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View Full Version : Stock MINI-z, 15mph? bs.


IEATMINIZ
2004.03.01, 08:46 PM
i heard someone say that a stock mini Z plows 15mph, my Blue rotored Xmod only does 18mph. I just cant believe a stock mini-z is that fast.

PAULANGELO
2004.03.01, 08:58 PM
Want to Race?? The Xmods are weigh so much more and do not handle as well as the mini z. Unless you try one (and yes I have the xmod that is why I have the mini z) it is hard for anyone to explain it to you. It is like explaining the color blue to a blind person. Think about that one.

Queso
2004.03.01, 09:05 PM
I don't know about 15 but mine is pretty quick

IEATMINIZ
2004.03.01, 09:15 PM
Its as hard as explaining the color blue to a blind person to verify that the mini-z stock speed is 15mph? I didnt ask which is better; Mini-z or Xmod. i just wanna know how fast.

Queso
2004.03.01, 09:22 PM
well i haven't had the time to race my miniz vs. my xmod

but here's what I think .......

The xmod w/s2 blue might actually have a slightly higher top speed but that's because of the extra tooth on the pinion.
But the accelleration and the handling both blow the xmod
out of the water.

Now after putting all kinds of cash into a miniz it would totally smoke a xmod no matter what !!!

Yes even if you blow the same amount of cash or possibly even more on the xmod, the z is still the better car.

mini-z
2004.03.01, 09:26 PM
A stock Z will go about 11mph out of the box. How did you measure your XMOD's speed?

IEATMINIZ
2004.03.01, 10:32 PM
its basicly an ATV speed measure gun, we used to use on my go kart and quads, it uses some kind of strobe to measure speed of a moving object, the xmod was on a smooth road in front of my house.

my xmod doesnt really have to go to far to hit tops. when i use regular radioshack rechargables, the accel is ****ing horrible.. and so is top end speed comparitivly. IC-3 Batts its a whole different story, accel to top speed is effortles and almost instant, top speed is curved up by about 3 and a half mph. Its like a little bullet shooting across the road. there amazing, i think its much, much more ampage than a normal AAA. not only that, the xmod ussualy lasts about a half hour of solid running up and down the street top speed. dont even bother getting an Xmod if you dont get IC-3 batts. Oh yeah... did i mention they charge in 15 minutes?

I heard on another forum the top speed for the mini-z
was around 8 or 9 mph. I think im gonna buy a mini-z, but i really dont have the money and dont feel like shoveling out over 100 bucks for this thing unless its the best thing ever (like you guys say :) )

IEATMINIZ
2004.03.01, 10:40 PM
Originally posted by Queso
well i haven't had the time to race my miniz vs. my xmod

but here's what I think .......

The xmod w/s2 blue might actually have a slightly higher top speed but that's because of the extra tooth on the pinion.
But the accelleration and the handling both blow the xmod
out of the water.

Now after putting all kinds of cash into a miniz it would totally smoke a xmod no matter what !!!

Yes even if you blow the same amount of cash or possibly even more on the xmod, the z is still the better car.

Wait... ive spent 80-90 bucks on my Xmod... Im runnin 18mph on my road... Even a fully hopped up Xmod is cheaper than a Stock 11mph mini-z. than if i want my mini-z to compete with my 80 dollar xmod i have to invest more money in the mini-z making it even MORE expensive. wheres the logic here?

IEATMINIZ
2004.03.01, 10:43 PM
oops double post..

bw762
2004.03.01, 11:10 PM
We had 2 XMODs and sold one. The other is kept just for fun and not racing. We also have two mini-z's and one Overland. I found that out of the box the Mini-z is faster. It is lighter and has a more efficient drivetrain with less frictional loss. Either car can be modded to go faster than the other. In the end though the Mini-z will cost you more to get to the same or higher speed than an XMod.

If you want to go fast in a straight line and have fun on slippery surfaces for the lowest price - XMOD (w/4wd). If you want balanced speed and handling, and good ergononics (the XMOD transmitter sucks. sorry but its true.) then the Mini-z is it. I have to say though, that since RS came in late in the game, they have made refinements to the electronics that beat the Mini-z MR01: Braking, well integrated light kit, won't go berserk when the transmitter is turned off before the car, etc.

Wedginator
2004.03.01, 11:24 PM
Mini-Z's are true proportional. Xmods are stepped propo which is used on cheaper electronics thus the difference in price. Mini-Z's are better quality built than the Xmods also leading to a cheaper price. Also, Mini-Z's are leaning more towards the hobby class type cars while Xmods are more of a toy. Don't get me wrong, Xmods are good to play around with, but it'll never beat out a Mini-Z. From stock car, Mini-Z's are faster.

