To go to the "Dark" side!

[MetalMan]

I'm contemplating the purchase of this:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=TAMC0380&P=K
http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/ite...oduct-id=58370

Looks like a good, competitive kit. I read in another thread that several are contemplating the purchase of it. Right now, I have the cash and need to buy some other stuff from Tower anyways. Besides that, Tower has a $20 off deal! Now off to go read the magazine review...

EDIT:
Last night I put in my purchase! That means that it should be here in about a week, which is just about perfect timing for the Mamba Maxx!

[coolhandcountry]

It is sweet looking. I not sure if the gears would hold up to alot of power. If you get have to let us know how it does. You going to convert it or run it like it is.

[MetalMan]

I'd definitely run brushless and Lipo, and hope that the gears would hold up. There's a nice indoor 1/10 offroad track about 5mins away from me that I could race competitively in, and this would be my first race-capable vehicle.

Nothing to do with me, but I found this independent reivew from a UK forum

http://images.domino.org/v/album01_6...mpact.doc.html

[joostin420]

if i had the money right now i would get one.

couple brushless dark impacts here: http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/s...d.php?t=214127

justin

[MetalMan]

I read through a number of posts in that thread, and am glad to see that there are only minor problems that most likely will be fixed with the release of aftermarket parts.

Probably the biggest problem with the chassis for me is the battery mounting. Because the battery is put in through the bottom, it can only be so tall. This means that I will have to buy a Lipo pack that will fit, and will pretty severely limit my choices. As it is, I might have to go with 2s or 3s Lipo, which is a deviation from the standard 4s that I like to use.

BTW, I DID order one of these, which must have been one of the few that Tower Hobbies had left in stock:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMFW1&P=7

[starscream]

How does the df-03 compare to the Top Force?

I believe I saw a pic of a df-03 that had the battery cage removed and a single velcro strap holding the battery down. That buggy was two wheel drive though so it was converted or wasn't really a df-03.

Removing the cage maybe an option though, if you want more room for Lipo's

[MetalMan]

Yeah, it's definitely a possibility. I'd probably have to add some bracing to make up for the cage not being there.

[captain harlock]

The DI is similar to the TopForce in general, but not as lovely, though.

I've loved the Dark Impact since I first saw pics of it, it was nice at RCX too.

[MetalMan]

Unfortunately I didn't think of looking at it at RCX! Well, I should get to see it in about 4 days...

Well, it was there, but I just did a quick look at it and didn't pick it up.

[captain harlock]

Do you think that Tamiya is going to release a TRF version of this buggy?
I see a big chance.

[squeeforever]

I like it put it seems a little cheap looking and parts availability and upgrade parts dont seem to be at there best...

[MetalMan]

Originally Posted by captain harlock

Do you think that Tamiya is going to release a TRF version of this buggy?
I see a big chance.

I think they will. Some of the guys on RCZ were talking about it. Since this will be Tamiya's race buggy, if they get enough people to buy it/race it, then I'm sure they will.

Originally Posted by squeeforever

I like it put it seems a little cheap looking and parts availability and upgrade parts dont seem to be at there best...

It's a new vehicle. So new, that Tower has already run out of stock. I think it was released to the U.S. only a month ago. But since it is Tamiya, parts should be plentiful and readily available once this buggy gets out there more. Tamiya does have some upgrade parts in the works, they just aren't available yet.