From MicroRS4 to Mini-Z

DarthRacer · #1 11-18-2002, 11:50 AM

I'm considering giving up my Micro RS4 in favor of a Mini-Z.

Can anyone give me some good reasons to make the switch?

I like my RS4 for the folowing reasons:
1)Support from HPI and the aftermarket
2)It was in kit form
3)Lexan body
4)Durable - I hit walls in my house all the time
5) can survive parking lot racing
6)uses standard electronics

I dislike my RS4 for the following reason:
1) A little too large to race in my appartment

I currently have the HPI Micro RS4 with Viper body, Novak Cyclone TC ESC, stock motor, standard size steering servo, Hitec mini RX, aluminum rims and front dogbones, and a Futaba radio system.

catman25 · #2 11-18-2002, 12:06 PM

mini-x2.0..not much smaller but not much bigger than z.and best part cheap and durable

tinyrc · #3 11-18-2002, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DarthRacer
I'm considering giving up my Micro RS4 in favor of a Mini-Z.

Can anyone give me some good reasons to make the switch?

You may want to cross-post this at Mini-ZRacer.com, but here's some answers:

Quote:

I like my RS4 for the folowing reasons:
1)Support from HPI and the aftermarket
2)It was in kit form
3)Lexan body
4)Durable - I hit walls in my house all the time
5) can survive parking lot racing
6)uses standard electronics

I dislike my RS4 for the following reason:
1) A little too large to race in my appartment

1) There's lots of support for the Mini-Z from 3rd Parties, as well as Kyosho themselves. Recent developments include the release of Powerline and Mini-ZRacer.com parts which make Mini-Z ownership much less expensive - for example, Kyosho rear shock springs are $9.49 for 3 little sprigs, while the entire shock plus springs can be purchased from Mini-ZRacer.com for $3!
2,6) Not much you can do about this, all Mini-Zs are RTR - though this does suggest that maybe you should look at the Tripmate MID which is a kit, for which you can choose the electronics.
3) Mini-ZRacer.com carries lightweight polycarb/lexan shells for the Mini-Z

4) The Z is quite durable in stock form, and can be beefed up w/ alloy parts to cure the weak points.
5) The Z runs great on tennis courts, but for parking lots you'll want to find a very flat area and sweep it before use.

1) You can certainly run a stock Z in your apt. Based on your Micro description, the Z will be about the same speed but will make it around obstacles more easily due to its size. You may want to look at the Epoch for apt. sized racing:

http://tinyrc.com/shop/products.php?pid=6

Overall, it sounds like the Z should be a good fit for you, but also look at the Mini-X and Kawada Tripmate MID for 1/24 scale options, and the Epoch for something a little smaller. All three are available in the Shop:

http://tinyrc.com/shop/

Hope this helps and don't hesitate to ask any further ?s you have on particular cars!

usagi · #4 11-18-2002, 04:33 PM

It seem many are leaving the micro rs4s, maybe it reached its level of buyers or its just people are tired of them. The moni-z seems to have loyal group of runnings, dec 1999 the mini-z has been sold and they are sell selling them at a larger rate.

DarthRacer · #5 11-18-2002, 09:27 PM

It looks like I'll need to do some research.

If I do switch, it would be the Kyosho mini-Z because my LHS has kit and parts support.

arch2b · #6 11-18-2002, 09:57 PM

i have and love my bit's and my mini z. they both offer lot of parts and mods. i spend the same if not more time with custom mods and getting 3rd party parts for my z as i do with my bit's. my mini z instills much fear in my cats where my bit just annoys them.
minizracer is also a great forum for mini z fans. i suggest you join when you get your z, if you do. i've also read several threads comparing the rs4's and the mini z's. check it out, worth reading.

usagi · #7 11-18-2002, 10:44 PM

I have read so many review between the Mini-Z and The Micro rs4, having the micro rs4 always coming on top. But people fail to realize is that the micro rs4 is not as small and runable in a small location like the Mini-Z. Some people lived and died with the Micro rs4.
Remeber the Micro rs4 only been out for what 15 months! God its seems like years ago! But seeing HPI shutting down the USA boards shows that they nolonger (as much) really care about their buyers. The Mini-Z on the other hand is just the opposite. Their following has lasted far longer and strong then the micro rs4 has or had with their owners. For me i tired the Mirco rs4 and like it alittle but grew tired of repeated problems of every other day rebuilds. But my mini-z well it kept on runy and runny without problems. But then again there are still some that still stick by the micro rs4`s to the very end no matter what other have to say.