Craig, Author at RC-TNT

Bezgar HP161S – A Confession

by Craig | Aug 30, 2023 | RC Off-Road, RC Reviews

Trouble In Paradise

The Bezgar HP161S is a 1/16 RTR Monster Truck. It’s a tiny little package of durable and speedy fun! Sounds like a slam-dunk video and article combo, right?

You’d think so! And yet, things have not gone to plan. And on that note, here’s a letter I’m overdue on sending to Bezgar…

We Need To Talk

Dear Bezgar,

I have a confession. You sent me the Bezgar HP161S 1/16 Brushless RTR Monster Truck earlier in 2023. I was excited about it, as I’d really enjoyed the similar Rlaarlo XDKJ-005 and figured this might be something like that experience – which was very good, all told.

It arrived! I unboxed it, filmed it, then put it back in its box. All the data was on my laptop waiting for me to make the video. All I had to do was edit it and get it onto YouTube.

But I just… didn’t.

Instead, the mighty little monster truck just sat there in its box, waiting.

And waiting.

Weeks passed.

A Problem

You see, after I first played with it, I just didn’t ‘get’ it. I didn’t enjoy running it on my rocky driveway, not at first. The little truck was bouncy on the oversized gravel and it inevitably flipped over a bunch. I couldn’t speed-run it on my street, as it felt uncontrollable at higher speeds.

I really wanted to like it, but I simply didn’t enjoy those first few sessions with it.

And so, in my typical ADHD fashion, I moved on to something else. Then onto the next shiny thing. And the next.

More weeks passed.

Broken Promises

In the back of my mind, I knew I had to come back to the Bezgar HP161S. I had agreed with you that I would do it, and so much time had passed that I was really starting to feel quite bad about it.

I wanted to make a video that covered how I felt about the truck; a truck that you sent me at no charge for review purposes in particular – but I just didn’t know how to both honor your investment and maintain integrity with my viewers at the same time.

And so, it just sat in storage.

I kept making other videos, and the HP161S just waited, sitting in its box.

Waiting.

And waiting.

Until…

The Catalyst

Just last week, we’d had a bunch of rain. There was mud everywhere. My son was home and bored. And this kid has two settings when he’s playing with RC cars: it’s either off, or the throttle is pinned and he’s got the car in FULL SEND, no matter if it’s a crawler, a trail rig, a basher, a road car – pretty much anything in my extensive RC collection that he’s driven, he’s broken it somehow. He’s the ultimate torture test technician. (There’s probably another RC channel idea in there somewhere).

I didn’t have time to fix up another car for him and I knew I’d finished filming the Bezgar HP161S weeks ago (it’d been months by then but as usual, I’d lost track of time). So, I charged up a 2S battery and put the controller in his hands.

Bezgar HP161S Tested

LAUNCH! He punted that thing around our muddy yard. Over the jumps, even off the big ones we save for the 1/8 and 1/5 trucks like the Arrma Kraton and Traxxas X-Maxx. There was lots of face-plant and flat-back landings, all the tumble-wumbles, big hits, full throttle collisions, you name it. He was giggling away and after a few minutes I stopped what I was doing to watch him.

The little Bezgar HP161S was not missing a beat. It was taking the punishment – and I don’t know about you, but the engineer in me can’t bear to abuse my cars. That special check in the mind – mechanical sympathy, you may have heard it called – it just stops me from bashing something to oblivion.

But not so with my boy. Oh, no. He was PUNTING that thing off everything. And the plucky little truck just kept coming back for more! Hard landings on corner wheels and the links and A-arms just hung in there like champs.

The little truck Just. Kept. Going.

Eureka!

And in those few magical minutes of watching him dish out Kevin Talbot levels of punishment, I knew I finally had my ‘hook’ for the video. This thing was a tiny terror; it was nothing less than a micro X-Maxx. And I could now put together the kind of video that did this little rig proud.

And then I played with it some more and it grew on me. I discovered some little ways to make it go better, and before I knew it, I was having FUN! What do you know!

So, Bezgar, I’m truly sorry it took me so long to get this little truck into the spotlight. It didn’t deserve the wait, and you have been incredibly patient. You’ve built something truly special here and it might just be one of the toughest little trucks in my very, very crowded RC garage. Well done.

Here’s the video:

BTW, Happy Birthday

Well, happy 5^th birthday, Bezgar! Hope your next year in business outshines the last! I’ll be cheering you on!

PS. You’ve just emailed me to thank me for taking so long with the car, getting to know it and for taking the review so seriously. In that case, maybe ignore the above. Let’s go with how serious I am about the car. That makes me look like the hero of this story. I like that much more!

Grab Yours!

For 10% Discount, Use Code: RC-TNT

Buy Here

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

Craig has been into radio control since the 90s and into RC crawling since about 2010, when a Losi MRC started the obsession! Now it's all rocks this and crawl that and upgrade all the things! ...You know how it is, right? Welcome home 🙂

A note on affiliate links: we were provided with this car by the manufacturer for review purposes. The Amazon links in the above article are affiliate links, which means we may be paid a small commission if you choose to click on them to make a purchase. As always, we make effort to ensure that no review is impacted by this – we still report on bugs and issues encountered during product testing, and our fixes or solutions if found. Thank you for reading and happy RC-ing!

RadioLink RC8X: Your Next Upgrade?

by Craig | Aug 21, 2023 | RC Reviews

Available on Amazon

RadioLink Direct sells this on Amazon

Buy Here

What Came Before

We’re looking at the RadioLink RC8X radio system today, but first, I want to take a short wander back in time with you. The year was 1987 and I had my first hobby-grade radio-controlled buggy in my hands. The radio transmitter was one of those old Futaba dual stick arrangements – still in use today in much of the hobby, but not with cars and their ilk. The transmitter took 8x AA batteries and the receiver took 4x AAs, as well as the NiCad stick pack. It was a tedious affair and though it worked, it was clunky.

