XMODS are back!

[arch2b]

Please read announcement (http://media.radioshackcorporation.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=242236&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1821281&highlight=)

FORT WORTH, Texas, May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/
In addition, RadioShack will be re-launching XMODS, which are DIY remote control car or truck kits that customers can build, tune, and race, which will be available this fall.

[imxlr8ed]

If the newer Xmods come out in 2.4 and they get a bit tighter tolerance control on their parts... I think with the Z prices going the way they are, Kyosho may have a problem on their hands.

IMO... if they get re-released with a 2.4ghz, they're seriously trying to get a new devotion to their beloved Xmod line. If they come out with that lame 27mhz AM folding radio again, they'll be pulling them back off their shelves within 2 or 3 years again.

[arch2b]

for better or worse regarding quality, they will bring more attention to the scale which is a good thing. that's assuming they stay 1:28th scale.

who knows, if they market it like they did last time maybe kyosho usa would take notice and market similarly. RS sold the hell out of xmods. one can hope anyway.

[imxlr8ed]

Been looking for a car to do a box-stock class with that doesn't cost more than $50... or at least under $100, complete RTR. Just for a beater class, an AM Xmod wouldn't fit the bill, but a 2.4 with better steering... hmmmm. :D

[kot]

i haven't got one built up xmods or mini-z platform in years. if these come back with the exact same scale, 2.4 (like everyone is asking), and is sub 75, i could finally play cops and robbers with my girlfriend.. LMFAO.

seriously hoping for some fine upgraded electronics and bodies kyosho hasn't released.

[ChiMiniRc]

I'm not sure of the reason but when I first started the club, Xmods where part of the fleet and beginners sometimes had an easier time driving them. I was able to race them pretty well but you have to get use to steering precision being off and lane wandering. The biggest problem was the radios were too weak for where we were racing. Signal loss on the opposite side of the track.

[color01]

Hope not high for 2.4GHz, but if they do it I'll be impressed. Obviously the Shack has far greater marketing and distributing chops than Iwaver so if the product is good they can definitely take the fight to Kyosho for "market" (way small lol) share and get some new kids in the hobby like the original Xmods did.

I've no idea who decided it would be a good idea to switch from the Gen 1 Xmods to the Evo line, all of the platforms' craziest hacks were achieved while the Gen 1 was still an open, modular chassis. Mini-Z's are the definition of closed-platform, almost Apple-like, few people like to modify their base chassis as much because it's such a pain if you damage it afterwards.

[Felix2010]

I started in Xmods just like a LOT of Mini-Z guys did:) . Even though I did not buy any of the "Street"(Evolution) chassis sets I have to say I'm happy if not even a little bit excited to see Xmods return from Radio Shack. I got into the Xmods scene when then Evolution GEN2 chassis were pretty-new to market, and although I like the GEN1 I still like the Evolution chassis and there are a lot of tweaks that can be done with the Evo chassis (But I agree with color01 that the modular-GEN1 Xmods had more crazy hacks and chassis upgrades). The main thing I didn't dig about the GEN1 is the front/rear suspension, especially the rear with its "arc" travel -- Camber gain...I guess, but I just didn't like how the wheels were only able to arc with no vertical up-down travel in conjunction with the camber gain. Small gripe I know!:D

Let's see these babies and if RS introduces a bonafide "New" chassis. From a RC scale point of view this has to be viewed as a positive thing IMO. There is always that group of people who get introduced to RC and like it enough to want "more and find their way into being Mini-Z addicts...:D:D:D

[Customizer]

If the XMODS are IWaver / Firelap RC's with a different name im in.
I'm perfectly happy with my Firelap as a casual racer / beater. All i ask is precise steering and a 2.4ghz transmitter.

[targetingxmod]

http://s22.postimg.org/a0kg526qp/Screenshot_2013_09_10_19_37_38_1.png[/QUOTE]

Well, now that a spy photo! Great!
So for the real world, the mountain as calved a mouse! :dh)
Only good news is the 1/24 scale!

Stupidity level! Absolutly toy grade with no upgrade and stupid child bodys.

Well i will buy the evo series now..on ebay, for my final projects on brushless from the VE miniz's! :rockon2:

End of story
PS: But wait and see in person... i could be wrong... but that photo says it all...

[arch2b]

very unfortunate if it is indeed 1:24 as there will be less cross over to 1:28. more uninspiring details in the attached images.

[hilldebrandt]

Yeah I tried uploading those pics earlier and couldn't get them uploaded...lol.
They look like childish toy cars that u would get at Walmart...like a New Bright piece of junk...

[arch2b]

They have a media rep that is VERY responsive and answers emails rather quickly. Pricing is $50 and arrive in stores the first half of October.

[fastmax]

That's a real bummer being 1/24, and to make matters worse the bodies are awful!! :eek:

[ChiMiniRc]

For $50 I'll buy a couple to try them. At 2.4ghz, I wonder how many can race at once. Interesting to see they are offering Lipo now. Using AA for power makes me wonder how long a run time we can expect.

Also, aren't all those plastic models you see in hobby shops 1/24? If the wheelbase is easy to adjust on these, could be a huge platform for custom mounting plastic model bodys.

