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Discontinued
- Thread starter RecklessTrent91
- Start date
TooOldForThis
Rock Crawler
It would be cool if they did like a Ripper for the masses. Plastic cage and axles, lexan body, VFD running gear, and price it like the Phoenix. Maybe do a trailing arm rear suspension too just to change things up a little. I think that would sell.
they have got a couple more axle styles and perhaps its time for an updated version... Josh has mentioned how much better the f10 axles are compared to the f9 on the pro and ultra ... we will perhaps see new kits with any of these new axle housings and maybe the f10 straight axle alum housing kit.
You need one! A Pro that is. I just wonder what kind of prices we will see for used and lightly used Pro and Ultras once they are discontinued.
We've all seen the sky high price tags for Ripper's these days!:shock:
I would buy one for sure! I'm all for their new plastic F10 axles! I love the D44 alum axles, but these new F10's are my favorite to date! Very durable and excellent steering angle.
I can see this and with a new body style. I think the current chassis is great and I don't think it needs to be changed unless VP decides to make a comp style rig with angled skid.
When I heard the Pro and Ultra were being discontinued, this was my first thought. They would've known about the 10 Pro going on almost 2 years now at least, so it's probably not off their radar that Axial was working on that and it is probably the next step forward for them. That segment seems to be growing, too.
It's also possible they are just going to devote their brand going forward to the Phoenix, which appeals to a much wider audience than the Pro or Ultra did. It's a better business decision IMO.
I would like to see what they can do with a comp truck, though, I feel Axial will always be somewhat hamstrung in product development due to their size and need to appeal to a wider audience. A brand like Vanquish could possibly release a comp truck kit like the SCX10 Pro and get away with it being a little more aggressive or purpose built. I'd really like to see a full C1 kit, since that is a somewhat more difficult class to build for compared to the others, but I'd expect a C2/C3 since it has wider appeal.
If VP is discontinuing old models its because a new one is coming. It may not be next week, but something is coming. They aren't settling with the Phoenix. You can be sure what comes will only be an improvement. This is Vanquish we are talking about.
Thanks Thomas.
Their lineup right now is a little overly cluttered, they have what amounts to 4 trail trucks in the lineup with the two variations of the Phoenix and the Pro/Ultra. It would seem to be a strange business move to make a Pro/Ultra v2 when the Phoenix already fills the trail truck category. Seems more likely to be something like the SCX10 Pro or something entirely new, rock bouncer or trail buggy maybe?
No doubt they are trimming their lineup to introduce something new, but I seriously doubt it's an updated Pro/Ultra. I could be wrong, just seems like it wouldn't make much sense to have so many options in that segment.
I tend to agree with what you are saying. Their line-up is cluttered for such a small company.
I don’t have a Pro, but it is my understanding that the Phoenix axle design is their best yet. Perhaps we get a Phoenix Pro as a stop-gap. I am obviously speculating as I haven’t a hot clue and VP carries their cards close to the chest. Josh is easy going socially, but clearly very calculated in his words when it comes to his work.
Personally I would love to see them produce something like a U4 rig. Trailing arm suspension, IFS/SRA. I sense these guys like to be challenged and set a high bar. Something they haven’t already done seems in line with such a challenge.
I could see the Ultra going away, but I have a Pro and absolutely love it, thinking of getting another. I've driven the Phoenix and have a build with the axles, and agree it's pretty awesome, but I think they should retain the Pro.
That said, there is a high level of parts interchangeability, so that may be a contributing factor to keep the lineup wide. With their incessant crowing about their Matsuura milling center, they can keep spitting out aluminum axle housings easily. We have a fleet of CNC milling centers, as well as a massive Matsuura, and we don't feel the need to tell our customers about them. That cracks me up to no end. Vanquish won't tell you the weight of a part, but they will tell you all about their CNC machine that made them. Holy balls.!
As for a U4 rig, I'm not so sure. Gatekeeper seems to be fading quickly and other than Losi playing ball, that's a small market. ARRMA hasn't dipped their toes into that water, yet they have the tech to do so. The IFS conversions from Element also went away, so my guess is that it's not a big enough market to fool with.
I want to qualify that statement with the fact what we've spent 2 years building an awesome U4 track here in Vegas, and received very little interest. Tried pushing it on the FB with other local RC stuff, and a few interested nibbles, yet no one has come to try it out. So, we have significant skin in the U4 game and not trying to undercut the idea of rock racing. U4RC seems to be a relic at best, with their last update for events being 2021, and I think the problem starts there. If there is no active organizing body, then a U4RC rig is just a cool basher. Again, we have 4 U4 rigs in the fleet and I'm all for them, but I would strongly advise a company like Vanquish against entering that market.
