BuggyMasters Review: American Sportworks Carbide 150cc

[BuggyMaster]

This is the other 150cc machine that American Sportworks makes. The powertrain in this is identical to that installed in the Helix. The advantages that this machine has over the helix is it has a more conventional mini buggy design that most people seem to prefer over the Helix. It has bucket seats, mudflaps all around, headlights, and both front and back brakes where as the Helix only has them in the back. It also has a speedometer, although it is typically off by about 20%. Still better than nothing. If you are doing a lot of tight trail riding, this would be the preferred machine over the Helix just because it has a better turning radius and likely a little more ground clearance with the larger tires all around. This machine is however a bit more expensive than the Helix. Also, the red seats tend to fade to pink after time. The other con is that our Helix spanked it on all of the performance tests. I attribute this to the larger wheels that need to be turned and I feel that the Carbide is a bit heavier.

Pros: Very comfortable machine. I believe this is the same as a Hammerhead Twister 200. Part are cheap and easy to get.

Cons: When compared to the helix it is expensive but inline with other similar styled machines. Seats fade to pink over time.

BuggyMasters Overall Rating: 7 out of 10.

We rated the Helix slightly higher simply because of the performance difference and personal preference. Others very well may reverse these ratings depending on their riding environment.

[24evanwilson]

i go helix 2

[Xrims]

If you were to remove some weight from the Carbide (metal sides front metal cover) do you think a lighter Carbide would have the speed of the Helix?

[BuggyMaster]

I'm not for sure on whether or not it is the weight or the smaller tires. Likely a combination but probably more the tires. One of the big advantages of the carbide is it has a little more ground clearance. I wouldn't trade that for the smaller tires if I was trail riding. The top end works better for us just because we ride a flat track.

[24evanwilson]

i♥ trail ridein

[Krusekontrol]

This buggy did very well at one of our buggy bashs in PA. The buggy was pushed beyond it's limits most of the day before the rear axle took a major impact and bent.

The impact this buggy took would have bent a truck axle so I would give this buggy some serious respect for that hit. No cracks or bends to the frame at all.

Just a well built buggy

[joshstep1]

Mines got a slight bend in the rear axel, but that's only after a friend got it three something feet in the air. Now, I'm the only one who drives it.

[Bootboy1488]

i have had my blue lightning (helix with mud flaps) for a couple years now. i beat the life out of it every time i take it out. do you feel the design of the carbide compares to the helix/blue lightning?

[BuggyMaster]

that's probably a matter of subjective opinion but if we had a helix/lightning sitting next to a carbide and could only choose one, we would take the helix. That's our opinion though.

[Bootboy1488]

I apologize, I meant in terms of structure. Do you think it could take the same ammount of beating?

[2SlickNick]

After reading all your reviews I think this machine or the hammerhead will be my next buggy.
I am more partial to the Carbide. I just sold my Manco Vortex. I have been seeing these machines for sale on CL ranging from 700-1700. I am being patient and know I will probably have to drive 2-3 hours to get one.
All your reviews are informative and appreciated. Thanks. I can't wait to get one. I spent more time on the trails pushing my vortex. No reverse and lack of torque suck LOL. Gy6 is the way to go.

[2SlickNick]

Well I got the Carbide and love it! Tight trails this thing rocks! Plenty of power stock.