Javelin?

[Saito2]

I've been holding off like crazy on the Optima re-release (not an easy task, mind you) waiting for a possible Javelin re-release. Has anybody heard any rumors it might be on the way or should I just give in and grab an Optima?

[madmickmalone]

lots of talk,the trend would point to a javelin, but im only taking a stab in the dark.

Go on , whats another hundred bucks or 2 or 3, get the optima. 

[moffman]

Without a shadow of doubt Get the Optima don't wait for something that may never happen then you've missed your chance on a fantastic RC buggy to build and own! (Sorry Tamiya but it's probably the best RC I've ever built and I've built a lot over my decades,) mind you I do put the SRB'S up with the Optima and they are in a class of their own when it comes to looking so **** cool

[Wandy]

I disagree with the comments above. if the Javelin is what you really want then hold tight because it will definitely be coming, probably within the next 12 months. The delay of the Turbo Scorpion to this springtime probably means that there won't be another Kyosho re-release announced till later in the year but it will happen. No way do they re-release the Optima and then miss out the Javelin.

[Saito2]

I agree logic states a Javelin is no doubt in the cards. Studying how Kyosho has run out the Scorpion platform with the Beetle, Tomahawk, and now Turbo Scorpion, it stands to reason they'd do the same with the Optima platform (especially since the Jav is mostly just a re-body). Then there's the fear they'll move to the Ultima series next (another rumor) instead of building on the Optima series. After the dreadful time I had fixing an RC10 Classic recently, I'm a little gun shy of getting the upcoming CAT (which I've heard was a finicky build back in the day) so I've returned my focus to the Optima series as a next build (the Scorpion I got to assemble really was great).

[moffman]

The more I look at the javelin the more I think get the Optima! Purely because of the way both of them look, obviously the chassis is the same and the Optima was the first and looks so classic looking the javelin is just another frame style buggy of which there are many to choose from IMO!, but ultimately the decision is yours either way you won't be disappointed!

[Saito2]

I don't have any tube/frame old style buggies in my collection yet (not a fan of the Marui Galaxy). I also like how the open nature of the outer frame shows off the mechanicals underneath. I dread painting multi color paint jobs like the Optima. On the other hand, the Optima is iconic, being the first. The extensive decal set should handle most of the painting issues too (although I'm unsure how well all those decals look). I could get a Javelin cage for it too down the line if they re-re it. Either way, they both look great.

[geniusanthony]

The Optima decal sheet is excellent, pre-cut edges, heavy color in the printing and if I recall correctly, the box art scheme is simply spray white and add decals. Real quality stuff in that kit.

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

The extensive decal set should handle most of the painting issues too (although I'm unsure how well all those decals look).

 

[markbt73]

I don't have an Optima re-re yet because I have a restored original Optima. Like you, I have been holding out for the Javelin. It has to be coming. What I really want them to do, however, is re-re the original Gold shocks when they inevitably do the Turbo Optima. They're still my absolute favorite RC shocks.

I also haven't painted my Optima's replacement body yet, because I had originally planned to do it in box-art because it's a challenge (Jedi building a light saber sort of thing), but the re-re's decal sheet has taken away all the "specialness" of the box-art scheme. I think it will probably end up being "box-alt" (same pattern, subsituted colors), but I'm not sure what colors yet. (This also means that a re-re Javelin of mine probably would not stay orange.)

[moffman]

Sorry the picture of the real sand scorcher I accidentally downloaded (I shouldn't really go anywhere near computers so my kids keep telling me) but it's a cool photo nevertheless!, But the two kyosho's are my pride and joy and both a fantastic build so although the javelin is not on my want list it will be a quality buggy if these two are anything to go by!

[WillyChang]

On 5 March 2017 at 11:03 AM, Saito2 said:

I've been holding off like crazy on the Optima re-release (not an easy task, mind you) waiting for a possible Javelin re-release. Has anybody heard any rumors it might be on the way or should I just give in and grab an Optima?

Life's too short to worry about what's coming tomorrow 

Also don't be so selfish - if you don't vote with your $$$ today on what they've already made, they might not re-re any more new ones!!! 

[Wandy]

On 05/03/2017 at 2:41 PM, Saito2 said:

I agree logic states a Javelin is no doubt in the cards. Studying how Kyosho has run out the Scorpion platform with the Beetle, Tomahawk, and now Turbo Scorpion, it stands to reason they'd do the same with the Optima platform (especially since the Jav is mostly just a re-body). Then there's the fear they'll move to the Ultima series next (another rumor) instead of building on the Optima series. After the dreadful time I had fixing an RC10 Classic recently, I'm a little gun shy of getting the upcoming CAT (which I've heard was a finicky build back in the day) so I've returned my focus to the Optima series as a next build (the Scorpion I got to assemble really was great).

I can't see them bringing back the Ultima anytime soon. In fact I think it's the least likely of all the classics to make a comeback. They will move away from 2WD for a while now, seeing that they released all four from the Scorpion chassis. My bet is that it will be Javelin next, followed by Optima Mid & Turbo Optima. Then maybe Turbo Mid & then Turbo Mid Special. If we are lucky they will briefly go back to 2WD with the Ultima and finish it off sweetly with the original Lazer ZX and/or ZXR.

[salvine]

Just in case they are reading this I want to be counted as buying two Javelins when they ARE released. 

[racer1]

Buy the Optima. Like others have said, It's a great build and who knows how long it's going to be around.  Tower hobbies already has the Tomahawk listed as discontinued so you never know how long these things are going to be available. 

 

 

[Saito2]

Ok. I think Wandy is right. The Javelin is coming. But...I can't wait. The rest of you have convinced me to go for the Optima . The next question, how does the Optima series drive? Should I make it a runner? My current 4wd buggy runners are a Super Shot and modded DF01 Dirt Thrasher.

[racer1]

50 minutes ago, Saito2 said:

Ok. I think Wandy is right. The Javelin is coming. But...I can't wait. The rest of you have convinced me to go for the Optima . The next question, how does the Optima series drive? Should I make it a runner? My current 4wd buggy runners are a Super Shot and modded DF01 Dirt Thrasher.

They are in a different league. While I have not driven the re-re optima yet I can tell you that owning one of the originals back in the day it was a great car and a lot more nimble than the HotShot. It's a lot of fun to run but without that unique quirkiness we love with Tamiya's

[markbt73]

1 hour ago, Saito2 said:

The next question, how does the Optima series drive? Should I make it a runner?

In a word: beautifully. And yes.

The Mid is a better runner the original Optima, but both are just fantastic. Composed over rough stuff, terrific jumpers, and they tend towards a little oversteer rather than a little understeer, which I prefer. The only thing to watch for is stones getting caught in the steering and suspension; small gravel always seems to wedge itself in the works.

[moffman]

17 minutes ago, racer1 said:

They are in a different league. While I have not driven the re-re optima yet I can tell you that owning one of the originals back in the day it was a great car and a lot more nimble than the HotShot. It's a lot of fun to run but without that unique quirkiness we love with Tamiya's

My first ever kyosho I built and owned was my re-re Optima and I bought it because back in the day when I raced my hotshot at my local club in the school hall one guy (who knitted socks and jumpers for a living! It's amazing how certain things stick in ya mind) had a Optima and know matter how hard I tried that Optima was always in front of me week after week at the end of every racing night, I think it was down to the suspension that let me down with the hotshot because straight line wasn't a problem I found the hotshot just lost the edge on corners!