by sunny on February 22, 2010
Loved the price-to-performance ratio of the Phoenix ST? Meet its new iteration, which claims to raise "the benchmark of truck performance to a new level," the Thunder Tiger Phoenix ST II. Kinda hard to believe the "benchmark" part, knowing the company's penchant for pricing at the bargain basement level, though.
Available with a pre-mounted and pre-printed body, it comes in six different color schemes, so you'll have a good number of shells to choose from. Body appears to be glaringly plastic up close, so durability might be suspect. Regardless, it's a good-looking 1/10th scale stadium truck - from a safe distance.
The Phoenix ST II uses a molded composite chassis that the company bills as "high-tech." From what I've seen of the old ST, it did manage to demonstrate ample rigidity and strength, so you should expect the same here. It's supposed to weigh lighter than the chassis of most average race-level trucks of this size too. Battery placement is adjustable, allowing for a better center of gravity during drives.
Power is funneled by a factory-installed Super Sports 17T motor, which should deliver both a nice push and acceleration. It comes with an optimized front geometry for improved steering and better rigidity. Adjustable parts include the camber, squat, wheelbase, shock position, slipper clutch and servo saver assembly. Basically, a whole slew of tuning is allowed, despite the fact that it comes as a ready-to-run package. Other features include a 2.4:1 transmission ratio, quadra-symmetric suspension and an included ACE R/C Jaguar 2CH radio system.
If you're familiar with the ST, you know its selling point: capable performance at a dirt cheap price. Same should go for the Thunder Tiger Phoenix ST II, which is available (from some retailers) for as low as $99.95.
Specifications:
- Wheelbase(mm / in.): 10.98" (279 mm)
- Weight(g/ lbs.): 3.00 Lbs. (1361 g)
- Length(mm / in.) : 15.63" (397 mm)
- Width(mm / in.) : 12.32" (313 mm)
- Height(mm / in.): 6.10" (155 mm)
- Ground Clearance(mm / in.): 1.89" (48 mm)
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 17, 2010
Never failing to innovate, kudos should go the way of Team Losi for their 1/10th-scale 2WD electric truck, the XXX-T CR. This bigger, better and badder truck model can certainly stand toe-to-toe with any racing vehicle out in the wild.
Is bigger better? This question has been asked plenty of times, especially when it comes to RC racing trucks. In the case of the XXX-T CR, we will have to agree. With Losi extending the length to 1/5th of an inch, it certainly looks more imposing without sacrificing any of its brute power.
Fitted with a polycarbonate clear body, along with the extended EA3 composite chassis, you know it can stand a beating at just the first sight. Despite the size, it's highly flexible too, sporting multi-adjustable rear hubs (making for a highly-configurable suspension) and quick-release rear axles, allowing for relatively comfortable handling over huge and long tracks.
As a kit, overall performance will vary, depending on the parts you decide to install. Losi suggests (unsurprisingly) a 6.5 motor with heavy horsepower to maximize the vehicle's potential for power, speed and acceleration. Handling is admirable, especially for the size, steering through difficult turns while managing to maintain good speed. With the race-proven XXX transmission, slowing down and moving to quick acceleration poses little trouble, as it handles the maneuver adeptly.
The Losi XXX-T CR, in capable hands, should sit right up in the top echelon of big trucks when it comes to sheer toughness and quality of performance. It's the kind of model you can take anywhere, pitting against all competition to satisfying results.
Specifications:
- Type: Electric Race Truck
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 16.395 in (416.43mm)
- Width: 12.725 in (323.22mm)
- Wheelbase: 11.250 in (285.75mm)
- Weight: Varies
- Chassis: Team Losi Racing's EA3 composite
- Suspension: 4-wheel independent
- Drive Train: Sealed, 3-gear transmission
- Shock Type: Hard-anodized threaded aluminum, oil-filled, TiNi shafts
by sunny on February 11, 2010
Announced by Kyosho for March 1st, the Ultima SC Truck is a ready-to-run kit designed for competition RC short course racing. Fully-compliant with all of ROAR's short-course regulations, the vehicle boasts a race-ready configuration, similar to the high-performance Ultima RT5.
Sure, it's not as intimidating as many of the race trucks it will likely line up with in races. The 1mm-thick Think High-Impact Lexan Body provides a tough exterior, though, that should see it survive the rigors of one of the fastest-growing RC racing classes in the world. For even more durability, it integrates impact-resistant front and rear bumpers.
The race-readiness begins with the Ultima SC's high-performance carbon fiber composite chassis. Lightweight and strong, it claims to strike a balance in durability and performance. It comes with changeable mounting positions for the battery, allowing you to shift weight depending on the tracks you're running on. The separate front and rear clips make for quick removal, making maintenance an easy undertaking.
Kyosho is bundling it with a G20 Turn HP motor (with an internal cooling fan), which should provide decent speeds for casual races around your local tracks. The three-gear transmission is housed in a compact case, kept as close to the motor as possible, for a lower center of gravity. Other features include symmetrical suspension arms, floating axles and threaded composite shocks.
The Kyosho Ultima SC Truck Kit is compatible with most RT5 parts, making hop-ups just a little easier to acquire. Available for only $209.99, it's an affordable kit too.
