Introduction
Why take a look at this? Can you guess what they’ve done here once again? This thing has the dreaded friction shocks. Why do these cheap RC companies keep doing this now? I don’t know why they keep doing this because oil-filled shocks really aren’t that much more expensive. All of the cars I spoke about earlier in this price range all come with proper oil-filled shocks right out of the box. Now I know they do this because they want to save money, but how much more does it actually cost to give us a proper set of oil-filled shocks? We’re in 2024 now, and it’s just getting boring.
The XD JK 118th Scale Mini Monster Truck
Now I’ve grown my channel over the years from doing cheap and budget RC reviews, and I know a lot of my subscribers actually prefer those. So this is the new XD JK 118th scale mini monster truck. I don’t know why they can’t just give these trucks proper names. So this thing kind of looks like a mini xmax.
Are Budget RC Cars Worth It?
Now we need to talk about budget RC cars. Now some people love them and some people think they’re really bad for the hobby. I actually disagree with that and I actually think cheap RC cars like this are a great entry point for a lot of beginners and once they get into the hobby and they realize that they actually enjoy it, that’s when they’re going to go out and get a more expensive truck.
Why Cheap RC Cars Are Good for the Hobby
And that is why I don’t think cheap RC cars like this and some of the other more popular brands out there are necessarily bad for the hobby. I actually think they’re really good and, of course, one of the most important things is: Do they actually perform well?
Comparing Prices and Performance
Now, this thing is selling for around $87, which is cheaper than the Granite Grom. Now, that is a fantastic little truck, but unfortunately, I think Armor has just priced it a little bit too high. Of course, we have the MJX Hypergo mini monster truck, which is around about the same price as this, so I’m hoping this is actually going to be just as good, if not better. And of course, we have to talk about the 16889 once again, it’s in this price range and is a great truck for the money.
Handling Issues
So, of course, when it comes to handling, I know for a fact this isn’t going to be as good as the other trucks. These friction shocks simply don’t provide the same level of performance. While it may not be a deal-breaker for beginners or casual RC enthusiasts, it can be quite frustrating for more experienced users who crave better control and maneuverability. The lack of oil-filled shocks is a significant drawback for those seeking a high-quality RC monster truck experience.
Aesthetics and Design
Looks-wise, I don’t think it looks too bad. Again, like I said, it does resemble a Mini Max, and you can get it in various different colors. The inclusion of a clipless body system is a positive feature for those who prefer hassle-free access to the battery compartment or any internal components. However, it’s worth noting that a lot of cheap RC companies seem to be opting for this design choice nowadays.
Similarities to Other Models
This particular RC monster truck seems identical to one of the models we saw last year. While I didn’t review that specific model, some other channels did, and it received mixed feedback. Some users found it to be decent, whereas others were disappointed with its performance. Therefore, it’s important to approach this current model with caution, as it shares similarities with its predecessor that received criticism.
The Transmitter and its Features
The first thing that catches the eye regarding this cheap RC monster truck is the transmitter. To be honest, it doesn’t look very impressive. The build quality seems subpar, with a cheap and awkward feel to it. It does have some basic functions like throttle, trim, and steering trim adjustments, but overall, it lacks any noteworthy features. The foam grip on the wheel is a nice touch, but it doesn’t compensate for the overall cheap feel of the transmitter.
The Accessories Included
Moving on to what comes in the box, we have a 1200 Mah, 2s lipo battery, which is pretty standard for a cheap RC car. The USB charger, cross wrench, and screwdriver are also included, which are essential tools for any RC enthusiast. It’s good to see that the package also contains a black and white manual, complete with exploded diagrams. These will be useful during the assembly process.
The Truck’s Build Quality
Now let’s focus on the monster truck itself. The chassis is made of plastic, and to be honest, the quality of the plastic is questionable. It feels brittle and lacks durability. The wheelie bar at the back and the rear bumper are nice additions, but again, the plastic used feels cheap. The front bumper, on the other hand, is flexible and equipped with LED lights, adding a touch of excitement to the overall design.
Tire Quality and Grip
One aspect that is extremely disappointing is the tires. They are made of plastic and have a very plasticky feel to them. It’s hard to imagine these tires providing any decent grip on different terrains. Considering that this monster truck is supposed to be a brushless mini truck, good grip is crucial. Unfortunately, these tires don’t seem to meet that expectation.
Electronic Components
Moving on to the electronics, this cheap RC monster truck comes with a 35 amp, 2in1 brushless ESC, a 2840 brushless motor, and a 17 G three-wire servo. While these components may sound impressive on paper, it remains to be seen how they perform in real-life situations. It’s worth noting that the truck also features metal cvds at the front, metal dog bones at the rear, and a metal sensor drive shaft. These metal parts do provide some reassurance in terms of durability and performance.
In conclusion, this new cheap RC monster truck priced under $100 raises some concerns regarding its overall quality. From the transmitter to the plastic chassis and tires, there are many aspects that feel cheap and lacking in durability. However, the inclusion of metal components and brushless electronic parts does provide some hope for better performance. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen whether this truck can truly outshine its competitors in the same price range. Only time will tell if it’s worth the investment for RC enthusiasts.
Performance Test: Is it really faster?
Now this truck has a claim top speed of 55 kmph, which works out to be around 34 mph. Are we going to see that today? Do you know what I don’t think we are; let’s just get the battery in it and see how it performs.
The Bright Side: LED Lights
It’s really bright today, but that is mainly due to the LED lights. They seem to be coming out alright on the camera, so let’s focus on what really matters – speed and control.
