by sunny on March 24, 2010
Last year, Traxxas introduced a 1/16th scale version of the E-Revo, their power-packing electric monster truck. Incorporating the relatively new Velineon brushless system, which is specifically designed for more diminutive models, it's one small package that doesn't disappoint.
The first thing you'll notice is how big it is. I was looking forward to something really small, yet ended up with a 13-inch long truck that looks gigantic next to 1/18th scales. Parts are good quality - the plastic is thick, the GTR shocks are smooth and everything looks particularly stylish.
If you were expecting wimpier performance from such a sized-down ride, you're mistaken. Out of the box, the E-Revo VXL can go an impressive 30mph. With an added battery pack, it can clear 50mph without breaking a sweat (okay, maybe a little). Vehicle details include a Velineon 380 Brushless Motor, VXL-3M ESC, 23-tooth pinion gear, 50-tooth spur gear, Traxxas 2080 mini steering servo and an all wheel shaft-driven drive train.
Of course, none of that matters until you drive it and this truck performs admirably on that end. Extremely durable, I've had the chassis bottom out with absolutely no damage. It didn't mind any moderate crashes either. Suffice to say, this is built strong. Not only does it deliver in speed, it performs jumps very well (with dependable in-air control, plus enough power to do backflips) and runs over uneven terrain admirably. I actually can't believe it managed to stay on its feet after all the punishing driving I put it through (save for one time).
Overall, the Traxxas E-Revo VXL 1/16 manages to live up to its larger counterpart's reputation. It brings incredible speed, great handling and downright durable performance. Well worth the $280.
Specifications
Length: 12.9"
Width: 9.4"
Wheelbase: 7.9"
Height (overall): 4.6"
Motor: Velineon 380 Brushless
Drive Train: Front and rear sealed differentials, single speed tranny with slipper clutch.
Included Battery: Traxxas "Series 1" 6 cell battery pack and charger. A second battery pack and connector are optional and are sold separately.
Radio equipment: (Included) Traxxas 27MHz TQ radio, Traxxas 2216 4-channel micro receiver, Traxxas VXL-3m Electronic speed controller, and Traxxas 2080 mini steering servo.
by sunny on March 22, 2010
Mini 1/18th-scale trucks may be cute, but a good lot of them will do more than look good decorating your shelves. Priced on the low end of the scale with ample power and impressive acceleration, these five can deliver more fun than their tiny frames will initially suggest.
Note: As always, this list is one opinion that you can take into account, rather than an absolute rating of the best the platform has to offer.
Associated RC18T
A 4WD stadium truck with a Super 280 motor, the Associated RC18T is a surprisingly fast indoor performer. Heck, it's faster than some 1/10th scales I've ran and the handling is tremendous. It clears jump and corners easily, with durability to spare. While it will break if you slam hard on a wall, it has withstood more abuse than most any other 1/18th-scale I've seen. There's huge aftermarket support too, with plenty of inexpensive but effective upgrades. It's a bad truck for dirt and grass (everything gets in the drivetrain), but for more even tracks, this will always be the truck to beat.
Losi Mini-T
While this is just an average 1/18th scale out of the box, a few hop-ups should get the 2WD truck performing at a very high-level, especially since it has very generous aftermarket support. With good oil shocks, a 7.2v battery pack, ball bearings, and steel pinion and counter gears, you'll notice an insane difference in performance. This is a great buy if you're willing to let the truck grow on you (i.e you customize it), but there are better options if you want to go stock.
Schumacher A-Tech Mini Monster
Don't have a lot of money, want solid off-road thrills? The A-Tech Mini Monster should fit the bill. It's not crazy fast (about 19mph max on the stock motor), but steering and handling are exceptional (save for the fact that it can be pretty bouncy), making it a joy to drive on dirt, grass and even rocks. There are a number of available upgrades (Fireball motor, 7-cell battery, bearings, wheelies and more), which can really change the way it drives. When it comes to doing wheelies, durability and off-road performance, I haven't found anything priced similarly that actually beats it.
