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Hyper8 or Matrix?

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Old 07-06-2006 | 11:38 AM
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Default Hyper8 or Matrix?

I'm trying to narrow down my choices for my first Nitro buggy that I want to race. I want to be competitive on the track but also be able to bash some. What do you guys think of those two choices and why?

Thanks.
Old 07-06-2006 | 12:26 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Both are both good buggies but I would go for the hyper 8 as you choose your own engine and radio. If you want to race the matrix engine is not so competative. I have heard of drive train issues on the matrix though i haven't seen this myself. The hyper 8 is superb value for money and paired with a well chosen engine is competative at any level.
Old 07-06-2006 | 07:00 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

well i had a matrix pro kit that i put together and ran 1 qualifier and then sold it at the end of the day not because it was a bad ride but the dumb ars that bought it gave over 500.00 for it when i only paid 459.00 for it. but it did drive well for the set up i had that day. i do own a hyper 8 and so far i really like that thing for a 400.00 bug its pretty darn competitive. both are good bugs but if this is youre first the hyper may suit you better as for its 80% assembeld wich will make it easier for you to get going and the assembley that is left on it is a good starting point for a beginer to handle. its also a very easy buggy to work on and drive and has proven to be very durable and parts are easy to get and are pretty cheap. the cen parts can be kinda hard and pricey to get but that cost thing is up to you. if it was my 1st bug i would do the hyper8 ive been racing and building buggies for 3yrs now and i must say when i bought my hyper8 i was kinda glad i wasnt going to spend the next 7-8 hours building a kit it was a nice change.
Old 07-06-2006 | 07:24 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

That`s easy , Hyper 8 . I had one CEN pos and will never buy any product from them . Well , in my case it was poor quality and poor product support .
Old 07-06-2006 | 07:47 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

I was actually planning on buying the RTR Matrix if I did go that route.
Old 07-06-2006 | 08:11 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Hey Jason.I'm a rep for CEN Racing.I have been racing my CEN buggy for 4 months.I love there product.There customer service has been real helpfull when i needed help.Dont let anyone tell you what you should buy,make you on mind up and stick with it.If you are looking to buy a great race buggy look at the pro kit.It is very nice.The hyper 8 buggy is also nice,drive each one and decide for yourself which one is best for you. Good luck with what ever you decide.
Old 07-06-2006 | 08:25 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Here is some pics of my buggy.
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Old 07-06-2006 | 08:39 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

hyper8 hands down.
Old 07-06-2006 | 08:58 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Hyper 8!
Old 07-06-2006 | 09:16 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Jason I have wrenched and driven Both I added the sportwerks because it falls in this pricrange and is another great starter buggy, for all out competition the hyper 8 is a great buggy
pricey once you put a mill radio and all your support gear into it. The mayhem/turmoil is a reliable buggy with the potential to do great, nice rtr package and well designed. The matrix is a great all around vehicle also. good starter package with FM radio a little setup work makes it a great competitor, I have heard alot about diffcups and problems with the drivetrain but I haven't seen any probs
but I know Cen is supporting this product and will do all that is possible if you need help

downfalls

hyper: needs all support equipment Radio, engine, starting equipment ect. not really a
downfall unless you are on a budget, tires need to be replaced immediately,
some guys like threaded shocks, I personally could care less. other than that it is
a beast on the track
Matrix: Throttle/brake linkage sticks out of body, .26 engine bites, tires need to be replaced
Parts aren't cheap and can't be found at most LHS but they are available.
Mayhem/turmoil: cars are vey similar, I can't say much bad if it comes with dsm that's a huge
plus, swk .26 is a good powerplant but check if your local track allows
it. also Parts support is not as good at the LHS

all three buggys are excellent they all need some tweaking for competition but that is the fun
I think they are all just as competitive as each other. the cen loses respect because most people don't realize that the company has a championship winning raceteam helping with R&D
the sportwerks has no factory drivers but also people don't realize that they are owned by the same company that owns Team losi. and the hyper is lost in the world of the Mugens and kyoshos but is quickly making a wicked reputation for itself.

Do some research and don't listen to the "if you want to win you have to have this" speech
find a car you are comfortable with and that fits YOUR budget, upgrades are available for all 3
Most of all whatever you decide don't second guess yourself. if you want it to be competitive and the best car at your track you have to make it happen.
Old 07-06-2006 | 09:34 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

I have a matrix pro i will sell you for 275 plus shipping i have only used it twice and both times were on a track and not bashed
Old 07-06-2006 | 09:39 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

ORIGINAL: overbored77

Jason I have wrenched and driven Both I added the sportwerks because it falls in this pricrange and is another great starter buggy, for all out competition the hyper 8 is a great buggy
pricey once you put a mill radio and all your support gear into it. The mayhem/turmoil is a reliable buggy with the potential to do great, nice rtr package and well designed. The matrix is a great all around vehicle also. good starter package with FM radio a little setup work makes it a great competitor, I have heard alot about diffcups and problems with the drivetrain but I haven't seen any probs
but I know Cen is supporting this product and will do all that is possible if you need help

downfalls

hyper: needs all support equipment Radio, engine, starting equipment ect. not really a
downfall unless you are on a budget, tires need to be replaced immediately,
some guys like threaded shocks, I personally could care less. other than that it is
a beast on the track
Matrix: Throttle/brake linkage sticks out of body, .26 engine bites, tires need to be replaced
Parts aren't cheap and can't be found at most LHS but they are available.
Mayhem/turmoil: cars are vey similar, I can't say much bad if it comes with dsm that's a huge
plus, swk .26 is a good powerplant but check if your local track allows
it. also Parts support is not as good at the LHS

all three buggys are excellent they all need some tweaking for competition but that is the fun
I think they are all just as competitive as each other. the cen loses respect because most people don't realize that the company has a championship winning raceteam helping with R&D
the sportwerks has no factory drivers but also people don't realize that they are owned by the same company that owns Team losi. and the hyper is lost in the world of the Mugens and kyoshos but is quickly making a wicked reputation for itself.

