Jim Young
Nov 30, 2004, 02:00 AM
!Introduction
| spec2
| @911542
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 7"
|> <b>Width:</b> |< 5"
|> <b>Height:</b> |< 5"
|> <b>Steering:</b> |< Proportional
|> <b>Throttle:</b> |< Proportional w/Brake
|> <b>Transmitter:</b> |< Included
|> <b>Receiver:</b> |< Included
|> <b>Tx Battery:</b> |< 8 alkaline included
|> <b>Rx Battery:</b> |< 4 alkaline included
|> <b>Battery Upgrades:</b> |< Hobby Zone 4 and 5-cell NiMH available
|> <b>Motor:</b> |< 180 Power, Included
|> <b>ESC:</b> |< Included
|> <b>Colors Available:</b> |< red/yellow, blue/yellow, and black/yellow
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.hobbyzonesports.com>Hobby Zone</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.horizon-hobby.com>Horizon Hobby</a>
@911543:Good things come in small packages!
When I first looked at the Mini Mauler, I thought it would be a nice little toy to have around. When I received the box in the mail, I quickly realized that this is not a typical “toy” R/C car, but a real, honest-to-goodness R/C truck! The Mini Mauler has features and available upgrades previously found only on much larger R/C trucks. If you’re looking for that perfect gift or a something for yourself, check out the Mini Mauler.
!Kit Contents and Features
@911544: Everything you need to hit the streets comes neatly packed!
@911545: No tools are needs for assembly. This is truly a complete, ready-to-run package.
The Mini Mauler comes complete with everything you need to get going, this is a real plus if you’re asking Santa to drop one off for you. Opening the box, which can double as a carrying case, I found a pistol grip transmitter, the assembled chassis, a two-tone polycarbonate body, twelve alkaline batteries, a pack of four body clips, a cardboard ramp, and the eleven-page manual. A very complete package!
@911546: The manual features a complete diagram of replacement parts and upgrades.
The manual guided me through the features and functions of the radio system, battery installation, and basic operation. Also featured in the manual is a complete exploded view of the Mini Mauler with all of the available replacement parts and upgrades. This is what makes this more than a toy car...the Mini Mauler was designed and built to be repaired and upgraded by the user, ensuring many years of use. You won’t have to pitch the whole car if a steering link breaks, the replacement pack is only $3.99.
@911547: The pistol grip controller has trim adjustments for steering and throttle.
The transmitter features a trigger throttle, a rubber cushioned steering wheel, a collapsible antenna, two LEDs, and trim dials for the steering and throttle. Eight of the supplied batteries ride in the base in a holder. There is no charging jack provided, so if you upgrade to NiCads you will need to charge them outside of the transmitter. The alkaline cells should last quite a while in the transmitter, so I don't think upgrading to NiCads is a necessity. The two LEDs indicate the battery and signal strength. All of the controls have a smooth, solid feel and I am impressed with the overall quality of the unit. The unit operates in the 27MHz band and there are six different crystal sets available so you can race with your buddies.
@911548: The body is attached with four supplied clips.
@911549: The body comes with a two-tone paint job in one of three color schemes.
@911550: All decals come already applied.
The chassis comes fully assembled and the decals are already applied to the body. The only thing to do to get into action is straighten out the whip antenna, clip on the body, and install the remaining four batteries.
@911551: The 180 motor comes with three noise suppression caps installed.
@911552: The four spring-loaded shocks have multiple adjustment points.
@911553: The integrated Receiver and ESC form the main chassis.
@911554: The battery compartment is accessed from the bottom and is secured with two clips.
The center of the chassis is the receiver and ESC. The receiver crystal is easily accessible for quick changes. The ESC features four beefy FETs and the cooling tabs are visible in the top of the unit. The steering is controlled by a separate servo and features a spring-loaded clutch to help prevent stripping any gears. Four spring-loaded shocks cushion the ride and there are multiple adjustment points front and rear. The steering linkage features z-bends and ball links. The rear axle supports the motor, gearbox, and differential. The gearbox is completely sealed as well as the end of the motor shaft. Everything is screwed together for easy adjustment and repair. Even the heights of the four body supports are adjustable. Everything about the Mini Mauler Chassis says quality.
@911555: The Mini Mauler can be ready to run
@911542: before the wrapping paper hits the floor.
It only took a few minutes from opening the box to having it ready to roll.
! Road and Track Report
The stock Mini Mauler comes with a four-cell alkaline holder and there are optional four and five cell NiMh packs available from Hobby Zone. With the stock pack, the Mini Mauler moves out nicely. From high-speed reverse to full forward it can pull wheelies. The turning radius is about seven inches, which makes navigating the living room and kitchen a piece of cake. High speed turns typically result in a rollover, so I needed some finesse on the throttle. Throttle transition from forward to reverse applies the brake. There is a one to two second delay built in before reverse is activated to allow time to release the brake. This feature takes a bit to get used to, especially after hitting something and wanting to back up. I was able to get about an hour of run time from the included batteries. The manual estimates thirty minutes, your mileage may vary.
