SG116PRO SG116MAX RC Car Metal Upgrade Parts Review: Are They Worth the Switch?
You’re out in the driveway, hitting a jump or drifting around a corner, and then—snap. The sound of plastic hitting pavement is the universal language of RC heartbreak. If you own an SG116PRO or SG116MAX, you know these cars are fast and fun right out of the box. But let’s be real: the stock plastic parts have a shelf life, especially if you’re pushing the motor to its limits.
That’s where the SG116PRO SG116MAX RC Car Metal Upgrade Parts Original Accessories Brushless Motor Gear Drive Shaft Differential Shock Absorber review comes in. If you’re tired of constant repairs and want to turn your hobby-grade RC into a mini tank, these metal upgrades are the logical next step. Let’s break down whether these parts actually hold up or if they’re just shiny weight added to your chassis.
What Are These SG116PRO and SG116MAX Metal Upgrades?
Essentially, this is a comprehensive kit designed to replace the most common "weak points" of the SG116 series. When you buy these original accessories, you aren't just getting one piece; you’re getting a set that includes reinforced drive shafts, metal gears, a sturdier differential, and oil-filled shock absorbers.
The main appeal here is simple: durability. Plastic is great for keeping costs down, but metal is what you want when you start upgrading to brushless motors or driving on rough terrain. Plus, finding these parts as a bundle is a budget-friendly way to overhaul your car without breaking the bank. Many sellers even offer free shipping, which is a huge bonus considering how these small metal parts can sometimes rack up shipping costs.
Why Upgrade to Metal Parts? (The Real-World Benefits)
It’s easy to get caught up in the technical specs, but how do these parts actually change your driving experience?
1. The Differential and Gear Upgrade The stock plastic gears are fine for casual driving, but once you start jumping or landing hard with the throttle pinned, they tend to strip. Switching to the metal differential and gear set means you won’t hear that dreaded "grinding" noise when you accelerate quickly. It translates the power from your motor directly to the wheels without losing energy to gear wobble.
2. Drive Shafts That Don't Bend Plastic drive shafts have a tendency to twist under high torque, especially if you’ve upgraded to a more powerful brushless motor. The metal drive shafts in this kit are rigid. They stay straight, which means more consistent power delivery to your tires. You’ll notice the car feels more "planted" when you take off from a dead stop.
3. Shock Absorbers for Smoother Landings This is arguably the best part of the upgrade. The metal shock absorbers aren't just for looks. They handle heat better than plastic, and they provide a much smoother dampening effect. When you hit a bump, the car bounces less and recovers faster. This makes the car feel more like a professional-grade RC rather than a toy.
Pros and Cons: A Balanced Look
Before you start swapping parts, it’s important to know what you’re getting into.
Pros: Increased Longevity: These parts won’t crack or warp like the original plastic components. Better Performance: The stiffness of the metal helps with handling and power transfer. Cost-Effective: Buying the full set is much cheaper than replacing individual plastic parts every time they break. Accessibility: With free shipping options available on many platforms, it’s an easy "add-to-cart" decision.
Cons: Added Weight: Metal is heavier than plastic. If you’re trying to squeeze every millisecond out of a race, the extra weight might slow you down slightly. Installation Difficulty: If you’re new to RC cars, taking apart the differential can be intimidating. You’ll need a good set of precision screwdrivers and some patience. Rigidity Issues: Sometimes, if you hit a wall really hard, metal parts don't bend—they transfer the force to the next part in line. This means you might break a plastic hub instead of just bending a drive shaft.
Who Should Buy These Upgrades?
You should buy this kit if: You are tired of stripping gears every time you drive. You have already upgraded to a brushless motor and need parts that can handle the extra torque. You want your car to feel more solid and "heavy" on the road. You enjoy the process of tinkering and upgrading your RC car as part of the hobby.
You should skip this kit if: You are a total beginner who has never taken an RC car apart. You are racing in a class that requires the car to stay in its "stock" configuration. You prioritize top speed above all else (the extra weight will shave off a tiny bit of your top-end speed).
What Are Other Drivers Saying?
I’ve seen a lot of chatter in RC forums about these parts. Here’s a summary of what users are experiencing:
“I was blowing through plastic drive shafts every weekend. Since I installed the metal set, I haven’t had a single issue. It took me about an hour to install everything, but it was worth it. The car feels way more responsive now.” — Mark D., RC Enthusiast
“The shocks are the real winner here. They make the car look and feel much more premium. Just a heads up: make sure you have some silicone shock oil handy, because the ones in the kit might need a top-up right out of the box.” — Sarah J., Hobbyist
Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Investment?
If you’re planning on keeping your SG116PRO or SG116MAX for the long haul, this upgrade kit is a no-brainer. While the plastic parts are fine for a beginner, they are the biggest bottleneck for anyone who wants to take their driving to the next level.
The combination of the metal differential, drive shafts, and shock absorbers transforms the car from a "fast toy" into a legitimate piece of hobby-grade machinery. It’s a budget-friendly way to extend the life of your vehicle, and with free shipping often included, it’s hard to justify not making the switch.
Just remember: metal parts don’t make you invincible. You still need to maintain your car, clean your bearings, and drive responsibly. But with these upgrades installed, you’ll spend a lot less time at the workbench and a lot more time behind the transmitter.
