by sunny on April 2, 2010
Robitronic's growing line of entry-level RC cars just got a big, new friend. Called the Robitronic Shadow Monster Truck, the 1/10th scale off-roader brings the same qualities we've seen from the company's previous releases: easy to use, economically-priced and rigged to perform.
Built as an RTR out of the box, the vehicle ships fully assembled with a pre-finished, airbrushed-style Lexan body, four-dualspoked chrome wheels and chunky high-grip tires. Stock motor (unspecified model) isn't likely to deliver all that much power, but with a 12-turn capable ESC pre-installed, it allows for plenty of upgrade potential - something you will likely want to do once you've gotten the hang of driving your new monster truck.
Chassis is specially-engineered for bashing on bumpy ground, with Robitronic claiming it's capable of "braving even the highest and widest jumps without breaking a sweat" (which it won't, by the way, since cars don't sweat). With a suspension already fine-tuned for stable driving and a beefy steering servo, it should deliver stability and agility that rivals more expensive contemporaries in the field. Other features include an adjustable slipper-clutch, front and rear bumper guards and maintenance-friendly rear wheel drive.
The Robitronic Shadow Monster Truck is fully ball raced and ships with a 27MHz wheel type radio. It's available now for around $160.
[Robitronic]
Specifications:
Wheelbase: 290mm
Length: 470mm
Width: 335mm
Height: 205mm
by sunny on February 9, 2010
Everybody loves a good monster truck. Not everybody likes their big-wheeled, scale model car crushers to take up lots of space, though. That niche is what the CEN Racing MG-16 should ably fill up, bringing monster truck action in a 1/16th scale frame.
Can't get excited for such a small package? It may be small, but it wields huge fun. Boasting massive nitro power, four-wheel drive and authentic monster truck looks, you may have to eat your words when experiencing the entertainment it has to offer.
MG-16 comes with a pre-painted, pre-decorated body shell, with attractive colors. Granted, it comes across as more adorable than mean, but the scale is well-done, with good proportions for the 2.2-inch off-road wheels and suspension. Overall, it's a great-looking RC automobile.
While other might belittle this truck's durability because of the size, the vehicle's chassis does a great job of absorbing bumps and crashes. Reinforced by a high-impact composite material, you can rest assured this won't break on you at the wrong time. Most parts of the drivetrain are sealed and protected too.
Powered by a 2.5cc pull-start nitro engine, the MG-16 manages impressively quick acceleration that can ably stand up to larger monster truck RCs. The four coil-over, oil-filled shocks and long suspension arm works very smoothly, providing the necessary help to keep the mini-monster stable through any terrain.
One caveat: this truck can't do very good jumps. When you use it for such stunts, make sure to let it settle upon landing before grabbing the throttle. Otherwise, you'll have it turning over and spinning. Badly.
Despite that, the CEN MG-16 remains a solid bundle of fun with enough durability to make it worth your while. You won't regret getting one.
More info at CEN Racing Site.
by admin on February 4, 2010
Massive in frame and beautifully laid out, the Traxxas Summit RTR storms in as one of the meanest (if not the absolutely scariest) monster truck currently available out there. An industry-first, it comes equipped with remote-locking differentials that let you lock and unlock both front and rear units directly from your transmitter.
Tough in every way imaginable, this 1/10 scale touts a polycarbonate body, reinforced with a plastic exoskeleton roll cage to ensure additional protection. Suffice to say, extreme conditions won't look all that daunting when you're driving this thing through.
In terms of performance, the Summit’s powerful Titan 775 high-torque motor, superb handling and unconventional power will literally shame everything in its path. Confidently blaze down tracks and aggressively attack jumps at high speeds of over 20 mph. Come across an impossible-looking climb? While every other car turns around, you can simply drop the transmission into first for a stump-pulling 70:1 gear ratio, lock the differentials and crawl your way past it at maximum traction. Literally, it lets you go where no no solid axle RC truck has gone before (well, I think).
With fully-waterproof electronics, unmatched suspension travel and independent ride height adjustment, you can pretty much set this monstrous machine anywhere and have it perform, right? Well, yes and no. Sure, it's a genius of engineering and should handle water, mud and rocks rather easily. However, those metal parts rust (and believe me, they will), so we recommend keeping water immersion to the minimum necessary. You've been warned.
The Traxxas Summit RTR, simply put, looks and feels exceptional. Sure, it's expensive. Expect to get your money's worth, though, in overall performance and smug satisfaction.
