First Impressions: Carisma GT24T Radio-Controlled Monster Truck
Small and speedy sum up this brushless-powered, 1/24-scale, 4-wheel drive monster truck.
Carisma has been a brand of radio-controlled vehicle that I’ve long wanted to take a closer look at. Across their product lineup, they offer a number of attractive on-road and off-road vehicles, in multiple scales and appearance levels. While their larger-scale vehicles feature highly-detailed bodies and performance components, their smaller-scale offerings appear to be just as impressive.
Thanks to Carisma, I have two of these small-scale models in my hands for review. The first is the GT24T, a 1/24, 4-wheel drive monster truck. This is a ready-to-run (RTR) model features both compact size and ample power, making it a potent performer, both indoors and out.
Unboxing the Carisma GT24T Monster Truck
Note:
- I incorrectly referred to the GT24T as a “stadium truck” in the video. I suppose you could go either monster truck or stadium truck with the official category, it’s up to you.
- The ATV dial on the transmitter controls the Adjustable Travel Volume of the steering servo. I was unfamiliar with the “ATV” term, but thanks to Futaba’s Glossary of Terms (http://www.futabarc.com/techsupport/glossary.html), I was brought up the speed quickly.
What’s Included:
- 1 Carisma GT24B 1/24-scale buggy
- 1 Carisma CTX8000 2-channel transmitter/controller
- 1 USB charging adapter and cable
- 2 AA batteries (for the transmitter/controller)
- 1 Instruction manual
- 1 Decal sheet
Carisma GT24T Monster Truck - $99.99
Initial Impressions of the GT24T
The Chassis - On the handling side, the GT24T uses friction shocks to cushion it over jumps and rough terrain. After a few “press tests”, the shocks appear to have a substantial amount of travel and shouldn’t bottom out much (if at all) under normal driving conditions. Of course, the tendencies of each individual driver will determine what “normal conditions” are.
The tires that the GT24T rides on look to have impressive grip, both from the rubber compound used as well as their knobby texture.
The Body - From the outside, the body shell features a fun and aggressive paint scheme and matches a monster truck/stadium truck theme. The body itself is attached to the chassis with two pieces of Velcro on either side of the truck and should keep the lid intact while at speed.
The Controller - The GT24T controller may be the most surprising piece of this RTR package. I’ve come across many a number of small-scale radio-controlled vehicles during my time in the hobby, and you never know what to expect from the controller. The physical size of the included CTX8000, a 2.4GHz, 2-channel transmitter, is the same as what you’d find in a 1/10 (or larger) model. It feels great when holding it and the amount of steering wheel tension may be the highest that I’ve ever come across.
Outside of the comfort and feel, there are a number of settings and adjustments that can be made on the CTX8000. Throttle and steering direction, trim, steering servo travel, and an included function button are all easily available from the right-side panel.
Ready to Roll
Carisma offers two versions of GT24T, one with an included 1S LiPo battery ($109.99) and one without ($99.99). While these two options don’t present a noticeable price difference, you’ll ultimately save on shipping cost as this model runs on a LiPo battery and is being shipped overseas.
My review unit is the non-battery type, so I have yet to take this machine out for a test drive. Until then, I’ll be impatiently staring at this machine as it sits on my shelf, just waiting to be set free.
