01-16-2005, 05:27 PM
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Micrologist/Moderator
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bristol, England
Posts: 2,813
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Question: TLT Rockbuster or Max Climber??
I am seriously considering getty my paws on a TKT-1. My mind was set on the RockBuster then I came across the Max Climber.
The impression I get is that the TLT-1 Max Climber is an improved version of the RockBuster.
I go by this from an e-tailer who sells both types:
Quote:
"Loads Of Improvements
Now compatible with a standard lay down battery pack, the Max Climber does not require a special battery like its predecessor the Rock Buster. Other improvements on the Rock Buster include a 2mm thick black anodized aluminum frame and metal plated wheels featuring a shiny red finish"Unquote..
The metal plated wheels mean diddly squat to me, it's cosmetic, but I am curious as to whether the Max Climber has an improved frame or if the "improvement" is based around the fact that the frame/chassis is black anodized.
The lay-down battery has its obvious advantages.
My sources come from here
There's a $35 difference in price
The RockBuster sells at $125 and the Max Climber sells at $160
So, can the TLT-1 owners please inform me if the improved chassis is cosmetic or is it actually a thicker, more rigid design?
Thanks...
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01-16-2005, 05:47 PM
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Micro Novice
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Join Date: Feb 2004
Posts: 13
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The center diff comes locked, thats the only thing i saw that actually mattered.
A tube of JB costs 5 bucks :P
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01-16-2005, 08:36 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Toronto
Posts: 529
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nope actually it doesnt... they were SUPPOSED to make a center spool but didnt, so you still have to lock it
only difference besides cosmetics is that the max climber comes with a stick pack holder.... not really worth the extra money if you ask me
most people run stick packs in their rock buster using some zip ties anyways
so basically get the rockbuster
mondo, you wont be dissapointed
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01-17-2005, 02:51 AM
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Micrologist/Moderator
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bristol, England
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Choices
Pomme,
Thanks for the reply. I guess the Max Climber will be my choice.
Now I've started looking deeper into the TLT-1 I'm contemplating a full Penguin chassis for it. Not cheap but a huge improvement over the standard chassis geometry.
I see Tamiya also make CF chassis sides for the TLT-1s
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01-17-2005, 11:26 AM
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Micro Novice
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Imperial, MO (St. Louis area)
Posts: 20
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I've said it before, and I'll say it over and over again; get the Rock Buster. You'll save some mondy up front, and you'll get the same benefits if not more down the road.
Here's my take on it:
1. The Max Climber costs more.
2. You can use a standard stick pack in the Rock Buster with just a little modification. If I can do it ANYONE can do it.
3. The center of gravity is higher on the Max Climber so it's more prone to tip over.
4. You'll be stuck using SUV bodies on the Max Climber.
Now, this is not exactly from first hand experience, but it's what I read and researched extensively before I purchased. I too leaned towards the Max Climber. I'm not saying the Max Climber is a bad truck; I'm sure it's just as good as the Rock Buster, but I think that they fail to mention a few things on the Tamiya site.
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01-17-2005, 01:32 PM
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Micrologist/Moderator
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Join Date: Jun 2002
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Choices..
Right,
It's my understanding that these two TLT-1 based models have the same suspension geometry. I don''t quite understand how the Max Climber will be more prone to rolling than the RockBuster.
The max Climber is marginally (not overly) more costly than the RockBuster, so price is not an issue on this.
Why would one be "stuck" with using SUV bodies?
I'm curious to know
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01-17-2005, 02:47 PM
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Micro Novice
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Imperial, MO (St. Louis area)
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From what I know both trucks use the same suspension setup, but the Max Climber has a part that holds the stick pack on the top center & rear of the chassis. That makes it slightly more top heavy. Being more top heavy, it's going to roll more.
Since the battery pack is on the center & rear of the chassis on the Max Climber, and you can't easily move it, you have to use an SUV body on it.
When I get home this evening, I'll try to get a snapshot taken of my truck so you can see how easy it is to mount a stick pack in, and how mine looks.
Again, I have NOTHING against the Max Climber, I'm just a tightwad. If I can find something that is cheaper, I'm all over it. If price is not an issue, go for the Max Climber.
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90% of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at.
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01-17-2005, 03:04 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Toronto
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many have still mounted normal bodies on the max climber... but with the max climber, COG is going to be higher since the stick pack is about an inch higher than saddle packs (dont buy that triangular pack tamiya recommends)
but since you say you may be getting a penguin chassis, then go with a rockbuster
i do not believe you can use stick packs after upgrading to the penguin chassis since it uses new battery plates (which also mount batteries lower)
the penguin chassis requires saddle packs
so you might as well save some money and get the rockbuster since you wont be running stick packs with the new chassis anyways
saddle packs are better to use in the TLT anyways and keeps the car more balanced
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01-17-2005, 04:07 PM
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Micrologist/Moderator
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bristol, England
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Choices.........
pomme de terre & kirnkorner2001
Thanks for the replies and patience with my mundane questioning. I want to use this for crawling, not anything too adventurous as I have enough Micros to do the speed thing with.
The Penguin chassis looks great, but to be honest, I prefer the look of metal on an MT opposed to CF which looks great on race cars/trucks.
One last question, both types of TLT-1s have a centre diff, or does the Max Climber have a locked centre diff?
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01-17-2005, 04:18 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Jan 2004
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both come with a center ball diff.... and front and rear gear diffs
locking them isnt that hard, traxxas slipper pegs for the center diff is the easiest, removeable way
have fun with your TLT... im sure youll turn it into something awesome like all your other cars
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01-17-2005, 09:45 PM
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Micro Novice
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Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Imperial, MO (St. Louis area)
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Pics of the chassis with the stick pack mounted (as promised).
Sorry some of them are a little blurry, it's late, and it's been a long day.
There are other ways to do it, but I didn't have to drill or modify the stock chassis at all to get them in. Ripper shows a great way to mount them in the micro mag, but he did drill new holes in the side plates for the zip ties.
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We have enough youth, how about a fountain of SMART?
90% of being smart is knowing what you're dumb at.
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01-18-2005, 08:11 AM
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Micrologist/Moderator
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Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Bristol, England
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Choices......
Guys,
Thanks a million for the input. I appreciate the time and effort taken to answer the questions I've asked
Thanks for the great photos too
Time to go to an e-tailer and get one. For the time being I'll leave it standard but I am tempted to install a wild motor.
My choice will be the Max Climber solely on the fact it's a little different from the RockBuster.
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08-31-2006, 01:54 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 15
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what are ur takes on thee battery tamiiya suggested fro the stock rockbuster...i havent yet got the battery and was wondering what substitutions are available for direct fit and not costing me a bundle....Thx..
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08-31-2006, 11:01 PM
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Registered User
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: California
Posts: 5
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Well it appears that others got the standard batterry to fit with little modification... You will most likely get more run time with the regular battery.
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