Hosim Vortan X25: Low-Fat 1/8 Truggy?

[@hosimrc]

Thank you for your testing and valuable feedback, which is very helpful for us to improve our products！

[@RCTNT]

My pleasure, Hosim RC! Thank you for accepting my terms of an honest review with zero input or prior approval before I published. Any company willing to do this is worthy of respect. Keep making great stuff, and thanks for listening to your fans 👍💪

[@hosimrc]

@@RCTNT Only with the courage to face up to shortcomings can products be continuously optimized. This is something we must face. Only with shortcomings and criticism can we make improvements.

[@davidhart9988]

Shouldve charged him for it, he can obviously afford it.

[@RCTNT]

My video wasn't up to scratch, you don't think? That's the business arrangement: a car for a video. I think the manufacturer gets the better deal on that, but I also routinely refuse payment for these as well. Prefer to keep things as unbiased as possible. A video takes 6 to 14 hours to make, depending on complexity and length. That's a lot more than the cost of a car, so they're an expense - not actually "free". Don't know if you've considered that, but if I have so many cars here, getting a "free" one isn't a draw for me on a personal level. It's another business opportunity and also a chance to share more of what's happening in this hobby I love so much. Ideally, everyone benefits from this arrangement. @davidhart9988 If you think I left something or of this one, you can let me know. I read everything! Cheers

[@jukiranks]

😂 your dog entertained me way more than the car

[@RCTNT]

She's going to steal my channel if I'm not careful!

[@richiefrank15productions]

I'm new to the channel and have watched about 20 of your videos now and really enjoy your down to earth,real and transparent reviews. I started rc a year ago november 13th for mental health reasons and it's honestly saved my life. Gave me something to look forward to and to love again. In one year I've purchased 39 rc cars ,22 of them true 1/10 scales and above including every arrma 6s vehicle except the big rock. Thanks for the great videos. I'll be watching.

[@RCTNT]

One of us! One of us! Your story is strikingly similar to many others'. I talk to a lot of people at our comps and events and something like that keeps coming up - and it did for me, too. Something about this hobby that draws a certain mind and brings us out of our shells of whatever version of suffering or struggle we have, and gets us around other like-minded people too. I love this element of the hobby the most, I think. I'm glad you're doing better. Take care of yourself and thanks so much for leaving such a thoughtful comment here. All the best to you.

[@richiefrank15productions]

@RCTNT thank you for the reply and you also take care of yourself and keep up the great vids.

[@roblowrie1969]

Another who got back into the hobby, partly because of stress, anxiety and depression. Given my recent diagnosis with cancer, it's been one of the ways I've been coping, getting away from things, and unwinding. I really like the look of this car. The design and body looks awesome. It's such a shame about the lack of oil in the shocks and diffs! Seems like a simple thing to sort out when the development of the car was being done, rather than the purchaser having to take all those screws out!! And cross head screws?!! 🤷🏻‍♂️ Another honest review, and despite the issues, I still like this. Got to love an underdog. Let's hope they listen to the reviews and improve. That's what keeps the big guys on their toes!! 👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Rob. Hope you're doing okay, mate. I've had the thing right apart now and the quality is pretty good!

[@roblowrie1969]

@RCTNT all good, thanks Craig. I'll be living with this for the foreseeable, and it's being managed well. 👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

In the context of things being less than ideal but under control, I'm glad.

[@roberthowell8147]

I purchased this car about two months ago and agree with all the comments made. I first added the 10k, 30k 50k Traxxus differential lube. 10k in front, 50k in middle and 30k in back. Huge improvement. I replaced the shock oil with Team Associates 30w oil. Again, huge improvement. With these improvements the car handles well on my closed track and corners very well. While adding the differential lube I added white lithium grease to all the drive gears. Since all the components were taken apart I replace the transmission screws with SST hex head screws and the differential screws with SST screws. All were installed with Blue Locktite. Much better than excessive Red Loctite used by the manufacturer. It is a fun car, with plenty of speed and handles well with the fluids upgrades

[@RCTNT]

I've done nearly exactly that. The car is so much better! Glad you're enjoying yours 😎

[@michaeldorich4485]

You always do a thorough, honest review which I appreciate. This buggy has a lot going for it. There's an office and warehouse inn the U.S. Currently they have a 20% discount site wide. It appears to be a capable buggy that can give a lot of enjoyment. The difficulty to work on will be a discouraging factor for many people. Thanks for another great review.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you, and good info! I've had the diffs apart and can report it's well built from apparently decent materials. Just could be a bit more user friendly for servicing!

