We believe all belt skip is on the drive pulley; 100% of the force goes through it, both acceleration and braking, while each diff carries only a part of the force. Also, the force is transmitted through many more teeth on the diff pulleys than the drive.
This also accounts for the fact that the X - 5 has a bit more belt skip than the xxx-4: Our drive pulley is 25% smaller. they engage 10 teeth, while we have just eight.
For a while we had a dual-idler set-up which did help with skip because it increased wrap on the drive pulley -- another tooth engaged. For maximum effect, we used the "oversized" idler, which Losi has discontinued. All Squared idler bars were drilled & tapped to accept this dual-idler system.
We discontinued the Dual-Idler Upgrade Kit when we ran out of the big idlers, but you certainly can easily add a second "standard" idler and it will increase wrap. In the one-idler system, the idler goes in the center hole. For the dual-idler, use the two holes closest to the mounting screw holes.
The dual-idler Kit required a longer belt, #3213. However, most Family members using two standard pulleys report the standard X - 5 Kit belt #3209 works just fine.
If I were buying an Higher Power Upgrade Kit for any reason, I would also purchase a #3209 belt to go with the new pulleys in the Kit. We also suggest everybody keep a set of pulleys and a spare belt in their pit box. It's the kind of thing you replace from time to time, and being caught at the track broken ends your day.
But Dan is right. A well put together X - 5 driveline lasts many months. Paul often goes 6-8 months without touching his.
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