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
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 January 25, 2010
An off-road vehicle built to strut its stuff in competitive buggy races, the Tamiya Keen Hawk serves as an attractive "alternative" for fanatic dirt drivers the world over. If you're familiar with Tamiya's Dark Impact, this vehicle is largely a rebranding (with mere minor differences) - albeit, an exciting one, nonetheless.
Sporting an awkward-looking pre-trimmed shell, crowned by a large rear wing and attention-grabbing white wheels, this buggy brings along an unusual appearance that you're likely to either love or hate. It comes as a kit (assembly time of give or take 5 hours), with logos and decals bundled in the package (no paint, though). Some folks say it brings a slight resemblance to F1 racers, although it's really a distinct-looking ride all on its own.
Use over rough and uneven landscapes will allow the Keen Hawk to demonstrate the durability inherent in its DF-03 chassis, which fosters an excellent functioning balance. Before this 1/10th scale off-roader was released, Tamiya hasn't had a racing-capable buggy in a long time, making it an eventful release of sorts.
It ships with a Type 540 motor, which should make for respectable speeds during use. The layout of the car is very interesting, with the battery pack down the center and the transverse-mounted motor just behind it. This keeps the weight at the center line, allowing you to achieve optimal leveling while performing jumps. Cornering is predictable but fair, grip is a little lacking and the shocks require a bit of tuning. You will likely want to take advantage of upgrade options if you want to post top results in actual competition.
Overall, the Tamiya Keen Hawk is a fair choice for a racing buggy. It's far from the best in the land, but remains a competitive starter kit that you can build on for a sharper edge down the line.
Specifications:
Length: 387mm
Width: 250mm
Height: 132mm
Lowest Ground Clearance: 24mm
Wheelbase: 272mm
Weight: 1140g
Tread: (Front) 217mm, (Rear) 203mm
Tire Width/Diameter: (Front) 33/87mm, (Rear) 43/87mm
Frame: Monocoque Bathtub
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven 4WD
Diff. Gear: Front & Rear Ball Diff
Steering: 3-piece Tie Rod
Suspension: 4-wheel Double Wishbone
Damper: (Front) CVA Oil Damper Mini, (Rear) CVA Oil Damper Short
Gear Ratio: 9.17:1
Motor: Type RS540
Speed Controller: ESC
by sunny on January 24, 2010
Looking to feed your competitive spirit by stepping your racing up a notch? Hit the roads with the innovative HPI Vorza Flux HP Brushless RTR Buggy, a 1/8th-scale, pre-assembled RC that promises one of the fastest lap times you can post on a model ride.
Wearing sleek lines and a mean-looking frame, the Vorza Flux takes to the ground with a pre-trimmed VB-1 shell, complete with an attractive paint job, sporty decals and the trademark Vorza Flux HP logo. More than a looker, though, the car 's thick aluminum chassis should capably absorb tremendous beatings, apart from allowing more mobile movement. A bullet-proof drivetrain and a hardened steel spur and pinion gear ensure it will meet the most demanding requirements.
Housing a powerful Flux Tork 2200 Kv brushless motor, racers should be able to reach speeds of up to 80mph, depending on the battery options you pick out for your ride (3 cell LiPo naturally gets you the best performance). With strength-tested nylon wheels wrapped by Proto tires and extra motor cooling (provided by the chassis), it can handle itself around race tracks without worrying about your machine not being up to the task. Control is facilitated by HPI's TF-3 AM radio, which provides extra long range and uninterrupted signal.
With the HPI Vorza Flux HP, the company managed to put together a complete racer every RC enthusiast can get behind on - great look, high-level performance and an affordable price tag. Whether for backyard bashing, neighborhood racing or expert competition, it's a car that can capably match your advanced driving skills.
Specs:
Chassis: 7075 Aluminum 0.16" (4mm) thick
Length: 20" (508mm)
Width: 12" (305mm)
Height: 5.7" (146mm)
Wheelbase: 12.8" (325mm)
Weight: 7.1 lbs (3230g)
Radio: HPI TF-3 AM system with BEC
ESC: HPI Flux Blur, sensorless programmable, with cooling fan
Battery Box: Fully adjustable to fit a variety of battery configurations
by sunny on January 21, 2010
Easy to assemble and easy to control - that's the promise of the Tamiya Plasma Edge, a popular choice for many starting RC hobbyists. If you're looking to get a quick start in the rough and rowdy world of off-road 4WD racing, this affordably-priced buggy should prove a worthy contender to give you a headstart.
It ships with a clear, polycarbonate body, along with a slew of colorful stickers and decals for decking your 1/10 scale like a winner. Aerodynamically-designed, the rear wing won't only help propel your vehicle forward, it adds an extra level of intimidation. The colored wheels add a nice touch, while the spiked tires not only provide an interesting look - it gives your buggy the ability to maintain a tight grip over all sorts of terrain.
Power comes courtesy of a Type 540 Motor, which is standard for Tamiya vehicles along these lines. Paired with a six-cell stick and finely-tuned stock parts, it will deliver reasonable speeds that should give upstart racers something to look forward to.
The Plasma Edge uses a DF02 chassis, which features a longitudinally-mounted motor and battery across its bathtub frame. With oil-filled dampers and independent suspension, it offers topnotch handling stability, allowing your vehicle to stay on its feet even through treacherous jumps and difficult surfaces.
Want to make your buggy racing debut with a bang? This is probably not the model to do it. If you'd like a vehicle you can grow into as you build up your skills, though, the Tamiya Plasma Edge should make that time worthwhile.
Specifications
Length: 400mm
Width: 249mm
Height: 170mm
Chassis Material: ABS
Suspension: 4-wheel independent double wishbone
Drivetrain: Shaft-driven full-time 4WD
Type 540 motor included
Tire Width/Diameter: (Front)32/86mm, (Rear)41/86mm
