Mini-Z Comparing

[CharlzO]

Here's a pic of a mini-z chassis. just thought a couple things were interesting. First, you'd have to modify any Mini-Z bodies to fit, since it appears the way they mount is completely different. Also, note the motor BEHIND the rear axle, with a direct drive set. Gotta be hell on the right hand turns *lol*. I dig the center shock to the motor, on top ot the rear independent. But overall, I think we got 'em beat on a couple things. I noticed there are a LOT more bodies for the Z's, but I think we've got the customizing edge by far. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but it doesn't look like the Z can be "tuned" with different body parts, but rather just new bodies like the Zip Zaps. I'm only going by what I can see in the pics, so I may be wrong (happens to the best of us *lol*). Just thought it may be interesting to some. Sorry bout posting so much! just happens when I get excited :)

[nojodash]

hi all, hey My Son and I have a couple Mini Z racers( Corvette CR-5 and Mercedes Benz Warsteiner) and a Mini Z Overland, and just as soon as I get my hands on an X-Mod, I'll try to post a comparison/review of these against a Mini Z! Z's are expensive but way cool, but the X-Mods to me look like they will give the Z some competition, we'll see! Anyways, not a big RC guru like some of you, but I'll try to post some helpful tidbits for those who are interested! Later, David

[Namuna]

Okay folks, let's keep our hopes and expectations for REAL here. the XMODS, I'm sure, will be a cool thing...But will NEVER be in league with a Mini-Z.

CharlzO, it's funny you're using that particular picture of a Mini-Z frame as a reference point...Because it's already 'tricked-out'. Everything you see there in purple are custom parts and so are the foam-rubber tires.

There's a WHOLE OTHER world over at www.mini-zracer.com. The Mini-Z has been around and there's a TON of customizations for it

[3series takumi]

not too sure about the comparison. let it be known i dont really like miniz but i think the miniz will still be faster. stock to stock. since the stock xmod will be rear wheel drive but will have more moving parts. the suspension of the miniz is pretty limited compaired to the xmod, so chalk up a point on that. the build of the miniz (being from kyosho) is really good, im not sure about the xmod. i am hoping that a 3rd party companies will make parts for the xmod cause the miniz has tons of stuff for it.

personally i will never buy a miniz racer again with the exception of my overland (i love that thing) but i will be buying an xmod. that way i can post better info on it :P

major selling point for me is the 4wd upgrade. i dont really like how they call it all-wheel drive even thought it dont have a center diff but oh well.

[CharlzO]

I apologize for using a tricked out chassis. It was about the only one I could find in the short time I was looking. Please don't get me wrong, and think I'm knockin the Zs. I've never had one, and wouldn't mind one myself. I was just trying to see different points, as this is an Xmod forum, what advantages the Xmod might have over the Z. Hopefully, nojodash can give us a rockin rundown when he and his son get there Xmods. I've seen the parts that the Zs can use, and I hope that us X-ers get close to HALF of what they have available (and the other half, well...we'll just have to make those parts ourselves). We'll see!

[blind]

here's a real comparison:

[sessiz10]

Originally posted by Namuna
Okay folks, let's keep our hopes and expectations for REAL here. the XMODS, I'm sure, will be a cool thing...But will NEVER be in league with a Mini-Z.

CharlzO, it's funny you're using that particular picture of a Mini-Z frame as a reference point...Because it's already 'tricked-out'. Everything you see there in purple are custom parts and so are the foam-rubber tires.

There's a WHOLE OTHER world over at www.mini-zracer.com. The Mini-Z has been around and there's a TON of customizations for it

Could you elaborate on your statement namuna?
I would like to know why.

[Namuna]

Originally posted by sessiz10
Could you elaborate on your statement namuna?
I would like to know why.

I just picked an XMod up last night, will be doing some testing this weekend...But right off the bat folks should know that the XMod isn't FULL Propo steering, like the Mini-Z...I believe it's something in the range of 8-steps of steering.