In the decades since, I’ve encountered a multitude of transmitters, each with its own quirks and features. I have my budget favorites and there are models I like and ones I don’t. But here’s the thing: there are only so many ways you can make a radio transmitter. People have a variety of ways they want to use one and if you’re in the after-market (as opposed to OEM, being supplied with RTR models these days), you have your work cut out for you: your product needs to be familiar and intuitive enough to use, but different in some way so it stands out and to look good doing so.

Enter the Radiolink RC8X!

This radio system is something a little different to previous RC radio upgrades I’ve had. RadioLink sent me their new RC8X handset along with a few receivers to review – you may have noticed it in some of my videos recently (the speed run series and the Redcat Gen9 to name a few). I’m pleased to report that this is not just a new iteration of the same old stuff. This tricky little handset has some features that may surprise you – let’s take a look.

First Impressions

Straight out of the box attractive carry case, the RadioLink RC8X feels special. It isn’t pro-level briefcase special (keep an eye out for our FlySky NB-4 system review soon!), but that’s a different beast. No, the RC8X feels more like a utilitarian do-it-all model that I’m hoping might be my new go-to for a bunch of my models (I have over 100 in my garage at this point and keeping track of everything is a task!).

The handset’s sleek design is complemented by the 4.3-inch full-color IPS touch screen, framed in burnt-orange LED strips on each side of the base. Radiolink seems to have hit the mark in blending form with function and I really like how this one looks.

One thing that stands out immediately is the hulking ‘PS4’ button at the rear of the radio’s base, or foot. In my testing, I’ve bumped this button repeatedly, so I’ve had to disable it. The good news is this is one of just two negative things I have to say about this radio. More on that in a bit.

A Screen That Does More

The RC8X’s display is nothing short of impressive. Boasting an 800*480 resolution, it promises a smooth screen refresh experience akin to mobile phones. The absence of any lag during fast scrolling is a testament to its capabilities.

And as a neat surprise for FPV fans, the screen doubles up as an FPV display – we’ll touch on that in our video, at the end of this article. It might seem gimmicky, but there are a couple of situations where having this feature is really going to be quite handy. Personally, I’m a fan and I’m going to miss this on other radios from now on!

Customization: A Personal Touch

The system’s designers have outdone themselves with the customization options on the RadioLink RC8X. I have many different systems in my collection and customization is common. However, it’s often a clunky experience and the “limitless options!” from the sales copy often translates to a small choice of colors or layout changes.

I have been surprised at both how easy and how broad the customization is with the RC8X. If you’re like me, you don’t mind how it looks and sounds in stock form, as long as it’s functional. However, given making changes is so easy, you’ll probably be tempted to try it. From system themes to voice broadcasts, the transmitter can be tailored to your preferences. You can tweak background colors, font colors, and function buttons, and it’s easy!

Voice Broadcast: Keeping You Informed

The voice broadcast feature is a noteworthy addition. It allows for alarms based on various parameters, including low transmitter voltage and low RSSI. These features are fairly standard.

Where the RC8X gets special is with its ability to customize the voice broadcast content. And I don’t just mean a little. I’ve browsed the file system on the removable mSDHC card and found you can completely redo the sounds for this thing. It’s filename-based, so if you were so inclined, you could fully redo the sounds for the RadioLink RC8X and have a radio uniquely your own. It’s pretty cool. The inclusion of a headphone jack ensures you’re always in the loop, even in loud environments.

Performance Metrics

The RC8X promises a ground control distance of up to 600 meters, a testament to its FHSS spread spectrum and 67 channels. More is better here, though the radio must operate within a given band. Having a powerful computer driving the frequency hopping means agile interference-avoidance for maximum SNR (Signal to Noise Radio). This should also be helpful in hilly or otherwise convoluted/crowded environments, as lower frequencies may do better and the radio will adjust on the fly, automatically. We’re talking small improvements, but it all helps. 2.4GHz is already pretty good, but you should notice a difference with a powerful radio system and its various tricks to maintain a good signal.

Response Time: Precision in Control

A response time of 3ms is close to the best in what’s currently available. Futaba, FlySky and Sanwa have this handset beat with 2ms to 2.8ms best measurements across different models – but I challenge you to notice the difference at 5ms or less. I can speak personally to the feel between +10ms and the faster handsets like the Futaba 4PK or Sanwa MT12 on the track, with a previous comparison I’ve done, but modern premium radios have their own implementations of maxing out response speed and the Radiolink RC8X is one of them. Notably, the consistent low speed is what’s important to track racers and historically, the Sanwa easily beats the Futaba 4PX/K models with consistently low latency. The new Flysky NB-4 and this RadioLink RC8X also show promise in low average speeds, where others have tried and failed in the past.

The way they usually achieve it is with some form of duplexing, at the cost of additional channels. Instead of having 8 active channels, for example, the RC8X will only allow you to have throttle and steering active when you’re at the highest speed. The FlySky NB-4 is similar in this regard. It’s a limitation of physics and what can be achieved with a single transmitter and receiver module, but I’m glad of the choice. Even with all the channels enabled, you still have a snappy system, while when you’re in a race environment you’ll only need throttle and steering anyway. Good compromise!

Telemetry: Data at Your Fingertips

The telemetry feature is a game-changer, offering real-time insights into model battery voltage, RSSI, and receiver voltage. With support for up to an 8S (33.6V) battery, you’re always equipped with the data you need for a safe RC experience.

