by sunny on August 19, 2010
XRAY just announced a new electric off-road buggy that sounds like an enthusiast's wet dream. Called the XRAY XB808E, the 1/8-scale racer is the battery-powered version of the company's much-lauded nitro buggy, the XB808.
First, the biggest selling point: it's an XB808 ported to run on an electric motor. If you're familiar with the platform, you'll know just how much acclaim and awards it's received since the first model dropped back in 2004, practically affirming the new vehicle's racing credentials.
Chassis has been redesigned for the XB808E, taking into account the different load requirements of the all-electric model. Built with 7075 T6 hard-anodized aluminum, it has been strategically machined in low-stress areas to provide lightness, without affecting strength. It's robotically hardcoated too, with countersunk screw holes on the bottom.
It uses the proven Zero Kingpin suspension found on the nitro versions, with the suspension geometry fine-tuned for even better handling. Drivetrain is similarly carried over from the XB808, with direct central shaft connection to pinion gears, optimal ratios and 22 high-speed, rubber-sealed bearings for maximum performance. Notable details include chassis-centralized parts for a low center of gravity, optimized weight balance for easy jumps, HUDY pinions, spurs and crown gears, front and rear anti-roll bars, graphite shock towers and adjustable HUDY turnbuckles.
The XRAY XB808E is only available as a kit, with a badass-looking ultra-low body. You'll need to supply the batteries and motors, apart from having to build the whole thing, so this should be better suited for intermediate and advanced racers. No exact release date yet, but it's being priced at around $510.
[Team XRAY]
by sunny on April 26, 2010
Looking to take your RC down the tracks for the first time? No need to mince words, you'll probably lose. Just because your chances of winning are slim doesn't mean you shouldn't do your best, right? After all, giving it all is how you improve in this game.
1. Aim for consistency. Your first couple of times racing should be about trying to get consistent lap times. Forget about beating that obnoxious loud dude and his beefed-up truck. Instead, aim to run a consistent course lap to lap.
2. Let faster trucks have their way. Sure, you can be competitive and refuse to give way during tangles. Do realize it's the easiest way to slow everyone down, including yourself, apart from heightening the chances of accidents occurring. Unless you've got a good shot at winning, wrecking your truck isn't worth the ego boost. You can get them later - after putting in some practice time.
3. Make sure your car can handle the occasional nervous driving. Racing brings out everyone's nerves. That means a potentially disastrous trigger finger at the most inopportune times. As long as your vehicle can recover and keep itself from spinning out, you'll be fine.
4. Watch experienced racers run the course. If you get the chance, watch some of the more experienced drivers handle the course. What lines are they talking? Where do they go fast or slow? Which jumps are they going for and which ones are they passing on? Seeing that gives you a good idea of how you should handle the tracks come race time.
by sunny on March 2, 2010
Billed as a "buggy for everyone," the LRP Blast BX S10 doesn't purport itself to be a world beater. With a slew of nice features and good looks, though, the 1/10th scale should make an excellent basher, as well as a competitive entry-level racer.
Physically, we love the airbrushed looks of this fully-mounted, pre-decorated RTR based on the pictures. Sure, there's not much originality to the body (honestly, it looks like a Chinese rip-off of a Japanese import), but both the wind tunnel- optimized body shell and high-downforce wing appear well-executed.
On paper, this sounds mighty impressive - steel differential gears, steel pinion and crown gear, big bore alloy shocks with adjusters, roll bars and more. It's a mighty tough off-road vehicle, indeed. The news release claims sensational driving performance, impressive quickness and superb handling, which, from the specs, does sound like it can deliver rather handily. Other notable features include a Type 540 motor, VTEC high-grip tires, digital LRP speed control and (supposedly extra-strong) LRP steering servo.
Everything pretty much comes with the package, so you can haul it right out of the box and start bashing. While LRP claims this can do quite well on low-end competition circuits too (it satisfies all requirements for the 1/10th electric category), it should be prudent to look towards the company's numerous option parts (particularly those intended for the S10 Sport and Pro variants) for better results.
For an entry-level buggy, though, the LRP Blast BX S10 sounds like a real...uhm...blast. Considering it comes as a true RTR (complete with radio, speed control, motor, batteries and charger), it is quite the bargain, priced at just under $200 with most retailers.
by sunny on February 18, 2010
Want a fun, entry-level 4WD buggy on a budget? The HPI Brama 10B RTR should prove an excellent value, delivering a sharp looker that requires little additional work on your part.