[@michaeldorich4485]

@@RCTNT This car is a basher versus a racer. In my opinion the price s too high. They need to reduce their profit margin and sell these more cheaply. They should follow the Redcat model. They are so many bashers at a cheaper price and are well known for durability and speed it will be hard to compete.

[@andyp6699]

HI Craig. Another great review. MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES GOT ME BACK INTO THE RC HOBBY. Maybe my downfall as i have a man garage with over 150 cars, trucks, boats and a few planes. This hobby de-stresses myself . If poss could do a vid on your collection. KEEP WELL AND MENTALY SAFE.😁

[@RCTNT]

I've got one from some time ago. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYbCaGlsoNGdj5I As of today, the shelves are approaching full. Gonna have to start thinking about more space efficient solutions soon!

[@user-wp9mz]

I'm doing the same thing for mental health reasons it's a great hobby to get into it really relaxes the mind it's like you create your own little world when you're playing exercises the mind for repairs on the RCs

[@RCTNT]

Right on. It's very good for this and I find many people I talk to at events and social days saying similar things 👍 Hope you're doing well now.

[@shannoncold]

Awesome review as always, plus watching your dog enjoy the truck as well was really fun too. Cheers, from South Africa!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, rc brother!

[@FrankvdBerg]

Same here, went through a burnout and rc got me back onnmy feet

[@RCTNT]

Hope you're doing better now.

[@FrankvdBerg]

@RCTNT yeah iam allmost there. But still can feel it a bit after long days

[@RCTNT]

Hang in there. I've decided things don't always get better, but there tends to be an ebb and flow to life. Seasons that are harder and some that are easier. Having something meaningful you're pursuing can really get you over the line. Anyway, you're not alone. So many have similar stories. Something about this hobby draws us!

[@FrankvdBerg]

@@RCTNT yeah i know. But the hobby gets out of controll fast 🤣

[@wallacebates6454]

Listen kinda new. On a budget. But deeply respect your total honesty, you really know your RC. Cars I be checking out future videos, it’s not always about the money, it’s about the hobby and fun Happy new year 2025 Better days ahead

[@RCTNT]

Happy New Year to you too, and welcome!

[@jorgefrd8888]

I need more for this! Thanks!!! Good video and tips 👌🏻

[@alfoard7709]

Great, honest review as always. I appreciate you making the point about treating the vehicle as a cheaper vehicles and as a 1/10 scale. You cant expect big company, big money quality and features on smaller money and smaller company prices. I'd be keen to see a follow up once the drive train is sorted with oil and if you work out where to cut for more steering angle. Please tell me oyu have one of the new FMS Landcruisers on the way also. Looks like you're going to need another storage unit soon too! Keep up the great work.

[@RCTNT]

Got the middle diff sorted already. I'll do the shocks and the front and rear diffs too, and then I'll do a short follow up video and maybe some harder bashing, too, once it's dialled in. I'm entering the new fms Fcx10 LC80 into this weekend's comp instead of running my champ rig. 10 less scale points on this thing. I'm a capable driver, but how far will we get with this machine? I'm pumped to find out! I'll try to cover it all on video, should be a fun one. melbournecompcrawlers.com.au/2024/11/02/mcc-2024-round-6/

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

Looks like a great first step into the hobby, for a young person, especially.

[@RCTNT]

Hopefully, yeah. Now I've had the diffs apart I can say it's well made. The design could use some user-friendliness improvements, but it's decent enough quality.

[@markcole6475]

Great review and honest opinion is greatly appreciated…seemed spot on with your review …I just have a hard time buying an RC brand with a name like “Hosim” ….i feel like I be getting hosed! 😢

[@RCTNT]

I can't unsee "hose him", now!