[Bad Company]

Originally posted by Namuna
IBut right off the bat folks should know that the XMod isn't FULL Propo steering, like the Mini-Z...I believe it's something in the range of 8-steps of steering.
That's not what I wanted to hear. Maybe you got a bum one.;) Wanna take it back and try again? Heh.

[sessiz10]

I count 14/15 for each side.
I'm no expert on propo, hells I'm a newb when It comes to these.

[Namuna]

Alright, I'm talkin right out my butt.

I'll shut my trap until AFTER I've tested this thing FOR MYSELF.

[Bad Company]

I'm counting 14 steps each way.

[Nathan]

16 for me. It handles pretty well, espcially for the price.

[Micro S2000]

i counted about 16-18 each way, i havent driven 256 each waybut i dont think the steps are a big deal its amazing for having that much less.

[Silent_NightR34]

come on!! people are already saying that these will never be on par with mini z's...wats up with that? these things just came out and most people dont even know anything about them...it was like when mini z's came out..if you compare them to a hpi micro the micro willl blow it out..just wait for some companies to find out about these and by next year they can probaly blow away "some" mini z's...some people are acting like they have seen every hop up out there and used it then compared it to a mini-z...and i bet you nobody did yet...we haven't even found out the limits of these things but people are already saying that it would never ever be better than mini-z's *cough* *cough*:p ..but seriously now...you guys just wait till i get my hands on 2...one to find the limits and the other to mod...:D

[sessiz10]

Well spoken/written silent night.
I think alotta people are being snobby. That coupled with RSes track record of putting out crappy r/c has given these a negative from the get go.
I also hate how some "serious" r/c guys consider these just "toys" and not a "real" r/c. I say forget about em. they're just being ignorant. When the micro r/c market gets flooded with new people I wonder how many of them snobs will credit RS for bringing the people in. Even if the xmods turn out to be the preverbial pos, The people that bought them will most likely move on to the "better" cars.
All these puritans should be happy that RS is trying with their 1000+ stores.
Meh
Too many quotes and I'm begining to feel like bits versus zips all over again.:p

[3series takumi]

i just got one for the heck of it... it was a price i just couldnt beat. the thing is great, but what is the likely hood that there will be 3rd party add-ons for a RS car? i would love to see some, but did RS have any plans on getting outside support or did the play on keepin strictly within RS?

either way, i have not problem with home brew mods... i do after all have a minix with probably least support of all of the 1/24ths

[atomikplayboy]

Originally posted by Nathan
16 for me. It handles pretty well, espcially for the price.

I also counted 16 steps on each side... I did it a couple of times to make sure I wasn't just hearing things. I'm happy with the steering... love my RSX!

AP

[slugbugg]

I guess alot of it depends on RS's goals, do they want to get into main stream rc or just make a buck and not give a hoot about where it all leads.The Xmod is a very good RS car and has alot of promise I would love to see some third party parts suppliers.Even if the Xmod does not ever compare evenly with the mini-Z maybe RS will release an even better car in the future we just never know.
This Xmod really shocked me coming from RS.(it is cool)

[pacificwarriors]

cmon prople stop comparing these things they are pretty much made for 2 different things. the xmods for stylyebut speed in a way too. plus rs is new at speed they have never really had anythig that can go that fast. Mini-z is for speed not a smooth ride or anythin this stuff is pretty obvious so stop comparing these things they are in like 2 different leagues

[khopari]

Originally posted by Silent_NightR34
come on!! people are already saying that these will never be on par with mini z's...wats up with that? these things just came out and most people dont even know anything about them...it was like when mini z's came out..if you compare them to a hpi micro the micro willl blow it out..just wait for some companies to find out about these and by next year they can probaly blow away "some" mini z's...some people are acting like they have seen every hop up out there and used it then compared it to a mini-z...and i bet you nobody did yet...we haven't even found out the limits of these things but people are already saying that it would never ever be better than mini-z's *cough* *cough*:p ..but seriously now...you guys just wait till i get my hands on 2...one to find the limits and the other to mod...:D

good point made,,,,, XMODS is pretty nice setup for someone like me who is new to this scene..... i am sure XMODS will get more and more AFtermarket suppost.. like NML

