Pocket Racer Readysets

[Cruizer]

Has anyone seen, tested or own one of the new pocket racer readysets? I think they are sold under the name "Dynamite Pocket Racer Readyset ?"

I thinking of investing in one and I'd like to hear some opinions of those who have actually ran one of the kits firsthand.

Any information will be greatly appreciated guys.

THANKS!!! :D

[Btman]

My Local Hobby Shop just got them in stock. The package was factory sealed so I did not get a chance to look at the chassis, but I did get a chance to look at the box. My hobby shop's car guy said he has heard good things about them. The price is certainly competitive, ready to run for about $140. I am thinking about buying one myself but would like to see the chassis layout first. If someone has pictures of the chassis without body please post. It appeared that the stock tires and diff would provide good performance out of the box. I like the size because it is slightly larger than a mini-z sedan but smaller than the HPI micro RS4. 1/24 scale may be just what I am looking for to run in my basement. The micro RS4 is a great car but too large for some houses. The mini-z is also a great car but performance suffers on my slippery basement floor when using stock tires/stock diff. I was thinking about buying a ABC dtm 1/24 scale car, but this new Car from Dynamite might do just fine. The price is certainly right. There's info on the distributor's web site, but no pictures of the chassis. Does Dynamite have a website? I have not been able to find one. But my ISP search engine stinks. I really want the new ABC dtm-x4 but the price would probably be twice as much to get it on the road.

[Cruizer]

I broke down and bought one of the ready sets today from my LHS. The car is similar to the DTM but all the electronics appear to be the less expensive variety (I'm guessing to keep costs down). The tires are a soft rubber, not foams like the DTM. Peformance wise I felt it was slow and sluggish, but it comes stock with a 10 tooth pinion, I'm going to try one of my ABC 8 tooth pinion gears to see what happens, also purchased a 180 motor to install that should give it alot more pep.
The radio however was better than I expected. It comes with the foam covered wheel like the Linx radios, has the same controls as the Perfex that comes with the Mini Z's. Also has steering and throttle reverse switches. The thing I liked most is it's 27MHZ so you can also use it with the Mini-Z if you so desire.
Overall, I think the kit is very cool, the steering and throttle are smooth, the car drives very well overall. Like the Mini-Z though, I think it could use some hop up's to make it even better. I think it's ABSOLUTELY worth the money of $140.00. The kits are sold under "Rocket Racers" not "Pocket Racers" (my fault for not paying attention to the ad I read), the other cool thing is like the DTM this kit is also 1/24 scale which opens up an incredible array of model car body possibilities. I'm happy overall with mine and I think they will be hot sellers because it comes race ready except for 8 "AA" and 8 "AAA" batteries. I recomend it to anyone who may be looking for a smaller scale RC car. I glad I made the plunge for one.

[bilbo]

Can you use AAA batteries instead of a battery pack?

[Cruizer]

I meant 4 AAA batteries.

Yes it comes stock to use 4 AAA's, but you can set it up to use the battery pack.

[Btman]

What battery pack does it use? Also how much run time are you getting on a set of AAA batteries? How does the speed and handling compare to a stock mini-Z in your opinion? I am very close to buying one myself but not 100% sure yet.

[Cruizer]

I have not tried the battery pack yet because I was using the 4 AAA's. I'm pretty sure it will use the ABC 7.2 pack (the same as the DTM). I ran it approx. 20-30 min off and on with still what appeared to be good power left.

Handling compared to the stock Mini-Z is better in my opinion. Steering and cornering are smoother, much like the DTM car. I have yet to try the diffrent pinion gear and 180 motor, but feel strong that it will add to performance. I recomend it to someone who is looking. Absolutely worth the money in my opinion, Electronics are not as nice as the DTM's but, you don't have to assemble it either.

As far as I'm concerned, If you were already thinking about it go for it, with the thoughts in mind that it may need some hop-ups to make it really cool such as bearings, a smaller pinion gear (depending on the type and size of the track you run), and maybe a 180 motor to give it more zip. Overall a very cool little RC car for the money.

[tinyrc]

Cruizer, can you take some side-by-side pics w/ the DTM?

[Cruizer]

Be happy to!
However, I've just been called out of town on business for a week or so. But will be glad to oblige upon my return.

[DAMZer]

Just got my pocket racer McLaren F1. I'll post some pics in the absence of the cruise miester. He's actually going to work some?

No wonder there hasn't been a sighting of him this week at the LHS track.:D

[DAMZer]

PICS FOLLOW!!

