Smartech Magic Wheel truck

[StevePond]

Nitro-powered 4WD off-road monster truck. Assembled ready-to-run, including a 15 CX high-torque pull-start engine, finished body, and radio.

part# 083413 $299

[fezzy]

O M G

Now ladies, thats a T-Maxx Clone! I believe you can all re-tract your comments about the Savage/BFT/Titan being T-Maxx Clones!

[Clod_Killer]

I am not sure who they are, but look at the price. You can get a full "T-Maxx" for the price of the new SportMaxx lol. And look at it this way, a couple of the hop ups from the Maxx should fit it!

[integra d12]

the new maxx is a bit more expensive we have 4 at our shop already. about 40 bux more then the originaL PRICE. BUt on the other note. THAT TRUCK IS A more than a clone (if thats possible) even the parts are the same shape.

[grimlock3000]

"O M G

Now ladies, thats a T-Maxx Clone!"

No kidding! :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

[arceeguy]

Must be some sort of licensing agreement going on here.
But to keep costs down, I wonder if the plastic pieces are of decent quality.

I don't know if anyone remembers the World Engines "Rock Buster", it was identical to the Tamiya Grasshopper.

[surfer]

wow,nother a t-maxx

[Tim71]

Hey Steve! I'm interested in this one for my shop. Who is the distributor? Would make a good truck to sell to those who can't quite swing the T-maxx or higher class. Probably a little slower too for beginners. That engine just doesn't look like a screamer like the new 2.5.

Also, I'm almost willing to be she's made in China.?

Thanks,

Tim

[PhoS]

I would buy that just to break it :D

POS clone....

[tmaxxster4375]

Yea where can we buy this.

[-=ADA$=-]

why POS?? its maxx clon so how do you know its not maxx durabilitie, adn i think they have put great thing in maxx bug tires

[DaMaXXer]

I*actually like it and think it is niecer then the orginal T Maxx, but not the sportmaxxand they other new maxx

[StevePond]

Originally posted by Tim71
Hey Steve! I'm interested in this one for my shop. Who is the distributor? Would make a good truck to sell to those who can't quite swing the T-maxx or higher class...

Tim


Ooooops. Forgot to include the contact info. For more information, visit Excel Hobby – www.excelhobby.com

[Shmoblar]

is this legal? Thats gotta be breaking some patents...:confused:

[playhard]

I just saw this poor copy of a T-Maxx in Chicago at the hobbyshow Sunday. To call it junk would be an understatement. The plastic was cheep, the molding was even worse and the engine might make a nice paperweight it didn’t fall apart taking it off the truck. Even the chassis was of such poor quality I could bend it easily as examined the truck.

I'd give this truck 10 minutes to be reduced to a pile of broken parts by anyone that was foolish enough to try and use it. I saw a number of hobby dealers pick up the truck, laugh and say not in my store in the few minutes I was looking at the truck.

I don't like being so negative but I don't want to see anyone toss hard-earned cash in the trash by purchasing this truck.

Playhard..Live hard

[iconfive]

"Smartech"

The name should say it all.

Right up there with the old "Zoltrix" brand computer parts. (geeks, you know what I'm talking about. Friends don't let friends buy Zoltrix)

"Magic Wheel"

Which of the four wheels actually uses magic to rotate?

sigh....

[Possumbot]

if the quality is good, then it might b decent, and if its a direct rip-off, u could slowly turn it traxxas.

[jeepinator]

Originally posted by SteveP
1/8 scale nitro-powered 4WD off-road car. Assembled ready-to-run, including a 15 CX high-torque and pull-start engine with carburetorI am sure glad the engine comes with a carburetor :D
Does the pull start come with a recoil spring too?

[Figit090]

that truck makes me laugh when i see it. the chassis can be eaisly bent be HAND!!!!! wow, that REALLY sucks. i wouldn't be suprised if the tranny blew on break-in runs. they should have drop-tested it.........pick it up, hold it 2 feet from the ground, release and watch how many parts explode from the huge impact that poor looking thing had to endure.......