[@markcole6475]

@ sorry . Not sorry..lol

[@mankind8088]

Its actually an XLF F22A chassis, that car came out over 3 years ago. The Hosim X17, X25 and X27 are complete clones, same tooling and parts. Only difference is the cut of the gears for the x25/x27. The F22/x17 chassis and suspension is all metal but the x25/x27 uses plastic arms, towers and knuckles.

[@scaleworksRC]

Thanks again for your honest and thorough review on this one. I suspected it was not a true 1/8 scale as advertised and it seems like the long and short of it is, it's a budget bargain 1/10 scale basher but a nightmare to work on. I'm looking for something more off road capable than a rally car and glad I have a clearer picture of this now.

[@RCTNT]

My pleasure! It wasn't a nightmare to work on - I've got the middle diff done now and it's back together - but I would advise having a heat gun on hand to get the screws loose! I still think it's pretty decent value for money, all said and done.

[@scaleworksRC]

@@RCTNT Yeah, I'm not poo pooing the whole rig, just there are better options out there for that scale.. as you pointed out in the video. Thanks again and take care of that crazy dog😄✌

[@RCTNT]

@scaleworksRC I got you! We're enjoying the early summer rain this morning. Well, it's summer tomorrow but still, that's how it feels!

[@SeriouslyUnfair]

1/8 scale. Short, sweet and hilarious. Now onto the real review! 🤣

[@RCTNT]

😁

[@Rc_Alex_76]

I like your humour lol 1/8th scale lol thanks for being honest and Scotland here checking in tnx

[@RCTNT]

🫡

[@scottjlambert]

Hi Craig, enjoyed the video. I’m sure you’ve already seen but Vanquish have released a kit version of the H10 Optic.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Scott, I hadn't seen that actually. Thank you! I'll look into it!

[@benniullrich2237]

I love your reviews....

[@RCTNT]

Thanks!

[@brsrc759]

At 3:10 . Geez Craig!!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@RCTNT]

Lol it went through my head, but too late, I kept it in! 😅

[@RedlinedRC]

Subbed man!!

[@67daffy]

I am so addicted to this hobby now my poor bank account

[@RCTNT]

It do be a bit like that!

[@MikeyG-RC]

The truck is fine, but what is your rating on the dog? He or she is clearly the star of the show. 🤣 Great video. Cheers!

[@RCTNT]

That's Lana, she's a certified banana. 5 out of 5 RC chases, would chase again 🐾

[@BargainBashersRc]

Great in depth review, bummer that you couldn’t get that last screw out I was curious to see how it does with heavier weight oil in the center differential

[@RCTNT]

I've since gotten it fixed up, so I'll get an update out soon!

[@BargainBashersRc]

@ great, looking forward to it!

[@nicolascollin6754]

First off, nice review. Very knowledgeable on the subject and entertaining. Secondly I am very curious to know if you got around doing those oil modifications and how it turned out!?

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I've made the mods but haven't tested it yet. It's on the to do list!

[@johnnyhaberfield721]

I enjoyed the dog frolicking around more than the Hosim .Dogs and Rcs ,they sort ya head out.✌️

[@RCTNT]

That's been a bit of a recurring theme in this vid, and I'm not complaining about it ☺️

[@terrencedurrane]

That dog is wild 😂

[@RCTNT]

Loves the rc!

[@gillian9178]

Rival is 3650 - 3300kv. Dog is crazy mate lol, She's a fast & agile dog.

[@RCTNT]

Super agile, yeah! She's a sweetie pie too

[@Turtlefry]

Yeah, I feel ya with not buying a more lesser-known brand. However, I have been doing just that over the last year or so. Fortunately, I'm in a good position in life, and I can afford to take way more risks and have the time to wrench. I have over 100 models of all styles from the "big" brands. However, over the last year or so, I've been getting the Rlaarlos, HBX, Hosims, and others. There are some hits and a lot of misses, for sure! These decent-quality brands offer something extraordinary, a relatively cheaper way to get into the hobby with little risk. Inexpensive enough for most that if they really don't feel like the hobby is something they care for, there is no loss, really. But, if they do, there are hop-ups to these models. Once they get into the more quality brands, they feel the difference. Granted, companies like Rlaarlo are legit in the realm of an Arrma or Traxxas when it comes to hop-ups and design, all be it at a smaller scale.

