Whether it's wheel nuts, wings, tools, tracks, trinkets and/or anything in between, the LiveRC staff gives their testimonial and mini-review of each every Thursday morning!
When it comes to backyard bashing, arguably the number one choice of vehicle is monster trucks. Monster trucks provide the enormous ground clearance, monstrous tires, big daddy look, and backflipping power that enthusiasts are looking for. Vaterra has recently released their own monster truck, known as the Halix, and we were fortunate enough to get our hands on one to test it out!
The Halix is a 1:10 scale shaft driven 4wd monster truck equipped with waterproof electronics, Dynamite brushless system, Spektrum 2.4gHz radio system, new Spektrum AVC stability control, and is pre-built right out of the box. All that is required is your choice of a 2S or 3S LiPo battery pack not included with the truck.
We decided to put the Halix to the test by equipping it with the Vaterra recommended 3S Dynamite Reaction LiPo pack. To start off, this truck has enormous power using almost any battery pack, but especially a 3S. Despite being 4wd, the Halix will pop wheelies for days on almost any terrain. Throughout our adventures when took the Halix in and out of construction sites, skate parks, parking lots, offroad tracks, and even the motocross track.
Pros:
- Very fast truck right out of the box...VERY fast.
- With the help of the Spektrum AVC system, it is easy to drive almost anywhere.
- Long suspension handles big air jumps with ease.
- Waterproof electronics are truly waterproof (yes we puddle tested it more than a few times).
- Includes EVERYTHING necessary except for a battery and battery charger.
- Powers easily through grass, gravel, and sand (which many other genres of R/C vehicles struggle with).
Cons:
- Tires are very soft, and eventually shredded using a 3S pack on asphalt.
- Suspension is very soft, and needs stiffened up using heavier shock oil if you plan to big air jump.
- Front plastic drive shafts seem to be a weak point, and we recommend replacing with MIP steel driveshafts.
Conclusion:
The Vaterra Halix is a very fun monster truck to drive. It incorporates the look and feel most monster truck enthusiasts desire. In our opinion the Vaterra Halix does lack slightly in the durability department, as being a monster truck we didn't expect breakage during normal driving (not crashing) to the drivetrain. Running a standard 2S LiPo pack we experienced virtually no issues with the Halix aside from the super soft suspension making the truck bottom out hard when jumping, however, we recommend if using a high performance 3S pack making some upgrades to the tires and driveline to better withstand the abuse and power. On the flip side this truck offers good handling and versatility in almost any terrain, features enormous power for a wheelie-popping good time, and when maintenance is necessary it is easy to work on. Vaterra also offers a lineup of option upgrade parts sold separately to further trick our your truck as you go. Overall, we have enjoyed our time with the Halix, and have quite a following of neighborhood kids waiting for our next monster truck stunt show.
*NOTE* - We have been informed that Vaterra has since updated their stock Halix driveshafts on the newer models for improved durability and performance.
Beacon Rating: 3/5
Vaterra Ford Rapter Pre Runner 1:10 4wd Truck
$449.99
When it comes to full-size offroad truck racing, a pre-runner truck is all about the long suspension, high performance engines, power, handling, and durability to endure the world's roughest terrain for hundreds and thousands of miles. Vaterra has launched their very own pre-runner truck in the R/C world, the officially licensed Ford Raptor 1:10 scale 4wd, and we were able to get behind the wheel to test it out!
The new Vaterra Ford Raptor Pre-Runner truck features signature Ford Raptor styling with it's race inspired body and appearance. Under the body the truck features a 4wd shaft driven drivetrain, Vaterra's VTV (Viscous Torque Vectoring) differentials, Dynamite brushless system, waterproof electronics, and Spektrum's AVC stability control system. Vaterra claims the truck is capable of speeds over 55 mph.
To test out the Vaterra Ford Raptor Pre-Runner we decided to put it to the test on the terrain a full size pre-runner truck would encounter including asphalt parking lots, dirt roads, sandy trails, and of course a few long distance jumps here and there.
Pros:
- This truck looks the part including everything from the pre-painted body, to the pre-mounted wheels and tires.
- The combination of 4wd drivetrain and Spektrum's AVC system makes this truck easy and fun to drive in almost all conditions.
- Equipped with a 3S LiPo battery pack, this truck definitely is capable of 55 mph and then some.
- Long travel suspension soaks up the bumps and jumps nicely.
- Waterproof electronics are indeed waterproof (tested multiple times in the same puddle as the Halix test above).
Cons:
- The center driveshaft set screw backs off (turning the truck to rear 2wd only) unless you remove it and apply thread lock.
Conclusion:
The Vaterra Ford Raptor Pre-Runner truck is a blast. It looks good, handles good, and seems to hold up good as well. While it is a little harder to get a wheelie or a backflip out of this truck, due to it's lower center of gravity, in our opinion this vehicle is more durable, more fun, and more suited for a variety of R/C activities than it's Halix monster truck brother above. While this truck was not necessarily intended for racing, with a few upgrades in tires and setup, this truck not only makes a great "basher" truck, but also could be used as an excellent entry level race vehicle too. We would like to warn you, however, IF you are attempting to jump onto the roof of an office building and miss...this truck will break windows. Keep this truck (or any R/C vehicle for that matter) away from glass windows, and we assure you that it is money well-spent.
Beacon Rating: 4/5
(YES...it is VERY difficult to explain to someone that your remote control car is what shattered their office window...)
Eng / Usd
Français
Deutsch
Italiano
Recent comments