Are the Traxxas pro level aluminum big bore shocks worth the money?

[Pablo]

Does anyone own the pro level shocks and how do they like them? im thinking about new shocks for my bandit.

[j-show43701]

Pablo, I'll answer you're question since all "smart" people want to do is bash other peoples threads on honest questions. Yes, aluminum shocks are worth the investment, but I have used both Duratrax aluminum shocks and Traxxas aluminum shocks and the can both be user tuned however you like. I would go with the duratrax shock, though, because they are priced lower than the traxxas ones.

[Que165]

oops im sorry. i thought i clicked on the new thread button. wonce u post something you cant delet it.

[ksb51rl]

If you mean these, p/n TRA5862, then IDK. I paid almost half that for mine but I hit an amazing sale at Stormer Hobbies for the fronts and bought 8 rears on ebay for a song. I paid a little more than the TH asking price for front and rear Losi 8IGHT shocks and I know someone else who got a set of those for $40.

FWIW, the Traxxas Big Bores are much better than the stock Ultra shocks.

j-banned: Which Duratrax shock are you referring to? The ones I have tried were utter garbage, but there are other good ones I hear.

[Laxman101]

these are even cheaper: http://www.rcplanet.com/Traxxas_Big_..._p/tra5862.htm

[PBO]

I like them. I think they work well, especially if you take time to set them up with thread tape etc

I have two sets

[ksb51rl]

these are even cheaper: http://www.rcplanet.com/Traxxas_Big_..._p/tra5862.htm

After shipping they are very close. If you throw in a Tower coupon, it's no contest.

[j-show43701]

If you mean these, p/n TRA5862, then IDK. I paid almost half that for mine but I hit an amazing sale at Stormer Hobbies for the fronts and bought 8 rears on ebay for a song. I paid a little more than the TH asking price for front and rear Losi 8IGHT shocks and I know someone else who got a set of those for $40.

FWIW, the Traxxas Big Bores are much better than the stock Ultra shocks.

j-banned: Which Duratrax shock are you referring to? The ones I have tried were utter garbage, but there are other good ones I hear.

J-banned? I don't get it lol, but I am using the aluminum evader shocks and they work really good once you get your set-up right, they are amazing, and tough as nails!

[brushlessbandit]

J-banned? I don't get it lol,

lol

[j-show43701]

lol

I am a changed person now....shhhh!

[PBO]

I am a changed person now....shhhh!

[j-show43701]

They aren't going to kick me off again, are they? I'll be good, I promise!

[j-show43701]

Investment #3:Property or another possession acquired for future financial return or benefit.

[j-show43701]

Read it once more, please, it never says anything about "equal" financial return.
But yes, off topic. You're right. Can't we all just get along?

[harry697]

J-banned? I don't get it lol, but I am using the aluminum evader shocks and they work really good once you get your set-up right, they are amazing, and tough as nails!

You crack me up,kid!Talk smack about the other members here and immediately after,you share your half-wit review of Dura-Junk shocks and say that they are as good as Big Bores? Let me straighten this out for you since you are obviously lost.The Big Bores are WAY better than Duratrax for many reasons.First of all the Traxxas shocks are hard anodized and teflon coated and the Duratrax are not.Big Bores also have ti-nitride shafts and the Duratrax do not.Aside from that,Duratrax shocks leak terribly!Trust me,I've had several sets of both brand shocks.Rarely ever had to change a seal in a big bore,but never ever had a set of Duratrax shocks that held oil for more than one heat race.As wise as you are,you probably don't even notice the oil seeping from your junk shocks. They won't leak all the oil out immediately,but they do seep oil non-stop.Maybe one day you will clean all the dirt and grime off of your hoopty and realize that what I'm telling you is true,but I won't hold my breath.

