Friday October 26, 2007

It is getting that time of year again and a flurry of new releases are already on store shelves, plus older releases with all new liveries. This RAID Pro-Truck by NINCO is an older release but it has plenty to offer both new and veteran enthusiasts.

Since we have already reviewed this model, check out the prior article HERE to find out more on the mechanics and other options this model has. Rather than repeat myself here, this article simply shows you yet another livery in this popular series.

It arrived safe and sound from MRC and I was anxious to get it on the track for some track testing. First we had to take a look at the paint work which you either will like it or hate it. One thing is certain, you will be able to see this truck easily on even the largest tracks!

The markings were crisp but the white was not as opaque as it could be causing very noticeable bleed through. This bright color is hard to cover, so a double layer of white should have been used. Other than this, the model is very crisp and has a good finished look.

It is the small details that just make this truck look cool. Not only is our interior outfitted with driver & navigator, plus roll bar detail, the bed of the truck is where most people focus on first. Spare tires, shocks, shovels and even ramps adorn the rear of this truck and this is what really sets it off for my eyes.

I inspected the wheels and tires and they seemed very round and true for what they are. Large knobby mud tires are nothing like the smooth racing slicks you might be used to. However, it is these tires (or design of them) plus the Pro-Shock suspension that give this truck and others like it the appeal it has.

First, I want you to know that I never cared for Pro-Shock suspension that much. In fact, on cars I still don't. It does nothing to enhance the performance and usually just adds unwanted top body roll. Most other times it causes tire to body rub and the travel on the shocks is so short they simply do not work.

But the Pro-Shock suspension on these off-road trucks works, and works very well. At first when these models were released I did not appreciate them. I then visited my "local" club in Kentucky where friends of mine enlightened me how much fun these trucks could be if I gave them a second look.

They were spot on. Watching these trucks lean and roll through the corners is a sight to see! Plus the roar of the knobby tires down the straights adds even more to the fun factor. And if you can get a few others along side you, watching these trucks go 4 wide through the turns is about as much fun as it can get.

Budgets for our hobby get tighter everyday for some of us, and sometimes our choices for a new model is very important. We do not want to shell out fifty or more dollars for a slot car that we don't enjoy. If you like heavy magnets and blistering speeds then these trucks may not be for you. However, if you like a more milder magnet action (or none at all) and also looking for a change of pace in your regular racing rotation, I certainly can advise you to take a closer look at adding at least one to your collection. Like most of you, we just want to have to have fun in this hobby. These trucks help deliver plenty of that and this makes them great additions to our current stable.

Check Out The Other Truck Reviews!

- Harry

As always feel free to contact me about this article or just the hobby in general at harry@homeracingworld.com, or better yet drop into our Message Forum and share your thoughts with other enthusiasts!

Thanks Go To MRC For Providing Us With This Sample!