Anyone else think they'll try one just to see what they are like?

No argument, out of the box, a little fugly.

[yamar6]

the middle chassis looks the same as the evo same size i can't see them being any bigger then the evo.also it would been nice if the truck and buggy was the same size as the mini z buggy.

[arch2b]

we will have to wait and see actual product images but from this, it doesn't look adjustable. the wheels are attached to the pod suggesting you cannot adjust track width and unless clarified, adjust wheelbase either. right now it's looking more like toy grade junk. i hope i'm wrong.

[imxlr8ed]

I'm sold... 2.4 works for me. Please oh please!, let them have better tolerancing than the older ones did!

I plan to bash it heavily to see if it's our new box stock starter class.

[yamar6]

there sending me out a free starter kit a t-shirt and other goodies once i get it i will do a full write up.If u look at the pic the wheels are fake look at the rear wheel.Also it looks like it has ma-010 suspension now hopefully the mini z springs fit

[fastmax]

Anyone else think they'll try one just to see what they are like?

No argument, out of the box, a little fugly.

I'll definitely purchase one just to give it a go and see what they're all about. Would have been nice if all my other Xmods wheels, tires, motors etc could have been compatible :(

[yamar6]

i think the wheels are going to come off.i think that is a pic with fake wheels.

[arch2b]

i certainly hope the actual product is better than the renderings. i would love to see xmods return as the gateway drug to full blown 1:28 addiction :p

[ChiMiniRc]

i certainly hope the actual product is better than the renderings. i would love to see xmods return as the gateway drug to full blown 1:28 addiction :p

Exactly. Have them be good enough to race, but cause an itch that a Mini-z can only scratch. I can say the dealer pricing is out on the Mr-03sport and the price point seems right. I just hope the quality that drives an xmods driver to (ASF) Mini-z, is the same with this new FHSS system on the mr-03sport.

[arch2b]

FHS/sports series, all it ends up doing is making the change over VERY expensive when you get to upgrading to ASF. i still don't agree with the sport concept but that's a discussion for the other thread;)

sucks i wasn't offered anything for trial:( i have to give it to their media rep, they are on the ball when it comes to emails. probably the quickest response team i've ever encountered.

[imxlr8ed]

They're not gonna give a die-hard Mini-Z guy their new car to test with... that'd be like Hyundai asking a die-hard Porsche guy for a review. :D

[arch2b]

what me, i've owned countless xmods myself :p still have one infact. still in parts after running or trying to run it at the basketball court race in PA when we had to follow the car around the track to get around:D

[imxlr8ed]

See?... already biased! :p

I've got an Evo in parts that I was converting to an Iwaver board for an older member of my crew... he liked the car so much he never even came back to pick it up! :rolleyes:

I am happy that they are at least coming out... I'm already planning to post little handout flyers with some of our club info at the RadioShacks again like I did years ago. As long as the managers are cool with it, some even let me tape them to the boxes!

[color01]

It's fugly probably because of bodies and licensing issues. So you just design something as a stop-gap until the licensing is cleared and you can sell the proper bodies. That's my guess, or else someone at RatShack is smoking something good. It's hard to sell kids on toy cars unless they look pretty and they can relate to it somehow, there's a reason the Gen1's were such a big hit (Fast and Furious connection).

That said, it's a brand new chassis design and looks fairly modular, I'll have to hold my breath on how easy they're going to allow the chassis to be hacked.

[yamar6]

i think your rite about the bodies.The thing im not liking is the motor mount and the front end does not look like u can put gears in it hopefully u can make it awd.The wheels im not to worried about because if GPM makes parts that will be the first thing they make are cvd's.maybe they coppied mini z ma-010 knuckles and cvd's and we can use them just dreaming here It's fugly probably because of bodies and licensing issues. So you just design something as a stop-gap until the licensing is cleared and you can sell the proper bodies. That's my guess, or else someone at RatShack is smoking something good. It's hard to sell kids on toy cars unless they look pretty and they can relate to it somehow, there's a reason the Gen1's were such a big hit (Fast and Furious connection).

That said, it's a brand new chassis design and looks fairly modular, I'll have to hold my breath on how easy they're going to allow the chassis to be hacked.

[targetingxmod]

My e-mail to Radioshack: Social.Media@radioshack.com

Hello!
I live in Europe and have several X-mods from Radioshack(USA), Carson(EUROPE) and HPI(JAPAN). Hey, Earth is a small village nowdays! :)

I got 35 years old and started xmods 1/28 scale years ago.

I build an home track at home it's 10metersx4meters in carpet for use with xmods and miniz's.

What bring the atention to xmods in the first place were the price compared to other brands like KYOSHO (mini-z's) a real world at least in RC world (hobby grade). But like the price the inumerous upgrades that in stock form xmods had.

The important upgrades are:

-4x4 upgrade kit
-Bearings
-Rims and Tires (Special the option to use the miniz's upgrade tires)
-Bodykits for the body's
-Suspension tuning
-Cars & Trucks

Those are in stock form (radioshack), but aftermakert companies take over and biuld alloy pieces for the xmods, gen1 or evo series. And that was awesome.... a perfect thing, the next step to make xmods a real hobby grade.
I remove the stock electrics on all my xmods and put hobby grade like miniz boards or losi micro boards on all x-mods i have.
To many people do that to... to make them a real RC.