[fst blk supra]

i bet u the stage 10 motor could smoke a miniz.
of course i dont have either , i am just going from other posts

[arch2b]

i have serious doubts a stage 10 xmod would smoke a fuzion mini-z;) you should also see his fuzion overland...great stuff

[neurokinetik]

Originally posted by sessiz10
Even if the xmods turn out to be the preverbial pos, The people that bought them will most likely move on to the "better" cars.


Not me, I've already been down that road with 1/10th and 1/12th scale cars. I don't intend to go down that (expensive) road again. In just two short weeks, I've got a decent-sized group of local people with XMods to race with. We will probably end up running an "open" class where Mini Zs and heavily modded XMods can run, and if the XMod isn't competitive, then I'll drop back to a stage 2 motor and run with the rest of my friends.

[arch2b]

there shouldn't be any animosity between mini-z's and xmods....they are 2 different rc's at two different levels of competition. it is very fortunate that some of the techonology and parts are compatiable. this will allow for a wide range of modding for xmods and provide plenty to disscuss and share here.

[Deity]

heh...that whole train of thought makes me laugh. XMODs may not be built for competition, but that didnt stop all of the TMAX modders out there. Some tracks have entire classes for that thing now. I love RC for what it is.....remotely controlling toy cars, and the XMOD gives just as much fun as my weekly club race at my local track. Its actually better becasue it gives all the guys in my office something to do in downtime.

the car is only as serious as people make it. It was way more attactive to me over the miniZ just because of price, and you get alot more for your money in my opinion. I think the XMOD is a great way to bring new people into the hobby. Its an RTR that you can mod if you want to. I think its a great idea.

[Cian]

We are seeing a lot of hybridisation with Mini-Z parts, Wheels Shells, Turbos, Motors, on Xmods...

Any one try Xmod parts on their Z?

Just a thought...

[Ace25]

lets get straight to the point, X-MOD better than Mini-Z, the only thing that a Mini-Z has over an X-MOD is the amount of bodies for them, but with a little trimming and alot of patience, you can fit almost any Mini-Z body on an X-MOD, but you wont be able to buy body kits for it, to put it plain and simple, X-MODS are better than Mini-Z...period.

[3series takumi]

though i hate miniz's i thing the throttle and steering response is both faster and smoother than the xmod. i just saw an mr02 spank an xmod the other. was hella funny!!

[arch2b]

Originally posted by Ace25
lets get straight to the point, X-MOD better than Mini-Z, the only thing that a Mini-Z has over an X-MOD is the amount of bodies for them, but with a little trimming and alot of patience, you can fit almost any Mini-Z body on an X-MOD, but you wont be able to buy body kits for it, to put it plain and simple, X-MODS are better than Mini-Z...period.

how is an inferior rc better than one that is clearly of higher quality? the mini-z, while more expensive, has much better electronics that provide superior throttle, turning and range. there are only 3 things good with the xmods:
first the price is right for entry level rc's
second the awd upgrade is nice
third the bodies while not as nice as kyosho's, have upgrade kits that are easy for beginners to mod.

other than that, it's a toy. the xmod and mini-z should not really even be in comparison, they are apples and oranges. the xmod is great for what it is and the same goes for the mini-z.

[Deity]

the xmod and mini-z should not really even be in comparison, they are apples and oranges. the xmod is great for what it is and the same goes for the mini-z.

EXACTLY

its all about fun people, do what you enjoy, try not **** Sh*t on other peoples fun.

