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With so many short course trucks flooding the market, it can be
overwhelming trying to decide which truck is your best bet. Each company
has its own way of looking at truck design; as yet there’s no standard,
which makes your decision a harder one because there’s so much from
which to choose. While I think anyone would be happy with each of the
vehicles, some choices may be slightly better at racing, while others may
be a bit more durable and fun to run off the track. First things first, decide
what you want to do with your truck. Do you want to race, backyard
bash, or a combo of both? Once you have figured it out, you can
better decide which truck is best for you. This guide shows
what is available in the popular 1⁄ 10-scale class and
provides insight on which truck does what
the best, so you can save both time and
money when you pick up that new rig.
The Hottest
Short Course
Trucks for
2010
BY ERIC J. MILLER
THE SC10 HANDLES
LIKE A DREAM ON
THE TRACK
FEATURES
TEAM ASSOCIATED SC10
QUICK SPECS
PART NO. 7027 (Kit), 7026, 7028, 7029, 7030 & 7031 (RTR)
PRICE $170 (Kit), $220 (RTR)
KIT/RTR Both
POWER Electric
2WD/4WD 2WD
LENGTH 21.65 in./550mm
WIDTH 11.5 in./293mm
WHEELBASE 12.9 in./327mm
MOTOR (RTR only) Reedy 17-turn brushed
ESC (RTR only) XP SC200 forward/reverse with reverse
lockout and LiPo low-voltage cutoff
RADIO (RTR only) Associated XP 2-channel AM
with metal gear servo
The SC10 is based on a stretched
version of the six-time National
Champion T4 platform and comes
RTR or as a kit. The RTR gives a
choice of six painted bodies,
while the kit offers a clear body
for you to customize. Scale looks
go a step further with the cool
KMC-style rims and realistic
treaded tires. Each corner is supported by blue aluminum shocks
and steel turnbuckles for adjustability. The gear differential is
sealed for future tuning and is
built to withstand the plethora of
powerful brushless motors on the
market.
PERFORMANCE
Associated was one of the earlier companies to offer
a short course racer. Since it is based off a 1⁄ 10-scale
racing truck, the SC10 handles like a dream on the
track. Overall, it feels like a race truck should—very
light and nimble. The handling and steering is much
better than some other trucks’ due to the T4’s proven
suspension and steering geometry and the stretched
chassis that places the battery closer to the front.
The sealed gear diff is super smooth and is well suited to most tracks.
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HPI BLITZ
QUICK SPECS
PART NO 103171
PRICE $190
KIT/RTR RTR
POWER Electric
2WD/4WD 2WD
LENGTH 21.6 in./548mm
WIDTH 11.6 in./296mm
WHEELBASE 13 in. (adjustable)/329mm
MOTOR:Firebolt 15T motor
ESC SC-15 with reverse
RADIO TF-1 2-channel AM
JUMPING IS BETTER
THAN WITH OTHER
TRUCKS THANKS TO THE
DESIGN OF THE BODY’S
FRONT END
FEATURES
This RTR truck arrives with an HPI version of the Maxxis ATK body in either black or
orange, and the sweet-looking wheels and tires really enhance the total package. A
lengthened version of the E-Firestorm chassis provides the backbone for this truck.
The all-metal gear transmission is bulletproof and is designed to handle as much
power as you want to run through it. Aluminum 12mm hex hubs increase durability,
and a setscrew keeps them attached to the axles when you remove the tires.
PERFORMANCE
On hardpacked dirt surfaces the truck struggles to put the power down,
but once you switch to loose dirt or pavement, the tires come to life and
you’ll have all the traction you could want. Overall, this truck feels planted
and gives quick, consistent laps battery after battery. Jumping is better
than with other trucks thanks to the design of the body’s front end; it
doesn’t allow the truck to jump nose-up as much as others.
56 RCCARACTION.COM
JAMMIN SCRT10
QUICK SPECS
PART NO.: 14615
PRICE: $270
KIT/RTR: Preassembled kit
POWER: Electric
2WD/4WD: 4WD
LENGTH: 533mm/21 in.
WIDTH: 279mm/11 in.
WHEELBASE: 324mm/12.75 in.
MOTOR: N/A
ESC: N/A
RADIO: N/A
FEATURES
Jammin’s entry into short course comes as a race roller kit. You’ll
provide the electronics, but that’s all that’s needed to get the truck
up and running. What makes this truck stand out from other electric
trucks is its truggy-style, flat low-center-of-gravity chassis design
and triple-diff drivetrain. Universal driveshafts get the power out to
the included bead-lock wheels. There are a lot of adjustments in this
truck to make it perform its best in all conditions.
PERFORMANCE
Note: At press time, we were unable to test this truck but can give you
an idea of how it performs on the track thanks to videos that Jammin’
provided us.
