Kyosho Double Dare
The Double Dare (aka Double Dare 4WDS) is a radio-controlled monster truck released by Kyosho in 1989.
It was designed as a competitor to the Tamiya Clod Buster, which was released two years earlier. Both were 4WD monster trucks with four-wheel steering and four-wheel drive using twin motors, one for each gearbox. Both trucks used a single servo for steering and another to run a heavy-duty mechanical speed controller, making them easily controllable with a common two-channel radio. Both trucks came with a set of eight friction-type shocks and 27-turn RS-540 motors.
The two trucks emerged at a time when realistic radio-controlled monster trucks were rare. The only true monster truck at the time was the MRP High Roller, which was more of a decorative item. Both trucks were designed to use standard R/C equipment and be as affordable as other R/C cars. The trucks exhibit a unique blend of realism and performance. The Tamiya Clod Buster uses a thick plastic, Chevrolet-based body with high detail, while the Kyosho has a Lexan body based on a Nissan light truck. However, the Kyosho features detailed pieces such as chrome bumpers, a roll bar with detailed chrome spotlights, a grill with clear headlight lenses, and a detailed chromed plastic dummy motor.
The Double Dare is smaller than the Clod Buster, with narrower wheels and a smaller overall footprint. It is lighter and feels more agile. While the Clod Buster uses a dual gearbox attached by a simple 4-link suspension with shocks mounted directly on the links, the Double Dare has independent suspension all around and the gearboxes are securely bolted to the chassis with chrome braces on the underside. The Clod Buster features tall, wide, white, one-piece plastic wheels, while the Double Dare has chrome rims of a standard 2.2 size. The Double Dare rims are two-piece, facilitating easier tire changes. The Double Dare incorporates water protection measures, evident in the sealed electronics section and motor covers.
Stock, the two trucks had distinct differences and similarities. Neither steered exceptionally well, but the Double Dare was simpler to set up and performed slightly better. Speed was relatively low on both, but the lighter, more agile Double Dare was unstable at top speed and prone to flipping when turning. [1] The Clod's large tires made it a better car crusher and arguably more realistic.
One area where the Double Dare outperformed the Clod Buster was in aftermarket options. Kyosho's Option House division offered a set of gold shocks for the Double Dare. Clod owners were limited to Tamiya CVA oil shocks. The Clod Buster wasn't designed to accommodate Tamiya motor upgrades, but the Double Dare could be easily equipped with a pair of 22-turn Kyosho Mega Motors. Aftermarket parts, once available, improved both trucks' performance.
Unfortunately, the Double Dare was not as successful as the Clod Buster. Tamiya had the US distributor MRC (Model Rectifier Corporation) on their side, and numerous Clod Busters were sold. The Double Dare arrived two years later, by which time many enthusiasts already owned a Clod. Parts support was adequate, but parts and upgrades were less readily available due to Kyosho's lack of a dedicated distributor. Several magazines compared the two trucks, often favouring the Clod Buster. [2] The introduction of a rival to Tamiya's truck spurred development of more advanced monster truck designs.
Today, the Double Dare and Clod Buster are recognized as pioneers of the radio-controlled monster truck genre. The Clod Buster, sold in large quantities, is readily available and a common basis for rock crawlers, with a seemingly endless supply of spare parts and aftermarket upgrades. The Double Dare is much less common, and finding one in good condition or with a decent body is particularly challenging. Parts are difficult to obtain, often sold individually in bags, unlike Tamiya's larger parts kits.
References
- ↑ RC Car Action July 1989 "Page #46"
- ↑ RC Car Action July 1989 "Page #48"
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