[Shane_882002]

I was wondering which is faster a mini z(stock) or a xmod(stock) and if possible post some pics or video clips:D
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[the12for12]

hey the best of both worlds; a mid-engine car for the curves and a rear-engine racer for topend:D

icandigit,
Thomas

[PTink]

Originally posted by Ace25
lets get straight to the point, X-MOD better than Mini-Z, the only thing that a Mini-Z has over an X-MOD is the amount of bodies for them, but with a little trimming and alot of patience, you can fit almost any Mini-Z body on an X-MOD, but you wont be able to buy body kits for it, to put it plain and simple, X-MODS are better than Mini-Z...period.

oh man, just go over to www.minizracer.com and you can start eating your words. to repeat the only things better that i can see with the X mod is the 4WD, the modable bodys and the price. maybe i should just go pick one up over christmas and mod it out to be a cool drift car while my MiniZ can be my dedicated grip car for the races out at the LHS

[3series takumi]

Originally posted by PTink
oh man, just go over to www.minizracer.com and you can start eating your words. to repeat the only things better that i can see with the X mod is the 4WD, the modable bodys and the price. maybe i should just go pick one up over christmas and mod it out to be a cool drift car while my MiniZ can be my dedicated grip car for the races out at the LHS

hah you are a lost soul if you think a radio shack xmod is better than a kyosho... KYOSHO mini-z

[Deep Blue]

In all honesty, the Xmod is a toy, and certainly not a hobby grade RC car like the mini-x/mini-z. The Xmod is best in its field (fun/dollar) and nothing compares. It's customizable (cosmetically), easily accessible, being that it's sold at RS's all over the place, and they're cheap. The mini-X/Z is the best in its field, which is high-qual, long life and strong aftermarket support.

Overall, to bring an Xmod to the quality of a Mini-X/Z on the mass market would take a signifigant jump in price and almost a complete restructuring of the Xmod which, knowing RS, would take months. To bring a miniX/Z to Xmod level would take Kyosho saying "ok..so lets make bodies with interchangable components". That could be done in a day.

Mark my words though, in 6 months from this day (bringing us to 5-8-04) the best handling 1/28th scale RC car will be a MiniX/MiniZ, and the fastest 1/24th scale RC car will be an Xmod. Hell, I'd almost say that today.

[3series takumi]

i think the current speed and handling records go to the abc-dtm series cars. nothin i have seen can beat an SP or X4. of course every dtm-x4 i have ever seen was running some type of 180 style motor with foam tires

[Deep Blue]

I have 2 Xmods that have 180's in them. How fast are the ABC-DTM's going in mph?

[3series takumi]

no clue. they run about the same gear ratio as the xmods but the wheels are bigger, so it covers slighty more ground per turn. they also use hobby grade batteries that have more punch than the aaa's

what 180 motors are you runing, did you have to add FETS or anything, i am lookin to add more speed to the xmod we have

the dtms i have seen were running an hpi micro mod and and teamorion micro elite. the elite is suppose to be slow but my tricked out minix couldnt keep. that will change with the zapped batteries, micro motor, and 3:1 gear ratio ;p

[Deep Blue]

Hm. I may have to take a walk over to the ABCDTM forum and have a look-see.

I didn't have to stack or replace FET's for the FF/FK180's. the HPI stock and HPI modified 45t both fit in without any major headaches at all, seeing that the F?180's drop in without any modifications. In all honesty, the FF180 (stock in a Micro) even at 6v will make for an Xmod that's nearly twice as fast as a stage 2. I tested one of mine (full stock weight with a 5th cell) over 30 feet to make the voyage in 4.21 seconds with a run that was definitely less than straight on low-pile industrial carpet, so I would venture to say 30 feet in 4 seconds flat easily which equates to about 17mph in about half of maximum range. An RS stage 2 Xmod wont hit 17mph over any distance and any amount of time. With an 11t (which the aforementioned test was run with) it would top out in the mid 20mph's at only 7.5v and stock weight.

