Looking for a large RC car that you can customize to your liking? Clean out a corner of the display shelves for the Losi 5IVE-T Roller, a 1/5-scale off-road racer that brings you as close to realistic racing as possible.
Embracing the popular short course racer frame, the vehicle comes with a full roll cage modeled from full-scale trucks that ensures your ride will survive the most rugged of crashes and collissions. It comes with a clear body panel made up of four individual pieces (each panel is separately replaceable) that you can paint and decorate at will, giving you free hand in customizing your brand new super-sized ride.
The Losi 5IVE-T Roller brings all of the 5IVE-T's popular components in a large 1/5-scale frame, minus the electronics and the engine, which you'll have to throw in to get it ready for the tracks. Features include a four-wheel drive power train with all metal gears, a 5mm aluminum chassis, three-tunable sealed viscous differentials, large-bore shocks with 7mm shafts, beadlock off-road wheels, an 800 cc fuel tank, two-stage air and fuel filter systems, and a sealed clutch mount.
Personaly, I can't help but feel this thing is begging for an electric counterpart and I definitely want one. The Losi 5IVE-T Roller is available now, pre-assembled and raring for action, priced at $1,099.
[Losi]
Specifications
Type: Short Course Truck
Scale: 1/5
Length: 38 in (965.2mm)
Width: 20.75 in (527mm)
Height: 12.25 in (311.1mm)
Ground Clearance: 2 in (50.8mm)
Wheelbase: 24 in (609.6mm)
Chassis: 5mm 6061-T6
Suspension: 4 wheel independent
by sunny on December 20, 2012
While it's always hard to pick one vehicle as the best in a category, the Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD SC Truck will probably figure prominently in any such discussion. And it's no surprise with the ride's mix of heavyweight horsepower, lightweight chassis and performance parts.
Topping the features list is the award-winning TRX 3.3 engine, which propels the 1/10-scale racer into a whopping 50+ mph out of the box. That's right -- zero modifications. Paired with a 1500cc fuel tank, it can make for a whole lot of fun driving. Engine features include a precision composite slide carburetor, PowerTune™ cooling head, dyno-proven IPS crankshaft, multi-port rear exhaust, and the starting convenience of the exclusive Traxxas EZ-Start®system.
Built for performance, the Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD SC Truck comes with adjustable slipper clutch, disc brake, race-inspired suspension geometry, and S1 compound tires. It's also equipped extra tough, with a 6061-T6 aluminum chassis, full rubber-sealed ball bearings, and steel-composite planetary gear differential with hardened steel gears. Other features include a large diameter disc brake, a tuned pipe exhaust system, hex hardware, SCT chrome-center wheels and BFGoodrich MudTerrain tires.
Shipped as a complete package, it comes with a detailed setup topped with an officially licensed race replica body. Available for this release are the Mark Jenkins Edition (#25 Traxxas), the Chad Hord Edition (#9 BOSS Snowplow), the Robby Gordon Edition (#7 Speed Energy) and the Rob MacCacharen Edition (#21 MOPAR).
Want one? The Traxxas Nitro Slash 2WD SC Truck will hit stores in January, priced at $399.99.
[Traxxas]
Specifications
Length:22.24 Inches (565mm)
Front Track:11.65 Inches (296mm)
Rear Track:11.65 Inches (296mm)
Weight (no fuel):7.78lbs (3.53kg)
Height (overall):7.40 Inches (188mm)
Wheelbase:13.07 Inches (332mm)
Front Shock Length:Long Ultra Shock
Rear Shock Length:XXLong Ultra Shock
Front Tires:BFGoodrich®2.2" (Pre-Glued with Inserts)
Rear Tires:BFGoodrich® 2.2" (Pre-Glued with Inserts)
Front Wheels:2.2" Short Course Race Replica
Rear Wheels: 2.2" Short Course Race Replica
Gear Ratio:2.81
Transmission:Nitro Magnum 281
Differential Type:Steel Composite Planetary
Chassis Structure/Material:2.5mm, 6061-T6 Blue-Anodized Aluminum
Brake Type:Steel Disc with semi-metallic pads
Drive System:Shaft-Driven 2WD
Steering:Bellcrank with integrated servo saver
Radio System:TQ 2.4GHz (2-Channel)
Engine (fuel-powered):TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine with EZ-Start®
Fuel Tank Capacity:150cc
Top Speed:50+mph
by sunny on March 7, 2012
With the HPI Savage turning 10 this year, it's just fitting for a new special edition to come around. And that's exactly what HPI is doing with their Savage X 4.6 RTR SE.
We guess "special edition" isn't just a clever marketing term here, since they're really doing numbered vehicles (markings on the TVP chassis plates) with only 1,000 examples rolling out. The "special edition" extends to the vehicle, of course, which comes loaded with options and upgrades that will make your friendly neighborhood monster truck fiend blush.
