MCD XR5 Pro vs FT-R Worth Price Difference?

[espresso]

I'm window shopping for an MCD XR5 and was wondering if the XR5 Pro vs XR5 FT-R is worth the price difference? I know there's a lot more alloy parts on the FT-R but it is worth ~$876 more. The Ultimate is out of my price range.

Overtime I could upgrade to Taylor RC F/R alloy arms and hubs among other parts. My Losi 5T and 5B came stock with plastic arms and hubs. There's no 1/5 scale race tracks near me so it's mostly for bashing. I'm also wanting to convert it to electric hence the "Big Bore Roller" from Taylor RC since it's a tad bit cheaper w/o the pipe but getting the gas roller includes the center lock brakes.

Question: for my purpose, 1) is the XR5 FT-R worth the added ~$900 upfront cost? 2) or would I be perfectly happy with the XR5 Pro? 3) is having an alloy rear/center diff housing a must or nice to have thing?

MCD XR5 Max Pro - "Big Bore Roller" = $1,299
MCD XR5 Max Rally FT-R Rolling Chassis = $2,175

 

[Rep732]

I bought a ft-r over the pro as it had more adjustability for racing, if your not racing then the pro is fine and upgrade as you go. Both cars are very capable out of the box and its price point where you'll make the decision.

 

[espresso]

Thanks for the info. Can you provide some examples of the adjustability on the FT-R that the Pro doesn’t have? Is it related to the alloy parts or some additional features like below?

 

[Rep732]

Yes the adjustability is with the Alloy parts as you have shown. Again if your not racing there's no benefit really to getting the ft-r, what you would adjust for racing your not going to notice bashing.

 

[espresso]

Appreciate the info! The FT-R and Ultimate models look impressive and packed with features for sure.

 

[Rep732]

Not to mention a proper setup pro can whoop on an ft-r, ask me how I know

 

[violet604]

Go for the Pro, MCD plastics are very durable. You’ll save money, and weight, and you’ll be less worried when you’re out bashing.

But ya, make sure you get the mechanical brakes if you’re running electric, it actually saves your lipos and you’ll have long run times.

I don’t race, but I’ve hit curbs and flipped the car in the air at full speed, smashed curbs to the point where the wheel cracks etc, and I’ve never bent or broken any of the aluminum parts, so if you decide to ever upgrade, you don't nessasary need to buy the taylor rc stuff. The MCD 7075 is durable enough imo - unless the Taylor stuff is cheaper, then go for that.

 

[espresso]

Go for the Pro, MCD plastics are very durable. You’ll save money, and weight, and you’ll be less worried when you’re out bashing.

But ya, make sure you get the mechanical brakes if you’re running electric, it actually saves your lipos and you’ll have long run times.

I don’t race, but I’ve hit curbs and flipped the car in the air at full speed, smashed curbs to the point where the wheel cracks etc, and I’ve never bent or broken any of the aluminum parts, so if you decide to ever upgrade, you don't nessasary need to buy the taylor rc stuff. The MCD 7075 is durable enough imo - unless the Taylor stuff is cheaper, then go for that.

Did you go with the Pro version?

 

[violet604]

Did you go with the Pro version?

I got the ultimate, but not because I needed it. I don’t race and just bash in huge lots or gravel fields, so the Pro would have done just as well. And if I had the pro, I’d feel like I could be a little more rough with it without having to worry about it having a super expensive crash etc.

Edit - also join the MCD groups on FB. Are you in the US?

Just saw a used XR5 Pro with a max 4 800kv combo for $1500 just come up for sale (in Cali) just do your dd, as there’s no shortage of scammers.

Usually, these rigs are owned by adults and since they’re onroad, most people don’t destroy them and take good care of them. So you can find some good used ones for a decent discount.

This was in the “MCD racing owners group”