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

Mugen MBX5T Prospec

Overview

Mugen never shy away from making a precision kit full of the very best bits and pieces you could ever wish to put together, but it differs from its competition immediately by featuring a PBS system (pillow ball suspension). It still manages to turn on a sixpence when set up properly though and is simply draped in gunmetal-coloured ally parts that scream of superiority. These include the 3mm thick 7075-T6 long chassis, the shock towers and steering plate that are all 5mm thick, the chassis braces, the rear uprights and wheel extenders, which all match beautifully and are rock hard. As expected there are CVDs all round in the drive train and the shocks are aluminium bodied long throw units that again match the gunmetal scheme. There’s a twin section radio box where your aerial gets mounted via a spring to lessen the chance of damage in a rollover, an upside down steering bellcrank for quick and easy adjustments, twin metal brake discs, even the differential teeth are helical cut for extra security and ruggedness, and there’s a smattering of carbon fibre in the front top plate and centre diff plate that adds to its overall striking appearance.

matt's view

This kit is of excellent quality with some very nice bling, the Prospec model does not need any additional parts to make it race ready, it’s all there for you. I particularly liked the all round quality of the alloy and plastic parts used. I was pretty sure I would not break anything on this model. The only thing I didn’t really like is the pillow ball suspension, but that really is a personal thing, I just don’t really get on with them. Out on the track it handled very nicely; I found it very easy to drive well and was putting in some very consistent lap times. It has excellent balance, good grip and handles the bumps pretty well too! All a bit boring really, which is exactly my problem with the Mugen; it’s as dull as dishwater. I just can’t get excited about it. A very capable truck that’s great for Club and Pro level drivers, ultra reliable but massively lacking sexiness and ultimately, desirability.

nobby's view

It’s never shared the popularity of the other truggies, yet it really does know how to handle itself on the racetrack. Perhaps it’s viewed as a little posh for the common racer with its flash specification and endless list of high quality alloy parts? Or maybe people just don’t want PBS on their truggy? Initial cost and spare parts are expensive too, but in its defence its a real pleasure to build up and doesn’t seem to break a lot because of its sheer quality. Either way, the wide stance it has makes it very planted through corners and stable on the straight, helped along by the longest wheelbase in the class. It’s very fast, dependable and professional in the duties it performs and it’s so strong it’s like a super-powered tank which is relatively easy to drive too, but it lacks excitement and prospective buyers have obviously failed to appreciate its real quality. I like it a lot, but I like the Losi and the Xray more.

Gung Ho Pro says

Turns well even with the PBS system and has good stability on the straights, jumps well and has good balance. Slight under-steer when pushed hard into a corner but also very responsive overall.