by sunny on June 10, 2011
While 1/10-scale short course trucks are all the rage now, their smaller counterparts are gaining traction among fans, too. And this Helion Animus 18SC offers some of the best balance in features and value.
A 1/18-scale short course racer, the 4WD truck comes in RTR form, packing a short course-style body with light bars, stepped bead wheels and tires, and short course-style bumpers in the front and rear. It comes with crystal-less 2.4 GHz radio tech, allowing you to race side by side with your friends without any problems.
The Helion Animus 18SC houses a 370-size 4,200 rpm brushed motor (with 11T pinion gear), allowing it to hit the dirt at speeds of over 20 mph. Helping the motor are a 1,100 mAh battery pack, along with the compact ERS (which integrates the ESC, servo and receiver in one small unit). Other vehicle details include four wheel independent suspension, planetary gear differentials, dual bell crank steering, adjustable coilover shocks and composite chassis.
Designed for novice drivers, the Helion Animus 18SC should be a great starter vehicle for anyone interested in this size of short course race trucks. And that's before you even consider the dirt cheap $100 price. You can get them exclusively from HobbyTown USA.
[Helion]
by sunny on April 18, 2011
Everybody loves a good short-course racer these days. We're not sure how the Redcat Racing Calder SC 10E fares against the leaders in the class, but it sure looks like it can hold its own.
Designed for desert terrain and short course tracks, the beastly 4WD appears ready to bash in the sand with its burly frame and aggressive looks. The paint job and decals adorning the 410 x 320 x 165-mm. frame look very fitting for its rugged purpose, making for a ride you can fall in love with right out of the box.
The Redcat Racing Caldera SC 10E packs a brushless 3750KV RC-540 motor, paired with a brushless ESC (2s LIPO Ready) and a 7.2-volt 3800Mah NiMh battery pack. It's got big bore shocks and a Redcat DSM-2C 2.4GHz radio system in tow.
Redcat calls the 1/10 short course vehicle a balance of speed and power. While I'd rather wait to try one to buy into that, you can check the videos below to see it in action. Looks mighty warranted to me. We're not sure about the vehicle's exact availability, but price is $239.99.
Promo video
Closer look video
Simple bashing video
Specifications
Motor Type: Electric Brushless 3750KV RC-540
Transmission: Forward and Reverse
Drive System: 4 Wheel Drive
Length: 410mm
Width: 320mm
Height: 165mm
Wheelbase: 305mm
Ground Clearance: 25mm
by sunny on March 3, 2011
Robitronic has steered clear of short course trucks for as long as they could. The relatively new platform is apparently too hard to resist and they're finally jumping in the fray with the Robitronic Smasher.
A 1/10-scale electric vehicle, the short course racer comes ready to run right out of the package. The plastic body has a pretty straightforward design, but we do love the lines, as well as the graphics and paint job it comes with.
The Robitronic Smasher is a 2WD truck, powered by a brushed 20-turn 540-sized motor matched to the company's Speedstar 2 ESC. Chassis takes a cue from other short course racers, affording the vehicle plenty of ground clearance and heavy-duty performance during jumps, with extra long A-arms and oil-filled shocks supporting it over difficult terrains.
Other details include a sturdy gear differential (Robitronic claims it will make for plenty of maintenance-free action), sliding universal joints (for friction-free power transfer) and an adjustable slipper clutch (for easier driving). It's got a nice set of chrome wheels you can dirty up in the tracks, too, adding extra points to the vehicle's appearance.
No pricing or dates for the Robitronic Smasher are listed on the press release, but you can check out the company's website for details.
Specifications
Height: 205mm
Wheelbase: 330mm
Width: 294mm
Length: 538mm
[Robitronic]
by sunny on December 29, 2010
Need something beefier for short course thrills than your 1/10th racer? Upsize to the HPI Baja 5SC, a 1/5th scale short course truck for tackling your favorite dirt arena shoulder to shoulder with other racers.
Why go bigger? Well, imagine your RC doing those jumps, taking on those straight sections and hitting those corners. Now, double the size of your vehicle and feast your eyes on that. Way more awesome, right?
The HPI Baja 5SC features even more realistic looks, coming in with a wide short course body (pre-painted in either red or black), a new skid-plate front bumper and a large rear bumper with rubber mud flaps. Running a massive 26cc Fuelie engine (uses regular unleaded pump gasoline), it can blow dirt at speeds topping 40 mph for over 45 minutes on a single full tank.
It comes ready to run under extreme off-road conditions, with a 2.4GHz radio system in tow. Notable stock features include TR-10 bead-lock truck wheels, HB Rodeoo tires, Super Heavy Duty 9mm drive shafts, updated rear hub carriers, HD front hex hubs, dual vented disk brakes, 6mm diameter shock shafts, threaded shock bodies and long-stroke VVC/HD shock absorbers.
Can't find pricing info for the HPI Baja 5SC, but expect it at around $1,200 (or higher) when the ride comes out in January.
[HPI Racing]
Specifications
Chassis Length: 900mm
Width F/R: FRONT 440mm / REAR 460mm
Height: 320mm
Track F/R: FRONT 370mm / REAR 380mm
Wheelbase: 570mm
Weight: 12.6kg / 27.9lb (without fuel)
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 April 14, 2010
A big block desert race truck, the Redcat Racing Aftershock is a heavyset performer that can handle itself well both in the backyard and on off-road tracks. It's far from the best the category has to offer, but it delivers enough excitement and fun to make it worth anyone's while.
