by sunny on July 29, 2010
Venom recently introduced a new entry to the increasingly popular short course racing class of RC trucks. Called the Venom Gambler, the 2WD vehicle brings the sporty LOORRS (Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series) racing trucks into the hands of short course RC fans.
According to the company, the vehicle was devised from the ground up, incorporating all the latest innovations in truck design into its 1/10-scale frame. Most notable of the features is the MORdrive system, which lets you adjust the truck's center of gravity by changing the rear transmission's position from mid-motor to rear-motor on the fly. Yep, just like having two chassis in a single ride.
The Venom Gambler is powered by a high-performance 3300 Kv brushless motor, with a fully-programmable 80amp waterproof ESC and a VR3S 3-channel 2.4ghz radio. Chassis accommodates a variety of battery packs (6, 7, and 8 cell NiMH and 2 to 3 cell LiPO), boasts a water-resistant radio compartment and conceals all sensitive wires to keep them protected.
Aggressive body is reinforced with rugged bumpers, mud flaps and side nerf bars for short course racing durability. The Beadlox wheels and tires use a three-piece system that feature elliptical tire beads for improved performance.
Available in late September, the Venom Gambler comes in four colors (black, white, red or blue), priced at $289.99.
Specifications
Length: 21.73" (552mm)
Roof Height: 7.89" (200.5mm)
Width: 11.65" (298mm)
Wheelbase: 13.01" (330.5mm)
Ground Clearance: 1.51" (38.5mm)
Motor: V540 3300kv Brushless Motor
ESC: 80amp Waterproof Brushless ESC
Radio: VR3S 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Radio
[Venom]
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 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 another one in a long line of Tamiya reissues, the Tamiya Boomerang definitely deserves the new leash on life. Like the original Hotshot-based model, the revived buggy is a kit, albeit featuring enhancements that make it both easier to assemble and more fun to ride.
Let's face it. Many of us buy reissues for the meaning they used to have for us. For one of my friends who bought one, a second-hand Boomerang is the first RC he ever owned and this re-release brings that timeless, classic look back to its full glory. The soft edges, the craft-like shape and that big-ass rear wing are all recreated with precision - just beautiful.
The older Boomerang had parts that were a pain in the neck to put together. This new 1/10th scale model kicks that complication to the curb and turns in easy-to-assemble parts. Paired with improvements on the chassis, gearbox, suspension and drivetrain, as well as new placement for the drive shaft, this 21st century model takes everything up a notch.
Power is funneled to the vehicle by a Type 540 motor with TEU-101BK ESC, churning out reliable speed while showing it off your favorite local tracks. Control is a breeze, regardless of skill level. Considering you're probably better now compared to when you were a pimple-faced kid, I have high hopes. All the enhanced parts do make for a better-performing ride, especially during actual runs and turns.
You won't likely be leaving people in the dust with the Tamiya Boomerang, but you'll be driving straight to a trip down memory lane. For many, that should be enough reason to get one. You'll need to purchase a two-channel radio system, battery pack and charger to complete the ride, by the way.
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
US $10.95
