Articles - Page 2 of 7

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!

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

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 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!

Best RC Car – The Definitive Guide

by Craig | Jul 8, 2023 | Guides

Last updated: July 2023

What Are the Best RC Cars?

You’ve come to the right place if you’re looking for the best RC cars currently available. If you simply want to browse different models, click through the categories on homepage. We have a growing library of articles and videos. Also, there’s a list of our best-of-category picks further down in this article.

This is a long one, but if you have the time to read along, we have a few goals to help you in your journey:

To help you get a feel for what’s current in the hobby.
To help you work out what you want from RC.
To give you some direction on making a shortlist and making a choice.

Whatever you’re into, there’s never been a better time to get into RC cars. Choice and variety are abundant – how exciting! We’re looking to set you on the right path from the start. Want to find the best RC car for you? Let’s get to it!

Trust & Marketing

First, a quick note about us: RC-TNT is a hobbyist content creator with a focus on fun. We love the tech specs and the comparisons as much as you do, but having fun is the number one priority! We’re not a shopping site. We do have some sales affiliate links in this article, primarily with our favourite international hobby store, AsiaTees.com (aka. ATees). We’ve been buying from them for years, long before RC-TNT ever existed.

It’s a thrill to be able to partner with ATees now for some great picks, though we’ll also have vehicles from other places below. However, as with all our articles and videos, any affiliate links or marketing does not and will never influence our recommendations to you. Integrity matters and you’ll find that here. We don’t do cheap, mass-produced click-bait articles with long lists of Amazon marketing links. Everything here is written and filmed by hobbyists, for hobbyists – just the way it should be!

State of the Art

Manufacturing

You may be pleasantly surprised at the price to performance of RC models these days, especially if you have never investigated the world of RC before. Electronics are small, reliable, and often waterproof. Detailed plastic manufacturing is now very good, as is the quality and availability of CNC aluminum parts. Gears are wonderfully strong, and axles don’t break often. Even on cheaper models, parts are tougher and smoother than ever before.

Motors

Then there’s power: motors are incredibly good these days. Brushed motors (the old electric style) are still cheap and plentiful, but newer brushless motors are making their way into cheaper models. Brushless is high-efficiency and big on power output and it’s a wonderous thing.

The loud engines that used to be common in RC models (that’s nitro) is still a thing, but it’s become niche. If nitro is what you like, there’s still plenty of choice. However, brushless power is where the ultimate performance is found.

Batteries

Batteries are a whole new thing these days, also. We recently reviewed a great all-rounder battery that would suit many RC cars, the Ovonic 2S 100C LiPO (Lithium-Polymer; see our article for more on batteries). There’s choice for days, whether you’re into RC trucks, heavy machinery (including real hydraulics!), RC crawlers, drift cars, high-speed racers, off-road buggies, epic stunt trucks, large scale bashers and sand blasting Baja rigs.

The older NiMH rechargeable batteries are still common, while NiCAD has been made largely obsolete by LiPO. Many RTR (Ready To Run) models come with a basic NiMH battery and charger, whilst performance and runtime gains are usually found in switching to LiPO. Our article here is a decent primer on modern batteries.

What Do YOU Want?

So, there’s choice galore. But where to start? Having walked this path, my advice is to begin with considering what you want to experience from the hobby. Many vehicles can scratch an itch, whether its conquering rock problems with a crawler or setting high-speed, straight-line drag records. But many find they value the feeling that comes from these pursuits. It’s what people end up chasing and where personal satisfaction and fulfillment can be found. Then, sharing it with others often focuses and enhances that satisfaction, leading to a deeper appreciation of the hobby. Sound enticing?

Where?

Some things to consider with location and experience:

Do you know of tracks or other promising local areas that may inform your choice of model?
Are you looking for plain old fun wherever you can find it, blasting something around a bumpy bike track, on gravel and over home-made jumps?
Do you want to run something at high speed, on or off-road? Are there areas nearby for that?

Some like the idea of competition and working to make a name for themselves. If you’re into scale realism or getting epic air at the skate park, again, there are niches in RC that will be perfect for you. (Side note, watch this recent video for feel of driving on bitumen, dirt, jumps, trails, water and rocks. It’s worth a watch as a primer to RC, different terrain and modern batteries).

Who?

One last important consideration is the social element: who else runs RCs near you? Are there clubs you want to check out? Do you have a friend or two who socially drive regularly that you want to join? The social element of RC is a huge draw, and we recommend social drives and events as a benefit to your mental health and general wellbeing. Find more on that topic and RC crawling in particular in this article.

Sorting Through It All

How Much?

At this point you may have a few ideas of what you want to try. We haven’t discussed budget yet, but some vehicles cost vastly more than others. As a quick primer, ‘cheap’ RC cars that are still somewhat hobby-grade will be obtainable for $50 to $130 (all prices in this article are in USD). Various things will influence the price, from level of preparation required to run the model, to its performance, complexity, and size. High-end, larger-scale vehicles can cost up to around $1,000.

Specialist, niche models can get quite expensive, even up to many thousands of dollars. There are nearly endless ways to niche-down on a vehicle type, but big money is definitely not a pre-requisite for enjoying RC cars. Broadly speaking, quality hobby-grade 1/10 and 1/8 RC vehicles will cost roughly $200 to $600. There are many exceptions, this is just a general idea.

Simple Fun?

If you know that you just want to have some fun, we suggest you get something that can run off-road and take a tumble. We’ll call this the ‘Yard & Park Fun’ category, and you can find this at the top of the shortlist, further down this page.

But what if you’ve followed along so far but are still completely unsure what you want? If you still have questions beyond simply, “What’s fun?”, then read on! We’ll help you work it out!

Budgets Aren’t Just For Money

So far, we’ve considered where and how you might run an RC car. Off-road, on-road, drift, gravel, jumps, stunts, yard and parks, skate park, rocks, and rivers. You’ve thought about what you want to get out of the hobby and perhaps you have a setting in mind. Great start!

However, there are a few other factors to consider before we’re ready to make a shortlist – you want to get this right, after all! And you can always come back and do it again for the next vehicle if you don’t end up stopping with just one. Below are some other factors for which you may want to budget.

Time and Space

Will you have hours to put into running this thing here and there, or will it be more an opportunistic 20 minutes here and half an hour there? Will you have daylight hours to enjoy your RC car or is it likely to be in the evenings, after school or work? Is build and maintenance time something you want to enjoy as part of the hobby, or do you want to be able to just grab and go?

If you have a few locations or types of spaces in mind, are they nearby? Are they huge, or small? (This may influence the scale of what you get. Some cars get nearly as big as the back seat of your car, whilst others could fit in a cargo pants pocket, for example). If running noisy models, can you do it somewhere you’re not disturbing other people? Do you have a safe place to run the really fast stuff without endangering yourself, traffic, other people or animals?

Preparation and Mechanical Requirements

Are you ready to do the setup and post-run maintenance of a more involved nitro model? Do you have the tools and the mindset to tune and adjust things yourself and to find answers to problems that may crop up in such cars? Do you want it to ‘just work’ with minimal hassle and fuss? Consider electric vs nitro here.

Electric stuff is clean, easy to run, and has minimal maintenance requirements. That is, unless you get into fine dust, mud or water – everything needs a little love after that kind of treatment! Also, electric systems don’t require periodic tuning and rebuilds like nitro engines.

Storage

We’ve got a few huge models here, such as the Traxxas X-Maxx 8S and the Axial SCX6. Nose to tail, these two will barely fit in the back seat of a car. You need somewhere for such monsters to live when they’re not being driven!

