Intro
Losi 8ight-T
Xray XT8
Hyper ST Pro
Hong Nor X1 CRT
Mugen MBX5-T
Kyosho ST-R
Revo Derived Truggy(RDT)
Conclusion

Hobao Hyper ST Pro

Overview

There must be more Hyper 7 and 8 rallycross buggies in this country than any other make and for good reason; they are a well priced and a tough bit of kit. The new Hyper ST soon followed in these footsteps with the original RTR version selling by the bucket load. Some have moaned that too many corners have been cut, why use a Hyper 7 battery box or have a screwed down receiver box? Well, we say does it really matter? If you’re running a Spektrum system and a rechargeable receiver pack, you don’t ever need to touch these two things! This new Pro version also packs in the bling with new aluminium shock towers and chassis braces that look more like a Mugen part. The Hyper ST also boasts the best steering and the most buggy-like handling, this is great if you’re a good driver but is likely to catch the newbie out, although obviously you can dial steering out and bring it back on when your skills improve - this surely makes it better than outgrowing your kit. The real testament to this kit is its success in the UK Truggy Pro series, in the hands of their team driver Graham Alsop, it’s been kicking ass and won the second round by nearly two clear laps. This isn’t just because Graham is a better driver (he doesn’t do so well against the same drivers in the rallycross nationals), it’s simply a case of being able to out-perform everyone else with the Hyper ST! Although the HoBao brand name might not be the most desirable, its price and performance that should matter and with tyres and a pipe included in the kit it offers perhaps the best value for money to those of you that aren’t totally image conscious.

marcus' view

Christ this thing can steer! Is that not enough information? OK, I’ll expand further. ‘Agile’ does not do this kit justice, it would out-steer most buggies I have driven and has more steering than most other truggies put together. Yes the steering is that good. Whilst this does not make the ST Pro the easiest of the truggies to get used to, I would suspect it would be the one that achieved the quickest lap times if we were given enough time to practise with it. It has the feel of a buggy, which would obviously suit anyone who already drives a buggy and fancies giving truggies a go. The overall look of the Hyper ST Pro is a real plus point. A nice low slung body, with bolt-on roll bars, gives a very aggressive racer look which I really liked. Unfortunately for me, it was not all good though, as I just couldn’t get a nice comfortable feel with the Hyper, which made me reluctant to push it for fear of mistakes. It also misses out for me against the Losi for lack of new design and desirability, not essential in many people’s eyes, but relevant to me. Overall I would say the Hyper ST Pro would be more suited to the more experienced driver.

julio's view

The car looks like pure quality and the parts look very strong, only time will tell but judging by the RTR’s track record there don’t appear to be any issues. Being a Hobao it is not the most desirable top end brand but I would be surprised if a lot of people don’t change their minds when they inspect one closely and drive it. This truggy seems very stable and more than capable of keeping up with any other manufacturer out there. The kit comes with one of the highest specs, if not the highest, everything you could ever want for in a kit is right there in the box and it costs very little considering what you get. It jumps lovely and level and takes everything in its stride. I have never had so much steering in a car and at first it catches you out because it goes where you want and unlike anything else I drove, the on-power steering was phenomenal to say the least. In most truggies you come off the power to turn, not this baby. Parts seem to be in abundance and very reasonably priced, a few more spring tuning options will be out very shortly and then you can get it set up to your exact requirements. Overall I think the Hyper ST Pro has the best steering available on the market at the moment and will be a top contender when it comes down to purchasing a new truggy.

Gung Ho Pro says

By far the best steering, handled most like a buggy too, i.e. more sensitive and responsive than any of the others. It tucks in very nicely in the middle of the corner.