This truly is a big boy toy -- and not just because of the hefty price tag. Weighing in at a little over 21 lbs., this innovative creation by HPI Racing's design engineers has proven itself to be a well-designed 1:5 scale off-road RC. The Baja 5B measures an intimidating 32" long (817mm) by 19" wide (480mm) x 10" high (255mm) which just towers over the more common 1:8 and 1:10 scale RCs.
HPI Baja 5B RTR
Power:
The power plant behind this buggy is a monstrous 23cc 2-cycle gasoline engine. Have no worries when it comes to stopping. The two disc ventilated brake system and built-in failsafe have got you covered. The drivetrain is made of hardened steel so pushing the throttle full speed ahead won't have you crying from a ripped up differential. Fully adjustable front and rear suspension can have you going low and mean or riding high for those big jumps to the sky.
Ease of Starting:
Remember the times of trying to prime that little nitro engine in your newly bought nitro RC. You would have to put your finger over the exhaust tip and give a few tugs on the cord or a few turns from your easy starting system to get the nitro fuel to the carb. Well, not with the HPI Racing Baja 5B. This buggy comes with a priming bubble just like on your favorite gas-powered lawnmower or weed eater. This makes not only for easier starts but also eliminating unintentional flooding of the engine. Having to remove the glow plug to unflood your engine can get down right irritating if you ask me.
Truly Ready-to-Run:
What comes in the box with this RC you ask? Everything. Except for consumables, everything you need to get started is included in the Ready-to-Run version of the HPI Baja 5B. You will need to supply batteries for the controller and a bottle of high-grade 2-cycle and some good ol' gasloine (premium if possible). After some minor assembly, tweaking, and tuning you'll be ready to go.
Easy Maintenance:
No matter how wonderful an RC seems when it's new, it's going to need maintenance. Things break. Things need cleaning. Things need upgrading. The roll cage, radio box, body shell, wing, undertray, and gear case are all mounted with easy to remove clips. This makes getting in and getting dirty after a hard day's run a snap. It offers easy cleanup and tuning for the next exciting, fun-filled race day.
Problems? Minor:
Is this the perfect RC? No. The HPI Baja 5B,
5B SS, and the 5T are well-built machines but they aren't bullet-proof. As with any RC, improper upkeep and imperfect driving will take its toll. But even with excellent care there are a few areas that Baja owners have identified as potential trouble spots or parts that tended to break sooner rather than later.
The A-arms, both upper and lower, were typically the first part to go, along with bending of the shock shafts. If running the RC a little too rough the clutch bell will wear out or the pin holding the pinion gear in place will break. And if you don't keep up with the tuning and proper maintenance you could find yourself chewing up the spur gears. Annoying when it happens, all-in-all these problems are not insurmountable and, as with any RC out there, the better you take care of your RC the longer it will last.
Watch the HPI Baja 5B in Action:
In-Depth Reviews of the HPI Baja 5B:
Check the Specs on the HPI Baja 5B RTR:
Check the Specs provides a list of the key components and features of the Baja 5B as well as resources for parts, accessories, and upgrades.
Buy the HPI Baja 5B Series RC Vehicles
HPI Baja 5B SS Buggy Kit
HPI Baja 5B Buggy RTR
HPI Baja 5T Truck RTR