Batteries come under this heading, too – both these vehicles go best with a pair of hefty lithium-polymer batteries, which need a decent charger and safe storage place themselves. Keep that in mind as you think through your options!

Extras

Most RC vehicles will need the odd bit of tinkering, as well as basic hobby supplies for the odd repair, upgrade or maintenance. Nicer hand tools make life easier, but this all costs money. Many RTR (Ready To Run) models do come with their own tools, but some cars really need knowledge and tools that aren’t included with the car at all.

For example, we recently tested the HPI Vorza 4.6 Big Block nitro truck (video here). To get going, we also needed to buy fuel, an engine starter, a receiver battery (we made our own) and basic tools for tuning and adjustment. There were also the little things you don’t think of until you need them. For the Vorza, we needed some old rags, iR thermometer and heat gun for running-in, space and a couple of bricks to sit the model off the ground for running-in, and so on. This all needs to be on-hand when you need it, so keep in mind the need to ask “what else do I need” when you are looking at your final choices.

Best RC Cars Shortlist

Ok, this is it. You’ve got an idea of what you want from RC. Your shortlist of models will be different to that of others, so our job at this point is to nudge you in the right direction. We’ll give some examples typical of each category below, and then you’ll be on your way to finding other potential machines on your own. Let’s get to it!

Yard & Park Fun

Known as ‘bashers’, this is the car you wanted as a kid. It’ll take off-road adventures and back yard fun. It’s a general fun category and is broad in scope. General purpose vehicles like this are easy to find, maintain and drive. Most 1/10 scale short course trucks (SCT), monster trucks (MT), truggies (truck + buggy design elements) and buggies will deliver on fun and durability. They will also serve to help familiarise newcomers to modern RC cars. We’d recommend one of the following for general fun:

Off-Road: Arrma Senton BLX 3S (video review)
Off-Road: Team Associated MT10 Rival (article; video)
Off-Road: Traxxas Rustler, Slash or Bandit XL-5 (article; video)
On-Road: Kyosho Fazer Mk II (video review)

There are many other great options, but these are a good start. Plus, we own and run all four, so this recommendation is from direct experience!

Parking Lot Fun

This category also covers bashers but tends toward the more classic scale models of the past couple of decades from the likes of Tamiya and Kyosho. This is where you’ll find the pretty car and truck models from Tamiya’s TT-01, TT-01e and TT-02 range of vehicles. These are all fairly slow cars in stock form.

We’ve recently built a TT-01e racing truck and a TT-02 saloon car. Both are designed for your driveway or local street, but we’ve been running ours on a local track. Faster but still brushed is the Kyosho Fazer Mk II range of cars. The Tamiya TT models are considerably cheaper to buy but there’s a LOT of work in the body in particular. They’re a great first car if you want to learn to build your first RC model, but performance is limited, even with hop-up parts.

We’ve got a video of our Fazers on the local track – in the wet, which is not generally the done thing. There’s some maintenance to consider with wet running, but water plus RC is seriously quite fun, whether its on or off road. Check out our little video here for a taste of that.

We recently (July 2023) looked at the MJX RC Hyper Go, a 1/14 4WD brushless road car that delivers bigly on value – it’s under $200, fast and quite durable. Article here for that one!

And for something different, the MST MTX-1 4WD Monster Truck Kit is an interesting option. You’ll need to build it yourself and supply the electronics, but as a project on a budget, it could be a rewarding experience. For older kids, this could be a memorable first hobby-grade project car. Check it out here.

Best RC Drift Car

Drift is a category that is unique from the others. It is also one of two categories where RC-TNT cannot give you deeper advice based on direct experience, as it’s a category we’ve yet to really delve into. The next best thing we can recommend is some knowledge and technique pages to help you get a grasp of this category:

Start with a solid beginner’s guide for drifting. Super-G R/C Drift Arena is probably worth a look (their beginner’s guide is here).
We also found a sweet technique and practice guide on DriftMission.com (guide is here).
We recently reviewed the MJX RC Hyper Go, a pocket rocket that has 4WD and a gyro! Video here.
Lastly AsiaTees has an impressive catalogue of MST, Himoto and HRC Arena vehicles and many parts for drift, listed here.

Best RC Car for Rock & Trail

This category is all about RC crawlers, the bread and butter of RC-TNT. We’re all about crawling and we have an article written to take you through getting the best RC crawler for your needs. Find that article right here on the site: What Is The Best RC Rock Crawler?

Gravel and Dirt

Who doesn’t love hooking up the tires and ripping giant rooster tails in the softer stuff? You’re well catered for in this category if gravel and dirt running are your thing. If you’re reading this guide, we’ll want to look at more entry-level machines to start with and add some more premium choices further down:

Traxxas Bandit XL-5 1/10 Buggy (article; video). It’s not a pure race machine, but for the price you can expect a solid starting point if you want to build a budget buggy for local comp meets. For a basher, it’s a light to moderate duty fun machine that will benefit from mechanical sympathy and regular maintenance. The Bandit is a stalwart of the RC off-road hobby and its value proposition for a fun and simple dirt blaster is hard to beat.
Rlaarlo XDKJ-005 1/14 Truggy (article; video). This thing is fun. It’s fast for its size and its well-made. The 005 gives you predictable handling, linear steering response, less-than-expected heat after hard running and it looks great. It’s a smaller size than the 1/10 models we’re covering on this page, but it’s cheaper and takes a brushless upgrade well (which you can see at the end of this video about another excellent option, the AM-X12).
HPI Jumpshot SC V2 (article; video). RWD Short Course Truck (SCT) that takes a brushless upgrade without needing to upgrade other parts. Only weak point is the steering arms, which can be replaced with more traditional links and ball ends for a few dollars. Fun, durable and a very pretty vehicle. Check it out!
Arrma Senton BLX 3S 1/10 SCT (video review). This is a brushless vehicle and it is tough. Boy, is it tough! It costs more than the other two listed here, but it’s very, very good. You can turn the throttle down on the radio, too, so younger folks can have a go without destroying it or themselves in the process. Easy to recommend, the Senton is just tops.
Arrma Kraton V3 6S 1/8 Truggy. This vehicle stars in our recent battery-review video here. We have an older version to the current V5, but being easy to upgrade and tune, ours is very close to what you get with the V5. For high performance on gravel and dirt, if you can afford it, the Kraton 6S is an easy recommendation. (We don’t have a Typhon, but that would also be worth looking into if gravel and dirt are your thing).
HPI Vortex 4.6 Big Block 1/8 Nitro Truggy (video). Something different, this one is big, loud, and a bit more involved. There’s nothing quite like nitro, so if you have the space and the freedom to run something obnoxiously noisy, check out the video for more info.

Jumps & Stunts

SCT (Short Course Trucks) can handle big air, but this is where MT (Monster Trucks) truly excel. We have a few recommendations on this one, ordered from small and cheap to big and expensive. Keep in mind that there are HEAPS of options not listed here, but these are ones we’ve all tested and can recommend quite happily:

Rlaarlo XDKJ-005 1/14 Truggy (article; video) and its faster brushless sibling, the XDKJ-006 1/14 Buggy (article; video). These are both built on the same platform, but the 006 has a carbon fibre chassis and a lightweight, brushless system. It’s very tough. Take a look at the abuse it took at a skate park (video) where we were intentionally trying to kill it in order to find its limits. Most impressive! Also, the AM-X12 was recently released and is worth checking out, but it won’t be as agile in the air with its longer wheelbase.
Team Associated MT10 Rival 1/10 MT (article; video). If you’re considering a skate park bash session, make sure you give this video a watch. A truly impressive machine, this one.
Arrma Senton BLX 3S 1/10 SCT (video review). We mentioned the Senton above, but make sure you check out our upgrade and skate park video as it really shows off its considerable durability.
Arrma Kraton 6S 1/8 Truggy. We don’t have an article or video review for this one, but it’s totally worth including. We do have footage of this machine in a related video where you can learn about batteries at the same time – check that out here. We have the V3 and while the V5 is current, the Arrma vehicles are famously modular and easy to upgrade and tune. It won’t handle endless abuse like the next entry in this list, but for larger-scale fun on a moderate budget, the Kraton 6S is hard to beat.
Traxxas X-Maxx 8S 1/5 MT. (article; video) we’ve been running and upgrading one for several months now. It’s a popular choice for all-out durability and big air. Handling isn’t great, given its high center of gravity, but it can really take a lot of abuse. There’s plastic throughout, granting it the flexibility to absorb bad landings in a way that vehicles with an aluminum chassis simply cannot match.

