RadioShack releases hobby-qual Pro Pulse minis

PeterV · #1 11-02-2006, 02:19 PM

The 'Shack strikes back! These new minis look pretty good. --Pete

Pro-Pulse™ New to Racing Scene

The new line of Pro-Pulse Racing™ high-performance RC vehicles and accessories have arrived and are ready to race. These affordably priced 1/18th scale high-performance cars come with buggy or truck styles and are loaded with serious full-race competition features. Just add batteries and these 4WD RCs are good to go up to 20 mph with stock parts out of the box – and over 25 mph with the addition a few upgrade accessories. Choose from upgrade and replacement parts such as aluminum or stock oil-filled shocks, titanium turnbuckles and Servo saver kit, twin motor conversion kit, high-speed motor kit, a dozen different tire and rim options, and much more, and you’re ready for any challenge. The 2-channel digital proportional FM radio transmitter offers six channel options for maximum racing flexibility. Available exclusively at RadioShack stores nationwide or online at www.RadioShack.com.

Pro-Pulse Racing, www.ProPulse.com

PeterV · #2 11-02-2006, 02:38 PM

The motor plate is cast aluminum, and standard-type individual electronics are used. No 4-wire servo weirdness or all-in-one Rx/speedo combos.

rc addict · #3 11-02-2006, 02:40 PM

Wow...if that isn't the most pathetic copy of an associated rc18t/b, then I certainly don't know what is.

ChuckDeez · #4 11-02-2006, 02:40 PM

lol, saw this before. looks just like a rc18t.

ncrego · #5 11-02-2006, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rc addict

Wow...if that isn't the most pathetic copy of an associated rc18t/b, then I certainly don't know what is.

And your point is?

ChuckDeez · #6 11-02-2006, 02:46 PM

I wonder how much is it?
i'm considering in buying one.

MattHiggins · #7 11-02-2006, 02:52 PM

I know it's a lot more fun to just bash stuff online, but this is great for the hobby. In the past there was huge leap between toy-grade RC and our hobby-grade RC. This meant while billions of kids and adults own or at least know about toy-grade stuff (it's every where) our hobby is a total secret. Companies like RadioShack and Hasbro will do us all a huge favor. These will, or at least can, provide a ready segway to the hobby-grade stuff. Keep in mind, if you're using this forum and reading RC Car Action odds are you already are into the hobby, and these products aren't aimed at you. They are totally intended for the newcomer/first-time buyer. I've held this new car and it's fine. It's price point will no doubt be amazingly low. These products will only help the hobby. Bashing it, looking for flaws and comparing it to much more expensive products intended for a different audience only makes you look foolish. be glad these products are here and enjoy the hobby.

Oh, and I think that buggy body is pretty freakin' cool.

ChuckDeez · #8 11-02-2006, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattHiggins

I know it's a lot more fun to just bash stuff online, but this is great for the hobby. In the past there was huge leap between toy-grade RC and our hobby-grade RC. This meant while billions of kids and adults own or at least know about toy-grade stuff (it's every where) our hobby is a total secret. Companies like RadioShack and Hasbro will do us all a huge favor. These will, or at least can, provide a ready segway to the hobby-grade stuff. Keep in mind, if you're using this forum and reading RC Car Action odds are you already are into the hobby, and these products aren't aimed at you. They are totally intended for the newcomer/first-time buyer. I've held this new car and it's fine. It's price point will no doubt be amazingly low. These products will only help the product. Bashing it, looking for flaws and comparing it to much more expensive products intended for a different audience only makes you look foolish. be glad these products are here and enjoy the hobby.

Oh, and I think that buggy body is pretty freakin' cool.

thats right. When I only knew xmods, I knew there would be more crazier rc's and i found towerhobbies.com. I was amazed at all the rc's i was just drooling all over.

hey, are these things out yet? I want to go buy one now. Add a mamba.

slink · #9 11-02-2006, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattHiggins

I know it's a lot more fun to just bash stuff online, but this is great for the hobby. In the past there was huge leap between toy-grade RC and our hobby-grade RC. This meant while billions of kids and adults own or at least know about toy-grade stuff (it's every where) our hobby is a total secret. Companies like RadioShack and Hasbro will do us all a huge favor. These will, or at least can, provide a ready segway to the hobby-grade stuff. Keep in mind, if you're using this forum and reading RC Car Action odds are you already are into the hobby, and these products aren't aimed at you. They are totally intended for the newcomer/first-time buyer. I've held this new car and it's fine. It's price point will no doubt be amazingly low. These products will only help the product. Bashing it, looking for flaws and comparing it to much more expensive products intended for a different audience only makes you look foolish. be glad these products are here and enjoy the hobby.