IEATMINIZ
2004.03.02, 12:09 AM
I bet if kyosho produced the mini-z in the same package we have now, and changed the Radioshack TX to the big 80s TX....They would not be considered a toy at all. Radioshacks reputation sets that up.

I think for the money, you can either buy 2 max`d out Xmods, or even for the money, modify your Xmod for racing, space out the rods on the steering pin for sharper steering, change the steering motor, lighten it up.. and then have money left over for a track.

Wedginator
2004.03.02, 08:53 AM
It's not the packaging nor the controller problem. It's the electronics, and the quality of the plastic. I'll say it again, Xmods have cheapy electronics. Try to find some electronics that are 100% propo for a cheap price. No very likey. If Xmods came with Mini-Z type electronics, and Mini-Z quality parts, then I think the price would cost about the Mini-Z price.

buckaroobonsai
2004.03.02, 11:36 AM
When I first got into smaller scale vehicles, (1/28), I bought a brand new XMOD that had been Turbo FET'd and had a custom high performance engine as well. The seller was a respected Xmod "Specialist". Although the Xmod was fairly fast, it lacked control, handling and range. Overall, when you compare it to a Mini-Z piece by piece, the Xmod is pretty "dinky" and lacks the quality that I have found with Mini-Z's. Also look at the manufactors. KYOSHO has been around for years producing excellent R/C products. The same cannot be said of Tandy. Just about everything they sell is "cheap". The only reason they stay in business is because they stock alot of electronic parts for fabrication and have a decent selection of batteries. With the new MR-02 chassis out by Kyosho, the Xmods will look less and less appealing, even at half the price. The only thing I liked about the Xmod was the fact that you could make it all wheel drive. Other than that, I would bet on a stock Mini-Z beating a hopped-up Xmod on the track any day. As for going against a hopped-up MR-02, all the money and hop-ups in the world couldn't save the Xmod from being whooped!

;)

arch2b
2004.03.02, 12:02 PM
while not restating the obvious, i think the error in the comparison is the use of the mr-01. more and more people are skipping the mr-01 for the new mr-02. i don't care how much you throw into an xmod, it will not out perform and mr-02.

it's generally cheap to hop up an mr-02 to go faster than stock too. there is very little that even needs to be done as it is already a great chassis. i would rather buy an mr-02 and a better motor than an xmod with all the bells and whistles. and yes, i have an xmod with almost all the hop ups. it consistently looses races on my rcp track against mr-01's and mr-02's. and for those that mix them when racing, keep the mini-z's away from the xmod...they are very heavy and will plow thru a mini-z. you have to catch up to it first though;)

the xmod however is very easy to drive and the awd makes for some fun runs on smooth surfaces. i still enjoy my rsx especially when doing some drifting runs with other xmods. i agree the rs cells are junk...stick with quality over quantity

AutoGlass
2004.03.02, 12:51 PM
im sure if you lighten the xmod it can be a dangerous foe unless its demolition derby then its already a dangerous foe. from looking at my xmod if you remove the metal plate on the bottom and some of the unnessary parts it would make it 20 or 30% lighter.

if the shack didnt get everything from the cheapo factories I would respect them more.

TNB
2004.03.02, 01:03 PM
Originally posted by IEATMINIZ
i heard someone say that a stock mini Z plows 15mph, my Blue rotored Xmod only does 18mph. I just cant believe a stock mini-z is that fast.

One of the R/C magazines publised 15 mph for the stock Enzo with an 8t--check RCxtreme Jan 2004 Issue. I don't have the magazine in front of me, but that issue comes to mind. Out-of-the-box the motor has a 6t, but the car also ships with an 8t.

My question is why purchase an Xmod when one can purchase a Mini-X unless someone just wants the ease of going to Radio Shack. Yes, I meant to write Mini-X, which can also use a Kyosho radio and tires. I just kind of wonder if the idea of the Xmod came from Mini-X.

Paradigma
2004.03.02, 04:52 PM
I have been itching to try an xmod too, but as everyone keep saying it's doesn't have a good electronic, I hesitated. Just curious, can you put better electronic in an xmod? probably MR02 electronics? or maybe novak spy?

KennyD
2004.03.02, 06:13 PM
Ive read somewhere that you could, but even then I still wouldn't buy one... its still made very cheaply. Most of my problems with my 6 xmods (I returned my first one and kept returning them 6 times) were with the parts themselves, not the electronics. Although it did glitch horribly and the range was terrible so I guess you could fix that. I still wouldn't buy another one though.

IEATMINIZ
2004.03.02, 10:32 PM
Well... thanks guys for all the constructive argument... i think im going to get a mini-z now! once again, thanks alot.