Straight Line Speed

This is the other of two categories where our experience is limited to only a few cars. For RC no-prep drag racing in particular, we don’t have enough knowledge to recommend a starting point, beyond knowing of a few options. Best thing to do is try a quick start guide (like this on Nankin Hobby) or to read this interesting interview and follow the links at the end of the article.

However, we do have some experience with building and running faster things and have a few useful suggestions to get you started.

Smaller Scale

We have been playing around with making slow cars go faster in 2022. This year we mainly were experimenting with suspension and tires on a few of the 1/14 buggies, such as the 144001, and fitting epic brushless systems and stabilization aids (aka. steering gyros) to help support the power. You might also be interested in reading about a recent speed run contest that Rlaarlo ran – they asked us to do a write-up for them, which you can find here. You won’t believe how fast these guys got the XDKJ-006, it was quite a contest

Halfway between small and large is the Rlaarlo AK-917, a 2023 release that hit some shipping delays for many, but as of July is now going out promptly for the foreseeable future. This is a 1/10 4WD brushed and brushless vehicle that has open diffs and comes in alloy and carbon fiber chassis variants. They even sell a few rollers (BYO electronics). Worth checking out (article; video).

Larger Scale

Out of the box, there are two big names that have high speed associated with them:

The first and older of the two is the Traxxas XO-1 1/7 Touring Car. We haven’t had this car so recommend you try YouTube for more info and drive demos. If you like the sound of 0-60 mph in 2.3 seconds and 0-100 mph in under 5 seconds, this may be for you. Handling is apparently better on the newer version than it used to be.

What we can speak to is the Arrma Infraction 6S 1/6 Pickup (and its sibling, the Arrma Felony 6S 1/6 Muscle Car). Capable of 80mph+ out of the box, they’re an impressive option. We’ll have videos and an article coming soon for this thing and will update this post at that time. Meanwhile, we’ve been driving and modifying it as we get to know the vehicle and can recommend it for sheer power, stability and presence. It’s quite an experience to drive.

Also, Arrma make the Limitless 1/7 Roller, now in V2. This is a BYO electronics deal where you get the rolling chassis and add the power and radio system of your choice. If you want high speeds, Arrma is currently the popular, mainstream option.

$Arrma Infraction 6S$

Off-Road Trucks

This category tends to the more expensive and labor-intensive builds. There are some RTR trucks that give you decent quality and play so we’ll list them first, sorted by high to low price:

HG-802 M983 8×8 Military Truck
HG-P803A 8×8 with 5KG Tipper
HG-P602 6×6 Military Truck
HG-P408 4×4 Mil-Spec Hummer
Team Raffee 1/14 Zetros 4×4 (our vid)
Team Raffee 1/10 4WD Pickup
HG-P410 F-350 4WD Pickup

Then there are the kits, which are many, varied and amazing. We’ve got a YT Playlist on 1/14 scale trucks that shows off everything in the below list and might be worth a browse if you’re curious. Here’s a list of great models to consider:

At the very cheapest end of such kits, the King Kong RC ZL-130 4×2 Tractor Truck is a fun little build. It’s available here. We’ve built one and combined it with a 20’ container trailer from Herc Hobby. The ZL-130 features in this fun little video we did last year.

You also may wish to look into models from Cross RC. Here’s their catalogue. We’ve built and run the BC8 Flagship, the HC-6 kit and the King Kong RC tractor truck. Cross RC US, as linked above, also sells the AT4 and JT4 – check out our article here for the EMO AT4, it’s a brilliant machine. Lastly, if you’re into towing and trailers, Cross RC sell a wide variety of them. Their biggest one, the T247, featured in a recent video, along with the BC8 and the JDM Zetros. We also use and love the T835 Logging Trailer (video here).

Large Scale RC

The big stuff! If you have a large-scale club nearby where you can visit to check out what 1/5 scale is all about, that’d be a great first move. There are nitro, petrol and electric options in this category. Electric is the fastest, cleanest and simplest, while the internal combustion powered vehicles have the drama and presence that electric can’t match. Here’s a list of the fast stuff to check out:

Losi 1/5 5IVE-T 2.0 4WD Gas Short Course Truck
Losi 1/5 DBXL 2.0 4WD Gas Buggy
Losi 1/5 DBXL-E 2.0 4WD Brushless Buggy
HPI Baja 5B Flux Kit (electric & petrol options)
Traxxas X-Maxx 8S Monster Truck
Traxxas XRT 1/8 Truggy

And of course, we’ll finish this list with something big and slow, the Axial SCX6. We have a comprehensive YT Playlist for the SCX6 and an article with more details here.

Next Steps

We’ve not even touched on flying, FPV/drones, boats or construction equipment – and there are big followings for all of these and more. But now you probably have some idea of what you’d like to start with. We’ll continue to publish regular videos on our YouTube channel, covering the above categories on a regular basis.

To find like-minded folks online, there are two great resources we can recommend:

RC Groups forums: https://www.rcgroups.com/
RCCars Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/rccars/

Sign up to either or both of these and take advantage of the Search function on either site. If you have questions, chances are they’ve been asked before. There are many great discussions, projects and resources on each of these sites.

Thank you for reading our guide! It’s a big one and we hope the time you invested has paid for itself. Now go find the best RC car for you, get out there and have fun! We’ll catch you next time here on RC-TNT.

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

MJX RC Hyper Go: Pocket Rocket!

by Craig | Jul 7, 2023 | RC On Road, RC Reviews

Big Speed, Tiny Package

Meet the MJX RC Hyper Go 1/14 Brushless RC Car, a compact yet hefty RC car that packs a surprising amount of discrete tech into a small package. No all-in-one modules here, this is a true hobby-grade vehicle. I’ll try to give you an understanding of the car’s features, performance, and value for money. On paper, it’s impressive. Let’s see if that apparent value is all it appears!

MJX Hyper Go Unboxing

The MJX RC Hyper Go comes in a well-packed box that includes the car itself, a set of off-road tires, a set of drift tires, a 1.5A USB charger, some spare body pins, and a set of stiffer springs. There’s a manual with exploded-parts diagrams, too.

Depending on the configuration you buy, there may also be one or two LiIon 2S 2000mAh batteries included, too. (More on batteries below, but it takes 2S and 3S and there’s a standard Dean’s / T-connector on the ESC). It’s a solid package of goodies!

Radio Transmitter

The radio that comes with the MJX Hyper Go is identical to the one provided with the Bezgar HP 161 (review coming soon). It features a Function button that controls the car’s lights, cycling through three different modes including off. The functions are all on with flashing red and blues in the grill and red brake/reverse lights; and all flashing up front and solid plus braking in rear. I didn’t like the red and blue flashing lights in the grill at first, but after driving it around a bit, I found it growing on me – and that’s saying something, if you know my usual reserved tastes on ‘loud’ things!

