Review: Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut 8x8

Who knew an 8-wheel steer, 8-wheel drive radio-controlled truck would be so much fun? Not to spoil the review, but here's a quick TLDR: the Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut 8x8 is one of the coolest R/C rigs I've driven this year. With the visual presense of a tactical behemoth, this big-yet-small truck offers a new style of adventure for small-scale R/C trail trucks.

Hobby Plus is no stranger to the small-scale R/C crawler world, and they have several 1/24 and 1/18-scale models to prove it. That said, the CR18P Terranaut is one of two models to go outside the traditional trail truck realm, ramping up visual detail, scale functionality, and multi-wheel steering and drive capability.

If you're looking for a new type of driving and R/C adventure experience, read on to see how I rate the CR18P Terranaut 8x8 from Hobby Plus. Thank you to the folks at Hobby Plus for providing me with this review model.

What's Included with the Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut:

• 1 CR18P Terranaut 8x8 1/18-scale R/C Truck
• 1 2.4GHz Radio Transmitter
• 1 Instruction Manual
• Miscellaneous Spare Parts

The Body and Body Details:

At some point in this review, I feel it's worth mentioning that this is my first experience with a Hobby Plus vehicle. With that in mind, it's also worth noting that not all of Hobby Plus's models are this visually detailed. Most of their smaller, small-scale models feature polycarbonate bodies designed to deliver the performance benefits of a lightweight lid. The CR18P Terranaut, on the other hand, is a visual feast of ABS plastic detail.

From top to bottom, bumper to bumper, the Terranaut 8x8 is just cool to look at. If you're into military-styled vehicles that look like they could roll into a place of conflict or rescue situation with ease, this rig certainly gives that impression. The Terranaut's body consists of a detailed cab and a flat bed that includes a functioning trailer hitch and tow winch.

In addition to the durable body and molded details found on the CR18P Terranaut, this rig also includes a handful of minor details, such as side mirrors, two spare tires, and theme-appropriate decals. It also includes LED-illuminated headlights, taillights, and roof-mounted flashing lights, all controllable via the radio transmitter.

Access to the battery, ESC, and power switch for the Terranaut is achieved by pressing a release button at the rear of the cab and flipping the cab forward. It's a small feature, but it delights me in its simplicity.

The Electronics (Motor, Servos, Battery, Radio, and ESC):

With the amount of details and hard plastic on the exterior of this truck, you might be wondering whether the Terranaut's electronics set is strong enough to move this oversized 1/18-scale truck. Rest assured that Hobby Plus has equipped this rig with plenty of motor to get the job done, no matter where you find yourself driving this machine.

With its 280-size brushed motor and two-speed (high/low) transmission, the CR18P Terranaut has no problem navigating obstacles or cruising down the trail. Between the motor and the included 7.4V 2S LiPo battery that powers it, I never found myself wishing for more power or wheelspeed when on my adventures with this machine.

Beyond the powerplant setup for this model, the CR18P includes a FlySky 6-channel 2.4GHz radio system, which provides control not only of the standard movements of this truck but also of the bed-mounted servo winch, LED lights, and 8-wheel steering.

Ah, yes, 8-wheel steering. I've mostly glossed over that nifty feature until now, but it's ready for the spotlight. Four servos control the steering duties for all eight wheels on the CR18P Terranaut. Speedy and strong, these servos won't blow your mind with their performance, but I found them to be more than adequate to handle my outdoor test course.

The Chassis:

Hobby Plus pulled out the stops when designing this machine. If you thought the body details and electronics setup were a mask for a less-than-ideal chassis setup, you'll be happy to know that's not the case. The Terranaut 8x8 features an aluminum-frame chassis with a standard R/C crawler link setup. While the suspension links are plastic, the solid foundation of the chassis rails makes this entire truck feel…well…solid.

Along with its aluminum chassis, the CR18P Terranaut features eight oil-filled shocks that reduce, if not eliminate, unwanted wobbling and bobbing. This truck feels so stable while in motion that I may use it for a camera truck in the future.

Performance:

I've already hinted at the performance of this truck, but here's the full scoop. While I wasn't sure what to expect from this truck, I was, and still am, surprised by its performance. Powerful and stable, this truck has no problem handling obstacles and terrain that's meant for vehicles with crawler-focused designs. And while basic driving is impressive, you really unlock another level of fun with 8-wheel steering.

Crab-walking and tight turns are simple and effective moves to pull off, especially when you're stuck behind an obstacle you can't crawl over. It's a unique driving experience that's hard to beat, and I found myself enjoying this rig much more than I thought I would.

If there are any nitpicks, the rear-mounted winch and trailer hitch are nice features, but I'd almost like to have a flat rear bed for hauling, similar to how the Hobby Plus Arktos 6x6 is set up.

How Does it Stack Up to the Competition?

I'm not sure the Terranaut 8x8 has any direct competition. It's a one-of-a-kind vehicle with a driving experience that's all its own. The closest model that could be considered a competitor is Hobby Plus's CR18P Arktos, but it's a 6x6 machine and doesn't feature 6-wheel steering.

The Terranaut truly stands alone, making it a great option for any R/C hobbyist seeking an experience outside the norm.

What's the Verdict?

I went into this review not knowing what to expect from Hobby Plus or the Terranaut 8x8 itself. I'm happy to say that both offer amazing experiences, both in performance and overall enjoyment. This rig performs incredibly well, and it creates a unique driving experience that's a welcome break from traditional R/C crawling and trail driving.

This model also offers plenty of opportunity for customization, as I've seen several 3D-printable files and projects released for this truck. In fact, I have my own customizations planned for this rig.

So, if you're looking for a unique, off-road R/C truck that's incredibly well built and offers several layers of R/C fun, the CR18P Terranaut 8x8 might be the perfect vehicle for you.

Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut 8x8 Specs:

• Length: 434mm (17.09")
• Width: 135.6mm (5.33")
• Height: 161mm (6.34")
• Wheelbase: 166.4mm/416.2mm (6.55"/16.39")
• Weight: 880g
• Drivetrain: Full-lock 8WD Active-AWS
• Shock: Oil-filled Coil spring
• Wheel: 1.2" Internal bead lock
• Tire: 60mm Super Soft Rubber
• Drive System: 8WD Shaft Driven
• Approach angle: 60 degrees
• Departure angle: 52.2 degrees
• FDR: Low gear: 124.6:1, High gear: 31.15:1
• Turning Radius: Front Only: 110cm (43.3"); Rear only 100cm (39.3"); Front and Rear 55cm (21.6")
• Transmitter TX: FlySky 2.4ghz 6-channel full size
• ESC: FLYSKY 6ch ESC/RX combo (PPX4 grade water resistant) full light control
• Battery: 7.4v 2S LiPo 1100mah
• Motor: Big Block 280-size Brushed
• Charger: USB with indicator Light: Complete LED
• Steering Servo x 4: 1.5KG metal gear Shift Servo: 1KG plastic gear
• Winch Servo: 1KG plastic gear

Learn More About the CR18P Terranaut 8x8:

• First Look & Overview: Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut 8x8 [Video]
• See it in Action: Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut 8x8 [Video]
• Hobby Plus CR18P Terranaut 8x8 Photo Gallery

Where to Buy the CR18P Terranaut 8x8:

• Hobby Plus - $269.99 (Save 10% with coupon code RCNEWB10)
• Fair RC - $269.99