Pocket Racer Readysets

Cruizer · #1 04-24-2002, 10:10 PM

Has anyone seen, tested or own one of the new pocket racer readysets? I think they are sold under the name "Dynamite Pocket Racer Readyset ?"

I thinking of investing in one and I'd like to hear some opinions of those who have actually ran one of the kits firsthand.

Any information will be greatly appreciated guys.

THANKS!!!

Btman · #2 05-03-2002, 05:27 PM

My Local Hobby Shop just got them in stock. The package was factory sealed so I did not get a chance to look at the chassis, but I did get a chance to look at the box. My hobby shop's car guy said he has heard good things about them. The price is certainly competitive, ready to run for about $140. I am thinking about buying one myself but would like to see the chassis layout first. If someone has pictures of the chassis without body please post. It appeared that the stock tires and diff would provide good performance out of the box. I like the size because it is slightly larger than a mini-z sedan but smaller than the HPI micro RS4. 1/24 scale may be just what I am looking for to run in my basement. The micro RS4 is a great car but too large for some houses. The mini-z is also a great car but performance suffers on my slippery basement floor when using stock tires/stock diff. I was thinking about buying a ABC dtm 1/24 scale car, but this new Car from Dynamite might do just fine. The price is certainly right. There's info on the distributor's web site, but no pictures of the chassis. Does Dynamite have a website? I have not been able to find one. But my ISP search engine stinks. I really want the new ABC dtm-x4 but the price would probably be twice as much to get it on the road.

Cruizer · #3 05-03-2002, 10:11 PM

I broke down and bought one of the ready sets today from my LHS. The car is similar to the DTM but all the electronics appear to be the less expensive variety (I'm guessing to keep costs down). The tires are a soft rubber, not foams like the DTM. Peformance wise I felt it was slow and sluggish, but it comes stock with a 10 tooth pinion, I'm going to try one of my ABC 8 tooth pinion gears to see what happens, also purchased a 180 motor to install that should give it alot more pep.
The radio however was better than I expected. It comes with the foam covered wheel like the Linx radios, has the same controls as the Perfex that comes with the Mini Z's. Also has steering and throttle reverse switches. The thing I liked most is it's 27MHZ so you can also use it with the Mini-Z if you so desire.
Overall, I think the kit is very cool, the steering and throttle are smooth, the car drives very well overall. Like the Mini-Z though, I think it could use some hop up's to make it even better. I think it's ABSOLUTELY worth the money of $140.00. The kits are sold under "Rocket Racers" not "Pocket Racers" (my fault for not paying attention to the ad I read), the other cool thing is like the DTM this kit is also 1/24 scale which opens up an incredible array of model car body possibilities. I'm happy overall with mine and I think they will be hot sellers because it comes race ready except for 8 "AA" and 8 "AAA" batteries. I recomend it to anyone who may be looking for a smaller scale RC car. I glad I made the plunge for one.

bilbo · #4 05-04-2002, 03:37 PM

Can you use AAA batteries instead of a battery pack?

Cruizer · #5 05-04-2002, 04:53 PM

I meant 4 AAA batteries.

Yes it comes stock to use 4 AAA's, but you can set it up to use the battery pack.

Btman · #6 05-04-2002, 06:39 PM

What battery pack does it use? Also how much run time are you getting on a set of AAA batteries? How does the speed and handling compare to a stock mini-Z in your opinion? I am very close to buying one myself but not 100% sure yet.

Cruizer · #7 05-04-2002, 07:31 PM

I have not tried the battery pack yet because I was using the 4 AAA's. I'm pretty sure it will use the ABC 7.2 pack (the same as the DTM). I ran it approx. 20-30 min off and on with still what appeared to be good power left.

Handling compared to the stock Mini-Z is better in my opinion. Steering and cornering are smoother, much like the DTM car. I have yet to try the diffrent pinion gear and 180 motor, but feel strong that it will add to performance. I recomend it to someone who is looking. Absolutely worth the money in my opinion, Electronics are not as nice as the DTM's but, you don't have to assemble it either.

As far as I'm concerned, If you were already thinking about it go for it, with the thoughts in mind that it may need some hop-ups to make it really cool such as bearings, a smaller pinion gear (depending on the type and size of the track you run), and maybe a 180 motor to give it more zip. Overall a very cool little RC car for the money.

tinyrc · #8 05-04-2002, 07:37 PM

Cruizer, can you take some side-by-side pics w/ the DTM?

Cruizer · #9 05-04-2002, 08:53 PM

Be happy to!
However, I've just been called out of town on business for a week or so. But will be glad to oblige upon my return.

DAMZer · #10 05-06-2002, 09:27 PM

Just got my pocket racer McLaren F1. I'll post some pics in the absence of the cruise miester. He's actually going to work some?

No wonder there hasn't been a sighting of him this week at the LHS track.

DAMZer · #11 05-06-2002, 09:53 PM

PICS FOLLOW!!

DAMZer · #12 05-06-2002, 09:55 PM

#2

DAMZer · #13 05-06-2002, 09:56 PM

#3

DAMZer · #14 05-06-2002, 09:58 PM

LAST ONE

DAMZer · #15 05-06-2002, 10:06 PM

Width is similar, length is similar, bodies are painted on the DPR and fully cut. Add the batteries and you're ready to run. Optional 7.2v battery holder is listed in the parts section. I'm going to be brave and try the DTM 7.2V battery pack, soon?

That will give the beastie the same punch as the DTM.

Overall fit and finish is pretty good for a RTR. Decals for the body need to be applied for detail, the window decals are already applied.