Radio Control Car Action - Budget Blasters!

Budget Blasters!

7 Hot Kits for $100 or Less

PURCHASE THIS ISSUE!

@ $4.99

by PETER VIEIRA

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There are hobbies that are way more expensive than RC (polo, anyone?), but compared to collecting bottle caps or SPAM sculpting, RC tends to be a bit dollar-intensive. What's a budget-minded RC guy to do? Settle for some department-store cheesemobile with a lame turbo mode and transforming robot action? Heck no! You don't have to spend a lot to get real RC gear, and you don't have to step down in quality, speed, or durability just because you're on the cheap. Want proof? Check out these budget kits; there's something to suit any RC taste. From touring to off-road to straight-ahead speed machines, they're all here. For the purposes of this article, we included only 1/10-scale vehicles that were available at a lowest price of $100 or less. The price of each kit will vary with the local dealer or mail-order retailer you purchase from.

BOLINK PRO STOCK
WHY WE LIKE IT: Speed, baby! Combine direct-drive with a nearly weightless pan chassis and foam tires, and you get a kit that can exceed 30mph with almost any motor. Bolt in a modified motor, and the sky's the limit! Just don't hit anything; the Pro Stock isn't built for abuse. If you decide to take on a curb with this car, the curb is gonna win. If you want to play rough, check out Bolink's Digger II, Legends and Little Red Wagon; they're nearly indestructible. BUY IT IF: Your need for speed outweighs your need for durability and versatility. SAVE UP FOR: Tires! Hard play is tough on foam tires, which are used on all Bolink kits. OTHER BOLINK KITS TO CONSIDER • Econo Rail $70 • Funny Car $68 • RC Cruiser $65 • Digger II $55 RTR FACTOR: Sorry, the Pro Stock is sold as a kit only, but some Bolink models are sold with painted bodies. The RC Cruiser can be purchased with an assembled chassis and painted body.

SPECS
TOP SPEED: Varies with choice of motor and battery
(equipped as shown, the Pro Stock will top 30mph)
WHEELBASE: 10.2 in. (260mm)
OVERALL LENGTH: 17.3 in. (440mm)
COST: (kit only) $65

YOU'LL NEED
• Radio set with one servo
• Electronic speed control
• Servo-saver
• Polycarbonate-compatible paint
• Motor
• 6-cell stick pack
• Charger

1. No differential here; drag cars don't use 'em. Aluminum side plates, composite aluminum/plastic hubs and a thick spur gear get power to the wheels.

2. O-ring front tires help the Pro Stock turn every bit of horsepower into forward motion. Steering is another story ….

3. Rear suspension? What rear suspension? The Pro Stock is built to go blazing fast on smooth surfaces, and it does that job well.

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