Now that I got that out of the way,here's my thoughts on running Big Bores on a Rustler.They are very good shocks.Actually one of the best I've ever used.I'm currently racing a T4 and I hate the shocks compared to my BB's,mainly because AE shocks don't use bladders and always have air in them. The Big Bores perform extremely well and hold up to abuse too.However,I would strongly recommend better shock towers on the Rustler if you're going to upgrade your shocks.Reason is,the stock towers flex so much that it's gonna take away from the performance of your shocks.Go with RPM towers,or better yet some kind of carbon fiber towers if you can.The Traxxas Nitro Rustler tower is a direct fit for the front and is available in carbon fiber at a really reasonable price.As far as the rear tower,I'm not sure who makes a good carbon tower,but I've used the plastic RPM tower and it is alot better than stock.

Once you get good towers and BB's,you're gonna notice a pretty big difference in handling.Well worth the money IMO.

[Fox]

not sure...but take a look at Losi 8ight shocks...i have them on my Slash. and they're almost double the diameter of BBs...amazing shocks...

but for a Bandit...I think they'd be over kill...

i've got big bores on the front of my Rustler...and I like them...tried them on my Slash..but I like the Losi 8IGHT-T Shocks MUCH better...they give my truck better handling..ithey look awesome...and are great for jumps...they're also threaded..(OFNA 1/8 Buggy shocks in the rear of my Rustler)

[harry697]

not sure...but take a look at Losi 8ight shocks...i have them on my Slash. and they're almost double the diameter of BBs...amazing shocks...

but for a Bandit...I think they'd be over kill...

i've got big bores on the front of my Rustler...and I like them...tried them on my Slash..but I like the Losi 8IGHT-T Shocks MUCH better...they give my truck better handling..ithey look awesome...and are great for jumps...they're also threaded..(OFNA 1/8 Buggy shocks in the rear of my Rustler)

As much as I hate to admit,Losi has some of the best shocks out there. I'm still not 100% sold on the 8ight shocks for a 1/10 but I guess it's cool on a Slash since they are close to 1/8 dimensions.Wouldn't it cost close to the price of a Slash to buy all 4 8ight shocks new? I have built a few 1/10 Losi's and I really like those shocks.They are very similar to the Duratrax shocks as far as the design,except the Losi shocks are actually good.

[ksb51rl]

Actually, another member very recently got a set of 4 Losi 8IGHT shocks for $40 on ebay. That's a great deal, but $60 for a set is also not unheard of.

harry697: I agree with you for a racing vehicle, but for a basher (Stampede or Rustler) who does moderate to high jumping, just knowing your truck can land on one corner and take the hit with great aplomb and not get the least unsettled is a great comfort. I'm bending RPM arms and titanium links and the 8IGHT shocks are just chuckling.

[j-show43701]

You crack me up,kid!Talk smack about the other members here and immediately after,you share your half-wit review of Dura-Junk shocks and say that they are as good as Big Bores? Let me straighten this out for you since you are obviously lost.The Big Bores are WAY better than Duratrax for many reasons.First of all the Traxxas shocks are hard anodized and teflon coated and the Duratrax are not.Big Bores also have ti-nitride shafts and the Duratrax do not.Aside from that,Duratrax shocks leak terribly!Trust me,I've had several sets of both brand shocks.Rarely ever had to change a seal in a big bore,but never ever had a set of Duratrax shocks that held oil for more than one heat race.As wise as you are,you probably don't even notice the oil seeping from your junk shocks. They won't leak all the oil out immediately,but they do seep oil non-stop.Maybe one day you will clean all the dirt and grime off of your hoopty and realize that what I'm telling you is true,but I won't hold my breath.

Now that I got that out of the way,here's my thoughts on running Big Bores on a Rustler.They are very good shocks.Actually one of the best I've ever used.I'm currently racing a T4 and I hate the shocks compared to my BB's,mainly because AE shocks don't use bladders and always have air in them. The Big Bores perform extremely well and hold up to abuse too.However,I would strongly recommend better shock towers on the Rustler if you're going to upgrade your shocks.Reason is,the stock towers flex so much that it's gonna take away from the performance of your shocks.Go with RPM towers,or better yet some kind of carbon fiber towers if you can.The Traxxas Nitro Rustler tower is a direct fit for the front and is available in carbon fiber at a really reasonable price.As far as the rear tower,I'm not sure who makes a good carbon tower,but I've used the plastic RPM tower and it is alot better than stock.

