Welcome To Nitro Toyz Blog
Saturday, April 26, 2008
 Looking for the most fun you can have with a monster truck? Look no further than the CEN MT-Spec 3.0! This monster truck is a 1/10 scale model of the real deal and has all the bells and whistles to conquer the obstacle course! The CEN-MT-Spec also has a fully gas powered engine, comes RTR (Ready to Run) right out of the box and is a fully 4-wheel-drive off-road monster truck. The one piece low CG chassis, the .18 power plant and the great looking design make this one of the most popular monster trucks on the RC market today. It's not only powerful, it's reliable too. The efficient shaft driven 4WD system combined with 2 speed transmission give you over 45mph out of the box. The 125cc fuel tank is equipped to give you over 10 minutes of R/C excitement and that's more than a lot of nitro trucks will give with this much power. Drivetrain system is equipped with metal shafts supported by full precision ball bearing for years of durability and smooth running on the race track or obstacle course. If you're in the market for a new monster truck or you're shopping around for your first monster truck - look no further than the CEN MT-Spec! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, April 24, 2008
 There are two main types of RC vehicles, either electric that run on battery power or the more power nitro cars that run on fuel. Even if you're new to the sport of RC car racing, you've probably already heard several different schools of thought as to what kind of oil is needed for car fuel and the quantities that should be used for the ultimate in performance of your RC vehicle. First of all, throw any advice you got comparing nitro car fuel to airplane fuel. They are totally different and you're really comparing apples and oranges to try to use one like the other. Your RC car engine works in a different manner than an airplane engine and whereas an airplane will require around 20% of the fuel mix to be oil, an RC car needs far less - around half that amount at 10%. Another myth you've probably heard is that if you use fuel with a higher concentration of oil that it will lengthen the life of your engine. Not true. Too much oil can actually degrade the performance of your vehicle and damage your engine. Getting the mix right is key to having an optimum running RC vehicle. If you have a Traxxas engine in your RC car, this company makes a top of the line fuel to go with their engines to ensure you get peak performance out of your RC car with every run you make. Also, whether you use Traxxas or another brand, make sure that you keep your fuel tightly sealed and away from any place moisture gathers as exposure to water will weaken and eventually ruin your fuel. Always put the freshest and best fuel in your RC car, having an RC vehicle that runs flawlessly for years to come is worth it. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, April 19, 2008
 Getting your kids outdoors to enjoy time together and exercise as often as possible is a great idea. It helps kids stay physically fit and spending time together helps strengthen bonds and it's also a great time to talk to your kids about what's going on in their lives, at school and get their opinions. The amount of knowledge your child has about current world events and their opinions about them may surprise you. RC's are great exercise and racing RC vehicles is lot more than just standing in place and holding a controller while you drive. Most RC enthusiasts get quite a work out running up and down the track while they are racing. Monster trucks too, many RC monster truck drivers find they are walking and running their RC's over the obstacles and it never hurts to be close to the action so you can get up close and personal with the obstacles yourself. Knowing exactly what your monster truck can do will help you push it to the limits. RC's are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, get your kids away from the computer and video game screens and iPods out of their ears and teach them to enjoy life, interact with others and learn a new hobby. Racing RC's is a fun sport that more and more people are getting into every year - find out why! Labels: hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, April 17, 2008
 One of the biggest complaints/concerns most parents have with their own kids is that the kids don't get enough socialization time with their own age group. When they get home from school, a huge number of kids jump on the computers to surf the internet, play World of Warcraft or other role playing games, chat on instant messenger about what went on with school that day or text message back and forth on their cell phones. Even though other kids are involved in all of these activities, none of them create social skills that can only be learned in face to face interactions. Group play,something that is invaluable to younger children for learning the basics of person to person interaction as well as just plain getting along with others is equally as important for an older child. If they can't interact with others in a positive way, they will have difficulties in college and later, in the work force if they can't communicate and again, get along. If your child is a real wall flower is isn't showing any interest in doing any type of activity that includes others or is basically located outside of their room, try the fun of racing RC vehicles. There are track ruling race cars, monster trucks that will conquer obstacles and for the best of both worlds, Truggies. Get a pair of cars and practice driving, turns and jumps with your child then either find a group in your area or create one of your own. Check out local parks, many local RC enthusiasts meet on weekends for races and in some communities there are actual RC tracks and obstacle courses. The internet is a rich source of information too - the idea is to just jump in and get involved. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, April 12, 2008
