Ok, here's the situation. I've been getting different types of clones from a good ebay seller I found. Here's the post I have about him:
http://www.tinyrc.com/forums/showthr...&threadid=7372
Anyway, I'm reviewing everything I get from him, and here is what I have so far. I'll add to it as I try out more stuff:
-=The Cannonball=-
Well, the name kinda says it all here. What a pile. This was the worst clone I've ever seen. The only interesting features were that it came with a seperate charger (that takes it's own batteries), and it's remote takes 3 batteries instead of two. Normally I might care, but there was no way I was going to play with this long enough to notice any difference the 3rd battery made. Don't buy these, unless it's dipped in gold. Or candy.
-=Compatible Parts=-
Motors - But quality is uncertain
Charger - If you need a seperate charger
Remote - Maybe the 3 batteries will come in handy with another car you have
Front End - suspension, wheels, steering, etc
-=NOT Compatible=-
Gears - These cars don't even use the same drive gears
Axles - Too wide
Bodies - Too long
Overall: It didn't even pull in one direction, it would randomly wobble off one way or the other. Completely impossible to control. Cheap and rattly. There are better clones out there for the price.
-=Panther=-
MUCH better than the Cannonball. Great prices. I'd say these are a little better than Lxx, but not as good as Shens.
-=Compatible Parts=-
Everything BUT the bodies and rear axles.
-=NOT Compatible=-
Bodies - The rear chassis mount is wider than a Bit's, but you can shave it to match.
Rear Axle - It's too wide, and pulls away from the gears on a Bit. Bit Axles are too narrow to fit at all.
Overall: The Panther seems like they're made from the Shen that ALMOST passed quality inspection. Overall, a very nice clone. Decent quality, but not as good as the Shen. At least as good if not better than Lxx, although the Lxx has the Axle and Body compatibility going for it. Good steering, GREAT range, good overall quality.
-=Shen Qi Wei=-
The best clone I've seen. Great all around, and fast!
-=Compatible Parts=-
EVERYTHING
Overall: Fabulous. Steering is right on the money, and it has a nice motor out of the box, if anything a little TOO much torque! You can spin doughnuts from a stop.
Better quality then the Panther (can cost more), but of course not QUITE as nice as an actual Bit.
This clone rocks!
-=Lxx Char-G=-
I don't have a pic of this, but you all know what they look like.
-=Compatible Parts=-
EVERYTHING
Overall: Not all they're cracked up to be. While they LOOK the most like a Bit, right down to the controller, the quality just isn't there. The controller is of particularly crappy quality, especially compared to the Bit controllers, which LOOK identical. The car is just under a Panther in quality, but they seem to vary a LOT from car to car. Some may be nearly as good as a Shen, some worse than a Panther. I guess my opinion is don't risk your money on the Lxx lottery, instead buy a Shen if you want a clone, or a Bit if you want the real deal.