by sunny on January 24, 2010
Looking to feed your competitive spirit by stepping your racing up a notch? Hit the roads with the innovative HPI Vorza Flux HP Brushless RTR Buggy, a 1/8th-scale, pre-assembled RC that promises one of the fastest lap times you can post on a model ride.
Wearing sleek lines and a mean-looking frame, the Vorza Flux takes to the ground with a pre-trimmed VB-1 shell, complete with an attractive paint job, sporty decals and the trademark Vorza Flux HP logo. More than a looker, though, the car 's thick aluminum chassis should capably absorb tremendous beatings, apart from allowing more mobile movement. A bullet-proof drivetrain and a hardened steel spur and pinion gear ensure it will meet the most demanding requirements.
Housing a powerful Flux Tork 2200 Kv brushless motor, racers should be able to reach speeds of up to 80mph, depending on the battery options you pick out for your ride (3 cell LiPo naturally gets you the best performance). With strength-tested nylon wheels wrapped by Proto tires and extra motor cooling (provided by the chassis), it can handle itself around race tracks without worrying about your machine not being up to the task. Control is facilitated by HPI's TF-3 AM radio, which provides extra long range and uninterrupted signal.
With the HPI Vorza Flux HP, the company managed to put together a complete racer every RC enthusiast can get behind on - great look, high-level performance and an affordable price tag. Whether for backyard bashing, neighborhood racing or expert competition, it's a car that can capably match your advanced driving skills.
Specs:
Chassis: 7075 Aluminum 0.16" (4mm) thick
Length: 20" (508mm)
Width: 12" (305mm)
Height: 5.7" (146mm)
Wheelbase: 12.8" (325mm)
Weight: 7.1 lbs (3230g)
Radio: HPI TF-3 AM system with BEC
ESC: HPI Flux Blur, sensorless programmable, with cooling fan
Battery Box: Fully adjustable to fit a variety of battery configurations
by sunny on January 23, 2010
The 1979 Rough Rider, arguably among the most beloved RC models of all time, turned up as one of the year's most interesting reissues, when it came out in the form of the Tamiya Buggy Champ 2009. Celebrating the model's 30th year anniversary, it aims to give new enthusiasts a taste of the good old days, laced with a hint of modern twist.
Maintaining the wondrously charming look of the old kit, the re-introduced racer brings back the classic in all its glory. Most of the parts stay faithful to the '79 Rider, from the tough, 2mm-thick FRP frame, easy-to-paint white shell, all-terrain wheels and block-treaded rubber tires. If you owned one in the past and are looking to rekindle some old passion, this one's likely to do it.
The addition of several new reinforcements, such as a plastic roll cage and an improved front bumper capably brings it up to modern durability requirements. You’ll also find considerably improved performance with newly-tuned and improved operational parts, including an ESC and Type 540 motor.
Hardcore purists will probably bemoan the much-improved handling (compared to the terrible one on the original). However, the inclusion of updated front and rear suspensions, front axle, and wheel hubs make it possible to pit this in races along with newer models. The Buggy Champ also comes with a clear waterproof case to ably protect the car's internals.
Like the old version, the limited-edition Tamiya Buggy Champ 2009 comes as a self-assembled kit, allowing you to savor the classic in its entirety before rolling it out to the tracks. The geeky free shirt that comes with the box also adds a fairly nice touch.
Specifications:
Types: RC 1:10, Buggy, Electric-Powered, On Road
Overall length: 400mm
Width: 210mm
Height: 150mm
Wheelbase: 250mm
Tread: F170mm R175mm
Tire Width / Diameter: F19/74mm R35/83mm
Motor: Tamiya 540 size
by sunny on January 22, 2010
Want to go off-road straight out of the box? The Tamiya XB Sand Viper sounds about right for the job. Designed specially for beginners, it's an expert-built racer with the looks and performance to take you right in the thick of the action.
Described as a ride with attitude, this 1/10th scale model is spunky to the core. Its stylish lines (inspired by the vicious sand serpent), large rear wing and dish wheels all combine to deliver a striking visual on hot, dusty surfaces. With the polycarbonate shell fully painted and decorated, there's little else needed but to start racing.
And race it can do well. Pre-installed with a Type 540 motor, the XB Sand Viper delivers tight power that even novices can handle. Both the RC unit and battery are mounted right in the middle to facilitate a lower center of gravity. Paired with the independent double wishbone suspension, it results in optimum balance and driving stability that you'll find of great use as you race across difficult terrain.
The car's grooved front tires will help ensure accurate turns, while the spiked rubber on the rear guarantees unflinching traction through the grains. Even skidding won't be a problem, as the flat underside should facilitate great performance on that end.
If you've been on the hunt for a starter sand buggy, the fully-assembled Tamiya XB Sand Viper should prove fit for the calling. It comes with a sealed gearbox (so you don't have to deal with any of your machine's components getting trashed) and a good range of upgrade parts (in case you begin hankering for a little more power).