 The HPI Wheelie King 4x4 Monster Truck is a super fun RC vehicle, adding a whole new dimension to fun. Not just any fun, but all-out, car-crushing, wheels-in-the-air fun! The realistically designed monster truck now features extra traction and grip. This monster is not just for kids. Unless of course you are considering kids of all ages. This true to scale monster truck features full-time 4WD allowing the traction needed to go anywhere. With its tuned weight distribution the Wheelie King makes it easy to pop a wheelie on demand. Just pull the trigger and go. Watch the front wheels rise into the air as the weight of the truck goes onto the rear wheels. Watch it drive long stretches with its wheels in the air. Ready for a different type of action? Make a few adjustments and the Wheelie King becomes a monster hill climber. With its tough universal shaft drive to the front differential powers the front wheels over anything making it a snap to conquer everything in site. Charge the battery with the included wall charger or use any standard remote control battery charger. The Wheelie King is the ultimate combination of true-to-scale monster truck looks and fun high-flying monster truck action. Imagine the smile that follows starting the Wheelie King for the first time; it’s a smile that never fades. Easy to drive and a joy to watch, the Wheelie King will be the most fun vehicle in your RC garage. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, April 10, 2008
 As with any hobby or sport, accessories can be a big part of the overall picture. Make sure you are aware of all the accessories that are available to you and have fun checking them out. Local racers were quick to snap up the Racers Edge 1/8 Scale Hauler Bags, but there are plenty in stock now. With the capability of holding a 1/8 scale with wing and tires as well as more storage room with several drawers this is one item that disappears quickly. Most racers prefer a Starter Box for their starting needs. By eliminating the pull start you actually make your engine run a bit faster. The OFNA 1/8th Scale Starter Box with Power Panel with adjustable starter motor where both the travel and position can be adjusted to accommodate the engine position in the vehicle is a very popular and reliable choice. If you need something to transport your Traxxas or HPI Savage vehicles you should check out the HPI Carrying Bag. This deluxe carrying bag can handle all of your needs. Another great must-have is the Team Orion Advantage Charger with a new carbon case and LiPo charging. It has customizable Linear, Flex and Step charging, battery cycling, five charging memories, both input and output short circuit protection, 11 to 15 volts D/C input, built in clock, easy to navigate 4 push button settings and a choice of 3 different alarm tones or a silent function. Accessories can and do make a difference. If RC vehicles are a new passion or you're just reviving an old favorite hobby, rev up your racing fun by adding fun accessories to your vehicles. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, April 5, 2008
 If you or your kids have wanted to get into the RC action but you either don't want to race with others or because of where you live it's not a possibility to get to the local RC track on a regular basis, look up - there's an answer for you. An RC helicopter is a great way to have a blast with your kids (or just on your own) experiencing the fun of an RC. A great RC chopper to start with is the Venom Ocean Rescue. This unit comes Ready to Fly and is ideal for beginning RC pilots. It can take a little practice to get your flying technique right and very soon you'll be buzzing your 'copter around the yard, hovering and doing other fun stunts with your RC helicopter. The Venom is a micro helicopter and features counter-rotating blades for greater stability and ease of flying. This unit comes with a 4-channel radio, 2 cell 7.4 volt 800mah LiPO battery and charger. If you have a special on your gift giving list that is hard to buy for consider the fun of an RC helicopter. The control is so easy to master, both kids and adults catch on very quickly on how to maneuver the chopper around with ease. For even more fun, get a pair of these choppers and have races around your yard or your favorite place to go fly high. Many people create helicopter obstacle courses that include poles to circle, large circular obstacles to carefully fly through and even target landings. Your imagine is your only limit to the fun you can with an RC helicopter! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, April 3, 2008
 The CEN Magnum NX is one of the most fun RC vehicles to hit the scene in a long time. It is 1/10th scale and gas powered. It is ideal for beginning RC drivers as it arrives ready to run right out of the box and the 4-wheel-drive makes it an off-road dream. There's a one piece low low CG Chassis, recoil started NX 3.0 .18ci high power nitro engine, long travel oil filled shocks, full ball bearings, the MT-Spec 3.0 is loaded with features that allows it to dominate its competition with ease! Some of the best features of this monster include the shaft driven 4-wheel-drive system that combines with a 2-speed transmission and will let you cruise over 45mph. The brakes in this bad boy are also top of the line, if you need to stop and you need to stop NOW, you can do it with ease. The 125cc fuel tank to provide over 10 minutes of R/C fun and give you a longer running time than many of your competitors. If you want to up the fun in your next RC get-together - you can't go wrong with a Truggy. Half truck and half buggy - you get the best of both worlds in one dynamite package! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, March 29, 2008
 Is your child dying to learn to run an RC? If so, we have some excellent tips for anyone just starting out.
First of all, choose a beginner vehicle for a beginning driver. There's no point in dropping a bunch of money on a top of the line nitro RC and then having it driven smack into a wall at 40mph because your child hasn't quite gotten around their learning curve for steering. Start slow and learn how to control and RC and then a whole world of vehicle choices will open up.