And that was fantastic...but we are all in good hopes for the new line of xmods for 2013.
But for the pic's released this time.... you are releasing only the name "xmods". That is very toyish and the enourmus community all over the world will say the same....
Come on....

-No 4x4 upgrade? Yes make the cars 2wd but make make an option to evolution....
-Bearings.... essential upgrade to bushings, and that is hobby grade land....
-Rims and Tires... each track carpet or RCP or each floor (concrete,aspalth, wood, etc... needs diferent quality tires)... even if you make them there is the upgrades one from aftermarket companies for the miniz that fit the other xmods generations! A MUST!
-Bodykits for bodys... in this you did it right. Why change a winner team? Every kid and adult loves to change the look of their ride... Like Overhaulin/Chip Foose.
-Suspension... diferents springs rate and so on....

This are the basic that if the new xmods do not have, they will be sended back and sit tight on the shelves, and only a 3years old child could scream for parents to buy it! ONLY!

Please... try to make the next batch of xmods at least like the STREET version or EVO Series.

I have some video from youtube that you should see till the end...

I am concerning and helping you to win easy money.. and make us the comunity of xmoders all over the world happy.

Videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtQg0BulDsQ
-Generations of xmods

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdTQ7b1zlm4
-Some presentation of an xmod!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMGlGcOE_tI
-One xmods truck with a miniz board. Adult hobby grade feel on an xmod!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbi6H4DSSmo
-My Honda Civic Gen1 xmod with losi micro board AM 27mhz and full alloy upgrades

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWyBj_rOWLE
-My Nissan GTR Gen1 xmod with all aftermakert alloy upgrades and 2.4ghz miniz board

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WrOtmsz64lM
-My Evo Lancer with some alloy upgrades, some Radioshack upgrades and 2.4ghz mini'z board.

And so on.. that i lost count! :)

Last xmods were a serious evolution toy that any 12year kid want to have and make upgrades on them from radioshack units , and 20years old folks and 40years will grab to make upgrades with the aftermakert brands to make it hobby grade.

Making xmods toy level with no option for those basics i say... it is a shoot in the foot Radioshack!

Ok. Hope Someone will read this and see the videos!
Thanks for making the last xmods. It was been wonderfull!

[fastmax]

I'm anxious to hear how they respond :cool:

[Customizer]

I'm sold... 2.4 works for me. Please oh please!, let them have better tolerancing than the older ones did!

I plan to bash it heavily to see if it's our new box stock starter class.

^ This
$50 dollars for a starter kit
2.4 Ghz
1:2x scale

The only thing that would make me *not* buy at least one would be if the steering resolution is extremely stepped (i.e. not indistinguishable from high resolution full proportional steering) and /or slow. I'm hoping yamar6 confirms that isnt the case.

I need 2 more cars for casual racing on my track so i hope these are just "Firelap US" cars.

there sending me out a free starter kit a t-shirt and other goodies once i get it i will do a full write up.If u look at the pic the wheels are fake look at the rear wheel.Also it looks like it has ma-010 suspension now hopefully the mini z springs fit

How did you pull this off lol? :p

[yamar6]

they sent me the buggy i guess the car is not out yet.i just got back from disney and i'll try the buggy out tm.but i will buy the car when it comes out

[fastmax]

they sent me the buggy i guess the car is not out yet.i just got back from disney and i'll try the buggy out tm.but i will buy the car when it comes out

Would you say the 1/16 designation is accurate?

[yamar6]

i say yes but i would not buy one.Would you say the 1/16 designation is accurate?

[fastmax]

Thanks. I have zero interest in 1/16 scale rigs so just hearing that was accurate sizing let me know I wasn't buying one.

[imxlr8ed]

they sent me the buggy i guess the car is not out yet.i just got back from disney and i'll try the buggy out tm.but i will buy the car when it comes out

Any pics? Any kind of review? How's the radio? What kind of settings? How's the range?

Pics or it didn't happen! :D

[targetingxmod]

Any pics? Any kind of review? How's the radio? What kind of settings? How's the range?

Pics or it didn't happen! :D

Remember i have zero interest in 1/16 xmods, and this pics are not mine...

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/p480x480/541844_10200798062898251_1714442096_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1375791_10200798057858125_888746328_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/p480x480/1238789_10200798055458065_758147328_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/944620_10200798054138032_1123749539_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1240156_10200798053298011_355109790_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/943343_10200798052497991_1603235573_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/599721_10200798051817974_815742218_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/p480x480/1377980_10200798050977953_947012488_n.jpg

[targetingxmod]

https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/541373_10200798050697946_1094508252_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/p480x480/1374808_10200798050417939_739000809_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1157392_10200798048737897_1109627080_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/578699_10151663823017286_1022644862_n.jpg
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/13008_10151663823042286_572854959_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/603933_10200805587206354_1267652179_n.jpg
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1375282_10200805293679016_1804439812_n.jpg
370 size motor.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/p480x480/1238325_10200805294119027_1075606395_n.jpg
Rear gears. No differential...
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1381312_10200805294519037_2107359595_n.jpg
Spur gear and gear that meshes up to the drive gear for the wheels...