Once you get good towers and BB's,you're gonna notice a pretty big difference in handling.Well worth the money IMO.

Easy. I gave him my opinion, and as a matter of fact, my shocks do not leak, I put different pistons in them a few weeks ago, and they were still completely full. Maybe your lack off skill denies you from being able to build a very simple duratrax shock properly, but that my opinion against your's, and I respect your opinion, thanks!

[j-show43701]

Actually, another member very recently got a set of 4 Losi 8IGHT shocks for $40 on ebay. That's a great deal, but $60 for a set is also not unheard of.

harry697: I agree with you for a racing vehicle, but for a basher (Stampede or Rustler) who does moderate to high jumping, just knowing your truck can land on one corner and take the hit with great aplomb and not get the least unsettled is a great comfort. I'm bending RPM arms and titanium links and the 8IGHT shocks are just chuckling.

I'm a basher, not a racer, and I absolutely agree, Ive been through A-arms, tranny cases, shock towers, bulkheads, camberlinks and a chassis or two, but my "junk" Duratrax shocks have survived for over three years strong!

[Dadx2mj]

Easy. I gave him my opinion, and as a matter of fact, my shocks do not leak, I put different pistons in them a few weeks ago, and they were still completely full. Maybe your lack off skill denies you from being able to build a very simple duratrax shock properly, but that my opinion against your's, and I respect your opinion, thanks!

Wrong again, harry697 has been around RC longer than most of the members here have been alive and knows what he is doing. He has plenty of skill and knowledge and you would be wise to learn from him rather than attempt to insult him.

[TrpleD]

I'd go with RPM or aluminum IMO

[j-show43701]

Wrong again, harry697 has been around RC longer than most of the members here have been alive and knows what he is doing. He has plenty of skill and knowledge and you would be wise to learn from him rather than attempt to insult him.

Im talking about up to date experiences, not past horror stories of how the so called "junk" duratrax shocks caused massive oil slicks back in the 80's and if you would have happened to consider comprehending the part where I said that I respected his opinion, you wouldn't have had to waste your time backing up your buddy.

[Dadx2mj]

Im talking about up to date experiences, not past horror stories of how the so called "junk" duratrax shocks caused massive oil slicks back in the 80's and if you would have happened to consider comprehending the part where I said that I respected his opinion, you wouldn't have had to waste your time backing up your buddy.

Once again you make assumptions with no knowledge. Harry is one of the most currently active racers here. I dont know if I would refer to him as a buddy we have never talked other than what is exchanged on the open forum here and a few PMs over the years. I also dont consider "backing up a buddy" a waste of time.

I've used the Duratrax shocks. They dont bend and last forever,,,leaking oil from day one and never feel anywhere near as smooth as a quality shock like the Big Bore or Eight shocks mentioned.

[czinnsy]

j show are u who i think u are
what rc car do u have

[j-show43701]

j show are u who i think u are
what rc car do u have

Josh Showalter, why? I Have 3 1/2 rustlers.

[czinnsy]

i was pretty sure u were tycoonman lol long story i wasnt on here but ive been watching these threads for a while unless u are tycoonman

[j-show43701]

i was pretty sure u were tycoonman lol long story i wasnt on here but ive been watching these threads for a while unless u are tycoonman

Who is Tycoonman?

[czinnsy]

Some guy who was on here for a while and got banned and kept trying to come bak on

[ksb51rl]

My experience with the Evader shocks (threaded silver aluminum with yellow springs) was also very recent. Bought as new takeoffs. Had to rebuild them instantly, never stopped leaking, and didn't give any sort of damping until I poured in 80-wt shock oil. I refer to them as "a structure to hold the springs" and not a motion damper. I currently have 3 full sets of BBs - 2 in use, 6 or so sets of Ultra shocks - not in use, and a set of Losi 8IGHT shocks - in use.
IMO, 60 bucks (w/shipping) for BBs is semi-outrageous.