Make sure that your child knows the basic safety precautions and there aren't many and they are pretty simple to learn and follow and every RC run will be a good one. Also, many RC models have a training mode where the speed will only be about 50% of the total power of the vehicle and it's a great way to learn to control your RC.A great RC to start with is the Kyosho Half 8 Mini Inferno. It's not expensive and it's a great car to learn with. If your child is ready to race RC's - let them and you may want to get one for yourself because two racers is more fun than one and driving RC's is contagious fun! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, March 27, 2008
 You know RC cars are fun, but did you know that they are also great confidence boosters? As you know, all kids are different and in one family alone you can have a total extrovert and a painfully shy child that are siblings. Often times, the shyness isn't really shyness at all, but a lack of self confidence and it's just a matter of giving that child something to excel in to really let them shine. If it's your first excursion into the world of RC racing, start off with an electric-powered car as they have a lot lower learning curve for care as well as driving and sometimes unsure children can also have really low tolerances for frustration. Make this fun, easy and enjoyable and you'll soon have an RC racing expert on your hands. There are four main types of RC vehicles, race cars, monster trucks, truggies (combo truck and buggy) and the ever-popular helicopter RC's. If you're not sure if your shy one wants to race or not, consider the fun of just getting him a monster truck and building some fun obstacles to climb and let him get to know what his truck can really do in the backyard, then you can find a local group to join (when he's ready) or even better make up a group of your own with his friends. It's a great way to promote outdoor activities as well as group activities - something shy children need a boost in getting more often than not. Learning to be a great RC driver isn't difficult and it will lend a huge amount of self confidence to your shy child and help them begin to blossom into confident young adults! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, March 22, 2008
 Answer : The GST 7.7 by CEN Racing features the largest engine ever used in an RC Monster Truck. The NX 7.7 engine used in this monster truck is 30% larger than the previous king of the engines, the Revo 3.3. The Savage USED to rule the track and now the GST is the king of the obstacle course and of course, the dirt! The torque in this engine is on the brutal scale with pulling ability like no other. Many of the RC Monster truck rallies include pulling competitions and your RC will win hands down with it's ability to pull thanks to the 3-speed tranny. Addtionally, competitions that require wheelies, freestyling or climbing steep obstacles are no problem either as your engine is ready to go and the tires have superior gripe. What else can this engine do? How about propelling your monster truck can go 40mph in either forward or reverse gear. The tires alone are 7.5-inch with chrome wheels and not only grip the ground they look sharp too! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, March 20, 2008
 If you're just getting your feet wet in the world of RC racing and you want an electric RC vehicle that doesn't really look like an electric RC; you can't go wrong with a Traxxas Spirit Street Truck.This RC has the speed and mobility of a nitro RC with the ease of maintenance of an electricity. The Spirit is 1:10 scale model of an actual street racer and has 2-wheel drive capability. This stadium truck will arrive RTR (ready to run) right out of the box and will make the perfect starter truck for anyone learning to race RC's. Additionally, the ease of use for this little speed demon will please Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, March 8, 2008
The only downside to RC racing is in the more northern regions of the country, you can't do it outside all year round due to the cold/ice/snow. However indoor tracks are growing in numbers by leaps and bounds and the judging by the sheer number of people at the tracks on the weekends - the popularity of RC racing is growing at warp speed too! Some great RC vehicles for beginners are found in the electric RC's. Those are usually the best to start with . They require very little set up or maintenance and you can concentrate on being a good driver instead of where to add the fuel or if you need to change out an air filter - all of those things are necessary to know but you can learn them as you get deeper into the action of driving your RC car. If you want to hit the tracks , consider an RC race car or racing sedan. Those are a blast to whiz around the race tracks. If you love more of an obstacle course and would rather climb and challenge yourself to get over obstacles, than an RC truck will be more your style. Can't decide? No problem. The new generation of "truggies" half truck and half buggy are great both on the track as well as off it and they love to race and love to conquer obstacles. No matter which way you go - the fun of racing and driving RC vehicles can't be denied. Get into the action this weekend and you'll learn first hand why once you get started racing - it's tough to stop until next week! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Sometimes it's time to move on from the fun on the ground and take your RC experience to a whole new level - in the air! An RC helicopter is a great way to spend time with your favorite flying buddies and the EF M.A.S.H. Army Rescue Chopper is exactly the fun machine you should be doing it with. The Ready-to-Fly, dual rotor, micro-electric helicopter was designed to provide stand-off scale looks, be easy to fly, and have great flight characteristics you can count on. This is not only the perfect starter chopper for a beginner pilot, it's also fun for a more experienced pilot due to it's sheer ease of control. The M.A.S.H. Army Rescue Chopper will arrive factor assembled and only requires a few final assemblies that will take you possibly a few minutes at most and then this helicopter will be ready to lift off! The only things required to assemble and fly the M.A.S.H. Army Rescue Chopper are an 8-pack of 'AA' batteries for the transmitter and a screwdriver for final assembly. RC pilots will be pleased to see how easy this chopper is to control in the air as it hovers with ease and will just as easily go forward, backward, up, down, to the right or to the left. What are you waiting for? Get into the fun you're missing out on and join in flying an RC helicopter - the track won't see nearly as fun anymore once you're flying above it! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, March 1, 2008
 Looking to take your RC fun up a notch - check out the Ofna Jammin .5 Truggy. The truggy is a relatively new creation in the RC world. It's half truck and half buggy and will fully give you the best of both worlds with the amount of fun it has in store. This truggy has a two piece tuned exhaust pipe and a full 75cc tank. Meaning you're gonna keep ruling the track while everyone else is off to the side refueling.
