The new AquaCraft™ Rio™ EP 2.4GHz RTR is here! Check out this video where Mike Zaborowski, better known as GrimRacer, analyzes the features and tries this new boat out in the pond.

Basic Product Information

Part # – 2070
UPC Code – 845937004437
Retail price – $25.00
(Fits Kyosho Ultima SC)

Concept

When racing on a loamy or top soil track surface the inside of the Ultima SC chassis can become loaded with dirt or debris which creates extra weight. With the JConcepts over-tray these worries are minimized with the simple and functional over-tray. Fitting nicely under the body; the JConcepts over-tray hugs the outside dimension of the SC chassis protecting the inside from unwanted excess dirt and debris build-up during racing conditions. By minimizing resting surface area the void and protrusion free design is all about performance.

Unique Body Parts

The over-tray is snug around the entire chassis structure while being attached with hook and loop tape around the sides and a slide-in fit in the front for easy access. The over-tray is built with extra height and rake to provide extra room for various electrical and battery configurations.

Features

* Original JConcepts simple design and function
* Includes hook and loop tape
* Durable clear polycarbonate material can be painted or wrapped
* Plenty of clearance for various electrical and battery configurations
* JConcepts – World Proven Innovation and Design

See why the AguaCraft Rio 51Z RTR is known for its superspeed in this video where Mike “GrimRacer” Zabrowski puts this model to the test in the pond.

Futuba FASST™ continues to produce high-quality 2.4GHz systems, and now you can benefit more from their products by availing these promos:

Futuba FASST™ Air System Promo

• The Futuba FASST™ air system, an ideal choice for flying events and crowded fields, is virtually interference-free. The package comes with a R1617FS 7-channel receiver, but now you can enjoy your own 7C, 8FG, 10C, 12FG, 12Z, or 14MZ air system better as it comes with another free receiver. can You can save as much as $124.99 by availing this promo

Futuba FASST™ Surface System Promo

• The Futuba FASST™ surface system, a gear that is an essential for many race champions out there, is perfect for racing on wheels and over water. The package also comes with a R603FS-3 receiver, but now you can enjoy your own 3PK or 4PK surface system better as it comes with another free receiver. You can save as much as $199.99 by availing this promo.



Getting the free item is easy. No forms or coupons are necessary, the free item will be given right away when you purchase the product. Hurry! This limited promo is only until July 31, 2010, and can only be availed at participating dealers.



Learn more information about the promo. Click here or watch the video.

Also, you can contact:
Carol Pesch
Product Communication Manager
cpesch@hobbico.com
217-398-3630

Click here to learn more about the product and other products from Futuba.

Basic Product Information

Part # – 0058
UPC Code – 845937002235
Retail price – $42.00
(Fits Ofna Hyper SC and Jammin SCRT-10)

Concept

Get ready, JConcepts is on a roll with this fierce new Manta body. Upon first glance, it is easy to visualize this new body gliding around on the Hyper SC or Jammin SCRT-10. Scale meets performance with the new JConcepts Manta body, inspired from the ground up as a competition addict to turn short course trucks into high performance machines.

Unique Body Parts

The Manta begins with the latest in short course truck detail by incorporating the latest treatment from JConcepts in grill and headlight design with a racing influenced front bumper. Front and rear fender flares provide the clearance necessary to run an assortment of short course tires including the 4-time National Champion Goose Bumps.

Extended cab design with recessed side windows, louvers along the front hood area highlight a number of the front-end styling cues. Short course inspired bed area with incredible detail finish off this extraordinary, tough design.

In addition, JConcepts has included an optional rear spoiler which gives the ability to alter the look and function of the Manta by simply adding or removing the rear spoiler. Maintaining that exclusive performance and feel is critical to a vehicles performance, JConcepts is world proven innovation and design.

Features

* JConcepts – short course styling
* Scale inspired body, cab and window design
* Includes add-on rear spoiler for optional look and function
* Aggressive headlight and grill treatment with racing influenced front bumper
* Front and rear fender flares for maximum clearance
* Extended cab with recessed windows
* Clear heavy-duty polycarbonate with protective film
* Window masks and detailed decal sheet

Basic Product Information

Part # – 0209
UPC Code – 845937004659
Retail price – $29.00
(Fits Serpent Cobra 811)

Concept

The Punisher body by JConcepts for the Serpent Cobra 811 is part of the meanest, nastiest body line out for 1/8th buggy racing. Throw everything you know out the window, the Punisher separates itself from the rest of the bodies on the market with its distinctive styling.

