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.
by sunny on March 19, 2010
Liked the SC10? Why not get it styled with the LeDuc family's winning trucks from the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series? Team Associated recently announced an upcoming SC10 model based on Curt, Kyle and Todd LeDuc’s victorious short course racers. Called the SC10 RTR Rockstar, it brings both cosmetic changes and some fine-tuning to last year's R.O.A.R. National Champion short course truck.
Just like a regular SC10, the new model comes ready to run, with a factory-finished shell (based on the 2009 Championship body) and short course race truck stylings (KMC-like wheels, aggressive tread multi-terrain tires and realistic bumpers). Judging from last year's version of the off-road vehicle, this should bring the same accurate 1:10 scale that makes it one excellent-looking ride.
Key details include a molded composite chassis, 14 precision rubber-sealed ball bearings, fully-adjustable suspension geometry, updated suspension settings, a 2.6:1 ratio gearbox with an externally adjustable slipper clutch and rugged steel turnbuckles. It comes with Team Associated’s new XP3-SS 2.4 GHz 3-channel radio system and XP SC200 Digital electronic speed controller.
Since changes are mostly just fine-tuning from last year's SC10, this Rockstar version should exhibit the same capable performance (probably even better). It's slated for availability beginning April, priced at $369.99.
[RC10]
by sunny on February 11, 2010
Announced by Kyosho for March 1st, the Ultima SC Truck is a ready-to-run kit designed for competition RC short course racing. Fully-compliant with all of ROAR's short-course regulations, the vehicle boasts a race-ready configuration, similar to the high-performance Ultima RT5.
Sure, it's not as intimidating as many of the race trucks it will likely line up with in races. The 1mm-thick Think High-Impact Lexan Body provides a tough exterior, though, that should see it survive the rigors of one of the fastest-growing RC racing classes in the world. For even more durability, it integrates impact-resistant front and rear bumpers.
The race-readiness begins with the Ultima SC's high-performance carbon fiber composite chassis. Lightweight and strong, it claims to strike a balance in durability and performance. It comes with changeable mounting positions for the battery, allowing you to shift weight depending on the tracks you're running on. The separate front and rear clips make for quick removal, making maintenance an easy undertaking.
Kyosho is bundling it with a G20 Turn HP motor (with an internal cooling fan), which should provide decent speeds for casual races around your local tracks. The three-gear transmission is housed in a compact case, kept as close to the motor as possible, for a lower center of gravity. Other features include symmetrical suspension arms, floating axles and threaded composite shocks.
The Kyosho Ultima SC Truck Kit is compatible with most RT5 parts, making hop-ups just a little easier to acquire. Available for only $209.99, it's an affordable kit too.
Specifications
- Scale: 1/10
- Length: 445mm
- Height: 150mm
- Weight: 174g (approximate weight)
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
by sunny on February 4, 2010
Fancy the pro-level, 4WD racing trucks that keep short-course fans in the West Coast giddy? Drive one in your favorite short-course track with the Team Associated SC8, which brings authentic racing replicas of those bad-ass performers into your RC fleet.
Team Associated hails it as a milestone in the platform’s design and features. When it comes to the level of scale accuracy, I'll have to agree. Upon removing the model from its box, you’ll find a ready-to-run truck capped with a pre-cut and pre-painted shell (available in Red Bull, Lucas Oil, Bully Dog, Pro Comp, KMC Wheels, and AE Team bodies). Decals are already set down, but you also get a a sticker sheet in case you want to customize a little. All bodies, wheels and tires are fully-licensed, making this as faithful a replica as you can dream up.
Under the body lies the SC8's functional roll cage, keeping the body from being crushed and the engine from being banged up during the heat of intense driving. Dirt guards placed behind the front wheels offer further protection from debris and dirt. It mirrors its full-sized inspiration in every way an RC could, borrowing the original's roll-cage tube diameter, scale suspension travel, functional mud flaps and more.
Power is provided by a Pro .28 nitro big-block motor (which comes with Pro-Start engine starter) and XP3D Computerized Digital FM Radio system. It can go from the box to the dirt in literal fashion, clearing rough turns and racing with a spirited stride.
The Team Associated SC8 scores it big in the looks department, bringing a level of accuracy to detail we rarely see in many high-performance vehicles. Hardcore fans of short-course dirt trucks need to have this high on their short list.
Specifications:
- Length: 24.5"
- Width: 12"
- Wheelbase: 14.75"
- Dry Weight: 9 lb
- Engine:Team Associated Pro.28 2-stroke nitro engine w/ included hand-held starter
- Transmission: Single speed. No reverse.
- Battery used: 4 AA receiver. 8 AA transmitter
- Radio equipment:Team Associated XP3D FM radio system. S2008 metal gear high-torque steering servo
More info and pics at Team Associated SC8 page