The ball bearings are sealed throughout this designing giving you one sturdy vehicle. The throttle and brake linkage is full adjustable so you can tweak this RC to fully respond to your own individual driving style.
Great attention has been paid to the detail in this design. If you want a truggy that is a climber as well as fast, you'll meet both wishes with this one. The shocks and suspension in this truggy have been designed for climbing and overcoming obstacles however the engine and overall design also makes it a genuine contender on the race track too. Good stability is another part of this design and you won't find yourself rolling on turns as other truggies that are rather top heavy have experienced in the past.
If you love to climb and you love to race - now you have the all-in-one- vehicle to do it with! Labels: hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, February 28, 2008
 RTR or Ready to Run RC vehicle is a bit of a misnomer. RTR cars and trucks are necessary ready to hit the pavement right out of the box, granted they need a very minimum of set up but there are still a few things that you should do to make sure that your RC is running safe. At the most your set up of your RTR will take around 45 minutes, however the average time is around 15 minutes. For starers, read the manual or watch the video that came with your RC car. There will be information that will be manufacturer specific to your RC and no matter how long you've been racing or how much you know about RC's - just give it the once over - you may pick up some new knowledge you didn't know! Next, do an overall inspection of your RC. Make sure that everything is there and there are no broken pieces. It's rare because RC's are usually packed really well for shipping but the occasional "oops" in shipping happens. Tires are the next thing you should glance over. Make sure your tires are glued evenly all around the wheel and if they aren't, take a moment and glue them yourself - once you're on the track or dirt, you'll be glad you took that extra step. Shock check! The oil that fills the shocks in RC cars and trucks gives them stability over rough terrain. When oil is lacking in the shocks, the bumps in the road or on the course won't be absorbed. Last things to do: Check over the screws and make sure they are all tightly in place and then check out your batteries (if necessary) and get your battery packs charged. Give your RC the once-over and see if there are any assembly tasks that need completing (attaching an antenna, adding fuel, or securing a body). And that's it - your RTR is ready to go! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, February 23, 2008
 Sometimes, having a great project to sink your teeth into can really get your gears turning. For some people, this could mean woodworking or even refinishing their bathroom. However, for those of us who like a little bit more power and adventure in our lives, there is the smart choice of an RC kit to get our juices flowing. If you are a lover of RC racing, then there is really nothing sweeter than being able to compete on a track using one of the cars that you actually put together yourself. When you want to show off your building skills, then you might want to get your hands on the Team Associated RC8 1:8 Scale Offroad Buggy Kit. Not only is this a fun way to show off your building skills, but it can also make for a nice little project that you can be proud of once it is all said and done. Certainly, strength and durability will never be an issue when it comes to smart RC car kits such as this. You are sure to see that once you finish this car and it hits the track that you are going to be able to easily smoke all of the competition surrounding you. As a matter of fact, you may even start to see that you will be getting requests from other drivers asking you to build cars for them as well! Perhaps you can make a little money on the side building various kits in your spare time. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, February 21, 2008
 The Traxxas Stampede XL-5 Electric Monster Truck was voted the "Best Electric Monster Truck" in 2006 by Xtreme RC Cars in January 2007 and it hasn't lost any of its bells and whistles in 2008. If you're looking for a powerful and fun RC vehicle but you don't want to run a nitro (fuel) vehicle just yet - check out this power house of a monster truck. This monster truck was redesigned and updated for 2006 and the improvements in design left nothing out. This vehicle is built for conquering those steep climbs and starting and stopping on a dime. Best of all, since this is an electric vehicle, you just charge this vehicle up and you're off and running. The wheels are set a little wider and the body is elevated just a little bit higher in this design. The result? You get more speed, more clearance and better climbing ability than with any other electric monster truck you'll find available today. If you want to do more than go fast and conquer the obstacle course, jump some ramps and catch some air and while you're at it - pop a few wheelies! You can do it all with this monster truck. For the specs, this monster truck is a 1/10th scale model of the real deal and it's an electric off-road model. However it will run easily on a track and you will soon love to take on the obstacle courses and ramps with this truck. Go ahead - give this monster truck a try and you'll agree - this much fun shouldn't be legal! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, February 16, 2008
 Do you love to drive fast! Really, really fast? The HPI Baja is the buggy for you! This off-road powerhouse is 1/5 scale model of the real deal and is shipped to you RTR. Meaning you order it, you pay for it, we ship it and you run it right out of the box when it's delivered! This is a larger scale model than a lot of buggies. It's about 32" long and has a classic Baja Buggy long suspension. The larger size allows this pony to get to where smaller buggies don't dare to trend. The Baja is powered by regular gasoline and everything you need comes in the package. From the pre-assembled chassis to the pre-painted body shell. There is an FM radio gear with a built in fail safe and the 6-colt receiver pack and charger will ensure that you're ready to rock whenever there's some offroad action to be found. Just add gas and oil and you're ready to go! If you want something hardcore out of the ordinary as far as off-road buggies go and you want a tough RC to boot - you'll get the best of both worlds in the Baja! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, February 14, 2008