Oh, and I think that buggy body is pretty freakin' cool.

Exactly ! I started with a radio shack car a very long time ago.I will buy the buggy.I recently bought the picco Z heli from radio shack sure its a toy but its FUN.The new buggy gives me a chance to sample 1/18 scale without the hobby grade price.

Neon_Dave · #10 11-02-2006, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattHiggins

I know it's a lot more fun to just bash stuff online, but this is great for the hobby. In the past there was huge leap between toy-grade RC and our hobby-grade RC. This meant while billions of kids and adults own or at least know about toy-grade stuff (it's every where) our hobby is a total secret. Companies like RadioShack and Hasbro will do us all a huge favor. These will, or at least can, provide a ready segway to the hobby-grade stuff. Keep in mind, if you're using this forum and reading RC Car Action odds are you already are into the hobby, and these products aren't aimed at you. They are totally intended for the newcomer/first-time buyer. I've held this new car and it's fine. It's price point will no doubt be amazingly low. These products will only help the product. Bashing it, looking for flaws and comparing it to much more expensive products intended for a different audience only makes you look foolish. be glad these products are here and enjoy the hobby.

Oh, and I think that buggy body is pretty freakin' cool.

100% agreed. This is great for the hobby.

It does look like the RC18 series from AE, it may very well be that they both (AE and RadioShack) have the same original parts manufacturer. That doesn't make it any less of a good product.

This kind of thing is just what the hobby needs. Get one of these to get the feel for RC - then walk into a hobby shop, walk out with another RC

I really miss RadioShack. Here in Canada it was bought out by Circuit City(which sucks, IMO) RadioShack is usually where it all starts. At least for the younger generation of RC enthusiasts...

-Dave

z-man280 · #11 11-02-2006, 04:37 PM

YES!!!!!!!

seperate rx ,esc, and servo! This just goes to show that our world of hobby class is becoming even more main-stream and accepted!!!

you darn tootin i'll be buying one!

4DMNYC · #12 11-02-2006, 04:42 PM

Yeah, it's cool radioshack is starting to join the hobby grade part of the rc world. Even if they are knocking off AE. That buggy looks really shweet.

lol, look how long the antenna wire is

PeterV · #13 11-02-2006, 04:54 PM

If you examine an RC18T and the Pro Pulse, you'll see that all the parts are slightly different. Obviously, the Pro Pulse cops the 18T's design and style, but it is NOT the same car, nor does it use the same parts. Just FYI, before anyone starts speculating in that vein.

SS Pede · #14 11-02-2006, 04:55 PM

I'm definitely one of those kids who started off with Radio Shack R/C vehicles. I've had 4 or 6 of them over the years. Good times, let me tell you!!

So I'm happy to see these vehicles. Heck, if I feel like getting a mini and don't want to break the bank I might consider this buggy. I like how it has separate electronics (many "hobby-grade" minis don't even have that!). And is that a big old Tamiya plug? I like that, because it's one less plug type I have to deal with (it's a standard 1/10 plug, not mini-specific). Woah...I just noticed "twin motor conversion kit!!" I probably wouldn't want one, but wow! Also, if the transmission could handle brushless that would be sweet!

shadowghost1 · #15 11-02-2006, 05:06 PM

I like the buggy! It mentions a duel motor mod, if so Im getting a duel motor 4wd 1/18th scale buggy soon. That just sounds nasty!

RenderedUseless · #16 11-02-2006, 05:30 PM

Its got an FM reciever! I will be picking one of these up soon lol.

Akura2 · #17 11-02-2006, 05:35 PM

the truck look s little goofy but the buggy looks SWEET... nicer body than the RC18B IMO

z-man280 · #18 11-02-2006, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeterV

If you examine an RC18T and the Pro Pulse, you'll see that all the parts are slightly different. Obviously, the Pro Pulse cops the 18T's design and style, but it is NOT the same car, nor does it use the same parts. Just FYI, before anyone starts speculating in that vein.