Unique Body Parts

The radical new Punisher body stares you down like a trained fighter. The slight cab-forward treatment is amongst the most aggressive in class giving the Punisher top notch performance. Blended wing / body design gives additional down-force to the side-pods and windshield which increases drivability, corner speed and jump control. The rear base of the cab area represents the latest offering for 1/8th buggy racing featuring a super low profile design for increased engine cooling, air flow and escape.

Features

* Original – JConcepts Punisher design
* Blended wing / body design
* Clear polycarbonate with protective film
* Window masks and decal sheet

This video shows the highlights of the 2010 Futuba/O.S. Engine Nitro Challenge held last July 9-11, 2010. RC drivers gathered to participate in eight classes of 1/8 scale competition and vied for trophies, cash prizes, and high-quality race gears. The event was presented by R/C Car Action magazine and Dirt Burners R/C Club.

I’m so excited to announce our first ever RCCarBasher.com Contest!

To kick things off with the recent launch of the site, we’re hosting a contest where we’ll be giving away hundreds of dollars worth of prizes to all participants.

Prizes Up For Grabs

These are the prizes up for grabs.  We will be adding more prizes as we sign on more sponsors, but here are the prizes we have up for grabs so far:

MORE PRIZES COMING SOON!!!

We are currently actively seeking more sponsors for our contest.  If you’d like donate prizes for the contest, please contact us today.

Contest Sponsors

We’d like to thank our contest sponsors:

• GH Racing
• Hobbico
• O’Donnell Racing

We are currently actively seeking more sponsors for our contest.  If you’d like donate prizes for the contest, please contact us today.  We’re accepting prizes of various sizes, and we’d be glad to work with you to promote your brand on our site.

Participation Requirements

Free.  No Purchase Necessary!

Winning prizes in our contest is easy.  We are going to be following a Ticket System where you can earn multiple Tickets for the contest by helping us spread the word about our new site.

Contest Date

Our contest runs until September 15th.  All tickets must be earned prior to 11:59pm (PST) – September 15th, 2009 to be eligible.  Prizes will be drawn shortly thereafter.

How Prizes Will Be Selected

Each ticket you earn into the contest will be assigned a number.  At the end of the contest, we will randomly select a number for each prize in the contest.  The person assigned to that number wins the prize.

How to Earn Tickets

There are multiple ways you can earn ticket in our contest.  The more tickets you earn, the higher your chances of winning.  Throughout the contest, we will be updating our subscribers with additional ways they can earn tickets, as well as updating them on additional prizes we add to the contest.

Here are the current ways you can earn tickets into the contest:

1. Subscribe to our newsletter.  (Earn 5 Tickets) Simply enter your name & email address in the top right hand corner box on this page to sign up for our free newsletter.  This will allow us to contact you with additional ways you can earn tickets in our contest, and update you on any additional prizes we add to the contest.  If you are already subscribed to our newsletter, you already earned 5 tickets!
2. Follow Us on Twitter.  (Earn 2 Tickets) Simply follow us on Twitter.  If you are already following us on Twitter, you’ve already earned two tickets!  Please note that you must stay as a follower for at least the duration of the contest to qualify for tickets.
3. Re-Tweet This Contest Post.  (Earn 2 Tickets) Re-Tweet this post and earn two additional tickets in the contest.  Please use the Re-Tween button at the bottom of this post to ensure your Tweet is properly formatted and counts towards the contest.  Please note, you may Re-Tweet as often as you’d like, but you only earn 2 tickets total, regardless how many times you Re-Tweet.
4. Refer a Friend. (Earn 5 Tickets For Each Referral) Know a friend who’s into RC Cars?  Let them know about our contest and earn an additional 5 tickets for each qualified referral.  A qualified  referral is someone who participates in the contest by earning at least one ticket, and who fills out the registration form below with your name as the referrer.  (That’s the only way we know you referred them!)

Once you’ve earned entries with the methods listed above, you must also leave a comment to register for the contest below.  Copy and Paste this form into the comment box and replace the filed in the [ brackets ] with your information to register your earned tickets.