[targetingxmod]

https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1377417_10200805298679141_1273399551_n.jpg
Stock motor, compared to the Losi 370 Frenzy motor, found in the Mini LST. Same can size...
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1382359_10200805352040475_213568117_n.jpg
Plug connections for the motor...
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/p480x480/1379766_10200805352280481_799404323_n.jpg
Cut the plastic cover over the heat sink, I think it's better off in open air than being encased, especially because that Losi motor gets hot.
https://scontent-a-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/p480x480/1378835_10200805919894671_1949582395_n.jpg
Losi aftermarket springs for the Mini T. Fits perfectly:
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1239812_10200805919534662_11368241_n.jpg
Losi spring spacers fit onto the shock body for adjustability:
https://scontent-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/p480x480/1375290_10200805918014624_164987392_n.jpg
Losi motor soldered up to the factory leads going to the plug
https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1374341_10200805947615364_1721505337_n.jpg

[yamar6]

i rec. my buggy with the awd kit and it's the biggest piece of crap.Don't know how there going to sell them and the car because atomic is coming out with a 1/28 and turnigy called a mini Q

[imxlr8ed]

i rec. my buggy with the awd kit and it's the biggest piece of crap.Don't know how there going to sell them and the car because atomic is coming out with a 1/28 and turnigy called a mini Q

Really?... that's your review? :confused:

It's the biggest piece of crap? A company sends you a car for free and that's how you review it? And then you proceed to try to sell the competition?

:rolleyes:

[yamar6]

yea i'll send it back to them it was a waste for radio shack to even come out with it.Also if the car is like it it why pay 55.00 dollars when u can pay 10 more and get the mini Q.

Here is my review

turns like gen 1
can not put bearings in hubs or awd middle shaft
very slow even with hop up motor that they give(will try with battery pack)
no slipper so gears might strip if the buggy does get faster.
body does not even fit well also no wing steering has steps not a true 2.4 rc radio
they sold a fake rc18 and it was great now they put out a toy that is a chunk of plastic.

Also called and emailed the gentleman who sent it that want it feed back and never rec. a call or email.so at this moment it is a junk and would not spend the money on it.I hope the car is not like this but looking at the pics it is.all they had to do was make the evo chassis a little stronger and put a true 2.4 in it with new bodies and they would had a winner.they ask us what we want and they went the other way.

[yamar6]

I can get this for 82.00 dollars

[arch2b]

with commercial release, promoted to it's own category. :p

[targetingxmod]

Well, 1/24 crap, no lock nuts for rims/tire change.
Only that fault makes it a SUPER JOKE!
FAIL, radio shack!


http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0057_zpsbe08ae63.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0057_zpsbe08ae63.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0056_zpsb5ae8820.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0056_zpsb5ae8820.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0055_zps4be72244.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0055_zps4be72244.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0054_zpsea1feeb0.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0054_zpsea1feeb0.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0053_zps4ba169ec.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0053_zps4ba169ec.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0052_zps2bb89544.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0052_zps2bb89544.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0051_zps80492044.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0051_zps80492044.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0050_zps8837cb4a.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0050_zps8837cb4a.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0049_zpse99ad5ea.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0049_zpse99ad5ea.jpg.html)http://i1153.photobucket.com/albums/p510/allbeengone/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0048_zps33b40b15.jpg (http://s1153.photobucket.com/user/allbeengone/media/Xmods%20Gen%204/103_0048_zps33b40b15.jpg.html)

Only way i see to make it right is if they release an upgrade to make removal rims/tires like all the 1/28 hobyy grades ones...
Otherwise i just puke at this foverer....

ONLY thing they have to make it right was keeping the evo street version but with 2,4ghz and lipo upgrades... and keep all that upgrades by radioshack that earlier version had... not coming up with a new toy for 4 year old childs....

[targetingxmod]

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g421/finalgear1/DSC00881_zpsbc5be72d.jpg

[fastmax]

This really bums me out. I had such high hopes for what they could have done to bring Xmods back, and this is their answer :( This is NOT the return of Xmods it is just a new RC toy from Radio Shack. I'm sure plenty of little kids will get enjoyment out of them but I certainly won't be making any purchases.

[targetingxmod]

This really bums me out. I had such high hopes for what they could have done to bring Xmods back, and this is their answer :( This is NOT the return of Xmods it is just a new RC toy from Radio Shack. I'm sure plenty of little kids will get enjoyment out of them but I certainly won't be making any purchases.

what i will do is wait to see if some smart asses release an upgrade of alloy with removable rims/tires (lock nuts).... then i should and only then, i buy one to see i can squeze a miniz board on it! lol
Otherwise it will be on a shelf of radioshack for me!

[yamar6]

or the mini Q electronics they are made by flysky if they fit in a evo i might be buying a evo again.But this might be nice size chassis if RS comes out with knuckles that will take bearings maybe the AWD kit comes with new knuckles.Im trading the buggy in for the car so i will not be paying anything for it.