 Looking for some super monster fun in your next RC truck? Check out the features in the GST 7.7 by CEN. The little powerhouse features the largest engine ever used in an RC Monster Truck. If you're wondering exactly how large, it's a 5 horsepower NX 7.7 engine. The CEN GST 7.7 is over 30% larger than a Revo 3.3. Did a Savage rule your RC obstacle course? Those days are over. When you park the GST by a Savage - the better RC will shine and the Savage just doesn't seem like that tough of a competitor anymore. The engine in his workhorse will offer up some severe torque that can pull the super wheelies, climb the most imposing steep hills you can design and handle nearly any obstacle with ease. If you have an obstacle on your course that you've needed sheer power to overcome - you have the power wtih the GST. One crazy feature that many people find cool about this design is the fact it can go 40Mph in both forward AND reverse! If you're ready to rule the course, add this RTR monster truck to your vehicles! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, February 9, 2008
 Getting your RC to the track safely can turn into a challenge after you really get into the sport of RC racing. In the beginning you had little more than your RC and maybe a little extra fuel on hand. As you got more and more into the sport of racing, you found you started adding extra wheels, extra fuel, extra air filters and more. Many racers like to give their RC racers the once over at the track before they go home and so they bring along their cleaning supplies and this can turn into quite a bit of stuff. Being organized helps too; it's frustrating to buy a new air filter and find out you already had a 5-pack, you just didn't see it initially. A great solution is to invest in a bag to carry your racer and keep all your racing equipment in one place that way you can see at a glance what you have and what you need. The 1/8 Scale Hauler Bag is the perfect answer to this dilemma. There are two boxes in this handy tote. The top box is 19.5" x 12.5" x 4.5" and fits a 1/8 scale buggy with wing and tires. The middle drawer is also 19.5" x 12.5" x 4.5" and there are two drawers on the bottom measuring 9.5" and 8.5" respectively for storing a ton of your items. The overall dimensions of the Racers Edge Hauler bag are 21.5" x 14.25" x 23.75". If you need a super gift for the RC enthusiast on your list - this is it! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, February 7, 2008
 One thing every parent worries about at one time or another is whether or not their child will make a bad decision when exposed to friends that are experimenting with drugs and/or alcohol. A survey released by the Teen Drug Council of America stated that the number one way teens said they would be more likely to avoid drugs and alcohol is through more interaction with their parents. True, it can be hard to find time to spend together with your kids when you add in factors such as work, extra-curricular activities, sports, necessary errands and all those last minute things that pop up between yourself and your kids; but endeavor to make at least one special time each week when the cell phones and computers are off and spend some time together. Enjoying a hobby together builds common ground that many parents find they have lost with their teens somewhere between that little kid in braces to the budding young adult of the present. RC racing is a fun sport with a lot of diversity and there is always somewhere to race - whether it's your own driveway - a local parking lot that is friendly to RC racers or a professional RC track. Your teen can enjoy the fun, learn good sportsmanship along with responsibility of taking car of their own RC vehicle.This is a great way to rebuild connections and pave the way for keeping the lines of communication open with your teen - explore the world of RC racing -together. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, February 2, 2008
 Today was Groundhog Day and even though Phil the Groundhog predicted there would be six more weeks of winter weather to deal with, that doesn't mean you can't start planning ahead for spring racing! If you don't already have an outdoor racetrack to visit, consider making one of your own and you'll find you don't need a ton of space to do it. If you want to make a track indoors - you can build a basic one with a turn on each end and then a straightaway leading to those turns (Think Indie 500); or you can make a more complex track with numerous turns and winding curves. How challenging you want your track to be is solely up to you. If you have a covered area such as a patio or an indoor area with room such as your garage, you may be able to conceive and build a racetrack that you'll be running all year round. This is a great way to start a racing group of your own. Many of the larger RC racing groups started very small and humble as a couple of friends that met on a regular basis to run their RC's and then another person joined and then another and another until a large group with a common interest was formed. Don't run RC race cars? Another fun project you can undertake is to build an obstacle course for your monster truck. Think obstacles to roll over, think things to climb and objects to conquer for your monster truck and you'll be on your way to building a true course that all your RC monster truck lovin' buddies will want to come run. It's up to you, but if the cold weather is keeping you from running your RC, build a place where you can run your RC's and as the line from the movie goes, "If you build it, they will come" applies to RC racing enthusiasts as well! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, January 31, 2008
 You know what makes a good RC racer into a truly great racer? Practice and lots of it. No one is born naturally knowing how to make those sharp turns, when to let up on the gas and other nuances of great car control. You have to practice your skills and the more you do it- the more unstoppable you'll be on the race track. Take a pad with you to the track, make a note of what your car's limits are. How fast can you take a turn? When does your car spin out? Does it pass better on the straightaway or just before a turn? What is the fastest your car can go? How much room does your car need to stop? You can find out the answers to all of these questions and get to know exactly what your RC car can do by practicing. You don't have to go to the track for a lot of those questions to be answered, but remember that your RC will give you different results depending on the type of surface that you're running it on. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, January 26, 2008
 The fun of "driving" RC cars can't be beat and the number of participants in this hobby is growing by leaps and bounds every year. If you have a young person that would love to get in on the action of driving their own RC vehicle but they are still a little to self conscious to go to the local track or join an RC racing group or club; give them a street racer that they can drive on their own street or driveway and hone their skills and build confidence in their abilities. The T raxxas Spirt 2-wheel-drive street truck is idea for this purpose and along with being built to hug the concrete streets, this RC vehicle is responsive and easy to control for even new RC drivers. This is a 1"10 scale model of an actual racing truck and this particular design is electric meaning no fuel additions are necessary. It runs on battery power and it's a good idea to get a charger and while you're running your RC, have a set of batteries charging so you can just swap them out and not have to stop your day or racing because your batteries are giving out. When purchased, this truck needs no assembly and comes ready to hit the streets right out of the box. If you're looking for the perfect RC for your child to enjoy RC racing with or you're curious about the hobby yourself, get in on the fun with the Traxxas Street Truck - this is one fun machine! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, January 24, 2008