Registration Form

Please copy and paste this registration form into a comment on this form to register your tickets in the contest.

——————- COPY BELOW THIS LINE ————————————-

Who Are You? [ Your Name ] from [ City ]
RC Cars: [ Tell Us About Your RCs ]
Referred By: [ If You Were Referred Here by Someone, List Their Name.  Otherwise List How You Heard About Our Contest ]
Subscribed to Newsletter? [ Yes | No ]
Twitter Follower? [ Yes | No ]
Re-Tweet? [ Yes | No ]
# Of Friends You Referred: [ Enter # of Qualified Referrals You've Made.  Please note they must first fill out a registration form themselves, listing you as a referral in order for it to count. ]
Which RCs Would You Like to See Referred On Our Site? [ List as many as you'd like ]
What Would You Like to See in Our Review Process & Track? [ We're planning on building a track to bash & review RC's.  Any ideas what you'd like to see most on our track?  Jumps, speedy straight-aways? Spikes? Water-Pit?  Share Your Crazy Ideas. ]

——————- END OF REGISTRATION FORM —————————–

Once you submit your registration form, if later on you end up earning additional tickets ( such as for example by referring your friends ), simply cut and paste your registration form and leave a follow-up comment with the new registration with the updated numbers.  We’ll count your last registration entry for the contest.

Contest Rules

All tickets earned and registrations must be completed prior to 11:59pm (PST) on September 15th, 2009.

All tickets will be verified.  No cheating! :)

Contest open to participants in North America only.  Sorry, shipping costs outside of North America often end up costing more than the prizes themselves and some prizes (ie. DVD etc.) only work in North America.

Although we don’t have any intention to do so, we reserve the right to change or modify contest rules at any time, and add/withdraw/exchange prizes based on availability.

Traxxas Revo 3.3 #5309

This is a first glance report on the Traxxas Revo 3.3 #5309 Nitro Monster Truck.

New With The Traxxas Revo 3.3 #5309

Now 10% Larger Than Previous Revo 3.3 — Wider and Taller

The new Revo 3.3 is now 10% larger than the previous version of the Revo, making it both wider and taller.

The new size should give it more stability due to the extra 1 inch in width the new Revo 3.3 now boasts.

More importantly, the overall size increase should also make it even more fun for Bashing.

New ProGraphix Painted Body

The new Revo 3.3 comes with a professionally painted ProGraphix body with fully applied decals.  The body comes in 4 color variations although it may not be easy to track down a very specific color you’re looking for.

New TQ 2.4Ghz 3-Channel Transmitter and Mini Receiver

Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Transmitter

The next thing Traxxas upgraded was their radio system.  The new Revo 3.3 now comes with the Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Transmitter Radio.

The radio uses DSS (digital spread-spectrum) technology which was designed to provide glitch-free control with no hassle crystal-free operation.

The system also has electronic trim controls, a low-battery indicator, servo-reversing ability, and a grip-mounted third channel switch.

The other cool thing about the 2.4GHz radio systems is that the antennas are much smaller compared to the old radio systems.

Traxxas 2.4GHz Mini Receiver

Paired up with the radio comes a 4-channel 2.4 GHz Mini Receiver which has dual-steering-servo inputs as well as built-in programmable failsafe circutry.

The failsafe circutry is there to turn the throttle to neutral in the even the receiver loses connection with the radio for whatever reason.

Just like the radio, the mini-receiver does not have a crystal so there is worry about finding a free frequency like the old radios.  You just switch on the radio and the mini-receiver automatically locates and syncs up with it.

New Dual Digital, High-Torque, Waterproof, Ball-Bearing Steering Servos

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Steering Servos

These steering servos produce 125 oz.-in. of torque each for a total of 250 oz.-in. of total torque for turning the tires.  I have to admit, that’s pretty impressive.

The servos have ball-baring output shafts, and they’re also waterproof, which makes them perfect for Bashing!

The Savage-X I have only came with a single low-torque servo and I already had to buy high-torque servo for it that I’ll be replacing soon as the one it comes with just doesn’t cut it.  These dual servos on the new Revo should be a huge improvement on that.