Disappointing Grip and Tires
Oh, the grip is terrible. Those tires are horrible. Full throttle, let’s see what we can get. Wait, what? I just slide around; there’s no grip at all. Full throttle again, and oh, it just turned itself off. This is not what we expected.
In Need of Decent New Releases
I think we really need to see some decent new releases in the market. It’s frustrating when a product fails to live up to its claims and turns off unexpectedly. Let’s give it another chance, shall we?
Repeated Turnoffs: A Major Letdown
I’ve switched it back on; let’s give it another go. And… it’s done it again. It keeps turning off! I’m honestly sick and tired of reviewing products like this. It’s extremely disappointing.
Below Expectations: Speed Test Results
Alright, let’s try again at full throttle. Is it going to turn off again? Full throttle… Oh no, this thing is horrible. I’ve had enough; let’s just bring it back and see what we got. We got 22, nowhere near the claimed top speed. It simply doesn’t go as fast as they say.
Final Verdict: Not Recommended
Not only does it fail to deliver on speed, but it also keeps turning off and is not enjoyable to drive. So, would I recommend one of these? Absolutely not. It’s a waste of money and time.
Off-Road Run: Unpleasantly Bouncy
Before we conclude, let’s give this truck a very quick run off-road. No doubt, it’s going to keep turning off and bouncing uncontrollably. Another disappointment, but not unexpected.
Offroad Performance
After conducting a speedrun with this new cheap RC monster truck, I decided to test its offroad capabilities. Unfortunately, the performance offroad was far from impressive. The truck was incredibly bouncy, thanks to its friction shocks, and it felt completely undrivable. To make matters worse, the hard plasticky tires offered barely any grip, making it even more challenging to control.
Lack of Positive Aspects
While I usually try to find at least one positive aspect to highlight in a review, I couldn’t find anything good about this truck. It was a disappointment in terms of both offroad performance and overall quality. I truly wish I could find something nice to say, but I have to be honest in my assessment.
Comparison to Other Trucks
When comparing this RC monster truck to other options available in the market, it falls short in every aspect. There are numerous other trucks that offer much better performance, build quality, and value for the money. If you’re in the market for a mini truck within this price range, I highly recommend considering alternatives like the High Boxing 16889 or the FTX Tracer.
If you’re in the UK and looking for something with great parts availability, the MJX mini monster truck, whether brushed or brushless, is a fantastic alternative to this lackluster RC truck. Additionally, the MJX option is slightly larger and more capable.
The Final Verdict
After thoroughly testing the new XD KJ (or whatever it’s called), I must conclude that it is not a very good truck. It keeps turning off, adding to its already long list of disappointments. If you’re looking for an RC truck that offers a satisfying offroad experience and reliable performance, I suggest looking elsewhere.
Disappointing Performance
When it comes to the world of RC monster trucks, enthusiasts are always on the lookout for the latest and greatest models. So, when I stumbled upon a new cheap RC monster truck priced under $100, I couldn’t help but be intrigued. However, after putting it through its paces, my excitement quickly turned to disappointment.
Not Living Up to Expectations
Initially, it seemed promising. The truck boasted impressive off-road capabilities and its price point was certainly enticing. However, it fell short of my expectations when compared to other models within a similar price range. In particular, it struggled to match the performance of the renowned MJX Hypergo range and the high boxing range.
A Series of Disappointments
What’s been happening with the releases from the manufacturers in China? Lately, it feels like there have been a string of underwhelming products, and this cheap RC monster truck is no exception. Despite being equipped with a set of oil-filled shocks, it failed to deliver when it came to performance. The truck simply couldn’t keep up with the demands of off-road driving, leaving much to be desired.
Subpar Electronics
As if its lackluster performance wasn’t enough, the electronics of this RC monster truck left much to be desired as well. It frequently turned off unexpectedly, leaving me frustrated and questioning the overall quality of this product. It’s clear that the manufacturers did not prioritize top-notch electronics when designing this truck, resulting in a subpar user experience.
A Hard Pass
Regrettably, I cannot recommend this cheap RC monster truck. Its lack of performance, combined with its subpar electronics, make it a hard pass in my book. If you’re looking for an RC monster truck that truly delivers and offers an enjoyable experience, this is not the one for you.
Looking for Alternatives?
Though this particular model proved to be a disappointment, there are still options out there that can provide an exhilarating RC monster truck experience. If you’re looking for alternatives that offer top-notch performance and reliability, I highly recommend checking out two videos I’ve prepared. They highlight two outstanding alternatives that are sure to exceed your expectations.
In conclusion, this new cheap RC monster truck under $100 falls short when compared to its competitors. Its lackluster performance and subpar electronics make it difficult to justify purchasing. If you’re in need of an RC monster truck that truly delivers on its promises, it’s best to look elsewhere.
Conclusion
So, is this XD JK mini monster truck actually going to be any good? Now, don’t click away, because I want you to watch the entire video, but I will tell you now it isn’t as good as the other trucks and I’m going to show you.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the XD JK 118th scale mini monster truck is a budget option for RC enthusiasts. While it may not perform as well as some other trucks in its price range, it still offers a great entry point for beginners. Ultimately, whether it’s better than the rest depends on individual preferences and needs.
Unfortunately, despite its decent design and color options, this RC monster truck falls short due to its use of friction shocks. While it may be relatively cheap, it’s essential to consider the impact this component has on the overall performance and experience. For those looking for a more enjoyable and smooth ride, it might be worth investing a bit more to get a truck equipped with proper oil-filled shocks. Choosing the right RC monster truck involves considering various factors, including performance, handling, and design.
