Lighten Those Paddles

What it will do for you

This simple to do modification will completely transform the maneuvering capability of your Tsurugi. Imagine rolling faster than an X-Cell while still being smother and more stable. Out turn, out tumble even the liveliest MA product with this simple mod, yet still retain docile hovering characteristics.

How you do it

As supplied in the kit, the paddles are of a large surface area type with a well rounded leading edge. Each paddle is weighted by two steel inserts located along the leading edge giving the paddle significant heft and a forward center of gravity. I haven't weighed the paddles because I do not have a scale, but they are probably the heaviest that I have seen.

What you will need to make the modification is: a 3mm tap, a 3mm bolt, a 2.7mm drill, and a pair of pliers.

In each paddle, drill as accurately as possible a hole into the end of each steel insert. You will want to be careful so you drill into the insert rather than out through the side of the insert and into the paddle. The hole needs to be between 5-10mm in depth.
Use the tap to thread the hole you have just drilled.
Screw in the bolt completely and once installed use the pliers to grip the screw. Continue to tighten the screw with the pliers while attempting to pull out the steel insert. This will cause the insert to rotate in the paddle easing its removal.
Placing the paddles in some hot water before attempting the removal of the weights may make it easier.

That's all there is to it. You may find that an adjustable weight on the flybar is needed to fine tune your model's responsiveness. Mine got rather lively.

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