[Review] ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car

Body and Transmitter

Out of the box, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car comes without any stickers applied to the body. You will need to do that yourself using the sticker sheet provided in the box. The stock transmitter only has steering trim and a speed limiter, so it offers basic functions. Additionally, you’ll need to supply your own two double A batteries for the transmitter.

The Chassis

Taking a closer look at the chassis, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 features a 1:16 scale, four-wheel drive with differential and independent suspension. The version I am reviewing is equipped with a brush motor and a two-in-one unit for the receiver and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller). The servo is three-wire, making it easy to upgrade the electronics if desired.

Battery and Performance

The car comes with a nickel-metal hydride battery, which does not offer the best performance. However, I have tested it with a 2200 milliamp 2s LiPo battery that fits in the compartment. For the purpose of this review, I will be evaluating the car’s performance as it is. But I want to note that it will be slightly faster if you upgrade to a LiPo battery.

Driving Experience

Now let’s discuss the most exciting part – the driving experience. The ZD Racing Rocket S16 delivers a thrilling ride with its four-wheel-drive system and independent suspension. It handles well on both smooth surfaces and rough terrains, providing an enjoyable and responsive driving experience. The differential helps to distribute power evenly to all wheels, ensuring optimal traction and control.

Durability

In terms of durability, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 proves to be quite sturdy. The chassis can withstand minor crashes and bumps without suffering any significant damage. The independent suspension also helps absorb shocks, minimizing the impact on the car and improving its overall lifespan.

Nut and Wheel Hex

The nut size of the ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car is M3. The wheel hex measures 8.5 millimeters, which is important to note as it affects the compatibility of wheels from other series. Unfortunately, the c hub is quite big, which means that the wheels from the 1603 series will not fit on this car. Therefore, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 can only use its own wheels.

Shocks and Suspension

The shocks on this RC car are simple spring shocks. While they get the job done, there is also an upgrade option available called Auto shocks. However, this upgrade kit only comes in pairs, so if you want to fully upgrade the car, you will need two sets of the upgrade kit.

It is worth mentioning that I checked the oil in my shocks and they were fine, but it is always recommended to check them yourself as well. Additionally, the upgraded shocks may look a little bit shorter than the original ones, but they are actually the same length.

Ball Hail and Adjustability

The ball hail size of the ZD Racing Rocket S16 is 4.7 millimeters. However, the balls are attached to self-tapping screws. This design may not be the best for some users, as it could potentially cause issues with durability over time.

In terms of adjustability, there is a little bit of front toe-in, which means that the front tires are slightly angled towards the center of the car. This setup may result in some understeer when driving. Additionally, there is also a bit of Caster angle at the front. Unfortunately, this car is not adjustable out of the box. However, you can modify it with standard RC parts like ball caps and turnbuckles if desired.

Dimensions and Motor

The ZD Racing Rocket S16 has a wheelbase of 17.5 millimeters. The overall length of the car is 26.5 centimeters, while the width measures 13 centimeters. The ground clearance is relatively high at 1 centimeter, making it suitable for various terrains.

The motor size is equivalent to a 2435 brushless motor. This motor provides adequate power for the size of the car and allows for enjoyable driving experiences.

Test Drive and Handling

Now, let’s take a look at the test drive of the ZD Racing Rocket S16. As expected from the suspension setup, the car tends to understeer slightly during turns. However, this characteristic actually contributes to the stability of the car, especially on surfaces with low grip.

Despite being equipped with a bare bone transmitter, the handling of the ZD Racing Rocket S16 is surprisingly stable and quite precise. However, it would be much better to drive this car with a higher-quality transmitter. The good news is that the electronics of the car can be easily upgraded, as it utilizes a three-wire servo.

In conclusion, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car offers a decent overall package with its unique features and dimensions. While it may not be the most adjustable car out of the box, it can be modified with standard RC parts to enhance its performance. Overall, it is a fun and stable car to drive, although a better transmitter

Performance and Battery Life

The ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car comes with a brush motor and an inicometer hair dry battery configuration. While the brush motor performs adequately, it may not be suitable for serious racing enthusiasts. On a race track, this RC car is disappointingly slow, and its run time is quite short, lasting only around 15 minutes. To enjoy longer play sessions, it is recommended to upgrade the battery to a lipo with a higher capacity, which will provide a longer run time.

Size and Versatility

One of the highlights of the ZD Racing Rocket S16 is its size. It is small enough to be enjoyed indoors, making it a great option for those rainy days or when you don’t have access to an outdoor space. However, it also has enough ground clearance to play outdoors, providing versatility and the freedom to choose where you want to use it. Additionally, its compact size makes it incredibly easy to carry around, allowing you to take your RC car adventures wherever you go.

Stability and Value

When comparing the ZD Racing Rocket S16 to the 1603 series, it is evident that the former offers greater stability, especially when navigating corners. This stability enhances the overall driving experience and ensures a smoother ride. However, it is worth mentioning that the 1603 series provides better value for money. If you are on a tight budget, opting for the 1603 series might be a more reasonable choice.

Conclusion

Overall, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car offers an exciting driving experience with its four-wheel-drive system, independent suspension, and durable chassis. While the stock battery may not provide the best performance, upgrading to a LiPo battery can enhance the car’s speed. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced RC enthusiast, this car is definitely worth considering for its reliability and enjoyable driving capabilities.

Whether you decide to go for the ZD Racing Rocket S16 1/16 4WD RC Car or the 1603 series, one thing is certain – you will have a lot of fun. These 1/16 scale cars are designed to provide endless entertainment for RC car enthusiasts. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preferences and budget considerations. Whichever option you choose, the ZD Racing Rocket S16 or the 1603 series, be prepared for an exciting and thrilling experience. Don’t forget to subscribe for more content like this and click the bell icon to receive notifications. Happy racing!