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
by sunny on February 1, 2010
No-maintenance brushless motors have revolutionized the hobby of RC racing in some ways. HPI's popular stadium trucks first caught on to this brushless trend with the release of the E-Firestorm 10T Flux, a 1/10th scale 2WD that's fully geared for fast-paced, competitive action.
Aggressively styled, the vehicle sports a pre-cut lightweight DSX-2 body shell that comes painted and decked in custom graphics. Meant to hang with the fastest stadium racers, all parts are factory-assembled with the authentic-looking ground assault tires glued to the wheels.
The E-Firestorm Flux promises high-quality performance, boasting a vehicle built on top of a durable framework that's meant to absorb heavy wear and tear. Take off the shell and you'll find a tough composite chassis with components strategically placed to provide balanced weight distribution.
Sporting a Flux Warp 5700kv motor and Flux Motiv ESC, the vehicle's brushless system is tuned to deliver both speed and power in heaps. Many races over the past year have proven its mettle, showing off blistering bursts that sees it reach top speeds of up to 60mph in quick fashion.
On the downside, the E-Firestorm has been known to suffer from occasional cogging (very rare, though) of the sensorless ESC during acceleration, which sees the truck's responsiveness take a temporary hit. The smooth start does allow you to go from 0 to max rather quickly, which completely makes up for the hitch. Braking is also handled fairly well, allowing for great transitions between runs and stops. With a soft suspension, cohesive drive train and excellent electronics, it delivers where it matters - action-packed performance.
The HPI E-Firestorm 10T Flux is a great balance of speed and handling, making it a perfect stadium truck to dive in the thick of the action with right out of the box.
by sunny on January 31, 2010
Small car, big obstacles. If the idea of crawling through harsh terrain with a diminutive model strikes your fancy, then Losi's 1/24-scale Micro Rock Crawler should be your off-road performer of choice. The smallest model ride of its kind, it's a veritable mini-monster that delivers big-time fun.
How small is this RC truck? Put it this way - Losi's roster of rock crawlers (including the 1/10th and 1/18th scale Comp and Mini-Rock) can easily run it over. Measuring less than six inches in length, the obstacle-clearing Micro leaves no hills unscaled in physical appeal. Despite the shrunk-down frame, it aptly captures the hard-to-conquer features of its larger-scale counterparts. With a fully-decorated and pre-painted tuber-style body, along with heavily-treaded tires, it's an authentic-looking off-roader that bravely conquers unpassable ground.
Losi's Micro Rock Crawler comes with a full set of similarly tiny fittings that should enable it to clear otherwise impossible terrains. Armed with a four-link suspension, worm gear drive, beadlock-style wheels and National Champion 2.2 Rock Claw tires, expect excellent balance, smooth control and unrelenting grip. While the micro-motor won't send your heart aflutter with insane speeds, it should handily deliver where it counts - providing brisk bursts of power to push through all manners of difficult surfaces.
The ready-to-run Micro Rock Crawler should prove, once and for all, that even off-road performers can come in small packages. Whether you're staying indoors or hitting the trail, this should make for plenty of obstacle-clearing entertainment.
Specifications
- Type: Rock Crawler RTR
- Scale: 1/24
- Length: 5.85 inches (148.6mm)
- Width: 3.5 inches (86.36mm)
- Wheelbase: 4 inches (101.6mm)
- Weight: 6.63 oz (188g)
- Chassis: Twin Verticle Plate (TVP)
- Suspension: 4-Link
- Tire Type: Micro Rock Claws
- Body Color: Blue or Black
- Radio: Losi Radio System with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Technology
- Batteries: 4.8V 150mAh 4-Cell NiMH
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 $8.95