[format13]

look at the exhaust header, doesnt look like hpi's?

[format13]

OMG! look at the rear body post! it IS the t-maxxs body post! why would they need a slot for the electric start if the engine has a pull start??? they dont even manufacture their own parts! they take them illegally! IM ABOUT TO CRAP MY PANTS!!!!GGGRRRR!!!!

[carbide]

ITS A T-MAXX WITH BLACK WHEELS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


hey it is pull-start though in stead of that STUPID ez-start

[carbide]

o yeah and yellow springs too



they prolly stole the traxxas parts molds and made it with cheaper plastic

hahahahahahahahahahahahhaha................the rear body post...........pullstart..................hahahaha hahahaahahahahaha



now im not a traxxas guy but come on if your gonna copy a maxx at least try and make a few parts look different

[format13]

1/8 scale nitro-powered 4WD off-road car. Assembled ready-to-run, including a 15 CX high-torque and pull-start engine with carburetor
wow, it actually comes with a carburator!

[TC3B3L3T3GT]

you guys are very cruel. obviously smartech had to do a lot of work to make exact copies of tmaxx parts and scale them from 1/10 to 1/8

Lets play a game: spot both of the 100% original parts

I WIN!!! its the cheap radio!!!
and those cool wheels.

[Possumbot]

i was just gonna say that its funny that the t-maxx is listed as 1/10 and this is 1/8 scale. I think the t-maxx is 1/8 scale by size, but i have 2 check, just remember the mad force is 1/8 too, so the scale isnt always correct.

[yellafella321]

common guys, what else do you think traxxas is gonna do with alllllllllllllll of those old t-maxxes? sell em to someone else and let em change the name!

[arceeguy]

Originally posted by yellafella321
common guys, what else do you think traxxas is gonna do with alllllllllllllll of those old t-maxxes? sell em to someone else and let em change the name!

Traxxas has sold all of the 1st generation T-Maxxes through their normal distribution channels. That's why it was backordered for a couple of months before the 2nd generation maxxes were introduced. They wanted to make sure that 99.99% of the "old" ones were sold before introducing the "new" ones. A very thoughtful move by Traxxas, so that no retailers were "stuck" with the old models.

This is a "clone" of the T-Maxx, probably made with inferior materials. I bet the Traxxas legal dept. is working on the problem as we speak......

[traxxas-dude]

LOL, you KNOW its a clone when the rear body mount has an EZ start mounting recepticle...:D :rolleyes:

[PhoS]

Originally posted by RogueRacing
if you look at them though the wire isn't any closer to the center of the armature, although it is a closer wind to each section. it may be slightlybetter but i don't think there's gunna be a huge difference. Besides look at thos huge gobs of epoxy they use to balance the armature. A lot of motor experts tell me it doesn't make much sense to add wieght to an arm

wrong post :o

[jeepinator]

Do you mean 'wrong thread'?

[RogueRacing]

oops how did that happen. hehe sorry

[MethaneFreak]

What kind of crap is that?! That is so cheap. Im ganna give them a piece of my mind...

[RogueRacing]

i'll give them $1 for it...

[WheelNut]

No! Your all wrong its not a Clone!!!!! Why?.......................The attena tube is pink! How girly! At least Traxxas has blue tubes! :eek:

[RogueRacing]

i don't know but anyone who names something "Magic Wheel" is gotta be smoking something. What a lame name! Smartech is pretty lame of a name too. i smell a scam here.

[ostmaxx]

wow what a nice tmaxx tranny and chassis lol


i just gotta say that that thing has too many of the same parts as the tmaxx. unless smartech is the off brand of traxxas or somthing and i wouldnt doubt it what so ever cuase most companys do that just to sell more of the product. if not than it smells like a law suit to me

[carbide]

well um i dont know what to say.......o wait i remember..........LOOK AT THAT PIECE OF CRAP!!!!!!!!!!!

"smart-tech magic wheel"....hmm....thats why they call it dope

this is cruel but i mean that company is pretty damn stupid

[MaximumF350]

they show a picture of it there with traxxas wheels and body

[MethaneFreak]

Wouldn't you all agree that that engine is a .15, right. I have a maxx and if anything it looks a little smaller (probably from no ez-start).