Right away, you clearly see that the Jammin’ SCRT10 can easily put
down any power you throw at it thanks to the traction of 4-wheel drive.
Turning is also very impressive; it seems to turn better than other
trucks that are on the track with it. We attribute that to the included
center diff. It jumps farther than any truck we have seen, again
because of 4-wheel drive. It still, however, jumps with a slight nose-up
attitude, but that can be solved by cutting air holes out of the back of
the body to let air pass through and reduce that effect.
IT SEEMS TO TURN
BETTER THAN OTHER
TRUCKS THAT ARE
ON THE TRACK
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YOU’LL APPRECIATE THE SMOOTH
THREADED SHOCKS ON THE DRT;
THEY ABSORB BIG IMPACTS AND
MAKE RUTS DISAPPEAR
KYOSHO DRT
(DESERT RACING TRUCK)
QUICK SPECS
PART NO.: 31082B
PRICE: $300
KIT/RTR: RTR
POWER: Nitro
2WD/4WD: 4WD
LENGTH: 19.25 in./489mm
WIDTH: 10.12in./257mm
WHEELBASE: 11.77 in./299mm
ENGINE: GXR .18
RADIO: Perfex KT6 AM with digital servos
FEATURES
Power from the GXR engine gets to all four tires via three
diffs, similar to that of an 1⁄ 8 truggy. Parts count stays low
with interchangeable A-arms, knuckles and shock towers. A
large 105cc fuel tank provides the GXR .18 engine with plenty of go-juice. Dual disc brakes ensure solid fade-free performance run after run and give you adjustable brake bias.
PERFORMANCE
Where 1:1 meets 1:10
Full-size and RC short course racing is
actually closely related. There’s definitely
more going on than just scale-looking
bodies and wheels. Our race tracks, for
example, are quite similar. In both scales,
the layouts consist of high-speed sweepers, berms and whoop sections, and the
trucks even handle much the same, leaning and sliding through corners. Fender
rubbing is another aspect that shows up
regardless of scale. RC race classes generally consist of Pro-2 or Pro-4 trucks
(based on drive wheels) just like the big
boys, and a number of RC manufacturers
even sponsor full-scale race teams and
leagues. If you don’t have the cash or
skills to get behind the wheel of a fullsize truck, you can still
get in on the action
with RC!
Whether you drive on a track or in the wide open, you’ll appreciate the smooth threaded
shocks on the DRT; they absorb big impacts and make ruts disappear. The GXR .18
engine holds a good tune and puts out strong linear power for its size. The digital
servos do a good job of squeezing the binders as well as turning the front tires.
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KYOSHO EP ULTIMA
SC TRUCK READY SET
QUICK SPECS
PART NO.: 30855X-B
PRICE: $210
KIT/RTR: RTR
POWER: Electric
2WD/4WD: 2WD
LENGTH: 17.52 in./445mm
HEIGHT: 5.90 in./150mm
WHEELBASE: 11.25 in./286mm
MOTOR: G20 Stock
ESC: Perfex LiPo-compatible
RADIO: Perfex KT6 AM with KR6 2-channel receiver
FEATURES
The platform for the Ultima SC is a lengthened version of Kyosho’s RT5
truck chassis, and there’s a lot of room in the battery compartment for
major weight bias adjustment. The bellcranks are angled to match the
angle of the front suspension arms to reduce bump steer. A compact
three-gear transmission and bevel-gear diff send the power to the
ground. Threaded body shocks allow quick ride-height adjustment.
PERFORMANCE
Note: At press time, we were unable to test this truck but can give
you an idea of how it performs on the track thanks to videos that
Kyosho provided us.
By watching the video, you can see that this truck carries over a lot
of its performance traits from the RT5. The suspension soaks up
small bumps and jumps very well, and the chassis stays flat in the
turns. The tires seem to be well suited to various conditions and
allow for some tight steering.
THIS TRUCK CARRIES OVER
A LOT OF ITS PERFORMANCE
TRAITS FROM THE RT5
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THE LOSI STRIKE HANDLES
THE ROUGH STUFF BETTER
THAN SOME OF THE MORE
RACE-INSPIRED TRUCKS
LOSI STRIKE
QUICK SPECS
PART NO.: LOSB0105 (RTR) LOSB0105BD (Bind-N-Drive)
PRICE: $230 (RTR), $200 (Bind-N-Drive)
KIT/RTR: RTR and Bind-N-Drive
POWER: Electric
2WD/4WD: 2WD
LENGTH: 22.76 in./578.1mm
WIDTH: 11.65 in./295.9mm
WHEELBASE: 13.68 in./347.58mm
MOTOR: 12T 550 performance
ESC: Water resistant with reverse
RADIO: Losi Radio System (receiver and transmitter included)
with Spektrum 2.4GHz DSM Technology (RTR) Spektrum 2.4GHz
DSM receiver, no transmitter (Bind-N-Drive)
FEATURES
The RTR and BND models feature the same chassis components, but the
BND lacks a transmitter but comes with a receiver, for those who already
own a Spektrum or Losi 2.4GHz radio to bind to it. The Strike features a
mid-motor layout for good balance. The transmission is built for abuse;
the gears are all metal. Losi’s blue aluminum shocks are smooth and use
threaded bodies for easy preload adjustment. LiPo users have the benefit
of a built-in low-voltage cutoff in the speed control.
