Best Body...Thin/Wedge vs Beam Style

[newtothis]

First off...hello to everyone, as this is my first post here. I've been reading and learning here for a while, but just joined today. There is a wealth of knowledge here, from many accomplished racers; I'm looking forward to picking up as much as I can.

My question is related to the "best" body shape. It appears that most here use the proven thin-cut body to build their cars. What I've gathered is that a typical ladder-style body might end up weighing ~30g, while a beam-style can be taken down to around ~10g. That 20g difference could then be used in the rear of the car for an advantage regarding greater potential energy at the start of the race.

Aerodynamically speaking though, the ladder car could benefit from the use of fenders, whereas you wouldn't be able to (easily) use them on the beam car the same way. Both styles would have a small cross section going through the air, with the edge likely leaning towards the ladder car. My question is this...assuming the center of mass is the same for both cars, would the (small) aerodynamic advantage from using fenders on the heavier ladder car outweigh the benefit of being able to apply roughly an additional 20g to the rear of the beam car, increasing its potential (and subsequent kinetic) energy throughout the race?

I appreciate the help.

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

A good ladder body will be 10 grams or less. If the beam design was faster, the fastest racers would be using that design.
If you look just at the BASX class, where fenders are not allowed, the fastest cars are all ladder style bodies.

 

[newtothis]

Ok, great...makes sense that everyone would use what is the best. Is the lack of use of the beam design primarily due to potential body flex or is the ladder just that superior, aerodynamically?

 

[HurriCrane Racing]

I'd lean towards aerodynamics being better.

 

[newtothis]

I'd lean towards aerodynamics being better.

That works for me...I appreciate the help.

 

[Skywalker Racing]

Thin to win!

 

[MrRoadWarrior]

This was my first question here. The thin/wedge car wins all the league races although the beam style will be competitive at the scout level. My kids like the look of the beam style car even though my thin/wedge style car is faster. I believe bulldog called it a surfboard style, which is a better way of thinking about it.

 

[newtothis]

Thin to win!

Thanks, that's the route I'm going with.

 

[newtothis]

This was my first question here. The thin/wedge car wins all the league races although the beam style will be competitive at the scout level. My kids like the look of the beam style car even though my thin/wedge style car is faster. I believe bulldog called it a surfboard style, which is a better way of thinking about it.

That makes sense. The beam cars could likely be made to be fast as well, just not as fast as the thin cars. Thanks for the help.