I would imagine that they put it as 1/8 scale to make the illusion that it is a .21 engine, since all 1/8 MT's are .21's beside the Terra Crusher, as far as I know. I haven't seen the displacement, anyone at all...

They didn't respond to my e-mail either. Losers:mad::mad: :mad:

[r.c.dealer]

I see this truck is selling for under $240 retail! Not a bad price for a 4wd basher truck! I've even seen them for less!

SteveP what is your impressions of this truck, since you got to see it first hand? Does it have reverse and a 2 speed?

[r.c.dealer]

Heres some pictures of the production model. Comes with a cool body!

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL127/739828/1270347/17033793.jpg

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL127/739828/1270347/17033784.jpg

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL127/739828/1270347/17033779.jpg

http://pic1.picturetrail.com/VOL127/739828/1270347/17033774.jpg

[DCLXVI]

Wouldn't suprise me if SmarTech was the ones that acually produced the T-Maxx...labeling/outsourcing...

/DCLXVI

[stormperson]

for it to be a clone doesnt it have to use DIFFERENT parts? i think this a repackaged tmaxx.

[nascar3]

I don't see the reverse servo in the pics, so I'm guessing no reverse. however I see the access plug on the tranny for the shift point adjustment. So, it must be a two speed. Do we even know if it has a front diff? Is this thing 4 wheel drive? If it is, for $250 I would pick it up and just beat it. Break the motor in on 1or two tanks and just break it.

[creep]

DCLXVI, are you an EntombeD fan?

[DCLXVI]

Originally posted by creep
DCLXVI, are you an EntombeD fan?


Sure is... ;)

To ride Shoot straight and Speak the Truth! Side of album :)

Where you from?

/DCLXVI

[creep]

The armpit of America, Ohio:p

[DCLXVI]

Originally posted by creep
The armpit of America, Ohio:p

And knows of a small Swedish band? LOL!!!

I almost saw them live a week ago but I couldn't wait for three/four hours since it was on a thursday and I begin work at around 8:00 in the morning...

/DCLXVI

[creep]

I've seen them twice in Cleveland. But that was a while ago when they were touring for "Wolverine Blues".
I also like Misery Loves Co. & The Refused. I believe they are swedish too.:D

[r.c.dealer]

I have one of these trucks on order. Not a bad deal considering I got it for 235.00 and that includes shipping. I just hope it is built at least as good as the Maxx! All Maxx hopups are supposed to be fully compatible with the truck.

[whatupboy]

[i]All Maxx hopups are supposed to be fully compatible with the truck.

that is truely funny

i had a smartech buggy and it kept breaking down.? and this is 1/8 it might be bigger.. i dont know maybie they did sompthing right? they used a inlarging ray and made a tmaxx bigger and called it a magic wheel? lol

[r.c.dealer]

Nope its the same size as the Maxx. I just got it yesterday.

Heres the good, bad and ugly of this truck by me, mind you I haven't run the truck yet:D

edit: updated:

The Good:

Quality seems just as good as a Maxx
Full bearings
cool looking body, with clear windows
nice plush suspension
decent engine
nicer tires then the Maxx
Tires come with foam inserts, and tires are pre glued
nicer transmitter then the Maxx
Pull start engine
comes with rechargable glow igniter, Alkline batteries for the transmitter and reciever
All Maxx hoppups and replacement parts are supposed to be compatible
comes with assembly manual
2MM thick 6061 T6 brushed aluminum unanodized chassis
150cc fuel tank
lenght 19.125" or 486MM
front track 14.8" or 375MM
rear track 14.8" or 375MM
wheel base 11.812" or 300MM
4 wheel drive
2 Speed tranny but NO reverse
.15 engine
differentials have hardened steel bevel gears







The Bad:

Decals on body could have been applied better
Assembly manual looks like a photo copy
Body could have been painted better
tranmitter feels hollow, not very solid feeling, but better then the traxxas transmitter interms of comfort
Engine has cheesy exhaust header.
plastic nylon skid plates are kind of chinsey



