by sunny on April 12, 2010
Relatively new compared to other categories of model racers, short course trucks are probably the most exciting vehicles to come out of the radio-controlled scene in a while. Quite literally, they have taken off-course racing by storm. How did they do that? For the very simple reason that they're awesome. Here's why.
1. They're realistic as hell. As fun as truggies and buggies are, rarely (if ever) do you see them going neck-to-neck in real life. Short course trucks, on the other hand, are based on popular off-road racers. Which ones do you think would folks rather drive?
2. They're durable. Full-fendered, short course race trucks just absorb contact better than many off-road racing vehicles. Designed to hold their ground even during slight collisions, they leave truggies and buggies in the dirt, as far as durability is concerned.
3. They're great for bashing. While built for racing, the extra durability makes short course trucks just as perfect as backyard bashers. Who needs a monster truck when you can bash with a ride that you can take down the tracks for serious racing too?
4. They handle and perform similar to real trucks. The rear squats down when accelerating, the brakes dive down when halting and the long-travel suspension helps it powerslide through corners. Simply put, RC short course trucks drive just as loosely as their real-life counterparts, making this one of the most realistic racers in both looks and performance.
5. They're very affordable. Given how amazing short course trucks are, they're extremely affordable. All you have to do is look at top short course trucks, like the Traxxas Slash and the Associated SC10, to realize that you can take home the top of the class for such a modest amount.
by sunny on April 5, 2010
The DuraTrax Vendetta SC isn't a special-looking ride (especially when you first see it out of the box). Despite the largely plain looks, though, this short course truck has gained many fans because of its impressive performance.
Able to run on dirt tracks just as well as on your paved garage, it comes with one of the most tunable chassis among 1/18th scale trucks in the market. Fine-tuning is definitely the name of the game here, allowing you plenty of legroom to make adjustments for optimal performance on any surface. The included manual comes with a generous slew of tuning tips for various components, including the shock mounts, camber, wheelbase, track width, ride height and more.
The Vendetta SC is a surprising vehicle. Running on a brushed VR3 motor, it's fair not to expect much speed. Once you unleash it on the dirt, though, the truck just blasts off, showing off fiery acceleration, intense jumps and hard-nosed performance around corners. Weight distribution is fantastic, the suspension soaks up impact even from high falls and the steering servo brings plenty of torque.
Sure, I ragged on the looks to start with. Don't get me wrong, it's not ugly. In fact, it has plenty of cool touches, including stylish decals, gnarly bumpers and a well-thought-out plastic frame - overall appeal is very casual though. On the downside, it appears to use too much plastic parts (but it performed sturdily throughout our runs) and dirt tends to accumulate in the chassis (just wrap off any exposed parts with tape to be safe).
Overall, the DuraTrax Vendetta SC's speed and handling are totally uncharacteristic of what you'd imagine small-scale RCs to bring. It's crazy good. With a good amount of hop-up parts now available, it's a short course racer you can improve on too. Highly recommended, especially at the $219.99 price point.
Specifications:
Length: 12.75"
Width: 6.6"
Wheelbase: Adjustable 7.25" - 7.5"
Motor: 380 VR3 brushed
Drive Train: Front and rear differentials
Batteries Used: 6 cell NiMH (sold seperately)
Radio equipment: Included two channel 2.4GHz Tactic radio, 2.4GHz Tactic TR-324 3-ch receiver, and standard size Tactic TSX200 steering servo.
Price: $219.99 (price may vary)
by sunny on April 2, 2010
Robitronic's growing line of entry-level RC cars just got a big, new friend. Called the Robitronic Shadow Monster Truck, the 1/10th scale off-roader brings the same qualities we've seen from the company's previous releases: easy to use, economically-priced and rigged to perform.
Built as an RTR out of the box, the vehicle ships fully assembled with a pre-finished, airbrushed-style Lexan body, four-dualspoked chrome wheels and chunky high-grip tires. Stock motor (unspecified model) isn't likely to deliver all that much power, but with a 12-turn capable ESC pre-installed, it allows for plenty of upgrade potential - something you will likely want to do once you've gotten the hang of driving your new monster truck.
Chassis is specially-engineered for bashing on bumpy ground, with Robitronic claiming it's capable of "braving even the highest and widest jumps without breaking a sweat" (which it won't, by the way, since cars don't sweat). With a suspension already fine-tuned for stable driving and a beefy steering servo, it should deliver stability and agility that rivals more expensive contemporaries in the field. Other features include an adjustable slipper-clutch, front and rear bumper guards and maintenance-friendly rear wheel drive.
The Robitronic Shadow Monster Truck is fully ball raced and ships with a 27MHz wheel type radio. It's available now for around $160.
[Robitronic]
Specifications:
Wheelbase: 290mm
Length: 470mm
Width: 335mm
Height: 205mm
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 17, 2010
Your RC won't start, has come to a sudden halt or runs like it just woke up from 100 years of slumber. Don't panic. Most of the time, it's actually just a little snag that won't require an engineering degree (or plenty of RC experience) to fix. In fact, it's probably an obvious problem. Here's a laundry list of what you need to check.
1. Switches. Are you sure the car is turned on? Believe it or not, this is the most common culprit for novice drivers suddenly screaming like they're about to cry. Check the power switch on the vehicle and check your transmitter too. If both are turned on, then you're not stupid. Congratulations.
2. Transmitter. Are you sure you have the right one for the car you're using? Look for the frequency label on both the vehicle and the transmitter. Oooops. If that's not the culprit, check the antennas. Make sure they're not damaged and are installed properly.
3. Batteries. Change the batteries (or install them, in case you forgot - duh). Make sure you insert it snugly, facing the right directions.
4. Fuel. If you're driving a nitro RC, check the fuel tank. In case it's not running on empty, check the fuel system. Warning: this can get a bit involved. First, try adjusting the fuel mixture (leaning out or enriching it) and see if that solves the problem. If not, look for bends or tears in the fuel line, as well as blockage (you have to disconnect it). Also, inspect the tank and lids for any air leaks.
5. Servos. We're getting a bit more advanced here, but this is usually the problem when you can make the RC do some things but not others (that it's supposed to - you can't expect a monster truck to fly 30 feet in the air). To test, unplug the servos and put them on a different receiver, then check if it responds properly.
Now, if none of those things are the culprit, then you might have a more serious problem on your hands. Unless you know what you're doing, we recommend just going down to your local shop to have them take a look.
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
