Control Arms Torture Test - Stock, RPM, Aluminum

[@5PYZ3R]

Pretty cool video. It's long been known that aluminum is a pretty bad application for bashing and taking damage. It transmits force to the next weakest link, and I seen a lot of racers with bent aluminum parts and also it's really heavy. I built my original emaxx with a lot of aluminum and to this day it's unable to do wheelies like it used to, I've also broken driveshafts because of the weight. Because of this, and the cost, it's always been more of a bling truck than a driving one, regrettably. Probably the only good use of aluminum was for the T-Maxx chassis since it was just a big flat plate that shouldn't flex. Even then, the E-Maxx used a plastic chassis and was fine. The RPM parts are designed as shock absorbers and it's really effective. I have a whole bag of broken Traxxas plastic but I don't recall ever breaking an RPM part? If you could see an impact in slow motion you'd probably notice the arms are twisting and flexing quite a lot on impact. Where the stock arms would just crack apart, the RPM arms are more flexible and then snap back into original position if it's not too bad of a hit. This video just confirms how much more flex RPM parts have in comparison to stock and debunking WD40 claims

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I agree with you, of course!

[@tiborvon]

Cool video dude. I was reallg interested to see the results

[@dis3nchant3d42]

I really like the video and really like that you did the best diy home method possible to have some quantitative results. The issue I see is that this doesn't really replicate what happens in an RC, and the force applied to each one is not the same. If you fastened the arms to a rigid structure using the hingepins like they would IRL - and then use a measured force like dropping measured weights from measured heights, in the same axis as the hingepins, you would have impact pretty similar to real world crashes. Also super cool that you did this with your kid. Dad props.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you very much for the comment and subscribing! Your feedback is one of the most common, however looking at the breaks I created, I am happy that the results would have been the same. If I do it again, I will certainly try a different way.

[@TheTankRC]

Good test, I never liked Aluminum and I usually upgrade to RPM once factory peace breaks. Thumbs up and I subscribed 👍🎅🇨🇦

[@almightyalan8942]

Thanks for the recipe at 3:23 my family loved the meal! 😁💯

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! Yes - just don't tell my wife!

[@7thfloorisnomoreq790]

great video idea. but really who breaks control arms with a twisting motion. more of a sheer then a twist

[@RoadsideRC]

You are correct. I was happy however, that the breakage looked very similar to how I typically saw broken arms. Do you think the results would have been different if I flexed them in a different way?

[@LulzRoyce]

20:10 for those of you who just want to see how insane the RPM arms are

[@RoadsideRC]

They really are just that good!

[@DaddyC445]

Just installed mines!¡!!

[@ScutuRC]

Awesome test! Now I know what I should get for my RC's .. especially for the large Summit.... Thanks, you deserve a subscription...

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@xxtt0911]

Um video precioso! Muito obrigado!!!! RPM SÃO INSANAS!

[@jovee75]

Aluminum is cool and the strengthen is there but I always like my arms to bend. RPM FTW! Aluminum on more of the chassis flex mods for me. Great Test!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! Keep in touch!

[@donwhyte2119]

Thanks for saving me money on going aluminum. RPM it is!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad I could help! That is exactly why I did this! I'm thinking of doing this for some other vehicles and parts, so stay tuned!

[@ronpedrick3755]

Why didt you just do it my ftlbs when they snap but I do really like the video

[@stevetaeza4158]

Canceled the aluminum arms and ordered the RPMs. Thanks for sharing!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad this helped!

[@Megasty15]

Great test. However, what usually breaks a control arm during bashing is a sharp lateral-to-vertical impact, landing on a single wheel at a bad angle. Any twisting in the arm during the impact is due to other suspension components failing. RPM can take such an impact better than most stock arms but will still break like both my X-Maxx & Outcast have proven. But I have only broken 1 RPM arm on each, ever. The RPM arm on the X-Maxx can save & wreck the bulkheads at the same time, depending on the type of impact. Hard lateral landings can ruin the bulkheads & can literally crack them in half. The flexing arm can push the hinge pin brace through the lower bulkhead & crack the plastic mounts on the upper bulkheads Although that's more a structural flaw of the truck than the arm's fault. While vertical landings can snap the arm at the most but flex enough to direct the blow away from the bulkheads. It is hard to replicate that as a test but the flexibility test you performed shows how well the soaked RPM arm can handle a form of that stress. Arms have to be silly putty to survive impacts, like the 1/8 Force RC arms. I can break them no matter how bad I land on them. But the MT has bad steering because of the flexibility.

