Kyosho Optima Pro 1/10 4WD Retro Electric Off-Road Buggy Kit
About this part
Pivotal Vintage 80's R/C Racing Buggy Reproduction
Prepare to relive the glory days of RC racing with the long-awaited return of the Kyosho Optima Pro! As the 15th model in the Kyosho Vintage Series, this legendary rear-motor 4WD buggy makes a triumphant comeback, blending timeless design with modern technology for an unbeatable racing experience. With its sleek aerodynamic body, belt-type 4WD system, and meticulously engineered drivetrain and suspension, the Optima Pro promises to reignite the thrill of vintage racing and capture the hearts of all enthusiasts.
About the Optima Pro 1/10 4WD Buggy Kit
History & Legacy
The Kyosho Optima, since its debut in 1985, has been an iconic name in the world of RC racing, known for its innovation and performance. The Optima Pro, released in 1987, marked the pinnacle of its evolution, boasting a rear-motor layout with a ladder frame and a chain drive to the front wheels, setting higher standards for competition models. Despite a short sales period initially, its revival as the 15th model of the Kyosho Vintage Series after 37 years signifies its enduring legacy and timeless appeal. With modern updates that match each component to contemporary R/C systems and power sources, the Optima Pro continues to captivate enthusiasts, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and cutting-edge technology. Its comeback promises to reignite the excitement of rear-motor powered Optima racing for years to come.
Chassis & Body Design
The Kyosho Optima Pro's design pays homage to its legendary predecessor while incorporating modern features for enhanced performance. The stylish and aerodynamic body and underbody faithfully capture the look and spirit of the original, with cut lines molded into the body for attaching the Javelin wing. The belt-type 4WD system, which can be changed to chain-drive with a separate upgrade, ensures excellent drive efficiency and reliability. Equipped with a slipper clutch and utilizing current standard pinion and spur gear sizes, the Optima Pro delivers both power and durability. Its resin-molded radio plate optimizes the position of the battery and steering servo for improved handling, while high-rigidity suspension arms and long front swing shafts ensure stability and reliability even during intense driving. Finished with gunmetal color accents and hex screws for improved efficiency and appearance, the Optima Pro's design reflects both its heritage and modern performance standards.
Drivetrain & Suspension
The Optima Pro's drivetrain and suspension are engineered to deliver exceptional performance on the track. The threaded ride height adjustment, inspired by 1980s pressure shocks, allows for precise tuning, while the resin-molded front shock tower and high-strength duralumin rear shock stay provide stability and crash resistance. The belt drive, with a low-friction drive belt, ensures greater efficiency, while the option to switch to chain-drive recreates the style of the original model. With ball bearings throughout and a specially designed injection-molded resin radio plate, the Optima Pro's drivetrain and suspension offer both reliability and versatility for enthusiasts seeking the ultimate racing experience.
Features:
- Reproduction of the legendary rear-motor 4WD buggy
- Equipped with the original body, wing, wheels and tires
- Stylish and aerodynamic body and underbody faithfully capture the look and spirit of the original
- Compatible with various optional parts for the Vintage Series
- Cut lines for attaching the Javelin wing are molded into the body
- Belt-type 4WD system produces excellent drive efficiency and reliability
- Uses modern standard 48-pitch pinion and spur gear
- Equipped with a slipper clutch to support high output motors
- Molded resin radio plate
- Suitable for modern battery sizes
Includes:
- (1) Optima Pro 1/10 4WD Off-Road Electric Buggy Kit
- Clear Body with decals
- Wing
- Wheels
- Tires
- Grease, shock oil and thread-locker
- Misc. Tools
- Manual
Needed To Complete:
- (1) Steering Servo
- (1) 1/10 ESC & 540-Motor
- (1) 2-Channel Transmitter/Receiver System
- (1) 2S (7.4V) LiPo Battery w/T-Style connector
- (1) Compatible Charger
- (4) (AA) Batteries for Transmitter
- Paint for body
- Tools for Assembly
Specifications:
| Scale | 1:10 |
|---|---|
| Drive | 4WD |
| Power Source | 2S LiPo |
| Length | 15.55in (395mm) |
| Wheelbase | 10.24in (260mm) |
| Width | 9.61in (244mm) |
| Height | 4.72in (120mm) |
| Weight | 56.44oz (1600g) |
| Assembly Level | Kit |
*Tech Note: RC Kits are an unassembled Remote Control Model that require assembly, racer selected electronics, and other racer provided items. Photos of assembled kit are for illustrative purposes only. For a complete list of needed items to drive this kit please see the list above.
*Tech Note: This reissue uses the belt-drive system that was considered the period-correct upgrade to the original chain drive.
Reviews4.8 · 5 reviews
Great kit, fun build. The instructions show an ESC mounted with one screw down low, but I don't see many ESCs with a midline mounting screw. Mounted it on top and seems happy there. Batteries that are near 1 inch/25mm will squeeze apart the top and bottom rails. Recommend a battery height 23mm or less to fit without interferrence.
Wow what can I say except yet another awesome buggy from Kyosho super precise assembly, excellent hardware, clear instruction manual with accurate measurements. Seriously if you use a caliper and set the tie rods and other turn type adjustable links per the manual require little or no adjustments will be required! These kits from the Optima series demand some degree of patience to assemble however, it’s well worth it don’t hesitate to buy one. With that said for some reason they seem to get smaller batches of these.I had to go a back order round to get mine. Amain is excellent about notifying you if you get notifications (highly recommended) because I was notified I bought within 3 hours and the next day I was considering getting another one a family member and they were on back order again. I do have an Optima turbo gold edition surprisingly they are quite plentiful comparatively speaking, Handling is quite similar but they do have there own personality so to speak of plus both models are fantastic to look at. In closing I’m looking forward to purchasing other Optima models thanks Amain for carrying Kyosho and best wishes to all !!
Very nice quality kit with all hex screws makes it nice to assemble . The kit does have some nice upgrades you can get to customize how you want to build your buggy for race or bashing ect. Every thing fits nice no issue with that but do note you do have some steps of the build are a little challenging with holding multiple parts together to fasten them at one time but it just takes patients . All in all i do recommend this to anyone who wants to race or just bomb around the back yard . This is my third Kyosho kit and they are some of the best out there.
This is my first Kyosho kit and the build quality is amazing.
Great follow on communication with pre-order item. Fast shipping when finally in stock.
Reviewers broadly praise the Optima Pro kit's build quality, precise fit, all hex-screw hardware and clear manual with accurate measurements. Several note the build demands patience, with some steps requiring multiple parts held together while fastening. One reviewer reports the ESC is mounted on top rather than with the low single screw shown in the instructions, and another warns that batteries close to 25mm tall can press the top and bottom chassis rails, recommending 23mm or less. Reviewers also mention limited stock and back orders, with one praising the seller's stock notifications and shipping. Ratings are uniformly high. The reviews come from only five verified owners.
- + Precise build quality
- + Clear manual with accurate measurements
- + All hex-screw hardware
- + Good seller communication
- − Some build steps are fiddly
- − Batteries near 25mm can hit chassis rails
- − Frequent stock shortages and back orders