R33E8
2004.03.05, 07:37 PM
oh...and i just beat my friend with a nicely hooked up xmod yester day... with a stock mini-z :D :D :D i was sooooo happy....but the only problem now is that he wants one! he might beat me!!!:(

Queso
2004.03.06, 08:49 AM
Originally posted by IEATMINIZ
Wait... ive spent 80-90 bucks on my Xmod... Im runnin 18mph on my road... Even a fully hopped up Xmod is cheaper than a Stock 11mph mini-z. than if i want my mini-z to compete with my 80 dollar xmod i have to invest more money in the mini-z making it even MORE expensive. wheres the logic here?

well I just picked up a stock miniz for 30 bucks.
so I guess that's my logic

KennyD
2004.03.06, 10:44 AM
Used, right?

Queso
2004.03.06, 10:56 AM
yes used but still a deal costs less than a new x mod
and able to turn at the same time.....

what more could you ask for?

KennyD
2004.03.06, 01:59 PM
Nothing at all. :) I just figured that you might've found a site that was having a clearance on new mini'zs... In that case, I was wanting to know where. :) I love my mr-02 and mini'zs are awesome... I just wish I could find more places to mess around with it. My basement is pretty dirty where we park our 4wheelers so I dont think I'll ever have it clean enough to run my mini z out there... For now, all I do is take it down to the gym and run it when no one else is in there... it has plenty of room to mess with a mini z.
Later

Queso
2004.03.06, 06:35 PM
I'm planning on getting a mr02 asap

I got to drive one once and it was so buttery
smoove on the throttle.....

Right then I knew my x mods would never look
the same to me ever again.

RedRSX
2004.03.20, 10:42 AM
Originally posted by IEATMINIZ
Well... thanks guys for all the constructive argument... i think im going to get a mini-z now! once again, thanks alot.

You will be very impresses (if you dont already have it). The easiest way i have found to measure the speed of an xmod is to find a very nice treamill. My treadmill at my house can go up to 15mph, and my xmod was struggling to pull that...and its completely upgraded. My OL with an xspeed was able to keep up...ill never play with my xmod again

btw, anyone wanna buy an xmod??? :D

Charlie Brown
2004.03.21, 12:40 AM
Originally posted by RedRSX
btw, anyone wanna buy an xmod??? :D

Umm.....the recycle bin? nah, jk

Look, it all comes down to this. You could spend 200-300 dollars going crazy on a Mini-Z MR-02, fully hop it up, and let your jaw plunge into the floor at the sight of it's performance. But on TinyRC, in the Xmods science (See "upgraded FETs"), you'll find that with the right modding, an Xmod may be able to outperform a Mini-Z in just drag racing, maybe drifting with AWD. What I'm saying is, since Mini-Z's cost so much, you could spend that money upgrading an Xmod to it's full potential, like, installing super-strong FETs, AWD, some weight reduction, and the key factor that can give Xmods the edge over a Mini-Z.....a 180 motor. Think about it, AWD for the best drifting techniques, and the killer combo...FETs and a 180 motor. One wind on a 180 motor will draw a lot less current than one wind on a 130 motor. And, with those crazy FETs installed, you can wind a 180 motor with EXTREMELY low turns, and that will give you fair torque (as soon as Draconious invents Neo mags for 180 cans :p) and crazy speed....perhaps 50+ mph. And of course, there's always the li-poly battery mod.

But, keep this in mind. Kyosho has been around for about 5-10 years or so, and they have been making GREAT RC cars. But RadioShack just deals out electronic gadgets. It must have taken some hard work and effort to go way out of their path to create a car that can potentially compete (and maybe even surpass) with the Mini-Z's, as someone on TRC said.

Basically, get a Mini-Z for quality and speed out of the box, or get an Xmod and be prepared to put some hard work and effort into it, along with better drivetrain (AWD, of course :p), it shouldn't matter! Just get what you want and ENJOY it, be happy, and stay satisfied. I'm going to try a mini-z out because they are loads of fun to play with, and they are the real deal in RC cars.

Just keep one factor in mind when playing with these things...

HAVE FUN!

Chuckster...

Wedginator
2004.03.21, 12:44 AM
Charlie Brown: Nicely said. Bravo :)

Draconious
2004.03.21, 01:07 AM
I just got an Xmod.. sold a few things fomr mini-z land to a few xmodes that had to have it for more than they were worth, so.. i used the extra funds to buy one...

THEY SUCK!!! - I dont mean this cuz I am bias to the Z.. even if I am.. a little... they just do...

The little magazine they come with, and various tips on the site goes though all this why camber and toe in is so great.. and all these wheel angles and degrees...

well its all MUUT, cuz the blasted wheels wobble way way way too much... so much that when in reverse it probly has a -6 toe in.. but when going forward its probly +6 toe out... when turning the front wheel rubs on the suspension system.. a screw that hangs though a hole... they are well designed, but it looks like some one skipped the prototype stages to get it to market faster, wich is probly why mine does not look anythign like the one in the photos in the manual...