Specification:
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 22.17 inches
- Weight: 175 ounces
- Height: 12.6 inches
- Wheelbase: 14.84 inches
- Track width: 18.48 inches
- Motor: Titan 775 High-Torque, Fan cooled 10-turn
- Speed control: Waterproof EVX-2 Forward/Reverse/Brake
- Radio system: TQ-4 four channel radio system
- Transmission: High-Low Two-Speed
- Differential Type: Remote operated T-lock, limited slip, sealed
- Gear pitch: 32-pitch
- Chassis type: Modified Tube
- Chassis material: Composite Nylon
- Top Speed: 20+ mph
Average retail price: $499.99
More info and pics here at Traxxas Site
by sunny on January 28, 2010
Let's be real. Driving a real monster truck is always in the back of your mind while fiddling with large-wheeled mammoth RC models. Well, Exceed RC's Mad Beast is still far from the real deal, but it's a little closer - being a huge 1:8 scale of the real thing.
Physically, the behemoth's pre-cut body shell is a dead-ringer for the cab of tractor trailer trucks, making it look even more scary. The plastic-like finish isn't flattering, but the pre-painted tribal flame design and pre-applied decals does cover it up a bit. It sports chrome-covered plastic wheels, treaded claw-pattern tires and great-looking bumpers (both front and rear) that help solidify the "I will run your car down" feel.
The Mad Beast draws power from a .28-level engine, which comes complete with a pull-start and a rear exhaust, allowing it speeds of up to 35 mph - which is a decent number for a monster truck. An especially-installed carburetor provides easy fine-tuning for the vehicle, apart from giving it better fuel efficiency.
Like most properly-done big-wheelers, it should perform capably on any surface, whether you want to run through grass, climb up hills or barrel through your backyard. Exceed claims it delivers great cornering and handling, with help from the adjustable threaded aluminum shocks and heavy duty steering servo. Package includes a 27Mhz three-channel computerized AM transmitter.
When it comes to monster trucks, bigger is usually better. The Exceed RC Mad Beast is definitely large and looks to be one huge pile of awesome, especially at its affordable price point. You'll need to supply 12 AA batteries, low igniter and nitro fuel, by the way, to get cracking on this ride.
Specifications:
Length: 21.25 inches
Width: 17 inches
Wheelbase:14.25 inches
Engine: .28 Level engine
Drive Train: Sealed Diffs., 2-speed tranny, & reverse module
by sunny on January 28, 2010
Whether you want something larger than your normal racer or looking to quench your thirst for blistering speeds, the 1/8th-scale HPI Hellfire Truggy is a vehicle that capably steps up to the plate. Built for stadium truck racing, it makes its mark by having one of the biggest adjustable range of features in its category.
There's no way to mistake it for just another truck. The blazing red, strong polycarbonate body looks hellishly sexy, with all the paint and decals already applied right out of the box. Paired with large dish truck wheels and Aggressor tires, it looks ready to slug it hardcore with the craziest trucks you can bring to the meet.
Comfortable when bashing in the backyard as it is slugging it out in the tracks, the Hellfire sports an HPI Nitro Star K4.6 HO big block engine that's been reworked for even more power and torque. With a simplified chassis design and an adjustable motor, it allows for effortless tuning, more so than majority of vehicles built in its class. It should manage great handling with a unique captured outer pin suspension, hard-anodized aluminum shocks and new steering geometry.
Do note that the stock Aggressor tires are more attuned to bashing than racing. As such, we recommend outfitting it with a different set before taking it out on the tracks (HPI has a number of options that should fit the bill).
Out of the box, the HPI Hellfire Truggy will easily prove to be a powerful RTR set. It does need some tweaking to get it primed and ready for competitive conditions, though, whether you intend to race it or bash it against other monster truggies. HPI delivers the goods, regardless, and this is one sweet ride you'll enjoy getting to know.
Specs:
Fully assembled and Ready-To-Run 1:8th scale racing Truggy
Wheelbase - 348mm
Total Length - 513mm
Total Width - 415mm
Total Height - 173mm
Weight - 9.2 lb (ready to run, less fuel)
HPI TF-3 steerwheel radio system fitted
High torque HPI SF-2 steering servo
Includes 6v receiver pack & charger
150cc fuel tank
17mm hex hubs
by sunny on January 27, 2010
For a while, Tamiya's Midnight Pumpkin became a popular staple in the RC monster truck scene. Which is why it wasn't a surprise when they relaunched it again (some time ago) using the exact same branding with a slight twist.
The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special bears the same 50s truck aesthetic as the original, but comes with silver-plated chrome wheels and a pre-molded black metallic body (the rest of the vehicle, however, remains the same). These spit-shiny parts are latched on using what Tamiya claims to be an "advanced plating technique." With giant oversized tires and a pre-furnished body, it looks even more striking than the original.