I’ll repeat that: the receivers can accept up to an 8S battery directly connected to the voltage telemetry port to give power level data to the handset. Even my previous favorite FlySky radios don’t do that. I’ve always needed an expansion module to achieve this. Many people might overlook this seemingly minor feature, but for those wanting the simplest way to stay on top of battery levels in their models without having to add additional sensor module/s, this is a standout feature!

Receivers: R8FG and R4FGM

This brings us to the RadioLink RC8X receivers that ship in the package. Helpfully, it actually includes two distinct receivers:

R8FG: This receiver comes with an integrated gyro, ensuring precise control. The support for high voltage servos further enhances its appeal.

R4FGM: Compact yet powerful, this receiver is designed for smaller RC models without compromising on reliability.

As covered above, I really appreciate that both of these receivers can handle high voltage servos and even gives you feedback on your model’s voltage – the built-in battery telemetry port handles up to 8S direct! Bananas!

If you’re into SBUS, the R8FG’s got you covered. It can output an SBUS signal, making it a breeze to connect.

But here’s the cool part: the RC8X isn’t just limited to the R8FG. It plays nice with a bunch of other receivers. There are these compact 4-channel ones, the R4FGM and R4F, which are perfect for smaller RC cars. Then you’ve got the 6-channel ones like R6FG and R6F, the 7-channel R7FG (which we used in the Rlaarlo Speed Run video series), and even the long-distance champs, R8EF and R8F, which are great for RC boats and possibly speed runs (as yet unexplored).

Adaptability and Power Options

One of the standout features of the RC8X is its adaptability. The transmitter can be powered using various sources, including 8 AAA batteries, 2S-4S LiPo batteries, 6S Ni-MH batteries, or even a computer or mobile power bank via a Type-C cable. The universal JST connector ensures protection against reverse polarity connections.

Sounds good in theory, right? In practice, you’ll want to be prepared, as this leads into my criticisms of this system. Read on…

Drawbacks

I mentioned the PS4 button is a bit of a problem earlier in this little chat. I bumped it frequently when filming my various videos for RC-TNT, so I ended up disabling the button entirely. This is a minor annoyance with the design and one you may overlook unless you’re clumsy like I can be!

My other nitpick with this otherwise brilliant system is the radio’s default power configuration. It needs no less than 8x AAA batteries to work out of the box! In 2023, this is ridiculous. AA batteries at least I could understand, as their capacity makes their number more palatable, but to need this many AAA batteries in a power-hungry computer system like the RadioLink RC8X seems like a design oversight.

Lemons to Lemonade

UPDATE: it’s come to my attention that if you buy this radio system from Radiolink Direct on Amazon, they appear to ship the radio with a 2S LiPO battery, which neatly solves this issue! Woohoo!

Otherwise, if yours comes with the 8x AAA holder, you could do one of a few things:

Suck it up and use rechargable NiMH AAA batteries. They’ll give you a few hours of life at least and hey, you can keep a second set on standby.
Remove the AAA battery case entirely and replace with a LiFE or LiPO battery. As long as it has the red JST plug and is 2S to 4S, it’ll work. I’d reocmmend a 2S 1200mAh LiFE or LiPO, as this will fit easily. I’m using a Turnigy Nanotech 1500mAh 2S battery and it fits. Just. This pair will safely fit, and will help keep you powered up with a ready spare.
3D print a larger battery lid for the base of the radio and 3D print or buy a 2x 18650 battery holder with red JST plug (mind the polarity matches the radio’s labels). There are also 2S 18650 LiIon premade battery packs that will fit, as long as you have an extended lid printed for it.

The battery compartment is roughly (L) 92mm x (W) 53mm x (D) 13mm – a bit deeper in places – but if your battery is smaller than that, you should be right.

Ergonomics and Design

Radiolink has paid attention to the ergonomic design of the RC8X. Features like adjustable trigger spring tension, threaded design for better grip, and a lanyard for weight balance showcase their commitment to user comfort. A notable design feature is the ability to reverse the installation direction of the wheel section, making it friendly for both left and right-handed users.

I also like that the wheel can be easily removed and replaced with a 3D printed alternative that comes with a built in thumb steer for one-handed operation. I understand RadioLink sells something like this also, if you’d prefer to get the real deal from the company.

Conclusion

The Radiolink RC8X is more than just another transmitter in the market. It’s a blend of innovation, user-centric design, and performance. If you’re on the hunt for a transmitter that ticks all the boxes, the RC8X might just be the one you’ve been waiting for. Grab one here or read more on RadioLink’s website here.

Available on Amazon

RadioLink Direct sells their products on Amazon – buy yours directly from them!

Buy Here

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

A note on affiliate links: we were provided with this radio system by the manufacturer for review purposes. The Amazon links in the above article are affiliate links, which means we may be paid a small commission if you choose to click on them to make a purchase. As always, we make effort to ensure that no review is impacted by this – we still report on bugs and issues encountered during product testing, and our fixes or solutions if found. Thank you for reading and happy RC-ing!

Element RC Enduro SE Sendero Trail Truck

by Craig | Aug 10, 2023 | Element RC, RC Crawlers, RC Reviews

It’s Enduro SE!

I’ve been calling it the Sendero SE, but it wasn’t until I went to write this article that I realised the truck is called the Enduro SE Sendero. Well, that makes sense, as the Enduro platform is the common layout you’ll find under all of Element RC’s current line of epic rock crawlers and trail trucks, current and retired: the Sendro HD, Gatekeeper, Ecto, Knightrunner, Bushido and now, the Enduro SE. (We’ve looked at ALL of these on the channel).

