|
|
 |
The SWX is the evolution of almost 4 years of research and development by Brad "Bender" Dumont. The "SW" series of chassis’ was developed while crawling on some of the harshest terrain Colorado has to offer. |
It all started with the SW2 (top 2 images on the left) chassis which was designed to be the ultimate chassis in one: it worked for 2.2 comp builds to super class builds, and everything in between. In 2006, Brad won the 2.2 Class National Championships and took 3rd in the Super Class National Championships, using the same SW2 chassis for 2 completely different builds.
Brad then decided he wanted to design a minimalist chassis strictly for the 2.2 comp class. Brad took the proven winning features from the SW2 chassis and trimmed all excess meat off the chassis that could be spared. Incorporating these new changes were critical to keeping up with the rapidly progressing 2.2 class.
The SW3 (bottom 2 images on the left) was the first chassis to market an “open sided motor plate”. Brad did this to make maintenance and repairs as easy as possible both on the work bench and out on the rocks during competitions. This also kept the overall weight of the chassis to a minimum without any major sacrifice in strength. These changes paid-off because Brad took the overall Colorado State Championships in 2007 and 2008 with the SW3 chassis design.
With the AX10 kit gaining in popularity, he knew it was time to revamp the SW3 chassis to be more compatible with the most popular rock crawling transmission and axles available to date. Brad incorporated many new features such as: more upper shock mounting holes and upper link mounting holes, a channeled skid plate that wraps underneath the chassis plates for smooth transitions on and off obstacles, revamped chassis width to work with existing Axial threaded posts and upper 3 link set-ups, a transmission mounting point that allows the use of most existing aftermarket dig units, inboard lower link mounting points at the chassis to avoid hang-ups, and a new thicker 3mm chassis plates for additional strength into the SWX chassis. Brad felt that these changes were subtle yet critical, and were needed to stay on top of the competitive 2.2 class.
BLOG CONTENT
• Bender's SWX Comp Rig at the Beach
"Best Chassis, Bender Customs SW3", 2007 People Choice Award by RCCrawler.com
 |
Chassis of the year was a big battle. There were many worthy competitors, but in the end the Bender Customs SW3 received the deserving title. The SW3 has followed its predecessor, the SW2, to become one of the most versatile and winning chassis ever. |
Music by Tool "H" |