A strength-laden ABS box-type chassis (same as the Tamiya Lunch Box) serves as the base for the Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special, just like the original kit. Configured to survive a pounding, it should provide ample stability and protection, keeping your drivetrain and electronics safe through grinding action under unstable conditions. It comes equipped with a wheelie bar, ready to help you through difficult jumps and cringe-worthy stunts.
Sporting a Type 540 Motor, the Midnight Pumpkin should deliver ample power, whether you're bashing in the backyard or showing off to a larger audience. Other details include a rear wheel drive, rigid suspension (both front and rear) and 101BK electronic speed control.
Looking for something both good-looking and fun? The Tamiya Midnight Pumpkin Metallic Special should easily fit the bill. If you're a little older, there's a good chance it will bring back memories in torrents too.
Specifications:
Length: 385mm
Width: 290mm
Height: 260mm
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Motor: Type 540
Remarks: 7.2V running battery and alkaline batteries for the transmitter not included.
by sunny on January 27, 2010
Remote-controlled monster trucks have been flooding the market with choices for both long-term enthusiasts and novices alike. RedCat Racing's 1/10th scale Ground Pounder looks to be a good fit for this class of models, bringing a vehicle that's both capable and awe-inspiring.
The aggressive-looking, pre-cut and pre-painted body shell is a veritable carbon copy of its full-size counterpart. It comes sporting complete decals and logos, including that hard-to-miss figure of a gigantic, "Hulk-ish" green ogre (hmmm…looks familiar). Its massive truck tires, glued onto chrome-plated plastic rims, all but complete the monster truck aesthetic.
To reach capable speeds despite its size, RedCat pre-installed a Type 540 electric motor with electronic speed control inside the Ground Pounder. Acceleration won’t be record breaking, but the power should deliver a satisfactory level of fun and excitement. Set includes a sturdy 6061 aluminum chassis, front and rear solid axles, FM transmitter, battery packs and charger.
In an effort to stand out and set their vehicle apart (even, though, it honestly looks like a Tamiya), RedCat Racing equipped the Ground Pounder with both a four wheel drive and a four wheel steering mechanism. They claim it as “the first of its kind,” providing better handling and control than similarly-billed machines. With a single flick of your finger (on the radio controller, of course), you can instantly shift from four different steering modes, allowing you to find a setting best suited to your driving tastes. Even more impressive, you can do it right in the thick of the action - while going full speed, in the middle of turns or during stunts.
The RedCat Racing Ground Pounder offers a lot for everyone - good looks, easy maintenance, great handling and a lot of variety in performance. Definitely worth trying out.
Specifications:
Length: 18"
Width: 13.25"
Wheelbase: 12.5"
Height (overall): 10.25"
Motor: Brushed 540 motor
Drive Train: 4WD shaft driven, solid axle with front and rear sealed differentials.
Included Battery: 7.2v 6cell battery pack with charger
Radio equipment: (Included) 3ch FM digital radio, 4 channel FM receiver, and two standard servos.
by sunny on January 26, 2010
Bigger is better doesn’t necessarily apply to the 1/10th scale Mini MGT 3.0 RTR 4WD from Team Associated. While this version of the MGT 8.0 is definitely smaller in size, it brings some attractive advantages brought about by the more compact form.
An unmistakable small-scale monster truck, it brings a colorful body shell (painted and designed), affixed onto a sturdy, extruded aluminium chassis. Riding on massive threaded tires, it should have little trouble clearing most types of hurdles it may encounter along the way.
Some people consider the diminished size a drawback. While that may be true to an extent, the Mini MGT 3.0’s smaller, lighter frame gives it a few advantages that make it a more economical choice for hobbyists of all types. For one, you’ll find the mini-MGT’s parts less expensive than larger models. Due to its tiny frame, it consumes less fuel too, all while allowing for longer battery life.
Fitted with a pull-start Team Associated 18 Pro two-stroke nitro engine, this mini monster can reach speeds of roughly around 36 miles per hour, keeping pace with the majority of monster truck racers you’ll find in the tracks. Notable features include two-speed automatic with reverse transmission, dual shocks at each corner, durable steering and brake servos, and the XP3 radio system. Together, this setup helps provide an easier experience maneuvering, handling and cornering for drivers of all levels.
Affordability, easy-operation and quality performance makes the Associated Mini MGT 3.0 one of the most sought after mini-monster trucks available today. Whether you're a beginner looking for a nitro monster or an expert looking to expand your roster, this should prove to be an equally attractive RTR model to try out.
Specifications:
Scale: 1:10
Power: Nitro
Type: Off Road
Length: 19"
Width: 14 3/4"
Weight: 3620g
Wheelbase: 12 1/8"
Internal Gear Ratio: Overall 1st gear: 22.32 (13:64)
Overall 2nd gear: 16.0 (17:60)
Drive: 4WD shaft drive
