[Azimov]

I just got two of these Panther Chariot Zip Zap clones from Vic in Canada. For those that haven't heard, they are series one Zip Zap clones from Germany. They have snappy magnetic steering and a good proportional throttle. These are the Zip clones refered to as the Pantherchassi by one of the more talented German body modders out there. I have to say I like them alot. These may well be the best overall racing setup I've layed my mitts on. The cars are fast right out of the box. I mean real fast. If not for the propo throttle, the car would do nothing but fishtail and do donuts from the hole. This is partly due to slightly hard tires, but the torque is unreal. Stock dual cells and 4AAs in the charger/controller may have something to do with it. A slow pull on the throttle produses gradual acceleration with a scary top end. The cars are the same wheelbase dimentions as a Zip. The wheels are bit sized with smaller wheels on the front. The rears are just a smidge smaller than a Bit rear wheel. The overall look is closer to scale than the Zip wheels. Especially with a Zip body on the chassis. The cars come with a pink gear set and pink endbell. Whatever that means. The range is excellent. I've had them over 30 feet away without a single glitch. The controller is the pistol type with a steering wheel. The cars charge on the side of the controller. The controller is well made and comfortable in the hand. Zip bodies pop right on the chassis, but minor tab modification is needed to slide the chassis forward a tad. Wheel wells line up perfectly.
Now to a couple of negatives. The bodys, well,...suck. The passenger compartment is bowed up to high and the details are shoddy. The paint is cheap with ugly generic decals. They may be of use for custom work. But, swapping out a Zip body is cake and looks great on these chassis. There is some front wheel slop, but it doesn't seem to effect steering or performance at all. The tires don't swap with Zip hubcaps and tires. Bit or Microsizer tires might work, but I think some of the Motorworks may be a closer fit. That's about all I can find wrong with these things and they're very minor. I'll post some pics in a couple of days. My daughter is visiting this weekend and bringing her camera.