ZipZaps: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly

[Namuna]

HERE

This is just the packaging, I wanted to get the pics up ASAP.

More detailed pics of everything inside the packaging is coming soon (I just picked up the set from Radio Shack, so I'm openeing everything right now!)!!!

[kwikbb]

Whoooaa.... thats so sweet. Namuna how'd you get your hands on those early. I thought they were'nt comin out till next week?

[Namuna]

check with your local Radio Shack...So far just about EVERY store I've called today either had them in, or will be getting them in this week.

...I've been spending all day taking pictures and comparison pictures (against the Bit).

Things were looking good for the ZipZaps...UNTIL I put the body/chassis together! The body sits WAY TOO HIGH on the chassis, and the resulting look is 'chunky'

You'll all see what I mean when I post more pics to the gallery.

One nice thing though; they come standard with a 1.2v, 100mAH NiMH battery (in the car).

[kwikbb]

Great I'm looking forward to it.

Thanks

[Namuna]

Instead of starting a bunch of fragmented threads about the ZipZaps I'm going to put my review/opinion in this thread.

Let's start with the Good:
- Price! The kit is only $19.99! That's darned good
- There's a certain amount of compatibility with Bits/Microsizers; The gears, axles, stabilizers, rear tires (but NOT front tires), and possibly motors (haven't tried swapping) are interchangable (some components from the steering mechanism, like steering spring, may be interchangable as well)
- For a mere $12.99 you can get 'The Fast & The Furious, Street Tuner Upgrade' with includes; 2 bodys (not compatible with Bits), 2 Wings (not compatible), 2 sets of hubcaps (could be compatible with modification), 3 gear sets (compatible), 2 motors (21,500rpm and 23,500rpm which should be compatible), 3 stabilizer bars (compatible)...Wow!
- The cars come with a 1.2v, 100mAH NiMH battery
- The remote uses a telescopic antenna
- The remote has a solid, secure charging station for the car, with a release button

The Bad:
- The body shell is painted on the outside...That means scratches and dings are gonna be easily seen on the body
- The Antenna is flimsier and shorter than the Bits Antenna, not to mention the range (at least for me) was a piddly 5 feet or so...An Antenna Mod is a MUST with these things
- The detail on the car body is less than exciting, as a matter of fact it's downright bland!
- The buttons on the remote are recessed, which makes using them an annoyance at times
- The flip cover, in the remote, gets in the way when using the remote...Luckily is a flexible platic material and it's easy to put-on/take-off

The Ugly:
All you've got to do is go to the Gallery and LOOK at the put-together car...If the package didn't say it was supposed to be a '99 Mustang Cobra, you'd probably guess it was one of the old GMC 4x4 cars! The body rides way too high on the chassis! Not to mention the rear wheelwell is almost rubbing against the wheels!

Bottom line:
I went to Radio Shack today hoping to buy something that was going to give the Bits/MicroSizers some competition...Instead I got a disappointment (but at least some spare parts for my Bits).

[MTL]

ima have to chek em out...
although i MIGHT not buy it cuz im gonna stick with TOMY...

[kwikbb]

Welp... another let down, on a happier note at least we've got Tomy... things could be worse. Thanks for the review Namuna
you saved me some dinero.

[cdog4w]

How do they run tho? Are the basically just bitchars in performance?

[tr3]

did i read that right? 23,500rpm? god, that thing must ZOOM!

[kbtoyz902]

if that 23,000 rpm motor work on a bit, AND is in that fast and the furious kit, ima buy it. Ima take those gears, caps all taht and put em on my bits. Screw the bodies if they dont ill make em fit.

[jigoku]

I went to my local radio shack this morning, the guy is getting a full shipment in tommorow morning, so hopefully i can get my hands on one in the morning. The only thing I havent seen anyone talking about yet are the frequencies these cars are on, although I think we can assume with the FCC regulations they put on microsizers we are going to be looking at the same two car races...

[Shacky]

Yup only two frequencies: 27 mhz and 49 mhz.

[Namuna]

Confirmed: only 27MHz and 49MHz

Why does a 23,500rpm motor impress you guys? You do know that's ONLY a 2.35motor?...1.0 motor = 10,000, 2.2 motor = 22,000, 3.0 motor = 30,000rpm

That 23,500rmp motor ain't all that spiffy folks.

[tr3]

Namuna, THANKS FOR THE REVIEW/PICS!

If you try the motor in the Bits, let us know... If it does work, im definately getting one of the fast and furious kits.

[Namuna]

The Motor is compatible!

I just put the motor from the Zipzap in my Bit and vice-versa...They work fine!