 If you've wanted to get in on the action of RC cars but after looking at the prices you weren't so sure, start off with a very affordable and fast RC car that will really launch you into the fun of remote control racing!
The Kyosho Mini-Z NASCAR sedan is the car for you. This is the first hobby grade, licensed NASCAR RC car that is on the market today. The attention to detail that went into the creation of this car is exceptional and it's a perfect scale model of the real sized race car.
Additionally. the Mini-Z i-Series chassis is made with quality construction and has an independent front suspension just like the full sized model race car this little powerhouse is designed to emulate. The electronics for this car have a full digital proportional control, instead of the analog resistor-type controllers so common in cheaper mini-size cars. This means you have fully proportional control of forward, reverse, and steering with digital precision just like the more expensive models without paying the big price tag.
If you're ready to jump into the fun of RC racing, check out the Mini-Z as your first car - you'll be glad you did!
Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, January 19, 2008
 Did you know a recent study conducted by the organization Drug Free showed that a whopping 75% of teens that used alcohol, marijuana and other drugs and activities such as "huffing" (breathing substances such as glue out of a bag) did so because they stated they were bored? It's been proven time and again that positive interaction from parents and giving your child a hobby will keep them from being bored and steer them away from using drugs and alcohol. Additionally, having a frank talk with your child on a regular basis is a great way to steer them away from using. If you aren't sure how to start, tell them about the parties kids your age threw when you were a teen and how there were instances of drinking and ask if parties are still the same. It may cause your teen to tell you what they hear at school at the parties and then you can talk from there. It doesn't have to be anything serious and in depth, mostly just listen for tell-tale signs of where your own kid stands about drinking and drugs. Ask them what they think the penalties should be for drinking and driving and ask their opinions on numerous issues - it will show you respect his or her thoughts and will enable them to open up to you even more. Don't be judgmental or lose your composure, it will slam the door on your conversation - the important thing is to listen. Another thing you can do is give your child a hobby they can grow with. Plus they can join a local group of RC racers or create their own group and make a good circle of friends. Racing RC cars requires that they be on their toes to control their vehicles, responsibility for keeping their cars clean and primed for another race or day on the obstacle course. You can start off with an electric vehicle and then upgrade to nitro and then graduate to also running helicopters - there are no limits with RC - new products and improvements come out every year so this is an evolving hobby to be involved in! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, January 17, 2008
 Looking for the ultimate in fun for your kids? Invest in the Venom Night Ranger 3D XL. This is a fun remote control helicopter that will gives your kids fun for hours upon hours. This is a full aerobatic helicopter and comes Ready-To-Fly [RTF] right out of the box. It's made with quality and durability in mind and has an alloy main frame and tail boom for strength and is made to last. Other bells and whistles on this model include a strong belt driven motor, the venom is powered by a 20L brushless motor and has 6 channel FM radio for control with 4 micro servos. The main battery is a LiPO battery along with a battery charger. The remote control takes eight size AA batteries. There are two flight modes that can be chosen : normal and aerobatic. It's best to use the "normal" mode while learning how to do the basic controls for your helicopter. Take off, landing, turns, decreasing altitude and flying under and over objects as well as hovering. Take a little time to learn these basic skills - the the real fun can start! Rev up the action for the Venom Night Ranger and take that baby into Aeroatic mode. Now knowing how to handle your chopper and do turns, side rolls, spins and more. If you're ready to let your kids explore the skies around your home or even in your living room - get them the Venom Night Ranger! Approximate runtime 8-10 minutes. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, January 5, 2008
 No matter if you're an old pro with RC vehicles or you are new to the fun and want something simple yet versatile to use - take your fun to a higher level and explore the possibilities of an RC helicopter. The Venom Micro Rescue is a wonderful choice for anyone that wants to get their feet wet flying one of the most versatile and fun helicopters on the market today. The Venom Micro is easy to control and has a price tag everyone can afford. The downside to many of these types of RC helicopters is that they went through batteries like water. The Venom Micro is the exception to that rule. The battery it uses to fly is rechargeable, so you won't be running out every few days to buy another dozen batteries. It's extremely easy to learn to fly and maneuver and both new RC enthusiasts as well as old hats enjoy flying the Venom Micro. The radio doubles as a battery charger and your helicopter will last about 5-6 minutes of flying time for every 20-30 minute charge. If the race track isn't thrilling you like it used to and you just aren't able to find any more obstacles to create for your monster truck - take your RC fun skyward and start finding out exactly how fun an RC helicopter can be! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Upgrading your nitro RC hobby from all electric vehicles to fuel powered nitro vehicles can be challenging. If you're curious about the differences, there are really only a few. The main issues is starting your vehicle. It no longer takes just a flip of a switch to get your car's motor running. You will need to know the proper way to start your nitro vehicle and here it is:
Before starting, your vehicle should always be clean. If you've ran the nitro vehicle before, make it a point to clean your before storing it, even for short periods of time. Dirt, grime and debris can build up and ruin your engine.
