Extreme Machines 1:16 Scale Monster XX (Exclusively from Target)

This 1:16 scale Pro grade RC resembles the 1:16 scale E-Revo made by Traxxas. It's a speedy little truck despite being toy-grade. Unlike a lot of toy-grade RCs, the Extreme Machines Monster XX looks to be somewhat mod-friendly but even without modifications it performs admirably.

Inside is a charger, transmitter, instruction manual, warranty papers, and of course, the vehicle. What's missing are batteries for the transmitter. You'll need 8 AA batteries before you can play.

The battery for powering the vehicle that comes with the Monster XX RC is a 7.2 volt 1200mAH Ni-MH battery. However, it clearly states in the manual that it is supposed to be a 2500mAH. Finding the smaller battery in the package was a big disappointment. As if this wasn't bad enough, I read in the owners manual that prior to running the Monster XX you had to use the included AC wall charger to charge the battery. Huh, I don't think so! That would take 5-6 hours! No thanks! I'll use my peak charger thank you. (If you don't have a peak charger, well, be prepared for a long charging session before you can use the RC -- something to keep in mind if you're giving this as a gift.)

A word of warning during charging: watch the battery pack. Don't leave it unattended. I walked away for about 15 minutes and the battery was already getting warm. So, be careful when using a peak charger to charge the battery that comes with the Monster XX.

If possible I recommend going to your local hobby shop and getting yourself a hobby-grade battery pack. Even better, get one like the manual said, a 2500mAH battery pack. Be sure that it is still 7.2 volts though, don't want to overload the electronics, after all it is a toy-grade vehicle even though it says "Pro" on the box.

The turnbuckles and other suspension parts are well built, but could possibly be upgraded to a more sturdier metal type turnbuckle instead of one piece plastic ones. The reason I recommend trying to do this is the suspension is a little shaky at high speeds due to non-oil filled shocks with stiff springs. This will, at some point, take its toll on the plastic suspension parts. I think that if the Monster XX were to have adjustable oil-filled shocks they would be a great upgrade on the performance end and possibly make the Monster XX a little less shaky.

The motor that comes with the Monster XX is a nice sized brushed motor. The size of motor on the box says 380, although, I think that there is a way to put an upgraded or modified 370 in its place. The 380 size brushed motor also has a pinion gear that can be removed for an upgrade as well. Don't forget to check the pitch of the pinion gear though, or you might find yourself buying a new pinion gear that you can't use.

The drive axles have a ball bearing differential that I think slips a little too much upon take off. This is due to the bearing type slipper differential which for the little ones and the beginners that's a plus. For the seasoned veterans though, this is frustrating. No need to worry too much, this can be taken care of by simply removing a couple of screws to get the drive axles out and tightening a Phillips head screw that is located inside the knuckles. The knuckles are connected to the gearbox that the drive axles fit into when it is put back together.

The 1:16 scale Monster XX comes equipped with a prepainted Lexan body that has the body mount holes predrilled. The Lexan body still has the protective plastic covering that can be removed for a more glossier look, or left on for a little more protection against bumps and scrapes. The little aerodynamic spoiler wing on the back is screwed on, not taped on like other toy-grade RCs claiming to be pro grade. The looks of the Monster XX paint job I think is similar to the 1:16 scale E-Revo made by Traxxas, a really good graphics scheme.

The on/off switch on the transmitter is a little difficult to switch to on or off. It's a bit loose. It can become a bit irritating after several uses. The transmitter steering wheel and throttle control are a little stiff and generic feeling. This made them less responsive than a hobby-grade transmitter controls -- although not a big deal for most kids. There is a good feature about this transmitter though. Both the transmitter and RC have a selectable band switch A, B, and C so that up to six can race at once on the selected frequency of either 27MHz or 49MHz.

A lot of things could have been better, but overall I think that the Extreme Machines 1:16 scale Monster XX is a solid buy. It looks to be very mod friendly as far as installing aftermarket parts. I would definitely recommend this for young children that are looking forward to getting in the sport of RC racing, but don't have the finances to get a hobby-grade. And although I talk a lot in this review about upgrading parts -- batteries, motor, shocks, etc. -- right out of the box it is still a good and good-looking RC.

This RC was purchased by the reviewer.