Losi Mini 8ight T - Full Review

[@weaselmetal]

My two cents about the Mini 8ight-T: it really drives like a blast, it's pretty hard to roll it over. Driveability is much better than for the Traxxas E-Revo VXL. AVC is a nice addition too. But: the motor cogs badly when trying to start slowly from a full stop. I think that the cogging mainly comes from the ESC. Have swapped the motor already with a 2838 4300kv motor, cogging is the same. But the motor fits without any modifications. Works quite well so far, temps seem ok. The C-Hubs will break whenever you hit an obstacle with the front wheels. You'll need aluminum ones (GPM, Hot Racing). The drive shaft bends on frontal crashes. You might want to go for the carbon upper deck from Exotek to keep the chassis from bending. And like Rich said, the battery tray won't fit many batteries, apart from the one that's included. You will have to find some solution if you plan to use bigger batteries. You'll also have to gear down the transmission if you wanna go lipo and want to stick with the stock motor / ESC. So you may want to do some upgrades and wrenching soon after you got that truggy. But it's a fun truck.

[@JustAWrench461]

I am just getting back into RC after 23 years or so and I have to say I am impressed with the progress. This truck is going to be my next purchase. I can not believe the difference the LiPo makes! To get my feet wet again I started small with the Micro T and Micro Truggy and on stock Ni-MH and some tinkering with the gears both of these things haul ass! I can't keep the front tires on the Micro T on the ground. I am excited about the Mini 8ight T. Great video! Thanks for what you do! Can't wait to see what you have in store with the upgrades!

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks JAW! The M8T is a great truggy and the upgrade series will be worthwhile for any one that owns one.

[@TheRCNetwork]

Here's my full review of the brand new Losi Mini 8ight T.

[@sc10rs]

Great review rich, pretty good setup out of the box, especially with that radio gear, let the upgrades begin :)

[@bhrchobby]

South Coast rc Hi friend, I would like buy a Losi 1/14, but i have a doubt, what`s the better: mini 8ight or mini 8ight T? Are there difference in top speed between this rc cars? Which is your favourite? What is the stronger? thanks!!!

[@sc10rs]

brutobh I havent purchased my mini 8 t yet man, so I cant tell you from personal experience, but from what I know, the mini 8 t has a few upgrades over the mini 8 buggy, I am definantly getting the mini 8 t, maybe just wait a little longer to check out some more reviews and for the price to come down on the truggy, you really cant go wrong with either, hope this helps :)

[@AussieRCPlayground]

Great review buddy, very well done. Sounds like it's worth getting and, with a few upgrades, this could be almost bulletproof. Good size, looks great and performs as advertised... What more can you ask for?

[@DeezTricky]

*Ditto*

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks Vas! Yeah, I have a small series set to upgrade it and it should be pretty dialed. The size of this thing is perfect and handles very nicely

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks Tricky!

[@brianhilligoss]

Mine just arrived. Can't wait to pick it up. I ordered the pro line buggy sized trenches to go with it as well.

[@TheRCNetwork]

NIce! You'll like it. Check that gear mesh and slipper adjust. All else is good. The AVC is pretty cool too

[@TheRcworld101]

Thinking of getting this for my dad to mess around at when we go to the track. either this or the mini buggy, drake edition!

[@TheRCNetwork]

The M8T will be a lot more stable on a 1/10th scale track. The buggy is fun too though!

[@chaseprince3179]

Thank you my little brother wants to get one and I wanted to make shore it was better than the buggy hey is only 8 and new to the hobby i have been in it for a few years now

[@TheRCNetwork]

The Mini's are great, especially for new RC'ers. The "T" will drive more stable than the buggy too

[@paulparrack]

How about a review on the losi 8ight 1/8 4wd electric buggy rtr please

[@TheRCNetwork]

Paul Parrack Hey Paul, at $659 for the 8ight RTR, I would rather get a KIT version of an 1/8th scale buggy. To be honest, there are better kits available than the Losi right now (I actually owned the 2.0 at one point (no videos on it though). Mugen MBX7 Eco, Tekno EB48.2, Kyosho MP9e TKI and the Team Durango DEX8e are on my Radar right now....Also since Drake left Losi, I'm not sure that the innovation will be even there

[@KeatonYen]

great review. I was about to buy some metal gears that were pretty fast but after hearing about the motor temps, I'm gonna gear down. thanks so much

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks Keaton. Yeah, the M8T is a quirky vehicle. I wish Losi would have put a 540 sized motor in there

[@KeatonYen]

yea me too, then there would be much more options for more power and speed as well as room for gearing down

[@RCMarty]

Great review as always Rich !!! I love the drivetrain on my Kalahari, these things rock !!! One thing Losi did good on this one is to put a spur gear cover so rocks don't end up destroying the spur or pinion...

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks Marty! Yep, the Spur gear cover is nice!

[@socalrcguy1]

Hey great review man! And wow 10 packs is a lot of Rc fun haha. So if you did not break anything after all that run then it is worth it and about the spektrum pistol, U can replace the plastic wheel to foam :)

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks SoCal! Yeah, a couple of popped ball cups and all was good! Thanks for the info on the Spektrum wheel.