Losi Mini LST
Despite the 1/18th scale, the Mini LST (now on version 2) has that awesome "monster truck show" look down pat. Designed for the off-road, it handles itself gorgeously on dirt, grass and sand, but has stock tires that are just plain too soft for concrete and asphalt. Speed is great (you can push the Dual Frenzy-370 motors hard with some gearing changes), but you will tend to hold back because the handling isn't perfect, especially on the road. Rolling over during high-speed turns isn't unheard of, especially while you're still learning to work with the vehicle. It can handle jumps and obstacles well (especially with such a high ground clearance), but make sure to put higher weight oil in the shocks. With a little tweaking, even with stock parts, this can be a thoroughly enjoyable truck.
Duratrax Mini Quake
A great monster truck, especially the SE version, the Duratrax Mini Quake is a powerful 4WD monster truck with great acceleration and handling both on and off road. Because of the huge clearance and eight oil-filled shocks, it can drive through just about anything, even while going at high speed (it tops out at 17mph on the stock motor). Component quality is topnotch, giving it impressive durability. Even when you end up breaking parts, the aftermarket support is pretty good too.
by sunny on March 19, 2010
Liked the SC10? Why not get it styled with the LeDuc family's winning trucks from the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series? Team Associated recently announced an upcoming SC10 model based on Curt, Kyle and Todd LeDuc’s victorious short course racers. Called the SC10 RTR Rockstar, it brings both cosmetic changes and some fine-tuning to last year's R.O.A.R. National Champion short course truck.
Just like a regular SC10, the new model comes ready to run, with a factory-finished shell (based on the 2009 Championship body) and short course race truck stylings (KMC-like wheels, aggressive tread multi-terrain tires and realistic bumpers). Judging from last year's version of the off-road vehicle, this should bring the same accurate 1:10 scale that makes it one excellent-looking ride.
Key details include a molded composite chassis, 14 precision rubber-sealed ball bearings, fully-adjustable suspension geometry, updated suspension settings, a 2.6:1 ratio gearbox with an externally adjustable slipper clutch and rugged steel turnbuckles. It comes with Team Associated’s new XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3-channel radio system and XP SC200 Digital electronic speed controller.
Since changes are mostly just fine-tuning from last year's SC10, this Rockstar version should exhibit the same capable performance (probably even better). It's slated for availability beginning April, priced at $369.99.
[RC10]
by sunny on March 6, 2010
The RC10T4 platform has belted out numerous national championships (seven, to be exact), and with the Team Associated RC10T4.1, the company has brought the same fetching engineering qualities into an off-road racing truck. While featuring many parts right out of the RC10T4 Team kit, it adds a new 2.4 GHz XP3-SS 3-Channel radio system and SHV1504 MG metal gear steering servo.
Available as a ready to run vehicle, it features an Interceptor-T polycarbonate body that's completely finished out of the box. The paint scheme and decals are very appealing, making for an attractive-looking truck that you won't be ashamed to show off, whether in your friends' backyards or around the tracks.
Molded composite chassis with set screw antenna tube lock serves as the RC10T4.1’s foundation and base. According to Team Associated, the strategically-placed chassis components allow for optimal center of gravity, providing the truck with good stability and maneuverability while driving.
A factory-installed Reedy 3300kV brushless motor should give this truck ample power for casual races, which they paired with an XP SC450-BL brushless ESC. The 2.6:1 ratio gearbox comes with sealed gear differential, dual-sided adjustable slipper clutch and rubber-sealed ball bearings. Other notable features include a battery strap with twist-lock thumb knobs, rugged steel turnbuckles and aluminum shock bodies with molded pre-load clips.
If you're in the market for a fully-assembled truck with a championship pedigree, the Team Associated RC10T4.1 RTR sounds like an awesome pick. Released just at the start of the year, it's priced rather fairly at $399.
Specifications
Scale: 1:10
Power : Electric
Length: 390mm
Width: 316mm
Track: 270mm
Weight: 1756g
Wheelbase: 288mm
Internal Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
Drive: 2WD
by sunny on February 19, 2010
Axial's new kit based around the SCX10 brings a body that looks even tougher than its previous incarnations. Called the Axial SCX10 with Trail Honcho Body, it boasts gorgeous-looking scale, powerful performance and competition crawler capabilities.
