Yokomo YD-2 SX3, reviewed: the RWD standard, still

The YD-2 is to RC drift what the AE86 is to real drift — old enough that you expect a refresh to feel nostalgic, current enough that it still wins at club nights. The SX3 is the fourth substantive update to the line, and like most fourth updates it is mostly about tightening.

What is new

The SX3 inherits the SX-III chassis plate geometry, the aluminium motor mount, and the reworked steering crank. The kit comes with the updated spool and longer front wishbones out of the box — if you have been running an SX2 with a set of tuning parts bolted on, you are most of the way there already.

How it drives

On carpet with fresh P6 tyres the SX3 is calm in the way only a well-sorted YD-2 is: long, confident initiations, a clean transition, and just enough pendulum to carry speed into the next corner. The weight balance is slightly further rearward than the SX2, which most drivers will read as "more stable at exit."

Verdict

If you already own a YD-2 SX2, the SX3 is a mild upgrade and you are better off buying tyres and practice time. If you are starting out, the SX3 is the chassis to buy, and it is the chassis we fit most often as a first build for customers coming across from racing.

Our kit pick for a first YD-2 build

Start with the kit, a 17.5T brushless motor, a low-profile servo with 0.07s response or faster, and a decent gyro. You can always upgrade later — and you will.