New Geode™ Wheels and 6.3″ Maxx Tires

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Wheels

The new Geode™ wheels that come with the Revo 3.3 have an extra half-inch offset on each side which is what increases the Revo 3.3’s width by a full inch, which gives it more stability when Bashing and fast-speed cornering is involved.

The 6.3″ Maxx Tires give you the best of both worlds, whether you end up driving on pavement or dirt.  Made from a soft-compound, the tires provide good traction on both surfaces.

New Heavy-Duty Reversing Transmission with OptiDrive®

Traxxas Revo Reversing Transmission

Another really cool addition to the #5309 Revo package is the Reversing Transmission with OptiDrive®.

Since I’m not a racer, I love having the ability to go in reverse on my cars, so this addition is another reason the new Revo will probably make a perfect RC Car for all kind of Bashing fun.

This new reversing transmission has an electronic module in it that prevents you from accidentally shifting into reverse at high speeds.  The module won’t allow you to shift into reverse until the vehicle has slowed down to a safe speed for shifting into reverse.

Now Includes NiMH Receiver and EZ-Start Battery Packs

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Batteries

Both batteries are rechargeable and the package comes with included wall chargers.

The only batteries that are not included in the package are the 8 AA batteries you’ll need for the radio.

Now Includes Fuel Bottle, Spare Glow Plugs and Air Filter Elements

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Fuel Bottle

The whole point of this new Revo 3.3 package is to go beyond the concept of a “Ready-To-Run” package, taking it into the new “Ready-to-Drive” stage where you have pretty much everything you need to get going right away.

With most RTR packages there’s always something you still need to pick-up separately, such as the batteries, fuel bottle, glow plugs and air filters.

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Glow Plug

Well, in this package Traxxas just included it all in the package so you don’t have to purchase them separately.

They throw in a 500cc fuel bottle with a blue-anodized spout, a spare Glow Plug, and spare Air Filter Elements.

Pretty much the only thing you will need that’s not included in the box is the Nitro Fuel and the 8 AA batteries you’ll need for the radio.

Besides all the Revo 3.3 (#5309) extras featured above, the Revo 3.3 package also comes standard with all the usual Revo 3.3 goodies, including:

• TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine
• Mirror-Polish Resonator Dual-Chamber Aluminum Pipe
• Large High-Volume Dual-Stage Air Filter
• EZ-Start® Electric Start
• 150 cc Fuel Tank
• Hard-anodized, Teflon®-Coated GTR Shocks
• Smooth and Durable TiN Shock Shafts
• Aluminum 17mm Splined Wheel Hub and Hex Nut
• Large 6×13mm Outer Axle Bearings
• Steel Pivon Ball Retainers
• 3D Semi-Monocoque Chassis
• Large Diameter Disc Brake
• Sealed Limited Slip Differentials
• Super-Duty Sealed Driveshafts
• Sealed Pivot Ball Suspension
• Progressive-2 Rockers for balanced Handling in All Conditions
• 4.25″ Ground-Clearance
• Rubber-Sealed Ball Bearings
• Hex-Hardware
• Pro-Quality Tools
• Traxxas Customer Support
  

Quick Info on the Traxxas Revo 3.3 (#5309) 4WD Monster Truck

• Road Type: Off-Road
• Engine Type: Nitro.  TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine
• Chassis Style: Monster Truck
• Build Type: RTR
• Scale: 1/10th
• Drive Train: 4WD
• Reverse: Yes
• Availability: Now
• Price: MSRP $700

Pictures:

Quick Specs:

• Wheelbase: 348 mm
• Length: 525 mm
• Weight: 4.75kg (no fuel)
• Center Ground Clearance: 108 mm
• Track: 444.5 mm Front, 447 mm Rear
• Gear Ratio: 25.55:1 (1st) and 16.31:1 (2nd)
• Suspension: Fully Independent Progressive 2 Rockers
• Drive Train: Shaft Driven 4WD
• Tire Type: Geode™ Mirror-Chrome Wheels
• Motor: TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine w/ EZ-Start®
• Radio: Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Radio
• Servos: Dual Digital, High-Torque, Waterproof, Ball-Bearing Steering Servos

Key Features:

• Included Accessories:
  • 1200mAh 5-cell receiver battery
  • 1500mAh 6-cell EZ-Start pack
  • Fuel filler bottle
  • Extra glow plug
  • Extra oiled air filter
  • Long travel rockers & springs
• NEW wide-track body with custom graphics
• TQ 2.4GHz 3-CH radio system
• Four channel 2.4GHz micro receiver
• New 17mm hex Geode™ mirror-chrome
  wheels with pre-glued on 6.3” Maxx-Sized Tires
• 17mm aluminum splined wheel hubs and nuts
• Large capacity 150cc fuel tank
• Hard-anodized Teflon®-coated GTR shocks
  with TiN shock shafts
• High flow dual-stage air filter
• Installed progressive 2 long travel rockers
• Dual 2075 digital high-torque, ball bearing steering servos deliver 250 oz-in & 0.16-sec transit time
• Blue-anodized chassis and chassis brace
• RX box includes 5-cell flat rechargeable RX pack
• Heavy-duty reversing OptiDrive® transmission
  • Two-speed forward/reverse transmission
  • Low rotating mass for quick, high-revving acceleration
  • Constant drive engagement is smooth and instantly responsive
  • Sealed case protects gears & two-speed from damaging debris
• Large diameter front disc brake
• Polished Resonator™ dual chamber tuned pipe
• High-revving TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine for proven championship-winning horsepower and speed
  • Bigger piston and sleeve delivers extreme power
  • Consistent and smooth throughout the entire power band
  • Straight-through exhaust flow
  • Slide carburetor
  • Knife-edged connecting rod
  • Large aluminum blue-anodized cooling head
  • Super-light piston and rod
  • High-performance ball bearings
  • Backed by Traxxas Lifetime Engine Replacement Plan.
• 45+mph top speed
• EZ-Start® push-button electric starting.
• Torque-Control™ slipper clutch
• Sealed limited slip front and rear differentials
• Super-duty sealed driveshafts
• Sealed pivot ball suspension
• Rubber-sealed ball bearings
• Hex hardware
• New ProGraphix® body graphics

What You’ll Need:

• 8 AA Batteries for Radio
• Nitro Fuel

Where to Buy

*Images Courtesy Traxxas

Futaba 4PK 2.4G FASST System

For a limited time, Futaba is offering a trade-up program for those who want to upgrade their old radio systems to the new Futaba FASST series of radios.

The FASST system radios feature Continuous Channel Shifting™ which shifts the frequency of the radios hundreds of times per second to avoid conflicts and interruptions, Pre-Vision™ which scans incoming data for errors, Dual Antenna Diversity™ which allows the system to switch between the two antennas to pick the one with the best signal automatically, Easy Link™ which allows you to sync your radio and your receiver at the push of one button.

The radios look pretty sweet, so I did a bit of research on the Trade-Up program to see what it’s all about.

The Scoop on the Trade-Up Program

• You must purchase a Futaba FASST system between July 1st and October 31st, 2009
• Your old radio shippment must be postmarked no later than November 30, 2009
• The program allows trade-ups for other brand systems as well, such as Airtronics, Hitec, JR, KO Propo, MultiPlex, Spektrum and of course old Futaba radios as well
• Radio’s that come with RTR kits are not eligible
• Trade-Up Certificates can be used for future Futaba purchases, so this is not a rebate program where they send you check
• 4PK Systems get a $75 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3PK (FASST) Systems get a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3VCS (FASST) Systems get a $50 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3PM (FASST) Systems get a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $15 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• 3GR-FS (FASST) Systems get a $25 Trade-Up Certificate for 2.4 GHz Trade-Ins, and a $15 Trade-Up Certificate for 27,75 MHz Trade-Ins
• Full details on the program are available here.

So if you’re upgrading from an old 27, 75 MHz radio system to the new Futaba 4PK system (Approx. $400) you could get a $50 trade-up certificate for your old radio.  That’s not bad but you do have to factor in the shipping costs of sending in your radio to Futaba.

If it ends up costing you $30 to ship your old radio, then you’re in effect only getting $20 for your old radio.  You may be able to sell it for more cash than that on eBay or Craigs List or something.  This is especially true for the lower end $15 certificates, as you could easily pay that much just for shipping your old radio system in.

So, if you’re thinking of buying one of the new Futaba FASST radio systems it might be worth to check into their Trade-Up program but just remember to factor in your shipping costs into the equation.

For full program details check out this link:

Futaba Trade-Up Program Details