[FocusOne]

Wow, I was considering selling my old Custom Rydz (1/24 Xmods clones up here in Canada when Circuit City bought RS Canada out) for dirt cheap but this is making me change my mind.

Seriously, I would've never thought Xmods could be worse than the Custom Rydz RC we got up here.

I'm really curious to meet the team that brought us the original and Evo Xmods, cuz clearly the people behind these have NO IDEA what makes this hobby what it is, but somehow the original design team did.

I may be regurgitating what others have said, but I guess it's just not profitable for them to make the old Xmods w/ all the separately packaged upgrade parts and licensed bodies, upgrades and magazines due to the dying nature of the hobby and the number of competitors now in the market. The clearance sales of the old Xmods speak for that.

Guess I'll be holding on to my collection, as well as my Cuztom Rydz RC.

-__-

[FocusOne]

BUT...how does this thing perform OOB?

[Customizer]

Man...this is messed up lol

The whole point of micro and mini is to have SMALLER vehicles not larger .
Unless someone figures out a way to place 1/28 scale bodies and tires on this it isnt likely that i'll buy one as much as i'd like to. I'd rather spend the extra change and buy a Firelap online.

I'll wait and see if someone figures out how to ...make it smaller lol.

Despite this i am curious as to how it performs. ***...why couldnt they just keep it 1/28? I absolutely would have bought one .

[yamar6]

im looking at my car now and i think when the hop ups come out it will be a great car.It is like when i bought the evo's it drove like crap with the wobble wheels but once i put bearings in it and the faster motor the car was great.So hopefully RS comes out with the AWD and bearings to go with the lipo batteries.Also carson came out with the x24 so that why it's this size im hoping the x24 bodies fit and RS will come out with them.the xray m18 rims are the same size but a little wider the m18 fronts are the same size as the rear of the xmods.when i get the faster motor it comes with wheels and tires i'll put them on the front and see if the m18 tires fit.At least i'll have some nice tires.

But every one has to email RS and ask for a better radio make it so it has 3 model so the costumer can have the buggy and car with one radio or 2 cars

So far like it.

[fastmax]

Man...this is messed up lol

The whole point of micro and mini is to have SMALLER vehicles not larger .
Unless someone figures out a way to place 1/28 scale bodies and tires on this it isnt likely that i'll buy one as much as i'd like to. I'd rather spend the extra change and buy a Firelap online.

I'll wait and see if someone figures out how to ...make it smaller lol.

Despite this i am curious as to how it performs. ***...why couldnt they just keep it 1/28? I absolutely would have bought one .

I agree. If it had been 1/28 I'd have bought a couple even if it was more "toy grade" than the previous Xmods.

[yamar6]

just got off the phone with atomic mods and they have parts coming out next month there waiting to see if radio shack comes out with better knuckles with AWD kit

carbon fiber chassis
sway bars
knuckles that will take bearings probably GPM
steering rod for toe out
new style rims

[oXYnary]

I take it then these weren't designed by HPI?

[fastmax]

I take it then these weren't designed by HPI?

My understanding is that they are a Carson design.:confused:

[FocusOne]

I've always thought of these as RS designed, since most of the bodies are USDM (except for Skyline, but that's iconic even in America) and the HPI and Carson cars are mostly re-coloured US Xmods (plus the Porsche for Carson). I've never seen a Carson/Xmods Peugeot, Renault, Volkwagen, nor Opel

But then again, maybe the chassis' an HPI or Carson and RS just threw more money into bodies for the RS Xmods

[targetingxmod]

I've always thought of these as RS designed, since most of the bodies are USDM (except for Skyline, but that's iconic even in America) and the HPI and Carson cars are mostly re-coloured US Xmods (plus the Porsche for Carson). I've never seen a Carson/Xmods Peugeot, Renault, Volkwagen, nor Opel

But then again, maybe the chassis' an HPI or Carson and RS just threw more money into bodies for the RS Xmods

If this info is correct:
The cars are distributed by RadioShack in the United States, by Hobby Products International (HPI Racing) in Japan and by Carson Modellsport (Subdivision of Tamiya Germany) in Europe.

[fastmax]

If this info is correct:
The cars are distributed by RadioShack in the United States, by Hobby Products International (HPI Racing) in Japan and by Carson Modellsport (Subdivision of Tamiya Germany) in Europe.

Very interesting.

[imxlr8ed]

Just picked one up, has made in China all over it.

First impressions, unboxing is a fun process... the genuine asian twine is tough stuff! After nearly severing an artery (always cut away from yourselves kiddies!) I got it all out of the box. First thing I noticed it has a solid rear axle, either that or it's completely binded up! Not looking too good so far. I had a crack in the right rear fenderwell. Don't know how, don't really care eithet because my intention is to bash with it. Read the manual and the controller trim settings seem ridiculous already... There is no trim knob! Apparently I have to shut off the controller then go through some scenario to get to the trim.

Anyways... gonna drive it in a bit if I can find a nine volt for the controller!

[imxlr8ed]

Ok, just got around the track a few times after dismantling a smoke detector for a working 9 volt. Here's what I got.