Specifications:
Fully assembled 2WD off-road buggy Sand Viper
4-wheel independent double wishbone suspension secures stable running
Features wide grooved front tires and spiked rear tires for excellent off-road ability
Differential gearbox is fully sealed from dirt, ensuring a long life of smooth handling
Powered by Type 540 electric motor
Factory finished kit includes Expec SP R/C unit, wheel-type transmitter and TEU-101 electronic speed controller
7.2v battery pack and charger
Lightweight polycarbonate body
by sunny on January 21, 2010
Easy to assemble and easy to control - that's the promise of the Tamiya Plasma Edge, a popular choice for many starting RC hobbyists. If you're looking to get a quick start in the rough and rowdy world of off-road 4WD racing, this affordably-priced buggy should prove a worthy contender to give you a headstart.
It ships with a clear, polycarbonate body, along with a slew of colorful stickers and decals for decking your 1/10 scale like a winner. Aerodynamically-designed, the rear wing won't only help propel your vehicle forward, it adds an extra level of intimidation. The colored wheels add a nice touch, while the spiked tires not only provide an interesting look - it gives your buggy the ability to maintain a tight grip over all sorts of terrain.
Power comes courtesy of a Type 540 Motor, which is standard for Tamiya vehicles along these lines. Paired with a six-cell stick and finely-tuned stock parts, it will deliver reasonable speeds that should give upstart racers something to look forward to.
The Plasma Edge uses a DF02 chassis, which features a longitudinally-mounted motor and battery across its bathtub frame. With oil-filled dampers and independent suspension, it offers topnotch handling stability, allowing your vehicle to stay on its feet even through treacherous jumps and difficult surfaces.
Want to make your buggy racing debut with a bang? This is probably not the model to do it. If you'd like a vehicle you can grow into as you build up your skills, though, the Tamiya Plasma Edge should make that time worthwhile.
Specifications
Length: 400mm
Width: 249mm
Height: 170mm
Chassis Material: ABS
Suspension: 4-wheel independent double wishbone
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven full-time 4WD
Type 540 motor included
Tire Width/Diameter: (Front)32/86mm, (Rear)41/86mm
by sunny on January 20, 2010
The Kyosho Ultima DB is a new buggy based off racers that competed at events in the Baha area. It's a throwback to the days of pipe-framed buggies, giving it that attractive, old-school appearance.
Boasting a chassis based on the Ultima SC and performance traits lifted off the Ultima RT5, it's both a backyard basher and a racing specimen in one. Better still, this 1/9 scale comes out of the box ready to run, allowing you to waste no time in getting things rolling. It comes with a pre-assembled chassis, pre-painted body and a full set of electronics, requiring only a battery to run.
Power is provided by a stock, fan-cooled G20 motor, which should prove a decent performer, especially if you intend to push this hard in successive races. The vehicle is compatible with NiMh 8.4V (7cell) packs. Do note that the G20 is an excellent motor for longer-running races, as it can manage to stay cool even under duress.
Durability traits include a carbon-fiber composite chassis, strategic braces molded into the chassis, impact resistant bumpers (front, rear and sides), sealed gear box and tactically-mounted shock tower and shocks (to keep mass low). Notable features include a three-gear transmission (with heavy-duty SP idler gear), a low-mounted motor (allowing for better bump handling), modified steering assembly (eliminating bump steer) and threaded composite shocks.
On the paper, the Kyosho Ultima DB seems like an excellent scale buggy with downright realistic looks. It's tough to gauge how it will actually perform, but if Kyosho parts are easy to come by in your area, there's no reason not to give this a try. Looks exciting. It's slated for availability in March.
Specifications
Scale: 1:9
Width: 296mm
Length: 455mm
Height: 158mm
Wheelbase (max): 326mm
Final Drive: 2.6:1
by sunny on January 12, 2010
Tamiya’s reissue of the popular Grasshopper will surely take you back down memory lane to the fun off-roader's heyday in the mid to late 80s. Whether you're old enough to have enjoyed that or are so young you're wondering, "What the hell is the 80s?", the 21st century version of the comebacking 1/10th scale retains the same ease of assembly and manageable controls that helped the original make its mark.
Sturdiness has always been one of the Grasshopper's foremost characteristics. This remake is no different, as it includes a robust ABS resin bathtub frame shell. This time, however, you get to customize your machine's looks, as Tamiya leaves the painting and decorating squarely in your hands.
With a frame boasting a strong monocoque chassis, the vehicle exhibits drivetrain stability, allowing it to suck up harsh beatings under many driving conditions. This versatility is further aided by the realistic three-piece type wheels that allow capable handling of varied landscapes. Corrugated front and paddle-type back tires provide the necessary grip strength, apart from completing the off-roader's old school buggy appearance.
An entry level performer that's guaranteed to excite, it bellows satisfactory power and acceleration from the included 380 motor with electronic speed. You'll need to complete the kit with an accompanying radio, battery and charger, though, before taking it to the test.
Most anyone with an interest in RC can find something to appreciate in the Tamiya Grasshopper. Whether it's the nostalgia of a classic model, the accessibility of the vehicle or the thrills of an old school buggy, it's an attraction that's bound to pique your curiosity - even for just a short while.
Specifications:
Length: 389mm
Width: 223mm
Height: 135mm
Weight: 830g
Motor: 380 type motor (can upgrade to 540 type motor, sold separately)
Transmission Type: Rear 2 Wheel Drive
Independent swing axle front suspension, rolling rigid axle rear suspension, friction dampers
Sealed rear gearbox
3-piece assembly wheels/rims
Straight ribbed racing front tires
Paddle rear tires
Front and rear axle are compatible with ball bearings (sold separately)
