The List – August 2015

Welcome to the August 2015 edition of The List. We saw a TON of new product coming through, so much so that we had 12 items that could be on this month’s list. Unfortunately we had to widdle it down to 5, but these 5 are all pretty cool items. Congrats for making this month’s List.

1. Losi 1:6 Audi R8 LMS RTR
The term ‘Bigger is Better’ isn’t just for humans … it’s also very relevant in RC. Losi surprised everyone with it’s ‘bigger’ 1:6 scale Audi R8 LMS RTR equipped with a 1200kV brushless motor, 160A ESC and can wring the juice from a pair of 3S LiPo packs. This is the same power system that drives larger, heavier 1:5 scale cars and can take the Audi past the 60MPH mark. On top of that, Losi has added in a Spektrum DX2E radio system complete with AVC to keep things smooth and steady. The body is also an amazing replica of the full-scale car right down the the decals and deck wing. I’m sure I’m not the only one looking forward to getting one of these; it’s a perfect car for the masses. It’s also a perfect candidate for The List!
Link: www.losi.com

2. RC4WD Bivouac M.O.A.B. Camping Trailer
One segment of the RC industry I’ve grown to love is the scale/trail truck scene. This arena is not about speed but about style; it’s not how fast you get there, it’s how good you look doing it. I’ve built a few trucks and enjoy the slow, methodical pace needed to conquer the terrain. RC4WD has been a big contributor to this passion and have taken it a step further with this bad ass trailer. Upon first look it appears just a normal trailer with a canvas top, but in seconds it transforms itself into a replica camping tent. There’s even screen on the windows and a small ladder to climb up into it. The details on this are next level and I’m sure there will be more than a few guys at the next AxialFest sporting these trailers. Great job with this and certainly deserving a spot on The List.
Link: www.rc4wd.com

3. Team Associated RC8B3e Buggy
With the release of the long-awaited RC8B3 Nitro Buggy, it was only a matter of time until Team Associated launched an e-version. The RC8B3e is just that, a modified version of the 8B3 with only a few tweaks to the main chassis for the e-power system. You still get the 7075-T6 chassis, the stellar suspension, the lightweight and ball bearing supported drivetrain and the the A-Team’s killer 16mm Big Bore shocks. In fact, this car shares over 90% of the same parts as its nitro counterpart. I’ve driven the RC8B3 and thought it was pretty amazing; the 8B3e will be on my doorstep soon. Whenever there’s this much excitement about a car, it deserves some extra recognition; well here ya go AE, congrats for making The List!
Link: www.rc10.com

4. Hitec HS-1100WP Large Scale Servo
Servos come in many shapes and sizes, but none have been brought to the car market as monstrous as this bad boy. The HS-1100WP is designed for 1:5 scale offroad cars where power and holding capability are everthing, crushing any servo thats not up to par. Hitec built this servo with extreme abuse in mind, and it shows in the specs. Check this out; the HS-1100WP puts out a staggering 1167oz/in of torque on 11.1v and an astonishing 1528oz/in of torque on 14.8v! Not only that, but it’s waterproof (thus, the 1100WP designation) so you should feel free to run that hour long main in the sun or rain. The case also comes equipped with cooling fins to keep temps down inside. A 5-pole carbon brushed internal motor is used as is an entire steel-gear drivetrain, so failure is not an option. Plus, you gotta love the red! Hats off to Hitec for supporting the 1:5 scale crowd (one of my favorites), and welcome to The List.
Link: www.hitecrcd.com

5. RPM Shock Duplicator Tool
For as long as I can remember, I’ve done all my shock measurements by the ol’ eyeball method. More than once I’ve used the “ah, it’s close enough” approach when adjusting shock lengths or rebound. But no more. RPM has come out with a new tool that makes measuring shocks a snap. The RPM Shock Duplicator Tool allows you to measure both rebound and shock length easily and efficiently. Simply bolt your pair of shocks (it works with offroad and onroad shocks) to the tool and measure. Make adjustments and measure again. Pull them off, mount them to your car and your suspension should be free of shock gremlins. A great tool for those that want the ultimate in shock building precision. Great tools get on The List. Congrats!
Link: www.rpmrcproducts.com