Burly and stocky, it's a tough-looking truck with gorgeous factory-applied paint and decals. From a short distance, the 1/8th scale nitro basher actually looks like an actual truck, especially with the realistic headlights and tires. There's a funny quality to the design that I can't pinpoint, though - almost like it's based on a cartoon design.
The Redcat Racing Aftershock 3.5 claims to do up to 50mph out of the box with its nitro-fueled 3.5 cc .21 SH big block engine. While I could not confirm that threshold, I did come close, so it's quite a lot of power. It comes with a two-shoe aluminum clutch setup and a single stage filter for the carburetor - not ideal for heavy racing, but decent enough for most drivers.
Performance is a mixed bag. It handled tight corners like a seasoned pro and jumped easy enough, but the tires barely held on tougher terrain. For the most part, you'll have to seriously drive this. If you're inexperienced, you'll likely just crash it before the first five minutes. It does have a lot of plastic parts, so racing this stock against other SCTs is probably not a good idea. Make a tough landing and you're almost likely to find something break (or stressed enough to almost get there) - a far cry from the toughness its look suggests.
Available for $300, the Redcat Racing Aftershock 3.5 RTR is very competitively-priced for a 1/8th scale nitro truck. You'll likely need a lot of modifications to turn this into something race-worthy, but it should be good enough for most casual driving.
Specifications:
Length: 19.84"
Width: 12.01"
Wheelbase: 12.80"
Engine: Nitro 3.5cc. (.21SH)
Drive Train: Front and rear sealed differentials. Two speed transmission.
by sunny on April 13, 2010
The gospel of short-course racing is spreading like the plague and it is quickly becoming a part of all the major RC races around the world. It's for good reason too, since the category is one of the most compelling in the industry, dotted with vehicles that easily count as among the most exciting.
1. Traxxas Slash
The most popular short course truck in the market, the Slash is available in both 2WD and 4WD versions. Able to clear 40-mph out of the box with intense durability, generous tuning options and sublime handling to boot, it's easy to see why it continues to win praise among fans, racers and award-giving bodies alike. Beginner-friendly, it's arguably one of the best bashing RC models ever made. While it can race on stock electronics and motor (my first one hung in there with nitro buggies on an impromptu dare with nothing but a 2s LiPo extra), a few hop-ups should be necessary if you want to absolutely destroy competition - and you will.
2. Associated RC10
Maintenance can be a pain in the ass, but you can't fault the RC10 for its durability and performance. It may be a step down in ruggedness compared to either the Slash or the Blitz (sadly, it's true), but add the right upgrades and it can offer noticeably better performance. Very, very noticeably heightened performance. The construction is topnotch too, although some stock parts are quite flimsy to begin with. One thing to note is that it's geared for racing as much as it for bashing - a quality that you'll appreciate if you're getting a short course racer specifically for the purposes of competing.
3. Kyosho Ultima SC
Based on the RT5, the Ultima SC is one of the newer short course racers to hit the scene and it's doing so in all the right ways. Designed for race performance and strict compliance with ROAR regulations, it's literally ready to race the moment you hit the pavement. It doesn't mean you'll beat my Traxxas, of course, but the stock G20 Turn HP Electric Motor should do a good job all on its own. As a side bonus, you don't see many drivers take this to the races too, so you'll have something unique to let loose on the unsuspecting masses.
4. HPI Blitz
Widely recognized for its impressive strength and durability, the Blitz isn't too shabby a performer either. In fact, it strikes a good balance between those qualities. Arguably the toughest short course racer around, we've seen it take beatings that no RC deserves - yet still manage to keep running. It will likely require a bit more aftermarket parts to be truly competitive on tracks, but it's one vehicle that will literally last you for the long haul.
5. Losi Strike
While it doesn't come with the most flattering looks, the Losi Strike does offer good off-road performance with decent durability. It's far from the most popular short course truck around not because it's a poor model. Mostly, it's simply for the sheer fact that the top dogs of the category are too damn good and it has a lot of catching up to do. Regardless, it offers excellent toughness during races, with all-metal gears and that heavyset frame. Do note that the added size might make it ineligible for some of your local SCT races, so better make sure before buying.
by sunny on April 12, 2010
Relatively new compared to other categories of model racers, short course trucks are probably the most exciting vehicles to come out of the radio-controlled scene in a while. Quite literally, they have taken off-course racing by storm. How did they do that? For the very simple reason that they're awesome. Here's why.
1. They're realistic as hell. As fun as truggies and buggies are, rarely (if ever) do you see them going neck-to-neck in real life. Short course trucks, on the other hand, are based on popular off-road racers. Which ones do you think would folks rather drive?
2. They're durable. Full-fendered, short course race trucks just absorb contact better than many off-road racing vehicles. Designed to hold their ground even during slight collisions, they leave truggies and buggies in the dirt, as far as durability is concerned.
3. They're great for bashing. While built for racing, the extra durability makes short course trucks just as perfect as backyard bashers. Who needs a monster truck when you can bash with a ride that you can take down the tracks for serious racing too?
4. They handle and perform similar to real trucks. The rear squats down when accelerating, the brakes dive down when halting and the long-travel suspension helps it powerslide through corners. Simply put, RC short course trucks drive just as loosely as their real-life counterparts, making this one of the most realistic racers in both looks and performance.
5. They're very affordable. Given how amazing short course trucks are, they're extremely affordable. All you have to do is look at top short course trucks, like the Traxxas Slash and the Associated SC10, to realize that you can take home the top of the class for such a modest amount.
