Conclusion
The DF03 / Keen Hawk is a great car in all ways as long as you don't expect too much. Even on the race track it can perform well if you get the setup tuned just right. On a short track without too many bumps to tax the suspension and wobbly shock towers, the Keen Hawk could keep up with much more expensive cars and maybe even beat some.
If you are looking for a car to win club meetings with - it's possible with the DF03 Keen Hawk, but not altogether easy. The car could really do with a few hop-ups to shine, a slipper would be my first choice, along with moving to 48dp for a wider range of easily available pinions.
Upgraded shocks are also a must have if you want to get the best from the car - the difference between the stock shocks and the Associated shocks (which were already setup well) was great. The official Tamiya hop-up shocks were a slight disappointment and had a limited range of adjustment / pistons - so were still way too soft for my liking. I've not had time to get these shocks working well, but they are super smooth and high quality items. They just need the right combination of pistons and oil is all, the Associated shocks are familiar to me which is why it was easier to get them right for the Keen Hawk.
I can't say I wasn't disappointed with the Keen Hawk, because I was - but only in so much as I had put so much hope in the car, that it could perform as well as the 501X (ok, I was dreaming!). I look at this chassis and see some missed opportunities, it's such a unique and interesting design - with many great points. But the rear inner hinge pin location is laughably poor and unbefitting of this chassis. The chassis isn't really long enough, another 10mm and this could be a lot better balanced. But ultimately some of the cars drawbacks on the race track are what add to its appeal to the masses, and surely go toward making this one of Tamiyas greatest cars.
The Keen Hawk is a great introduction to 10th off road, be it racing or 'bashing' - or any combination of the two. The chassis can take serious abuse and is safe and predictable to a point - add a few choice hop-ups and it will only get better.
Fear not - I haven't give up on the Keen Hawk / DF03 by a long way, if you want to race this interesting chassis then wait for my 'Ultimate Impact' review of the KMRC carbon fibre chassis conversion, along with plenty of great hop-ups all reviewed. Also a review of the Keen Hawk fully 'blued up' with the YEAH RACING DF03 hop ups.