That said, there is a high level of parts interchangeability, so that may be a contributing factor to keep the lineup wide. With their incessant crowing about their Matsuura milling center, they can keep spitting out aluminum axle housings easily. We have a fleet of CNC milling centers, as well as a massive Matsuura, and we don't feel the need to tell our customers about them. That cracks me up to no end. Vanquish won't tell you the weight of a part, but they will tell you all about their CNC machine that made them. Holy balls.!
As for a U4 rig, I'm not so sure. Gatekeeper seems to be fading quickly and other than Losi playing ball, that's a small market. ARRMA hasn't dipped their toes into that water, yet they have the tech to do so. The IFS conversions from Element also went away, so my guess is that it's not a big enough market to fool with.
I want to qualify that statement with the fact what we've spent 2 years building an awesome U4 track here in Vegas, and received very little interest. Tried pushing it on the FB with other local RC stuff, and a few interested nibbles, yet no one has come to try it out. So, we have significant skin in the U4 game and not trying to undercut the idea of rock racing. U4RC seems to be a relic at best, with their last update for events being 2021, and I think the problem starts there. If there is no active organizing body, then a U4RC rig is just a cool basher. Again, we have 4 U4 rigs in the fleet and I'm all for them, but I would strongly advise a company like Vanquish against entering that market.
dusty husky
Pebble Pounder
We were chatting about the Ryft kit sale and it's possible discontinuation. Given the sales bell curve of kits and that they are mostly bought by veteran enthusiasts, it wouldn't surprise me if the the kit is discontinued. Axial probably was enough in warehouse's to satisfy demand for the near future. I think the RTR will be around for a while, probably not as long of run as the Bomber.
What do you guys think is the natural progression of the AR90 axles/ Ryft platform? Axial isn't going to waste the tooling and molds they've invested in. Possible 1:8th 2.2 Honcho/ scale truck to fit a narrow gap in the lineup? Given Axials place in the Horizon umbrella, staying scale is likely. I personally would like to see a tube chassis moon buggy, rear engine with dig and a sensored BL system.
What do you guys think is the natural progression of the AR90 axles/ Ryft platform? Axial isn't going to waste the tooling and molds they've invested in. Possible 1:8th 2.2 Honcho/ scale truck to fit a narrow gap in the lineup? Given Axials place in the Horizon umbrella, staying scale is likely. I personally would like to see a tube chassis moon buggy, rear engine with dig and a sensored BL system.
I think your first part is spot on, and I completely agree. I have two of the Ryft kits. The second part, maybe. Axial's plastic parts for axles are molded, and molds have life spans. After so many units are made, the mold needs to be replaced, and they may choose to not remake the mold. That would be a factor worth considering to support the RTR and drop the kit. Mold life is a big deciding factor in these items and molds are expensive. I believe this was one contributing factor to the AE Nomad DB-8 going away ( I have 3 of those and absolutely love them ).
That said, a 2.2 Honcho, yes! As a kit, double yes.
mulchman
Quarry Creeper
I would love to see a AR90axle/platform used to make a new Poison Spyder Jeep. One bigger than the Wraith based one.
I think peak U4 was a few years ago around when Axial released the Bomber. Where did you build a U4 track? I mostly quit the hobby when Matt stopped running all the events but still had my Lasernut. I dont remember seeing any posts about it in the groups, but with their drama I may not be in all of them anymore.
As for Vanquish discontinuing the Pro and Ultra, I can see that. The Phoenix basically fills that same roll. Axles on the Phoenix can be upgraded to aluminum if the owner wants. I do love my Pro though and its one rig I dont plan on getting rid of.
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There is a U4 race at Supershafty Fall Crawl this year IIRC.
It certainly feels like a lot of the niche racing categories have kinda died or been marginalized. I tried for a while to get a solid axle MT racing group going and there was 0 interest despite LMTs selling like crazy. It seems a lot of the hobby has drifted towards more casual, individual bashing as opposed to organized events. For those of us who were involved in the racing scene in the 90s and early 2000s, I think it burned a lot of people out towards competitive RC stuff, and brands like Traxxas are pushing more for common consumers than they are hobbyists. It doesn't help that local hobby shops around here aren't really organizing anything or setting anything up outside of buggy and stadium truck racing, even that is a rarity.
