OK all you experts out there, this should get the debate rolling, hopefully!

I am looking to buy a new steed to return to the offroad world I have missed for quite a while now and my shopping list is as follows;

Harm BX3 Champ edition
Hoermann HT2 or is that soon to be HT3? Long/short WB?
Contrast '09 or '10 if it is in the pipeline. Long/short WB?

Yes, I have already ruled out the others but if there is a really strong case to consider them I will.

Now I am fully aware that you all have your particular axe to grind but full objectivity would be much appreciated with consideration given to the following;

equipment levels and competitiveness as supplied relative to price.

track side and retail spares support/availability.

the need for initial and subsequent upgrades.

You may well be thinking why is this geek asking this, well if some of the UK distributers websites gave more of a clue as to what their particular offerings are going to actually cost for an equivalent spec, I would not need to!

A least with the BX3 champ edition I know there is not much more I need to add except maybe a mag diff and one of Ian's engines!

think its down to personal choice.Hoermann for me,easy to work on,spares always available trackside also when i cant mend it which is most of the time all of the lads have hoermanns and can help me out ie mend it for me

As doc said

its personal choice...... Horman and Contrast are the cars at the moment to be seen with, both good quality offerings, similar prices, and both have proved themselves in the hands of experts...... and idiots like me

BUT IF YOU DONT BUY A CONTRAST ..... be warned you wont be going fast enough

2010
will be remembered as the year when two tribes went to war !



Johnny
Doc's Political Corispondant for International Networking and talking 5hite

Yes having both of the above cars i would say they are equally as good with different strengths and charactaristics on handling, the support for both is very good too but no one has yet to buy the new Harm BX3 and i dont think the track side support would be very good either, personall choice as stated

Hormann for me

Very strong easy to work on and they look good to.

The contrast is also a very good car but for me it would be the HORMANN

OK Seriously,

Contrast...
2009 national and super national winning car
its a good car ... handles flat and fast and turns very well.
probably the lightest car on the grid,
levels of available grip are very high.
Spares are expensive.. ishh .... but you dont need many
Uses older style offset rims with very good results
car comes without engine, tyres, radio gear, but does include samba pipe, comp clutch and front hydro brakes.
The HFR spec chassis is long wheelbase.
Kits in stock @£1700 plus P&P
dont need to do much to make it a winner ask Ian or Mike !

Regards

John

Paul or Jason will provide a quick summary of the horman im sure, and i dont like to admit it.... but its a good car... but dont tell the others or they will think im going soft

DONT FORGET THE ELCON CLEON THIS IS UNDER RATED BUT THE CAR CAN BE VERY FAST IN THE RIGHT HANDS

Hormann for me everytime , you can drive the car straight out the box.

just look at the top tips for both cars if you can find any for the hormann

Horman for me as well.

I know for a cheap contrast for sell if you want one , he is sticking to his Hormann

are you realy sure Jase
ps i wonder what make of car breaks more chassis, bulkheads, and A arm pins....

johnny

question for you john why dont contrast use there own wheels

and if got given a FREE car i would say there the best

Most people drive the Hormann for a reason, very fast reliable car, ideal for the most standards of driver.

I have owned a cleon, to my own great expense, broke and bent everytime you looked at it, with poor trackside support and wouldn't touch another with someone elses if you know what I mean

The BX3 may well turnout to be a great car, but as far as I'm aware, no trackside support at all at present, the Bx1 and 2 certainly had plenty of issues, most people couldn't keep them in one piece, even if Ian did whip everyones butt with them

The contrast is a good car for sure, but to say they dont break is erm .. not quite the full facts, the car doesn't come with side pods that are any good the bodyshells are not great by all account, and most of the "its won this that and the other" are because they are driven by top class drivers (hats off to you chaps)

I had the choice of all the cars, and just gone back to hormann, cant beat em for simple reliable fast car ... oh and its my third hormann .. I just think they're great!

Trackside support is brilliant for them.

I see you are in Derby, Hope to see you at Notts and Derby when our Pikey friends move on, best to come and have a look and a chat before you decide ...

DISCLAIMER : If I have upset anyone by tell the way I see it after 'having' to spend way too much cash this year I make no apology whatsoever .....

Matt

Think hormanns are great cars owned 1 and liked it but love the cleon more, personal pref really, but matt I see you broke your hormann at notts a few times on her first outing so not supprised you broke your cleon with your driving

DISCLAIMER : If I have upset anyone by tell the way I see it I make no apology whatsoever .....

Fook the national & super national results, just look at the UK EFRA results 5 Cleons, 4 Hormanns & 1 contrast in the A final. I own both a Hormann & a Cleon which I payed for & they are both great cars, with the Hormann being a little more forgiving.