Walgreens Micro-Z XR1 (bit clone)

[jerm781]

I just bought a Micro-Z XR1 from Walgreens. Its a nice looking car with really neet rims but it is extremely slow(really slow), but what do you expect for $9.99. It looks like a benz and comes in four styles. Has anyone else seen these.

[Dratheus]

Ya mon!!

I bought one of those right before I got my bit from Hong Kong. True...it's slow but it has pretty good range. I don't run it as much now since getting my bit and two bit clones. There isn't too much on the XR1 that is compatible...tires, motor and battery. The axle is too long for a bit, and the gears are different. I imagine you could change out the NiCd for a NiHd or even do a dual battery mod. The PCB is about 3/4 the size of the bit and microsizer, but should hold the same concepts.

[trickstar]

The Micro-Z XR1 is a very well made clone for the money. I just bought a few for xmas presents for several friends. However, after running it a little while, I may be returning it.

The steering is extremely precise and capable. It's even better than the Microsizers, and they seem to have the market cornered on steering.

The Micro-Z also seemed to trail very straight and steer perfectly straight and smooth. It was very quiet and solid, compared to my super fast Nakamichi nracers.

I just bought out the last of the Nakamichi racers at the local grocery chain that was handling them here in town. They're all spoken for.

I guess that it's not really fair to compare these cars to the Naks. The Naks are on their own planet from a value, speed and engineering standpoint.

But the Micro-Z has some cool engineering going for it, also. The PCB is tiny, and the steering is very solid. The shorter body is effective for the handling. Also, the telescoping antenna is nice, but I wish that it retracted all of the way into the body. Hey, under $8.

My biggest problem with the Micro-Z is the low speed torque. At times, the gearing and the lack of starting out power almost won't even get the car going. If you're racing tracks like mine, you need that kind of power to get you going if you end up along a guardrail, moving or sitting still. This little car just doesn't have it. Now, once it gets going, the speed comes along. But, with a running start, my Nak matches it from a dead stop instantly. And then the Nak goes to work, and passes the Micro-Z.

Under $8.

The Micro-Z also takes much longer to charge than the other brands, about 2 minutes.

Under $8.

If you're buying this car for running on a flat surface, without the walls or guardrails of a track, then it's a great choice.

But for the tracks, stick with the stock Nakamichi nracer or the upgraded Microsizers/Bits siblings. If you can find the Naks for the $12 that I've been finding them for, it's definitely worth the extra few bucks.

[MTL]

whast size does the XR1 compare to?
i might have to chek it out..
does walgreens open 24hrs?

[trickstar]

The wheels are pretty close to the same distance and size, but the chassis and body are shorter than my Microsizer. I don't consider this to be a swappable platform with the Bit. There are different gearing ratios and axle lengths and sizes. It's a pretty tight car, otherwise.

Some of the Walgreens here are open 24 hours, but some aren't. No particular rhyme or reason.

[PikaOhki]

I was surprised to still see some in stock on the 24th, so I snagged one. I took it apart first, and noticed that the circuit board was glued down over the heatsink, making it nearly impossible to ever get at the motor. I then noted that the gear on the motor had an extra tooth, and the way the body and plastic was cut, no Bit-Char gears could ever fit. The copper steering wires were all exposed due to the construction as well.

I then put the car on the charger, and the light did not turn on. For one moment, I thought I had a parts car... but a press on the buttons showed me it still worked. Since the literature said it took 2 minutes to charge, I timed it, then took it off.

1) The car goes STRAIGHT. Yes, it turns, but the steering is truer than on any of the Bit-Char or Microsizers I've used yet

2) It's FAST... the thing starts slow, but with enough of a start, it got to the speed of my 2.6 cars

3) It's a magnet for anything that will jam it... I've taken it apart 3 times in the past hour to remove small bits of crud from the gears; any particles will jam the car so it won't move or so it slows WAAAAY down.

4) The car stops moving around even while it has a decent charge... seems the motor just can't handle the weight of the thing.

Overall, the car is well worth it, probably due to my patience with it. When it breaks down, I'll have parts to repair the front end of one of my Bit-Chars... let's just say that when a stack of notepads falls from 3 feet right on the front end, there isn't much left of the steering.

Anyone need pictures of the inside? I can add some if you want...

[kmvargo]

Here is a picture of the MicroZ-XR1 that I posted in another thread ...

[rickyvamp]

I bought one of these clones in Italy,. they are called Atomix and they are sold in box and not blister.
Only two frequency: 27 and 40Mhz.
This is my first mini rc car and I am quite satisfied, good speed but pooorrr!!! accelation an torque.
I don't know how to disassemble ite to change motor and gear.
Can you post pics on how to dissassenble the car without damage.
I am on the way to buy an original bit char-g, dou you thing that my clone may be competitive in race with little tune-ups?

[Ripper720]

Its funny how Walgreens carries so many different clones. I couldn't find any of the cars mentioned above but, mine had Thunder Chargers sold in a box (27 &49mhz) The bodies are the worst I have ever seen( I think i got a Sentra) but.... the car itself pretty much rocks for the $12 i spent. There is no wire antenna, it is a small metal one that sits right above the pcb. The range is fantastic. It equals the range of my other cars that have a cat5e upgrade. Motor was 2.6.Speed was decent, not as fast as my Shens but the torque was good, Steering was superb out of the box. Slap on a new body and its AOK. I m going back today for another one.

RIP

PS. I did notice that some had white motors. But most of them were pink.

[SuperShot]

I'm in Ohio visiting for a week. I'd like to pick up some of these clones. I got one of the Thunder Chargers from Walgreens in Miami (South Beach), and thought it would be easy getting more here. No luck. Does anyone know of a Walgreens in the Dayton area that has them in? I'm planning to buy a dozen to bring back to Norway as gifts. :-)

[AzNRocket]

If you go to longs they have Bullet OEM brand name "bensu" which a pretty fast. Seem to be as fast as my 3.0 motor....