BEYOND DISAPPOINTED with my Redcat Blackout XTE
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: bradenton, FL
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BEYOND DISAPPOINTED with my Redcat Blackout XTE
REDCAT and I have resolved this issue.
Last edited by SWFLnavigation; 03-05-2015 at 05:57 PM. Reason: issue resolved
#2
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: bradenton, FL
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey Redcat, step up and do the right thing... the right thing is replacing my sons train wreck that I'm stuck with. My dealer and other dealers are watching to see if you learned from doing things the wrong way. You guys won't help my dealer and you won't help my son.. prove me wrong
#3
Moderator
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: May 2010
Location: A place in a place.
Posts: 4,197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Really sorry to hear this. This, sadly, seems to be the most common story with Redcats. If you want a good vehicle, stick with big brands like OFNA, HPI, Traxxas, Team Associated, and Losi. If your son is 100% set on a monster truck, the LC Racing EMB-MT is a good truck. Atomik tests all of their products before listing them and only lists products they feel that will make the consumer happy. Not to mention, it is $139 RTR with a NiMH battery and wall charger.
Truck; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...ster-truck-rtr
Battery; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...-with-uni-plug
Charger; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...attery-charger
Only problem I see, is you'd need to solder on a Deans, EC3, or Traxxas connector onto the truck's ESC. You seem to sound like you know what you're doing, so I think you will. Lol.
Truck; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...ster-truck-rtr
Battery; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...-with-uni-plug
Charger; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...attery-charger
Only problem I see, is you'd need to solder on a Deans, EC3, or Traxxas connector onto the truck's ESC. You seem to sound like you know what you're doing, so I think you will. Lol.
#4
Wow that sucks. Redcat gets a bad rep and I normally chime in and say something bcuz redcat was my first cars and they did me well.
But holy ****, that should he worthy of at least a replacement vehicle and then find out who was in charge of QC that day and make them repair that car over and over until they can do it right. Wow.
A body pin in the drive line, total bull****.
Sorry man, hopfully someone from redcat sees this and decides to send it up the chain of command for u.
But holy ****, that should he worthy of at least a replacement vehicle and then find out who was in charge of QC that day and make them repair that car over and over until they can do it right. Wow.
A body pin in the drive line, total bull****.
Sorry man, hopfully someone from redcat sees this and decides to send it up the chain of command for u.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: bradenton, FL
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As for the body pin, my dealer called and was told that " Redcat would never ask a customer to do that " but even in the email from Redcat
-Cody actually asked me about the situation regarding the pin coming out of the center driveshaft. Since we are out of stock on them, I had him mention to cut a body clip to fabricate a makeshift pin, which would serve as a fix until we got the replacement driveshafts back in stock. It's very confusing to me how you consider that "piss poor customer service", when we offer advice to keep your vehicle running for the time being until parts come back in stock. All other customers welcome the temporary solution which allows them to keep driving their trucks.
Again, not sure what you mean by the lack of customer service you've received. If your only goal is to be refunded or to exchange the vehicle, then I can see why you would be upset when we tell you that we won't do that. We help customers get their current vehicles up and running through what we cover under warranty, and offer advice and/or help when they need to repair their vehicles on their own.
If you were jumping, flipping, and crashing your Chevy (even one with an off-road package) and parts broke even though you didn't think they 'should' have, this would not be considered a lemon. R/C vehicles are user-serviceable, so when something goes wrong that we determine to be a defect, we will replace the part individually. Replacing the entire vehicle may seem necessary to you, but that is not something we do.
-I'm sorry you feel this way. Unfortunately, aside from replacing the vehicle or getting you your money back, it doesn't sound like you can be satisfied. We will always stand by the 90 day warranty on our electronics, and anything broken during shipping. However, we will need more proof from you of the items you say are defected before we can help you any further with the parts that we don't usually cover under warranty.
-I apologize if you feel you've been talked down to, that is never our goal. We only want to help you get your vehicle back up and running properly. We pride ourselves on our customer service and we help countless customers with their problems each day and get lots of praise. I'm open to suggestions if you feel that we weren't very helpful, aside from just giving you a refund or a new vehicle.
Let me know if you have any questions.
