AB Designs

So, I’ll start this off saying, I was never really a fan of the rover
tires. Yes, they work really well but I just wasn’t happy with them.
Panther’s were awesome but I always felt like they were missing
something. It takes a lot of foam tuning to the weight of your rig
to make them sing which is frankly a little annoying. Then I
stumbled across the OTTSIX new tire and decided I would buy a set to
test out. I love trying new stuff and putting them though their
paces. So here’s the start….

The OTTSIX – SCHISM

This first thing I noticed about these tires as I pulled them out of the package was sturdy they felt. When I held them in my hand’s they didn’t want to fold up and wobble around like the Panthers do. They hold their standing form much better then the rovers do also without foam. Is this a good thing, we shall see.

When it comes the the thickness of the base rubber, they feel just a touch thicker than the rovers and possible the same or a touch thiner than the Panthers.

The “medium” rubber composition feels very comparable to the Rover Whites and the Panther leopards. I’m sure they will soften up even more as I work them though the break in process.

Lets check out the inside of the tires. Top – OTTSIX – LEFT – Panther – Right – Rover…

Off the bat you notice that the Rover and the OTTSIX are the only two that have sidewall reinforcement and the Panthers don’t. I suspect the long side wall lines along with the thicker base rubber is what’s making these tires feel stiffer then the Rovers do. On the Panthers, the lack of reinforcement is what makes them a bugger to tune.

Size…

When you stand the three together, you will notice that the OTTSIX is the tallest of the three but only by a hair. The OTTSIX measure at just over 5.6in when stuffed and mounted on 1in wheels where as the rovers sit right at 5.5in and the Panthers at 5.25in. You’ll also notice how the tire balloons out much more then the Rover and the Panther does making it for a wider tyre with lots of surface contact area. I did set my rig on a few rocks to see how the tire forms to it and it does a decent job. So far from my observations, this tyre has the least amount of fold over when side hilling than any of the tires I’ve previously used.

It’s only about .25in wider but they look massive when compared to the Panthers. The almost seam like they would be comparable in size to the Sedona.

For the first test run, I’ve got them stuffed with a set of Sedona Foams with a .5in thick super soft outer foam to give me a little more grip in the front. The rear is stuffed in the same manor with a medium outer foam. I’ll be taking it out for my first test run tomorrow. Stay tuned for the results.

Read the complete review and comments on RCC at – OTTSIX Schism Review

Well, it seams like I just can’t get ahead!!! My computer recently needed replaced with something faster and better so it looks like I have to divert more funds from restocking to getting a new computer. Once I am able, you can look forward to a few all new products along with the latest and created version of the Rock Hawk and the 4VP chassis. Until then…

So what have we been up to?

For one I’m rebuilding funds to start producing chassis again now that my budged is finally in the black! So, at this time all items will be out of stock for a little while longer but this is only to aid in a new effort!!!

EKD and I have been working on beefing up the EXTM Axles to make them bulled proof and a solid option for the SUPER Class Crawlers! My vision is to offer a complete set of quality home brew SUPER Axles attached to a custom roller ready for the electronics of your choosing. This may take some time but I’m sure you will be pleased with the end result.

Phase 1 – Axle shafts – with CVD/Universal Joint’s – TESTING UNDER WAY
Phase 2 – Knuckles – UNDER WAY
Phase 3 – Bomb Proof Gear Box – BEING DESIGNED
Phase 4 – Improved tubes – TBD
Phase 5 – The ultimate Super Chassis – TBD
Phase 6 – Rolling Chassis – TBD
Phase 7 – Testing, Pricing, Complete!!!

I might be dreaming big, but that’s how all great ideas move past a base consept. Needless to say, this is turning into a bit more than just an experiment.
http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/superclass-crawlers/306401-super-experiment.html

Build Thread – http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/superclass-crawlers/306401-super-experiment.html#post2994057

I can only take partial credit for the finished product. CrawlerPro is the concept designer. Initially in post 3 you can see a slightly modified version of his design. At that point I only stretched the topper and slightly modified the shape. Then further on down in post 123 you can see the redesign of the chassis and a few small tweaks to the topper. Any how, I don’t want to take full credit for the work since it was derived from CrawlerPro. Click on his tag to check out his build thread.

Any how, I took the EXTM to Colorado’s first Comp of the winter series which is also my real first experience comping with a super that’s all tricked out. There were only 5 people in the class but I did manage to tie points for 4th place of 5 but the times fell to my worthy opponent. POINTS STANDINGS. I did manage to crank out a 3rd place for 1.9(with my MVP Pro chassis) and 16th for 2.2Pro(never has been my strong point).

I did however determine that if you pop a 4S Lipo in her with the setup just the way it is… plenty of juice and power!!! So I’m hoping with the 10T pinion and the 4S will be the correct combination.

Current Specifications:
———————————
2 x Venom Fireball Mod 55t
4 x Hobby king 200oz servos
1 x Holms Hobbies BRXL
1 x dig a magig
2 x CC BEC

DX6i 6CH for dig/4WS
10T 48P RC4WD Pinion
Axial 40 Series bead locks Narrowed to 1 3/4 inches
Panther Leopards Enlarged Cut-N-Shut
Custom Chassis
Vanquish Blue Gear Lube

WB – 18in
TW – 13 1/2in
Clearance at front of chassis 4 3/4in

Weight 7lbs 6oz

Many of you may not know that I’m a soldier who’s been serving in the Army for 8 years now. I started ABdesigns to help with the after market support for the Venom Creeper and provide more than one choice for chassis. I plan to continue, I just have to take a step back for a few months.

Since my recent relocation my Army Training has greatly intensified reducing the amount of time I have available to make products and provide fast customer suport. So for now till things slow down a little my stock will take a little longer to rebuild than normal.

Thank you all for your support and please bare with me through this period.

As always, if you have a special request or simple want something that is out of stock, please contact me and I’ll take your orders as time permits.

All products will be temporarily unavailable for about 3 weeks. For those of you how don’t know, I’m a Soldier in the Army for my day job. I will be unavailable to ship products for the next few weeks dues to a heavy training load. Please be patient and drop me and e-mail if you have any questions. I will be back up and running soon.

Thank you for your patients,

Adam

I’m going to be looking for team drivers in the near future. As for the criteria for team driver application, I will post that soon.

Perks: 20% off products purchased, selection for prototype testing, exclusive customized products for team drivers.

Please be patient as I revise my products and add new items. I will have new items in stock and ready purchase and all items restocked in about 2 weeks. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.

Now that I’m settled here in beautiful Colorado, the first order of business will be restocking my inventory. Please be patient as I get everything back in stock and ready to ship. Look for items to be back in stock in about 3 weeks. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me in the mean time.

Thank you for your patients.