Available from AsiaTees or Amazon, this rig has been an interesting combination of budget and performance oriented decisions by Team Associated. This more budget-oriented release first hit the shelves in November 2022. Being in Australia, I tend to get new releases up to 6 months after that, and in this case, it was even longer. But it’s finally here and we’ve already had it on the rocks, so I am in a good position now to show you through this one. Let’s dig into what makes the Enduro SE (Sport Edition) a little different from all the other Enduro rigs before it!

Same, But a Little Bit Different

The Element RC Enduro SE Sendero is a trail truck that draws inspiration from the truck styling of the 80s and 90s. This isn’t new to this class of RC vehicle, but there’s a trick to this model. You might expect the closest comparison to be to the Sendero HD, given the name is common to both. (You can find our review of the Sendro HD here, and our video series here).

However, the reality is something quite unexpected. As you’ll see in the video at the end of this article, I found the Enduro SE to be most closely similar to the Axial SCX10 II Deadbolt! We’ll have to do a video comparison on those two rigs as they’re similar in price, setup and performance. That’ll be interesting!

Enduro SE Sendero Body

Unlike the Sendero HD before it, the Enduro SE Sendero boasts a one-piece polycarbonate body. The tube frame and tray are replaced with a drop bed and bumper, which is both durable and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, underneath both ends of the body you’ll find adjustable bumper mounts with integrated winch line routing for the front.

Much firmer than the bumper on the Sendero HD, the Enduro SE features high-clearance front and rear bumpers that are still flexible, though clearly tough. The same, adjustable-width rock sliders finish out the sides, including slots for the polycarbone body sills to locate snugly. As with the Sendero HD, it looks like there’s room to lower the body a little, and to bring the bumpers in a bit. Both these things will marginally help the car on rock obstacles.

Transmission

New to this Enduro family member is the StealthXF gearbox. It’s a front-facing motor design but still centrally mounted on the skid plate. In a break from other Enduro rigs (all of which have run the StealthX transmission, to date), the Enduro SE gets no overdrive out of the box.

Further, whilst all other Enduro RTRs that I’ve looked at in recent years have come with 5.7% overdrive built-in AND an extra 11.83% overdrive gear set you can install yourself, the Enduro SE comes with no additional gears. If you want overdrive in this one, you’ll have to raid your parts box from other Enduro cars if you’re lucky enough to have another already, or else you’ll need to buy the gears separately.

Drive Train Upgrades

In my opinion: if you do decide to shell out for overdrive gears, go for the 11.83% set – the car is lightweight and not fast, so you won’t feel the shortcomings of having overdrive on the trails, and then when you’re crawling, you’ll really appreciate that more positive steering influence.

Pinion and spur are 48-pitch and the system works well. It’ll tolerate brushless power if you don’t go overboard. The HobbyWing Fusion SE 1800kv would be my pick for this rig, while the higher-power Hobbywing Fusion Pro 2300kv will also give the Enduro SE some hustle on the trails!

Links & Suspension

The Enduro SE Sendero is designed with heavy-duty 5mm diameter steel steering links and aluminum steering plates. It also features optimized ball cups and links that allow for more fluid axle articulation. The suspension system includes threaded shock bodies, mini springs, and a 90mm shock length. The adjustable rear shock mount positions provide flexibility for tuning both the wheelbase and shock angles.

The links are the same spaghetti-type, bendy plastic as found under the Axial Deadbolt. As you’ll see me demonstrate in the video below (it’ll post a few days after this article is published), the links allow considerable amount of lateral movement if you force the axles forward or back. This, combined with the bushings (see next section) really speaks to the more budget nature of this rig. Thankfully, I think these are the two most glaring ‘shortfalls’ of this rig – though not every situation will mean soft links and bushings are a bad thing. The truck is certainly light weight, which contributes greatly to its ability on the rocks! More on that in the video below.

Enduro SE Axles

The truck comes with updated axles, including universal front drive axles and a one-piece rear axle design. The front axle is splined and offers adjustable caster. The gearing system of the Enduro SE Sendero is robust, featuring metal ring and pinion gears, a machined steel top shaft, and a steel servo horn. I’m not too hot on the faux plastic disc brakes and calipers but it’s a tidy setup overall.

They’re straight axles, no portals here! The steering config is servo on axle, which is less scale but generally better performing than CMS (Chassis Mounted Servo) config. It’s a solid setup, I like it.

Bushings, Not Bearings

Be aware that the Enduro SE Sendero ships with 24 bushings rather than the ball bearings we’re used to seeing on the Enduro platform. Before you lose your mind on this point, remember this is a slow vehicle and one that’s likely to encounter mud and water.

The benefit of ball bearings over bushings is lowering resistance, giving you that sliver of extra speed on the racetrack or drag strip. In a crawler, your motor will draw marginally (and I mean marginally) more power to overcome the added resistance from bushings, but I double-dog-dare you to notice the difference. Bushings are low maintenance, too – they can get muddy and wet, even salty, and they won’t rust out and seize, so that’s your silver lining!

Wheels & Tires

The wheels of the Enduro SE Sendero have a 12.8″ wheelbase and are equipped with 12mm wheel hexes. The wheels are plastic and a beadlock design. Shiny black and attractive, these 1.9” units are well-suited to the rig.

The tires are new, and very, very Element. They’re narrow, just like those found on the Deadbolt, incidentally, and they have a repeating Element RC logo all around the center of the treads. They’re a 4.7” size, come with internal foams and the rubber compound is pleasingly soft. Under load on the rocks, the side walls are soft enough to deform, but firm enough to help the rig maintain traction and direction. They’re cheap, on a cheaper rig, but I like ‘em so far!