Let's try to keep this post somewhat on-topic and relatively polite, okay?

[PBO]

Easy

Yep! favoured expression of j-banned

[j-show43701]

Yep! favoured expression of j-banned

Haha, I love my nickname!

[harry697]

Easy. I gave him my opinion, and as a matter of fact, my shocks do not leak, I put different pistons in them a few weeks ago, and they were still completely full. Maybe your lack off skill denies you from being able to build a very simple duratrax shock properly, but that my opinion against your's, and I respect your opinion, thanks!

No biggie.Many of your posts just seem to rub me the wrong way I guess.Perhaps you could give me a lesson on how to build Duratrax shocks the right way since obviously the process is over my head. I'm not talking about stories from the 80's,even though they were even worse back then.I recently sold two mint Duratrax Evaders.One electric and the other nitro.All eight shocks between those two trucks just sat on my counter and seeped oil every day.It's not an issue of assembly procedure.It's simply that the Duratrax shock seal cartridges are horrible.They are basically the same design as Losi shocks,but are nowhere near the same quality.That became obvious to me the first time I tried installing one of the cartridges.The threads were terrible and took some finess to get them together.Then when I tried bleeding them,things got even worse.If you don't believe me,go build a set of Losi shocks then build a set from Duratrax.They may look the same,but you will soon understand what I'm talking about.

[harry697]

I refer to them as "a structure to hold the springs" and not a motion damper.

That's what I call hitting the nail on the head! Hopefully j-banned will do a write-up on how to make these shocks hold oil and it will change all of our opinions.

[Super Z]

Heck yes, BB are worth the money...

[j-show43701]

No biggie.Many of your posts just seem to rub me the wrong way I guess.Perhaps you could give me a lesson on how to build Duratrax shocks the right way since obviously the process is over my head. I'm not talking about stories from the 80's,even though they were even worse back then.I recently sold two mint Duratrax Evaders.One electric and the other nitro.All eight shocks between those two trucks just sat on my counter and seeped oil every day.It's not an issue of assembly procedure.It's simply that the Duratrax shock seal cartridges are horrible.They are basically the same design as Losi shocks,but are nowhere near the same quality.That became obvious to me the first time I tried installing one of the cartridges.The threads were terrible and took some finess to get them together.Then when I tried bleeding them,things got even worse.If you don't believe me,go build a set of Losi shocks then build a set from Duratrax.They may look the same,but you will soon understand what I'm talking about.

Sorry for the defensiveness, I started out on Duracrap over five years ago, and I guess I still hold a slight affinity for them, even though I know most of their products really are junk, but my shock are holding up excellently. I guess I forgot to mention I bash with them and not race, and I use 80w 90 differential fluid in them. I have never tried using a silicone oil in them, so I really wouldn't know if they leaked for a racers style set-up.

[Emaxx2.0]

Losi shocks are extremely nice and extremely smooth. The shocks on my XXX-S are weird and use a completely different stup then standard stocks. Associated shocks are also very smooth but are a pain to keep air bubbles from forming. Traxxas Big Bore you just can't go wrong. Smooth and durable and fit the Rustler perfectly with zero mods.

[harry697]

Losi shocks are extremely nice and extremely smooth. The shocks on my XXX-S are weird and use a completely different stup then standard stocks. Associated shocks are also very smooth but are a pain to keep air bubbles from forming. Traxxas Big Bore you just can't go wrong. Smooth and durable and fit the Rustler perfectly with zero mods.

BINGO!!!!!!







I have often thought about Big Bores for my T4...............but that just woudn't be right.

[arizonaman]

Sorry. But how do you adjust your shock? And what is thread tape and how does it help thanks.