Sure, it's not the prettiest shell around. It brings an overall classy feel, though, with the attitude to boot. The polycarbonate body sports attractive, boxy lines with nice paint and glistening decals. The Digger tires, white wheels, wide bumper and mounted nylon wing nail the look right on the button.
Most parts are nylon and composite plastic, so the Brama 10B is not exactly the most trustworthy ride when it comes to durability. Actual performance is impressive, however. The components appear well-built and are able to hold up to a good level of abuse. Big credit to the shell and the tub chassis, along with the sealed shaft drivetrain and pinion/spur combo, which provide solid protection to the vehicle's inner mechanisms. You will require a good amount of upgrades to turn it into a serious off-roader, though.
It employs an HPI Saturn motor for power, providing good speed for its class. The handling in downright impressive, thanks to the longer arms, bigger shocks and reliable E10 chassis. Curbs and jumps are cleared with relative ease, with capable driving through dirt, grass and mud.
For the most part, the HPI Brama 10B RTR personifies how an entry-level buggy should be - quick to set up, low maintenance and built for durability. It's an excellent way to burst into the scene, not to mention, very affordable too.
Specifications:
- Length: 432mm
- Width: 297mm
- Wheelbase: 239mm
- Tires: 135mm diameter
by sunny on February 12, 2010
With seven world championships under its belt, Kyosho's MP9 is one of the most successful racing platforms around. The new Kyosho Inferno MP9 E takes the same winning design and transforms it into a brushless-powered performer.
A 1/8th scale racing buggy, it borrows majority of the kit from the MP9 Racing Buggy, but throws on an easily identifiable body. Slimmer and lower in height, it brings a more aerodynamic design that should lend it extra-powerful down force. The box comes with racing decals, but you'll need to buy both the wheels and threaded tires separately.
Tired of RC makers claiming a low center of gravity? Kyosho goes further, calling their setup "ultra low," thanks to the race-tuned lightweight, rolling chassis. One nitpick: from the detailed pics on the website, they used exactly the same chassis plate as the nitro version, choosing to cram plugs into the holes instead of molding one from scratch. Not sure how bad of a thing that is, though.
Since it's a kit, you'll have to supply your own brushless motor, speed control, radio system and battery. It uses an EZ Motor Mount, allowing you to find the perfect mesh by simply sliding the whole motor using two screws. Other included features include double A-arms suspension, medium rear shock towers, lightweight universal driveshafts and full ball bearings.
Not only does the Kyosho Inferno MP9 E look wicked with its low-profile design, it's got the racing DNA to inspire confidence when you take it to the tracks too. Expect it to drop in your local hobby shops anytime this month.
Specifications:
- Length: 490mm
- Width: 307mm
- Height: 180mm
- Wheelbase: 325mm
- Tread: 254mm (F) /254mm (R)
- Weight Approx 3370g
- Gear Ratio: 12.6:1
by sunny on February 8, 2010
As another one in a long line of Tamiya reissues, the Tamiya Boomerang definitely deserves the new leash on life. Like the original Hotshot-based model, the revived buggy is a kit, albeit featuring enhancements that make it both easier to assemble and more fun to ride.
Let's face it. Many of us buy reissues for the meaning they used to have for us. For one of my friends who bought one, a second-hand Boomerang is the first RC he ever owned and this re-release brings that timeless, classic look back to its full glory. The soft edges, the craft-like shape and that big-ass rear wing are all recreated with precision - just beautiful.
The older Boomerang had parts that were a pain in the neck to put together. This new 1/10th scale model kicks that complication to the curb and turns in easy-to-assemble parts. Paired with improvements on the chassis, gearbox, suspension and drivetrain, as well as new placement for the drive shaft, this 21st century model takes everything up a notch.
Power is funneled to the vehicle by a Type 540 motor with TEU-101BK ESC, churning out reliable speed while showing it off your favorite local tracks. Control is a breeze, regardless of skill level. Considering you're probably better now compared to when you were a pimple-faced kid, I have high hopes. All the enhanced parts do make for a better-performing ride, especially during actual runs and turns.