Arguably bringing more intense looks than most truggies on the market, the 4x4 electric truggy sports an OD green painted polycarbonate body (.04 inch), complete with die-cut premium vinyl decals. The c-channel steel ladder frame, diamond plate bed insert, molded plastic rear cage, spare tire mount and LED headlight buckets do amazing things to complete its realistic 1/10th scale looks.
Based on a proven chassis, the new Trail Honcho SCX10 claims dependable operation, managing to handle all the demands of the off-road with its durable aluminum chassis (with cross braces for added rigidity and toughness). To ensure ruggedness, it comes with coilover shocks, rock sliders (literally glide over rocks for minimal damage), a tube-style front bumper, enclosed radio box and durable all hex socket hardware.
Power is fed by a pre-installed 27T motor with ESC, delivering enough punch to see this truck pull off heavy-duty performance both indoors and out. Axial notes that it can maintain a range of low-end speeds following quick acceleration, thanks to the 20T pinion paired with an 87T spur gear. The high-torque metal gear servos should allow you to hold your line steadily while climbing rocks too. Other features include beadlock wheels, Pro-Line Flat Iron tires, low CG transmission design and a bundled AM 2 channel radio.
I know a few people - with no intentions of buying a new truggy - who are now looking at the Axial SCX10 with Trail Honcho Body, about to change their minds. Seriously, it looks like one great truck at an even better price (MSRP on Axial's site is $275).
Specifications:
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 313mm (12.3")
Width: 227mm (9")
Height: 150mm (5.9")
Ground Clearance: 68mm (2.7")
Weight: 1814g (4.0 lbs")
BODY
Length: 457mm (18")
Width without fender flares: 216mm (8.5")
Height: 137mm (5.4")
Radio: 2 channel
Servos: 1 hi-torque metal gear (standard size)
ESC: forward and reverse ESC
Motor: 540/550 size
by sunny on February 8, 2010
As one of the few competition-ready 1/10th scale RC crawlers on the market, the Venom Creeper is almost guaranteed to be noticed by fans of this class of vehicles. Boasting terrific climbing abilities, killer looks and easy-to-assemble parts, it's also one of that can appeal to even those still deciding on whether to try their hand at crawling.
Like most kits, you get a clear polycarbonate shell (rock buggy style) upon opening the Creeper's box, along with a nice decal sheet (which includes some metal flake stickers and Venom logos). The anodized parts come in either red or green (the box tells you which ones are inside), which should play a part into how you'll eventually style your own (that one in the picture looks badass, by the way, with its red parts and black shell). Both the thick threaded tires and true bead lock wheels are hella attractive too, apart from being particularly well-suited for the task.
The Creeper's nylon gear transmission case (via aluminum plates bolted to it) ties everything together, making for a thick, protective design that should keep your parts safe during trying runs. Plenty of aluminum parts here, so durability should be far from an issue.
Shocks integrate both external coil springs and internal anti-roll springs. The idea is to reduce the amount of body roll while maintaining maximum ride height, which did seem like the result. It wasn't as pronounced an improvement as I expected, though. Regardless, the shocks should be perfect as is - no need to fiddle with it.
Axles tend to take severe abuse during crawling and the ones here are built out of a combination of steel, aluminum and glass-filled nylon. Suffice to say, these things are strong. You can trust them not to give out for the most part, although I'd still recommend carrying spares just in case.
The kit doesn't include a battery and an engine, so you'll have to spend some time picking which ones to shell out for. Both electronics and drivetrain come with the set, though, so that's two less things to worry about (although you can replace them for even better performance).
Overall, the Venom Creeper is not only good-looking, it's a serious crawler that's ready to face the stiffest competition. Both experts and beginners are bound to get a lot out of this kit - we cannot recommend it enough.
