When browsing through Kyosho's spare parts catalog, it’s not uncommon to see part references followed by letters such as B, C, or D. This can be confusing, especially for those who are new to the world of RC, but these letters have an important meaning. In this article, we will explain what these suffixes mean and why they are used by Kyosho.
What do these letters (B, C, D) represent?
The letters at the end of Kyosho's part references generally indicate a particular version or revision of the part, or a price change.
In fact, according to Japanese commercial rules (the country where Kyosho competition parts are manufactured), a price change can only occur with a change of part number.
Therefore, if a part undergoes a price increase or decrease, its reference number must be changed. In this case, the product remains identical.
When a part is modified, we always indicate the change on our website, like here for example:
The addition of A, B, C, or D at the end of the reference (e.g., IF625SC) means an update, improvement, or modification of the part compared to an earlier version.
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B: Often, this indicates the second version or revision of a part. For example, an initial part might have a reference without a suffix or with an A suffix, and when a modification is made to this part, it receives the B suffix.
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C: This suffix usually corresponds to a more advanced or revised version of the part, after the B. It may feature additional improvements compared to the previous versions.
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D: Finally, the D suffix is used for the fourth revision or a major modification of a part. Sometimes, a part with the D suffix might integrate different materials or a modified design compared to earlier versions.
These letters allow users to quickly distinguish between different versions of spare parts and ensure that they are getting the most recent version available for their models.
Why do these revisions exist?
Kyosho, like other model manufacturers, regularly updates its spare parts for several reasons:
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Performance improvements: Some parts may be revised to enhance the model's performance, such as adding reinforcements, improving material strength, or reducing weight to optimize handling.
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Reliability or durability issues: If a part has defects or durability problems under certain conditions (for example, a part that breaks easily during impacts), a revision will be made to make it more resistant and reliable.
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User feedback: Kyosho often takes user feedback into account to fix issues or improve part functionality. Updates can be the result of this feedback.
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Compliance and innovations: Revisions also allow for the integration of new technologies or to meet regulatory standards and requirements. This can include changes in manufacturing, materials used, or the overall design of the part.
How to know which version of a part to choose?
When a new version of a part is released, it is generally recommended to choose the most recent version, unless you have specific reasons to prefer an earlier version. Here are some tips:
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Compatibility with your model: Before choosing a part, make sure that the revision you are considering is compatible with your model. Kyosho and RSRC often provide detailed information about part compatibility with different models and versions.
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Consulting modeling forums and communities: Online forums and groups can offer useful advice on the advantages of different part versions. Other users may share their experiences with the B, C, or D revisions.
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Verification with our team: If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us for information on the differences between versions of spare parts.
See you soon for a new episode!
The Shark
Reno Savoya