chinook1
Posts: 7
Joined: 10/6/2005
From: spokane,
WA, USA
Status: offline
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Everyone has seen ads like these:
http://cgi.ebay.ca/1-10-RC-4WD-Electric-Remote-Control-Monster-Truck-w-ESC_W0QQitemZ140051786775QQihZ004QQcategoryZ44029QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.ca/2007-LATEST-IMPROVED-RC-1-10-ELECTRIC-TRUCK-4WD_W0QQitemZ230049765873QQihZ013QQcategoryZ44029QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
These are just two examples of MANY cheap Chinese knock offs of well known rigs. The purpose of this thread is to try to collect info and opinions about these cars from the people who HAVE USED THEM. I have seen an awful lot of posts all over saying to avoid them, but not really from people who own them. It seems to be more the idea of copies that bothers people. Myself, I suspect that they are built in the same factories (often), and with identical parts. If they are half the price, and perform similarly, does it really matter if they last half as long. And who's to say that they won't? What if the parts are compatible (like the Bonzer is with the Tamiya Wild Dagger).
But, is it wrong to buy what are essentially stolen/pirated copies of the originals? These companies did not do the R/D to make a great rig, Traxxas and DuraTrax, and Tamiya did. Shouldn't they get the profit?
Render your opinions, links, experiences, photos and $0.02 below.
I'll start with the Heng Long Mad Truck that has recently appeared on eBay. It seems to be a very impressive set of features for $150; aluminum oil shocks, metal gearing, full ball bearings, esc, and aluminum skidplates. While not an exact knock-off of anything I can figure, it seems to be an assemblage of other trucks. I asked this guy selling a used one on ebay what he thought:
"Hi, glad to answer, The quality is quite impressive and they definetly did R/D when making it. Hard to tell what it is supposed to copy, maybe the Ofna Monster Pirate but in smaller scale?? The drivetrain spins like silk and appears very strong. The shafts and bones are thick and strong, pins are hardened and all outdrive are metal. I looked at the diffs and they are meshed fine and are great quality, full metal gears impressed me too...." and "The hexes on it now are a perfect match for the HPI Star 2.2 wheels. As for replacment parts, you can pretty much revamp the electrics (no need, maybe metal gear servo if this one ever fails), the shocks (the included ones are great shocks and I've had many!) pinions, maybe new spur but I do agree finding Heng Long parts may be a challenge if something breaks. Some Assiciated, HPI and Ofna 1/10th scale parts should fit. I looks to be built to take a beating so unless something tragic occurs it should last for a long time. Well hope this helps! Thanks for asking Stan"
So, Stan seems to know what he's talking about. What do you think?
Chinook
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Printable Version
All Forums >> RC Cars, Buggies, Trucks, Tanks and more >> RC Car General Discussions >> The Chinese Knockoffs: Post info, opinions, reviews of "copy-cat" cars. 
The Chinese Knockoffs: Post info, opinions, reviews of... - 
or in this case Wprst less durable..
