what is the deal with

[spidertoy]

bent links on some chassis designs? does it give you more travel? better angles? and is the XRC a good design for a first crawler?

 

[VMGontheRocks]

I think the XRC is a great design. The bent links give extra ground clearance.

 

[Todd1803]

The XRC looks like a nice design, but is marketed as a "competition" chassis. I have a buddy building one for his first crawler, which is also his first "real" rc vehicle, and he seems to be moving along fine, so I'm sure it's ok. Personally, I really like the reputation and adaptability of the Bender SW2 (at least in concept, I haven't built it yet). As for the links, VMG nailed it. They increase the breakover angle between the axles.