So I sit down and try to forget that I have a 1/4 of my lifetime invested in MiniZs (tough to do, but possible), the pairing is simple enough. Big buttons and blinking lights to tell you if you're a complete idiot or not. Luckily the trim seemed to be "straight" right off the bat. So I hit it down the straight, good initial hit off the line but within a split second it tops out. First corner, hit the right and promptly sticks into the rail.
Touchy... Extremely touchy! Not only that but right hand turns seem to have no real curve to them other than in the positives, left handers were do-able but still touchy. The springs in the controller are very tight... If I had a ten minute main with this radio, I'd need to uncramp my hand afterwards.
So, I try to adapt to it and go a little lighter on the wheel... It gets around, but we're definitely a few miles away from anything hobbby grade. Now this is all with stock tires, no tuning or tweaking and running with that monster toe-in from stock so I'll give it a chance and say that it could be helped?... Maybe?

The lack of anything like a diff in the rear makes the cornering very geometric, there's no glide to it whatsoever. There was a bit of popping and grinding to let you know you were in the process of cornering though. The car is noisey, bit like a dustbuster, total toy noise. Kinda reminds me of the RC car I bought my two year old son.

In it's stock form, it's a toy, a basher, a thing that screams for any kind of help to get an inch further away from it's juvenile engineering. I can easily picture an aftermarket willing to get it there too but I get the feeling that it's so close to toy level that buyers won't even bother trying to take it to the next level. Plus, the brand is missing it's real car looks. Gone will be the kid who dreams of owning a cool Mustang, Skyline or Corvette, instead he'll be holding his new Xmod trying to figure out what the hell he's looking at! I think I have some generic version of an HSV?

Anyways, it seems like a good basher. I crashed it into some stuff laying around and it plowed right through with no breakage. It turns better than the Gen 1s, no need for little resistor replacements. It drives like a toy, sounds like a toy, looks like a toy... but aren't they all? It's gonna take a lot of tweak time and aftermarket to get this close to hobby grade status, by then... Shoulda just got an old AM Z or even a Firelap!

The rest of my crew will get their shot at it this Sunday, we'll see how it goes.

Oh, and I ripped apart the controller in the first 5 minutes to stretch the springs on the controls to make them a bit more tolerable... Be careful not to overstretch them! :o

[imxlr8ed]

Oh, this test run was on an RCP. Should be less jerky on wood or carpet or concrete... probably why they have so much toe-in on the thing!

[yamar6]

parts are coming hopefully it gets batter it does need bearings a lot of friction when u take the motor out and roll it

[imxlr8ed]

For dedicated RC racers though, I fear that the major holdup on this will be the radio. Doesn't seem like there is much you can do with it other than deal with it. Would be a real serious upgade if you could get it to talk to a FlySky controller or something like that!

I'm really curious as to how a company can put out a car like this and seemingly have no input whatsoever from anyone who has ever driven anything like a half-serious RC chassis. They had to have someone test with it, right?... they had to make a call to somebody who could offer an honest opinion as to how it functions, right?

Honestly, I kinda dig the setup going on here as far as having modular chassis, I've had designs like this on my mind for a while... something that could have a custom-fit lipo. Actually, I was thinking more of using the lipo as the chassis itself (full integration) but we are a long while away from that!

[yamar6]

im trying to talk to the guy who is in charge of xmods and tell him about the radio hopefully they will change it.flysky makes one now for the mini Q it will fit no problem just have to find out how to hook the servo wires to the board.

[arch2b]

why not a formal interview segment that can be shared on various sites? i would be interested to know the backstory and process by which it gets pitched, prototyped and final production.

[yamar6]

it needs a better radio less plastic around the motor and tons of hop ups.

[targetingxmod]

it needs a better radio less plastic around the motor and tons of hop ups.

That by itslef is the older generations.
That's the only good thing about it was personalization even in stock form, and with aftermarket and hobby grade electrics it is a great entry on the micro RC world!

The new ones with no lock nuts on rims and extra tires (using miniz ones) and no separated geared diff's in my opion it's a joke....like many people think about stock xmods!

If you spent about 6 months of work on a xmod including cuting and sanding, with 100%aftermakert chassis or at least on the right spots with miniz/losi micro electrics they are a real RC's.
It doesn't matter what other people think... because i know that they run xmods stock and make smiles when people say xmods could be better then miniz's!
This theme is very debated and old....

But a simple gen2 (evo) xmods with this setup for carpet racing:
-Miniz AWD ASF 2.4ghz feted (4*4562 or 4*8858)
-Ceramic bearings
-Carbon fiber central shaft
-GPM front and rear knuckles
-GPM dogbones and the cup for them front and rear
-4x4
-almost locked front diff (high viscosity grease in there)
-almost open rear diff (1:1 normal grease inside)
-Lexan body like the BMW's from Carson
-Stock motor on a Ball Bearing can with Neo Mags and a silver brush on the red brush
-Front 15º to 20º miniz tires
-Rear 10º or less miniz tires
-Front blue hard springs
-Yellow medium springs Rear
-A good set up AAA's like the R1wurks
-Big fat cables wired to the power source and to the motor
-Dropped body to the max without rubbing on tires

