ep037 Reflex 14b Build - The Worst Kit I've Ever Built!

Get Your QuietRC Decals HERE! 2d0e56-0b.mysh...
ep019 Building A (Little) MONSTER: LC Racing EMB 1HK Pro: • ep019 Building A (Li...
ep029 Unboxing and Comparing the Reflex 14b to LC Racing's EMB-1HK Pro: • ep029 Unboxing and Com...

[@skylar1112]

I've owned LC racing emb/LC12s for years. I've always looked at the associated and was never convinced that they are on the same level. Your video confirms this

[@quietrc]

It was surprising to me, but obviously I agree.

[@daveeisel]

I totally agree, the instructions were very confusing. I put in the wrong screws in so many places just to correct it later in the build. I had the advantage of stopping in Hobbytown Cincinnati to buy my kit while passing through. They tell you ahead of time all the tips and tricks to make it a great 1/18 wheeler. They specifically told me “debur” all the diff parts and drill out the pistons in the shocks. Clear out the motor mounts to get to a larger 2.3 motor shaft size and 2440 motor with more torque and a hobby wing esc. Go with the yokamo tires, upgrade to the hack fab shock towers. If you treat the kit like a race buggy and not an RTR it is fantastic!

[@quietrc]

I think it has plenty of protentional, but they slapped some Factory Team blue on it and tried to pass it off as something else. I think you have to do a lot with it to get it to where the LC is starting off.

[@RC-Elevation]

LC Racing is the most understated and underrated RC brand. Wish they got more attention. I've got three of their models in truggy, desert truck and their mid motor LC12B1 and love them all.

[@quietrc]

I was pleasantly surprised building the EMB.

[@rcicons4915]

Awesome break down Rob. Kind of sucks that a company as big as Associated still can’t figure out how to print a proper manual.

[@quietrc]

Right!? Just have ONE person who isn't intimately familiar with the car build it and give feedback on the manual. They would have found all these issues.

[@5280Recreation]

It’s a shame because the B7 is great. I’d happily pay more to get a better kit. I love my LC cars though. Tip on the mesh, don’t install that stupid spur cover. It’s unnecessary.

[@quietrc]

I think their legit pro- or race-chassis are excellent. This is just not one of them.

[@daveeisel]

Also, flip the steering rack over, and increase the akerman, that should help with the traction roll.

[@bigirf]

I bought all the new team associated releases but hated the manuals so much on the first build that I haven’t built the rest. I was considering this kit as well. Thanks for the review. Now I don’t have to waste my time on this one. Love the channel.

[@quietrc]

Thanks! Yeah, I would recommend the EMB as I do really like the scale/class.

[@Bitter_Fitter]

Great Video! Cant wait to see the next LC buggy video

[@quietrc]

Thanks!

[@daviddelean8714]

Great review. The instruction manual reminded me of my element Enduro kit. These started out as RTRs and later they made it a kit. The instructions seem to be an afterthought.

[@quietrc]

I don't know why the manuals are such a stretch for associated.

[@JasonGN2045]

Thanks for the detailed review. I used to have an RTR of the 14b, so I was excited when I saw the kit and I was planning on buying it. I think I'll pass. Might check out the LC Racing still though.

[@quietrc]

I can certainly recommend the LC.

[@ruuster83]

The only Aluminum arms i'd recommend are the Perfect Pass arms for a Limitless speed run build

[@quietrc]

And that is a VERY specific application.

[@rms1776]

The solution for the suspension is to drill the pistons to 1.1mm the stock pistons are tapered and if you don't notice it when installing you could have them in the wrong direction. But drilling them solves the problem of it jumping irregular.

[@quietrc]

Great note! My first impulse is thinking that I missed the directions mentioning it when I built it, but given all the other issues I experienced, it wouldn't surprise me if this wasn't mentioned at all.

