Cadets

qwertyuiop · 11 Jul 2005, 21:53 (Ref:1353042)

Hi all,

I'm new to karting and my son has been buging me to get him a kart. Ive spoken to loads of people about which frame and engine to get. Zips "great for quick guys but bend easy"and comer has lots of cheating" are a few of the comments I have heard. Anybody got any good advice?

Flatspot · 11 Jul 2005, 22:42 (Ref:1353077)

How old is your son? Any previous experience? Do you have a budget?

qwertyuiop · 11 Jul 2005, 22:56 (Ref:1353082)

Hi,

He is 8 with no real experience. I can afford a new kart but do not know which.

crozier74 · 12 Jul 2005, 00:05 (Ref:1353102)

You have a choice of 3 Cadet classes:

Honda - Depleting grids, not raced at many clubs, national championship folded last year
WTP - Small grids at club level, but decent national championship
Comer - Biggest grids across country, big national championship, a mix of funlovin' clubmen and the big-spending spoilt brats

Overall, I'd say Comer is by far and away your best bet. Regardless of what goes on at the top, you're going to get a lot more freedom of where to race, bigger grids, and as such you're much more likely to get a decent race with someone of similar speed to you.

Chassis-wise, Zip have absolutely dominated the class for almost a decade, so they're definately the #1 choice, with the Zip Blade being the current model. Interesting you mention the "bend easily" thing, never heard that before, but usually someone saying "a chassis only lastes x meetings" is just traders trying to get you to splash the cash. You can make chassis last seasons if you take care of them. As far as other options go - the Tony Rocky, LRG and Shark the others that stand out from the list I've got in front of me the now.

Whatever you choose, have fun

P.S. "Cheating" is always hush-hush and paddock bull****, the less you concern yourself with it, the more you'll enjoy your racing and the quicker you'll be

speedy king · 12 Jul 2005, 13:56 (Ref:1353542)

"He's way quicker than me on the straight" Can often be mistaken for "He came out of the last corner alot better"

Welsh Karter · 13 Jul 2005, 08:24 (Ref:1354408)

Have a look at your nearest club (Rye House?) to see what cadet grids are popular - not all clubs run all three cadet engine variations. As you're going to be chief mechanic, think about which type of engine you'd be more comfortable with, two or four stroke. Also if you can afford a new kart now - why not consider buying a cheaper 2nd hand kart for his first year - so at least when he makes all those 'novice' mistakes - he won't be bending a new and expensive chassis. If you're near to Rye House then definitely see what they have to say - in my experience they've always been really helpful and you can do your ARKS test there.

MikeyG · 13 Jul 2005, 11:51 (Ref:1354533)

Comer are in higher numbers at Rye House, but if I were you, I'd get a cheap kart of any type and save up for Junior. You will hav to chuck money at the cadets to be anywhere near competitive. Cheap kart now, good kart in Junior. Trust me.

qwertyuiop · 13 Jul 2005, 16:04 (Ref:1354751)

Thanks for the replys. Gives me something to think about. Gues it isnt going to be cheap!!