[@Rush-qr1ve]

I love how much money and effort he put into this video. And it’s not like he made any money off this video he literally just did that for the fans

[@RoadsideRC]

You are 100% correct! Thank you!

[@ukfieldninja8730]

Really good video to show what the verious arms material are capable of with standing clearly the RPMs are "indestructable" as advertised. I know that some models of this arm (ones without the internal threaded pin to secure) would flex and pop the pins causing the "wheels to fall off" after a heavy impact. How did the RPMs fair in lbs to flex? The alu ones you mention took 15lbs to get it to 30' before they bent and snapped, but didnt mention what lbs it took to get the RPMs to bend to 90' Just interested to know cos if the RPM takes 15lb to get to 30' then it would obvs require the same force to bend it as alu but instead would flex back to factory unlike alu.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the detailed comment! I don't remember many of the details anymore - this was done awhile back. However, the force to bend 30' is much less with the plastic & RPM arms. Like you said though - they bend back! I have RPM arms on many vehicles. Some have the "pin-pop" issue, some don't. Either way, the captured pins are a great upgrade.

[@ukfieldninja8730]

@@RoadsideRC ahh no worries, i have seen a video of a Baja bounce off a fatal landing with its verson of the RPMs its pretty cool to watch it save the car. In anycase as you say with a internal threaded pin instead of the standard pin (comes with the arrma v3 blx arms)and the pin retainers its not going to be an issue 👍

[@hobbyman1971]

It’s very useful sir. Im new to hobby and I have learned many good tips from you applying on my vorteks.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to hear this is helpful! Feel free to ask questions if you have them!

[@hobbyman1971]

@@RoadsideRC I want to upgrade these things on my vorteks, but I don't know whether it will be compatible with my vorteks or not? Could you help me? These are : www.ebay.com/itm/393276210505?_trkparms=pageci%3A7a0a1542-ce62-11eb-982b-aefd70cb4fb3%7Cparentrq%3A1342ee5f17a0a45e57440677ffe2efc1%7Ciid%3A1&_trksid=p2380057.c100675.m4236&fbclid=IwAR2rHh9PMZ4fsr5gjAxfsFC3iERncZWIcngrY0LIAOb6thus_ppaffTdKEs and www.ebay.com/itm/133375849502?_trkparms=pageci%3Ae542e949-cdc9-11eb-a394-868c84cb4a36%7Cparentrq%3A0f5af9c717a0a4d65cf9aa0fffeaf7ab%7Ciid%3A1&_trksid=p2380057.c100970.m5481&fbclid=IwAR2MnRXYP3SVQq6nn_BIh5Ob318H48ilkvKn4i9BLGSBwuf2UdfqNSI62wg Thanks alot

[@RoadsideRC]

The skid plate will not fit. It is too long. The motor mount case should fit just fine.

[@hobbyman1971]

@@RoadsideRC Thank you! Glad that I asked you first before order it. Save me alot!

[@hobbyman1971]

@@RoadsideRC My motor mount is on the way. thanks for your help. But now Im thinking of upgrading the Universal drive shafts. But could I use this product for the vorteks. Here the link and thanks so much for your help www.ebay.com/itm/164145513704?epid=12047666109&hash=item2637d5c4e8:g:sPwAAOSwirVeg-W0

[@tripletrc5654]

Sweet vid guys.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks 👍

[@sebcbien263]

great test, thanks for doing them !

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad you liked it. Thanks for watching. I have thought of repeating it with either X-maxx arms or Arrma arms. What vehicles do you have?

[@sebcbien263]

@@RoadsideRC I have a Slash, planning to buy an X-Max. If you do this test, please add a Proline also 😉 Thanks for your time !

[@Rush-qr1ve]

Those green aluminum shock arms look so good Idk why

[@RoadsideRC]

They are very shiny!

[@drog343]

That's crazy, I kind of half expected the aluminum to shatter, plus gg on those Rpm arms, they are extreme (though in the cold anything will snap).

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! We had been thinking about this for awhile. The testing was certainly interesting. I especially found it interesting about the WD-40 and cleaner...

[@MrNiteriders1]

Good stuff man. Great test👍👍

[@superchargerone]

Thanks for the test. It will be easier if you cut the slot slanted like the start of a screw thread so that the pin will be locked against it without much pressure from your other hand to keep it in place.

