by sunny on April 5, 2010
The DuraTrax Vendetta SC isn't a special-looking ride (especially when you first see it out of the box). Despite the largely plain looks, though, this short course truck has gained many fans because of its impressive performance.
Able to run on dirt tracks just as well as on your paved garage, it comes with one of the most tunable chassis among 1/18th scale trucks in the market. Fine-tuning is definitely the name of the game here, allowing you plenty of legroom to make adjustments for optimal performance on any surface. The included manual comes with a generous slew of tuning tips for various components, including the shock mounts, camber, wheelbase, track width, ride height and more.
The Vendetta SC is a surprising vehicle. Running on a brushed VR3 motor, it's fair not to expect much speed. Once you unleash it on the dirt, though, the truck just blasts off, showing off fiery acceleration, intense jumps and hard-nosed performance around corners. Weight distribution is fantastic, the suspension soaks up impact even from high falls and the steering servo brings plenty of torque.
Sure, I ragged on the looks to start with. Don't get me wrong, it's not ugly. In fact, it has plenty of cool touches, including stylish decals, gnarly bumpers and a well-thought-out plastic frame - overall appeal is very casual though. On the downside, it appears to use too much plastic parts (but it performed sturdily throughout our runs) and dirt tends to accumulate in the chassis (just wrap off any exposed parts with tape to be safe).
Overall, the DuraTrax Vendetta SC's speed and handling are totally uncharacteristic of what you'd imagine small-scale RCs to bring. It's crazy good. With a good amount of hop-up parts now available, it's a short course racer you can improve on too. Highly recommended, especially at the $219.99 price point.
Specifications:
Length: 12.75"
Width: 6.6"
Wheelbase: Adjustable 7.25" - 7.5"
Motor: 380 VR3 brushed
Drive Train: Front and rear differentials
Batteries Used: 6 cell NiMH (sold seperately)
Radio equipment: Included two channel 2.4GHz Tactic radio, 2.4GHz Tactic TR-324 3-ch receiver, and standard size Tactic TSX200 steering servo.
Price: $219.99 (price may vary)
by sunny on January 30, 2010
Late model race cars are the cream of the crop of local stock racing vehicles and Team Losi's Mini-Late Model should bring the same excitement to mini RC enthusiasts all over the map. It may be small, but the minuscule racer should pack a solid punch.
Sporting a diminutive 1/18th scale, it appears painfully cute from afar. Come closer, though, and you'll see the fantastic design that gives this late model dirt racer its realistic looks. One glance at that heavy-impact nose, detailed racing body, chrome two-tone wheels and hard compound rubber tires lets you know it means serious business.
The Mini-Late sports an extended chassis (longer than the Mini-Slider), allowing it to more ably support the weight of the electronics and drivetrain - a change you will likely realize in this mini RC's better balance and more dependable performance. With the extra chassis space, the vehicle's battery can be seated at either the left- or right-hand side (instead of in the middle), resulting in improvements on both cornering speed and handling through turns.
Little car can't run fast? Tell that to the pre-installed RX-280 high-speed motor, which should help the car post noteworthy straight line speeds over tough-to-handle tracks both indoors and out. The combination of the heavy-impact bumpers (both front and rear), along with the safety bars (both left and right sides), should ensure maximum protection against untoward racing incidents. Other features include long-arm suspension, low-profile rear tower, ESC system and 2.4GHz DSM technology radio system.
Good things do come in small packages and the Losi Mini-Late Model makes a good point of that. It's an all-in-one too, so you don't need anything else to begin racing. Just keep it away from your clumsy, overweight uncle (who tends to step on things that are a tad too small) and you'll be fine.
Specifications:
Length:15.5 in (394mm)
Width:7 in (178mm)
Wheelbase:8 in (203.2mm)
Weight:25 oz (708 g)
Kit/RTR:RTR
Body:Predecorated (available in Silver, Black, White or Red)
by sunny on January 8, 2010
Some RC "monster trucks" are difficult to distinguish from erstwhile run-of-the-mill bashers. Team Losi's Rammunition Monster Truck, on the other hand, can't go by any other name.
In close-up photos, there's little to tell the 1/18-scale from the Hall Bros' full-scale version of the monsterized Dodge Ram Heavy Duty. It's that realistic down to the last bit of competition graphics. Officially licensed by Dodge, it features an extra-reinforced shell, two-tone wheels and oversized tires that bring the popular monster truck to your backyard.
Is it monster strong? The machine’s aluminum, dual-deck chassis and wide-track suspension (4-wheel independent) provides the model truck with the kind of stability and durability you expect from a high-level monster truck. Expect it to foster smooth operations, regardless of terrain conditions you put it through.
What about performance? Sporting a commanding Frenzy 370 engine at the helm, you can expect dominating power whether you're showing off its bashing potential or racing with other gigantic rides. Heck, even the Hall Bros approved it for racing. It comes with a synthesized radio system, rechargeable battery and charger for full control without interference and longer hours of fun driving. Other features include dual-steering servos and oil-filled shocks.
Ready to show off its big moves right out of the box, the Losi Rammunition Monster Truck lets you experience the popular Monster Jam staple in miniature form. It supports a wide range of custom parts, too, allowing you to tune it for even more torque and power when needed. And once you see how fun this thing plays, that's probably what you'll end up doing.
Specifications
Type:Mini Monster Truck
Scale:1/18
Length:10.6 in (271 mm)
Width:8.2 in (209 mm)
Wheelbase:7.2 in (185 mm)
Weight:2.2 lbs. (1000 g)
Chassis:Dual-Deck Aluminum
Suspension:4-Wheel Independent
Tire Type:Monster Truck
Motor or Engine:Frenzy 370
Batteries:Included
Charger:Included
