Xmods 1/16 buggy review
 

I know xmods are toy grade, but since they try to bridge the gap between toy and hobby, I thought id post a quick review.

I got the "special edition" kit....which oddly enough is cheaper than the standard buggy, even tho it is the standard buggy with both High Speed upgrade and 4wd upgrade. It was $39, and only needs 6 "AA"s and a 9v for the radio. (original price was $79)

The buggy is 1/16 scale. Out of the box it does 6-8mph maybe. Not super fast acceleration. The stock rear axle (which has the low speed motor) is a locked axle.

The High speed axle has a open diff. Sadly, speed only went up 1-2mph. Acceleration was a bit snappier.

The front axle and center shaft upgrade make it 4wd.

So, basically most of you will put on the high speed motor and 4wd axles right out of the box. But, having the stock axles means spare parts!

The radio is 2.4ghz, and the throttle and steering are proportional.

The Throttle control is good, you can modulate speed well.

Steering is quick enough, but feels more like a 2 or 3 step. And the steering angle could be better. Just fine for outside, but a bit wide for driving inside the house.

The front and rear axles each have 2 long screws (threaded only at the end) that holds them to the center section. Each axle has a built in plug to connect it to the center control board.

Independent suspension with friction shocks...and springs far to stiff.

Behind the wheel is what looks like a 6mm hex. Will look into that, but right now I don't see how I could mount standard 1/18 wheels.

Conclusion:
At $40 it is not bad. Speed on 6 "AA"s wont impress, but enough for the smaller kids. S
peed on the optional 9.6v rechargeable may be much better.
Seems sturdy.
Throttle and steering control are much better than other RC's that cost $40.
Has some potential for customization. (bodies, camber links, shocks...or go crazy and put in hobby grade electronics)

If you see them for $79 then don't waste your money. Id spend the extra $10 for a redcat tremor. But for $40 I don't think you will find a better toy grade. The 4wd upgrade and proportional controls wont be found on anything else in the price range. They are just fast enough that a pair of them on a simple race track could be fun!
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950707http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950712http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950711http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950708http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950710

now go slap a BL motor into it, take it to the track, and see how it holds up :D

LOL, I doubt it would do that well.
Just the fact that the "high speed motor" axle is open when the stock one is locked could mean that with more power the Locked axle would strip gears. I don't think it could happen with "AA" batts, but maybe with the 9.6v.

Pics of the stock rear axle (locked diff)
spur gear is sadly thin. I was hoping it would be wide...thus likely to be able to handle more power.

I love how toy grade RC's have to be made with WAY to much covering plastic...heat sinks, connectors ect all have to be covered. Cant have the kiddos touching the stuff.

As you can see, ball bearing upgrades wont be likely (unless Xmods makes some specific ones to this model)

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950763http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950761http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950765http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950768

and, now the front axle (2wd stock version)
You can see the steering servo apart. It shouldn't be that hard to mod it to accept a standard servo...a little dremel work and a custom mount.
I like the little "diff plug"


http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950770http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950771http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950772http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=1950773

running video


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bv0GCES3CdE