[@RoadsideRC]

You are right!

[@superchargerone]

@@RoadsideRC Found your channel because i heard about RPM arms. I was looking for replacements for the many broken arms. After I saw this video I had to subscribe and had been watching since. Just want to come back to say thanks for doing the TEST for us!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it was helpful! I keep thinking about redoing this test with either Arrma arms or X-maxx arms.

[@hirthirthirt1693]

Very important data...well done, Sir. I thank you for it.....now I watch the video :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@EppeRRR]

Thank you very much, very good video. This just amazing to see!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@2morrowMuggins]

Great Vid...I would love to see the RMP A-Arms Vs EXB A-Arms

[@RoadsideRC]

Oooh! Good idea - thanks for sharing.

[@2morrowMuggins]

@@RoadsideRC NO...TY! for sharing :)

[@onpointrcmatt7180]

HELLA TORTURE TEST BRO.... GREAT WORK😎

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks - it was fun to do!

[@Rek_Rc]

I just installed RPM rear control arms on my senton. This made me fell I made the right choice

[@RoadsideRC]

You did!

[@jakoberiksen2944]

Thanks so much! Great little experiment! And fun as well 😊 no doubt anymore

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! Glad it was helpful for you!

[@gamercat7004]

Dang the rpm parts are convincing me🤑 I do have rear rpm arms for my slash 2wd and my rear right arm is bent due to traction loss and slid onto a mailbox with a steel post and I just need to straighten it out to make it straight.

[@RoadsideRC]

RPM arms are the best for bashers!

[@gamercat7004]

@@RoadsideRC heck ya I jump my slash and times land on the rear and include with the rear T-bone bumper that bumper doesn't break I tried bending it out. And that's no longer in production that would be a nice torture test to try.

[@MyGamingYT1987]

Great video Thanks my friend

[@zachharris3779]

Best products rpm makes are there rims although I race so I don’t like the noodle arms makes it to inconsistent

[@RoadsideRC]

Makes sense for racing for sure!

[@josepherickson7618]

Super awesome video great job awesome keep up the good work

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@justinpeck7910]

The aluminum held up better then I thought they can deffinitly take a beating I've hit walls at 50 and had no issues I've snapped pins before the actual aluminum idk if it was luck but I run aluminum just mostly for looks I do drag with a 2wd slash so don't really crash or anything much with it

[@RoadsideRC]

I think you could certainly get away with aluminum in a situation like RC drag for sure. Those pieces are strong for sure - but that is actually the issue! Like you said, you snapped a pin - that was the aluminum transferring the load elsewhere instead of bending! Lucky it snapped the pin instead of something more expensive!!

[@DrumBuster16]

Great video! Thanks for sharing, might order an RPM set soon ;)

[@RoadsideRC]

They are great. We run them on almost all of our trucks - hence the leftover stock ones for testing.

[@DrumBuster16]

Roadside RC I broke the stock arms on my Rally when hit a tire and replaced them with Traxxas ones and sometimes they feel stiff and easy to break, this video proves the RPM ones hold abuse well

[@240man91]

Not a good test. Arms don't break under a slow twist. You'd need a impact test to see what one is actually stronger. Seeing when you crash amd snap a arm it dont twist. Normally the wheels gets impacted and causes it to break. Ive broken rpm arms as easy as stock.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback. Some other folks agree with you that I should have performed the test differently. If I ever get a chance to repeat it, I will look for different ways to test them.

[@swatkins3265]

Am I wrong to guess you are a machinist? If you try this again, drill a hole about a 1/2 inch from the top of the socket all the way threw so you can put the arms in then run the pin threw the socket and arm without slipping. Awesome video.

[@RoadsideRC]

I will definitely take that as a compliment, but I am not a machinist. You are right. A hole through the socket would have made my life easier. Thanks for the tip. I have thought about doing this again for Arrma products or X-maxx items. Any other thoughts?

[@eyeteeth]

Why didn't you rotate the vice so you could clamp both sides of the arm?

[@RoadsideRC]

Because I didn't think of it! Dang it - you are right, that would have been better. The X-Maxx guys want me to do t again with actual X-Maxx parts. If I do, I will use your suggestion!

[@cardshazard6206]

This is why I RPM all my RC’s when possible.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! I agree!