It seems to be more of an issue in the southeast than out west, I see a lot of the more niche activities happening out in CA than I do here and the hobby seems generally more engaging out that direction. It just seems like the RC industry is largely funded and driven by people who are looking to buy a basher or two instead of hobbyists, so there isn't a lot of investment into making these things happen since it doesn't drive sales that much. The comp crawling scene seems to be growing, at least, but that seems to come and go. It's a shame to have so many different varieties and ways to participate or be competitive, but not have groups or places capable or willing to doing it.
It certainly feels like a lot of the niche racing categories have kinda died or been marginalized. I tried for a while to get a solid axle MT racing group going and there was 0 interest despite LMTs selling like crazy. It seems a lot of the hobby has drifted towards more casual, individual bashing as opposed to organized events. For those of us who were involved in the racing scene in the 90s and early 2000s, I think it burned a lot of people out towards competitive RC stuff, and brands like Traxxas are pushing more for common consumers than they are hobbyists. It doesn't help that local hobby shops around here aren't really organizing anything or setting anything up outside of buggy and stadium truck racing, even that is a rarity.
It seems to be more of an issue in the southeast than out west, I see a lot of the more niche activities happening out in CA than I do here and the hobby seems generally more engaging out that direction. It just seems like the RC industry is largely funded and driven by people who are looking to buy a basher or two instead of hobbyists, so there isn't a lot of investment into making these things happen since it doesn't drive sales that much. The comp crawling scene seems to be growing, at least, but that seems to come and go. It's a shame to have so many different varieties and ways to participate or be competitive, but not have groups or places capable or willing to doing it.
We build two tracks out in our area. Here is a link to the first: https://www.mojavevalleyrcadventures.com/dusty-corners-racetrack.html
And the second track is pretty much complete with just some remaining detail work on the rock garden. It's much larger than the first and more technical. We've been using it for our Hammer Rey review, and it's kicking the snot out of that machine. Here that link: https://www.mojavevalleyrcadventures.com/losi-hammer-rey.html
We are looking forward to some guys coming up from Cali to spend a weekend testing out the new U4 track and share some ideas for improvement with a goal to host races soon. I completely agree that the popularity has dropped off, but with U4 not really a functioning organization, there is nothing really supporting the sport. It's one of those catch-22 situations I guess.
Personally I love it, so I just decided to build the track myself. I'm fortunate enough to have the land resource and a strong back. Hopefully I will have a full track review on the website soon with videos and photos, so people can see what it's all about.
s
And the second track is pretty much complete with just some remaining detail work on the rock garden. It's much larger than the first and more technical. We've been using it for our Hammer Rey review, and it's kicking the snot out of that machine. Here that link: https://www.mojavevalleyrcadventures.com/losi-hammer-rey.html
We are looking forward to some guys coming up from Cali to spend a weekend testing out the new U4 track and share some ideas for improvement with a goal to host races soon. I completely agree that the popularity has dropped off, but with U4 not really a functioning organization, there is nothing really supporting the sport. It's one of those catch-22 situations I guess.
Personally I love it, so I just decided to build the track myself. I'm fortunate enough to have the land resource and a strong back. Hopefully I will have a full track review on the website soon with videos and photos, so people can see what it's all about.
s
I pretty much agree down the line on your entire post. I also think that U4 versus crawling is a much deeper investment, RC to RC. Per machine, my U4 rigs are more expensive and require much more maintenance, but I have many more crawlers than U4 rigs. Investment wise, I have the most money tied up in crawlers, lending to their casual use and not competition.
Our new track is very hard on RC's and throttle mashing is for sure going to quickly ruin any machine; the track is just too rough ( it's a real desert track, not just a bunch of dirt and rocks thrown in a pile ), and I'm not sure people want to keep replacing parts every week. Yet for some reason that seems popular with bashing, weirdly so.
I guess many of those niche categories are difficult to replicate in RC. I imagine long distance and variety in terrain is what makes full size U4 so exiting. With RC you would probably want to be close and personal in rock crawling sections, but also let it rip on fast track where the vehicle would cover a lot of distance. Ultra 5k type of running along with the vehicle on rugged terrain is risky, because one wrong step while focusing on the vehicle can cause a serious lower leg injury and create problems in everyday life.
Strong points with bashing is that it is easy to find different places to drive and it is fun and visually appealing at close range.