PERFORMANCE
The Losi Strike handles the rough stuff better than some of the more race-inspired
trucks on the market. On the track, the truck remains planted and landed consistently and with no drama. The stock tires do a good job of hooking up on most
surfaces and have major grip on pavement. Making turns is easy to do thanks to
the steering geometry and strong steering servo.
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OFNA HYPER 10SC
PRO 4X4
QUICK SPECS
PART NO: 14615
PRICE: $270
KIT/RTR: Preassembled Kit
POWER: Electric
2WD/4WD: 4WD
LENGTH: 533mm/21 in.
WIDTH: 279mm/11in
WHEELBASE: 324mm/12.75 in.
MOTOR: N/A
ESC: N/A
RADIO: N/A
FEATURES
The Hyper 10SC is packed with cool features
such as three fluid-filled diffs, machined bevel
gears and a steel main gear, and you also get
aluminum threaded shocks, adjustable swaybars and a CNC motor mount. It uses an aluminum chassis plate that is lightweight and
durable and will help dissipate any heat
buildup from the motor and battery pack. All
the components that are mounted on the
chassis sit forward for improved steering.
PERFORMANCE
Note: At press time, we were unable to test a truck but can give you
an idea of how it performs on the track thanks to videos provided by
OFNA.
Of course, the Hyper 10SC accelerates harder than the 2-wheel-drive
trucks in our guide thanks to its 4-wheel-drive design. The center diff
bleeds off slight power but really aids in steering. The suspension
seems to be right on, as the truck looks well planted on all areas of
OFNA’s test track. It even jumps well and gives lots of control in the air.
2- or 4-wheel-drive?
There are a variety of sweet trucks to choose from, but
the basic question seems to be, “Which is better, 2WD or
4WD?” I wouldn’t say one is better than the other, but both
have tons of appeal for different reasons. 2WD trucks are
more affordable and usually more durable, so budget racers
and bashers find it easier to get up and running. Having only
2WD also means a light, agile truck that is a blast to slide though
corners without the need for massive horsepower. You will spend
less time wrenching with the simple drivetrain layout and easier
maintenance.
On the other hand, 4WD gives the opportunity to drop in a lot
more horsepower. These wild machines can take intense
motor/battery combos for extreme tire shredding. They can also
be easier to drive quickly if you have an aggressive trigger finger.
You can expect a little extra heft with 4WD, but it adds stability on
straights and through the bends. This category of truck is also
designed to take tons of punishment. 4WD trucks might cost a bit
more, but if you have the cash, they are hard to beat.
THE HYPER 10SC
ACCELERATES HARDER
THAN THE 2-WHEEL-DRIVE
TRUCKS IN OUR GUIDE
THANKS TO ITS 4-WHEELDRIVE DESIGN.
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TRAXXAS SLAYER
QUICK SPECS
PART NO.: 5908
PRICE: $370
KIT/RTR: RTR
POWER: Nitro
2WD/4WD: 4WD
LENGTH: 22.36 in./568mm
WIDTH: 11.65 in./296mm
WHEELBASE: 12.7 in./323mm
ENGINE: TRX 3.3 Racing Engine with EZ-Start
RADIO: Traxxas TQ 2-channel AM
THE COMBINED
POWER OF THE
ENGINE AND 2-SPEED
TRANSMISSION
MAKES FOR A FUN,
HAIR-RAISING
EXPERIENCE
FEATURES
The Traxxas Slayer is definitely the most unique truck in this guide with its 3D semimonocoque chassis and inboard suspension system. Powering the truck is Traxxas’
popular and proven TRX 3.3 engine, and a 150cc fuel tank feeds the carburetor. In
the center of the chassis is an ultra-compact 2-speed forward-only. Traxxas gives
you a choice of four painted body styles for a realistic look right out of the box.
PERFORMANCE
The 3.3 engine is easy to fire thanks to its on-board electric starting system, and it
holds a consistent tune. The combined power of the engine and 2-speed transmission makes for a fun, hair-raising experience when you drive the truck. The tires
provide good grip on asphalt and they do well in the dirt. On the pavement it’s easy
for the truck to wheelie when the front end hits small bumps in the ground. The
brakes do an equally good job of slowing the truck down from its impressive top
speed. The GTR inboard shocks and long travel rockers soak up small bumps and
jumps as if they weren’t even there.