Do some research and don't listen to the "if you want to win you have to have this" speech
find a car you are comfortable with and that fits YOUR budget, upgrades are available for all 3
Most of all whatever you decide don't second guess yourself. if you want it to be competitive and the best car at your track you have to make it happen.
Not sure what kind of LHS you have but in IL almost every shop has Sportwerks parts . I race a Mayhem pro and race against Hypers , Mugens , Xrays , and Kyosho bugs .My Mayhem runs right with them and even beat some . The Mayhem has gotton a crappy race rep because it doesn`t cost a fortune . Jason , test out some bugs at your track , I`m sure your fellow racers will let you try them for a few laps . Go with what feels good to you . Also go with what YOUR LHS carries as you will need parts .
Old 07-06-2006 | 09:55 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

dawman would you believe that the only distibutor of sportwerks vehicles in the US is in Champlain, IL. betcha shipping to you LHS is cheap. LOL I just bought the turmoil pro and so far cannot find one flaw with it. but I have raced in states adjacent to NJ and in NJ and not many sportwerk parts or cen parts on the wall.
Old 07-06-2006 | 10:26 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?


ORIGINAL: overbored77

dawman would you believe that the only distibutor of sportwerks vehicles in the US is in Champlain, IL. betcha shipping to you LHS is cheap. LOL I just bought the turmoil pro and so far cannot find one flaw with it. but I have raced in states adjacent to NJ and in NJ and not many sportwerk parts or cen parts on the wall.
They get shipped out of the other Horizon Hobby in californa also .
Old 07-06-2006 | 10:37 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Main distibution center is Champlain, IL. I open 3 boxes a week from them. kind of funny though how the lst diffs are the same as my turmoil and the cvd's are the same on the lst and mayhem st. also the diff cases on the mayhems lst turmoil all fit each other. hey daw can you explain why some of the losi 8ight fanclub flames the sportwerks cars if I didn't know any better i'd think they were in the same family oh wait maybe they were born in different states.
Old 07-07-2006 | 03:30 AM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Matrix defintley wins hands down performanc wise. Not to mention spend $1000 to complete the hyper 8 or spend $450 for a brand new Matrix w/ FM radio. hm.... choice is very clear...
Old 07-07-2006 | 04:10 AM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

I think both buggies are excellent, the difference around the track will only be measured by the drivers skill. If you get a matrix get the ARR, the NX26 is a very hot/tempremental motor. It has lots of power but not enough to really blow you away and its tuning is a pain.
I have a Hyper 7 pro with a Vspec and a Matrix also with a Vspec, the Matrix is by far the faster buggy, better shocks, better in the air and just seems more refined. The Hyper 7 (inferior to the Hyper 8 but not by much) is cheaper to fix though.
Old 07-07-2006 | 07:08 AM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

ORIGINAL: overbored77

Main distibution center is Champlain, IL. I open 3 boxes a week from them. kind of funny though how the lst diffs are the same as my turmoil and the cvd's are the same on the lst and mayhem st. also the diff cases on the mayhems lst turmoil all fit each other. hey daw can you explain why some of the losi 8ight fanclub flames the sportwerks cars if I didn't know any better i'd think they were in the same family oh wait maybe they were born in different states.
A lot of people that run the high dollar bugs look down at sportwerks because it doesn`t cost a fortune like theirs . When I started racing the Mayhem I was lauphed at the first few times until I started spanking their high dollar buts . At least in my area a lot of people are starting to see what a good contender the Sportwerks buggies are . The diffs and other parts are the same due to Losi Sport , Sporwerks , and Horizon are all one . Since I am so close to Horizon we go and pick up the fuel to save on the $75 hazmat charges for the shop . They gave us a tour of the place and showed us some pretty neat things on how they do things .
Old 07-07-2006 | 07:42 AM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

I have both and like the Matrix better. More options available , great customer service , and a truggy thats about to come out that will open a lot of peoples eyes!!
Old 07-07-2006 | 08:07 AM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

i have both also but will stick with the hyper 8. several gallons thru it and no visible
signs of wear. the few people at the track who were running the matrix have switched
to the hyper 8.
Old 07-07-2006 | 12:49 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?


ORIGINAL: trackman

i have both also but will stick with the hyper 8. several gallons thru it and no visible
signs of wear. the few people at the track who were running the matrix have switched
to the hyper 8.
You know.. its the opposite here at S. CA, people running the hyper 8 / jamming are switching to Matrix because its cut the lap time by at least 10% for all drivers...
Old 07-07-2006 | 02:25 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Well, I guess it's off topic now, but upon further research I believe I am going to go with a Turmoil. Thanks for all the feedback!
Old 07-07-2006 | 02:29 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

haha i knew it wouldnt be long before i hear from you. yeah i was fast with the matrix but
im as fast with the hyper 8. and so far no issues with it. some had problems with the matrix, some
didnt. if mine had held up better i would still be running it. maybe one day ill have plenty of money
and replace the worn parts yet again. but i doubt it.
buy which ever you like and can get parts for, in the end it comes down to the ability of the driver!
i just prefer the hyper 8
Old 07-07-2006 | 04:07 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

haha i know... i still dont have any problem yet with mine.... running strong.. so user error..
Old 07-07-2006 | 06:58 PM
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Default RE: Hyper8 or Matrix?

Good luck jason I am enjoying my turmoil alot well it's a well built buggy which ever you go with will be a good choice.


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