Next check your glow starter and make sure it has enough power to get your engine going. This is the time to replace any batteries if necessary. Now is the time to add fuel to your RC car. Most nitro cars require that your prime the engine prior to starting because your car can not start without fuel obviously. Then stick your glow starter into the engine and start your car using the pull start or however it starts manually.
If it's a cold day, many RC racers use hand held hair dryers to get their engines warm prior to starting. It doesn't matter how you do it- just get your engine safely warm before you start it or in all likelihood your RC car won't run.
And that's the basics for starting your nitro car - if you're ready to take your racing game up a notch - get into the speed demon fun of nitro rc vehicles!Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, December 29, 2007
 Yes, the holiday season is over but instead of breathing a sigh of relief for surviving the rush of this year, think ahead to next year and make your holiday season (almost) completely stress free. How? It's easy! First of all, while everyone is fresh in your mind, ,make a list of everyone you know or associate with. Next to their names, write "gift" or "card". Go ahead and write the addresses down off the holiday cards you've received and keep it handy throughout the year so if someone's address changes, you'll have it right on your sheet. Then next to anyone that you wrote "gift" for, jot down a few ideas for each person. You'll remember more clearly what they got you and you got them and you're not likely to double up on a present or buy them something they don't need. And here's another reason, make a few suggestions for each person and as you see bargains and other good deals during the year, snatch up the item and cross that gift off your list. You'll find by next December, you will need to do very little except enjoy the holiday. Need some good gifts for under $25? If you have an RC vehicle fan, we have some great suggestions for stocking stuffers. A gift certificate is a great gift that lets the receiver pick out whatever they would like the most. A glow starter would also come in very handy. A pit towel or even some fun new tires for their monster truck will all make outstanding gifts the RC enthusiast can appreciate! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, December 27, 2007
 One thing about running RC vehicles that you'll learn quickly is that they run through tires quick and often (depending on the kind of running you do). Asphalt tracks that heat up quickly will cause your tires to degrade more quickly, if you don't already - keep a spare set on hand and that way when you're in the middle of ruling the race track, your day won't be cut short by a tire that has given out. Another consideration for tires is the type of terrain that you're running your RC on as well the type. Truggies and monster trucks will use different types of tires than a race car because they will need traction and grip in different ways. Use the correct tire for your scale model vehicle just like you choose the correct tires for your personal vehicle. The vehicles with the most fun tires are definitely the Monster Trucks. The Panther MT Meat Grinder tires come with the foams and the tires are ready to grab and grind the terrain. It's a good idea to keep at least a pair on hand and if you run into any trouble when you're out running your monster truck you can quickly change out your tires and switch them into Meat Grinders and really rule the course! Make sure you have the right tires on your RC for the type of running you do - you'll see yourself at the top of your game if you do! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, December 22, 2007
 No matter what kind of an RC enthusiast you may be, there is nothing better than getting a chance to shop for new cars, trucks or even some accessories to go along with what you may already own. Even the beginner can get quite a thrill from finding all sorts of goodies that they just have to have. The ultimate in RC shopping is definitely your online store, especially because you have so many wonderful options to choose from. Instead of having to deal with parts or accessories being out of stock at your local store or hobby shop that happens to carry RCs, by shopping online you have a plethora of items all at your fingertips. With a little bit of browsing and the simple click of your mouse, you can have all of your RC gear shipped directly to your door. No hassles, no worries, just simple shopping that is also fun! Perhaps you have a friend or family member who is an RC lover that lives far away and you would like to send them a gift. Shopping for RC kits to build or built cars online could be just the ticket. All you need to do is shop and then send with a note letting them know that you were thinking of them. With something this simple and a selection that is incomparable, it is amazing that anyone would choose to shop anywhere but online for all of their RC vehicles and accessories. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, December 20, 2007
 The holiday season is just about to start winding down and if you need a last minute gift or you want to give someone a present to take them into the New Year, why not give them a new hobby for the New Year? Racing RC cars is a blast and 4-wheeling with monster truck almost can't be beat - however this is one more very fun aspect to RCing that you may not have explored just yet; the RC helicopters. Driving is fun but flying is even better! The Venom Ocean Rescue helicopter is a great RC helicopter to start with and it comes ready to fly right out of the box - no assembly necessary. It has a counter rotating blade for greater stability when flying and makes a wonderful chopper for first time pilots because of the ease of control. More experienced RC pilots will enjoy the maneuverability that the Venom offers. The Ocean Rescue comes with a 4 channel radio, 2 cell 7.4v 800mah LiPO battery and charger. Go ahead, give someone a new hobby for the new year - make it the year of the helicopter! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, December 15, 2007