Note, the transmitter has a slight delay on the throttle inputs, which might take some getting used to. Once you’re driving, you don’t feel it, but from stopped, there’s a few hundred millisecond delay before you get a response. Thankfully, the components are all discrete (or standalone), and are thus replaceable. Even a cheap upgrade like a DumboRC 4-channel system (such as this X4 system here) will solve this delay issue and also give you better radio range, both without losing the light control. A FlySky GT5 would also be worth considering – probably my favourite premium-budget radio system.

Chassis

The 6061 aluminum alloy chassis of the Hyper Go is robust and well-designed. I observed a lot of triangles in the frame supports for added strength. It’s attractive and quite rigid, but doesn’t feel fragile. There’s some weight to it!

There’s space for the separate receiver, a 2845 3700kv brushless motor, servo, and a 45 amp brushless ESC. The car also comes with a clear, polycarbonate cover that allows the car to breathe while keeping (most) debris out. It’s a good layout that leaves room for upgrades and still fits the shorter-style 2S and 3S batteries that are readily available. You might consider these.

Battery & Motor

The Hyper Go comes with a lithium-ion battery. It’s a 2x 18650 2000mAh 3.7v pack that delivers 7.4v and is probably 10-15C. This will serve, but LiPO batteries will be better. We tested with both a 2S and a 3S Angry Snail pack, which were supplied by the company for review, and while cheaper cells they were ample for this car. You can find both of those variants here, if you need a few.

The brushless motor is a peppy unit and is beautifully paired with this car’s size and weight. While the box says 3900kv, ours came with a 3700kv unit. This lower KV means better acceleration and is easier on the battery, at the cost of top speed. For a car this size, it’s a good trade-off and I’d think 3500kv to 3800kv would be about perfect. They’ve got it right for this one.

The car is 2s and 3s compatible, and it’s great to see fans on both the motor and the 45A ESC for ample cooling.

Drivetrain & Suspension

The drivetrain of the Hyper Go is simple but effective, with a motor, pinion and spur gear supported securely in bearings and mounts. There’s no slipper, no central diff, just an open diff at each end. It’s well suited to drift and bashing, though you might consider adding some stiff silicone oil or putty to the front diff for less understeer.

On asphalt, the car had a tendency to squat in the rear, lifting the inside front wheel on many corners and subsequently spinning out, despite the gyro being set to the recommended 75%. Out of the box, the suspension felt stiffer in the front than the rear, so I added gradual preload to the rear all the way up to 80% before giving up and fitting stiffer rear springs. Thankfully, those springs were included in the box with the car, so this helped – but did not completely fix – the squat and spin-out issue.

Sway bars would help here too, but I can’t see that they’re available for this model. You might have more luck – I searched MJX’s upgrades and spares page, but possibly sway bars have since been added. If you’re considering this car, assume you can’t get sway bars for now and set expectations accordingly.

Suspension Tuning

The suspension of the Hyper Go can be tuned to your liking, within limits. Here’s what you can change:

Springs, either soft or medium. Soft come mounted on the car, while medium firmness can be replaced on all corners in a few minutes with just a few screw turns.
Preload adjustment for ride height, which I’d suggest loading in the rear and keeping unloaded up front. Test on your terrain and see how you go with it.
Shock oil – less, more, thicker, thinner. It’s good out of the box, but you can slow them down or speed them up (slow in rear, faster in front, for example) if you wanted to fiddle some more with tuning.
And lastly, toe on the front wheels – there’s minimal tuning with an internal grub screw in the turnbuckles. There’s 1.5 to 2mm toe you can vary, and they come fairly aggressively wide out of the box, which is good for rough terrain and drifting. Speed runners will want to true the toe to a parallel setting.

Body & Lighting

The body of the Hyper Go is attractive and well-constructed, with a lead strip on the back and focused headlights at the front. The car also features flashing police-style lights, which can be controlled via the Function button on the transmitter.

Light control module and wiring is tucked up inside the body with attractive covers and white tape. Our tape was peeling off a little, but pressing back down was enough to keep things in place. The lights are bright, attractive and add to the fun. I’m a fan.

Speed & Range Test

The Hyper Go is a speedy little goer, reaching a top speed of 61 km/h on 3s. This gives a likely top speed on 2s of 40 to 45 km/h. The car’s gyro helps with stability, especially at higher speeds.

Be aware that the radio range topped out at about 50m, or about 164ft. Not huge, though thankfully the car is small too, so this won’t be a problem unless you’re trying to do a speed run. (You can see how this went in our testing in the video review, at the end of this article).

Vehicle Detail

The Hyper Go is a solid car, made to a price but without compromising on quality. It’s robust where it needs to be, and the tight body post holes ensure the body doesn’t rattle around during high-speed runs.

There’s an attractive frame stiffener that runs from shock tower to shock tower. The servo is a full-sized 17g unit. There’s minimal adjustment of the geometry but the turnbuckles to allow minimal toe adjustment up front. Spare parts are available here.

Drift Tires

The Hyper Go comes with a set of hard plastic drift tires. While they might not appeal to everyone, they do offer a unique driving experience, especially on a small, tight track. I wasn’t sure what I’d think of them but after running them on a 3S battery, oh boy – they are fun! I felt a bit silly at first, just spinning this thing and trying to drive as if on ice, but it grew on me and I keep wanting to drive it more now!

You’ll get bored of them eventually, but then you’ll be ready to try the Off-Road Tires for the next level up in drifting. Yeah, you heard me right – read on!

Off-Road Tires

The off-road tires that come with the Hyper Go are fairly stiff. The rubber is firm and the lugs are widely spaced. While you can run this car on small gravel and short grass, it really isn’t meant for such treatment.

Where the off-road tires shine for the MJX Hyper Go is on asphalt. Yes! They’re surprisingly good at drifting! They wear fast on asphalt, but their large lugs provide just the right balance of reduced grip and forward traction for an exhilarating drift drive. Who knew!?

Road Tires

For me, these are the important ones to get right. Drifting is fun and you should be able to do it to a limited amount even with the normal road tires, but I want to see grip, good braking and acceleration and overall good handling characteristics. The lugs on these tires are still quite large, for road tires, so they’ll have their work cut out for them. How did they go?

Well, the road tires that come with the MJX Hyper Go are fairly aggressive, providing good grip on the road. Better than I expected. When combined with the stiffer rear springs and a little pre-load to help keep the front from lifting so much, they make for a fun driving experience. Acceleration is tight and if you’re careful with your turns, they’ll deliver a rewarding drive.

Problems & Fixes

One issue with the Hyper Go is the slight delay on the throttle from the radio transmitter. You can live with it and after a little while it isn’t noticeable, especially for just bashing. However, it may irk some drivers. You can address this by replacing the radio system with a better one – not ideal, but at least it’s doable. The separate components of the car (receiver, ESC, gyro) allows for such an upgrade without needing to change any other parts of the car, so it’s good to at least have that option.

The other issue I had with the car was the inside front wheel lifting on turns, even with the above mentioned tuning already done. Sway bars could be helpful here, but otherwise the only thing I have yet to try is thicker oil in the rear shocks and perhaps a travel-limiting damper in the rears to limit compression by half or so. I want to keep that front pushed down as much as possible. The car is already fairly hefty and nicely balanced, so achieving that limited rear squat might be a viable way forward. I’ll keep testing and will update this section if I find a better answer.