The Ugly:

No instructions for breaking in the engine, or even tuning the engine
Decals on body could have been applied better or even left on the decal sheet to let the owner apply them

Other then that I really can't find anything wrong with this truck.
The fact that it has no engine break in and tuning instructions really hurts this truck. But considering the price and the fact that T maxx parts are supposed to be compitable with it I think it is a good deal!
I have no opinions on its performance since I haven't run mine yet.:eek:

[dynamodayak]

From where I come from, an RTR NTC3 would probably cost about $1500 or more. That's $500++ more than my salary a month as a graphic artist. But a Smartech nitro car or that Magic Wheel/T-maxx copy/piece of crap would probably cost around $600-800 depending on which shop you go to. Now, people like me can only afford a Smartech. I want to have fun too. So...

"Pukimak lu. Orang putih sombong nak mampus. Pelir kau berbau taik"

That's an old Sarawakian proverb that means,

Nevermind if your kite is made of paper or silk. So long as the wind blows, both will fly...

[DCLXVI]

dynamodayak : Where are you from?

/DCLXVI

[r.c.dealer]

Originally posted by dynamodayak
that Magic Wheel/T-maxx copy/piece of crap would probably cost around $600-800 depending on which shop you go to. Now, people like me can only afford a Smartech. I want to have fun too. So...



Why do you call it a peice of crap? Quality is as good as a Tmaxx.

[creep]

I find it funny that a couple of guys call it a piece of crap and suddenly everyone's on the bandwagon without even seeing the truck in real life. How can youtell it's junk buy a couple of little pictures?

[r.c.dealer]

I agree.

I accually have one, but haven't fired it up yet.

[muswagon]

The ones on Ebay are at Excell hobby, and he takes paypal and Money Orders, so you should be cool. One would think he would also take a credit card if you phoned?? I think it's a great deal. If it is not as good as a T-Maxx, it is much nicer and most likley better than the Duratrax Maximum MT PRO for example and even less expensive. The average Joe would rather pay $229 for a Maxx copy than $300+ for an old used maxx on ebay or $389 for a new maxx. If it indeed accepts t-maxx parts, then bolting in a sirio or New 2.5 traxxas engine won't be that big of an expense down the road when you are ready to upgrade. Proline suspension kit when you are ready to race, etc... I am very interested in how this truck performs, please update us when possible, thanks.

What's even better are the touring cars for $79.00 for electric and $150 for nitro. What better way to parking lot bash than this? They also have to be copied off of something, my bet would be the 4-tec cars. Someone wrote that these are probably made by the company that actually produces the T-Maxx (they are made in Taiwan). Just like Ofna rebadges the Hong Nor Titan and the Ho Bao Monster Pirate and Dominator (also both Taiwan).

While I am on the subject, RCCA....it is very confusing to read your articles on Ofna cars, they are written as if Ofna plays a role other than only making new boxes and new decals. It also looks extremely bad when you compare Ofna cars/trucks that are made by two different companies (such as you do with the Titan and the Dominator in RC Nitro) with statements like "the guys at Ofna did this better on the Titan than they did on the Dominator/MP". Just my thoughts.

[DCLXVI]

muswagon : Probably goes like this company X sells a car that is manufactured by company Y, then X redesigns it's car, then Y get to sell the old version...

/DCLXVI

[muswagon]

What a strange industry :)

I was thinking that Smartech has bridged the gap between Radioshack and hobby quality RC cars. Hopefully this kind of move gets more people into the hobby, and they will eventually spring for the high dollar items, Smartech will give them a taste for the bigtime :)

I guess I should erase my comments about Ofna and RCCA above, I was reading RCCA and realized how many ads are from Ofna and answered my own question. I would say that they were the makers of the Mustang for that kind of advertising money! :)

[trxstr1961]

WOW!! never knew that site exsited.. time to save up for a nitro buggy from them...cant belive they r that cheap in price..:cool:

[muswagon]

dynamodayak,

Why not buy your RC's from the US or from Ebay, it's gotta be better than your LHS.