 After you've been racing RC cars for a period of time, you'll want to add some cool moves to your racing style. One move that has gained popularity over the last few years is "drifting". It was inspired by the movie - "Fast and Furious - Tokyo Drift". The only requirement for doing a drift is that you use a fast car. Use a racecar style or sedan, monster trucks will be shut out of doing the drift. If you haven't already glued your tires in place, do so before drifting as it causes real wear on your tires if you do it often. Otherwise, it's just plain fun to do in a race! Every car handles a little differently, so you'll have to experiment with the best way to get your car to drive but here are the basics for learning to do it. Drive straight ahead and then slowly begin to weave your car to the right and left and get a feel for exactly where and how your RC grips the road. Then, repeat this move and do it a little faster every time. Soon your car will begin to catch a little air under the tires between gripping and it will actually begin to "drift". Steer the direction the car is moving and you'll be doing a total drift on a turn. Practice this move and you'll learn to quickly take your car right out of a spin and into a drift. Drop a few jaws as your next racing get together and show off your new drift style. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, December 13, 2007
 If you want to get a gift for someone that wants to get into the fun of racing RC cars, but hasn't had a lot of experience driving one - the Talon NX Buggy is a great choice that will be easy to drive, even for beginners. This fun machine has a one piece low CG Chassis, recoil started NX 3It .0 .18ci high power nitro engine, long travel oil filled shocks and full ball bearings giving it a smooth driving action. It also features a efficient shaft driven 4WD system that you can count on combined with a 2 speed automatic transmission. The Talon can go over 45 mph right out of the box. The braking system also stops on a dime and will come in handy when learning to control this RC and you may have to suddenly abort a turn. The Talon is a scale model of a design and is based upon the same platform that took Andrew Smolnik to the winner’s circle in the 2003 NORCCA Nationals Monster Truck Race. If you need a great gift that will bring enjoyment all year round and for years to come - you can't go wrong with a Talon! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Saturday, December 8, 2007
 The official start of Winter is still in the near future and your kids may already be bored with the cold, ice and snow. If your kids are bored with their video games, tired of talking with their friends via Myspace and really want something to do, have an RC kit handy and your kids will have the fun of not only making their own toy - but also using it! An RC car kit is a great activity to keep your kids busy during the days when it's too cold to go outside and they are bored with their indoor activities. An RC kit will come with everything your kids need to build their own racing or off road vehicle. However, most kits do not come with radio control systems - that is something you will usually need to purchases outside of the car kit. You will find that one radio system generally isn't superior to another but you will find that certain radio systems are better suited for different driving styles. Experiment a little and you will find a perfect fit for your RC hobby. Consider making your kids and indoor track in the garage or even a utility room. You don't need a lot of room to race and you can let your kids learn how to control their RC vehicle along with good sportsmanship and taking turns. Toys that stimulate imaginations and encourage group play are always great learning toys - no matter how fun they are! Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
Thursday, December 6, 2007
 Have the memories of the quality of RC cars when you were a kid kept you from letting your kids enjoy the fun? You may remember them as wobbly, fragile "toys" that made a high-pitched sound. Let those memories go- the RC vehicles that are available today are a whole lot more than toys - they are 100% fun machines. When you decide to jump back into the fun of RC racing, you'll have two main choices in vehicles. Either electrically powered by a rechargeable battery or gas/oil mixture creating "Nitro" fuel. There are also choices for two or four wheel drive and last but not least will you want to take the RC vehicle on the race track or conquer off road? A fun RC car that will let you go offroad as well as zoom on the racetracks are the new breed of Truggies. Half truck and half buggy - they are great for almost any kind of RC driving. Sedans are also growing in popularity as race cars that can also be taken offroad, although they can't conquer the truly large obstacles the way a scale Monster Truck can. The CEN-CT is a fun, RTR (ready to run) sedan that will make a great car for a beginning racer and will most definitely please a pro with its ease of handling. Labels: hobby, hobby toys, nitro, racing, rc-cars, toys
by: Nitro Toyz
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