It can sure make an hard day of any stock Mr03 :)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/01_260420111574.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/01_260420111574.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/11_300320122408.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/11_300320122408.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/13_300320122407.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/13_300320122407.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/23_121020122932.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/23_121020122932.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/20_290820122793.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/20_290820122793.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Carson%20X3200%20-%20Xmod%20Evo%20Truck/53_01062010311.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Carson%20X3200%20-%20Xmod%20Evo%20Truck/53_01062010311.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/25_141120123004.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/25_141120123004.jpg.html)

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/25_Dsc_0364_zpsfad0203e.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/BMW%20X-Mod%20evo%20car/25_Dsc_0364_zpsfad0203e.jpg.html)

But someone is trying to make already an aftermakert chassis:
http://www.atomicmods.com/product-p/15675.htm

Maybe GPM take care of the rims/tires!
:D

[F_Zero]

Cool Ideas.

http://www.rctech.net/forum/members/jin8-albums.html

[targetingxmod]

Cool Ideas.

http://www.rctech.net/forum/members/jin8-albums.html


http://www.rctech.net/forum/members/jin8-albums-radioshack-generation-2-xmods-picture17393-radioshackxmods05.jpg
-That is a full GPM and Li-ON xmod with big fat cables... there is a big fail in there... it's using the xmods board which is junk compared to all that alloy. And rims should be alloy and miniz tires to! But is a good looking one!

This ones are more raceble on carpet tracks:
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Gen1%20X-Mod%20from%20parts/53_290520133258_zps13154267.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Gen1%20X-Mod%20from%20parts/53_290520133258_zps13154267.jpg.html)
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Gen1%20X-Mod%20from%20parts/55_290520133267_zpsd470fa7e.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Gen1%20X-Mod%20from%20parts/55_290520133267_zpsd470fa7e.jpg.html)
-Losi Micro board and 7.4v lipo.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Gen1%20X-mod%20Nissan%20GTR/145_180620133344_zps3964e711.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Gen1%20X-mod%20Nissan%20GTR/145_180620133344_zps3964e711.jpg.html)
-Miniz AWD ASF board with 6.6v life power!


http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Purple%20X-mod%20Gen1%20Pontiac%20Firebird/92_290520133262_zpsd7fa3eb1.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Purple%20X-mod%20Gen1%20Pontiac%20Firebird/92_290520133262_zpsd7fa3eb1.jpg.html)
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Purple%20X-mod%20Gen1%20Pontiac%20Firebird/90_290520133264_zps69dc8161.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Purple%20X-mod%20Gen1%20Pontiac%20Firebird/90_290520133264_zps69dc8161.jpg.html)
-Miniz AM 27mhz board and 6.6v life power!

Making them a bucket full of alloy is easy... making then ready to race on tracks with all the wiring envolved of the servos and boards is another story! But well rewarded!

An example of how to do on a gen1:
http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb18/fronterasportforum/Gen1%20from%20xmod%20noob%20Skyline%20GTR/32_231020133661_zps03503cb3.jpg (http://s206.photobucket.com/user/fronterasportforum/media/Gen1%20from%20xmod%20noob%20Skyline%20GTR/32_231020133661_zps03503cb3.jpg.html)
-This pic speaks for itself :)

[yamar6]

now hobby king is selling one with flysky esc so that will be a cheap esc to put in a xmod....Also i can't believe another company did not make the xmod again im asking red cat to see if they will come out with it with a nice 2.4

[imxlr8ed]

I'd buy a Redcat 1/24th on-road. The Sumo I just bought is actually good quality design and has a really nice radio and board for the price. Surprised they didn't try to go into an on-road version right away.

And if they need a designer... I'm willing, for the right price! :D

[yamar6]

i'm going to call them Thursday i would like to see the evo chassis with the new xmod suspension and better palstic the only thing the evo needed was the front end like the new xmod there is no way it will twist I'd buy a Redcat 1/24th on-road. The Sumo I just bought is actually good quality design and has a really nice radio and board for the price. Surprised they didn't try to go into an on-road version right away.

And if they need a designer... I'm willing, for the right price! :D

[Felix2010]

I too am repeating many if not all the views already said about the New Xmods, but just to chime in...

Radio Shack - What the hell happened? Wait, don't have to say it... "The almighty dollar". What a joke.

The new Xmods prove the higher-ups of corp's are DUMB ASSES. They do not do research - Who knows? Maybe the old Xmods Development Team said to RS, " Hey we've got this prototype next-GEN Xmods that radically improves on the EVO/STREET design. There have been so many R/C & Micro innovations in the last few years, and now they can be incorporated into the Xmods series. The customer base will be there if we can keep prices the same as before".
And Mr. CEO says, "Nahh. We like $$$.. Just $$$ baby. All about the Bens'."

And they gave us this 1/24th -- WTF made them change the scale BTW??? -- P.O.S that doesn't deserve the Xmods name... Bummed? I'm freaking bullsh**.

Kyosho might have went to Chinese manuf. plants to build Mini Z's, but Mini-Z is still a Mini-Z.

I wouldn't know what a Mini-Z is today if it were not for Xmods. This re-release could have sparked so much more than just interest in Xmods again.. Xmods paved the way for Custom Motor building... Now it's slow, but it was SO HOT-ON-FIRE for 5-8 years that the whole Mini-Z scene changed from Xspeed being fast to crazy fast motors on Mini-Zs -- On and off the track. And that is only one example. GPM made a fortune off Xmods.