For me, I will buy a Dominator for racing this summer, and a Madforce or EK4 for bashing. I also wanted something for summer and winter parking lot racing but would not have the money, unless I buy one of these smartclones :)

[muswagon]

Did someone mention this pic on their website already? This is no clone, this is a t-maxx. They are the Taiwan company that makes the t-maxx. http://www.perfect-group.com/product/smartech/images/08341b.gif[/URL]

[DCLXVI]

Originally posted by DCLXVI
Wouldn't suprise me if SmarTech was the ones that acually produced the T-Maxx...labeling/outsourcing...

/DCLXVI

[muswagon]

You are bang on! Kinda takes the wind out of my sailes for Traxxas. They didn't design anything, they stuck their name on a Magic Wheel three years ago and the rest is history. Taiwan seems to be some kind of RC mecca! Thunder Tiger, Hong Nor, Ho Bao (or anything that says Ofna), all of associated's nitro engines, who knows who else.

[StevePond]

Muswagon - you're way off the mark. Firstly, Traxxas designed the Maxx trucks from the ground up. It's not a rebadged anything. The Magic Wheel is a copy of a T-Maxx, but a close inspection will reveal there are numerous differences that at least make it apparent it's not a Traxxas truck.

Regarding OFNA, there's no secret that their cars are made by HongNor and Ho Bao, for those who really care. No, they don't design the cars, but as the largest retailer in the world of products from these companies, they have a significant role in the R&D of all products that carry the OFNA name. So when we suggest that OFNA has done a good job, or they tell us that a newly designed part is on the way, it's because they DID do a good job or because they came up with an improvement for the design.

I really appreciate however, your assertion that we would only suggest these things because they run alot of ads in the magazine. :rolleyes:

[muswagon]

Steve, I appreciate the reply and setting me straight, the last thing about the ads I was only kidding about. I just really needed to know about the Ofna thing, and no one had answered many previous posts on here regarding this subject (directed at PeterV and yourself). I am sorry if I came across as a knob. Have a Merry Christmas.

PS, will some Maxx parts actually fit the Magic Wheel? It is a pretty cheap way to get my nephew bashing and maybe even racing, but if I am better off buying a used old maxx from ebay I will go that route.

I honestly did not realize that Ofna actually played a role in the design and R&D.

[StevePond]

I haven't actually measured or tried to swap parts, so I can't be sure. You have a good Christmas as well. :D

[r.c.dealer]

I will find out soon as I have some aluminum parts on the way :D

If they don't fit oh well, 2.5 MAxx here I come, but if they do thats another plus for my Magic wheel.

For the price the Magic Wheel seems like a good truck, but as I stated in a previuos post mine didn't include an engine tuning breakin guide. Theres alot of engine breakin tips on this site and in an old issues of rcca and rc nitro so I won't sweat it!

For those who want more info on this truck please check my previous post out about some of the trucks specs. I got the truck last week but haven't run it yet.



quote by r.c.dealer :D

Heres the good, bad and ugly of this truck by me, mind you I haven't run the truck yet

edit: updated:

The Good:

Quality seems just as good as a Maxx
Full bearings
cool looking body, with clear windows
nice plush suspension
decent engine
nicer tires then the Maxx
Tires come with foam inserts, and tires are pre glued
nicer transmitter then the Maxx
Pull start engine
comes with rechargable glow igniter, Alkline batteries for the transmitter and reciever
All Maxx hoppups and replacement parts are supposed to be compatible
comes with assembly manual
2MM thick 6061 T6 brushed aluminum unanodized chassis
150cc fuel tank
lenght 19.125" or 486MM
front track 14.8" or 375MM
rear track 14.8" or 375MM
wheel base 11.812" or 300MM
4 wheel drive
2 Speed tranny but NO reverse
.15 engine
differentials have hardened steel bevel gears







The Bad:

Decals on body could have been applied better
Assembly manual looks like a photo copy
Body could have been painted better
tranmitter feels hollow, not very solid feeling, but better then the traxxas transmitter interms of comfort
Engine has cheesy exhaust header.
plastic nylon skid plates are kind of chinsey



The Ugly:

No instructions for breaking in the engine, or even tuning the engine
Decals on body could have been applied better or even left on the decal sheet to let the owner apply them

Other then that I really can't find anything wrong with this truck.
The fact that it has no engine break in and tuning instructions really hurts this truck. But considering the price and the fact that T maxx parts are supposed to be compitable with it I think it is a good deal!
I have no opinions on its performance since I haven't run mine yet.