--
Thanks,
Billy Fischer
Redcat Racing
Customer Service Manager
So I've made it clear that nearly EVERY dam thing on this vehicle was completely loose... the drive shaft broke because the set screw doesn't have enough surface area to get a grip the flat area of the drive, broken shock that leaks, bad battery charger, bad battery cells and now his motor wasn't driving the read wheels (drive shaft removed).. the motor was loose and it ground down the ring in pinion.. EVERYTHING that can go wrong on this car has GONE WRONG... and even with all of this.. they don't offer a refund?? Come on guys. this car i bought was crap and this proves it.. your customer service is like talking to an IT dept that thinks everyone is an idiot.
.
-Cody actually asked me about the situation regarding the pin coming out of the center driveshaft. Since we are out of stock on them, I had him mention to cut a body clip to fabricate a makeshift pin, which would serve as a fix until we got the replacement driveshafts back in stock. It's very confusing to me how you consider that "piss poor customer service", when we offer advice to keep your vehicle running for the time being until parts come back in stock. All other customers welcome the temporary solution which allows them to keep driving their trucks.
Again, not sure what you mean by the lack of customer service you've received. If your only goal is to be refunded or to exchange the vehicle, then I can see why you would be upset when we tell you that we won't do that. We help customers get their current vehicles up and running through what we cover under warranty, and offer advice and/or help when they need to repair their vehicles on their own.
If you were jumping, flipping, and crashing your Chevy (even one with an off-road package) and parts broke even though you didn't think they 'should' have, this would not be considered a lemon. R/C vehicles are user-serviceable, so when something goes wrong that we determine to be a defect, we will replace the part individually. Replacing the entire vehicle may seem necessary to you, but that is not something we do.
-I'm sorry you feel this way. Unfortunately, aside from replacing the vehicle or getting you your money back, it doesn't sound like you can be satisfied. We will always stand by the 90 day warranty on our electronics, and anything broken during shipping. However, we will need more proof from you of the items you say are defected before we can help you any further with the parts that we don't usually cover under warranty.
-I apologize if you feel you've been talked down to, that is never our goal. We only want to help you get your vehicle back up and running properly. We pride ourselves on our customer service and we help countless customers with their problems each day and get lots of praise. I'm open to suggestions if you feel that we weren't very helpful, aside from just giving you a refund or a new vehicle.
Let me know if you have any questions.
--
Thanks,
Billy Fischer
Redcat Racing
Customer Service Manager
So I've made it clear that nearly EVERY dam thing on this vehicle was completely loose... the drive shaft broke because the set screw doesn't have enough surface area to get a grip the flat area of the drive, broken shock that leaks, bad battery charger, bad battery cells and now his motor wasn't driving the read wheels (drive shaft removed).. the motor was loose and it ground down the ring in pinion.. EVERYTHING that can go wrong on this car has GONE WRONG... and even with all of this.. they don't offer a refund?? Come on guys. this car i bought was crap and this proves it.. your customer service is like talking to an IT dept that thinks everyone is an idiot.
.
#7
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Fortunately I havent had near as many issues, however, like you I noted the assembly quality left some things to be desired (namely, loose screws, no loctite on things that should have it, etc). I went through every joint, screw, body piece, and suspension piece on mine when I got to check and correct these things. I hate to say it, but I pretty much expected these things, I mean, I bought a $180 buggy with the features of one twice as expensive from any major brand, I knew there were going to be corners cut somewhere. I didnt really mind as I planned to upgrade alot of things, and enjoy tuning, wrenching, and tweaking as much as I do driving lol. Many of the things you mentioned though are completely unaccepatable (bad charger, battery, parts broken, etc). I really hope they just offer you a replacement. I mean, come on, this truck is like $150 retail (asuming you have the non-Pro), and prob costs them $50-60 to produce. Any decent company should realize a $50-60 loss is better than an angry customer.
Finally, after driving my Caldera XB for one weekend, my pinion gear looks just like yours. I have no idea what the stock pinion is made out of, but apparently its crap. My new motor and esc come in today (Castle Sidewinder 3), so I picked up some Robinson Racing 32P hardened pinions to use with the new motor, no way Im using the junk stock one again. I picked up a 13T and 15T, going to start with the stock 13T, then move to the 15T if it doesnt have enough top end
Finally, after driving my Caldera XB for one weekend, my pinion gear looks just like yours. I have no idea what the stock pinion is made out of, but apparently its crap. My new motor and esc come in today (Castle Sidewinder 3), so I picked up some Robinson Racing 32P hardened pinions to use with the new motor, no way Im using the junk stock one again. I picked up a 13T and 15T, going to start with the stock 13T, then move to the 15T if it doesnt have enough top end
#8
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow. Luckily, I do not have any problems that can't be fixed by myself. Other than missing a screw, the blackout xte PRO is running great. The truck, charger, battery, and the controller all works. I have bought some parts (if available) on eBay.
