo. My Bits steer well, but control over the actual steering is less than wonderful. So here are the big questions……

1. Is Epoch the way to go? I’m also considering the Puchi Maru, but am worried about ground clearance in carpet humps and metal floor strips. Will the Puchi clear those obstacles better than a bit?

2. I’m used to the speed of a booster Bit with a 3.8 Perfection motor. I run without the boost when turning, and boost for the straightaways. Will be I be bummed out by the speed of a stock Epoch?

3. If the stock speed is too low, how easy is it to add the 4 cell battery pack I’ve heard of. I’ve read about people adding a battery to the existing battery pack, but can’t find much on the premade 4-cell pack. I’m willing to take the car apart once, and put it back together. Other than that one time of changing the battery, I don’t want to mess with something this expensive. I can solder, but don’t relish doing it.

4. Is the full propo really that good. I have an I-Racer, and find the steering to be even tougher than a Bit. I want EASY, ACCURATE and CONTROLLABLE steering.

5. How is battery time in comparison to a Maru and Bit? Double charging my Bit ( 1 1/2 minutes of charging ) is currently giving me about 8 or 9 minutes of run time.

6. Are there any upgrades that are "must haves"? I want to get the spending over with in one shot.

I just want something better than a Bit. I’ve been buying too many Bits, and trying to make them something they will never be. It seems cheaper at this point to just buy something that’s better, out of the box, than a cheap Bit.

[Namuna]

1. Even the Mini-Z, at 1/24th scale, is not recommended for carpet running. But as far as clearance goes, the Puchi is roughly the same as the Bit. The Epoch, even though a bigger scale, isn't that far off either. Bottom line is, you're going to have problems with the humps and metal strips no matter what...Unless you get something like the Mini-Z Overlander, then you'd LIKE those humps and strips.

2. A stock Epoch will BLOW-BY any Bit...Doesn't matter what mod or motor you've got in it.

3. Anyone that tells you that assembly/disassembly of an Epoch is easy...Is LYING. It's a pain in the butt and I DON'T recommend anyone but the most patient of people do it.

4. No, it's not really that good..."Really that good" is not a good enough term for it. Full Propo is no joke.

5. Runtime on an Epoch sucks. For a standard 2 minute charge, you only get about 4 to 5 minutes runtime. But you can try double charging as well.

6. Nope, the Epoch has everything you need. Though I do recommend getting a better Transmitter at some point, but it's not a must.

The Epoch (spec 2) is a great car. But be warned that it's a bigger scale. It's NOT a table top racer. I actually recommend you go with the Puchi though, it's only a little bigger than a Bit and you get Propo...Check out the Puchi forum for good prices too.

[chelboed]

Alright Buzzbait, this is like Dejavu (how do you spell that anyway?)

I posted a comparison between Epoch's and Bit's, just click HERE and scroll down toward the bottom of the page. I wrote a review as long as my arm.

One note: With the soft suspension upgrade springs, you can move spacers above the steering knuckles and raise the front of your car. The rear end is adjustable with a single screw. This will give you fantastic ground clearance for rally'ish racing, jumping, and carpet (and metal strips). I could barely get my car to go on carpet stock. Now it will fly on it. I don't recommend spending too much time on carpet, because of debris getting caught in the differential.

I'm referring to med weave carpet. The Epoch is right at home on tight weave carpet.

[Buzzbait]

My carpet has a very tight weave. I race my Bits on it all the time without a problem, so I don't think it's an issue. Thanks for the feedback.

[chelboed]

No problem, then. I will post pics of suspension comparison soon.