Final Thoughts

Should you buy this thing? My affiliate link says yes, but my cautionary advice says to first consider what kind of driving you like. If accurate cornering and track-like handling is more your thing, consider the Rlaarlo AK-917 (article here). However, if hooning and big skids and silly fast speed in a tiny package are appealing to you, then yes, the MJX Hyper Go will certainly deliver all of that!

The MJX RC Hyper Go 1/14 Brushless RC Car is a solid, fun-to-drive RC car that offers good value for money. Its robust construction, versatile features, and thrilling performance make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced RC car enthusiasts. While it does have a few minor issues, they are (mostly) easily fixable and do not detract from the overall driving experience.

If you’re interested in purchasing the MJX RC Hyper Go, you can find it here. Please note that this is an affiliate link, and I appreciate your support of RC-TNT if you choose to use this link to buy. Happy hooning!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

How to Install RCRun RUN80 Steering Wheel

by Craig | Jun 1, 2023 | Q-and-A

May 31, 2023 – video comment from Oliver Walther

Could you give some information how to install the RCRun RUN80 steering wheel servo? I’ve got my kit and for the steering module there are only two alloy pullies and the micro servo. No frame for the servo or other stuff. I hope you could help. Ty from the other end of the rc world (germany) 😉

A. The RCRUN Run80 Landcruiser 80-Series body interior (available here) includes a steering assembly that steers with the steering servo input. (You can see a gif of this below). There’s a micro servo that is used to achieve this and it operates via a 1:1 pulley system inside the dash. The micro servo sits inside the plastic mold shape, but there’s no obvious retention mechanism for it.

You need to affix the servo to the bottom corner of the dash mold, and then align the two pulley wheels so the servo can turn the steering column. The whole mechanism is kinda weak and there is slop in the system, but it does work. It doesn’t have to work very hard, thankfully. (And if I was going through all this again, I probably would not worry about having the moving steering wheel – it just adds complexity and noise and you can barely see it when the car is driving – though it is definitely cool, which I totally do get).

Anyway, see below for a couple of photos I took of mine. I secured the servo with a bit of hot glue but you could use double-sided tape or some other glue and it should be fine. Hope that helps make it a bit clearer! We’ve got more general info about this amazing vehicle on our write-up, right here on the site.

-Craig

Cross RC EMO X: Epic 8th Scale!

by Craig | May 20, 2023 | Cross RC, RC Crawlers, RC Reviews

Introduction

Cross RC EMO X is not the first model to have EMO in the name. In the past, we’ve examined the EMO AT4. (You can find the review here, along with a video). Until now, the EMO range has been a 1/10 scale family of crawlers. They’re known for their rugged capability and impressive features like remote locking differentials and two-speed transmissions above portal axles. However, the Cross RC EMO X breaks from this, hulking up to 1/8 scale. This is not your average RC crawler— it’s so much bigger!

Overview

With a weight of 17lb (7.7kg) and dimensions 575 x 300 x 271mm, the EMO X commands attention wherever it goes. She’s a hefty beastie!

It comes in three striking colors: Bright Yellow, Metallic Blue, and Silver. Its design blends aggressive lines with the classic appearance of a rugged off-road truck. Note, there’s no licensed branding on this vehicle.

Equipped with features like a simulated driver, hidden body mounts and a full-size spare tire, the EMO X is thoughtfully designed. The shell is a mix of high-quality polycarbonate (or ‘Lexan’) and durable plastic pieces, ensuring exceptional ruggedness and longevity.

Cross RC Swag!

Inside the Cross RC EMO X box, you’ll find an assortment of items. Alongside the impressive RC crawler itself, you’ll receive a set of quality Cross RC tools, a Cross RC baseball cap and Cross RC lanyard. None of this is necessary but it’s all awesome! There’s also a styrene ‘EMO-X’ piece still on its parts tree off-cut. Then, there’s all the usual inclusions you would expect. Notably, the manual provided is comprehensive and detailed, enabling you to disassemble and rebuild the vehicle with confidence. The sticker sheets are nice, too.

Radio

The EMO X is equipped with a 6-channel 2.4g transmitter and receiver, made by DumboRC. This one is special in that it delivers something I wish more manufacturers would do: every switch or button is clearly labelled! That’s super helpful. The other feature I love that DumboRC does is the buttons will light up when they’re engaged. No more guesswork on whether a diff is locked or what gear you’re in. I love it!

This handset series is known for providing reliable and responsive control. With its independent lock control, you have the ability to control the front and rear differentials separately or engage both simultaneously. You also have high and low gear and a light mode control button – more on that below. The trigger and wheel feel good in the hand and the handset takes 4x AA batteries. For an RTR radio, wow, this one sure is nice!

Body Details

The EMO X stands out with its impressive design and durable construction. It features a simulated racing driver, adding a touch of realism. The hidden mounts keep the body securely fastened during intense off-road driving. The full-size spare tire enhances its rugged appearance – the tire lugs are properly chunky!

A light control module is mounted underneath the shell and all wiring is routed neatly, helping keep things from catching where they shouldn’t. The body connects via a single Futaba-style radio plug that detaches easily when you remove the body, but otherwise stays connected.

There are detailed plastic trim pieces all around and even a metal front grille, next to trick, multi-feature headlights. Typical for Cross RC, this body is a smart and durable unit and it looks great.

Chassis

The EMO X incorporates a low center of gravity layout, enhancing stability and control. The strategic placement of the battery at the front between the shock towers allows for easy adjustment of the vehicle’s climbing characteristics. Use a smaller battery to improve CoG or slap a bigger brick in for longer running. Being over the front axles, the extra weight isn’t as bad as if it was over the rear.

The rig has a 375mm wheelbase, solid axle suspension system, stainless steel link rods, front panhard bar, rear 4 link and rear balance bar. It’s a rigid chassis with metal where its needed and flexible but strong plastic where weight-saving is more important. The bumpers blend well with the body and overall the rig has a durable feel. I hadn’t driven it at this part of the inspection and it was already looking like being one of my favorite crawlers.

Transmission & Drive Train

The EMO X boasts a robust transmission and drive train. Cross RC has a lot of history delivering reliable power delivery the EMO X will be no different:

Big Motor & Tough Parts

The 4X4 drive system of the EMO X is equipped with a 25-Turn 560-size brushed motor. It’s mated to a 2-speed transmission, featuring metal gears throughout. This combination offers excellent torque at a slightly reduced acceleration potential (longer motor means more mass – a good choice for this rig). The CVD drive shafts and metal u-joints, sealed bearings and friendly gearing ratios contribute to the overall durability and reliability of the power delivery system.

Lockable Portal Axles

One notable feature of the EMO X is its lockable portal axles. These axles have durable, nylon housings and metal internal gears. Portals give you increased ground clearance and improved torque delivery, eliminating torque twist. The lockable differential feature ensures maximum traction and improved maneuverability in demanding terrains. Plus, you know, it’s fun! With the ability to remotely lock and unlock the differentials, you have greater control over the power distribution to the wheels. It’s not for everyone, but I’ve always been a fan.

Transmission & Slipper

The transmission and drive train components of the EMO X have been designed for durability and performance. Finger-friendly, adjustable slipper clutch, strengthened 60t spur gear, and 20t metal pinion gear comprise the main input. The final drive ratio, with options of 17.8 (high speed) and 38.9 (low speed), provides the flexibility to adapt to various terrains and driving conditions.

More Than Its Parts

The combination of the 2-speed transmission, lockable portal axles, and reliable drive train components ensures that the EMO X is ready to conquer any off-road challenge. Whether you’re crawling over rocks, navigating steep inclines, or powering through muddy trails, the EMO X’s transmission and drive train deliver the power and control you need for thrilling off-road adventures.