@911556: The Mini Mauler can handle the roughest indoor obstacle course.
The included ramp is a lot of fun, but it takes a bit of practice to line up on it properly. The large tires and suspension allows it to easily climb over toys. We have a Collie, and every wheeled toy quickly picks up dog hair no matter how often we vacuum. What stood out on the Mini Mauler is the fact that after days of running over the dog's hair and cruising the living room nothing was wrapped up in the wheels or gears!
The four-cell pack is great for indoor fun, but outside where I had room to open it up, I preferred the five-cell pack. With a five-cell pack, it can pull wheelies from a stand still and jumps get some serious air. The Mini Mauler is most at home on pavement, but the large wheels and suspension give it limited off-road capability. The two-wheel drive is the real limit, but it can still power through dirt and grass. I tried out the Mini Mauler on a construction lot in my subdivision. As shown on the video, it has plenty of power and can navigate rough terrain. The relatively small size and correspondingly small ground clearance makes it better suited for on road driving or a prepared dirt racetrack. A major advantage of the Mini Mauler is that if the driver departs the driveway onto the grass, it can power its way back out, where a lesser car would be stranded. Overall, it is a very capable truck and I'm having a lot of fun exploring it's capabilities.
+911558: Check out the Mini Mauler in action (5 cell pack).
*Hobby Zone has many upgrades for the Mini Mauler, including:
*ball bearings,
*a hotter wind motor,
*wheels, pinion gears,
*NiMH packs,
*a clear body that you can paint yourself.
With the five-cell pack and the stock motor, the Mini Mauler is wild, I can’t imagine what it would be like with the upgrade motor and the speed pinion!
The only issue I've had with the Mini Mauler is after a high speed (five-cell) crash into the living room wall, one of the front shocks popped off. It was easily popped back in place and hasn't been a problem since. Cleaning it up after an outside romp is easy. I just rinse off the wheels and wipe down the bottom of the chassis. Everything else has stayed relatively clean.
!NOTE
The Mini Mauler is designed for alkaline, NiCad, or NiMh cells only. It is NOT intended for use with LiPoly cells.
! Conclusion
The Mini Mauler is definitely NOT a toy car, it is a small but serious R/C Monster Truck. It's rugged construction has taken everything my son and I have thrown at it. The stock performance will not disappoint you, and you speed demons can upgrade it. The complete, ready-to-run package makes it a perfect gift for the novice or experienced R/C modeler.
@911557:Gotta go play some more!
| spec2
| @911542
|> <b>Length:</b> |< 7"
|> <b>Width:</b> |< 5"
|> <b>Height:</b> |< 5"
|> <b>Steering:</b> |< Proportional
|> <b>Throttle:</b> |< Proportional w/Brake
|> <b>Transmitter:</b> |< Included
|> <b>Receiver:</b> |< Included
|> <b>Tx Battery:</b> |< 8 alkaline included
|> <b>Rx Battery:</b> |< 4 alkaline included
|> <b>Battery Upgrades:</b> |< Hobby Zone 4 and 5-cell NiMH available
|> <b>Motor:</b> |< 180 Power, Included
|> <b>ESC:</b> |< Included
|> <b>Colors Available:</b> |< red/yellow, blue/yellow, and black/yellow
|> <b>Manufacturer:</b> |< <a href=http://www.hobbyzonesports.com>Hobby Zone</a>
|> <b>Available From:</b> |< <a href=http://www.horizon-hobby.com>Horizon Hobby</a>
@911543:Good things come in small packages!
When I first looked at the Mini Mauler, I thought it would be a nice little toy to have around. When I received the box in the mail, I quickly realized that this is not a typical “toy” R/C car, but a real, honest-to-goodness R/C truck! The Mini Mauler has features and available upgrades previously found only on much larger R/C trucks. If you’re looking for that perfect gift or a something for yourself, check out the Mini Mauler.
!Kit Contents and Features
@911544: Everything you need to hit the streets comes neatly packed!
@911545: No tools are needs for assembly. This is truly a complete, ready-to-run package.
The Mini Mauler comes complete with everything you need to get going, this is a real plus if you’re asking Santa to drop one off for you. Opening the box, which can double as a carrying case, I found a pistol grip transmitter, the assembled chassis, a two-tone polycarbonate body, twelve alkaline batteries, a pack of four body clips, a cardboard ramp, and the eleven-page manual. A very complete package!
@911546: The manual features a complete diagram of replacement parts and upgrades.
The manual guided me through the features and functions of the radio system, battery installation, and basic operation. Also featured in the manual is a complete exploded view of the Mini Mauler with all of the available replacement parts and upgrades. This is what makes this more than a toy car...the Mini Mauler was designed and built to be repaired and upgraded by the user, ensuring many years of use. You won’t have to pitch the whole car if a steering link breaks, the replacement pack is only $3.99.
@911547: The pistol grip controller has trim adjustments for steering and throttle.