Electronics

The Enduro SE Sendero is powered by a Reedy 16-turn, 5-slow motor, same as the rest of the Enduro family. The motor is mounted to an aluminum plate, as the backbone of the transmission. As with all the others, it is powered by the same Reedy ESC, too. The electronics are completely adequate for this machine, though they have their limits. Great low-speed control is to be expected from this combo, though it’s low on power, even if you gear it up. It should last a good long time though and it’s a great match to the StealthXF transmission, though there is obvious strain if you run on 3S (12V) power in a heavy crawling scenario – motor and ESC can get properly hot.

The receiver is housed in an enclosed box, while the ESC tray ensures clean wiring. The truck also comes with an additional (wider) battery box. The servo is the same Reedy 1523MG waterproof, metal gear unit found in all the other current Enduro vehicles too. As with the power system, this is quite adequate for this vehicle and should endure even heavy crawling sessions.

Enduro SE Radio

In a departure from the XP130 system that has shipped with all previous Enduro models, Element RC has chosen instead to go with FlySky. The truck comes with a 4-channel FlySky FS-G4P radio system, though it only uses two of the channels. The two unused channels are a three-position switch and a momentary-press button. Nice!

I like FlySky and have many of their radios. Maybe 20 – and that’s just the trasmitters. I’m well familiar with how their AFHDS protocols run (and there are 3 versions of this, plus ANT, in the FlySky range) and all their systems are solid. I have several of this particular radio, which uses the ANT protocol (hackers rejoice). It’s solid, fast enough and comes with numerous adjustments as you’d expect from any modern 2.4G radio. It’s a good pairing with the truck. It takes 4x AA batteries and is comfy in the hand, plastic wheel notwithstanding.

In The Box

There are two versions of the Enduro SE Sendero, but both have the same vehicle and radio. The standard version gives you the truck, radio, body mounts, shock pieces for full coil-overs if you change to that, a spare body cross member and a wider battery tray. There’s a manual, sticker sheet, SCX480X ESC manual and FlySky radio system manual. Lastly, some basic allen keys are included, to fit the rig. The other version is the LiPo Combo, which includes a compact balance charge and LiPo battery.

Both versions give you the now-standard Element RC box which doubles as a parking garage if you reverse the box – and its different for every model from the Enduro range. A bit of fun!

So, How’s It Drive?

The big question! This is best covered in our video review, which incorporates a rock test and copious opinions on the vehicle. It will be posted within a few days of this article being published. Catch you there!

Our Test Course

If you’re not familiar with how we test RC rock crawlers, we have a course that challenges any 4x4 RC crawler in many ways:

Approach and departure angle: these are challenged on Problems 2 and 3;
Side-hill ability: tested on Problems 1, 3 and 5;
Breakover (skid clearance): tested on Problems 4 and 6;
Suspension articulation and centre of gravity: challenged on problems 2 and 5; and lastly,
A punishing ascent on problem 6 tests all of balance, break-over, articulation, tire traction and approach and departure angles.

Put together, we have a gnarly, challenging set of problems that challenge all crawlers. If a rig can conquer 3 or more of them, chances are you have a reasonably high-performance rock crawler. There are some machines that can claim all success on all six in stock form – but not many!

As you've seen in the video above, our Remo Hobby 10275 only managed to finish Problem 1. Still, one is better than none, right?

Get One!

Check the manufacturer page for specific details if you’re after more: https://www.associatedelectrics.com/element/cars_and_trucks/Enduro/SE_Sendero/

Buy an Element RC Enduro SE Sendero Trail Truck RTR from AsiaTees or Amazon. These are affiliate links that help support RC-TNT at no extra cost to you. Thank you for using them, if you do so!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

A note on affiliate links: we were provided with this car by the manufacturer for review purposes. The Amazon and AsiaTees links in the above article are affiliate links, which means we may be paid a small commission if you choose to click on them to make a purchase. As always, we make effort to ensure that no review is impacted by this – we still report on bugs and issues encountered during product testing, and our fixes or solutions if found. Thank you for reading and happy RC-ing!

Losi Promoto-MX: the Ultimate RC Motocross Experience

by Craig | Jul 31, 2023 | Losi, RC Off-Road, RC Reviews

New on Two Wheels

The world of RC vehicles is vast and varied, with models designed to replicate every type of real-world vehicle, from cars and trucks to planes and boats. But there’s one type of vehicle that’s been largely overlooked in the RC world until now: the motocross bike. Enter the Losi Promoto-MX, a groundbreaking RC motocross model that’s set to create a new niche in off-road RC.

Horizon Hobby launched this bike under the Losi brand at the start of July 2023. It caused quite a stir, as while bikes have been around for some years now, durability or performance or realism or size have all been challenges to the existing models from other manufacturers. To see one that is apparently stable off-road, with a realistic and bendy rider, whilst looking great and pulling stunts – well, that’s something new! Then consider the size of the thing and you have a compelling new toy to seriously consider!

Unprecedented Realism

The Losi Promoto-MX isn’t just another RC motorcycle. There are some good models around already, though they’re mainly on-road. The Losi is something different. It’s a meticulously designed, ultra-realistic 1/4 scale motocross bike that captures the thrill of riding a full-size bike with unprecedented accuracy – even if the rider’s rear doesn’t ever leave the saddle!

It’s clear the Losi team has gone above and beyond to reproduce true dirt bike performance. The realism of the Promoto-MX runs deeper than its faithfully detailed looks, too. Consider the narrow frame, the rider with authentic riding gear, and the officially licensed graphics. More important is the accurate performance, accomplished through a unique hybrid of mechanical and electronic technology that appears to let you run an RC bike like never before. More on that below; it is really quite impressive and it’s exciting to share if you’re new to this model!

