It’s big, it’s orange and it signals HPI’s return from the brink of the abyss.
HPI, once a powerhouse in the RC industry, has been Team Durango levels of quiet in recent months, however under new ownership they seem to be returning to the market with a revamped Jumpshot ST, with promises of more products back in the pipeline soon.
Promising more speed in the form of a 12t motor and revised gearing and parts (up from a 15t motor in the original), this truck uses a Twin Vertical Plate (TVP) chassis like the savage that allows for an under body battery compartment. Honestly there is a lot to like about this truck, and I love the new orange scheme with orange wheels. Hopefully a sign of good things to come (or return) for HPI.
Losi have unleashed an improved version of their already impressive DBXL, and for me, like may others, have added it straight to the top of our wish list, I mean what is there not to love!
Losi is proud to introduce the new 1/5 DBXL-E 2.0 4WD Brushless Desert Buggy! We have taken the legendary DBXL-E to the next level and left no stones unturned. With the inclusion of SpektrumRC Smart Technology, you can now get telemetry sent right to your phone (with the optional Bluetooth module) and have the confidence that everything is running smoothly.
Speaking of Spektrum, the DBXL-E 2.0 comes with the new Firma 160 Amp Brushless Smart ESC capable of running 8s LiPo’s. Pair that with the Spektrum Firma 4-Pole 780Kv Brushless Motor and the DBXL-E 2.0 will hit speeds of 50+ mph.
Think this is just an old DBXL-E with new trim schemes slapped on them…Think Again! Losi went back to the drawing board and updated the 2.0 to be the fastest and toughest electric 1/5 buggy on the market. The Losi DBXL-E 2.0 now comes standard with all the following updates:
*NEW* Spektrum™ Firma® 160 Amp Brushless SMART ESC *NEW* Spektrum Firma 4-Pole 780Kv Brushless Motor *NEW* Spektrum S906 1/5th scale metal gear servo *NEW* Chassis Braces *NEW* Pinned Center Outdrive Cups *NEW* Gear Boxes *NEW* Front and Rear Bulkheads *NEW* Shocks with Laser Etched FOX Logo Shock Caps *NEW* Aluminum Shock Towers *NEW* Heavy Duty Drive Train *NEW* Radio Tray *NEW* ESC Mount *NEW* Race Themed Livery *NEW* Authentic Bead Lock Wheels
Huddy arena posted this chart showing the breakdown of the 2wd leg of the worlds in terms of who is racing what. In terms of chassis Associated, Xray and Yokomo have the lions share, with Schumacher trailing behind Kyosho and TLR. Maybe I should be buying an Xray to replace my older Associated car…
Electronics are also showing people’s confidence in Hobbywing reedy and LRP. Interesting to see only one Tekin in the list. Motors also show a similar breakdown, but with many sponsored drivers attending the worlds, they tend to be matching pairs. An interesting list to contemplate if you are wondering what the top drivers in the world are running at the moment.
2wd has been run and won, and now the 4wd’s are on the track. I was surprised to see no new developments or versions (that I could spot) amongst any of the 2wd chassis vehicles, as the worlds are usually when new vehicles are tested or revealed. 4wd however rings true to the norm, with TLR running a prototype 4wd, Team Yokomo running a prototype 4wd, and apparently Team Xray are running an as yet unreleased 4wd as well (although i’ve yet to see any pics) It will be interesting to see what works well in the conditions in Slovakia, time will tell I guess.
Only body on pics of the TLR so far8th style 4wd prototype from Team Yokomo
The past weeks seems to have been a veritable storm of new crawlers appearing from a number of manufacturers.
In alphabetical order, hot in the heels of their 6×6 Unimog, Axial racing have released the Capra Unlimited Trail Buggy. Featuring portal axles, 1.9 tyres, dig transmission for FWD or 4WD this builders kit is every bit the competition buggy for those wanting more performance. More details at http://www.axialracing.com/products/axi03004
Last but never least, Traxxis have jumped on the 6×6 bandwagon with their version of the Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6. Hardly what you would call a subtle vehicle in real life, the licenced RC version is no less flashy! With a high detail body, LED lights and an apparently radical chassis design this vehicle certainly stands out from the crowd. For all the details visit Traxxas at https://traxxas.com/products/landing/trx6-g63/
Sometimes you see Aussie products all around the world, and today we’ve seen them at the Worlds at Huddy Arena in Slovakia with Aussie racers Jordan Isergin and Lachlan Donnelly. Good luck not only to these two, but all of the Australians racing at the Worlds.
Last weekend the Hearns Hobbies 2019 Electric, Off Road, Tasmanian State Titles was held at the Launceston R/C Track at Quercus Park in Carrick Tasmania. Supported by Hearns Hobbies and Launceston Toyota the event was another success for Launceston R/C.
Aussie RC Racing in 2wd Stock, and placing 1st in the B main.
Got a Traxxas Slash, but you really want a dragster, then this new body from PROTOform is for you!!!
Transform your Slash® 2wd truck into a scale 1/4-mile beast with the new PROTOform Chevrolet Corvette C7 Pro-Mod! Our first body dedicated to the growing SC Drag Racing class features a ton of realistic details to give your car a super unique, race-inspired look.
The C7 Pro-Mod is a convenient 1-piece body design with no assembly necessary: just paint it up in your favorite colors and start burning rubber! We recommend using Pro-Line Racing#Hoosier 2.2″ Drag Racing Front Tires on the front and Hoosier Drag Slick SC 2.2″/3.0″ Drag Racing Tires in the rear combined with a set of #Pomona Drag Spec Wheels for the ultimate scale hot-rod stance.
To create a more scale look, this officially-licensed body is designed with a narrower track width than a traditional SC body and will require some modifications to your 2wd Slash® in order to fit correctly. Check out the product page link below for more details!
This video was released recently showing a fascinating look at the history of RC car racing. It doesn’t cover everything, but it does have some fascinating early footage. It’s well worth a look.
Scale or real, hard to tell with photos like this!
I’ve seen so many 6×6 builds over the years based on the SCX10 chassis, and of the mainstream crawler manufacturers, the trucks from Cross RC are about the only 6×6 on the market, well no more. Hot on the heels of their latest 4×4 Unimog, comes this mighty 6×6 Unimog truck you can see all the details at http://www.axialracing.com/products/axi03002
With a Dual cab body and massive tray, there is no denying that the truck looks amazing, and from the video Axial Racing have posted it looks to be functional as well. Whilst not the cheapest crawler on the market, there is no denying it has that X factor to it, and buckets full of “I want that!”
The hinged tray for battery access is a clever idea, and I can see so many other 6×6 builds beginning from this vehicle. I only hope that they also release a kit version for those keen for their own build.
This vehicle also answers another question that many asked when Horizon Hobby took over Axial Racing. “Will they continue to innovate”. I think this truck places us well on the path to a resounding yes!
Talk about a tidy and functional 6×6 solution.
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