Review: HPI RS32-01 RTR Calsonic Skyline
Most people looking for a fun RC car don’t usually look smaller than 1/10th scale. Anything smaller is usually considered toy grade and not worth checking out. HPI has recently released their new RS32 (or 1/32 scale) that is about to change that theory. This fully proportional micro TC has some features that the big dogs have while allowing you to have fun just about anywhere (indoors or out). And, with a price tag of about $100, this could certainly be the car for those of you that have to spend a lot of time indoors in the summer or winter months. Tabletop track racing anyone?
WHO IT’S FOR: Everyone
HOW MUCH: $100
BUILD TYPE: Almost RTR
FACTS
– The RS32 comes in an attractive little box. The car sits in a clear container that allows you to display the model if you choose not to run it. But why would you do that?
– HPI has lovingly included their TF-21 2.4GHz radio system. This makes it incredibly easy to just turn it on and go! Get a group of friends together (of whatever age) and let the fun begin. No scrambling around to see who is on the same channel.
-The RS32, however, does not come completely assembled. You will need to install the electronics package. This is a bit odd but is not all that difficult to do. Remove a few screws and follow the detailed instructions and you should have your model up and running in no time at all. HPI even includes the tools you need to complete the install.
-The C32 Quick Charger (get it? C32 – Charger for 1/32?) is a very basic unit that is perfect for this application. Install the 6 AA’s into the base, set the RS32 on the top, plug the battery into the charger and hit the button. Within a short time you’ll be ready to rock!
-For such a tiny car, the RS32 has a lot of tuning options available. You can adjust gearing, spring preload, suspension travel and the differential tightness. The manual explains each and how to get the maximum performance out of your car.
-The Calsonic Nissan Skyline body is as real as it gets. Paint is immaculate, and the mirrors and wing are molded with precision to match the full scale car. Even the front and rear light buckets are molded to accept a lighting system if you want to install one.
-The RS32 is small, light and carries a big stick in the form of a 4.8v 150mAh NiMh battery pack. Driving around a small track in my house easily netted me 13 minutes of running and I think it had more in it. Most of the driving was trying to avoid my dog (she has less traction on the kitchen floor than the RS32 does), so it was a lot of full speed blasts from one side to the other.
• Awesome looking, realistic Nissan Skyline body
• 2.4GHz radio system
• Proportional ESC with reverse
• Long wear molded tires
• Actually has adjustable front suspension
• Charger included
• Very little space needed to have a good time
WHAT COULD BE IMPROVED
• ALMOST RTR, so some assembly is required
• Because of its RWD, the RS32 works best on surfaces with some traction
• So small that it’s a bite sized morsel for my dog
ON THE TRACK
One of the big benefits of the RS32 is where you can run it. If you’re anything like me, when you first get an RC car you imagine every dirt field or parking lot near your house as your next track. With the RS32, that area extends to your kitchen, driveway or even a table top! I initially set up a small track on my kitchen floor but soon found that, while it does work, the slick surface is not optimum for the RWD drivetrain layout. Plus, as I mentioned before, my dog thinks it’s a toy for her and won’t leave it alone.
So I decided to move the track up on to my ‘Driver’ table, as my wife likes to call it. This table is where I build all of my projects and review cars and, having a large 3’x 6’ top, it would make the perfect size for my Tabletop Grand Prix. I made a quick track, complete with a chicane, sweeper and a few hard turns. My race began -The RS32 crossed the Thunder Power Timing Loop and shot away. Down the short chute the little micro TC headed and through the Suburb Chicane. The fast Short Course Sweeper followed, and led the RS32 into a hard left. A quick flip of the steering aimed the RS32 past the Tekin Towers and into the Makita Bend. The last part of the track was the Staples Triple-Tape that lead back to the Start/Finish line! Awesome!
Power from the RS32 was actually a bit much for my tabletop raceway. Thanks to the smooth feel from the ESC, I was able to keep it under control and on the table. The steering was exceptional at low speeds, and allowed me to carve my way around the track. After 5 or 6 laps I was putting in some very fast laps, until a cut the corner to close on the Makita Bend and rolled the RS32 right off the table! Only casualty was the rear wing popping off, but a little dab of glue fixed that. Durability test…check!
GALLERY
LINKS
HPI, http://www.hpiracing.com
MaxAmps, http://www.maxamps.com