Cutting-Edge Technology

Losi teamed up with the engineers at Spektrum RC to reinvent stabilization technologies for a surface vehicle that requires balance to work. The Spektrum MS6X continuously calculates the bike’s positioning relative to gravity, taking into account the inputs from the transmitter. There’s a 2700kv motor driving a 22,000rpm gyroscopic wheel as part of this system. The MS6X feeds outputs to gyro, throttle and steering that give realistic and predictable handling to the ‘driver’ at the radio. The more I think about what they’ve done here, the more impressed I am – this thing is a marvel of modern technology.

But then, it gets better: stopping distance was cut in half by complimenting the traditional rear-wheel braking (ESC+motor) with a cable-driven front disc & caliper system. Just as on a real bike, stopping with both wheels is far superior to just the rear wheel, and marginally better than just using the front. (Of course, you can get lost in the techincal side of motorcycle handling and which brake to use when, but in an RC model, we don’t have to get so sidetracked!) This new technology works behind the scenes to give the Promoto-MX performance superior to any previous RC motorcycle.

Durability and Protection

Knowing the Promoto-MX would exceed eight pounds, the Losi team over-engineered critical areas to give the bike the extra support needed to withstand hard-hitting dirt bike action. The innovative front crash structure is rigid during normal running, but absorbs front impacts by compressing until the front tire bottoms into the chassis frame. That protects the front fork tubes from bending, keeping them safe and true. Included skid plates guard critical components from rocks and debris, and a twin aluminum plate chassis shields all of the bike’s electronics.

Suspension Like No Other

No other RC product on the market has a suspension package like the Promoto-MX. Losi studied the suspension geometry and technology of full-size motorcycles to give it the same handling characteristics. The front suspension takes a unique approach to RC shocks with a front fork and internal dampener and spring. It’s adjustable, rebuildable, and looks like the real deal. The Promoto-MX also has a rising rate rear suspension, just like a real motorcycle. It starts soft around ride height but stiffens as the shock goes deeper into its travel, keeping the bike from bottoming out on flat landings.

Losi Promoto-MX Powertrain

The heart of the Promoto-MX powertrain is a robust Spektrum Smart Brushless System, featuring a 3800Kv 4-pole brushless motor and 85A Smart ESC. This is a sensored system that will get you moving out of the gate hot, with enough torque to clear large triples and hit 40+ mph top speeds on a 2S LiPo battery. The durable drivetrain is true to scale, with chain drive that lets your rear tire rip whenever you’re ready to send it!

Realism in a Motorcycle

The Losi Promoto-MX RC motorcycle sets itself apart from every other remote control motorcycle and dirt bike with its scale details, authentic control, and realistic powertrain with disc brakes and chain drive. The gyroscopic force of the flywheel partnered with the new MS6X stabilizing technology from Spektrum deliver the stability of anything on two wheels, all in a 1:4 scale RC dirt bike package.

Something that maybe wasn’t practical to produce at scale until recent years, the Promoto-MX features a firm but flexible model human rider. The head jiggles over the bumps, there’s a bum on the saddle and the protective gear matches the smart livery of the bike, in all three colorful designs. The only thing you’ll miss seeing is the rider standing on the pegs when the going gets rough or the air gets big. Perhaps that’s one area modders can work on as this niche becomes more established. Today more than ever before, the potential for such a mod is there. We have the technology! …Probably!

Mastering RC Motocross

Maneuvering a motorcross bike around obstacles, carving precise turns on the dirt or popping wheelies over berms are challenging enough on a real bike. When you consider that many RC cars are basically just suspension, steering and motor in a chassis, and then what is involved when you cut the number of wheels in half, making a stable and drivable model seems like a tall order. We know that keeping balance is easy enough for a bike, as long as that rear wheel is spinning. But what about stability in turns and in the air? The Losi Promoto-MX RC motorcycle has the stability you need to perform those stunts and tackle the tight turns thanks to an onboard gyro – but it doesn’t do everything, and has been designed in a way to be complimentary to the drive whilst still leaving enough challenge on the table for it to stay interesting! Working to improve your control and adding new skills to your repertoire should keep you coming back to the bike for more!



Losi Promoto MX Specs

Dimensions

Model Scale: 1/4
Ground Clearance: 2.9 in (73mm)
Product Length: 20.2″ (513 mm)
Product Width: 10.8″ (274 mm)
Product Height: 17.3″ (439 mm)
Product Weight: 123.5oz (3500g)

Power

Battery: Sold Separately (or in bundle)
Connector Type: IC5

Motor & Gears

Drivetrain: 1WD
Motor Size: 540
Motor Type: 3800kv ‘Smart Brushless’ System
Final Drive Ratio: 12.0:1
Internal Gear Ratio: 4.8:1
Spur Gear: 50T
Pinion: 20T
Ball Bearings: Full Ball Bearings
Gear Pitch: 32P

Wheels & Suspension

Suspension: Front Fork, Rising Rate Rear Suspension
Shock Type: 16mm Big Bore Aluminum Shock
Wheel Width: Front – 1.1 in (28mm), Rear – 1.4 in (36.3mm)
Tire Compound: 65S
Front Brakes: Cable-Driven Piston/Caliper/Rotor
Rear Brakes: Motor Braking
Tire Tread: Dunlop Geomax MX53

Chassis & Tech

Chassis: 3mm Aluminum Plate
Body: Color Molded Panels with Wrap Graphics
Speed Control: Included
Charger: Sold Separately
Receiver: Included
Radio: Included
Technology: AVC and SMART, MS6X
Power Type: Electric
Servos: Included

Coming Soon!

