cen matrix tr arena suggestions: a lightweight [longer if possible] chassis b/c the matrix is about a lb heavier than the competition, stiffer springs and bigger shocks, 17 MM hubs instead of uncommon 23 MM; the wing mount breaks all too frequently [beef up the wing mounts and braces], the ready to run engines are too much of an issue [perhaps discontinue the rtr and focus on the FRE, if the rtr is unrealistic], discontinue the skyion electronics on the rtr [the electronics proved to be a very poor offering], the diameter of the center gear is too big [it chews up servo wire and fuel line], re-engineer the fuel tank and the fuel tank lid to hold pressure and to stay closed during roll-overs, re-engineer and re-route the air filter and the filter neck [the draw-bridge-like chassis braces probably would have to be removed to accomplish that], re-engineer the access of the center diff, cos' it's way too difficult to access and reassemble, lower the body and-or body mounts of the truggy [ the body profile is a tad bit high], engineer some side chassis guards [dirt is everywhere and expensive aftermarket pipes take a beating w/o side guards], cvd or captured drive train front and rear, replace all e-clips with threaded rods and nuts, all hinge pins should be threaded and bolted up, the steering throw is too wide [this truggy turns wide], smoother diff gears and drive train [truggy pushes way wide in turns and accelerates wildly down the straights ], tweak the balance of the truck a bit more [ jumps are decent, however, the truggy could be a bit more balanced and consistent... you really have to work to go fast on a track], fit and finish could be improved [ ex: the body and body mounting posts sit at an awkward angle. the lower shock ends are a struggle to fit into the lower arms. the chassis braces are simply in the way. the suspension is incompatible with most regular sized zero offset wheels. zero offset's rub. ], the servo saver [offer the upper aluminum saver stock and invert it to make it friendlier], the owners manual and all of the reference materials could be more detailed [ex: the engine mounting screws are specified incorrectly], the reference materials have typo's and misspellings [ ex: the box and manuals have typo's ]. the red hop ups are a tad bit expensive. i could only stomach the cnc servo saver and the cnc turnbuckles. the turnbuckles and upper saver are essentials, so owners might as well just add approx. $100.00 to the initial cost of this truggy. nonetheless, if cen continues to invest and refine, the matrix TR arena will remain confidently among the competition. until then, there are other offerings that appear to be a bit superior in fit, finish and value.

please note: despite the challenges, i still love my cen matrix truggy b/c it's rugged and fun to drive. also, it's my first nitro RC, so that alone, i don't ever plan to part with it. however, i want to do a little comparison, so i might purchase the mugen mbx5t standard truggy come spring 2008 [sm=49_49.gif] the only [visible] shortcoming i see with the standard mugen truggy kit are the e-clips. nonetheless, i'll replace em' with the threaded rods and nylon nuts that are reserved for the prospect kit. i mean, the prospect kit is cool, but i think an e-clipless mugen standard truggy would be the more responsible choice, if you know what i mean my friend [sm=49_49.gif]

12/27/07 edit: recently changed the diffs [thicker oil]. so, the jury is still out on turning and acceleration. a brief test run and the truck is turning better and not pushing as much. i hate to admit it, but the steering/acceleration issues i posted here, may have been a direct result of incorrect setup aka " user error ". true, i don't know how sharp other truggy's turn, so i can't totally bring that issue to a close. however, i can say that the truggy is noticeably better with thicker oil in the diffs, so i decided to edit this post to be fair about that aspect [:-]

maybe cen and all manufacturers should include an in depth " user dvd " with each kit sold. something that outlines each and every aspect of owning, maintaining, tuning and racing the product. something to assist beginners through experts. once you get into it, the parts are pretty simple to work with and replace or upgrade, however, this hobby is very challenging to run, tune and race. so a " RC for Dummies " DVD, just might work