Traxxas Titan

[properchopper]

Is the boat actually 36", or does that include the length of the hardware... If the hull itself is actually only 34" or less, then it could be run in P-Mono/Offshore, but not without a motor swap.

Good point; I may have spoke too soon regarding the class compliance. Then again Traxxas claims 35 mph on 3S and 50 mph on 6S. On 4S, maybe 40something
which , as you point would require a motor (& SC swap most likely) to be competative in P class. So by the end of the day the rtr/race moniker goes out the window anyhoo. Then there's that hull material....[ got kevlar ?]

[Snowride]

Nobody said or implied this boat wil beat all the nice hand made professional jobs out there. You have to admit for a noob like me this is a really good launch into the RC boat world all for a measly $320. This includes everything I will ever need with exception of a charger. This will teach me what works and what does not. I will maybe build my own super boat later in life if I really or I will sell it on ebay for a small loss if this does not float my boat.

I keep seeing tupper ware around here. What do you think the boating world said about fiberglass when it was first introduced a a boat hull. Yep, they all laughed and said it would sink as it was just a fancy name for plastic. Boy were they proven wrong. Honestly, this is still vapor ware and nobody can comment on hw good or bad the hull is until it is actually used and tested in the real world. Abs can be made as strong or stronger given the right engineering in thickness and design.

[BakedMopar]

Why was people laughing at fiberglass? That's what full scale boats are made of not abs!

[Snowride]

Why was people laughing at fiberglass? That's what full scale boats are made of not abs!

Well I guess I am quite a bit older than you. When fiberglass full size boats were introduced to the market almost all the old salts laughed at how it would be a joke to travel the sea in a plastic boat and it would never hold up. Whether you like it or not, fiberglass is plastic.

Here is the definition in case you question my knowledge.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass-reinforced_plastic

[Rumdog]

Yeah, and sawdust is wood.

[keithbradley]

Well I guess I am quite a bit older than you. When fiberglass full size boats were introduced to the market almost all the old salts laughed at how it would be a joke to travel the sea in a plastic boat and it would never hold up. Whether you like it or not, fiberglass is plastic.

Here is the definition in case you question my knowledge.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glass-reinforced_plastic

This is in no way relative to how well an ABS RC boat will perform or hold up. Saying fiberglass is plastic is like saying carbon fiber is pencil lead. The integrity of fiberglass has nothing to do with the integrity of ABS plastic. I wouldnt assume fiberglass mat on its own would hold the same form as fiberglass+resin that has been properly prepared, just as I wouldnt assume the physical properties of a plastic would reflect those of fiberglass.

[forescott]

Uh, yeah. Last I checked fiberglass, FRP, and plastic were all different materials

[scullyeng]

Since when did people start believing advertising claims from manufacturers?

BTW I just bought a Ginzu knife to cut flex cables to size, hopefully it works out.

[Snowride]

Not saying ABS is better than plastic but it is not the crap most of you seem to make of it.

Here is a comparison made by canopy manufacturer

Canopy Materials:
" Most canopies sold in the Australian market place have either
fibreglass or ABS plastic shells. Fibreglass has a higher load bearing
strength than ABS, but ABS has higher impact strength than fibreglass.
Since it is not recommended to put any load directly onto any canopy
(see below), the greater impact strength of ABS can provide a real
benefit in the event of accident damage. In many impact situations
where fibreglass will crack or shatter, the ABS will survive
unscathed, although minor damage to both materials can be repaired.
Generally, offroad users prefer ABS canopies because they withstand
the vibration and shock of rough roads whereas fibreglass can tend to
crack in similar circumstances. The external texture of canopies is
either "leathergrain" or "smooth", depending on manufacturer's
production moulds. "Leathergrain" is more forgiving when it comes to
showing minor scuffing - it doesn't show the marks as easily..."

[Rumdog]

Tell that to the guy's with the new Miss Geico. Fiberglass hull, plastic hatch. Hatches are cracking apart from tumbles as I type. Check out the thread. Of course, It can be made of thicker ABS.

[keithbradley]

Are we talking about building canopies out of ABS or model boats?

Depending on the application, plastic and fiberglass each have their own advantages. Make no mistake though, in the case of this (and other) boat(s), lower cost is the advantage of plastic.

There are many boats out there already that are made of plastic. The difference between them and fiberglass boats is HUGE. My son has a rio ep and it is in no way even comparable to my glass boats. A boat COULD be made to be strong if the plastic were thick enough, but that is usually not the case.

[Alexgar]

the bby racing boats are pretty thick and after running my elam into a boat dock this weekend id have to say they all break the same

[Snowride]

Depending on the application, plastic and fiberglass each have their own advantages. Make no mistake though, in the case of this (and other) boat(s), lower cost is the advantage of plastic.

There are many boats out there already that are made of plastic. The difference between them and fiberglass boats is HUGE. My son has a rio ep and it is in no way even comparable to my glass boats. A boat COULD be made to be strong if the plastic were thick enough, but that is usually not the case.

My point is maybe they built it right and maybe it is very strong. Seems most die hard enthusiasts are dissing the product without even a release yet. When you get one and try it out and it falls apart, then hey, no problem with the criticism of the poor build or poor choice of materials. However, until such time, I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt. Another thing to consider is Traxxas is no small player and IF there is a problem I am sure they will step up to bat rather than lose their name over a faulty product.

[keithbradley]

My point is maybe they built it right and maybe it is very strong. Seems most die hard enthusiasts are dissing the product without even a release yet. When you get one and try it out and it falls apart, then hey, no problem with the criticism of the poor build or poor choice of materials. However, until such time, I think we should give them the benefit of the doubt. Another thing to consider is Traxxas is no small player and IF there is a problem I am sure they will step up to bat rather than lose their name over a faulty product.

The only logical thing to do in my opinion is reveiw the quality of the plastic hulls traxxas already has on the market and keep that in mind when anticipating the release of their newest boat. I would say if you like the plastic hulls Traxxas has sold in the past and present, then you will most likely like the spartan. If you were not in favor of those hulls it should be apparent that you may want to see the spartan before assuming it will be any different.

[chummer]

The boat is priced right for what you get. I will be getting one and then I will pass judgment. I am curious what the ESC and Motor combo will sell for. This could make a new affordable electronics system that has punch.

Like it or not I still think that this boat is going to be the most popular RTR on the market. My LHS has orders for this boat from customers that have never even had a boat. Why?????? Because it's Traxxas!!! and they have caught the attention of the offroad guys. Most of the R/C community are sport runners and don't care about race classes etc.