[@rms1776]

After alot of modifications a 14b can look like this​@quietrc

[@ruuster83]

wow, i had no idea Associated dropped the ball so badly with these, i have the 14T RTR and its my favorite mini , 0 issues and great handling. Im regretting not bidding on the 1/12 LC racing i got out bid on, it was a like new ARTR and sold for $155 w shipping,

[@quietrc]

I've heard good things about the RTR for the most part, but the kit was a bummer.

[@michaelwortel]

Wow thanks. This was on my short list for next purchases, on account of it being a kit, being an Associated, and sub $200. I think I’ll probably move on. Looks like a headache and not a lot of driving fun.

[@quietrc]

I would recommend the class/scale, but maybe choose a different kit. I do really like the EMB.

[@Kris-nz8mn]

This was my first AE Kit. It was a nightmare. I currently have been unable to finish since I measured the screws for the bell crank studs with calipers to get the right length, I noticed on a different step that those screws are different, I changed them and one of them cross threaded and snapped. I then realized that there’s a difference between the illustrated screws that go into the same hole. The only difference was the size of driver the screws required. I wish I had watched this video first 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@quietrc]

Well, at least you know its the kit/AE and not you!

[@toddl5038]

Yup we had the same issue with the dc10 drift car. Associated needs a new technical writer

[@quietrc]

So weird that they can't put together a decent manual.

[@Glocktologist]

I think the manual issues and design oversights might be an RTR-related issue. Somehow, the 14B doesn’t strike me as a ”true” AE design, could it be a rebranded model like the Pro4 SC10? Dunno. I have two AE kits that are definitely originals (B74.2D and DR10 kit) and building them wasn’t any different from the next kit. Bag by bag and step by step in the manual; someone familiar with building any kinds of RC kits shouldn’t have problems.

[@quietrc]

Their flagship, race kits seem to be much better in general. I built my RC10B6.4 awhile ago and don't recall any issues.

[@adampearson5286]

I orginally saw your video about 2 days after i ordered the 14B kit. Then it shows up and i am like, f@ck it and keep it. I just cracked into it 2 days ago & dear god its a fricking nightmare.

[@quietrc]

I don't think I oversold how difficult it was.

[@adampearson5286]

@quietrc not at all. I haven't even finished yet. Tucked it away for another day when I feel like kicking myself in the b@lls again.

[@MauzyrockRC]

I think you have just find the new name for this one: Su*cidal Turtle 😂

[@quietrc]

I'll see if I can convince Associated to print up a new decal sheet for the kit!

[@JimAnderson-dt5qd]

I'm building the kit now and yes the instruction are terrible. The worst I've ever seen. Luckily I seen this video before starting. Still having issues Identifying thread type on screws.

[@quietrc]

Hopefully the video provided some help.

[@CAPRAQUEENRC]

It’s the people that are killing the hobby for me. I would rather build a nightmare kit than get harassed while trying to mind my own business driving my RC’s!

[@quietrc]

It can be a bit of a loner hobby if you want it to be!

[@CAPRAQUEENRC]

@@quietrc i absolutely don’t want it to be lonely unfortunately, zero support and I get trampled over because people think it’s funny. Since it hasn’t changed when other women and young girls show any interest, I warn them before hand that boys won’t show them any respect and they need to have tuff skin to stay in the hobby because it’s the facts. The majority of females I’ve met have left on their own after facing the discrimination first hand. Unfortunately people in the hobby will intentionally go out of their way to hide this grim fact just to protect their egos, pride and public image 💔

[@adamh9077]

Your such a whiner. This kit is amazing and has a minor flaw with the motor mount shifting but some blue thread locker stops that issue. Associated has always made their kits and instructions the same for years and nobody has ever had all these issues except YOU! AE has 32 or 33 titles under their name for a reason.....sounds like you need to stick with Walmart cars 💯

[@quietrc]

Every engagement helps... Especially comments! Thanks for your support, Super Fan Adam!