Graphite parts are not stronger than their stock plastic composite versions. This fact surprises many of our customers. This article will clear up two long-standing myths about graphite so you’ll purchase your parts wisely.
Graphite is stronger and more impact-resistant than plastic
A beginning racer frequently breaks parts left and right as the boards jump in front of his car. He observes the pros successfully navigating the track countless times without breaking anything. He makes earnest inquiries and discovers the Holy Grail of Carbon Fiber. Rushing to the store, he buys every carbon fiber part his budget allows. Just as quickly, they all break. What's going on? Aren't carbon parts supposed to be stronger? Isn’t that why the better racers never break anything?
Actually, stock plastic versions are more impact-resistant. Plastic parts are more flexible than carbon, allowing more "give" in a crash. Experienced racers prize carbon parts, not for their strength in a crash, but for their "responsiveness." This term refers to carbon's rigidity. Without the minute delay of flexing, rigid interconnected parts will respond to the driver's control immediately.
As an example, a balloon is more flexible while an egg is more rigid. What happens when you throw both against a wall? If you answered, "One breaks while the other doesn’t," get yourself a ribbon.
Graphite + Aluminum Equals Better
Experienced racers get carbon parts to lighten their electric and nitro cars and trucks. Lighter is always better. Less weight on the car means less stress on the motor and less draw on the batteries, resulting in more "fun" time, and less wear and tear on the electronics. Good drivers switching to lighter versions of the stock parts—meaning carbon or graphite—can gain a competitive advantage of speed and run time over those who don’t.
Converting to all-carbon and graphite parts will save one to two ounces, depending on the kit. Therefore, switching only suspension arms, for instance, will not result in any appreciable gains. For maximum effect, you have to buy the whole enchilada.
Unfortunately, when new racers switch to carbon parts, they find themselves breaking parts repeatedly. So they exchange other stock parts for aluminum ones—and wipe out any weight gains they made. Aluminum parts are stronger, but also significantly heavier than their stock or carbon counterparts. They are a no-no when weight savings is the goal.
If lighter weight is your goal, don’t mix carbon and aluminum.
New carbon parts will not translate into faster speed when driving skills are lacking. You’ll save money and time by more practice than by more carbon parts. Getting carbon is far from a quick fix when purchased as a substitute for poor driving.
A lighter vehicle will not come cheaply. Fortunately, you can upgrade piece by piece as your old parts wear or break, and as your driving proficiency improves. Luckily, some companies, like Associated, create deluxe kit versions (such as our Factory Team kits) with all carbon and graphite parts included, at prices frequently saving you tons of money. Upgrade bags containing complete replacement graphite and carbon parts are also available.