The transmitter features a trigger throttle, a rubber cushioned steering wheel, a collapsible antenna, two LEDs, and trim dials for the steering and throttle. Eight of the supplied batteries ride in the base in a holder. There is no charging jack provided, so if you upgrade to NiCads you will need to charge them outside of the transmitter. The alkaline cells should last quite a while in the transmitter, so I don't think upgrading to NiCads is a necessity. The two LEDs indicate the battery and signal strength. All of the controls have a smooth, solid feel and I am impressed with the overall quality of the unit. The unit operates in the 27MHz band and there are six different crystal sets available so you can race with your buddies.
@911548: The body is attached with four supplied clips.
@911549: The body comes with a two-tone paint job in one of three color schemes.
@911550: All decals come already applied.
The chassis comes fully assembled and the decals are already applied to the body. The only thing to do to get into action is straighten out the whip antenna, clip on the body, and install the remaining four batteries.
@911551: The 180 motor comes with three noise suppression caps installed.
@911552: The four spring-loaded shocks have multiple adjustment points.
@911553: The integrated Receiver and ESC form the main chassis.
@911554: The battery compartment is accessed from the bottom and is secured with two clips.
The center of the chassis is the receiver and ESC. The receiver crystal is easily accessible for quick changes. The ESC features four beefy FETs and the cooling tabs are visible in the top of the unit. The steering is controlled by a separate servo and features a spring-loaded clutch to help prevent stripping any gears. Four spring-loaded shocks cushion the ride and there are multiple adjustment points front and rear. The steering linkage features z-bends and ball links. The rear axle supports the motor, gearbox, and differential. The gearbox is completely sealed as well as the end of the motor shaft. Everything is screwed together for easy adjustment and repair. Even the heights of the four body supports are adjustable. Everything about the Mini Mauler Chassis says quality.
@911555: The Mini Mauler can be ready to run
@911542: before the wrapping paper hits the floor.
It only took a few minutes from opening the box to having it ready to roll.
! Road and Track Report
The stock Mini Mauler comes with a four-cell alkaline holder and there are optional four and five cell NiMh packs available from Hobby Zone. With the stock pack, the Mini Mauler moves out nicely. From high-speed reverse to full forward it can pull wheelies. The turning radius is about seven inches, which makes navigating the living room and kitchen a piece of cake. High speed turns typically result in a rollover, so I needed some finesse on the throttle. Throttle transition from forward to reverse applies the brake. There is a one to two second delay built in before reverse is activated to allow time to release the brake. This feature takes a bit to get used to, especially after hitting something and wanting to back up. I was able to get about an hour of run time from the included batteries. The manual estimates thirty minutes, your mileage may vary.
@911556: The Mini Mauler can handle the roughest indoor obstacle course.
The included ramp is a lot of fun, but it takes a bit of practice to line up on it properly. The large tires and suspension allows it to easily climb over toys. We have a Collie, and every wheeled toy quickly picks up dog hair no matter how often we vacuum. What stood out on the Mini Mauler is the fact that after days of running over the dog's hair and cruising the living room nothing was wrapped up in the wheels or gears!
The four-cell pack is great for indoor fun, but outside where I had room to open it up, I preferred the five-cell pack. With a five-cell pack, it can pull wheelies from a stand still and jumps get some serious air. The Mini Mauler is most at home on pavement, but the large wheels and suspension give it limited off-road capability. The two-wheel drive is the real limit, but it can still power through dirt and grass. I tried out the Mini Mauler on a construction lot in my subdivision. As shown on the video, it has plenty of power and can navigate rough terrain. The relatively small size and correspondingly small ground clearance makes it better suited for on road driving or a prepared dirt racetrack. A major advantage of the Mini Mauler is that if the driver departs the driveway onto the grass, it can power its way back out, where a lesser car would be stranded. Overall, it is a very capable truck and I'm having a lot of fun exploring it's capabilities.
+911558: Check out the Mini Mauler in action (5 cell pack).
*Hobby Zone has many upgrades for the Mini Mauler, including:
*ball bearings,
*a hotter wind motor,
*wheels, pinion gears,
*NiMH packs,
*a clear body that you can paint yourself.
With the five-cell pack and the stock motor, the Mini Mauler is wild, I can’t imagine what it would be like with the upgrade motor and the speed pinion!
The only issue I've had with the Mini Mauler is after a high speed (five-cell) crash into the living room wall, one of the front shocks popped off. It was easily popped back in place and hasn't been a problem since. Cleaning it up after an outside romp is easy. I just rinse off the wheels and wipe down the bottom of the chassis. Everything else has stayed relatively clean.
!NOTE
The Mini Mauler is designed for alkaline, NiCad, or NiMh cells only. It is NOT intended for use with LiPoly cells.
! Conclusion
The Mini Mauler is definitely NOT a toy car, it is a small but serious R/C Monster Truck. It's rugged construction has taken everything my son and I have thrown at it. The stock performance will not disappoint you, and you speed demons can upgrade it. The complete, ready-to-run package makes it a perfect gift for the novice or experienced R/C modeler.
@911557:Gotta go play some more!