Hi everyone.
I currently race karts in KA3 junior category (IAME KA100 engine). I am using a Kosmic Nordix junior kart (30mm rear axle, 28mm tubing), however looking to upgrade to a senior kart within the next few weeks. I am mainly thinking of sticking with an OTK kart, however some other brands have caught my eye.
Birel ART, Kart Republic and Parolin. I have heard great things about all of them and seen them get good results at race days. I do understand that KR especially is a “soft” chassis. From what I’ve heard, they are good for about 3 months and then they start to go “off”, or lose some pace. I am looking for a kart that I can use for at least 2 years, so this is not a likely option. Birel ART are a bit of a mystery to me, as there are not many of them at my local club and I can’t find much information about their chassis. Parolin is the final one, and again I do not know much about them. Are they a soft chassis like KR, or more of a stiff chassis like OTK?
Oh and I forgot to mention, I will be buying second hand, so something that has been used for the 2023 season.
If someone could help me out that would be great thanks.
If I were you, and not knowing anything different, I would stick to Tony/Kosmic. Since you are buying used, they are plentiful and spares are easy to source. You are already with the brand and most likely you’ll be able to reuse some of the spares you already have.
In general, you really want to go with the brand that has most support or representation in your area. Regardless, any chassis brand can put you on podium, so unless you have very specific needs or dislikes, you’ll find they all work well.
KR uses soft metal, but in my opinion all the rumors are a little exaggerated. When Tony was said to be the softest chassis, everybody were saying that they were built like noodles, fell off after one or two races, etc etc…now KR is said to be the softest chassis and it’s the same time of chatter all over again, while Tony all of sudden became a stiff chassis…take it with a grain of salt is my advice
Thanks for the response Andy. I am mainly curious about Parolin, as there are a fair few in my local area and they are consistently getting good results. Do you know if Parolin is a softer or stiffer chassis? I have never really looked into them much.
If you are a beginner stick to OTK like Andy said, it’s much easier to setup and drive and you will have a higher availability of parts.
Kart Republic has a bad reputation of their chassis breaking/cracking. Birel is stiffer than OTK. I haven’t driven Parolin but from what I’ve heard they are quite stiff (and very difficult to setup as well).
That said if you’re buying 2nd hand and don’t care about highly competitive racing buy whatever you find in good condition for a good price.