by sunny on March 13, 2010
Racing and bashing RC Monster Trucks is a really fun hobby but can be a little intimidating for the beginners specially when trying to decide which model offers best value, durability, ease of use and off course the fun factor. You don't wanna spend hours and hours on tuning and fixing your truck when you should be out there racing them and having fun with your friends.
Big, bad monster trucks with their oversized wheels and high ground clearance are always a sight to behold. Everybody loves them in any form, whether as full-sized car show staples or miniature backyard models. The following remote-controlled trucks with monster bodies are five of the best the business has to offer and generally offer the best bang for your buck.
Note: When it comes to RCs, ranking the best isn't easy. So take 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 T-Maxx
The best-selling RTR nitro monster truck in the world, the T-Maxx series (the latest is 3.3) is a 1/10th-scale model that everyone, from beginners to more advanced enthusiasts, can embrace. Quick, agile and exceptionally fast, it packs what is arguably the most powerful smallblock engine you can find on the platform. More importantly, it has stamped itself accessible by being both easy to tune and maintain, making it possible for absolute newbies to dive in and partake in the fun. Do note that the newer TRX 3.3 engine can be a bit over-the-top for most beginners, so we'd advise less-experienced drivers to stick to the older, but still very much relevant 2.5 version.
2. Traxxas Revo
When it comes to handling and durability, few monster trucks can hold a candle to the nitro-powered Traxxas Revo (currently 3.3), one of the most dominant 1/10th scale vehicles to appear in the production and small block racing classes. Traxxas took a leap of faith with this vehicle, approaching the category differently from the already popular T-Maxx , and came out with an even more versatile truck that packed similar beastly power. Given a choice, we'd go for the Revo over the T-Maxx for serious competition, although we put the latter at number one due to its general accessibility.
3. HPI Savage
One of the most brutish bashers ever released, the Savage delivers a powerful combination of big block power and extreme durability. This 1/8th scale model should handle most anything you throw at it, giving you a permanent grin while you put it through every imaginable grind. Do note there are several versions of the Savage platform available, with the Savage 25 possibly the most bang-for-your-buck basher of the lot and the Savage X 4.6 as the most well-rounded, in case you're looking for one that can do more than trump everything on the backyard.
4. Losi LST
Combining an easy-to-tune big block motor, huge clearance and plush suspension, the LST brings immense power while remaining very agile for its 1/8th-scale size. Very few trucks this big can pull off the same handling and feel, which successfully mimics the driving characteristics of smaller 1/10th size vehicles. Many areas of the truck do require aftermarket upgrades in case you're serious about competing (even the latest XXL version), but the terrific maneuverability, coupled with brawny looks, make for an excellent base from which to build upon.
5. Duratrax Warhead
Delivering a good balance of power and agility, the Warhead is a very worthy competitor in the big block monster truck category. It was marketed as an excellent alternative to the Savage platform early on, because of the similar size and performance, all while providing the ability to be race-tuned. While probably not as durable (we've seen parts of it wear considerably faster than the Savage), this continues to be a favorite among fans of vertical chassis plate setups.
by sunny on February 2, 2010
Geared towards an excellent monster trucking experience (despite some obvious truggy characteristics), Losi's Muggy 4WD brings up-to-date innovations and excellent engineering talents to the table. With a unique design and a capable set of features, it's a scary-looking performer that should keep you off your seat with non-stop driving fun.
The vehicle's intimidating form starts with an aggressively-designed body shell that comes pre-painted to deliver the look of a monster truck-inspired truggy. Evoking a commanding presence is barely a challenge with its gigantic wheels and 420-Series tires that should keep it moving regardless of the terrain. In-house-crafted wing and wing mount add even more flair to the ride.
Sure, it looks scary, but can it perform with matching intensity? Under the hood, the Muggy 4WD fits in a 427 engine and a large 150cc fuel tank, allowing it to deliver power that supports its monstrous frame. Stability should be more or less set with an ultra-tough aluminum chassis, oversized shocks and low center of gravity, ensuring proper maneuvering even through difficult turns. Helping you tame the beast is a computer-based JR Xr2i radio system, which lets you operate the barreling giant from a broad distance without experiencing any signal trouble.
Considered as one of the best model monster trucks currently in the market, the Muggy 4WD should handily bring all the aggro-destruction that you crave for. It's heavy for racing fanatics too, borrowing some of the best features from its LST heritage. Beginners looking to get into truggy racing should definitely take a look at this as an option, as it offers one of the easiest handling for its category.
Specs:
- Length: 21.75 in
- Width: 18 in
- Wheelbase: 14 in
- Weight: 11.4 lbs
- Drive Train: Gear Ratio 14.48:1
- Motor or Engine: Losi Sport 427 engine
- Radio: JR XR2i
More info at Losi
by sunny on February 1, 2010
"Sensational" is a word that Schumacher uses to describes the Manic RTR. With a massive twin cylinder engine, four-wheel drive and all the monster truck looks you can handle, that sounds about right.
A 1/8th scale giant of a ride, it comes with a pre-cut and pre-mounted polycarbonate shell, available in two different colors (blue and yellow). It sports multi-spoke chrome wheels with pre-glued threaded tires and aggressive decals that make it look downright mean. Like it's about to devour your cat. Really.
Want real, no-nonsense monster truck power? Schumacher had exactly that in mind with their huge 36 cu in (6cc) twin cylinder engine, which delivers twice the torque and power that you'd normally be playing with. It pairs up quite nicely with the 125 cc fuel tank, which should see you through a generous amount of runtime.
The Manic RTR sets itself apart from other twin-engined monster trucks with one thing: the setup. In this truck, motors are synchronized so that starting both engines will only require a single roto electric starter system. It uses a single carburettor and clutch setup too, eliminating many of the problems that typically come with a more traditional configuration.
Other notable features include a 70mm suspension, 4WD transmission and an easy-to-configure digital pistol grip radio for control. Do note that this is quite an expensive rig, so damaging this during runs won't only break your heart but your wallet too. There aren't many hop-ups available either (since it's pretty new), but the stock parts should provide topnotch performance on their own.
Yes, the Schumacher Manic RTR is high-end. If you're serious about your monster trucks, though, it's tough not to find this machine downright appealing.
Specifications:
- Power Source: NITRO
- Model Type: 4WD, OFF-ROAD, Leisure
- Length: 460mm
- Width: 400mm
- Equipment Needed:
- Nitro Starter Set (G852)
- 12 x 'AA' Batteries (G718)
- Fuel (10%-20% Nitro with Synthetic Oil)
- Cordless Torque Drill or Roto start (G857)
More details at Schumacher
US $49.99