The HPI Savage X 4.6 SE ships fully assembled in its unmistakable 1/8-scale monster truck frame. Sporting a Dodge Charger R/T body, it boasts orange anodized chassis parts, original Savage monster truck tires on black Warlock wheels, a polished aluminum tune pipe, dual fiber disc brakes, a full set of aluminum Big Bore shocks, and a selection of bulletproof drivetrain options. You get a Nitro Star F4.6 big block nitro engine inside, paired with an SB-5 steering servo, an SF-20W throttle/brake servo and a 2.4GHz radio system.
Whether for backyard bashing, performing big-air stunts, or just showing off to friends, this Special Edition HPI Savage X 4.6 should get the job done. It's available now, priced at $699.99.
[HPIRacing]
SPECIFICATIONS
Length: 21" (534mm)
Width: 16.8" (427mm)
Height: 10" (254mm)
Wheelbase: 13.24" (336.5mm)
Suspension Travel: 5.9" (152mm)
by sunny on December 29, 2010
Need something beefier for short course thrills than your 1/10th racer? Upsize to the HPI Baja 5SC, a 1/5th scale short course truck for tackling your favorite dirt arena shoulder to shoulder with other racers.
Why go bigger? Well, imagine your RC doing those jumps, taking on those straight sections and hitting those corners. Now, double the size of your vehicle and feast your eyes on that. Way more awesome, right?
The HPI Baja 5SC features even more realistic looks, coming in with a wide short course body (pre-painted in either red or black), a new skid-plate front bumper and a large rear bumper with rubber mud flaps. Running a massive 26cc Fuelie engine (uses regular unleaded pump gasoline), it can blow dirt at speeds topping 40 mph for over 45 minutes on a single full tank.
It comes ready to run under extreme off-road conditions, with a 2.4GHz radio system in tow. Notable stock features include TR-10 bead-lock truck wheels, HB Rodeoo tires, Super Heavy Duty 9mm drive shafts, updated rear hub carriers, HD front hex hubs, dual vented disk brakes, 6mm diameter shock shafts, threaded shock bodies and long-stroke VVC/HD shock absorbers.
Can't find pricing info for the HPI Baja 5SC, but expect it at around $1,200 (or higher) when the ride comes out in January.
[HPI Racing]
Specifications
Chassis Length: 900mm
Width F/R: FRONT 440mm / REAR 460mm
Height: 320mm
Track F/R: FRONT 370mm / REAR 380mm
Wheelbase: 570mm
Weight: 12.6kg / 27.9lb (without fuel)
by sunny on April 26, 2010
Looking to take your RC down the tracks for the first time? No need to mince words, you'll probably lose. Just because your chances of winning are slim doesn't mean you shouldn't do your best, right? After all, giving it all is how you improve in this game.
1. Aim for consistency. Your first couple of times racing should be about trying to get consistent lap times. Forget about beating that obnoxious loud dude and his beefed-up truck. Instead, aim to run a consistent course lap to lap.
2. Let faster trucks have their way. Sure, you can be competitive and refuse to give way during tangles. Do realize it's the easiest way to slow everyone down, including yourself, apart from heightening the chances of accidents occurring. Unless you've got a good shot at winning, wrecking your truck isn't worth the ego boost. You can get them later - after putting in some practice time.
3. Make sure your car can handle the occasional nervous driving. Racing brings out everyone's nerves. That means a potentially disastrous trigger finger at the most inopportune times. As long as your vehicle can recover and keep itself from spinning out, you'll be fine.
4. Watch experienced racers run the course. If you get the chance, watch some of the more experienced drivers handle the course. What lines are they talking? Where do they go fast or slow? Which jumps are they going for and which ones are they passing on? Seeing that gives you a good idea of how you should handle the tracks come race time.
by sunny on April 14, 2010
A big block desert race truck, the Redcat Racing Aftershock is a heavyset performer that can handle itself well both in the backyard and on off-road tracks. It's far from the best the category has to offer, but it delivers enough excitement and fun to make it worth anyone's while.
Burly and stocky, it's a tough-looking truck with gorgeous factory-applied paint and decals. From a short distance, the 1/8th scale nitro basher actually looks like an actual truck, especially with the realistic headlights and tires. There's a funny quality to the design that I can't pinpoint, though - almost like it's based on a cartoon design.
The Redcat Racing Aftershock 3.5 claims to do up to 50mph out of the box with its nitro-fueled 3.5 cc .21 SH big block engine. While I could not confirm that threshold, I did come close, so it's quite a lot of power. It comes with a two-shoe aluminum clutch setup and a single stage filter for the carburetor - not ideal for heavy racing, but decent enough for most drivers.
Performance is a mixed bag. It handled tight corners like a seasoned pro and jumped easy enough, but the tires barely held on tougher terrain. For the most part, you'll have to seriously drive this. If you're inexperienced, you'll likely just crash it before the first five minutes. It does have a lot of plastic parts, so racing this stock against other SCTs is probably not a good idea. Make a tough landing and you're almost likely to find something break (or stressed enough to almost get there) - a far cry from the toughness its look suggests.
Available for $300, the Redcat Racing Aftershock 3.5 RTR is very competitively-priced for a 1/8th scale nitro truck. You'll likely need a lot of modifications to turn this into something race-worthy, but it should be good enough for most casual driving.