[DAMZer]

#2

[DAMZer]

#3

[DAMZer]

LAST ONE

[DAMZer]

Width is similar, length is similar, bodies are painted on the DPR and fully cut. Add the batteries and you're ready to run. Optional 7.2v battery holder is listed in the parts section. I'm going to be brave and try the DTM 7.2V battery pack, soon?

That will give the beastie the same punch as the DTM.

Overall fit and finish is pretty good for a RTR. Decals for the body need to be applied for detail, the window decals are already applied.

[tinyrc]

Wow, thanks for the in-depth comparison, much appreciated! :D

[DAMZer]

The pocket racer will take the DTM 7.2V battery pack!! Had to try it as the 4-cell power is minimal, but perfect for entry level.

They sell an optional battery tray for the pack, but otherwise do not mention the 7.2V option anywhere else. It takes about 1 minute to remove 4 screws and the AAA battery tray. Tape in the 7.2V pack and speed is yours. I think in stock mode it is even more powerful than the DTM.

The additional ground clearance is a plus for the driveway test track. It didn't bottom out once.

Surprising traction from the rounded rubber tires, better than foams.

Definitely a step up from my beloved Mini-Z's. Slow speed control in 4-cell mode, but racing speed and control in 7.2V mode. Should be a good cost controlled club car for several classes. If the 180 motor is used, it will be insane!!!!! Hope the electronics can handle it.

[bilbo]

That's fantastic news about the 7.2 v dtm pack working well with the dynamite version (dpr). I look forward to knowing whether the electronics can handle the 180 motor...I bet so..... Will the 180 motor fit? Can the same hop ups for the abc dtm be used on the dynamite dtm? How about the wheels and tires; would they fit on the dynamite dtm? I think the dtm sp wheels look better. Is the ground clearance better than the mini-z as well? I'm syked about getting one...I've been trying to save up money for the dtm sp along with nicer electronics, but perhaps the dynamite dtm car is the way to go.

[DAMZer]

Bilbo,

I'll give the DPR a full 7.2V pack test tomorrow evening at the local track.

I've got the 180 but haven't tried to fit it yet. Will advise.

The tires, bearings and bodies are a direct fit..

The ground clearance is about the same as a stock mini-z, haven't actually measured it but it looks close. The suspension is stiffer which means you don't bottom out as easy.

Basically it is a ready to run DTM with only subtle changes in the components. No aluminum rear pod, double deck chassis, rear chassis length plate, packaged electronics. Fun and easy to drive!!:cool:

Compared to the Dtm, it is only slightly heavier due to its components, but a heck of lot cheaper than buying your own electronics package. I know because I've done it!

BTW, the receiver/esc combo will soon be available for about $45 bucks as a replacement part.

[tinyrc]

BTW, the receiver/esc combo will soon be available for about $45 bucks as a replacement part.

Do you know if this is the same as the CRP ESC/RX/SX combo unit that is available for the ABC? If so, that's a huge price drop!

[Btman]

Just purchased a Dynamite Rocket Racer! This is an excellent car for the price. I wanted a car smaller than my Micro RS4 to run in the basement and it is a perfect fit. I do miss the traction that the 4WD RS4 has, but the handling of the DRR is excellent overall. It does tend to understeer (loose traction up front) on my slippery concrete basement floor and I cannot take a straightaway at full speed due to my traction situation. Overall controllable speed is somewhat slow with 4 AAA's, but it has signficantly better tracking and handling than my stock mini-z sedan on the same surface. The removable battery holder makes the car very versatile, and at least you can get started with cheap AAA batteries. I'm sure the ball diff and decent tires have something to do with the good handling. As mentioned earlier, this is a good car to create an affordable racing/club class around. I do plan to resurface my basement floor with a higher grip paint sometime soon which should help my traction situation. This is a great car considering that it is priced about the same as a mini-z ready set.

[Hardtrukr]

I really want to get one of these from my LHS, can you use the DTM Hop-ups (like BB's and a chassis and motor)? thanks!

[DAMZer]

BB' and motor should work. The chassis's are different though. Tires, rims, diff parts should work fine.

I haven't seen the ABC version of the ESC/RCVR so I can't compare. The Dynamite part number is [DYN8170] $44.99.

Full run Thursday night on 7.2V, too tired tonight.

[Hardtrukr]

Ok! Thanks a lot DAMZer! Check out this stuff.

http://www.jethobby.com/abc/abchobby.html
(Jet Hobbies, can click pics. to enlarge)

http://www.abchobby.com/wwwnew2/CAR/ENGLISH/carAll.htm
(ABC Hobbies, with SP and X4, translate w/ Babelfish)

http://babelfish.altavista.com/
(Babelfish)
-Enjoy! :D

[DAMZer]

Ok, ran a full pack thru tonight. Electronics held up fine.