Also on page 27 of the little xmod magazine, there is a photo of nice chrome rims and treaded tires... both are MINI-Z Tires/Rims! lol...

BTW I aint even turned this Xmod on yet... I just got it a few days ago and cant find a 9v battery thought I had a few I dont.. any way when I got it the TX had a sticker mark on it like a sticker was removed, what looks to be a price tag or something... and a large gash in the side of the TX... looked very used... the car had a few "other" colors on it.. like it was rubbed against another car... again possbility of being slightly used... lol...

Every one said the controller sucks, but its no big deal compared to the commonly overlooked issues the car itself has...

RedRSX
2004.03.21, 01:38 AM
Originally posted by Charlie Brown
since Mini-Z's cost so much

I just bought a hardly used, only ran on carpet mini-z F1 for $90...it came with an xspeed, full ball bearings, an internal antenna, and an extra set of tires and rims. Minus the cost of the upgrades and throwing in a used facotr...i consider the price of the car to be around $45. And i know a stock F1 can rape a stock xmod...but like Charliebrown said above...remember to have fun with these. I think some of us get a little out of hand sometimes and we forget that we have these things to have fun with, not get pissed at eachother over ;)

TNB
2004.03.21, 05:11 AM
Originally posted by Charlie Brown
Basically, get a Mini-Z for quality and speed out of the box, or get an Xmod and be prepared to put some hard work and effort into it, along with better drivetrain (AWD, of course :p), [/B]
If I had to go to all that trouble of setting up an Xmod, I'd rather purchase a basic Mini-X which is cheaper than an Xmod and is able to use a standard AM radio, as well as handle 6 cells and use Mini-Z tires. As far as the AWD, the Mini-X has that without having to upgrade. And by the way, the history of the Tandy Corporation and Radio Shack begins around 1919., yet it's also my understanding that one bad characteristic about the Xmod is the electronics despite your comment about RS just dealing out electronic gadgets.

Charlie Brown
2004.03.21, 11:31 AM
Originally posted by RedRSX
remember to have fun with these. I think some of us get a little out of hand sometimes and we forget that we have these things to have fun with, not get pissed at eachother over ;)

*sniff* he finally learned! *sniff* lol jk

Chuckster...

RedRSX
2004.03.21, 11:39 AM
Originally posted by Charlie Brown
*sniff* he finally learned! *sniff* lol jk

Chuckster...


Yea, Yea, Yea...I should have figured it out earlier :rolleyes:

BobT
2004.03.23, 08:53 AM
Our top racer/Mini Z tuner Joel has been working on his Xmod for a little over a week. He is now able to keep up with the rest of the club members driving their racing tuned Mini Zs.

To put it in perspective Joel normally laps us every 5 to 10 laps. So a lot of the performance can be attributed to Joel's tallent at tuning and driving.

Joel is a master at finding and fixing minute details of these little cars. Buy taking the slop out of the front knuckles using a coating of CA glue, adding droop shims to the rear a-arms and moving the battery carrier to the forward-most setting he has helped me get mine much more consistant and fun to drive.

I don't think they will ever compete with Mini Zs as the Z can accelerate much faster, but they can be fun to race against other Xmods.

akura2
2004.06.23, 12:10 PM
any way when I got it the TX had a sticker mark on it like a sticker was removed, what looks to be a price tag or something... and a large gash in the side of the TX... looked very used... the car had a few "other" colors on it.. like it was rubbed against another car... again possbility of being slightly used... lol...

Every one said the controller sucks, but its no big deal compared to the commonly overlooked issues the car itself has...

I know this is an old post but I found it while I was searching for something

Did you buy it used?... if not.. then it was probably used...returned...and re-sold.. you should look into that.... because they aren't THAT great (compared to a Mini-Z) but they aren't THAT bad either

moskito42
2005.01.13, 08:18 AM
If you want a cheap but fast alternative, why don't you think about an iwaver? An iwaver02 is nearly a clone to a mr-02 and costs only 50$. You can put a lot of extras like ball bearings, ball diff and tuning motor in it to get it to 80-90$.

TNB
2005.01.13, 10:56 AM
If you want a cheap but fast alternative, why don't you think about an iwaver? An iwaver02 is nearly a clone to a mr-02 and costs only 50$. You can put a lot of extras like ball bearings, ball diff and tuning motor in it to get it to 80-90$.
Did you notice when this thread was started? 2004.03.01, 09:46 PM--Was the I02 out then? Myself, when Tower sells MR-02 F50s with bearings for $85.00, I know which I'd choose and it's not going to be an Iwaver or an Xmod, especially since I don't need to pay for another radio.