[r.c.dealer]

Ok heres the deal, some T maxx parts fit perfectly but some others don't. Basically the parts that don't fit like the chassis braces have the screw holes a little farther forward then the Maxx chassis brace tranny screw holes. Which means that the tranny and the engine on the Smartech are mounted a little more forward than a Tmaxx tranny and engine. Other then that the parts are exactly the same size, and the screw holes are the same. Go figure.

[DaMaddHatter072]

Originally posted by creep
The armpit of America, Ohio:p

im from ohio too and i've never heard it called the armpit of america. where in ohio are you from? i live in strongsville, about half an hour south of downtown cleveland.

[creep]

Ilive in Elyria, about 20 minutes west of Strongsville.

[moorerc]

I just went to their website. Here's some updated pictures of the truck. Look closely at the grill, at first glance it looks like TRX...http://www.excelhobby.com/excel_hobby005001.gif
And we can't forget about the inside...http://www.excelhobby.com/08341c.gif

[r.c.dealer]

That must be a picture of a preproduction mock up model, consisting of some Maxx components. As the acual truck comes with a 50's Chevy pickup body, and the tires are a little larger then the Maxx stock tires. That fuel tank on the chassis in the picture although similar to the one thats on the production trucks is slightly different. Theres also some other miner differences too. Still a pretty good truck for the price!

[DoctorAuto]

Look at it this way.Not some of the parts fit, all the hop ups fit. and it is cheaper. It is the same truck just cheaper and with a extra up grade. They will sell. Some will buy and re build and be running at a track near you.

[DoctorAuto]

Look at it this way.Not some of the parts fit, all the hop ups fit. and it is cheaper. It is the same truck just cheaper and with a extra up grade. They will sell. Some will buy and re build and be running at a track near you.

[rhcsavage21]

dang!
for the price of this i would love to buy it.
it will be a big step for me.
and if i get one when the sirio 3.0 comes out i am putting that in!!






got any more pics???

[muswagon]

Have you run yours yet RCdealer?

[r.c.dealer]

Yup, I ran it and it runs good. Damn good truck for what I paid!:D

[kitty]

Originally posted by r.c.dealer
I have one of these trucks on order. Not a bad deal considering I got it for 235.00 and that includes shipping.
Where did you buy it? I asked you via PM but you may not have read it or just tossed it, as I'm sure you've received a ton of PMs about this truck.

[r.c.dealer]

I got your pm. I got the truck off ebay from some dealer that had tons of them. I'll pm you the info.

[muswagon]

RC Dealer, are you still happy with the truck? How does the performance compare to a TRX15 stock t-maxx?

[r.c.dealer]

Runs good and its still fun. As far as performance goes its fast but don't know if the performance is comparable to the TRX.15 powered Maxxes. I haven't seen one run in awhile.

[MethaneFreak]

Does it come with T-Maxx parts on it? Some pics have them so I'm wonderin.

[imgoinracin]

im going to get one just because of the price.
I dont think its crap, but if it is i will just put some t-maxx stuff on it, and if anything breaks i will just replace it with the traxxas part.
yes it looks like a clone, so what
if it looks like a t-maxx, perfomes like a t-maxx, then its good enough for me. (eccept for that stupid name lol)
plus i dont have enough cash for the t-maxx so the magic wheel looks like a great deal for what you get.:D