You won't likely be leaving people in the dust with the Tamiya Boomerang, but you'll be driving straight to a trip down memory lane. For many, that should be enough reason to get one. You'll need to purchase a two-channel radio system, battery pack and charger to complete the ride, by the way.
by sunny on February 5, 2010
During the time of its release, the Losi XXX-CR 2WD was among the cream of the crop in the field of competition-ready buggy racers. A couple of years after that, it remains relevant in the scene - a credit to the innovations it brought forward in delivering a high-level of racing experience.
Available as a kit, the model comes with a lightweight, lowered body shell, which makes for improved drag and a lower center of gravity. It also includes a multi-element rear wing system, which incorporates two wings (a wide wing and a smaller one on top of it) in one, providing high-speed stability. Want even more aerodynamic handling changes? Install the bundled front wing and feel the difference in steering response.
The XXX-CR comes with a composite, non-graphite (EA3) chassis, a durable foundation that holds the vehicle together. It uses Losi's VLA suspension technology, featuring optimized travel and plenty of tuning possibilities. You'll see it in action first-hand as you watch the buggy work through jumps and carve through turns with unflinching stability.
One of Losi's biggest selling points for this car is its predictability. True enough, this has been proven by hobbyists again and again - this is a dependable racer that will respond the way you tuned it to. Other features include a low-maintenance differential assembly, a three-gear transmission, a new bellcrank system and Red compound tires (Big Shot at the rear and extra-wide in front).
A guaranteed performer, there are few buggies that have really seen and done it all as much as the Losi XXX-CR 2WD. If you like tried and tested, this is absolutely the way to go.
Specifications:
- Type:2WD Competition Off-Road Buggy
- Scale:1/10
- Length:15 in (381mm)
- Width:9.875 in (251mm)
- Wheelbase:10.5 in (266mm)
- Weight:Varies with battery and equipment used
- Chassis:Team Losi Racing's EA3 composite
- Suspension:4-Wheel independent
- Motor or Engine:not included
- Speed Control:not included
- Radio:not included
- Servos:not included
- Batteries:not included
- Charger:not included
- Gear Pitch:48
- Wheel Size:2.2 in
- Kit/RTR:Kit
- Shock Type:Hard-anodized threaded aluminum, oil-filled, Ti-Ni shafts
- Body:Buggy-type with multi-element wing, clear polycarbonate
- Ball Bearings:Complete (includes rubber sealed bearings)
Needed to Complete
6-Cell battery pack
Charger
Motor with pinion gear
2-Channel surface radio system with steering servo
Electronic Speed Control
Modeling tools
Polycarbonate-compatible paint
by sunny on January 31, 2010
Want to energize your weekend buggy bashing? I would suggest liquor, but you can also do it with Redcat Racing's Backdraft 8E RTR, a 1/8 scale brushless rig with engaging looks and a racing-ready stance.
Dressed in a blue, metallic, pre-trimmed body shell with a towering rear wing, the ride keeps at even pace with the looks of other high-end buggies in the market today. The colorful design and sporty decals provide a distinct look that makes it easy to recognize, while the set of all black wheels and soft compound tires further enhance its exterior appearance. The two lexan side guards connected to the chassis do more than provide eye candy - they add an extra layer of protection for your machine’s electronics.
The Backdraft’s power comes courtesy of the brushless RC 540 KV: 2230 motor, allowing it to run speeds of up to 50 mph. Two 7.4 LIPO batteries come with the vehicle, which should deliver sufficient runtimes. We do recommend an extra battery during actual races, though, as charging can take quite a while (up to 3 hours). The balanced drive train layout, with help from the metal gear steering servos and four oil-filled shocks, should afford your ride the clean cornering and topnotch handling you’re looking for. A bundled 27MHZ two channel radio comes with the set, affording you full control, good range and uninterrupted signal.
With kickass looks and the promise of exciting performance, RedCat Racing's Backdraft 8E sounds like an off-road buggy that’s well worth your hard-earned money. Hop ups should be readily available too, if you want to tune it for even better performance.
Specifications:
Length: 19.29 inches
Width: 12.01 inches
Wheelbase: 12.80 inches
Motor: 8T 2400 RPM 540 Brushless
Drive Train: Front, rear, and center sealed differentials
Batteries Used: Two LIPO 7.4V (20c 3200Mah 2s) included
Radio equipment: Included two channel 27MHz AM radio (now shipping with 2.4GHz), BSD rc sport AM 2ch receiver, and a metal gear steering servo.