The Losi Promoto-MX will be a game-changer in the world of off-road RC. It seems like one of those products that creates its own niche of vehicle upon release, in the same way the Axial SCX6 did, or the Traxxas TRX6, for example. Its unique design, innovative features, and high-performance capabilities make it a must-have for any RC enthusiast. I understand this model will be broadly available for sale at the end of August 2023. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, the Promoto-MX is sure to provide hours of thrilling off-road racing action. Snap one up when they’re out – I know I will!

Buy here: https://www.horizonhobby.com/losi-promoto-mx-rc-motorcycle/

Photo credit: HorizonHobby.com

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

Redcat Gen9 Scale Trail Truck

by Craig | Jul 26, 2023 | RC Crawlers, RC Reviews, Redcat Racing

A Detailed Look at Redcat’s Latest

The Redcat Gen9 is the long-anticipated successor to the Gen8 V2. We had to wait a while in Australia to get it, but now it’s finally here! This new model is more than just a Gen8 V2 with a different body. It’s a whole new beast, sporting a new Scout model body and a host of updated features underneath. Let’s dive in and see what makes the Gen9 a worthy addition to the Redcat Racing lineup.

My favourite global hobby store, AsiaTees, sells both the blue and gray variant of this lovely new rig. And on Amazon, TREAL already has a bunch of shiny new goodies for it.

What’s New with the Gen9?

The first thing you’ll notice about the Gen9 is its new body, modelled after the International Scout 800A. This model is slightly smaller than the Scout II, which allowed Redcat to tweak the front and rear bumper setups and enhance the already impressive approach angle performance of the Gen8. But the new body is just the tip of the iceberg.

The Gen9 also boasts a two-speed transmission, V3 portal axles, new tires (that look suspiciously close to the tread on the Marksman we reviewed last year), beadlock wheels, and an entirely new body mounting system, not seen on any other rigs to date. There’s an interior now, too – a big jump over the previous models in the series. If you’re a fan of the Gen8, you’ll find many familiar parts in the Gen9. Even as a Gen8 V2 owner myself, there are plenty of new features or updates to make the Gen9 a worthwhile investment.

A Closer Look at the Gen9 Body

Redcat has upped the ante with the design and construction of the Gen9 body, thanks to their experience with their R/C lowrider lineup. The Gen9 International Scout 800A body is a multi-part piece that offers a detailed interior and exterior with ample room for customization. The open-cage design provides an excellent view of the interior, which includes a steering wheel, shift levers, door handles, and pedals. The only other trail rig that offers this level of scale detail is the SCX10 III Early Ford Bronco and some of the Cross RC models, such as the EMO XT4 (which we have here but it’s unbuilt – must get around to that one!).

The exterior of the Gen9 also features scale details, but they may not be as durable as you’d like. Side mirrors and door handles add visual interest to the body, but they may not withstand rough handling. Our unit has arrived intact, but I’ve read of numerous others who’ve received broken mirrors or door handles out of the box. Thankfully, Redcat includes a few extra parts in case you need them. I’d suggest keeping the mirrors aside until you get your rougher trail driving done! (Or look at hinged or rubber alternatives, like this handy 5-pack).

Lights and Colors

There are light buckets for 2x white LEDs on each side up front, and 1x red and 1x white reverse LED on each side of the rear. The side signals at front and rear of the body are stickers only. But, there are also two light buckets behind the dash! I’ve just gotta work out how to open it all up – it isn’t obvious and the manual gives no clues. I’ll cover this in a future video and/or article here on rc-tnt.com.

The Gen9 body comes in two color options: Metallic Blue and Graphite. Both are eye-catching, and Redcat includes two decal sheets so you can personalize your rig right out of the box. There aren’t instructions included but the box art gives you some idea of how you might go about it. You could also image-search the web for ‘IH Scout II’ for some inspiration. The body mounting system has also been redesigned, making it easier to access the internals of the rig. Two swivel latches secure the front of the body, and releasing them allows the body to be tipped toward the rear and removed from the chassis. Some have noted the front swivel pins can get loose with driving, but ours have been firm so far!

Under the Hood: The Gen9 Chassis

At first glance, the Gen9 and Gen8 chasses may look similar. Both feature a traditional H-ladder setup with full fenders and sideboards. The motor and transmission are in about the same spot. But a closer look reveals a small shift servo for the two-speed transmission and rock light ports on top of every inner fender. The portal axles have also been adjusted to improve durability, tracking, and steering performance. There’s a new servo, too! More on that in a moment.

These updates may not be visually striking, but they significantly impact the Gen9’s driving experience. The truck’s weight is certainly hefty for a ready-to-run (RTR) model. It’s heavy, at about 4kg, but the weight distribution is reasonably low and centered. The car is a little roll-over happy, but it’s not a chronic issue. That is, until you start making turns in 2^nd gear! That’s another story.

The most significant performance change between the Gen9 and its predecessor is the two-speed transmission. The first gear is similar to the standard gearing of the Gen8, which is great for crawling but leaves something to be desired for trail use. This is a big point for the Gen9 over the Gen8, as second gear offers a fun, faster than walking speed experience. This feature is great for trail enthusiasts or those who want to let loose occasionally. Just don’t get carried away or you’ll be buying new side mirrors!

Redcat Gen9 Wheels and Tires

The Gen9’s tire choice is another departure from the Gen8. The Redcat team chose a 1.9″ version of the Interco Super Swamper SS M16, and I’ve just gone and looked – yep, it is the same tire found on their 1/8-scale TC8 Marksman, but in 1.9 instead of 2.2. This tire offers reasonable traction for both crawling and normal trail use. The wheels have also been updated with a faux outer beadlock ring for added scale. The actual bead locking is achieved from the rear of the wheels.

