RC Car - BUT, Sometimes Hop Ups Are Good!

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BUT, Some Hop Ups Are Good!

This was sent to me from a friend after I posted the "Am I Fast Enough To Race" question and answer.

Comments: Hey Pro,

Your questions page is cool...I know that driving is 70% of the equation when it comes to winning races but Purple RS4 Nitro stuff is COOL!!! As you probably know, when you go to the track each and every driver has a number of reasons and explanations of why that shiny new Titanium doohicky thing-a-ma-jig is a necessity to winning races. A lot of the Super Duper Aluminum A-Arms etc. are actually heavier than the stock stuff...They may be more rigid so as to give you a more constant feel to the handling of your car..But because of that instead of being able to flex under stress they break..No more shiny doohicky. The bottom line is they look great....Plain and simple..One thing though, things like bearings are a necessity..They are considered a hop-up but as you have told me they really are needed to prevent unnecessary wear to your cars parts.. Softer springs in the front end can help out with your understeering problem...I'm just saying that maybe you can let people know that hop-ups aren't all for show. I was just thinking that maybe you could let people know that it isn't all just for looks. I guess they don't necessarily help you win races, But???

You have been racing for a lot of years so I know I'm not telling you anything you don't already know.. I hope this doesn't sound like I'm criticizing your work Pro..I'm just chatting..Unfortunately chatting via e-mail can sometimes "come across" the wrong way.. I really mean no offense..I think you are doing an excellent job and you are definitely "The Pro."

Talk at ya later,
The RC Guy

Response: Hey there RC Guy,

Excellent ideas. I tried to mention that hop ups are not only for show in saying that I do them myself, but you are right, I should probably emphasize it a little more. I just had this kid who was afraid to race because he did not have all of the latest goodies. When I was 11 or 12 I had to borrow old crappy tires from my (older) friends at the track who had money. My car looked like crap but I learned how to drive and how to tune it. 5 years later when I had a job and started making money I started to buy hop ups (such as soft springs and graphite goodies). At this point I already knew how to drive so these items made me go faster around the track and not just into the wall. I also want to commend you on your bearing comment. You are exactly right, I always try to recommend a set of bearings and an electronic speed control. I just didn't want to write a speech to the kid saying that you don't need all the modifications to do well at the track, just go out and have fun but by the way, you should buy a bearing set and electronic speed control. I try to convey a specific message to each of my individual readers.

I am definitely not saying that up grades will not make a car go faster or handle better BUT, a lack of upgrades should never keep a person from the race track. You are talking to a guy that spent over $1000 over the winter to remove 16 ounces from his 1/8 scale gas car.

Also, I cannot be offended by an e-mail from someone who is trying to offer good constructive criticism. In fact I enjoy it. I am very secure about my Radio Control knowledge so if someone brings up a good point to my attention that I missed, I am very happy to take it and use it. Every once in a while I get an e-mail that is a down right insult to my intelligence, those are the ones I despise and I usually send back a long message explaining fully why I don't agree with the person and that they should grow up and speak with others at a professional level if they wish to convey their message effectively.

I appreciate your e-mail and I encourage you, as well as others to send me any controversial issues that they may find in my work as well as other peoples work.

Keep up the great work,

"PRO"
Pro Racer Secrets