[@RCTNT]

That's a great summary of the state of things! Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I reckon the ratio of hits to misses is improving. There's so much good stuff to choose from now!

[@67daffy]

oh i also use this hobby to help with ptsd and fnd… and more…

[@RCTNT]

You're definitely not alone there. Be well, friend.

[@benniullrich2237]

Please review the Hobao MTXE please...

[@RCTNT]

It's coming, don't worry! Been busy 😅 It's on the way though.

[@adriafitzy6459]

The feels like one of those trucks that falls into the "company entertainment" category IMO. It seems decent with some basic mods, but by the time you buy the $40+ dollars in oils you need to get this being decent you're just a battery and charger away from a running Maverick 4wd or Redcat 4s MT, so its like... if you're able to follow that logic, you're gonna be spending a whole lot more in the hobby anyway lol. But seriously, probably a great lil truck to give to extended family staying over or whatnot, but unless you have other vehicles to use that diff fluid/shock fluid in, you're probably better off going Rlaarlo for budget or something like Arrma or TA for name brand for saving the hassle.

[@RCTNT]

Hm, maybe. Oils aren't that much if you're buying small quantities, are they? Or if they are, you'll have spares for future use. It doesn't seem too bad, honestly. The thing is a bit challenging to work on, but it's well built with decent enough materials.

[@Shyamiiii]

the last HOSIM we had x-08 caught on fire. the battery exploded all over the desk! watch out

[@RCTNT]

Can happen with any lipo. Don't slack on watching them during charging!

[@dangera3580]

Image you put this 1:8 Chinese next to a 1/10 Summit or 1/10 Erevo

[@RCTNT]

I don't quite get what you're saying, sorry..

[@dangera3580]

@ was just making fun about this size difference the Traxxas erevo and summit are larger than a 6s kraton, but are officiall still a 1/10 scale truck, and compared to the tiny Chinese 1/8 scale truck, image the difference

[@RCTNT]

Ah right, I've got you now (and with your edit, yes, it's clear what you meant). Yeah that's driving the point home with a sledgehammer. I was just using a regular hammer to tap it home!

[@osksod1655]

at 3:10 if you are trying to show the same thing, please present it atleast a bit differently...

[@RCTNT]

I'm open to suggestions, but not quite sure what you're saying. Gorgon didn't bounce, Vortan did. Are you saying it wasn't clear enough?

[@BeardRubEnjoyer]

​@@RCTNT Seemed super clear to me. Thanks for the video. The Hosim looks like a bit of a mutt to me, with the body and the phillips hardware. But nice to have cheap options.

[@brsrc759]

​@@RCTNT🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 you're totally missing what he's getting at mate. Watch that section of the video again. It's not your words...😅

[@RCTNT]

Ah. My mind doesn't jump to that automatically 😅 Yeah, I kinda set myself up for that one!

[@osksod1655]

@@RCTNT no problems man. I gotta ask tho. What time is it in Australia now? I live in Sweden and its 8:15 am. (You guys use am and pm right? I always feel like its night over in Australia but thats probably just my weird thinking.

[@mrq50luxe31]

Anyone thinking of buying this, go get an Arrma Vorteks Mega for less than 200 for wayyyy better quality 😎

[@RCTNT]

It may depend where you are in the world, because in Australia, the 2wd Vorteks MEGA is 50% more expensive and brushed, while this rig is brushless and 4x4. No argument about quality and design though, the arrma is much nicer to work on.

[@outoftouch99]

That dog needs medication 😂

[@RCTNT]

No! She's getting her medication right here. Big runs, followed by pats and cuddles. Living her best life!

[@brianlynch4801]

If the manufacturer can't tell the truth about the scale, what else are they dishonest about

[@RCTNT]

Fair question. Claimed top speed and claimed battery capacity are the other two commonly exaggerated things. For this car, the battery was fine and the speed satisfactory. She's a bit difficult to work on, but still quite doable.

[@DKMFan85]

Chinese companies playing fast and loose with established units of measurement is obnoxious. No one else does "mini" scale. Just call it what it is. At least it's not as bad as the million trillion lumen Chinese flashlights yet. 🙄

[@RCTNT]

It's definitely headed that way. It is obnoxious, yes!