Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Big packages delivered today.

Jump right to facts:

4s capable system
3s 30c 3000mah lipo included

4wd, with center diff.

CVD's up front, dogbones in the rear.

Bottom loading battery door.

Splash proof ESC.

Radio takes just 3 "AA" has basic trims/reversing and dual rates.

I found it takes 15 screws to remove the body. The body/rear shock tower are one, so the upper shock mount has to come off (ball studs, so its easy)

My skylipo, 3s, 30c, 5000mah hardcased pack fit easy once I pulled out the 1/2 foam spacer.
So a softcased 4s 5000mah, or maybe a hardcased 3000mah 4s will fit.

With body off its a fairly clean layout. Heaps better than the 8e line IMO.

I dont care for the reciever placement (behind motor) and Id prefer it be in a box.[&:]

Shocks feel good. alloy, threaded bodies.

Tires are a bit on the stiff side. But its meant more for bashing. And, it has 12mm hex and the stock tires are basically the same size as any 1/10 SCT tire. So plenty of wheel/tire combos out there which you can bolt right onto this rig.

Wheelbase is 430mm. Not sure what the exo is, but should be close.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Oh, and that spare tire....its real. full tire/rim.
so if you break a rim or a tire shreds or the hex strips...you already have a spare!

Pics with body off.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

on/off switch is protected, but easy to get from below the rear of the roll cage.

I am not sure the branding on the ESC, but my hobbywing program card works with it.

More pics

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

battery door/tray

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

I powered my Mirage on for the 1st time....

Make sure to do so with the wheels off the ground. Mine turned on at about 25% forward throttle. Lucky, I had it in my hand on not on the ground.
The throttle trim just needed a slight adjustment so the ESC would read nuetral.

The radio has no cover for the trim nobs. They must have been bumped during packaging or when I pulled it out of the packaging.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Running video!

Not bad out of the box.

Stock tires are too stiff. Number 1 thing which holds it back from being faster/handling better.

Even still, its pretty controllable.

The motor/power is perfect for the size/weight. It doesnt take much throttle to break traction.

I think Im safe to to it does 35mph. This thing might even be decent on just a 2s lipo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iauLB0IK0xk
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iauLB0IK0xk&list=UUvwHY0wHFW3a5QFqQRkaKGQ& index=1[/youtube]

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Do you think that two 2cell 5000mah in series would fit in the battery box?

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

I doubt it. a pair of softcase lipos might fit, but fitting in the "Y" harness as well would be tricky. A 4s pack would be easier.

Ill try putting a pair of my 2s 5000mah packs in and see how they fit and let you know.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

How is the braking reaction time?

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

How is the braking reaction time?

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Looks pretty nice, looks fun in the video too lol. Was that iced over pavement you where driving on most of the video?

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Instant, like all electrics, severity is adjustable.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

that looked fun! this makes me wanna go drive my rc's. i bet that was a nice stress relief with all that paypal/ebay BS

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

yep, can be adjusted.
stock setup is pretty good. If I go for full brakes it will lock up the tires. 50% braking is enough to slow it down fast.
I think Redcat did well on the motor/esc setup. It seems to match the weight of the model very well. Not so much torque that its gonna rip the driveline in 2, but plenty of power to get it moving without overheating electronics.
To be honest, 3s is plenty fast.

My buddy got a mirage as well. When we go to the track this wednesday, we plan on running 2s packs. The track is small/tight and 2s should be enough to sling the Mirage around plenty fast.

Between the smooth acceleration (the model is not geared to high, no low speed cogging) and the small radio with only 3 "AA" batts the whole thing feels light and effortless.

The tires are a stiff compound. That combined with the sand on the pavement resulted in some oversteer.

When I have some cash, Ill buy some SCT wheels/tires.

The wheels on it are 12mm hex, and the same size/type as standard SCT wheels like a slash.


Even tho the wheels are a stiff compound and this results in reduced traction, I dont mind it at all for bashing.
You would only really want to swap out the tires for running on a track. But for bashing the "tail happy" driving is fun.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

tires are a stiff compound....torque is high....pavement had sand on it. Add the 3 together and you get alot of sliding action.

