Not sure what I’m doing with this one yet, really. I just know it feels good being back in an electric, 1/10-scale buggy again. The Kyosho Sandmaster 2.0 is a modern revision of its vintage forebear, tailored to entry level fun. It’s usually around $100, batteries not included, but I think I got into mine for well under $140 shipped, all-in.
I can’t stop looking at it. (You know that means you bought the right car.)
Why All About That Base?
I dunno. I might change it at some point, but I’ve always been one to end up in the base model. Granted, I had an RC-10 Team Car with a pretty hot setup there for a bit, but thinking about it now, I’ve always lacked either the means–or the patience–to hold out for the top-of-the-line.
What makes this “base model”?
You might have noticed it’s all plastic, but it’s also designed to be relatively forgiving to those new to driving RC buggies. Those body panels snap into place at the gray dots. The roll cage seems almost entirely cosmetic. It’s got the same lower control arms front and rear. (The rears have 1/8" of side play.) All of the suspension and steering linkages are single-piece plastic and non-adjustable.
Compared to more performance-oriented models like the Ultima pictured below, it feels almost twisty, fragile; and yet it also feels like the quintessential basher, ready for big air at the local BMX track. The reed that bends, after all. That curiously flexible roll cage? $17 on Ebay. Kyosho used to sell them direct–for $4.99. I mean, you can replace the entire thing for $100.
Initial Driving Impressions
First of all, this thing absolutely scratches the itch. I’ve only put two packs through it, but it’s been airborne a couple times with each. Top speed is reported to, and seems to be, just under 20mph. Faster than you can run, PAL. KYOSHO. The plastic spur and pinon gears in the transmission are ridiculously loud. Fortunately, I found a handful of other owners comparing notes over at RDTalk.com–another forum!
What next? v2.1 is already in the works.
The RCTalk guys tipped me off to an adapter that will let me use a wider variety of aftermarket spur gears. This, combined with a new metal pinion, should quiet the car while simultaneously making a noticeable difference in acceleration and top speed.
I’ve also got a set of billet wheels inbound from China. They’re not slot mags, but they’re kinda close, and I’m feeling a bit of restomod, lightly influenced by ye olde RC-10.
Oh yeah, and I picked up one of those discontinued–black–roll cages for it. I find myself thinking about trying out new Fezzik livery idea on my RC stable…