Specifications:
Length: 19.84"
Width: 12.01"
Wheelbase: 12.80"
Engine: Nitro 3.5cc. (.21SH)
Drive Train: Front and rear sealed differentials. Two speed transmission.
by sunny on March 29, 2010
You've got a new nitro engine. Learning how to break it in the right way is the shortest course to guaranteeing long-lasting performance, with the least amount of upkeep necessary. Failing to do so won't exactly get you with a messed up ride, but it leaves the doorway open for more frequent problems down the line.
What You Need
For your break-in, you need the following things:
- Around two hours of free time
- Three to five tanks of nitro fuel
- A clean, flat surface to run the car in
- Plenty of patience to do it the right way
Getting To Work
Start up the car and check to see if fuel is moving through the lines. If it doesn't reach the carburetor after five seconds, try priming the engine (i.e. place and release your finger over the tip of the exhaust for a couple of seconds). Make sure to release as soon as you see the fuel making its way accordingly. Holding on too long can cause the engine to flood and lock up.
The idea behind using five tanks of fuel is to increase the amount and duration of throttle with every run. Some advise making do with three, although we recommend running the full range and using five tanks.
On the first tank, give the engine a 1/4th throttle slowly (note on the slow throttle acceleration for all five tanks) for about two seconds, then hit the brakes. A nice trail of blue smoke should come from the exhaust. If not, try moving the air/fuel needle a quarter turn at a time to richen the fuel mixture until it starts blowing smoke. Continue the same quarter-throttle then braking until you run the tank to near-empty. Before going dry, pinch the fuel line (to turn engine off) and rest for fifteen minutes.
On the second tank, you do the same thing while going to half-throttle in three seconds. For the third, you do the same thing, then run three second counts while at half-throttle, before hitting the brakes. On the fourth, you go full throttle three seconds before braking. In your last tank, you do the same thing, except you hold the full throttle for an extra two seconds.
And with that, you've just successfully given your nitro engine a proper break-in. Go forth and be on your own merry way.
by sunny on March 18, 2010
Unlike other truck categories, stadium trucks are designed primarily for one thing: winning races. Designed to run on temporary off-road tracks built on stadium field, they combine characteristics of both the buggy and monster truck categories, the former for the fast run times and the latter for the durability. Being a representative mix of speed and toughness makes them one of the most popular racing classes around.
Note: Consider this list as one opinion that you can take into account, rather than an absolute rating of the best the platform has to offer.
1. Traxxas Jato
Even without the latest 3.3 engine, the 1/10th-scale 2WD Jato is a ridiculously fast beast. With it, it's just scary. Posting a 0 to 60 of 4.2 seconds and a top speed upwards of 65mph, the power is so immense, it makes normal jumps look like you're scaling it with a rocket booster. Sporting two-speed torque, Revo-spec GTR shocks, and zero-bump steer-suspension, it's one of the most versatile stadium racers around, able to deliver as well on dirt and grass with a little fine-tuning (some height adjustment and, perhaps, a new set of tires for the same nasty quickness).
2. Traxxas Rustler
Geared for intermediate drivers, the Rustler is a powerful 1/10th 2WD truck, pairing impressive top speeds (upwards of 50mph for the nitro version) with excellent handling. Sporting a wide chassis and a low center of gravity, it makes for some of the most stable maneuvering in the platform. It's also highly upgradeable, allowing you to fashion it into a real beastly performer (honestly, though, all I'd do is get new wheels and, maybe, a wing because the stock is good enough).
3. Schumacher Menace 21
Too fast for its own good, we've heard too many stories of broken RC parts with the Menace 21, a 1/10th-scale 4WD with a 3-speed gearbox and a 3.5cc engine. Contributing to the unfortunate accidents is the fact that it comes with plenty of plastic stock parts, putting it near the bottom end of the scale when it comes to durability. Reaching top speeds closing in at 70mph (for real), a lot of beginning and intermediate racers are just taken aback by the kind of power it brings. My advice? Get one and upgrade it to aluminum parts (it's an easy truck to fix). Yes, it will be very costly, but well worth it. This much power in a durable ride brings so much potential.
4. Associated RC10 GT
Don't let the cheap price fool you. The RC10 GT is a highly-competitive 1/10th-scale 2WD stadium truck, despite being one of the most affordable models in the category. Fast and dependable, it's a ride you can count on in terms of unfaltering performance and durability. Much of the truck is impressively lightweight, allowing it to run lightly on its toes, taking straightaways swiftly and landing jumps in a smooth manner.
5. HPI Nitro Rush Evo
An excellent vehicle for beginners, the Rush Evo is far from being the fastest, best-performing stadium truck on the market. In fact, it tends to lose stability once it hits jumps, although it does make up for it with excellent ground performance. It's very rugged and easy to maintain, making it an excellent vehicle to get your feet wet in the nitro scene. You should get a better truck for serious competition, but for bashing and absorbing all the beating that models receive from relatively new drivers, this fits the bill perfectly.
