XMODS

Produced and distributed by RadioShack, XMODS RC Cars are 1:28th scale electric radio controlled cars. Fully customizable, XMODS upgrade accessories include body kits, motors, tires and wheels, light kits, and all-wheel drive. At around $40-$50US for each starter kit (car, controller, and a few extra parts/tools) XMODS are more affordable than most hobby-grade RCs but have almost as many features.

Generation 1 XMODS: Now retired, there were 10 models in the Classic line -- also known as Generation 1 or XMODS Custom RCs.

• 1965 Ford Mustang - Blue
• 1967 Chevrolet Camaro - Red
• 1997 Toyota Supra - Red
• 2000 Honda Civic Coupe - Black / Blue
• 2003 Acura RSX - Silver
• 2004 Acura NSX - Yellow
• 2003/04 Chevrolet Corvette C5 - Silver
• 2004 Nissan 350Z - Burnt Orange
• Nissan Skyline GT-R V.spec - Black / Yellow
• Subaru Impreza WRX STi - Blue

Evolution XMODS: Introduced in the Fall of 2005, the XMODS Evolution line has a new second generation chassis that can be used with bodies from the Generation 1 XMODS. There are 8 models in the Evolution line - three trucks and five cars.

• 1967 Pontiac Firebird
• Mitsubishi Lancer Evo VIII
• 2004 Hummer H2
• 2004 Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe
• 2006 Ford Mustang GT
• 2006 Ford F-150
• 2005 Toyota Scion tC
• 2005 Nissan Titan

XMODS - Toy or Not?: Most RC vehicles are described as either toy-grade or hobby-grade. The hobby-grade RCs usually have many more features and cost a lot more. However, with all the upgrades and modification possibiliites, XMODS are more like hobby cars than toys. The XMODS use 6 different sets of crystals -- just like hobby cars -- allowing multiple vehicles to operate together. Each of the Evolution series has its own frequency.

Younger children would need adult supervision and a lot of assistance with assembly and maintenance/upkeep of hobby RCs. Once they get the hang of it, operation of the XMODS is simple and children 8 and up should have little trouble driving them.

XMODS fall somewhere between toy and hobby. Young teens can assemble them and do some upgrades but pre-teens would probably have a lot of trouble with the tiny parts and little screws.

Costing a lot less than most hobby-grade cars for the basic starter kit, the expense does add up as you acquire more body kits, new tires, motor upgrades, and accessories. Kids and adults could end up spending hundreds on this little "toy" RC if they really get into the XMODS hobby.