Team Associated FT 13mm Shock Pistons 2mm 3x1.5 Race Tuning Pair AS71172

Overview

The Team Associated Factory Team 13mm Shock Pistons represent a precision tuning upgrade for competitive RC car enthusiasts in the UK who demand the highest level of performance and handling refinement. These specialist shock pistons introduce a new dimension of adjustability to your RC10B6.4 and RC10B74.2 chassis, allowing you to fine-tune damping characteristics for different track conditions and surfaces. Whether you're a dedicated 4WD buggy racer competing at the highest levels or a serious hobbyist looking to extract every tenth of a second from your lap times, these Factory Team components deliver the professional-grade tuning versatility that separates winning setups from the rest of the field.

The 3-hole piston design is a proven tuning solution that has earned its credentials at the very top of international RC racing. Markus Kaerup's remarkable 2022 4WD Modified European Championships victory using 3-hole tuned shocks on his 13mm shock-equipped RC10B74.1 is testament to the effectiveness of this technology. These pistons change the fundamental valving characteristics of your shocks by introducing three smaller holes instead of traditional designs, fundamentally altering how your RC buggy responds to bumps, acceleration, and direction changes. For those serious about RC racing in the UK and beyond, understanding and implementing proper shock piston tuning is absolutely essential to maximising your car's potential.

Factory Team products represent the pinnacle of Associated Electrics' engineering and manufacturing capability, designed specifically for drivers who refuse to compromise on quality or performance. If you're running an RC10 model and seeking genuine performance improvements backed by proven racing success, these shock pistons deserve your serious consideration.

Key Features

• Durable CNC-machined Delrin construction — These pistons are manufactured from premium Delrin material using precision CNC machining, ensuring absolute consistency and durability across hundreds of racing runs and practice sessions. The superior material quality means these pistons won't degrade under the extreme pressures and stresses that shock systems experience during competitive use.
• 3-hole design for softer initial damping — The three-hole configuration fundamentally changes how your shock absorbs initial impact forces, creating softer initial damping that improves mechanical grip on lower-traction surfaces. This means your RC buggy will maintain better contact with the track during acceleration and over rough sections, translating to improved traction and more predictable handling characteristics.
• Lower pack with reduced valving resistance — By distributing flow through three smaller passages rather than traditional larger holes, these pistons create a lower compression pack effect that smooths out your chassis reaction on high-grip surfaces. This reduces jarring responses to track irregularities and allows for smoother, more controlled handling when conditions improve.
• Professional-grade tuning element for RC10B6.4 and RC10B74.2 models — These pistons are specifically engineered to work with all 13mm shocks fitted to RC10B6.4, RC10B6.4D, RC10B74.2, and RC10B74.2D platforms, ensuring perfect fitment and compatibility. This level of precision engineering means you can confidently install these components knowing they've been designed specifically for your platform's shock system architecture.
• Proven championship-winning performance — These pistons aren't theoretical improvements; they're based on real racing success at the highest international levels. The proven track record from top European competition provides confidence that you're investing in solutions that genuinely work when it matters most.

Technical Performance

The Team Associated FT 13mm Shock Pistons represent the cutting edge of RC shock tuning technology, delivering measurable improvements in chassis balance and handling response. At their core, these pistons work by modifying how hydraulic fluid flows through the shock during compression and extension cycles. The three-hole design creates a unique flow characteristic that produces softer initial damping—this is particularly beneficial when your RC buggy first encounters a bump or track irregularity, as it allows the suspension to respond more gently rather than harshly. This softer initial response translates directly into improved mechanical grip on lower-traction surfaces like artificial grass outdoor tracks, where maintaining maximum tyre contact with the ground is critical to lap time performance. The lower pack characteristic means that once the shock begins to compress more substantially, it provides progressively more resistance, creating a sophisticated damping curve that skilled drivers can exploit to their advantage. Construction from CNC-machined Delrin ensures absolute precision—each piston maintains perfect tolerances and consistent performance across unlimited racing sessions. The 2mm hole diameter specification provides the exact flow rates needed for the RC10 platform's shock geometry. These pistons come in the 3 x 1.5 configuration, meaning three holes of 1.5mm diameter, which is ideal for drivers seeking that sweet spot between traction-focused damping and overall handling balance. Whether you're testing on UK artificial grass circuits, indoor carpet tracks, or outdoor asphalt, the ability to swap between piston specifications (available from 1.5 through 1.7 sizes) provides the fine-tuning control that separates competitive winners from mid-field runners.

What's in the Box

• Team Associated FT 13mm Shock Pistons, 2mm, 3 x 1.5 — Package quantity: 2 pistons

Frequently Asked Questions

• What RC cars do these shock pistons fit? — These pistons are compatible with all 13mm shocks for RC10B6.4, RC10B6.4D, RC10B74.2, and RC10B74.2D models. The manufacturer also lists compatibility with RC10B7, RC10B7D, RC10SC6.4, and RC10T6.4 vehicles that use 13mm shock systems. Always verify your specific model uses 13mm shocks before purchasing, as older or different RC10 variants may use alternative shock sizes.
• How do 3-hole pistons improve my RC buggy's handling? — The three-hole design creates softer initial damping, which allows your suspension to respond more gently to the first impact of bumps and track irregularities. This improved initial compliance helps your tyres maintain better contact with lower-grip surfaces, increasing traction. On high-grip tracks, the lower pack characteristic smooths out your chassis's reaction, reducing jarring movements and allowing for more predictable, controlled steering response. The net result is improved lap times through better mechanical grip and more consistent handling across different surfaces.
• Are these shock pistons suitable for beginners? — These are specialist tuning components designed for drivers with existing knowledge of shock setup and damping characteristics. They're not essential for recreational driving but are invaluable for competitive racers and serious hobbyists pursuing lap time improvements. If you're new to RC racing, start with your chassis's stock shock setup before investing in piston tuning. Once you understand how your car responds to different setup changes, these pistons become a powerful addition to your tuning toolkit.
• What size shock pistons should I choose? — Team Associated offers these pistons in sizes from 1.5 through 1.7mm. The 3 x 1.5 specification you're viewing provides a good balance suitable for most track conditions and driving styles. Selecting the correct piston size depends on your track surface grip level, ambient temperature, shock fluid viscosity, and personal driving preference. Many racers start with 1.5 pistons and adjust upward if they want slightly stiffer damping characteristics.
• How many shock pistons come in a package? — Each package contains 2 shock pistons, which is sufficient for one complete suspension setup (one piston per shock, front and rear pairs). If you're building a backup chassis or want to maintain different piston configurations for various track conditions, you may wish to order additional packages.
• What material are these pistons made from? — These pistons are constructed from Delrin, a premium engineering polymer that offers excellent durability, minimal wear, and consistent performance across hundreds of use cycles. The material is CNC-machined to precise tolerances, ensuring every piston performs identically to deliver the repeatable, predictable handling that competitive drivers demand.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the TEAM ASSOCIATED FT 13MM SHOCK PISTONS, 2MM, 3 x 1.5 AS71172 today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.