B5 and B5m discussion.....

[DennisM]

Note to all -
Due to the new differential, the assembly and use of B5M will require a rifle permit.

[Phin]

My bad....enlarged the pic to get a better count and the gears look like the same tooth counts.

[CAT3K]

Is it just me that thinks this looks cheap? Comparing it to the Centros and Vegas anyway.. I know the cars will be fast, AE's always are, but it just doesn't look quality. Plus AE are late to the mid party, so this needs to be really good.

[janaya]

You have to remember that these are Team kits not Factory Team. These are like upgraded RTR rolling chassis, the Factory kit is what I'm going to wait for. On a side note I like it.

[janaya]

As much as I like associated I don't know if I like the new car. Too me it looks a little bit like a sheep following the pack. I don't particularly like the specific molded ball cups. I'm sure the cars will be faster than the 4.2's but I'd like to see one in person first.

I hope it accepts normal, saddle or shorty packs as that reedy battery looks odd.

The battery they are using here is there new square pack it fits in the same location as a standard saddle pack. Also if I'm not mistaken there are new ROAR rules the state the chassis has to acomodate the fit of saddle and stick/shorty packs. I'm not 100% upto date on the ROAR rules but I do recall reading this. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone.

[askbob]

Looks interesting! First time I've seen the one piece square battery like that.

[Charlie don't surf]

Those packs are the same as a saddle pack in side by side, but across the chassis.

Cars look better than I hoped!

[GreenHell]

Looks like a winner, they definitely took some DNA from the B4 (suspension geometry looks very similar) and took it to the next level. With the new battery arrangement the placement of electronics it looks better than the competition and should be very well balanced. Nice job AE!

But I am holding on to my B4.2 and C4.2 until the Factory Team versions are available.

[janaya]

The top plate of the front bulkhead reminds me a little of the B2/B3 top plate.

[fredswain]

I like both of them. I won't but either of them until there is a good looking body available though. It's my own little form of protest against modern cab forward ugliness.

[justinspeed79]

Looks cheap, but I guess that's the new normal.

Where's the aluminum chassis everyone is talking about?

That body.... WTF? WTF IS GOING ON WITH BODIES THESE DAYS??? This is is driving me crazy! Hard to not feel some disdain for Associated after looking at that atrocity.

[terry.sc]

Also if I'm not mistaken there are new ROAR rules the state the chassis has to acomodate the fit of saddle and stick/shorty packs. I'm not 100% upto date on the ROAR rules but I do recall reading this. Correct me if I'm wrong anyone.

The ROAR only rule states that it must fit a full size pack, which can be either stick or saddle pack. The B5 is perfectly legal.

[fredswain]

The aluminum chassis comes with the mid motor version. It has bolt on composite sides. The rear motor is a full composite chassis,.

[terry.sc]

Where's the aluminum chassis everyone is talking about?

On the B5M. If an alloy chassis was the best option for the rear motor version, Associated would have gone with it. Their testing must have shown the moulded chassis was the best option and went with it.

That body.... WTF? WTF IS GOING ON WITH BODIES THESE DAYS??? This is is driving me crazy! Hard to not feel some disdain for Associated after looking at that atrocity.

They all look like that because they work the best on the track, unfortunately. We are going to be stuck with them until someone comes up with a nice looking shell that works better on track.

[Seabass]

Body off pics are much better than I expected as well. I may decide to go ahead with the purchase of one, now when does this thing hit the stores?

Edit - $239.00 late Feb http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEBSC&P=7