Got to find some flat rear tires though. The rounded carcass tires provide little rear traction. Shifted the battery to the rear and it hooked up better. Still had a lot of on power steering even with the dual rate dialed all the way back. But little off power steering. Will see if some old tamiya 4wd tires will fit.

Still liked the way it handles but the speed control is very touchy in the forward to reverse. Will go through the ESC set-up to see if it helps. Big difference between the Orion Flashpoint and the DPR ESC, no brakes!!

Good bang for the buck, never bottomed out, no broken parts!!
Adequate speed though its begs a higher pinion. Will be interesting to see the speed against a stock Mini-Z with power pill magnets and good batts. Will know Saturday.

Hardtrukr, yeah visited that site when I was looking at the DTM. NEAT stuff, especially if you like the 4wd model. Cheezedog outa have alook.

:cool:

[tinyrc]

What a great selection of bodies!

http://www.abchobby.com/wwwnew2/CAR/JAPAN/24BODY/J24bodyR.htm

I haven't seen the ABC version of the ESC/RCVR so I can't compare. The Dynamite part number is [DYN8170] $44.99.

Wow, that can't be the same as the CRP, the latter is a 4 ch combo unit at about three times the price. It has built-in front/brake light functionality though! (lights sold sep.).

[DAMZer]

I believe it also comes with their micro servo. The DRP unit is only the ESC/RCVR:cool:

[bilbo]

I'm curious to know whether the CRP kit, though its designed for the dtm-x4, fits well with the dtm sp. I'm sure the ESC/RCRV would work fine. My guess would be that the mini servo would fit fine too. I don't think the crp esc has reverse though.

[Cruizer]

TinyRC,

How about a seperate forum for the Dynamite Rocket Racers since they seem to be liked by a few of us?

[Cruizer]

Here are my two newest additions to my collection.

[Cruizer]

I just got back into town, just wanted to thank my buddy DAMZ'er for the assistance with the side by side photos. He's a cool dude to help out in a pinch.

I installed a 180 motor with a 10 tooth pinion in my Rocket Racer to see if it would help the 4 AAA's with needed punch, IT DOES!!
I want to get another 7.2 battery pack to try now that I see that helps the stock motor with the sluggishness problems also. Think I may also try a set of ABC foams to see if it may help traction troubles also. I'll let you know how it works as sson as I do it.

I think the car is awesome for the money, very cool indeed!

[bilbo]

Could someone please measure or compare the ground clearance between the mini-z, dtm sp, and dynamite rocket racer (including the big gear). The mini z gear sits a little low and picks up a lot of carpet fuzz. A higher ground clearance is important to me(even if its a tiny amount) and I've been dying to know. I'm thinking the dynamite rocket racer has the higher ground clearance since the motor sits up a little higher, or at least appears to in the pics. Thanks

[DAMZer]

Sweeeeeeeeetttttttttt!!!!!!!!!!

You running Sunday?

[Cruizer]

I'll have to pass...been out of town and need to use the weekend to catch up.

Thanks and have fun!! :D

[tinyrc]

How about a seperate forum for the Dynamite Rocket Racers since they seem to be liked by a few of us?

Done; I've moved this thread over there too, to get it started.

[Cruizer]

Thanks!!
Looks like this site is rapidly gaining popularity like the sister mini-z site.

You guys have some really cool stuff on both sites.

[tinyrc]

Thanks Cruizer!

[Mondo]

John,

In your personal unbiased opinion, which of the two do you rate as the better?
This is in regards to handling, speed and tunability.

[Cruizer]

Mondo,

I'd like to offer my HONEST opinion of the two cars in an effort to give you a little more information...

As I'm sure DAMZ'er will agree the DTM is overall the best of the two in regard to speed, handling & overall performance. I have installed a stock 180 ABC motor and it improved the speed of mine quite a bit. I'm starting to think about a possible NML custom motor for it now (if he has one). The DTM has to be assembled, you have to buy a radio, speed control and a servo for it before you can run it, if you don't already have any of these installed on other cars or as extra parts for an exsisting R/C car. A total ready to run cost of approx. $180-$200 depending on where you purchase it.

The Rocket Racer is a great entry level kit, kind of slow with the stock motor and 4AAA battery stock setup. But if you add a 7.2 battery pack and maybe a 180 motor, you improve speed quite a bit. You also get an adjustable chassis and handling is not as good with the stock rubber tires but could be improved by adding foams. Kit comes ready to run, just add 8 AA batteries to the "Ming the Merciless" ray gun radio, 4 AAA's to the car and you're ready to race. A great deal for $140 that will get someone started into a fun hobby.

