Avant Slot - how do they compare?

To start let me just say that I regularly run two Avant cars: a Peugeot 908 and a Porsche Spyder.

As for how they compare: like always it all depends I suppose. For out and out performance (technical wood track, 10V), they are not quite up to (say) NSR levels, but not that far behind either. And they definitely have some positives:

• Very good looking Peugeot 908 and for the track I run on definitely the fastest of the selection of 908's out there (compared to Scaley and SCX).
• Generally good components
• Adjustable/tunable
• Porsche Spyder is very quick: just a hair behind my NSR's and ahead of most of my Slot.its

Then there are the little quirks. For instance: plastic wheels on an expensive, race-focussed car. That has never made any sense to me. I put some aftermarket aluminium wheels on my Peugeot and it made a huge difference. Also put on some Avant Al wheels on the Porsche for a local competition but the alloy they use is way, way too soft: this is pretty much the only wheels I have ever stripped the setscrew hole thread. Replaced them with aftermarket Al wheels and now all is good.

Also interestingly: the Peugeot is the only car I have ever broken a guide holder on. And I am talking about running a lot of cars over quite a period. Could be coincidence of course, but still.

Note that on both these cars the tyre space is rather limited: if you want to put 12mm wide tyres on either you are out of luck.

So if your objective is to have the fastest car out there: you are better off passing on the Avants. If you want some very quick, good looking cars that are not made by any other (or any of the fastest) manufacturers, Avant is a very good option.

QUOTE (Flange @ 27 Dec 2011, 11:34) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>WOW you run on wood at 10v ... isnt that a little erm slow?
Ouch, I am so deeply, deeply hurt! As Donkey said to Shrek: "You cut me deep Shrek, you cut me real deep just now!"

Actually, my approach to slot car racing is similar to my approach to motorcycling: anybody can go fast in a straight line. The real trick is going fast around the twisties.

And to get a sense of HOW technical (and how fast) the track is: you can take a quick look at the qualifying for the P class 2011 CANAM proxy race here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV-uqaMKl_0...player_embedded

or here

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9ORcVZbe2k...mp;feature=plcp

PS: in spite of my comments about motorcycles and my grey beard: I still ride a 2006 Suzuki GSX-R750...

QUOTE (mINdAt3z @ 27 Dec 2011, 13:33) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>@Flange: Maybe they have some weird speed limits in Richmond. *grin*
If you lived around the Vancouver area and knew the reputation that Richmond drivers have aound these parts you would appreciate how funny this statement of yours really is! Let's just say Richmond is not the favourite motorcylce riding area if a long, healthy future is an objective...