Lighting System

The EMO X is equipped with an impressive lighting system. It is conveniently controlled by a single channel, which can be operated through a button on the radio transmitter, clearly marked with a light symbol. You can cycle through the various lighting modes available on the vehicle with a single button press.

One of the notable features of the lighting system is the position lights. When you’re crawling or navigating challenging terrain, these lights blink to provide enhanced visibility. In addition to the standard position lights, the EMO X features an angel eye position light, which adds a unique touch to its overall appearance.

The lighting system is designed to illuminate in a specific sequence. Initially, you will have just the position lights activated, followed by low beam lights, and finally, the third position will engage the full power forward lights. The rear lighting setup is equally impressive. It completes the overall lighting package of the vehicle, ensuring that it stands out even from behind.

Links & Suspension

The EMO X features a well-designed suspension system that ensures optimal performance and durability during off-road driving. The rear suspension utilizes a standard 4-link setup with coil-over shocks, providing excellent articulation and control. However, what sets the EMO X apart is the unique addition of what Cross RC calls the ‘balance bar’.

What Linkage?

The ‘balance bar’ consists of a link connected to each end of the axle, which then connects to a center-mounted pivot arm on the chassis. This innovative design allows for a dynamic response when encountering uneven terrain. Believe it or not, this design is hundreds of years old! (See Watt’s Linkage on Wikipedia). When one side of the axle is raised, the center bar pivots, drawing the other side of the axle up slightly. Essentially, this system performs somewhat like a sway bar or anti-roll bar.

The rear balance bar offers several benefits to the EMO X’s overall performance. Firstly, it enhances stability by minimizing body roll and controlling the weight transfer during cornering or uneven surfaces. The pivoting action of the center bar effectively counteracts the forces exerted on the vehicle, resulting in improved handling and traction.

Another notable advantage of this system is its ruggedness and simplicity. Traditional sway bar systems can sometimes become stuck or damaged by mud or debris encountered during off-road driving. In contrast, the EMO X’s rear balance bar utilizes larger-sized materials and a straightforward mechanical design, making it considerably more robust. This ensures that the suspension system remains functional even in demanding off-road conditions, providing reliable performance without compromising durability.

Overall

The combination of the standard 4-link suspension setup, coil-over shocks, and the rear balance bar makes the EMO X a capable and reliable off-road crawler. The suspension system allows for excellent articulation and control, while the rear balance bar adds an extra layer of stability and control during challenging maneuvers. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, crawling over obstacles, or tackling uneven terrain, the EMO X’s suspension system ensures a smooth and controlled ride.

Servos

The EMO X is equipped with high-quality servos that not only deliver precise and accurate control but also offer convenient operation. One of the standout features of the EMO X’s servos is their differential lock control, which requires no trimming or end point adjustment. These servos are designed to “just work” at 100% EPA (End Point Adjustment) due to their mechanically adjustable design.

Unlike some other RC crawlers that may require manual adjustments and fine-tuning to achieve optimal performance, the EMO X simplifies the process. With the differential lock servos set at 100% stroke, you can rest assured that they will operate flawlessly without the need for additional adjustments. This ensures optimal performance without the risk of burning out the servos or compromising their functionality.

The innovative self-lubricating steel wire assembly of the differential lock servos makes them water and dust-proof, allowing for quick and secure locking in seconds. This means that you can engage or disengage the differential locks effortlessly, enhancing the versatility and excitement of your off-road adventures.

With a 6-channel remote control, you can independently lock the front and rear differentials. The radio will indicate what’s happening under the car. Honestly, it’s a simple but brilliant system.

The steering servo is a 23kg coreless unit with alu housing. Part of why I like Cross RC so much is their choice to not scrimp on components where they could have. The ESC and motor are premium, as are the servos here. Awesome.

Wheels & Tires

The EMO X is equipped with Cross RC Talon 136X55 R2.2 high-performance crawler tires mounted on 2.2″ bead lock wheels. These tires are specifically designed to deliver superior grip and durability. With their larger studs, snow lines, and high-grip tire wall, they provide exceptional traction on a variety of surfaces. Measuring 136mm in diameter and 55mm in width, these tires offer compatibility with common 2.2-inch wheels in the market. The lightweight nylon clip wheel hubs reduce the load on the shaft and enhance the dynamic performance of the vehicle.

Conclusion

The Cross RC EMO X 1/8 RTR RC Crawler is an outstanding off-road vehicle that exceeds expectations in terms of build quality, advanced features, and thrilling performance. Its exceptional design, durable construction, and attention to detail make it a dream come true for off-road enthusiasts seeking something a bit bigger than the norm. From its rugged appearance and imposing presence to its innovative components and precise control, the EMO X is ready to unleash your passion for off-road exploration like never before.

Cross RC has once again proven its commitment to delivering outstanding RC crawlers with the EMO X. So, gear up, take the wheel, and let the EMO X take you on unforgettable off-road journeys. It’s time to explore new horizons and push the limits of your off-road adventures with the Cross RC EMO X 1/8 RTR RC Crawler.

Find the Manufacturer’s website for this rig here: https://www.crossrc.us/shop/emo-x-rtr/

This is not a sponsored article. We bought this one at full price. Stay tuned for the running and review video, which we’ll link here soon (late May 2023). Thanks for reading!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

Rlaarlo AK-917: a Porsche 917K Love Letter

by Craig | May 19, 2023 | RC On Road, RC Reviews, Rlaarlo

Introduction

This is a recount of my personal journey so far with the Rlaarlo AK-917. This new release is a remarkable 1/10 scale road car that pays homage to the iconic 1969 Porsche 917K. In this retelling, I will share my experiences, joys, and challenges encountered while exploring the capabilities of this very interesting RC car.

Join me as I recount the unboxing excitement, delve into the radio system, power system, chassis and suspension, wheels and tires, track performance, encountered issues, and future plans. This is not a sales pitch; it’s a genuine tale of my time with the Rlaarlo AK-917.

Unboxing and Included Items

Opening the box of the Rlaarlo AK-917 Metal Version Brushless RTR revealed a very special storage case. This isn’t the first of its kind from Rlaarlo – we’ve seen similar with their buggies in the past. This one was more refined and I don’t recall feeling excited about any other RC car in recent memory as I did with this one!

The box interior revealed a meticulously-arranged assortment of components and accessories; such attention to detail, Rlaarlo! Alongside the car itself, I found a 4000mAh 3S 25C hard-pack LiPO battery pack, a 2.4GHz radio transmitter, an instruction manual and related documentation, an array of spare parts and gears, and basic tools. These items provided a comprehensive package for embarking on an immersive RC experience – you can expect these in your pack too, it wasn’t just a sponsorship special.

Radio System

The heart of the AK-917’s radio system is the DumboRC X6-inspired transmitter. This power-efficient radio offers outstanding value with its affordable price tag without compromising on performance. The reputation for excellent longer-range reception adds to its appeal, especially for those planning to push the limits of the AK-917 during speed runs.

The provided receiver, a DumboRC X6F copy, seamlessly integrates with the AK-917 Metal Version Brushless RTR, ensuring reliable and precise control over the car’s movements. Its compatibility with the X6FC receiver, included with the AK-917 Carbon Fiber Brushless RTR variant, extends functionality by incorporating light control features. Rlaarlo’s attention to detail is evident in their decision to include this upgraded receiver, with an added bonus of that flashing orange exhaust LED array on throttle overruns. We’ll hopefully enjoy this on the CF version I’ve purchased after my experience with the Alloy version! Coming soon.