Specifications:
- Length: 17.5" (445mm)
- Height: 8.25" (210mm)
- Width: 10.75" (267mm)
- Wheelbase: 12.5" (317.5mm)
- Tire Dims: 127 x 55 R2.2
- Weight: 5 lb (2.27 kg)
- Chassis: Aluminum Plates
- Drive Train: Shaft Drive
- Radio: Futaba 4PK
- Servos: Venom High Torque Metal Gear
- Batteries:Venom 7.2v 3000mAh NiMh
- Shock Type: Oil Filled Threaded Body
- Body: Clear Poly-Carbonate Body
- Ball Bearings: 30 Ball Bearings
Venom Official Site
by sunny on January 27, 2010
For a while, Tamiya's Midnight Pumpkin became a popular staple in the RC monster truck scene. Which is why it wasn't a surprise when they relaunched it again (some time ago) using the exact same branding with a slight twist.
The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special bears the same 50s truck aesthetic as the original, but comes with silver-plated chrome wheels and a pre-molded black metallic body (the rest of the vehicle, however, remains the same). These spit-shiny parts are latched on using what Tamiya claims to be an "advanced plating technique." With giant oversized tires and a pre-furnished body, it looks even more striking than the original.
A strength-laden ABS box-type chassis (same as the Tamiya Lunch Box) serves as the base for the Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special, just like the original kit. Configured to survive a pounding, it should provide ample stability and protection, keeping your drivetrain and electronics safe through grinding action under unstable conditions. It comes equipped with a wheelie bar, ready to help you through difficult jumps and cringe-worthy stunts.
Sporting a Type 540 Motor, the Midnight Pumpkin should deliver ample power, whether you're bashing in the backyard or showing off to a larger audience. Other details include a rear wheel drive, rigid suspension (both front and rear) and 101BK electronic speed control.
Looking for something both good-looking and fun? The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special should easily fit the bill. If you're a little older, there's a good chance it will bring back memories in torrents too.
Specifications:
Length: 385mm
Width: 290mm
Height: 260mm
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Motor: Type 540
Remarks: 7.2V running battery and alkaline batteries for the transmitter not included.
by sunny on January 27, 2010
Remote-controlled monster trucks have been flooding the market with choices for both long-term enthusiasts and novices alike. RedCat Racing's 1/10th scale Ground Pounder looks to be a good fit for this class of models, bringing a vehicle that's both capable and awe-inspiring.
The aggressive-looking, pre-cut and pre-painted body shell is a veritable carbon copy of its full-size counterpart. It comes sporting complete decals and logos, including that hard-to-miss figure of a gigantic, "Hulk-ish" green ogre (hmmm…looks familiar). Its massive truck tires, glued onto chrome-plated plastic rims, all but complete the monster truck aesthetic.
To reach capable speeds despite its size, RedCat pre-installed a Type 540 electric motor with electronic speed control inside the Ground Pounder. Acceleration won’t be record breaking, but the power should deliver a satisfactory level of fun and excitement. Set includes a sturdy 6061 aluminum chassis, front and rear solid axles, FM transmitter, battery packs and charger.
In an effort to stand out and set their vehicle apart (even, though, it honestly looks like a Tamiya), RedCat Racing equipped the Ground Pounder with both a four wheel drive and a four wheel steering mechanism. They claim it as “the first of its kind,” providing better handling and control than similarly-billed machines. With a single flick of your finger (on the radio controller, of course), you can instantly shift from four different steering modes, allowing you to find a setting best suited to your driving tastes. Even more impressive, you can do it right in the thick of the action - while going full speed, in the middle of turns or during stunts.
The RedCat Racing Ground Pounder offers a lot for everyone - good looks, easy maintenance, great handling and a lot of variety in performance. Definitely worth trying out.
Specifications:
Length: 18"
Width: 13.25"
Wheelbase: 12.5"
Height (overall): 10.25"
Motor: Brushed 540 motor
Drive Train: 4WD shaft driven, solid axle with front and rear sealed differentials.
Included Battery: 7.2v 6cell battery pack with charger
Radio equipment: (Included) 3ch FM digital radio, 4 channel FM receiver, and two standard servos.
US $184.95
