by sunny on March 2, 2010
Billed as a "buggy for everyone," the LRP Blast BX S10 doesn't purport itself to be a world beater. With a slew of nice features and good looks, though, the 1/10th scale should make an excellent basher, as well as a competitive entry-level racer.
Physically, we love the airbrushed looks of this fully-mounted, pre-decorated RTR based on the pictures. Sure, there's not much originality to the body (honestly, it looks like a Chinese rip-off of a Japanese import), but both the wind tunnel- optimized body shell and high-downforce wing appear well-executed.
On paper, this sounds mighty impressive - steel differential gears, steel pinion and crown gear, big bore alloy shocks with adjusters, roll bars and more. It's a mighty tough off-road vehicle, indeed. The news release claims sensational driving performance, impressive quickness and superb handling, which, from the specs, does sound like it can deliver rather handily. Other notable features include a Type 540 motor, VTEC high-grip tires, digital LRP speed control and (supposedly extra-strong) LRP steering servo.
Everything pretty much comes with the package, so you can haul it right out of the box and start bashing. While LRP claims this can do quite well on low-end competition circuits too (it satisfies all requirements for the 1/10th electric category), it should be prudent to look towards the company's numerous option parts (particularly those intended for the S10 Sport and Pro variants) for better results.
For an entry-level buggy, though, the LRP Blast BX S10 sounds like a real...uhm...blast. Considering it comes as a true RTR (complete with radio, speed control, motor, batteries and charger), it is quite the bargain, priced at just under $200 with most retailers.
by sunny on March 1, 2010
A favorite among airshow fans during the 1960s, the The Great Planes Zlin Z-526 Akrobat resurrects the popular Czech plane in all its flying glory. Like its full-scale inspiration, the single-seater model is designed for one thing: to thrill audiences with its sporty aerobatic prowess.
While putting ARFs together is always daunting, this particular plane was engineered for convenient assembly. Note the difference between "convenient" and "easy." This is, by no means, a breeze, but it could have been harder. For our purposes, we used a 4-stroke .52 engine, although you do get a wide choice for the kit (2-strokes and Outrunner brushless are also accepted).
The Great Planes Zlin Z-526 Akrobat is a roughly 1/7th scale, so it's quite a big plane (58-inch wingspan). That makes it perfect for outdoor aerial shows, since people on the ground can spot its on-air antics easily.
Up in the air, the good looks pave the way for even better flight. The plane is absolutely fast and smooth. Crank the left stick forward and you'll see it streak like a straight-aimed missile. Handling shows a lot of neutral tendencies, so there's plenty of room to innovate for aerobatic flyers. It's not as precise as 3D competitors would probably hope for, though, so keep that in mind.
Seldom do you find a Zlin plane modeled. It's especially rare to see one with full aerobatic qualities as Great Planes has done with Zlin Z-526 Akrobat. Throw in the not-so-difficult assembly plus excellent flight speed, and it's an easy call if you're ever considering getting one. Yep, get it now.
Specifications
Wingspan: 58 in (1470 mm)
Wing Area: 633 in² (40.9 dm²)
Weight: 6-6.75 lb (2695-3005 g)
Wing Loading: 22-24 oz/ft² (66-74 g/dm²)
Length: 52 in (1320 mm)
Requires: 4-5 channel radio w/4-5 servos; 2-stroke .46-.55 cu in (7.5-9.0 cc) or 4-stroke .52-.70 cu in (8.5-11.5 cc) engine; OR RimFire? 42-60-480kV outrunner brushless motor, 60A brushless ESC & (2) 11.1V 3200mAh 20C LiPo batteries
by sunny on March 1, 2010
If you've been shopping for an eight-scale buggy, you must have come across the Tamiya TRF801X, the company's competition-level off-road kit. While we have heard some complaints about it (mostly the heft), our own experience was actually very satisfying.
There isn't much to distinguish it in the looks department, although we found it to be an attractive ride all the same. Building does require some amount of time (designed for advanced hobbyists, beginners will definitely find the manual a little lacking), although the decision to bundle screws with the parts that use them made sorting through the pile a heck of a lot easier (thanks for that, Tamiya).
Equipped with an anodized duralumin chassis and enclosed by a tough body shell, the TRF801X fosters dependable strength all while offering good mobility. It does feel a little hefty (while driving) compared to other top players in the class, which actually helps with stability, although it's nowhere near "tank-like" as some people have described.
Overall vehicle performance is great. The drivetrain is very smooth (Mugen-like quality), the acceleration is downright quick and handling is very forgiving. Driving it against other buggies, you'll notice the car practically saving itself while everyone else's vehicles are tipping over during corners and rough patches of ground. Jumps are a little harder, though, because of the weight, which tends to result in its falling nose-down a little more than other models in the same class. You should be able to iron it out with a little tuning, so give it time - this is the kind of ride that grows on you.
The Tamiya TRF801X 1/8 Off Road Competition Buggy is easily one of the best vehicles in its class. Like all top-of-the-line performers, it requires a little getting used to. The time you put in should be worth it, though.