Power System

At the heart of the AK-917 lies a powerful non-sensored brushless motor, specifically the 3650 4200kv variant. This motor, combined with a 3S (12V) power source, delivered an exhilarating burst of speed that surpassed my expectations. The included ESC in the alloy variant is a 60A unit capable of 2S and 3S power. (The Carbon Fiber variant ships with a 120A version that’s 2S to 4S capable).

The AK-917 eagerly responded to throttle inputs, surging forward with raw acceleration. The non-sensored brushless motor proved its efficiency and durability, enabling extended run times without sacrificing performance. While the stock power system provided ample excitement, I did find a little hesitation on applying throttle after progressively braking from higher speeds. This was a minor issue and not one I experienced with an after-market ESC. Something worth keeping in mind if you’re shopping the alloy RTR variant.

Chassis and Suspension

The AK-917’s meticulously designed chassis captivated me with its attention to detail and resilience. Constructed with durability in mind, the metal frame provided a solid foundation capable of enduring the rigors of intense driving sessions. Flexible but solid plastic sides and ends made for a very stiff chassis that didn’t pack on extra unnecessary weight. It’s quite a balanced machine.

Inspired by the iconic Porsche 917K, the AK-917’s chassis design beautifully captured the essence of the original racing legend, igniting a sense of nostalgia and admiration. (Customers won’t enjoy the surprise I had of finding ‘RC-TNT’ etched on the underside of the chassis – WOW!! Thanks Rlaarlo!)

Complementing the robust chassis, the AK-917 boasted an adjustable suspension system. Fine-tuning the suspension components allowed me to tailor the car’s performance to suit various track conditions and my preferred driving style. This suspension setup facilitated responsive handling, enhanced stability, and reasonable cornering abilities, though the front sway bar setup does seem overly soft and I’m not sure how much function it really adds to the car. More testing needed on that front.

Wheels and Tires

Rlaarlo’s attention to detail extended to the selection of wheels and tires for the AK-917. These high-quality components not only enhanced the car’s performance but also added a touch of visual flair. The wheels are pretty and lightweight. They’re plastic on the Alloy Chassis version and that’s just fine. I do have a set of the Alloy wheels that come with the CF version too – they weigh a little more than the plastic units and I’m not convinced they’re a better choice. We’ll report back in future testing.

The thoughtfully chosen tire compounds provided optimal grip on diverse surfaces, ensuring maximum traction and control. The scale-inspired wheels perfectly complemented the overall aesthetic of the AK-917, further immersing me in the nostalgia of the legendary Porsche 917K. Note, there was significant wear on the insides of the rear tires especially after about 15 minutes of track use. There was evidence of heat and hardening along the inside edges and also the tire carcasses showed early signs of deterioration after this first drive. I may be imagining it, but grip levels seemed a little lower on our second track day.

Track Performance

Taking the AK-917 to the racetrack was an exhilarating experience that truly showcased the car’s capabilities. Remember, we’re dealing with a reasonably cheap car that already delivers a large amount of power. It didn’t have to be perfect on the track to win everyone’s attention, but it really is quite good!

With its powerful brushless motor and well-tuned suspension, the car demonstrated impressive speed, agility, and handling. I pushed the AK-917 to its limits, navigating tight corners and exhilarating straightaways mostly with ease. We did have some upset leaving corners under power, with an inside front wheel consistently lifting in lieu of a stiff enough sway bar system. But overall, the car’s balance and stability instilled confidence, allowing me to push further and explore the full potential of this RC racer.

Issues and Fixes

During my testing, I encountered a couple of issues that required attention. Firstly, the servo failure experienced within seconds of use was an unexpected setback. To ensure the continuity of our review and tests, I promptly replaced the servo myself – any standard digital servo is fine, though faster is obviously better. Rlaarlo would have replaced this for me, had I approached them about it.

Additionally, intermittent ESC cut-outs were encountered during the first video’s track performance. This is best viewed in the video, linked further down in this article. Upon further investigation, Rlaarlo identified that the radio system’s antenna installation was creating interference. They promptly advised on a better placement of the antenna, and noted they were rectifying the issue for all AK-917 models sold to customers. This responsive approach demonstrated Rlaarlo’s commitment to addressing potential concerns and improving the overall user experience.

(My) Future Plans

As I continue my journey with the Rlaarlo AK-917, my future plans involve exploring the capabilities of both the Brushless Metal Version they supplied and the Carbon Fiber Roller Version I have purchased. I am excited to experiment with larger motors, pushing the boundaries of speed and performance even further.

Additionally, I intend to participate in Rlaarlo’s 2023 Speed Run event in June this year. We’ll be chasing 200km/h and I look forward to sharing the thrill of the AK-917 with fellow RC enthusiasts and showcasing the enduring spirit of the legendary Porsche 917K.

Conclusion

The Rlaarlo AK-917 has captivated me with its homage to the iconic Porsche 917K and its exceptional performance on the racetrack. Through the unboxing experience, high attention to vehicle detail, track performance, and exceptional power system, I have discovered a car that embodies the passion and excitement of RC racing.

While not without its hiccups, the AK-917’s ability to adapt, coupled with Rlaarlo’s dedication to addressing concerns, ensures a fulfilling RC experience. The AK-917 promises many more thrilling moments on the horizon. See you next month for the speed run!

Where to Buy

Visit Rlaarlo and buy directly from the manufacturer. Use code RC-TNT for a discount on your vehicle purchase. Thank you for your support – we get a small commission for every vehicle sold, though would be recommending this vehicle even if we didn’t. It’s a ripper!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

SCT – Should You Own One?

by Craig | May 18, 2023 | Multiple, RC Off-Road, RC Reviews

RC in History

If you’ve been living under a rock for a few decades, you may not know that the Traxxas Slash SCT is one of the best-selling hobby-grade RC cars of all time. (That is excluding Nikko, Tyco and other toy grade cars). The Traxxas T-Maxx, Associated Electrics RC10 and perhaps a Tamiya Hornet or Grasshopper may give the Slash a run for its money. Whichever the biggest seller may be, most would agree the Slash is a household name in RC at this point.

Following the Traxxas T-Maxx in 2000 which brought big nitro trucking fun to the masses, the 2008 release of the Traxxas Slash was a refinement in many ways. It shaped the modern RC landscape by being tough, fast, fun and extremely durable – and cheaper and simpler than the T-Maxx. It also happened to be an SCT. And, they’re still selling today, 15 years later!

What’s SCT?

SCT stands for “short course truck,” which is a type of radio-controlled vehicle that is modelled after the full-scale short course racing trucks. Short course racing trucks are purpose-built off-road vehicles that are designed to race on a specific type of track that is typically a combination of dirt, gravel and pavement.

Radio controlled SCTs are typically 2 and 4-wheel drive vehicles that are built with durable materials most commonly of plastic, but also with aluminum and carbon fiber. They typically feature high-quality suspension systems and powerful motors. They are known for their speed and agility, and are capable of reaching high speeds on a variety of surfaces. Some popular RC SCTs include the Team Associated SC10, the Traxxas Slash, the HPI Blitz, and the Losi 22S.

Why a Short Course Truck?

This can be a tough question. We made a video that compares SCT to MT (Monster Truck) and Buggy options. Check that out here:

SCT Durability

Durability is definitely worth considering. Not all RC cars are created equally. Some of the drawbacks of the SCT design are tires wearing the inside of the body, dirt and mud filling the tub chassis common to SCT (but not always – more on that in a moment) and the tendency of an SCT body to catch air in big jumps, destabilizing the vehicle before landing. So, there are some drawbacks.