I've been discussing the 180 family in an Xmod on another Xmod messageboard for about 2 months now and it's since become the unquestionable motor of choice, so I can pretty much give information in an almost archival state if needed. With it installed, it looks like this:
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/470232/FF180Installed2.jpg

And this:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2003-11/470232/FF180installed.jpg

If you have any questions you can IM me at DeepBlue963.

[Cian]

sorry m8 but thiose pics don't work fo rme...

[Deep Blue]

My image (free) image host is low rent so about 3/4ths of the time the images will show, the other 25% of the time it wont. Check back in a few hours (probably by the time you get this) and they should be visable again.

[byebye]

I have two(2) x-mods, skyline and rsx. In total I spent around 250-300 usd on both cars and 1 of ea set of upgrades. The design quaility of both cars were "awesome" right out of the box and the looks were also "awesome" but the speed was only "good" compared to mini-z OFTB speed. The rsx seemed faster and had a tighter turning radius. Maybe due to the shorter wheel base and possibly better power to weight ratio. I bought all the mods for them except the stage 1 motors. I could drift the skyline like a pro with the awd upgrade and stage two motor. After about a week I had problems. Both cars smoked at the crystal probably due to the fact that I accidentely shorted the antenna lead to maybe the battery or motor leads while doing an upgrade. RS took both cars back but after the second they said that was it. I do commend them on that but the fact that these are upgradable and have to be taken apart so much I would expect RS to have better consumer service and support because these are not your typical RS toys. Ok, so I liked the look and body upgrades along with the performance upgrades. You can setup your vehicle to just about any driving condition except a tight turning motor cross course. As far as testing, I hated the fact that I had to unscrew 8 screws and take the chassis apart for a motor upgrade. I think the car is way to complex for only average performance increases and limited OEM upgrades. With all the upgrades the car handled very well and had better speed then stock. Do expect to hit the walls alot in the beginning especially after a motor upgrade. The car has a servo brake which I think is useless. I hit the wall more times then I can count because of a weak stopping distance. If I could change that I would. X-mods also do not have a very good low speed turning radius. High speed turning is ok and tighter with drifting. RS tires are not as grippy as megatech or stock mini-z tires so it's easier to spin the tires and drift then a mini-z. The body kits give it a mild to wild look and coupled with the headlights it's very life like. I think RS did a great job of creating a product that replicates very detailed looks of actual cars.
The status of my x-mods right now is the rsx chassis is completely dissasembled because of sterring problems probably due to poor QA. The skyline was then converted to the rsx and is running very smooth with the stage 2 8t motor and all upgrades except the AWD. I do not run the AWD because it's too slow to keep up with my mini-z's. X-mods are a good starter car for the new-b to graduate to a better handling and higher speed car. I do however think that they could have made a more user friendly design for the complexity and amount of upgradable parts. I think they hit the nail on the head with the mid mounted positioning of the motor and the awesome suspension designs but again it's alot of work for upgrading, bearings especially. Remember that these cars are mini-z knock offs much like the zz vs. ms/b-c's so RS is going to do there best to give it similar characteristics but with a completely different design. I have to give RS credit because this is a much better and funner r/c product then what they normaly sell.

Mini-z's
I have 2 lxx mini'z $26.00 usd and 3 kyosho Mini-z's $99.00-$110.00 usd. In total I have spent around 500-600 usd for mini-z's and somre parts. Mini-z out of the box are way better....x-mod stock-$50 usd. Mini-z stock- $149.00 usd. The price is well worth it. Fully prop steering great handling awesome speed out of the box which includes the pinions. Notice that including pinions doesn't mean having to buy 4 motors of the same speed with different gearing. Gearing upgrades are very simple and very quick. The radios have awesome features and very good range. The mini-z bodies have excellent detail but upgrading the looks of a mini-z is limited to paint, spoilers and wheels. Body changes with putties and clay's are probably not for the novice and is not an area I have explored. New paint on any r/c can give it a dramatic change body kit or not. As far as upgrades for mini-z there are too many to list and too many manufactureres. The range of upgrades is amazing. Prices are hefty on the wallet. I put together a list for my wifes car, she wants all purple parts from megatech, $411 usd. That's just parts and upgrades. That would definately smoke an x-mod with all their oem upgrades hands down. But is it worth it? You are in a whole new class with mini-z's after you upgrade it. It's smooth steering great power and plethera of bodies and parts make it a great choice for the r/c guy that wants to go down in scale and price and a great choice for the r/c newbie or pro x-modder that wants to explore the mini-z side. Kids better hope parents have lotsa money. LOL.