Tamiya TRF801X Specifications:
Wheelbase: 320-327mm
Length: 495mm
Width: 307mm
Gear ratio: 11.34:1
Kit/RTR: Kit
Experience Level: Advanced
Items Needed for Completion:
- .21 Off Road Nitro Engine
- Tuned Exhaust System
- 2 Channel Radio System & 8AA Batteries
- High Torque Steering & Brake Servo's (2)
- 6V Receiver Battery
- Glow Driver
- Starter Box & Batteries
- Nitro Fuel & Fuel Bottle
- Paint for Body
- Charger for Reciever Pack & Starter Box Batteries
- Tires & Tire Glue
by sunny on February 27, 2010
Just released early this year, the Hobby Lobby Super Scale F-16 looks like one mean RC plane. Massive and detailed, it's a gorgeous rendition of the legendary jet fighter currently serving in the military of over 25 countries.
It's an ARF, so it comes with most the parts you will need to take your plane to the skies and begin shooting down enemies. Okay, the latter will require plenty of imagination, but the flying part sounds like an absolute thrill. You'll need to add radio, servos and battery to get it up.
How big is the thing? If you have a kid in grade school, the Super Scale F-16 is probably bigger. With a flying weight of 35 oz, it has a 28.33-inch wingspan, 43.5-inch length and a total 160.75 square inches of wing area. Yep, it's huge.
The set comes with mostly injection-molded plastic parts (such as the inlet scoop, scale landing gear legs and wheels), some hard plastic components (fins and missiles) and plenty of articulated detail. Based on the photos, assembly may prove harder than Hobby Lobby makes it out to be. It looks worth it, though. Hardware details include pin-type hinges, engineered nose wheel steering and carbon rod reinforced wings.
Top features include a 2600 Kv Outrunner brushless motor, an 80mm-diameter ducted fan, 45-amp speed control and an eight-blade impeller. The canopy and the base form the battery hatch, which are held steadfastly in place by earth magnets, making access to the battery easy. For realistic enjoyment, the jet comes armed to the brim, with AGM missiles, AIM missiles and reserve drop fuel tanks.
While there's no mention of how it performs on the official site, the Hobby Lobby Super Scale F-16 looks way badass. Recommended for intermediate model pilots, price is an affordable $260.
Specifications:
Length: 43-1/2"
Wingspan: 28-1/3"
Flying Weight: 35 oz.
Motor: Outrunner Brushless (2600 Kv) Included in Kit
Ducted Fan: 80mm Ducted Fan with 8-blade impeller (Dynamically Balanced) Included in Kit
Speed Controller: 45A Programmable ESC pre-connected with Genuine Deans Ultra Conns
Type of Build: ARF - Almost Ready to Fly
Skill Level: Intermediate
by sunny on February 26, 2010
Looking for a nitro truggy that you can rip from the box and set on the tracks in no time? The Ofna Jammin X2-CRT isn't only ready to run, it's completely ready to race. Tough as nails and packing decent power, it's a guaranteed way to get beginners acclimated to the class.
Clad in a blazing red and white color scheme, the 1/8th scale vehicle does just enough in the attractiveness department. The paint job is excellent and the decorations are busy, but tastefully applied.
The Jammin X2-CRT runs on a Force .28 engine with Electric Shaft Starter. It's an intermediate engine - easy to tune and low-maintenance. While good enough for an RTR racer, it's still rightly considered a basher's engine. For an all-around truck aimed at intermediates and below, though, it fits the bill perfectly.
Ask anyone who's driven this model and they're likely to give the same impression - this is an extremely durable vehicle. Boasting all-aluminum parts, this thing can rumble with the best of them. During drives, the handling feels very aggressive while the long travel suspension soaks up everything smoothly. Compared to many similarly-priced truggies out there (e.g. the Muggy), the difference in quality of experience is night and day.
Notable features include a new composite carburator, 150cc fuel tank, big bore shocks, 7075 Billet hard anodized aluminum chassis and a responsive two-channel wheel-type radio system. Do note that you may want to replace the servos down the line for more serious racing - everything else seems for keeps.
Hands down, the Ofna Jammin X2-CRT RTR is one of the best bang-for-the-buck truggies out there. Definitely well-worth looking into for intermediate drivers and below.
Specifications
- Length: 20.2" (513mm)
- Width: 7.1" (180mm) ahead of rear wheels, narrowest point
- Width: 7.3" (186mm) at rear wheels, widest point
- Height: 4.7" (120mm)
- Chassis: CNC machined hard coated 7075 aluminum
- Drive: Four wheel shaft drive
- Radio: Ofna 2-channel 27MHz AM
- Engine: .28 cu in (4.6cc)
- Exhaust: Polished tuned pipe
- Fuel Tank: 5.1oz (150cc)
- Transmission: Single speed
OFNA Racing
by sunny on February 26, 2010
When it comes to indoor R/C helis, the E-Flite Blade series should be a familiar name. The latest to carry the line (their eight) is the Blade mSR, a single-rotor chopper that seeks to fill the gap between co-axial models and collective pitch machines.