The only complaint I have is redcat racing has not respond to my email (Jan 7th) asking when the specific part I need is available. I heard from others said some parts haven't been available for months.
The only complaint I have is redcat racing has not respond to my email (Jan 7th) asking when the specific part I need is available. I heard from others said some parts haven't been available for months.
#10
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: USA
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I finally broke a part (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWZMb5dSJl4) but luckily I'm able to buy a new one from eBay. As usual Redcat Racing's website didn't have it.
#12
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
yes i also bought a blackout xte pro and iv already replaced the chassis twice and i got jipped when i bought it from the hobby shop i got it fron they said it didnt come with a lipo battery and charger they fight over that and the esc went haywire and they wouldnt replace it and i have all recipts for it what i have done to it my stuff had to be tighten and lined up it was jus a bad expericence.. and im a first timer and i wanna get into it but spendn all that money should jus bought one layed out
#13
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Terre Haute,
IN
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
. I'm glad Redcat resolved your issue. I wanted to say, that you should really delete the nasty post, as I almost didn't try a Redcat because of this. I wasn't until I later saw they did resolve the issue for you, that made me decide to give them a shot. I have Traxxas and bought a Blackout XTE about 6 months ago and a SC just recently and I actually think they're as reliable as the other brands I've tried. On the other hand, I did break my Traxxas Slash in many pieces the very first day of ownership! Perhaps I'm a more experienced driver now, but my Redcats rarely break and I do bash them. I've been quite happy with them.
#15
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Terre Haute,
IN
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Brian, have you actually owned one? I think you would change your mind if you actually tried one. I'm a convert and I often pass the Traxxas trucks with my Redcats. I've had to replace more items on my Traxxas Slash than my Redcats. So Redcats are durable. Perhaps I'm just lucky, but mine have been pretty solid...
#16
My Feedback: (5)
Brian, have you actually owned one? I think you would change your mind if you actually tried one. I'm a convert and I often pass the Traxxas trucks with my Redcats. I've had to replace more items on my Traxxas Slash than my Redcats. So Redcats are durable. Perhaps I'm just lucky, but mine have been pretty solid...
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New Jersey USA
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Most of these post are old. I have contacted Redcat several times and have found nothing but Good to say about Billy & Jim there seem to get one or the other resolved all my concerns and issues, I mentioned negative reviews I have been reading and then noticed they were old. He explained yes things were bad as they started up but have moved forward to correct the Faults. Time will tell I just bought 2 Blackout SC trucks, for grandsons. My only complaint is the Battery and Charger that need upgrading out of the box, sure it keeps the initial price down but a big letdown after the first run. I read the problem and have also added 2 5000 batteries and the top charger now looking for some sort of Carrying Case - Box for each one, any suggestions ???? Bill
#18
My Feedback: (5)
Hello Bill,
This thread is only 11 months old...................hardly old posts.
Just because you had someone walk you through the programming/setting-up procedures doesn't mean the vehicles are well made.
With the battery and charger issue you are now realizing one of the reasons why redcat's are low priced.
Here are some hauler bags . Some of them are probably made better than the trucks you bought!
http://www.horizonhobby.com/SearchDi...ce=Q&pageView=
This thread is only 11 months old...................hardly old posts.
Just because you had someone walk you through the programming/setting-up procedures doesn't mean the vehicles are well made.
With the battery and charger issue you are now realizing one of the reasons why redcat's are low priced.
Here are some hauler bags . Some of them are probably made better than the trucks you bought!
http://www.horizonhobby.com/SearchDi...ce=Q&pageView=
#19
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Terre Haute,
IN
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Bill,This thread is only 11 months old...................hardly old posts.Just because you had someone walk you through the programming/setting-up procedures doesn't mean the vehicles are well made.With the battery and charger issue you are now realizing one of the reasons why redcat's are low priced.Here are some hauler bags . Some of them are probably made better than the trucks you bought!http://www.horizonhobby.com/SearchDi...ce=Q&pageView=
Last edited by rcfan223; 12-14-2016 at 07:25 AM.