[imgoinracin]

im going to get one just because of the price.
I dont think its crap, but if it is i will just put some t-maxx stuff on it, and if anything breaks i will just replace it with the traxxas part.
yes it looks like a clone, so what
if it looks like a t-maxx, perfomes like a t-maxx, then its good enough for me. (eccept for that stupid name lol)
plus i dont have enough cash for the t-maxx so the magic wheel looks like a great deal for what you get.:D

sorry double posts

[tamiyajoe]

i dont care if it is a tmaxx clone, its cheep. its just like buyin a brand new tmaxx with 150$ taken off and one hop up already added on, an aluminum chassis. i love it! once i get some money im buyin it

[madd_tmaxx]

the T-maxx comes with an aluminum chassis. the t-maxxs is a whole mm thicker than that garbage

[StevePond]

Copied thread from the New Products section.

[yokozuna4x2]

id like to get one also being that the price is way lower than a maxx...:)
my bro will keep it at his house because we will be sharing it...plus i have a few toys to play with anyway...lol;)
i have 3 n-pedes,,,one e-pede...and a tmaxx...so my stable is pretty much occupied .:cool:

[fuzzylogic]

Where can you order this truck online besides excelhobby?

Will the tmaxx .21 conversion kits work with this truck?

[yokozuna4x2]

im saving upfor this puppy...lol
when i get ahead on saving a bill comes up and wipes it out...:(
but ill keep plugging away at it..;)

[xfactorfreak]

I have one of these and just have to say its been a piece of junk. its cheaper to buy the t-maxx. the clutch bell cracked on it before i even had the engine broke in., ive replaced the diffs with t-maxx ones cause the stock were stripping, uppgraded to widemaxx suspension, chassis is weaker than kool-aid. one small crash and i had to get a new chassis as the aluminum cracked in front. spure gear stripped, basically its a t-maxx now, but i would have spent less in the long run if i would have bought the t-maxx. all thats left from the smart teck is the axles, rear bulkhead and gearbox/transmision, wheels and tires.

[r.c.dealer]

Ouch, sorry you had problems with yours. :(

The only problem I had was having to adjust the engine to get the gear mesh right between the spur and clutch bell. other than that some blue lock tight for the engine mount screws and mine has been running fine, I recently got rid of it though to help fund my aluminum T maxx

[Goonie16]

can you say rip off!!! LOL, i wouldnt buy it

[kikcaffine]

Piece of junk, we had more of these things coming into our hobby shop with the most random stuff broken like the top of the battery compartment door snapping in half.

[cbr74]

From another site and verified to be direct from Traxxas, here's a direct quote:

"The so-called Magic Wheel is a poor-quality imported knock-off of the T-Maxx. Traxxas has no affiliation whatsoever with the manufacturers or sellers of that product. In spite of the resemblance, it is NOT a T-MAXX. It will NOT be serviced by Traxxas in any way. Parts are NOT interchangeable. Traxxas did NOT sell any designs, tooling, parts, or licensing to allow the manufacture of this product. We manufacture the T-Maxx in our own facility. They are not "made in the same factory" as Kerry seems to think!

Do not be mislead by a cheap price or similar chassis layout. The Magic Wheel product is inferior, low quality, and not supported in the hobby marketplace. There is no value there. There’s no reverse, no EZ-Start, and a mystery engine with no track record for reliability. It simply cannot compare with the T-Maxx's rich feature set, power, quality, durability, and performance. Anyone who tells you differently probably has one (or more) they would like to sell to you.

Traxxas is a manufacturer, not an importer. There is a huge difference. Importers simply purchase pre-made products overseas, re-brand them to their identity and sell them in the United States. Often those products are extremely close copies of other successful original designs. At Traxxas, we are the ones creating the original ideas. We take pride in engineering and manufacturing our products from the ground up. The T-Maxx is designed and built solely by Traxxas in our own manufacturing facilities and sold only through reputable hobby retail outlets.

So far as the speculation over lawsuits…..There’s not much that’s worth doing in response to low-grade junk products that only look the same. There are many trucks, even coming from major, reputable manufacturers, that have copied the through-the-arm, 8-shock suspension arrangement and the basic chassis layout of the T-Maxx. On this particular truck they didn’t even bother to try and make it look different. We can’t believe anybody in the hobby would take this truck seriously (Kerry?) with its embarrassing name, total lack of support, and inferior quality. It’s not a real hobby product; it’s just a junky flea market rip-off. Buyer Beware!