Factory-assembled, it comes ready to fly, complete with a 2.4GHz radio and all the batteries you will need to quickly get in the air. While not the most spectacular-looking, it does have some nice lines. With options for appearance and performance enhancers, such as glow-in-the-dark blades and a tailfin, it should bring enough satisfying visuals.
The tiny E-Flite Blade mSR is actually quite the capable helicopter. Hovering is very stable, requiring just slightly more control than a co-axial machine. Beginner pilots shouldn't have a hard time working through this RC, especially after a few practice take-offs.
Despite weighing a mere ounce, it can do a lot. Forward flight is easy to handle, with speedy acceleration and an even faster quick stop at just the flick of a button. It's a fixed pitch heli, so don't expect much acrobatics - it's good enough for a trick or two, though.
Trawling the air around your house, you'll likely find it to be a very responsive and durable chopper. Sure, it's probably going to break if you step on it, but normal falls and running into obstacles should result in zero damage. Hard to believe with its flimsy-looking frame, but true.
New helicopter pilots looking for a fun, affordable machine should definitely consider the E-Flite Blade mSR RTF. It's a tiny bundle of fun with enough toughness to last you a long time.
Specifications
Rotor Diameter: 180mm (7.0in)
Length: 200mm (7.9in)
Height: 90mm (3.5in)
Weight: with battery 28g (1.0oz)
Motors: Main motor brushed coreless (1 installed)
Tail Motor Brushed micro coreless (1 installed)
by sunny on February 25, 2010
Based on the successful RC8 platform from Team Associated, the Factory Team RC8T is a 1/8th scale truggy with a reputation to live up to. The buggy version, which came out months before, was heavily-lauded and the company did take their sweet time entering the newer market.
Since it's sold as a kit, you'll have to build the vehicle yourself. The shocks, differentials and turnbuckles are, fortunately, already set up, saving some of the hassles you'll otherwise slave through. Assembly isn't that hard, but it isn't easy either. Expect to reserve a full workday for it (or more, if you're not used to kits).
Team Associated has said that the Factory Team RC8T is a full-blown race truggy out of the box and they aren't kidding. Suspension, with the new big bore shocks featuring 16mm six-hole pistons and 4mm gold shock shafts, worked wonders, absorbing problems in the tracks handily, making for very smooth driving. It clears jumps with ease and can adjust effectively even while in the air. Handling, with on and off power steering, is very precise. Out of corners, you can accelerate hard with 4.30:1 gear boxes that provide maximum punch.
The car is specially light and agile, making for good runtimes even with no further modifications. It exhibited decent durability too, with its milled 3mm hard-coated 7075 aluminum chassis, aluminum top plate and aluminum steering rack. Other notable high-performance features include aluminum wheel hexes, a full ball bearing drivetrain, two-piece split-center diff mounts, an innovative clutch design and the Free Float Caliper brake system.
Overall, the Team Associated Factory Team RC8T Truggy Kit is an excellent box, even over a year after its first release. It's easy to drive, follows movements accurately and is very friendly even with less-skilled drivers. A great buy for the $500-something marked down price (yes, it's the going price now).
Specifications:
- Scale: 1:8
- Power: Nitro
- Type: Off Road
- Length: 571.5mm
- Width: 419mm
- Weight: 3946 (no rec. pack or body)
- Wheelbase: 375mm
- Internal Gear Ratio: 4.3:1
- Drive: 4WD
by sunny on February 23, 2010
Slated for release in the Spring, the HPI Blitz ESE vows to take short course RC to the next level. Throwing in a ton of premium upgrades to the already impressive 2WD's stock chassis, this can make an excellent replacement for your worn-down Blitz or a powerful entry to the short course truck scene.
Available as a kit, you can let your creativeness shine through as you customize the included ATTK-10 clear body with a paint job of your choice. It comes with a set of graphic elements and official logos to help you out in decorating, as well.
The Blitz ESE boasts a stiffer composite main chassis that claims overall quicker response. Color coded performance parts (white, cool gray and warm gray) let you see high-response parts at a glance, apart from lending it a more attractive appearance. Of course, it's only likely to remain that way until the first time it tastes dirt, at which point it will have to say hello to your favorite scrub.
HPI wasn't short on superlatives when describing the release. Precise steering and cornering from the firm front and rear arms, tougher skid plates for aggressive take-offs and landings, firmer bumpers for stronger and a whole host of other tune-ups have been outlined that make it a potentially super fast ride.
You'll have to supply a lot of the parts for this kit, including the motor, batteries, servos, wheels and tires. This adds a laundry list of things for you to pick up, but allows for plenty of customization on actual racing abilities. Expect the HPI Racing Blitz ESE Kit around April for a $250 price.
[HPI Racing]
US $8.49