In closing it's all about preference. I can completely clean and upgrade my mini-z with ease and in less then half the time of an x-mod. My x-mods, with all the upgrades can be tweeked to my hearts desire and not for $411 dollars. If you are budget minded then go with an x-mod. If you are like me, have money and a need for speed go with the mini-z's. I like all of my cars and I'll tell you that my x-mod with all the upgrades can stay with my stock, out of the box un-touched mini-z but after an x-speed motor upgrade and some bearings in my evo VI....... BYEBYE.
My evo VI
http://www.tinyrc.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15475

[arch2b]

byebye,
i think you posted one of the better comparisons as neither review seems overtly biased toward one or the other really.

i do have some disagreements over the quality of the xmod but overall i think you hit the nail on the head. i just got my xmod monday and have only had time to dig into the bag of scews (there are MANY, have a nice size 0 magnetized screwdriver handy) and put the body together. i'll be running it this weekend....

one of the things to note first is the pricing point shows rs is marketing to a much younger crowd than that of the mini-z. i agree in that for the money, the xmod is a great intro in higher quality rc's. right now, they are still very new and therefore the hype surrounding them is just as high, explaining the easliy spotted slanted reviews. i do however think the xmod will be very sucessful and even more so if and when rs rolls out the sponsored racing schedule. afterall, even if your a stout mini-z fan such as myself, you'll love the body kits:D

[Cian]

Must say that 's a nicely written review there, good to see both sides together, most people tend to have a bias (I know I Do). it does boil down to apples and oranges at the end of the day. looking forward to gewtting mine!

[neurokinetik]

Originally posted by byebye
. As far as testing, I hated the fact that I had to unscrew 8 screws and take the chassis apart for a motor upgrade.

Noob! You can change the motor removing only four screws if you know what you are doing... :p

Other than that, good review...

[byebye]

4 screws, 8 screws, what ever. I have to do alot of unscrewing. Unsnapping is always easier. You still have to change the bottom gear that corosponds with the motor though. Like I said it's all preference.

[byebye]

yes arch, chances are with tournaments X-mods will suceed and I do believe that there will be chassis changes and more parts with the success of the tournaments. I think with enough feedback from consumers those changes can happen. I kinda wish that x-mods were a company of there own and RS was just another re-seller. With the mr-02 chassis out, having a new and better design I think that RS will do the same.

[neurokinetik]

We have a small track setup locally that I have been running on, and it is interesting to see how differently the Mini-Zs perform from the XMods. The track is very narrow (lanes are probably only 24" wide) so it makes for tough driving with the XMods, requiring full steering lock to make most of the corners. OTOH, the track surface (carpet) is a bit tricky, and RWD cars are at a big disadvantage both under braking and coming out of corners on throttle. Rubber tires work best here, which is the opposite of what I was expecting,

This is a stock Mini-Z, so it isn't totally fair to compare it to our XMods, though my only mods are motor, bearings and AWD. On this track, the only thing that the Mini-Z had going for it is that it can corner tighter, and more importantly, without rolling over. It was slower everywhere on the track, even the long straight, though that is really because of the stock motor. I'd like to see it with an X-Speed, but the drivers were having a hard enough time keeping it going straight as it was, I think on this track a slower motor can actually make for better lap times.

Anyway, I think the two cars certainly can be competitive, despite the initial reports that I saw...

[byebye]

Can you be more specific on the performance of the mini-z. Specifically what were it's week points. Thanks