Archive for February, 2010
The Traxxas RC Summit is back. If you have been looking for one there has been a change, expect a slight price increase but here is the good news, they now come with 2 Batteries & 2.4 GHz TQ Radio. Had a chance to see one last week, and it was awesome and gained my respect? The Summit is an all-around great RC truck. It is not a speed demon, but the fact that it can go over just about anything makes it worth it. You can upgrade the motors and such, but I have other trucks that go fast and nothing I own or have ever owned can do everything that this truck can. The locking diffs, and selectable 2 speed tranny are genius. The lights are built into the bumpers rather than the body, pretty clever. No pesky wires to deal with that way. I’m not sure how competitive the RC Summit will be in comparison to other RC crawlers, but this thing would be a no brainer for your average backyard basher.
For those who wonder if it is worth it, I have to say yes and no. It is expensive, but so are tickets to a ball game, golf clubs, new shoes, or anything else that you know in your heart isn’t justified by the cost. Decide for yourself and enjoy. The great thing about the Traxxas Summit RC truck is that you own it and the fun lasts a lot longer than 3 hours. If you have to sell it, the resale value is pretty strong as well. Most vehicles I see don’t resale as well as the Summit does. Enjoy!
Check out XTM’s new Rage brushless1/18 RC truck. I don’t own a 1/18 scale RC truck, so when an opportunity presented itself for me to see and handle this little monster in action, I could not resist. This small or mini RC Truck is faster than a bunny, (top speed of over 35 mph), with a killer look and profile about it. Standing only 4 inches tall with full-functions, I was surprised at the way it can handle high-speed turns and mini off-road tracks. The owner, a close friend commented “It a Blass… I had never owned a brushless RC before now… It blows my mind”
The brushless version comes (RTR) and includes cast aluminum knuckles and upper suspension mounts so you can push this mini RTR truck to the limit. I have not seen the RC 18 in action but I hear it runs between 17-20mph which is pretty quick for a 18th scale RC truck. The Mini Rage comes stock with brushless but not lipo! The only issue I encountered was turning down the power output compared to other setups; I totally rolled it a few times. The aftermarket support for the RC 18 seems strong, which gives you the opportunity to change anything on the truck and parts come pretty cheap. Overall this small RC truck is so much fun to control and run, I am sure that it will adapt to your favorite RC track or off-road adventures.
My dream RC hobby store brings to life all that is good about RC hobbies. It’s a large, safe and secure environment in which young and old RC hobbyist enjoy the wonderful world of real life RC models, performing in their own unique playground. Top quality, RC models are represented here , brand names like Cen Racing, HPI, HobbiCo, Hobbyzone, E-flite, Kyosho, Megatech, Redcat racing, Team Associated, Traxxas, Venom and many others are here to enjoy.
What make’s this RC hobby store stand out is the hands on experience that a prospective buyer can have testing thier choices! Store owners have made available test products for racing, rumbling or flying in a real time test environment. On-road RC cars and trucks share on area where speed is king and off- road vehicles find a home on a hilly and rocky obstacle course. There is a huge outdoor lake with large waves to test drive RC boats and the most amazing indoor flying facility to display your micro RC airplane or helicopter skills. Oh, least I forget, the outside flying field for serious RC airplanes and helicopter pilots. Parts and accessories are readily available for all RC models in stock, kept ready for fast repairs or upgrading. No brag, just fact, this is my dream RC hobby store. The best RC hobby store ever!
So you thinking about RC monster trucks, and searching for information? Well here it is! In the past, the most popular style of RC truck you would see was a stadium style truck. Now the most popular toy truck people buy is modeled after real life RC monster trucks. The older model RC stadium trucks were ideal for flat and smooth dirt surface tracks, while the RC monster trucks on the market today are outfitted for rugged terrain, just like the real life versions. I am talking about hobby grade RC monster trucks, not the toy trucks that you find in big box stores! Here are a few things you should know before you purchase your rough and tough RC monster truck.
RC monster trucks are scaled down versions of real-life monster trucks. Just like the real ones you love with huge tires, that destroys smaller cars and are rough and tough mud hog grinding through deep mud. With today’s technology a RC monster trucks deliver excellent power and speed and agility with featured suspensions, detailed engines, life like steering, and other electronics. RC Hobby grade models comes with more options. There are three fuel choices, Electricity (battery powered, Nitro fuel and Gasoline fuel Nitro or gas engines will give you more power than the battery powered truck. (Not good for neighborhood fun)! They can support a larger truck size (with more weight and bulk) and really go faster. They excel over battery powered trucks and can roll over brutal landscape with-off-road equipped tires and suspension. For either of the fuel powered trucks, the higher speeds mean more forceful impacts, so it’s important to have a more durable truck body to withstand that impact without damaging the truck. Nitro fuel is a blend of nitromethane, methanol, and oil. It’s by far the most commonly used fuel for RC monster trucks. Gas is also popular because it allows for even larger RC monster trucks. RC electric monster trucks are usually powered by two electric motors, with four wheel drive, you can expect speeds of 23+ mph out of the box, and speeds of 30 mph in modified form (e.g. using faster motors and high capacity NiMH batteries). Higher speeds more force, so having the right truck body to take on impacts without damaging your truck is very important. Whatever the choice, you will be eager to, bang, climb, muddle, and run with your prize RC monster truck!
Congratulations you are ready to purchase your first RC car or truck! Where are you planning to operate it? Yes, I know you found out both RC models are ideal for kid’s age six and up and they get a blast from watching or driving something that looks so real. You have done your home work and found the options for RC cars and trucks are endless with regard to speed, size, engine type, and maneuvering capabilities. You can enjoy This RC hobby with family and friends or go for a run on your own. Now where do you plan on operating your RC car or truck? This is an important consideration for you and the RC model that you purchase. You should operate your RC car or truck properly as they can get damaged easily if used in the wrong environments or driven too aggressively on the wrong surfaces. I know you can’t wait to get your RC car or truck, so here are a few common sense suggestions just in case you got carried away at the hobby shop or doing your research. 
Before operating any RC car or truck it is very important that you read the manuals very carefully. If you plan on using your RC vehicle indoors the majority of the time, an Electric RC Car or Truck is in your best interest. Gas or Nitro will not work unless you have the convenience of an indoor RC facility. Gas or electric RC Cars should not be used for off-road or any rough terrain driving due to their undercarriage and it’s proximity to the ground they are On road RC vehicles and should be run primarily on smooth flat surfaces. Off road RC vehicles, RC trucks and buggies refers to either electric or gas powered RC cars or trucks with the profile to withstand more aggressive driving in environments of uneven ground, dirt, water or more challenging terrain landscapes. Trucks are optimal for rougher ground and have the suspension to withstand jumps, ditches, and generally tougher driving. Your surroundings must be right for the RC vehicle you choose. This will help you maintain your dream RC car or truck and enhance your enjoyment of this wonderful RC hobby.