Thursday , 28 March 2024

Review: Team Associated Reflex DB10 Desert Buggy

RC Car Review: Team Associated Reflex DB10 Desert Buggy

You’ve seen the unboxing – you’ve seen the action video (you have, right?). Now it’s time for our review of Team Associated’s Reflex DB10 1:10 scale Desert Buggy.

This buggy surprised me quite a bit; I figured the handling would be a bit off-base since it was based on the 2WD SC5M, however with the addition of AE’s new DVC (or Dynamic Vehicle Control), it actually handles really well!

Specifics
Product: Team Associated Reflex DB10
Part #: 90040 (RTR), 90040C (RTR + Brushless Combo)
Price: $299.97 (90040), $359.97 (90040C)
Recommended For: Beginners to advanced drivers looking for some fun in the desert sun!

Unboxing video: Team Associated Reflex DB10 Unboxing Video
Action video: Team Associated Reflex DB10 Action Video

Additional

Items Needed
• LiPo Battery

Spec Data

General
Scale: 1:10
Power Source: Electric
Length: 18.94″ (481mm)
Width: 11.1″ (282mm)
Wheelbase: 12.68″ (322mm)

Chassis
Type: Molded tub
Thickness: n/a
Material: Plastic

 
Suspension
Type: 4-wheel independent
Camber: Adjustable
Roll: Adjustable
Wheelbase: Adjustable
Shocks: Aluminum 12mm big bore
Steering
Steering: Dual bellcrank
Turnbuckles: Adjustable
 
Drivetrain
Type: 2WD
Transmission: 3 gear standup
Clutch: Slipper clutch
Differentials: Fluid-filled gear diff
Bearings: Precision sealed
Gearing: 48P, optional pinion gears
Body, Wheels, Tires
Body: Lexan Desert Buggy
Wing: Lexan
Wheels: Method Racing Short Course
Wheel hex: 12mm hex
Tires: Street/off-road tires
 

Conclusion

Review Overview

Features - 9.5
Appearance - 9
Performance - Speed & Braking - 10
Performance - Steering & Handling - 9.5
Performance - Durability & Maintenance - 9.5
Performance - Tuning - 10
Overall Value - 9.5

9.6

Bottom Line: I think Team Associated has a good product here for the RTR market. The electronics are great (especially on 3S) and since the chassis is based on a multi-time ROAR National Championship platform, the handling is perfect right out the box. Add the new DVC system to it and you have a really fun vehicle that anyone can enjoy at just about any speed. While the overall design package is a bit subdued for me, I can really see a number of killer builds spawning from the Reflex DB10. Paddle tires, some killer paint and a couple light bars are in this buggys future for sure! That makes is a versatile rig for both offroaders and desert junkies!

Recommended tools for use with the Team Associated Reflex DB10

Connect
Team Associated, www.teamassociated.com
Reedy, www.reedypower.com




About Tony Phalen

Tony Phalen - As an avid RC enthusiast, Tony has been building, bashing and racing RC Cars for over 30 years. He has participated in every kind of surface racing events - 1/18 scale trucks, 1/10 scale TC, Rock Racers, Rally - if it had wheels, he's raced it! He's also worked on both sides of the industry fence; collaborating with many major manufacturers (as well as being a sponsored driver) to working for a high-profile industry magazine. During this time he has learned many tricks, tips and techniques and is sharing that knowledge on CompetitionX - the most informative RC website on the internet!

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