First Impressions: Dromida's BL Monster Truck
More than a simple speed boost, this is a complete performance overhaul.
Dromida’s line of 1/18-scale surface R/C vehicles have become popular models for many reasons. Their low cost make them great entry-level vehicles for newbies or perfect add-ons for growing a radio-controlled car collection. Their Speed Series gave these small-scale machines another lease on life through the addition of smooth, efficient brushless power.
They recently sent their latest creation (the Dromida BL Monster Truck) my way for a shake-down and review. Although my time with it has been limited, I must say, I like what I see.
Dromida BL Monster Truck Specs:
- Length: 10.6 in (270 mm)
- Width: 7.8 in (198 mm)
- Height: 4.6 in (117 mm)
- Weight w/battery: 1.4 lb (632 g)
- Price: $149.99
What’s Included:
- 1 Dromida BL Monster Truck (1/18-scale, ready-to-run)
- 1 2.4GHz, 2-channel radio transmitter
- 1 7.2v, 1300 NiMh battery (for truck)
- 1 USB battery charger (for truck)
- 4 AA batteries (for transmitter)
- 1 Instruction manual
Unboxing the Dromida BL Monster Truck
Charged up and Ready to Roll
As I write this, I have the largest Cheshire Cat grin on my face. The BL Monster Truck is, simply put, fast. Crazy fast. Stupid fast. Gloriously, unabashedly, and perfectly...fast.
On a full charge, the stock NiMh battery supplies a steady stream of juice to the 5300kv brushless motor. Mash the throttle trigger and that’s when the fun begins. While this truck has a variety of settings to adjust the launch, braking, and control setup, the stock settings are more than enough to turn this vehicle into a rocket.
The low-profile tires and wide stance give it plenty of stability for drifting and the tires provide enough grip for torque-filled launches. With all of this grip, there is more than enough power to break traction and test your driving ability.
The stock suspension setup absorbs bumps and jumps without adding excessive rebound. This helps in keeping the truck planted after a landing and also keeps it grounded as it flies over uneven terrain.
There have been (quite) a few landings that haven’t gone according to plan. Whether the driver got squirrely on takeoff or the landing area wasn’t as smooth as originally thought, the Dromida BL Monster Truck has been sent on a few acrobatic excursions in the short time I’ve been driving it. Through it all, it’s come out looking (and performing like a champ). There was one instance where a front axle shaft became dislocated, but a quick pit stop fixed that up and we were back to bashing in no time.
At $149.99, the Dromida BL Monster Truck raises the level of fun and performance of its brushed brother. Combining grab-and-go portability with a quick and responsive motor, this is an option worth looking at if your need for speed is saddled with a budget.