I 'm pretty sure any hop up parts for the DTM will also fit the Rocket Racer, As I understand Dynamite will soon be releasing some hop up parts for their car which may help quite a bit with handling and performance.

As of right now, the DTM is a much better car in my opinion, but you pay more for it. However, as I said earlier the Rocket Racer is a great kit for the money and is even better with a few of the DTM hop ups whick when you buy them it will put you almost at the same cost as the DTM if you start from scratch. Do like DAMZ'er and I both have done... GET BOTH!

hope this helps!
:D

[MicroRCEngineering]

I agree. The DTM is indeed a better car. I was able to check out the Rocket Racer at Pegasus Hobbies in Socal. The complaints I have about it the rubber tires(very much like tires from a model), controller (I don't care if I'm inside a racetrack, I wouldn't wanna be seen with it.), rear motor mount (made of plastic.DTM is anodized aluminum.), and the rims (looks similar to a Kawada, but a little more uglier). The body looks cool. I also didn't like the fact that the car is set-up to accept four cells only, but that's no problem with a little tinkering. For me, DTM is a better buy, if you are serious about 1/24 scale racing. DTM's are known to leave Micro RS4's behind (no offense, I'm an RS4 fan too, but I'm just telling the truth)

[MOPARMAN]

I have abandoned 1/10 r/c cars and have putt my full time effort into 1/24 - 1/28 scale R/C cars. I think 1/24 scale r/c cars are one of the neatest things you will ever experience.

I have the following cars in my collection:

a) 2 Tamtech 1/24 Lamborghini Countach (one kit is brand new and completely unopened)

b) 1 Kawada M24 Tripmate (completely new and unopened)

c) 2 Kyosho Mini-Z

d) and finally a Dynamite Rocket Racer. I have to say this is one of my favorite mini cars ever, mainly because it has adjustable chassis length in the rear, which allows you to mount your own 1/24 or 1/25 scale static model bodies. And also it comes RTR (ready to run). The performance is better than a mini-z and it handles pretty damn well, but some hop ups should allow it to compete with the ABC Hobby DTM Pocket Racer, although I have never owned one or driven one, I heard they are the best on the market currently, but i'll stick with my Rocket Racer.

Overall, its a great car:
RTR
chassis adjustable
hop up potential
great bang for the buck
can compete with the big boys such as the DTM or Kawada Tripmate when hopped up

Please get one, its worth every penny!!

Thank you for your time,
Nav

[MOPARMAN]

Just got a Dynamite Rocket Racer a 3 days ago. This is a very good car for what you pay.

++
decent performance out of the box

chassis length adjustable (can accompany most 1/24 static models)

can be hopped up with other parts from : Tamtech, ABC, or KAWADA.

future upgrades will be available soon from Dynamite

Rigid Chassis (strong chassis, double deck but not as flexible as the DTM pocket racer)

higher ground clearance than DTM

great bang for the buck

-- (negatives)
Chassis Rigid, more like a tank (not as flexible as the DTM, but stronger and a little heavier, not by much, not a big deal)

not as many body styles availabe as for the ABC DTM, but not a big deal since you can mount you own 1/24 static model bodies.


with a 180SH motor, a set of ball bearings, some foam tires,and a 7.2V battery pack you can compete with the best hopped up ABC DTM, Kawada or Tamtech. These basic upgrades should get the job done. You dont need to spend a leg and an arm to compete with the BIG BOYS!!!

Since I always have two of each car in my collection. I to play with and the other I put away (unopened, never played with) in my collection. I love the Rocket Racer so much, that I ordered another one for my collection.
The other cars in my collection are:

2 tamtech lamborghi countach

2 mini z

1 kawada m24 tripmate (have to get another one) but very expense to just get a decent setup.

2 Dynamite Rocket Racers.


I have played with R/C cars for the last 7 years, but the 1/24 scale r/c cars are the neatest cars you can ever play with. Its an experience you have to find out for yourself. Its a matter of opinion, but by far 1/24 scale RC brings more joy to my life than the 1/10th scales ever did!!

Thank You for you time,
Nav
;)

[tiny_dealy]

Hey guys,


I am currently running the HPI 180SH motor with the Nuclear Micro Punch Pack 7.2 volt *also for the Micro HPI*

So far so good....today I will be doing runs on Carpet....which is about the only suitable surface to run this car on with this setup...until I get better tires....or foams.

Anyhow I will let you know how it goes.

I will also try to snap a couple pics to post!


BTW with stock gearing...from a dead stop on concrete I can get the tires to break loose no problem.....it's pretty rediculous actually I LOVE IT :D