#20
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey listen up I'm gonna say that I run an old redcat caldera 10e with castle creations sidewinder 3 Neucastle 5700 4 pole and I learned when you drive in your environment you should know all obstacles that could damage your vehicle. You should also have your steering centered and braking system set appropriately.
I haven't broken a bumper or an a arm in two years. I'm on disability I run every single day rain shine snow and sleet. 2-5 times a day. 10 below zero through snowdrifts. I get vertical and always land on the wheels. I beat it till it bleeds and breaks. usually bent driveshaft. My machine eats bearings and diff's and driveshafts. Coat hangers are every single one of my pins. I straighten my own driveshafts and use loctite on EVERYTHING that sets, retains, or fastens two parts together besides motor mounts. Oil daily everything that moves. Rinse in the kitchen sink every wet run and place in front of fan. Learn to solder. Traxxas connectors only.
Learn to push it to threshold of its own drivetrain without crashing when you twist driveshafts your doing something so extreme it's awesome.
It's all part of the game suck it up buttercup.
I haven't broken a bumper or an a arm in two years. I'm on disability I run every single day rain shine snow and sleet. 2-5 times a day. 10 below zero through snowdrifts. I get vertical and always land on the wheels. I beat it till it bleeds and breaks. usually bent driveshaft. My machine eats bearings and diff's and driveshafts. Coat hangers are every single one of my pins. I straighten my own driveshafts and use loctite on EVERYTHING that sets, retains, or fastens two parts together besides motor mounts. Oil daily everything that moves. Rinse in the kitchen sink every wet run and place in front of fan. Learn to solder. Traxxas connectors only.
Learn to push it to threshold of its own drivetrain without crashing when you twist driveshafts your doing something so extreme it's awesome.
It's all part of the game suck it up buttercup.
#21
Who's buttercup?
And what does a Caldera 10E have in common with Blackout XTE?
Redcat Racing must be doing something right. They're now being sold through Amain (to my surprise) and Tower Hobbies. But the funny thing is (to me) the list on the side of the site that sells Redcat RCs...Top Brands, then push more brands...Redcat still doesn't make the list .
And what does a Caldera 10E have in common with Blackout XTE?
Redcat Racing must be doing something right. They're now being sold through Amain (to my surprise) and Tower Hobbies. But the funny thing is (to me) the list on the side of the site that sells Redcat RCs...Top Brands, then push more brands...Redcat still doesn't make the list .
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New Jersey USA
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hey listen up I'm gonna say that I run an old redcat caldera 10e with castle creations sidewinder 3 Neucastle 5700 4 pole and I learned when you drive in your environment you should know all obstacles that could damage your vehicle. You should also have your steering centered and braking system set appropriately.
I haven't broken a bumper or an a arm in two years. I'm on disability I run every single day rain shine snow and sleet. 2-5 times a day. 10 below zero through snowdrifts. I get vertical and always land on the wheels. I beat it till it bleeds and breaks. usually bent driveshaft. My machine eats bearings and diff's and driveshafts. Coat hangers are every single one of my pins. I straighten my own driveshafts and use loctite on EVERYTHING that sets, retains, or fastens two parts together besides motor mounts. Oil daily everything that moves. Rinse in the kitchen sink every wet run and place in front of fan. Learn to solder. Traxxas connectors only.
Learn to push it to threshold of its own drivetrain without crashing when you twist driveshafts your doing something so extreme it's awesome.
It's all part of the game suck it up buttercup.
I haven't broken a bumper or an a arm in two years. I'm on disability I run every single day rain shine snow and sleet. 2-5 times a day. 10 below zero through snowdrifts. I get vertical and always land on the wheels. I beat it till it bleeds and breaks. usually bent driveshaft. My machine eats bearings and diff's and driveshafts. Coat hangers are every single one of my pins. I straighten my own driveshafts and use loctite on EVERYTHING that sets, retains, or fastens two parts together besides motor mounts. Oil daily everything that moves. Rinse in the kitchen sink every wet run and place in front of fan. Learn to solder. Traxxas connectors only.
Learn to push it to threshold of its own drivetrain without crashing when you twist driveshafts your doing something so extreme it's awesome.
It's all part of the game suck it up buttercup.