"imitation is the sincerest form of flattery"

remember when Traxxas did that with AE and the trx 10 bullet, a blatant copy of the original RC10,...but enough difference to make it unique.

i think it looks great, with oil filled shocks, adjustable turnbuckles, and FM.....i cant wait to see a $$$ on these!

The_Mini_Me · #19 11-02-2006, 05:57 PM

There is only so much you can do with making a basic 4wd off road design without getting $$$. I would disagree with the rc18 series. In example, look at the upper brace, its not part of the gearboxes. Secondly, look at the steering.. is that bellcrank steering?. I know this heretical to say, but this could very well be better designed than the rc18t. I have a funny feeling this may even be able to compete with the regular 1/18th class if the parts arent too brittle or flexable in the right drivers hands. All you would need is ball diffs (which Im sure they might sell as a hop up) to get in the same specs as the other current vehicles.

The downfall comes Radio Shack itself It wont have support long term, and depending on the part, you may have to buy a whole new car. Then you have the big factor: lack of knowledgeable and dedicated people at RS to support you. I kinda actually feel that RS has opened a can of worms with these in the support side. I expect alot of throwing away versus repairing or keeping extras if something goes wrong immediately at least based on the experiences of Xmod owners. The price point ~100 for these if the above practice is done too often is going to cut into the close profit margin.
(And environmentally stupid on top of that)

However, as peter has said, this is going to be great with introducing new people to the hobby. Get some more racers in our class when they get tired of bashing and want to compete.

SS Pede · #20 11-02-2006, 06:43 PM

Good points Mini Me. I hope the Shack does more than just sell these things. There's more to hobby grade R/C than just moving product. You have to support the product as well. If they are willing to carry a bunch of upgrade parts maybe they can stock some replacement parts as well.

I have a vain hope that these will somehow be more durable than your average 1/18 scale vehicle. Maybe Pro-pulse has overbuilt the parts a little to compensate for so-so support. I kind of doubt it, but I can dream, can't I?

A few of my childhood Radio Shack vehicles survived years of having the tar beaten out of them without a single problem. Maybe this new chassis has taken newbie-proof ruggedness into account. Either way I'm still intrigued. Can wait to check one of these out at a local Radio Shack!

So...is this powered by a handfull of AA's or something? Wait, there's a Tamiya plug. Battery pack I guess? Yeah...looks like a battery strap on the side there.

devius1985 · #21 11-02-2006, 07:59 PM

It says on the Pro-Pulse site that there will be replacement parts and bearings at every point of revolution. I will definitly buy one of these.

tmacfan4321 · #22 11-02-2006, 09:07 PM

I was always the same way, whenever I recieved a Toy RC when I was younger I would always either break it or try and take it apart and put it back together (Unsuccessful 99.9%), I thought to myself, "There has to be something more durable, more reliable, and most of all FASTER!"

Then a year ago I found the July 2005 issue of rcca in my grocery store. There was no looking back from there, I searched and searched until I found some stuff. For about a 6 month period I didn't know anybody who shared my interest, then I heard one kid talking about his rc plane and I asked him if he was into cars.

It turns out that his mom just got him a T- Maxx for his birthday, he then told me about the track that he goes to sometimes. We ended up going to the track, TONS of fun, so awesome. Now here I am today fully into the hobby.

ErikRC10 · #23 11-02-2006, 09:52 PM

man I want one. I've always wanted a RC18B but the price is scary (I could by a new 1/10th scale pan car for the same price, which will be my next car). Depending on the price I might get one pretty soon, and I wonder if it comes with the battery and charger like the RC18 series, if it does that would make it even better. I also like that it has oil filled shocks and bearings and all that stuff. Prolly the only thing that would turn me away from it is if they don't have parts support.

Superdood · #24 11-03-2006, 06:59 AM

aluminum or stock oil-filled shocks, titanium turnbuckles and Servo saver kit, twin motor conversion kit, high-speed motor kit, a dozen different tire and rim options. Oh joy!
Twin motors. I wanna get a price now. maybe i could finally get into minis

rael · #25 11-03-2006, 08:33 AM

I don't know if it was the exact same model or company, but there was an ad on TV last night with cars that looked very similar. It wasn't a RadioShack ad, it was Toys R Us. They showed a buggy and truck bouncing around on the dirt. The even mentioned being able to change the wheels.

Did anyone else see the ad? I don't remember what I was watching at the time.