[@joshoravetz2502]

There is so meny inconsistencys with these methods in my opinion I wold have a had a digital 1/4 inch torque wrench so u could get a number ur using ft lbs and should be using inch lbs wold be way more easyer to get a number or read out on them

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback. Honestly, you are correct that a 1/4 torque wrench could have been helpful. Still, I stand by the results of this overall test. I really doubt that a different method would yield different results. Feel free to try! I'd love to see what you come up with!

[@RcAVENTURE.V.F.R]

Excellent brother, great job brother 👌 👌, thanks for sharing, 👍👍👍👍

[@twoloud2007]

Great info thank you sir

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@KLJRCChannel1]

Wow, interesting video! Great job👏👏!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for watching!!

[@BassSniperTV]

Boil that RPM arm and it will return to it's original shape. Get the water boiling take it off the tap, and drop the arm in checking on it every 5 min. Take out and let air cool.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the tip!!!

Really nice !

[@mickeydrippins]

looks like i'll be getting rpm a arms lol cheers!

[@RoadsideRC]

I highly recommend them!

[@toddbertram6556]

The pro line a arms are the best! Rpm arms are too noodley, stock is what it is.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting thought! I never really hear anyone talk about those. I could always recreate this test with a set of those also to see the difference.

[@jrc-fabs1634]

Nice vid but the video taping could be a little better, I liked the vid!

[@jrc-fabs1634]

And subbed

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks. I can take that feedback. Thinking of doing this again with X-maxx arms.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@jrc-fabs1634 Thanks for that also - really appreciate it!

[@Bornindafire]

Nice vid

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you! I hope it was helpful!

[@samintrepid]

Thank you for the test my friend really interresting :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Hey - make sure you catch my latest video. RC's Big Air channel will be doing another giveaway. Don't want you to miss out.

[@bradbozarth1822]

When parts bend quick is when they break, when you bend it slow it gets warm.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting. Do you think if I had bent all of these fast, the result would have been different?

[@bradbozarth1822]

Maybe, I’m not entirely sure :) but I think so

[@cristianbello4621]

Me sitting here happy that I have a slash that is 85%rpm 😂 man I really just wanted something as unbreakable as possible and went crazy 😂

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes, I believe in RPM parts for sure!

[@rixsta911]

Integy alloy arms. I’ll name them :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! Maaaaayyyybe. :)

[@file.c6]

Long story short rpm is the best

[@RoadsideRC]

100%!!!

[@willkeeling8894]

Rpm is second to non imo

[@RoadsideRC]

100% agree with you!

[@justinjones5281]

All the measuring was a waste of time. You should just twist them till they break and see how far they twist. The slow motion torque is not reality for these arms. Great try tho. Keep it up

[@RoadsideRC]

We really didn't know what was going to happen. Yes, now that we see the results, I might do it differently next time.

[@geejayrc9401]

I wouldn't say RPM are better, i'd say worse tbh. Too much flex in them

[@RoadsideRC]

It really depends on how you are using your vehicle. For most of my vehicles, RPM arms are definitely the way to go.

[@geejayrc9401]

@@RoadsideRC Well that's true also :)

[@ozcanozkaya01]

If aluminium is really bad, why plane and space indurstry use it? For video: Good effort and good to watch but i dont agree slow bending = impact reaction. I use full aluminium pieces on my k8, and as you see EXB series i coming with much more aluminium parts.. with higher cost of course. All brands will be coming with much more aluminium parts. wait and see .. aluminum is always better and much more expensive. Because it is cnc machinery / besides rpm or etc plastic pieces with molding technique... if possible go on with full aluminum body+piece+arms+towers etc.. other problem: if you just get aluminum Arms, of course it cause to break other parts of your car. Try to use fully aluminum mods.

[@RoadsideRC]

Hi there! I agree that aluminum certainly has its use, just really depends on the application. For shock towers, support braces, chassis, hubs... all of these things are great in aluminum or other strong materials. For control arms, I really think it is a bad idea. Leaving this area to flex is very helpful for the crazy things we do with our trucks! What we do is not the same as my family 1:1 car, or a racecar on a track...it is much rougher in scale. Additionally, I prefer to not add extra weight if possible. Still - I hope it works well for you! I would love to see your K8 as you continue to build it and see how it works for you!

[@nealedmondson3191]

Completely useless video, just buy rpm and be done

[@RoadsideRC]

I would think it would be useless, but people still insist to "Soak in WD40", "boil them", "buy aluminum"! It is amazing how often these things are suggested!

[@ValleyRC]

Soaking in WD40 is useless. This test proved that.