Reviews

The Vaterra name is one that you will be seeing a lot of in RC. Horizon Hobby recently launched this “adventure driven” brand of ultra-cool, ready-to-run (RTR), scale-looking vehicles, each purposefully designed to be driven in the type of terrain native to its full-scale inspirations. To this end, each is equipped with a proven Spektrum 2.4GHz radio system, a powerful Dynamite motor system, waterproof electronics and a handy Dynamite battery charger.

We all start somewhere when getting into RC and it can happen on different levels. Some get into RC from the toy level and then get into hobby grade vehicles and others start right on the hobby side. When Gearbest.com …

Traxxas has started two major fads in the radio control industry. The first was with monster trucks when they released the nitro powered TMaxx. The second began with the Slash and started the current short course craze that most everyone is obsessed with. Now, it looks like Traxxas is …

Drifting is one of those segments that rolls back and forth in popularity, but there are a number of groups out there that have never strayed away from their passion for driving sideways. With that underground following, the drift scene has evolved in many ways. No longer are people just converting sedans or adapting bodies, there are plenty of purpose-built kits and bodies that fit the part. Companies like Tamiya have addressed the needs of this segment with cars, bodies and accessories and now we’re seeing the evolution of some intense products. Tamiya’s latest high-end offering, the TA05 VDF II, is loaded with performance design that will give you the control you expect in a competition ready drifter. It’s time to look deep into this machine and see what makes it tick, and then we’ll see how it performs.

So many of us who became addicted to this hobby in the 80’s, did so because of a Tamiya vehicle. Mine was the Monster Beetle, but I know several others who got hooked on the Tamiya Wild One. The buggy was sold …

Back in the day when I started racing, the transmitters were pretty simple. There were no digital readouts or hidden antennas and if someone was on your channel, you had to run back to the pits to change the frequency crystals in your car and radio. Dials were limited to EPAs and Dual Rates and, if you had the big bucks and could afford it, you had an awesome black antenna. Not only were the transmitters much simpler, but the drivers were much thinner too (from all the running around)!

The power supply is that component that rarely gets much attention yet is the essential device to power our multi-chemistry battery chargers, lights and other pit gadgets. With that being said, LRP did not take that same viewpoint when they designed the new Competition 20A Power Supply. LRP made sure to create a high-quality power supply that was not only powerful, but also compact, lightweight and equipped with some clever features.

As RC fanatics, when someone mentions monster trucks we have a pre-set notion of what that is in our hobby. We think of 1/8-scale (or larger) trucks that include big tires, big suspension, big horsepower—just big everything. With the release of the Maximus, I think DHK might be in the same mindset as us! The Maximus, which coincidentally is Latin for “greatest” or “largest”, is a big ol’ beast that not only includes our monster truck wish list, but also does it at an extremely affordable price. Bring on the MT playground!

DHK looks to bring electric 1/8-scale to the masses with the new RTR Optimus buggy. A complete package with a 3S 3200mAh LiPo battery pack, high-powered brushless motor and speed control combo, 2.4GHz radio system and AC balance charger leaves little left to purchase for first time RC’ers. And, all for less than the cost of many 1/8 rollers! Newbies to LiPos fear not, DHK does and excellent job of educating new drivers through the easy to understand manual.

The world of electric 1/8-scale off-roaders has changed drastically over the past couple of years. They’ve evolved from large, clunky conversion kits to streamlined, dedicated e-racing machines. Some have become easier to build, others easier to drive and yet others easier to maintain. Team Durango has successfully combined all three of those features into the astounding DEX8, a buggy that is not only mild-mannered on the track; it also comes partially built from the factory. TD has referred to this as the ‘Fast and Easy Build – Hit the Track Quickly’, and it actually cut my build time by half. Now it’s time to review its features and discuss its mannerisms on the track.

Using an engine heater is quickly becoming the norm on the nitro racing scenes. By preheating your engine before start-up and runs, you allow the engine to start easier with less wear and tear on the engine. It also allows …

Road Ruler! Word: Carissa Smyka Photos: Walter Sidas Serpent has been in the RC industry for well over 25 years. Serpent started out designing nitro cars, mastered the design, won a lot of races and then branched out into other …

Though the name LaTrax may, to some, sound a bit French, LaTrax is in fact an American company that is powered by another very well-known US-based company, Traxxas. The selected name for their new LaTrax 1/18-scale Teton monster truck thus pays homage to the diversity of adventure that one can experience when behind the wheel in the great outdoors (and has nothing to do with the definitions of any French words).

The Buggy That Will Make You Look Twice! Words: Carissa Smyka Photos: Walter Sidas Racers all over the world are enjoying some of the best times in RC now that history has come full swing and there is a surge …

It was probably less than a minute after the 8IGHT 3.0 Nitro Buggy was released that electric power junkies were wondering if and when an E-3.0 would hit the shelves. Some wondered if it would be a conversion again or would Team Losi Racing go the route of their popular and newly-released TEN SCTE 2.0 with an all-electric specific kit. TLR is apparently done with conversions because the 8IGHT-E 3.0 is here and it’s all electric and ready for all the racing you can throw at it.