The diffs have paper washers, so they can be tuned with diff grease.

here's pics of the wheel hubs:

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

Get ready to laugh.  Is this car available in China?  Can I get parts for the Mirage in China?  Haha<div>
</div><div>I've been able to track down Axial, Vaterra, and just about everything.  Ive even found several onroad and offroad tracks in China.  But when I search for Redcat online in China, only a couple RTRs come up, and no sign of parts.  The RTRs that do pop up are at toy stores specializing in LOTR figurines etc.  or at clothing outlets that also have some misc. items.  Hmmm.</div><div>
</div><div>Some people might get a kick outta China's flea bay.</div><div>
</div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.10.18.EqblCu&amp;id=184362596 41</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.10.59.EqblCu&amp;id=189251436 05</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">http://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.10.79.EqblCu&amp;id=222512841 98</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Off topic:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">Btw, stuff ain't cheap here.  That's a myth.  The only cheap products I've found in China are fake.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">For example, I can get a pair of Timerland boots for $20, but they're fake.  The real ones are more like $200. wt...?</span></div><div><font face=".HelveticaNeueUI"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469);">Fake Timberlands, cool.  [8D]  Fake radios, not cool.[:'(]</span></font></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); ">
</span></div>

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

In general, Redcat are sold in USA and canada.
There are some Dealers who sell to other places.
They can make some money on the models, but not as much on the parts (due to shipping cost)

I get asked by ebay members in europe and in mexico if I will ship Redcat stuff to them fairly often.

Long story short- I doubt you will find this where you are.

The only chance is if the OEM makes the same model for another distributor who does ship to where you live.

I havent seen a clone of this anywhere else tho.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

I took the Mirage out again today.

No issues yet.

the tires are the only major downfall thus far. Great if you like drifting...LOL.

Tire compound is too hard and the tread depth isnt enough for offroad in soft dirt.

I have a set of stock SC10 tires I need to put on some rims and try that out. I believe better tires will make the mirage faster and handle better.

Even still, in stock form on the 3s lipo it is a fun buggy and IMO worth the $300 price tag. Its alot of "bang for your buck" and is designed better than redcats other electrics (again, My opinion)

Wednesday I will take it to the indoor paved track and see how it does there.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

The bottom battery door feature is great for changing out your battery without unscrewing the entire roll cage. Definitely a plus over the Axial exo.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

yep,
granted, the locks are hard to pull down on once you pinch them together. I use a body pin or screw driver on one lock so I can pull downward once I pinch them together.
But its not that hard, and once you have the door off the battery goes in easy. Plenty of wire so the plug comes out of the battery tray making it easy to plug/unplug the battery. And it closes easy to.

It is natural to wanna compare this to the exo. And they are the same basic size / look. But the RTR exo is $400. And that price doesnt include a battery or charger. The Mirage is $300 shipped and includes batt/charger.

I am in no way saying that makes the Mirage better. While I havent seen a exo 1st hand, i have owned other axial products, and they are top notch stuff.

I wont be able to speak as to the durability until I have had at least 10 packs threw it. With just 2 pack, all I can say is no issues yet.

I should mention that some of the hardware is star drive, not hex. This is a bit odd because redcat's other models either have phillips or hex hardware.
I still wonder if Redcat has more than 1 OEM supplying their models now. Otherwise you would think it would be hex hardware like on the other models.

If the take the Mirage on its own, its alot of RC for your money. If you compare it to the exo (my opinion) its a toss up. If you have $450 (exo plus a lipo) then it may be worth the extra money to get it.
If you only have $300 to spend, then I dont think you can go wrong. There are not many RTR brushless 1/8 models for that price anyway...but the mirage may be the best out of that range.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VWaCaODTmeU&list=UUvwHY0wHFW3a5QFqQRkaKGQ& index=1[/youtube]

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

yep sure drifts a lot. First thing to get new tires! SC wheels fit correct?

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

I cant see why they wont. Ill try my SC10 tires on tomorrrow. But the stock tires are the same diameter and have simillar offset as SCT wheels.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

I have found a weak point on the mirage...

the lower hinge pin mounts.

Both me and my buddy were jumping a snow mound and landing on pavement. This is probly the worst kind of torture you can do to a RC.

Mine landed and the rear A-arm came off. Front and rear pin mounts cracked.

My buddy landed nose 1st and broke a front arm off, rear pin mount cracked.

I dont think they would have broken if we were not landing on pavement. That said, its still a weak point.

I dont see a alloy pin mount upgrade as of yet. I will call redcat tomorrow and ask about that and explain the issue. The arms are very strong, the pins decent, but the pin holders are not a strong enough plastic and are not thick enough to take abuse.

The good thing is that the pin holders are not part of the diff housing. The bolt onto it. That will make the repair easier and not require as many parts.

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

that piece looks easy enough to cut out of some aluminum
I had a RC that had a similar weakness(actually that piece just looks like a lot bigger version as mine was a 1/18th scale) I took the non broken one, traced it out on a piece of aluminum, cut one out fast, and it worked like a charm

RE: Redcat Mirage unboxing / body off/ running vid
 

I had a simillar thought.

I cant see any other weak points. The arms just doesnt flex so the thinnest point gives, which in this case is the pin holders.