But, there’s plenty of good to consider with this vehicle type as well. For one thing, the modern SCT is a durable beast. Check this out to get an idea of just how much abuse and punishment a modern RC SCT can take!

Which One?

RC SCTs come in both kit and RTR (Ready-To-Run) packages. They’re popular among RC enthusiasts and hobbyists for their versatility and ability to handle a variety of terrains. They can be used for racing and also for bashing, with the right setup and tuning.

SCT deliver a good balance of speed and durability, making them an exciting option for people who enjoy both off-road and on-road driving. They require some maintenance and care, but with the right setup and tuning, they can provide hours of fun and excitement.

We’ve covered a few on our YouTube channel so far and there are more coming. Here’s a list to consider:

HPI Jumpshot SC V2: https://youtu.be/FNosmI2rwQw

Arrma Senton 3S BLX: https://youtu.be/ybv6i_wLx3Q

Traxxas Slash 4X4 VXL: coming soon!

Awful smaller ones: https://youtu.be/j38Af1kb6J8

Also, check out our Off-Road category on the RC-TNT.com here. Plenty more to think about there too!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

LiPo Batteries: A Quick Primer

by Craig | Apr 30, 2023 | RC Crawlers, RC Off-Road, RC On Road

What Are LiPo Batteries?

LiPo is short for Lithium Polymer. It’s a type of rechargeable battery that is commonly used in radio-controlled (RC) vehicles and other electronic devices, likely including the phone or laptop you may be using to read this article. LiPo batteries are popular due to this battery chemistry’s high energy density, which means they can store a large amount of energy in a small package. LiPo is basically lightweight, packs a punch and is cheap to produce.

There are some downsides to the battery type, which we’ll get to below. The short version is that LiPo is usually the best battery type to use for RC models.

Why Are LiPo Batteries Good?

LiPo batteries have several advantages over other types of batteries that are commonly used in RC vehicles, such as nickel-cadmium (NiCad – not so common anymore) and nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries. They are lightweight, have a higher energy density, and can be shaped to fit into tight spaces. They also have a low self-discharge rate, which means they will retain a charge for a longer period of time when not in use.

LiPo batteries are largely fabulous. I have over 100 of them in my battery storage safe and they’ve transformed the hobby for me, personally. So much portable power in just the right size and capacity? Yes, please! They’re light, power-dense, and flexible in design possibilities. What’s the catch?

Why Are LiPo Batteries Bad?

Well, I’ve dumbed it down a little, here. LiPo isn’t ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but consequences of mistreatment certainly can be bad. There’s inconvenience and then there’s danger.

Inconvenience first: any kind of lithium cell is best stored at its nominal voltage. For LiPo batteries, that means storing the battery at 3.8v per cell. For a 2-cell battery, that means storing at 7.4v (2x 3.8v). We’ll cover more below, but don’t overlook the question of storage. Many articles and videos do overlook it, and even the quick USB chargers that come with so many models don’t even have a storage charge feature, but it does matter. LiPo batteries don’t like being stored at full or empty charge. They want to be stored at about half charge.

Danger should maybe get its own section, but in short, if a LiPo is damaged or severely overcharged, fire is a possibility. More in the next section…

Safety and LiPo Batteries

LiPo batteries require special care and handling to ensure their safe and proper use. They can be damaged if overcharged, over-discharged, or exposed to high temperatures. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and use a proper charger to ensure the safe and long-lasting use of these batteries.

Generally speaking, this means you want to store your LiPo batteries using the Storage function of your charger (and get a Storage capable charger as a top priority if you don’t have one already!)

If you need a charger, these are two of my favorites:

SkyRC iMAX B6 (6A max current, full featured); and,
SkyRC T200 1000W Dual (12A x2).

Always charge under supervision and use LiPO Safe Bags for charging and storage (pictured below). These fiberglass reinforced bags help contain fire, in the very unlikely event one may occur.

Charging Safely

The safest way to charge LiPo batteries is to:

Use a special charger made for LiPo batteries;
Connect the balance lead of the battery to the charger;
Use the balance program on the charger;
Charge at 1C (at 5A if its a 5000mAh, for example);
Use a fire-proof container or surface to charge the battery;
Never leave the battery charging unattended. No, really. Be nearby!

By using the balance lead and the balance program on the charger, you can ensure that all the cells in the battery have the same level of charge throughout the charge cycle, preventing dangerous situations due to individual cell overcharging or imbalance. Additionally, only use a charger specifically designed for LiPo batteries like the ones linked above.

Here’s one of the first videos I ever made about LiPos and charging. It’s an older one now, but might be useful for context. The process hasn’t changed!

What Makes a LiPo Battery?

LiPo batteries are typically available in several different configurations, including single cell (1S), two-cell (2S), three-cell (3S), and so on. The voltage of a LiPo battery is determined by the number of cells it has. For example, a single cell LiPo battery has a voltage of 3.7V, while a two-cell (2S) LiPo battery has a voltage of 7.4V, and so on.

As well as cell count (the ‘S’ number), there’s also the discharge potential (or, the ‘C’ number). Discharge is relevant insofar as you need to know the battery can give enough power to your model in any given moment. Consider how little power a phone with a LiPo battery might draw, remembering that this one battery will power the handset all day. The phone will never pull more than maybe a tenth of the total battery capacity in any instant, even under heavy load.

Some RC models have beefy motors and significant overall mass. This can result in the vehicle needing to pull a significant amount of power in an instant, such as under heavy acceleration. Maybe you’re trying to see how fast a car can go? That’s a drag-strip worth of heavy discharge, potentially. The ‘C’ rating helps you determine whether your battery is up to such a task – higher C number means more discharge potential, which is good.

C Rating in More Detail

A battery with a C rating of 1C means that it can discharge its entire capacity in one hour, while a battery with a C rating of 2C can discharge its entire capacity in half an hour. Take this further – a C rating of 60 is a theoretical claim that a battery can deliver its entire capacity in a single minute!

LiPo battery cells max out at about 75C. There are ways to get a higher C rating than 75 or so. Some batteries, like the Ovonic we reviewed here, use two parallel cells in the battery for each cell, which is how they can claim 100C, for example. A higher C rating means that the battery can discharge its energy more quickly, which is important for high-performance applications such as RC racing.

$Arrma Infraction 6S$

What Next?

Here’s a recent article I wrote about one general-purpose LiPo battery which also has more detail about battery history and usage. Check it out!

Craig Veness

RC-TNT

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

It’s Enduro SE!

Same, But a Little Bit Different

Enduro SE Sendero Body

Transmission

Drive Train Upgrades

Links & Suspension

Enduro SE Axles

Bushings, Not Bearings

Wheels & Tires

Electronics

Enduro SE Radio

In The Box

So, How’s It Drive?

Our Test Course

Get One!

Craig Veness

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!

Craig Veness

​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

What Are the Best RC Cars?

Trust & Marketing

State of the Art

Manufacturing

Motors

Batteries

What Do YOU Want?

Where?

Who?

Sorting Through It All

How Much?

Simple Fun?

Budgets Aren’t Just For Money

Time and Space

Preparation and Mechanical Requirements

Storage

Extras

Best RC Cars Shortlist

Yard & Park Fun

Parking Lot Fun

Best RC Drift Car

Best RC Car for Rock & Trail

Gravel and Dirt

Jumps & Stunts

Straight Line Speed

Smaller Scale

Larger Scale

Off-Road Trucks

Large Scale RC

Next Steps

Craig Veness

Big Speed, Tiny Package

MJX Hyper Go Unboxing

Radio Transmitter

Chassis

Battery & Motor

Drivetrain & Suspension

A Detailed Look at Redcat’s Latest