Jato The Ascender

[RMNixon]

I am still looking at the vaterra aluminum shocks , I am currently using twin hammers shocks with axial springs. I would really like to see how yours work, and where they sit at static ride hight. Any pics and or info would be appreciated.

I tried the Vaterra alum. shocks and didn't really like them as much as I hoped I would. The binding of the spring separator/retainer thing in the middle drove me crazy until I filed the edges down. The deal-breaker was the leakage though. I built them with green slime, tried using thread tape, used longer bumpstops but I couldn't get them to hold oil. They didn't leak like Axial shocks, much slower, but it still drove me crazy!

FWIW, I've NEVER heard of anyone else having leaking issues on the aftermarket Vaterra shocks, so I think I just got some duds. It sure doesn't seem to be a common problem.

Anyway, I switched to a set of Traxxas Big Bores and couldn't be happier. They don't leak, period. They're nice and affordable (8 of them for $60 -
TRA4962) and you can use any Axial 14x70mm spring on them, so the tuning options are a lot better. Just another option to consider if they weren't already on your radar.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I tried the Vaterra alum. shocks and didn't really like them as much as I hoped I would. The binding of the spring separator/retainer thing in the middle drove me crazy until I filed the edges down. The deal-breaker was the leakage though. I built them with green slime, tried using thread tape, used longer bumpstops but I couldn't get them to hold oil. They didn't leak like Axial shocks, much slower, but it still drove me crazy!

FWIW, I've NEVER heard of anyone else having leaking issues on the aftermarket Vaterra shocks, so I think I just got some duds. It sure doesn't seem to be a common problem.

Anyway, I switched to a set of Traxxas Big Bores and couldn't be happier. They don't leak, period. They're nice and affordable (8 of them for $60 -
TRA4962) and you can use any Axial 14x70mm spring on them, so the tuning options are a lot better. Just another option to consider if they weren't already on your radar.

I'm shocked to hear this. Losi makes some of the best shocks in the business and I really don't expect anything less from these shocks.

One thing that surprised me is that neither the body nor the shock shafts seem to be coated with a hard, slick material like titanium-nitride. They should definitely have that feature for the price.

I compressed the shocks and I didn't notice any binding with the ring between the springs. I guess that's possible if dirt or mud gets in there, but I'll be shocked if it's a serious or constant problem.

I wasn't planning on taking the shocks apart, but maybe I should at least to install Teflon tape. We'll see how lazy I am when I want to install them.

Traxxas big bores are nice for sure.

 

[RMNixon]

I'm shocked to hear this.

No pun intended, eh? :lmao:

Like I said, I really think I got some duds. I googled to see if I could find any other complaints about leaks and saw absolutely nothing. Everyone on this forum who has tried them really seems to like them too. I would certainly hate to steer anyone away from these based on my one-off experience; every other Losi produt I've ever had has been top-quality!

They sure look pretty too - can't wait to see them on your rig Jato!

 

[JatoTheRipper]

No pun intended, eh? :lmao:

Like I said, I really think I got some duds. I googled to see if I could find any other complaints about leaks and saw absolutely nothing. Everyone on this forum who has tried them really seems to like them too. I would certainly hate to steer anyone away from these based on my one-off experience; every other Losi produt I've ever had has been top-quality!

They sure look pretty too - can't wait to see them on your rig Jato!

Ha! I'm still not awake enough to realize I typed that pun. :lmao:

I will definitely share photos and let you know my thoughts.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Before

One installed. They sure are pretty!

After

Initial impression is that they look great, but they are overpriced. I'm not impressed by the fact that Vaterra did not include balls for the top shock cap. I am not going to run the steel stockers. Steel against these pretty, soft aluminum shocks would result in fast wear and damage to the shock. Instead, I used the plastic balls from my Axial Bomber kit. I also think the included spacers should have been anodized to match the shocks or at least black to blend in with the chassis. The raw aluminum looks unfinished and out of place. It's all about the details especially when a company is asking a premium price.

A quick test run in my yard seems to indicate they are softer than stock, but maybe too soft. I'll hold off my final judgment until I get in a good trail run.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I was supposed to go crawling this morning, but plans changed. So today I installed the Holmes Hobbies CrawlMaster 13T motor. I used the stock gearing.

20170409_193615


Here's a video showing the incredible smoothness and quietness of the HobbyWing WP 1080 ESC especially when coupled with the Holmes Hobbies CrawlMaster 13T motor.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_Da84fx5G9I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Here's another video of my Ascender with the HobbyWing WP1080 and Holmes Crawlmaster 13T filmed in my yard.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-q8lFKOHKjw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[MattySlimz1987]

The top hat is an interesting part. They are out of stock everywhere they are listed so I'm assuming they're discontinued. I have to say I don't see the point though as they don't seem waste tight. It seems they could easily be replicated with a rubber cap from Caplugs. Thanks for the tip.

