MST's Latest Offering - RMX 2.0S
MST (Max Speed Technology) has just released it's latest RC Drift Chassis, The RMX 2.0S!
Here at Super-G, we happened to get the first shipment to the U.S., so of course we got right down to business.
Initially I had considered doing a Yokomo YD2 / MST RMX 2.0 comparison since that seems to be the talk on the streets, but I feel to be completely fair to both sides, I need to spend time with them and get them to the point I feel I their strong and weak points have revealed themselves. This can't happen in less than 24 hours.
I would like to start off by stating I do not feel the RMX 2.0 has "copied" the YD2 as so many are claiming. If I had to really break it down, it seems both chassis have borrowed technology which has been present in the 2WD Off-Road Buggy scene for some time. Both are offering this style layout, both with different approaches. So the statement of so and so copied seems to be a bit of a stretch in my opinion.
If you are familiar with MST's kits, you will find yourself right at home with the RMX 2.0. Everything is packaged as you would expect and the bags of parts follow right along with their instructions. I feel their plastic has been improved from the previous models. I have always felt their plastic was a little too soft, but I did not get that impression from this kit.
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The front end has their new style steering which works very well right out of the box. If you use their specs, you will have a really good starting point. So far everyone who has tried it box stock really likes it. MST has chosen to mount their steering wipers to the bulkhead instead of directly to the chassis. Not my preference, but it works.
MST has chosen to use inserts to set the UCA mounting points. Each one has 3 positions, but by rotating them, you can open up an additional 3 more, effectively giving you 6 mounting options with the stock inserts. Definitely a welcome addition to anyone who loves tuning.
The steering gives plenty of angle and the front knuckles have built-in steering stops to prevent the wheel from "Flopping" over. I believe they come stock with 6 deg KPI. The UCAs use the standard spacers to give caster adjustment. I was happy to see MST provided full turnbuckles instead of the solid links provided in the FXX-D kits. Yes, more room for error, but with the option to really dial in your tune. For those who don't care to tune much, just follow the lengths they specify in the instructions and you'll be good to go.
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The RMX 2.0S comes with a sealed gearbox. Rather than to go with the standard "Stealth Transmission" inline style, they have chosen to use bevel gears to transfer the power to the wheels. This allowed MST to use their standard rear diff unit. I was pleased to see they provided a ball diff standard.
When building the gearbox, you are given to the option to flip the motor plate around and mount the motor up high in the weight-shift position. A very cool option In addition, you are also given the option to mount the servo perpendicular or parallel to the center-line of the chassis. So depending on your preference, MST has you covered.
The shocks that come with this kit are amazingly nice for a kit in this price range. I believe they are an extra for the first run of the RMX 2.0 Kits. Whatever it is, they are definitely the nicest shocks I have ever received in a kit in the $200 range. They come with 15 weight Mineral Oil which seems to work well on this chassis.
Overall, this is definitely a solid chassis in the entry-level price range. I wouldn't hesitate for a second to recommend this for a beginner to expert. We all know MST will come out with their full line of hop-ups for this model, fully tested and working well as always. Many chassis require some setup to start getting around the track, and even more before you start having fun. Not the case with the RMX 2.0S. This is seriously some good fun right out of the box.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.