The tires of the Gen8 were fairly poor. We did a big tire test in 2021 that covered the Swampers from the Gen8 and they came up poorly overall. We do have an upcoming ‘biggest on YouTube’ tire test this year that’ll test more tires than ever before in one series and we’ll include this set in that test for reference. I’ll update this article with a link when it’s done.

The Gen9’s Radio System

DumboRC has been making its way into many RTR configurations over 2022 and 2023. It’s good to see Redcat jump onto this as well. The Gen8 V2 came with the AFHDS protocol of the older FlySky system, which made it inconvenient for binding to newer radios. Now that DumboRC is commonplace, there’s a heap of flexibility out of box with this system.

You not only get the 5-ch receiver with the Gen9, but it’s the light-control variant as well, with an entirely separate, dedicated row of pins just for LEDs in the car. On the transmitter, only three channels are active in the default configuration. You can easily add a fourth and there’s even a Channel 5 dial under the cover of the radio. I’m unsure if this works yet, but when I get to testing it, I’ll update the article (yep, Ch5 is a dial-controlled channel with full functionality). The third channel controls the two-speed transmission servo via the left blue button on top of the unit. The two auxiliary channel buttons are easy to find and use, and they light up when activated, so you can easily tell what gear you’re in. Good!

Redcat Gen9 Moving Parts

Portal axles grant clearance without hurting center of gravity too much and the metal diff plates are a nice touch. If construction and materials are at least as good as the Gen8 V2, then this drive train will be a solid and reliable performer.

There’s finally a better servo for steering than Redcat has done before – see the woeful unit on the Marksman, for example. They’ve been underwhelming for a few years now. To finally see a metal geared, metal cased, waterproof and 8.4v capable unit is awesome. It even gets to 42kg/cm of torque at 8.4v – what a turnaround from Redcat’s previous fare!

Drive shafts are plastic but tough. Axle components are also solid and the stainless steel links and ball ends are stainless steel. It’s a decent package all round, especially given the price. Even if this rig was $449, this would be a positive review of this vehicle. But the model is surprisingly good for its RRP of just $399 (and selling for less from some dealers).

Crawling and Trail Performance

The Gen9 shines when it hits the trail. The two-speed transmission is a standout feature, as the Gen8 was either fast and bad at crawling or slow but frustrating on the trail. The simple addition of the 2-speed is a winner. The first gear is perfect for smooth, low-speed crawling, while the second gear lets the rig move at impressive speeds. Despite its weight, this rig can really move.

When it comes to crawling performance, the Gen9 is excellent. After the Gen8 V2 was capable but not exceptional out of the box, the Gen9 has been a real surprise. I’d put it nearly on the level of the TRX4 Sport. The 1.9″ Interco SS M16 tires have an aggressive tread pattern and a high grip compound, allowing the rig to navigate obstacles with ease, even in challenging conditions. They’re not the all-rounders of the Traxxas Canyon Trails, but they’re a real improvement over the Gen8 V2’s tires. (See our Gen8 V2 review here). For more on performance testing, see our video (posted at the end of the article once it releases).

Final Thoughts on the Gen9

The Redcat Gen9 is an impressive machine at an impressive price. For USD$399.99, you get a capable crawler and trail truck with features typically found in higher-priced models. It’s a great 1/10-scale rig for outdoor driving, whether in your yard or on the trail. With plenty of room for customization, the Gen9 offers solid performance and stunning visuals. That’s a win-win in our book.

For more information about the Redcat Gen9 International Scout 800A, see https://www.redcatracing.com/products/gen9. Get yours here.

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

A note on affiliate links: the Amazon and AsiaTees links in the above article are affiliate links, which means we may be paid a small commission if you choose to click on them to make a purchase. As always, we make effort to ensure that no review is impacted by this – we still report on bugs and issues encountered during product testing, and our fixes or solutions if found. Thank you for reading and happy RC-ing!

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Bezgar HP161S – A Confession

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RadioLink RC8X: Your Next Upgrade?

Available on Amazon

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Enter the Radiolink RC8X!

First Impressions

A Screen That Does More

Customization: A Personal Touch

Voice Broadcast: Keeping You Informed

Performance Metrics

Response Time: Precision in Control

Telemetry: Data at Your Fingertips

Receivers: R8FG and R4FGM

Adaptability and Power Options

Drawbacks

Lemons to Lemonade

Ergonomics and Design

Conclusion

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Element RC Enduro SE Sendero Trail Truck

It’s Enduro SE!

Same, But a Little Bit Different

Enduro SE Sendero Body

Transmission

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Links & Suspension

Enduro SE Axles

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Wheels & Tires

Electronics

Enduro SE Radio

In The Box

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Our Test Course

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Losi Promoto-MX: the Ultimate RC Motocross Experience

New on Two Wheels

Unprecedented Realism

Cutting-Edge Technology

Durability and Protection

Suspension Like No Other

Losi Promoto-MX Powertrain

Realism in a Motorcycle

Mastering RC Motocross

Losi Promoto MX Specs

Dimensions

Power

Motor & Gears

Wheels & Suspension

Chassis & Tech

Coming Soon!

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Redcat Gen9 Scale Trail Truck

​A Detailed Look at Redcat’s Latest

What’s New with the Gen9?

A Closer Look at the Gen9 Body

Lights and Colors

Under the Hood: The Gen9 Chassis

Redcat Gen9 Wheels and Tires

The Gen9’s Radio System

Redcat Gen9 Moving Parts

Crawling and Trail Performance

Final Thoughts on the Gen9

Craig Veness

A Detailed Look at Redcat’s Latest