Traxxas"

[microrcdude]

They have a TC3 clone, too. Only, the batt. is on the other side.

[cheerwhiner]

after helping a guy out today with one of these, I really need to tell our management to stop carrying them. Its sad.

[nitro_newbie]

r.c. dealer have u tried to du an engine swap and wat doesnt fit on the magic wheel??

thanx

[r.c.dealer]

I got rid of the truck about a year and a half ago. Alot of maxx hoppup parts fit the truck. The front bulk on the MW is the same as the rear bulk so there is no front kick up like on the maxx, which could affect installation of a front Maxx skid. Other than that I already posted in this thread my experience with the truck. Skip over all the cry baby comments from people with no clue as to what they are talking about.

I'd say that most (not all) of the problems people have had with a MW is due to inexperience, abuse of there truck, or lack of care. IMO

[nitro_newbie]

thanks rc dealer you have help me alot because i didnt know if it was a piece a junk or just a low buck maxx

[rc411]

Its a nice truck, but only a couple of the Tmaxx parts dont fit. I think this one has a forward only tranny, but thats no biggie of an issue. This badboy can be upgraded at a cheap price, throw some RPM plastics on there and you have a high quality truck. Maybe a better exhaust too.

[GT Freak]

where can i find this truck at??

[cheechthechi]

www.excellhobby.com

[shecanwhat]

whats the fuel mix :confused:

[isabelly]

i have one and i love it i put a hpi engine in it and have a full roll cage for the t-maxx and it fits i also have aluminum skids for a t-maxx and they fit fine i have t-maxx bulkheads so a lot of parts from the t-maxx fit on it

it really makes me mad the people that don't even have one and say that it is crap for the price i think it is better than a t-maxx

[lozzy110]

hi to all

i have signed up just to reply to all those out there that are talking rubbish about this truck from reading most of your posts you dont have the right to disregard this truck as you dont even own one. i have had mine for months now and this is the daddy of trucks, i really abuse my truck to the max and have not been able to brake it so far this thing wheeles, jumps and eats everything in its path i jumped off steps even drove up them this truck has no fear of curbs it just powers up them the engine is powerful and reves really well, on our or road durt track this thing beats all other trucks there even my own kyosho trucks, that ive payed 400 pounds more for i payed 170 pounds for mine and it had radio gear, and i dont have to worry about parts ive bought t-max arms and skid plates and they fit also the spur gear i got them just in case and still not used them, as for the chassie it is sturdy and stong, only thing that is bad is the shell, but 20 quide sorted that out straght of a tmax and it was painted so all in all for under 200 pounds this is the best truck i have ownd

so if you have something to say prove it and i will prove you wrong this truck is the king of value for money not over priced like all the rest,

Lozzy110 :eek:

[GT Freak]

does anyone have a pic of this ride :confused:

[TMaxxBenny25]

I still dont like these clone trucks. They ruin the hobby because they steal designs.

[nitro_newbie]

not really! most monster trucks look tthe same and anyways if some thing works companies should be flattered that some one likes there design. And if they were steeling it then traxxas would have put a law suit on excelhobby for copying there design because i know that traxxas copyrighted all there trucks

[hozza]

i have one 2 it will carve up your trucks and its cheaper her cheack out theese movies http://www.rseetoys.com/magic_wheel.htm their just underneth the the first pic

[jws6776]

they sell these at the swap meet in phoenix, 27th ave and camelback, no hobby stores though

[jocktheglide165]

they sell these at the swap meet in phoenix, 27th ave and camelback, no hobby stores though
wonder how much? I went there twice kinda cool place...

[t-maxx man]

I have/had that truck. It's not that bad but I turned my traxxas by getting new a chassis, widemaxx suspension and mostly aluminum traxxas parts and the trx 2.5.

[justinspankey]

is the TRX2.5 engine a drop in for this truck?