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Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

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Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

Old 02-07-2006, 09:17 PM
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jakjr
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Default Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

Pretty simple question, are graphite/carbon parts really any lighter than stock plastic/composite parts?

Some people say there is no weight difference, some say there is a very minor difference, and some say there is a large difference (as I recall, in one of the articles on AE's website they claim going to a full graphite chassis will reduce your weight a couple of ounces).

Has anybody actually weighed the parts on a gram scale for comparison?
Old 02-07-2006, 09:38 PM
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capone12
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

Im not sure if they are lighter but I know they are stiffer which makes them better for racing. They dont flex as much as plastic.
Old 02-07-2006, 10:00 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

[link=http://www.ultimaterc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=23e5efc224f24d4a2a4b773c29e46d7b&t=28240]take a look here[/link]

apparently it does according to that guy's weight checking.
Old 02-07-2006, 10:27 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

Interesting, according to those weights there's an average 14-16% weight decrease between the carbon part and composite part.

Looks like this will be the next big upgrade I get for my B4 - http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXEAJ2&P=Z

Thanks for the link, deffinately helped!
Old 02-07-2006, 10:58 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

ORIGINAL: capone12

Im not sure if they are lighter but I know they are stiffer which makes them better for racing. They dont flex as much as plastic.

You got that right. I can really see a big difference between my pro evader and my basic model. The pro doesn't flex and doesn't have the slop either.
Old 02-07-2006, 11:18 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

yes there is a difference, i would post weights, but got back sooo late from a business trip that i was just surfing real quick while i unwind.
basically, you should look on ebay and you could get a much better price for that set. the tower price is way over priced.
Old 02-07-2006, 11:19 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

You got that right. I can really see a big difference between my pro evader and my basic model. The pro doesn't flex and doesn't have the slop either.
Yeah, the basic Evaders have some major flex, especially in the shock towers. When I had mine I never really noticed just how much flex it had untill I ran graphite for a while then put the plastic ones back on.

I have found, however, that their isn't really a whole lot of difference flexwise between the AE composite and carbon parts, their composite parts are pretty stout. At least I can't tell much of a difference anyways.


you should look on ebay and you could get a much better price for that set. the tower price is way over priced.
Thanks! I'll look around and see what I can find.
Old 02-08-2006, 10:25 AM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

They are for sure lighter for a TC4. I have a real good scale and it makes a pretty big difference.
Old 02-08-2006, 12:11 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

The main difference is not so much the weight, but the fact that graphite is stronger and more rigid per unit weight. So:
Similar weight graphite / composite parts: graphite is stronger, more rigid, more durable than composite.
Lighter weight graphite / heavier composite parts: equal strength, rigidity, durability.
Depends more on the specific part than anything else.
Old 02-08-2006, 08:57 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

there is not really a noticeable differance in weight...but with the associated graphite there is and the losi is about the same as plastic. the ass. graphite seems on the weak sid though. but that is just my humble opinion.
Old 02-08-2006, 10:33 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

all associated t4 weights in grams:

Chassis 151
Carbon Chassis 126
Composite Rear Tower 21
Stock Rear Tower 25
Composite Rear Arm 13
Stock Rear Arm 16
Old 02-27-2006, 08:07 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

im wondering to use a graphite shock tower in the back... how much stronger is it compaired to plastic on this aplication? i can give a sh** about weight.
Old 02-27-2006, 08:20 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

read this


inportant info
http://www.teamassociated.com/pdf/Graphite_Myths.pdf

graphite is stiffer not as much flex but is NOT stronger
Old 02-28-2006, 12:50 AM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

If you don't give a @#%$ about weight and want strongh parts that won' break, go with aluminum. Just remember, unless you go FULL aluminum the forces will find their way to a weak point. I leave one suspension piece that is cheap and easy to replace plastic and stock up on spares.
Old 02-28-2006, 08:21 AM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

im going to ghettoize the stock piece by using metal tie rods to the shock pivot points and link it up to the bottom to distribute forces to the strong area. im going to fix it today (mabe).
Old 02-28-2006, 10:30 AM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

ORIGINAL: saco1973

If you don't give a @#%$ about weight and want strongh parts that won' break, go with aluminum. Just remember, unless you go FULL aluminum the forces will find their way to a weak point. I leave one suspension piece that is cheap and easy to replace plastic and stock up on spares.
Notice if you go all aluminum or even some aluminum it WILL bend... DO NOT get too much aluminum it will weigh a lot and will bend... plastic is better
Old 02-28-2006, 08:52 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

here we are.
i present to you the X brace 1 it is super ridged now and it doesn't sacrifice flexiblity... the ultimate combo, i will keep you guys updated!
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Old 03-02-2006, 07:26 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

This may be a stupid question, is graphite and carbon the exact same thing? I thought there was a difference.
Old 03-02-2006, 07:45 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

carbon is 100% well carbon, graphite is 100% carbon
but the carbon-carbon bonds are different, graphite is made in "layers" and carbon is a long string of carbon atoms. graphite with its layer like makeup allows the molecules to slip past eachother making it bend without breaking, carbon on the other hand makes ultra strong, yet brittle bonds.

but to make the graphite ridged, they put it in a resin and make it brittle[&o]
carbon is super strong (stronger than aluminum) but it is even more brittle than graphite.

so there is a huge differece.
Old 03-02-2006, 07:58 PM
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Default RE: Graphite vs. composite parts, is there really a weight difference?

ok wait you missed one! woven graphite looks so much cooler than carbon. lol

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