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TRAXXAS SLASH
QUICK SPECS
PART NO. 5805
PRICE $220
KIT/RTR RTR
POWER Electric
2WD/4WD 2WD
LENGTH 22.36 in./568mm
WIDTH 11.65 in./296mm
WHEELBASE 13.2 in./335mm
MOTOR Titan 12T 550
ESC Waterproof XL-5
RADIO Traxxas TQ 2-channel AM
FEATURES
YOU GET THE SENSE OF REALISM
AS IT LEANS IN THE TURNS LIKE A
FULL-SIZE TRAXXAS TORC TRUCK.
The Slash comes equipped with a brushlessready metal-gear transmission and a RevoSpec Torque-Control slipper clutch. The included XL5 ESC and digital high-torque steering
servo are both waterproof, while the receiver is
tucked away inside an O-ring-sealed box.
Traxxas also specs its high-current connector
to avoid any potential meltdowns. The Ultra
Shocks are fluid-filled and use progressive-rate
springs to soak up the bumps. Its high-riding
stance makes it easier for backyard bashers to
avoid getting high centered over obstacles.
PERFORMANCE
When you drive the Slash, you get the sense of realism as it leans in the turns like a full-size Traxxas
TORC truck. It leaps through the air with the best of
them and seems almost always to land on all fours
regardless of the angle of flight. The Slash shrugs off
big hits and drives away from pretty much anything
you run into, including curbs! This truck seems
almost indestructible.
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THE SLASH 4X4 PUTS OUT
IMPRESSIVE POWER FOR
AN RTR TRUCK
TRAXXAS SLASH 4X4
QUICK SPECS
PART NO. 6808
PRICE $399
KIT/RTR RTR
POWER Electric
2WD/4WD 4WD
LENGTH 22.36 in./568mm
WIDTH 11.65 in./296mm
WHEELBASE 13.2 in./335mm
MOTOR Traxxas Velineon 3500
ESC Traxxas Velineon VXL-3S
Waterproof
RADIO Traxxas TQ 2.4 GHz with
Mini Receiver
FEATURES
This truck goes in a different direction
from the other trucks in the Traxxas lineup with its unique 4WD drivetrain. A
lightweight blue aluminum driveshaft
runs down the center of the chassis and
connects to two Revo-spec siliconefilled diffs that are sure to hold up to any
power source you throw at it. The truck
also comes with Traxxas’ high-powered
and waterproof VXL brushless system to
provide the scoot. It comes equipped
with a Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz radio system
and high-torque digital steering servo as
well as a 7-cell NiMH.
PERFORMANCE
The Slash 4x4 puts out impressive power for an RTR truck and easily puts it down
thanks to the shaft-driven 4WD. The truck is equally at home on the track and in a
backyard setting. The suspension does a great job of soaking up bumps and jumps. It
has a slight on-power push in the turns. Power delivery from the motor and speed
control is smooth and on point.
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TRAXXAS SLASH 4X4
(PLATINUM EDITION)
QUICK SPECS
PART NO. 6804
PRICE $390
KIT/RTR Preassembled kit
POWER Electric
2WD/4WD 4WD
LENGTH 22.36 in./568mm
WIDTH 11.65 in./296mm
WHEELBASE 13.2 in./335mm
MOTOR Traxxas Velineon 3500
ESC Traxxas Velineon VXL-3S Waterproof
RADIO Traxxas N/A
IMPRESSIVE ACCELERATION AND GREAT
SUSPENSION ARE ENHANCED THANKS TO ITS
INCLUDED OPTION PARTS
FEATURES
This truck has all of the same features as the RTR version, but
Traxxas omits the radio and batteries but kicks it up by including
blue-aluminum suspension parts,
big-bore shocks, a swaybar set
and a clear body for your own
personal touch. This truck was
built with the racer in mind, yet
the extra features included with
the chassis will make the basher
just as happy.
PERFORMANCE
The Platinum has similar qualities such as impressive acceleration and
great suspension when it comes to performance, but they are
enhanced slightly thanks to its included option parts. The chassis
stays more flat in the turns thanks to the included swaybar set, and
turning is even tighter when you install the included center diff. The
smooth high-end shocks make the suspension feel even better and
are much more durable. Going through the twisties, you get a bit of
push and then do a slight 4-wheel slide coming out of the turns when
you mash the throttle. All four tires kick up a roost as they claw their
way out of the corner and down the straight. Making in-air adjustments is easy by blipping the throttle or tapping the brakes.
SOURCES
Team Associated teamassociated.com
HPI Racing hpiracing.com
Jammin’ jamminproducts.com
Kyosho kyoshoamerica.com
Losi losi.com
OFNA Racing ofna.com
Traxxas traxxas.com
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