Thank you to all those who posted pics & reviews. It was really appreciated, seriously. Thank you. Too bad there was so much freakin' BAD NEWS about this product. RS will be going under within 5 years now definitely... IMO, funny thing is.. An Xmods comeback might have helped them a Lot... Now RS might as well be a Cell Phone store for crissakes...:(

[yamar6]

im with u i would like to see them come out again.Maybe RS wanted to come out with a new scale.The car is not all bad the problem is they should had came out with the awd kit and bearings when the car came out.Also atomic mods just came out with a sick chassis already and more hop ups will come.

[arch2b]

i hate that RS proves my initial fears were correct. this thing is toy junk. :( it's really sad in that they took a proven concept which had done well and had a fan base/following and really just flushed it down the toilet in favor of cheap, tun-ability by hacksaw chassis block swaps. i was hoping to be proven wrong but not so...

yes, it's great to see aftermaret support for this platform. i doubt even that will have retail success given by the time you dump all that time, money and effort, your only getting to stock performance levels for hobby quality kits of comparable scale.

i'm with felix2010, it's an utter disappointment.

[yamar6]

it would had been nice with the evo chassis and the new suspension with lipo upgrade.What i can't understand is why radio shack asked us what we wanted and did not do what we said.Also why couldn't they give us a radio with adjustment knobs then this crap they call a radio.If i was RS i would tweaked the evo chassis had flysky make my electronics and had a nice car.Then i would came back out with the ricky dirt bike with the same 2.4 system with the new technology in rc dirt bikes and made money on that.Also don't get me started on the buggy that they sent me it is not even worth giving to my nephew.i guess every one is going to buy the turnigy car

[imxlr8ed]

I'm so excited about mine, I stared at it for a long time last night wondering if I should start designing stuff for it... and then proceeded to list it on craigslist for $40. :o

[F_Zero]

[IMG]-That is a full GPM and Li-ON xmod with big fat cables... there is a big fail in there... it's using the xmods board which is junk compared to all that alloy. And rims should be alloy and miniz tires to! But is a good looking one!



You know what you are talking about there. I wanted the Front and Rear Deck Carbon Fiber and Black Dish Drift Wheels. Added to that some GP 800's and a new Performance Xmods Modified Motors if not there Atomic Mods would do with a modified Motor.

The Board is the Modified FET Li-Ion was built by www.AtomicMods.com.

I never got to complete that XMOD but I did run it that way a for a while but never got to the next level with foams.

I would like the Carbon Fiber Front and or Rear Deck to be custom made from Penguin R/C that are much thicker than the standard official.

From studying to dye a type of part I dyed the Drive Gear black with the Ritz Fabric Dye and the Bearings are Ceramic. I only want to take all the GPM Alloy and Anodize it black.

Thank you for the comment.

[yamar6]

did any body find out what 2.4 system radio shack is using

[yamar6]

bought another car does any one know when the awd kit is coming out.Also is any one else having steering issues with the lipo upgrade.don't want to put it in my new car.reather just get better AA batteries

here is the new one didn't put all the stickers on and found some head light stickers for it

[targetingxmod]

Anyway...xmods 2013

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g421/finalgear1/DSC00898_zpse7a11e32.jpg

http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g421/finalgear1/DSC00897_zps1734a153.jpg

ahahaha
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g421/finalgear1/DSC00904_zps0d2f83e2.jpg
-Locknuts rims DIY

"not my pics"

[yamar6]

guess no one came up with bearings yet.Also talked to atomic mods and they said radio shack might have the awd kit out by 2014 that sucks bearings and awd kit should have been the first out

[Jace1283]

Got a new xmod as a gift, pretty happy with it as a base to start with. Id say its the most precise xmod ever out of the box. I like the way the whole chassis comes apart very easily in sections held by just 2 long screws.

One thing I dont like is the controller, it has a smooth plastic wheel and rediculously tight springs for the wheel, if you can drive for 5 mins without tired fingers yuou may have superhuman hands, its like 20 times stiffer than my helios.

As far as scale goes I dont mind 24th at all, no xmod will beat a miniz iin2wd or awd, I could beat my friends for a lttle while in awd with a zmod but once they got their sh#& together it was over. The xmod has always been the hobby car, a challenge to perfect because it was such a tird out of the box but was rugged and had potential. You tune a miniz but not much else, its pretty good out of the box with a few race upgrades.

I do kinda miss real car bodies but nobody was willing to pay for it, radioshack needed to sell xmods for 40 to be worth it, as you know they were often on clearance for much less. These new xmods are like the 98mm of the evos, if they did make real bodies the proportions would only look good for narrow and long cars, a lancer body would have terrible proportions if fitted to these new chassis. Hopefully if these catch on enough aftermarket will make a real car body.

I secretly always wished xmods were bigger for ease of assembly, driving outdoors, and durability. I already have the whiplash chassis from atomic and will put it in with aa lithium cells. Cant wait till awd comes out, I can see this being a fun drifter.