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HPI E-Firestorm Flux Stadium Truck Review

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HPI RC Cars E Firestorm Flux 1/10th Stadium Truck Brushless Racing 1:10 Truck Graphite Suspension

Upgrades for HPI Aluminium blocks Teflon Shocks Bashing Hop Ups Fire Storm eFirestorm Racing LiPo

Source: HPI RC

What HPI say...

The ready-to-run E-Firestorm Flux, HPI's first-ever brushless motor equipped 2WD 1/10th scale stadium truck, is now better than ever! We've taken the proven platform and added a 2.4GHz radio system, a more powerful ESC/motor combination with 3S LiPo capability, waterproof electronics, new Split 5 chrome wheels and a fresh new paint job. The updated E-Firestorm Flux lets you have loads of fun in wet conditions and has a top speed of over 80 km/h (50 mph) with on-command wheelies!

WATERPROOF The E-Firestorm Flux now has a waterproof receiver box to keep the 2.4GHz receiver protected from the elements for glitch-free operation. A new SF-10W waterproof steering servo and a waterproof Flux Vapor speed control mean your E-Firestorm won't be stopped by wet conditions like rain, snow, and mud.

MORE POWER The E-Firestorm Flux takes the durable E-Firestorm platform to the next level with amazing performance from brushless motor technology. The updated Flux brushless system includes a Flux Vektor 4800Kv brushless motor that is controlled by Flux Vapor waterproof electronic speed control. The new motor/esc combo is now capable of handling a 3S Li-Po battery pack for a blazing top speed over 50 mph! Experience the extreme power and efficiency that brushless technology offers.

2.4GHz RADIO SYSTEM Controlling the E-Firestorm Flux is easy with the HPI 2.4GHz radio system. No need to worry about changing crystals, the radio prevents frequency conflicts automatically. If the truck loses radio signal or battery power, an electronic failsafe will bring it to a safe and controlled stop.

BUILT TOUGHTOUGH is the word that best describes the E-Firestorm Flux. Everywhere you look, the critical parts have been designed to withstand the rigors of off-road racing. The key to durability for any 2WD stadium truck is the transmission, and the E-Firestorm Flux transmission is extra tough, using all metal gears to easily handle the power of hot electric motors. Inside the transmission is a sealed planetary differential with, again, all metal gears for extra toughness. And everything is protected by an adjustable dual-pad slipper clutch mated to durable 48 pitch gears, with tough steel dogbones and axles transmit the power to the tires.

COMPLETE RACING SUSPENSION

The E-Firestorm uses the tough suspension design and suspension geometry from the nitro Firestorm 10T truck for extreme ruggedness, durability and great spares availability. The extra-long suspension arms are damped by adjustable long-strock shock absorbers, and turnbuckle camber links can be mounted in multiple locations for fine-tuning of the handling. All of the plastic parts are moulded from tough nylon for impact absorbtion and strength. At the front, alloy steel axles spin on top-quality rubber-sealed ball bearings for the best efficiency possible, while at the rear, strong steel outdrives, dogbones and axles ensure you have the reliability and ruggedness to take on the most extreme terrain.
 

The shock absorbers are professionally assembled and filled with real silicone shock oil for consistent shock action no matter the conditions at the track. Fitted with big coil-over springs and equipped with threaded adjustable shock bodies, the shocks can take big hits and are easily adjustable for all racing conditions. Steel turnbuckles let you make fast adjustmnents, and different mounting points allow you to adjust roll centre for advanced race tuning. The front and rear wheels use HPI 12mm 'step' type aluminium hex adapters, letting you use any HPI rear wheels you have in your collection on the front OR rear!

Specs...

E-FIRESTORM FLUX FEATURES SUMMARY:

• Flux Vektor 4800Kv brushless motor provides high performance, efficiency, long motor life, reduced maintenance
• Flux Vapor waterproof ESC for smooth and efficient motor control
• Composite main chassis is lightweight and durable
• Suspension geometry and components from the Firestorm 10T
• Nimble handling and easy to drive in all conditions
• Many existing Firestorm option parts bolt directly on to maximize performance
• Vertically adjustable front and rear camber links are easily adjustable to suit conditions and driving styles
• Adjustable shock positions (3 upper and 2 lower) to maximize suspension performance
• Adjustable wheelbase to tune the length of the truck to suit driving conditions
• Adjustable rear toe and anti-squat for quick adjustment to fine tune handling
• High quality thumbscrews on battery retainer for secure and tool-free battery access. Fits most Li-Po packs an 6-7 cell NiMh packs
• Dual pad slipper clutch protects the drive train on hard landings
• Durable low-profile 2.6:1 ratio ALL METAL gear transmission is extremely durable and capable of handling very powerful motors
• Sealed planetary gear differential for nearly zero maintenance, maximum reliability and convenience of tuning differential action with heavy weight silicone oils
• Strong alloy steel dog bones for simplicity and durability
• 14 ball bearings throughout the drive train for maximum speed and efficiency
• Turnbuckles used for each camber link and steering rod allow fine adjustment of the suspension geometry to suit your driving style and track conditions
• Threaded shock bodies allow fine adjustment of ride height
• Silicone oil filled shocks for high performance and more consistent damping in extreme temperatures
• Aluminum 12mm wheel hex adapters used front and rear are compatible with all HPI 1/10th scale truck rear wheels. Allows many different wheel and tire combinations to adapt to driving conditions and numerous styling options
• Alloy steel front axles are extremely durable
• Captured hinge pin design used throughout for easy maintenance with no E-clips
• Lay down steering servo for the lowest possible center of gravity
• High quality hex head machine screws used throughout for simple maintenance
• Adjustable height body mounts allow a variety of body styles to fit the chassis for a custom look
• Ground Assault taper pin rear tires and Front Line ribbed front tires for high traction and long life on nearly any surface
• Shiny chrome Split 5 wheels made from high impact nylon for extreme durability
• 48 pitch pinion and spur gear for maximum efficiency and reliability, protected by a molded gear cover to keep debris away from the gears
• Pre-painted DSX-2 body with custom silkscreen graphics

HPI E-Firestorm 1/10th Brushless Stadium Truck Review

The E-Firestorm flux is HPI’s offering to the 1/10th scale stadium tuck market and this robust, great handling truck doesn’t disappoint.  It sits in the market between an out-and-out racer like the Team Associated T4.1 and the more bashing orientated Traxxas Rustler VXL.  HPI had a been a little behind its competition in recent times but with waterproof electronics and the inclusion of a 2.4Ghz radio system this truck in line with the competition.

The E-Firestorm is powered by a 4800Kv brushless motor and can handle up to 3S LiPo batteries giving all the speed and power you will ever need.  Gear it up and hunker down the suspension for high speed stability and this truck will make 50-60 mph runs all day long.  Where this truck really shines is running on grass and dirt with small to medium sized jumps on a 2S pack.  The handling is superb with more feel than a rustler and better low speed traction.  The suspension and shocks are fully adjustable enabling you to fine tune your truck for different surfaces and track lay-outs.

Out the box the E-Firestorm Flux is ready to run and stock is stronger than kits like the Traxxas Rustler.  The strong composite tub is capable of taking a lot of abuse from general bashing and jumping.  If you only run this truck to bash with no intention of racing it needs very little modification.  Its best to leave it stock and just replace parts with the standard replacements when they do break.

Should you intend to race or just can’t resist those shiny upgrades then there are a few hop-up parts that are worth considering.  Aluminium hubs and front suspension mount are available from HPI, these will remove a lot of slop and make the truck feel tighter compared to the plastic parts.  Graphite suspension arms are available these are stiffer than the stock plastic suspension arms.  The last modification we would make is to upgrade to the aluminium shocks these are smoother running for greater control and finer adjustment.

The electronics are sound and won’t need upgrading unless you intend to do a lot of racing, but if you are going to start replacing servos and motors you would be better to go for an out and out high end racing truck and built it from the ground up to your own specification.

The HPI E-Firestorm Flux is a great truck and worth considering should you be in the market for a stadium truck.  Out the box is is better handling and stronger than a Traxxas Rustler but the level of aftermarket support and the might of the Traxxas marketing department often sway people away from the E-Firestorm Flux.  

The decision to buy one really comes down to how you intend to use it.  If you do a bit of bashing and racing the E-Firestorm could be just right for you.  If you race seriously you have to consider higher specification trucks from Team Associated and Losi.  Just bashing and love to modify your RC car them the Traxxas Rustler might be the better option.

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