Introduction
The Tamiya Madbull is a popular choice among RC enthusiasts, known for its fun and entertaining performance. In this review, I will be discussing my experience with three different versions of the Madbull – the standard Madbull, the Madball 2.0, and the monster Rising fighter.
When it comes to RC cars, Tamiya has always been a trusted brand. Their models are known for their durability, performance, and overall fun factor. One of their popular offerings is the Tamiya Madbull, a versatile off-road buggy that has captured the hearts of many RC enthusiasts. In this article, I will be providing a review of my three Tamiya Madbulls, highlighting their strengths and weaknesses.
Reviewing the Original Madbull
The first car we’ll be reviewing is the original Madbull. Equipped with a 27-turn silver can motor, this car performed impressively, reaching a speed of 17.3. However, it’s worth noting that this speed was achieved with a 19-tooth pinion. There is certainly room for more motor power in this car, allowing for potential upgrades and enhancements.
Introducing the M Ball 2.0
Next up is the M Ball 2.0, which is based on the D3 model. This car offers a refreshed design and improved performance compared to its predecessor. Unfortunately, I faced some difficulties connecting it to satellites during the review. Despite this setback, I managed to get a glimpse of its speed and performance. With a 20-turn motor, it clocked in at a slower 18. Managing to connect eventually, I was able to witness a speed run, where it achieved 19.6. However, I believe that replacing the 20-turn motor with a 17-turn one would provide better results. Although I encountered connectivity issues, it’s clear that this car has potential.
Unleashing the Monster Rising Fighter
The final car in my review lineup is the Monster Rising Fighter, which I have converted into the Mayball. This car boasts a unique appearance and promises to be a worthy contender. Unfortunately, I struggled once again with satellite connectivity during the review process, hindering a proper evaluation. Despite the challenges, I managed to conduct a speed run, and the Monster Rising Fighter delivered an impressive speed of 17.3. However, further modifications and enhancements may be necessary to push its performance to the next level.
Concluding Thoughts
While each of these Tamiya Madbull cars presented their own set of challenges during the review process, it’s clear that they all have unique characteristics and potential for improvement. The original Madbull showcased its capabilities with a 27-turn silver can motor, while the M Ball 2.0 and Monster Rising Fighter encountered connectivity issues but still managed to demonstrate their speed and power. With some motor upgrades and fine-tuning, these cars have the potential to deliver even better performance on the track. Whether you’re a seasoned RC car enthusiast or a beginner looking for a thrilling experience, Tamiya Madbull cars are worth considering for an adrenaline-fueled drive.
The Tamiya Madbull Review: Kit Cost
When it comes to purchasing the Tamiya Madbull kit, the overall cost can vary depending on the additional components you choose to include. For the basic kit, the bearings themselves cost 108, which may seem steep but considering the quality, it is worth the investment. Adding the shocks to enhance performance had an additional cost of 23, bringing the total to 131 without the radio, Servo, or other radio parts.
Love it or Hate it: The Tamiya Madbull Experience
The Tamiya Madbull kit is in a league of its own and can be quite polarizing among hobbyists. Not everyone shares the same level of admiration for these kits, but personally, I absolutely love them. That is precisely why I built two others apart from this one.
Tamiya Madball 2.0: A Bit More Investment
Moving on to the Madball 2.0, I had to invest a bit more to bring it to its full potential. The initial kit itself was reasonably priced at 59, but it required additional parts to truly make it shine. To begin with, I had to modify a 7 quid body to fit perfectly. The ESC cost me 18, while the wheels set me back 40. Granted, I paid slightly more for the chrome wheels, but their aesthetic appeal was worth the extra expense. Additional bits and bobs were necessary to fine-tune the overall performance, including a 15 investment for the steering mechanism.
Performance and Disappointment
In terms of sheer speed, the Madball 2.0 takes the lead, reaching an impressive 19.6. However, despite its capability, I must admit that it left me feeling a bit disappointed. The FTX 20-turn motor it came with didn’t quite deliver the exhilarating performance I had hoped for.
While the Tamiya Madbull and Madball 2.0 have their individual quirks, they both contribute to a satisfying experience for enthusiasts. The Madbull, with its charmingly wobbly steering, manages to impress despite its flaws. On the other hand, the Madball 2.0 offers a sleeker aesthetic and greater speed potential, albeit with a slight letdown in its motor performance.
In conclusion, Tamiya has succeeded in creating kits that evoke strong feelings of love or hate among hobbyists. For those who appreciate their unique characteristics and are willing to invest a bit more for customization, the Tamiya Madbull and Madball 2.0 are worth every penny.
Handling and Design
When it comes to the Tamiya Madbull, I must admit that it isn’t the most powerful motor out there. However, I did decide to make a change and put in the 17 motor to test its speed capabilities. I had high expectations in terms of performance, but I must say it fell a little short in that department.