Looks like Holmes might have updated his site, but as you said still out of stock on the re-buildable peice. Said you saw no use for it, but just for future reference or for someone else scrolling the thread.

Looks like the 13t is working out good for you. No adjustments on timing adv. ret., etc. yet?

 

[JatoTheRipper]

Looks like Holmes might have updated his site, but as you said still out of stock on the re-buildable peice. Said you saw no use for it, but just for future reference or for someone else scrolling the thread.

Looks like the 13t is working out good for you. No adjustments on timing adv. ret., etc. yet?[/QUOTE]
I've been thinking about 3D printing a cap like that, but I always forget.

I haven't had a chance to run my truck with the new 13T motor except in my back yard. I hope to get it out on the trail this weekend. The only thing I did was advance the timing by about 6 degrees.

 

[Nails]

I made one out of a used pill bottle, fit perfectly. Just snug enough that it won't move, for the motor leads I just drilled a couple of holes.

I just received a HH torquemaster pro and new ESC, HH was out of the dust caps when I ordered. Not sure if a cover is a requirement but figured better safe than sorry. My Ascender is going back together this weekend.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I made one out of a used pill bottle, fit perfectly. Just snug enough that it won't move, for the motor leads I just drilled a couple of holes.

I just received a HH torquemaster pro and new ESC, HH was out of the dust caps when I ordered. Not sure if a cover is a requirement but figured better safe than sorry. My Ascender is going back together this weekend.

Clever idea! "thumbsup"

What made you go with the Torquemaster over the Crawlmaster? And which ESC did you choose?

 

[Nails]

Got the same motor in my RC4WD FJ40 and I really like it, not so much in the Ascender. I'm going to try a 12t pinion and see if that gives it a little more jump, doesn't have the same wheel speed when I mash the throttle as the FJ. I bought the HH BRXL ESC.

Thinking I should have got the Crawlmaster like you have.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I finally broke something on my Ascender, but it wasn't a Vaterra part. I stripped the gears in the Turnigy TGY-3509MG servo. This is disappointing because this servo is fast and strong and it survived many dunkings in the water. I don't see any replacement gears offered so if anybody knows of them or the OEM please let me know! Last night I ordered the Evo P2 servo as a replacement.



I did get in a few minutes of running time before the servo died. I'm not sure why all of the photos were taking from the driver's side. :lmao:

I'm loving the HobbyWing WP 1080 ESC and Holmes Crawlmaster 13T combo. I can't wait to get a much longer run on it.

I do think the aluminum Vaterra shocks need limiting though. As you can see in the last photo below, the travel on these shocks would impress the Flex Friday lovers which, in reality, is bad for performance. I don't understand why Vaterra didn't make these shorter. I'm not usually disappointed with Horizon/Vaterra, but these shocks are overpriced.

Here are a few photos from a new trailing spot we found yesterday.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I received the EVO P2 servo tonight. It's a great looking servo and in my yard test it works great. It doesn't have part snapping power, but it's plenty strong for me and my Ascender. I'm interested to see how it does long term.

The cons: The packaging isn't protective at all. The servo is free to fly around inside the box.

The servo wire is short for an Ascender. For most trucks it should be fine.

The splines are 25T/Futaba, but my Yokomo servo horn is very loose on it. The same horn fits perfectly on the Turnigy servo that was installed before this one. That's my biggest concern at this point.

I need to find an alternative to Shoe Goo to seal the receiver box. It's a pain to get off when you need to access the receiver box or remove wires from the hole in the bottom of the box.

 

[JatoTheRipper]

I got some Boom Racing Super Soft Hustler tires and Incision wheels.

 

[LSXGMC]

Looks really good actually, but nothing will beat the OG Rock Beasts under that Blazer body. Awesome second option though!

 

[JatoTheRipper]

So any words( comments ) for these Boom Racing Super Soft Hustler tires? ;-)

I'm a big fan of Boom Racing, but I'm not a fan of these tires. I wouldn't recommend them. First of all, the stock foams are junk. You will need to buy replacement foams for sure. Second, the bead is not great and I've had a tough time finding wheels that will hold them. Third I don't think they look good in person. The compound and tread is OK, but there are much better tires out there.

 

[Shinchu]

i look at them and just see rows of elephant tusks. strange...

 

[JatoTheRipper]

i look at them and just see rows of elephant tusks. strange...

Yep. There was a whole thread about that. There's also a poop emoji hidden on there. :lmao:

 

[JatoTheRipper]

My beloved Ascender has sat, idle, for a long time because a bunch of new trucks have flowed into my house (TRX-4, CMX, and SCX10 II), but I took it out tonight for a test run.

I took it right to the test stump and it climbed it first try. You need a little more wheel speed at the end to prevent it from getting high centered because I'm using tiny tires. "mrgreen: Hardcore scale guys call these wittle guys "monster truck tires". :lmao:

<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/101888715@N03/42305379782/in/album-72157659879423543/" title="20180525_183058"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1750/42305379782_47011ea1c0.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="20180525_183058"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>