Specifications
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 445mm
- Height: 150mm
- Weight: 174g (approximate weight)
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
by sunny on February 9, 2010
Venom just announced a new ready-to-race performer designed to compete in 2WD short course races. Called the Venom SCX, the company boasts it's been designed from the ground up to integrate the latest technologies in race truck design.
An innovative new feature that sets it apart from other SCT class trucks, called the MORdrive system, takes front and center for the release. According to Venom, it lets you to move the rear transmission from mid-motor to rear motor, allowing you to shift your center of gravity on the fly. Basically, it allows you to adjust your car's balance while slugging it out in the pits, effectively taking the competition by surprise.
Modeled after the full-scale LOORRS (Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series) racing trucks, the 1/10th scale SCX comes with an aggressive and pre-painted polycarbonate body, decked out in lizard-like, green-themed racing graphics. It boasts rugged tube bumpers, side nerf bars and mud flaps that make the ride look more authentic, apart from providing extra protection from abuse.
Power is delivered by a 550 27T brushed motor, with a free-rotating captured pin-style VCD for more efficient braking and acceleration. Other features include fully-adjustable suspension geometry, threaded composite shocks, externally adjustable slipper clutch, water-resistant radio compartment and concealed servo wires.
From the specs sheet, the Venom SCX sounds like a definite winner, although the body isn't the best-looking we've seen. Bringing innovations that give its driver a real leg up in competition is always welcome in the SCT class and this truck sounds like it truly delivers. MSRP is $299.99 but looks like there are deals available on the net.
More info here at Venom SCX Page.
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 admin on February 4, 2010
Massive in frame and beautifully laid out, the Traxxas Summit RTR storms in as one of the meanest (if not the absolutely scariest) monster truck currently available out there. An industry-first, it comes equipped with remote-locking differentials that let you lock and unlock both front and rear units directly from your transmitter.
Tough in every way imaginable, this 1/10 scale touts a polycarbonate body, reinforced with a plastic exoskeleton roll cage to ensure additional protection. Suffice to say, extreme conditions won't look all that daunting when you're driving this thing through.
In terms of performance, the Summit’s powerful Titan 775 high-torque motor, superb handling and unconventional power will literally shame everything in its path. Confidently blaze down tracks and aggressively attack jumps at high speeds of over 20 mph. Come across an impossible-looking climb? While every other car turns around, you can simply drop the transmission into first for a stump-pulling 70:1 gear ratio, lock the differentials and crawl your way past it at maximum traction. Literally, it lets you go where no no solid axle RC truck has gone before (well, I think).
With fully-waterproof electronics, unmatched suspension travel and independent ride height adjustment, you can pretty much set this monstrous machine anywhere and have it perform, right? Well, yes and no. Sure, it's a genius of engineering and should handle water, mud and rocks rather easily. However, those metal parts rust (and believe me, they will), so we recommend keeping water immersion to the minimum necessary. You've been warned.
The Traxxas Summit RTR, simply put, looks and feels exceptional. Sure, it's expensive. Expect to get your money's worth, though, in overall performance and smug satisfaction.
Specification:
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 22.17 inches
- Weight: 175 ounces
- Height: 12.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 14.84 inches
- Track width: 18.48 inches
- Motor: Titan 775 High-Torque, Fan cooled 10-turn
- Speed control: Waterproof EVX-2 Forward/Reverse/Brake
- Radio system: TQ-4 four channel radio system
- Transmission: High-Low Two-Speed
- Differential Type: Remote operated T-lock, limited slip, sealed
- Gear pitch: 32-pitch
- Chassis type: Modified Tube
- Chassis material: Composite Nylon
- Top Speed: 20+ mph
Average retail price: $499.99
More info and pics here at Traxxas Site
by sunny on February 2, 2010
Geared towards an excellent monster trucking experience (despite some obvious truggy characteristics), Losi's Muggy 4WD brings up-to-date innovations and excellent engineering talents to the table. With a unique design and a capable set of features, it's a scary-looking performer that should keep you off your seat with non-stop driving fun.
The vehicle's intimidating form starts with an aggressively-designed body shell that comes pre-painted to deliver the look of a monster truck-inspired truggy. Evoking a commanding presence is barely a challenge with its gigantic wheels and 420-Series tires that should keep it moving regardless of the terrain. In-house-crafted wing and wing mount add even more flair to the ride.
Sure, it looks scary, but can it perform with matching intensity? Under the hood, the Muggy 4WD fits in a 427 engine and a large 150cc fuel tank, allowing it to deliver power that supports its monstrous frame. Stability should be more or less set with an ultra-tough aluminum chassis, oversized shocks and low center of gravity, ensuring proper maneuvering even through difficult turns. Helping you tame the beast is a computer-based JR Xr2i radio system, which lets you operate the barreling giant from a broad distance without experiencing any signal trouble.
Considered as one of the best model monster trucks currently in the market, the Muggy 4WD should handily bring all the aggro-destruction that you crave for. It's heavy for racing fanatics too, borrowing some of the best features from its LST heritage. Beginners looking to get into truggy racing should definitely take a look at this as an option, as it offers one of the easiest handling for its category.
Specs:
- Length: 21.75 in
- Width: 18 in
- Wheelbase: 14 in
- Weight: 11.4 lbs
- Drive Train: Gear Ratio 14.48:1
- Motor or Engine: Losi Sport 427 engine
- Radio: JR XR2i
More info at Losi
US $184.95