On the positive side, the Madbull does handle much better than its predecessor. The steering is greatly improved and the overall design is quite impressive. However, there is one flaw that becomes evident when you take this car for a jump. The chassis tends to get slapped quite a bit upon landing. If you take a look underneath, you can see that the screws have worn out a bit. Nonetheless, this issue is not a deal-breaker and the Madbull still performs decently.
Suspension and Conversion
One of the great things about the Tamiya Madbull is its suspension design. It is perfectly suited for this particular model and works very effectively. If you’re considering converting your Madbull, it would probably be easier if you purchase the Aqua Shock Kit and make some wheel changes. Although this option may be a bit more expensive, you won’t have to worry about buying separate steering parts in the long run.
Please keep in mind that this is just an opinion, but in my view, even though the slightly pricier option, I found it worth it. For just 8 extra dollars than the traditional Madbull, the conversion cost me a total of 139 dollars. Considering the performance and features, I believe this is a fair price.
If you are looking to do this conversion on a budget, one money-saving tip I have is to choose slightly cheaper tires. This will bring down the overall cost and make it more comparable to the original Madbull. Of course, keep in mind that a little extra work is involved, such as cutting down the body to fit, but it’s a small price to pay for affordability.
Experimenting and Affordability
Another advantage of the Tamiya Madbull is its low-cost body. These bodies are only 7 quid, which means you can afford to experiment and take risks without worrying too much about damaging them. This gives you the freedom to modify and customize the body according to your preferences.
In conclusion, my experience with the Tamiya Madbull has been a mix of highs and lows. While it may not be the most powerful motor out there, its improved handling and design make it a worthwhile option. The conversion process may require some additional investment, but overall, I believe it is a good value for the price. With some personalization and a little creativity, the Madbull can be a fun and affordable RC car for enthusiasts.
Tamiya Madbull Review
Gearbox Design
One of the standout features of the Tamiya Madbull is its suspension system, capable of handling rough terrains with ease. However, I found the speed of the Madbull to be slightly underwhelming. This can be attributed to its lower-geared gearbox design, which affects its overall speed capability. While the Madbull offers an enjoyable experience, I personally felt that it could benefit from a bit more speed.
Rising Fighter as a Madball
The monster Rising fighter, in my opinion, can be classified as a Madball. Having tried it on a grasshopper years ago, I drew a comparison between the two models and found the Rising fighter to possess the essence of a Madball. However, I will only be discussing the base cost of the Rising fighter in this review, without considering any upgrades. With an impressive speed of 18.8 using a 172 pinion and the Tor tune motor, the Rising fighter may not be as fast as the Madball 2.0 but still offers a highly enjoyable experience. The addition of custom wheels with yellow rims for a lower cost was definitely a pleasing aspect of this model. However, it is important to note that the Rising fighter, including shocks, bearings, ESC, and other necessary components, incurred a cost of 158, making it significantly more expensive than the other two models.
Upsides and Downsides
While the Rising fighter comes with added expenses, it does offer several significant advantages over the other Madballs. I personally upgraded the steering and other components, which improved its performance significantly. However, these upgrades come at an additional cost. In terms of price and value, the Madball remains a great buy, but if one is willing to invest more, the Rising fighter provides a higher level of performance.
First Tamiya Madbull
The first Tamiya Madbull I owned was the 0 version. Right off the bat, I was impressed with the value for money it offered. For a reasonable price, I got a well-built RC car that exceeded my expectations. The speed of this model caught my attention, as it was quite quick for its price range. Despite having just a torune motor, I found myself satisfied with its performance. However, I wouldn’t consider it the best chassis out there.
Second Tamiya Madbull
Moving on to the second Tamiya Madbull, I must emphasize that you need to be a true fan of off-road buggies to fully appreciate this model. It is not the most exceptional chassis in terms of design and performance, but it holds its own charm. The sight of the big tires and yellow rims always brings a smile to my face. While not as impressive as the first version, it still offers a fun experience for those who enjoy tinkering with RC cars.
Third Tamiya Madbull
Finally, we come to the third Tamiya Madbull, the 2.0 version. If you are a seasoned hobbyist looking to build an RC car from scratch, this model is worth considering. It provides a satisfying building experience, allowing you to customize and personalize your Madbull to your heart’s content. While it may not surpass the original Madbull in terms of performance, there is an undeniable appeal in creating something unique and truly yours.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Tamiya Madbull is a fun and entertaining RC car that can provide hours of enjoyment. While the gearbox design could benefit from some improvement in terms of speed capabilities, the overall performance of the Madbull remains satisfactory. The monster Rising fighter, although more expensive, offers enhanced performance and customization options. Whether one opts for the standard Madbull, the Madball 2.0, or the monster Rising fighter, each model promises an exciting experience for RC enthusiasts.
In conclusion, the Tamiya Madbull has its own charm that captivates RC enthusiasts. Each version offers its own set of strengths and weaknesses, catering to different preferences and skill levels. While the first version provides good value for money, the second version appeals to the die-hard off-road fans. The 2.0 version, on the other hand, gives hobbyists the joy of building and customizing their own RC car. Whichever version you choose, the Tamiya Madbull is a solid addition to any RC car collection.