Why Amazon Best Customer Service bar non. Local RC And Track store was helpful but did seem like he would be there after the sale. One question was is there a warranty he had no clue and said no one does. On my last visit to let my grandsons rent and race similar ones I gave him the Printout form Redcats Site very extensive Warranty. He Charged me $22.plus tax to rent 2 trucks and 15 minute track time where half was lost to Breakdowns of his triucks. THat is what I call loosing a $726.23 Sale and to never return for anything again the store is 1 1/2 Miles from my home. Amazon is at My Home. Why is it that many Hobby stores have attitudes? and bad Customer Service. Why also do some members have disrespect for other member opinions. Makes This Hobby Confrontational Just My Opinion
#23
My Feedback: (5)
Who's buttercup?
And what does a Caldera 10E have in common with Blackout XTE?
Redcat Racing must be doing something right. They're now being sold through Amain (to my surprise) and Tower Hobbies. But the funny thing is (to me) the list on the side of the site that sells Redcat RCs...Top Brands, then push more brands...Redcat still doesn't make the list .
And what does a Caldera 10E have in common with Blackout XTE?
Redcat Racing must be doing something right. They're now being sold through Amain (to my surprise) and Tower Hobbies. But the funny thing is (to me) the list on the side of the site that sells Redcat RCs...Top Brands, then push more brands...Redcat still doesn't make the list .
I noticed that too. However Tower has brought in other manufactures that haven't performed well for them in the past so who knows.
The real tell is to query hobby shops across the country and see what brands they sell and service and find out how many times redcat is mentioned(in a positive way).
If you are able and willing to put in the wrench-time to make something work , make your own parts,and keep it working then you may be OK with a redcat but there have always been much better choices.
My concern has always been for the newbie buyers who see the lower prices on this redcat stuff and dive in only to regret it soon after when it breaks and they can't easily get parts or find a place to service it.
#24
I have to point out that the Redcat Racing Blackout XTE Pro was the only Redcat platform that I almost purchased. For me, it was the well laid out arm design on the monster truck. Being able to use one arm in any of the four corners seemed to intrigue me. The manual is well thought out (by Redcat's standards). I've never seen another Redcat manual like it.
If the Blackout XTE Pro would be offered as a kit...BAM! I can almost guarantee I'd have the monster truck in front of me. I'm a kit type of person. I get joy out of building a RC model (correctly) rather than undoing a Ready To Re-assemble (RTR) package . I don't want/need what a manufacturer thinks is "good enough" to be put into their RTR package. I personally like to pick, and choose what low-end gear goes into my RCs; that I know will get the job done (most of the time ).
It would be a great day for me to start a Redcat Racing platform thread with "Beyond Happiness". Again, for me, that day won't happen until a kit is released. This goes for all the good RTR platforms/companies that are out there. Traxxas, DHK, HoBao, HPI, ECX...etc., etc., etc. I point my finger at you guys. Give me something I can build and take pride in.
If the Blackout XTE Pro would be offered as a kit...BAM! I can almost guarantee I'd have the monster truck in front of me. I'm a kit type of person. I get joy out of building a RC model (correctly) rather than undoing a Ready To Re-assemble (RTR) package . I don't want/need what a manufacturer thinks is "good enough" to be put into their RTR package. I personally like to pick, and choose what low-end gear goes into my RCs; that I know will get the job done (most of the time ).
It would be a great day for me to start a Redcat Racing platform thread with "Beyond Happiness". Again, for me, that day won't happen until a kit is released. This goes for all the good RTR platforms/companies that are out there. Traxxas, DHK, HoBao, HPI, ECX...etc., etc., etc. I point my finger at you guys. Give me something I can build and take pride in.
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: New Jersey USA
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I thank you for your time and reply, The Redcat Blackouts I got for my Grandsons 8-10 seem to be a perfect fit for an entry level RC Vehicle for their age they are very advanced with Drones and Planes. I will pass along all that tech talk to them Maybe when they grow up and remain interested is RC Trucks they can decide what they want, You Mentioned something about a Manual When I was in contact with Redcat Billy - Jim I asked that exact question they referred me to their home page Where there is a Complete description with schematics of all the models Blowup for the site impaired, And a list of each and every Part with part numbers for easy ID and ordering. Nothing intended but you sound like Nothing is good enough for you. Remember they are 8 years old and 10 years old, when you were that age did Grandpa buy one for you???????