[@socalrcguy1]

Oh ok cool, your welcome :) keep up the Rc lifestyle

[@500smitty3]

Awesome as always. What do run in the 8 scale buggy world. Your advice helped a ton with my scte. Now I'm ready to add a 8 scale buggy. All the dudes I run with run the team associated 8 scale buggy. I want something different. If you have time I'd appreciate the help. Your mods list on the scte is dominant.

[@TheRCNetwork]

I haven't been into 1/8th scale for a while now (about 2 years). If I were to outfit a buggy, it would either be the Tekno EB48.2 or the Mugen MBX7 Eco. I would probably go with the Tekno, as many of the parts are comp with my SCT410. Electronics wise. Tekin all the way

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks also for all the great comments, and I'm glad to help!

[@BashingWithRadioControl]

Great review Rich got to day i was tempted to get this thing. I have the Vaterra Halix which is were the avc first appeared. Keep the good work my friend :)

[@mikealls8938]

Nice vid , 2 questions , have you had any trouble with the shocks breaking like URCN mentioned in the video of the old mini8ight ? And did you say any 1/10 wheel will fit front and back ??

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks Chris! No issue so far with the shock plastics. I too had the Mini 8ight buggy and saw the breakages, but nothing so far on the Truggy. As for the wheel fitment on the Truggy, any 1/10th scale rear buggy wheel/tire will work. I'm starting an upgrade series on the Mini 8ight T in the next couple of weeks. Thanks again for watching!

[@mikealls8938]

Thanks ! can you recommend 2s/3s battery for his vehicle? And do you have to change anything to run them ? Thanks for your help !

[@charlvdwalt1548]

Awesome Review Charl south africa, I wanted this Truggy for so long, now I have money to buy it, Want to make track in my Jard and bash n Little, now my (?), must I still buy it, thinking about parts and stuff I think it is AWESOME RC Truggy

[@TheRCNetwork]

Nice! Yes, this one is quite fun

[@danielbalamucki6772]

Can you please do a video showing the diffs and how to get to them.

[@TheRCNetwork]

Maybe in the future. Right now, I'm focusing on some upgrades and then I'll get into set up for the diffs, shocks, etc. From what I remember on the Mini 8ight, it's not too hard. Here's my video from a LONG time ago (production sucks on this, sorry!) The RCNetwork - Losi Mini 8ight - Rear Diff Assembly

[@danielbalamucki6772]

Thanks Rich

[@Fridayone35]

Great video. Cant wait to see the upgrades. Love the mini 8Ight and really debating on getting one of these too.

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks FridayOne! This truggy is so much more versatile and stable than the Mini 8ght. You'll enjoy this thing! Plus, you already know your way around, it'll be like old times! lol

[@squill1277]

I replace the stock motors in all my mini 8s with velineon motor from the mini revo and match it with a micro mamba pro.... sweet perfection. makes these things boogie. oh and a steel HR spur....

[@TheRCNetwork]

I also used the VLX motor in my upgrade series. Great upgrade from stock

[@taimurutube-rcmaniac-basherrc]

Another Great Review Rich. Keen to see what you've got planned for the upgrades. Motor especially. Have a Review coming up on something you recommended a while back and am excited to get it out of the Box. Keep an eye out ;)

[@TheRCNetwork]

Alright, I'm susbscribed! Can't wait to see it.

[@MrJohnny2thumbs]

Awesome review rich, I definitely need one of these

[@TheRCNetwork]

Upgrade series is being filmed as we speak!

[@Sunrazor]

Why did they put a waterproof esc on there, neglecting the receiver and the motor? Seen some ads claiming this thing is waterproof but I wouldn't even run it in a damp environment I think. Trying to decide upon a winter fun buggy, truggy or something. Got my hopes up on this one but seeing the close-ups really put me off to be honest. Nice review though :)

[@TheRCNetwork]

Not sure on the WP.......I don't plan to run my M8T in or around water, so not a big deal to me. I have an upgrade series that addresses any issues I found. Most are very inexpensive and little to no mods are needed

[@Sunrazor]

The RCNetwork I checked the user manual for the receiver and I was actually wrong. The receiver is waterproof. It doesn't look that way, but Spektrum says it is so I think it's correct. So is the motor. In other words; it's a kick ass little buggy. And seems very well made considering what it costs as far as I can tell from your video :)

[@dawson781]

Sunrazor It actually says that the M8T is "water resistant" not "proof", meaning, ok for light rain, some snow, puddles, but not through a creek/river or not submerged, hope this helps :-)

[@joeltercero1883]

You should review the lc racing EMB t

[@taimurutube-rcmaniac-basherrc]

Hey Rich, Did you Run it 10-packs bone stock? Was especially curious if you changed the Pinion Gear to Run the Lipos in your Running Video?

[@TheRCNetwork]

No upgrades at all. I missed the step to change out the pinion to a 12t for Lipo compatibility, but didn't have an issue during my runs

[@baloobalucifer2591]

Im trying to decide over this truggy or a b4.2 both are in the same price range RTR. Need to get on the track but can't decide.

[@TheRCNetwork]

Baloo Balucifer You'll have so much more electronics choices with the B4 plaform. Pretty much any 540 sized motor will drop on in. The M8T is cool, but needs a few upgrades to be really track worthy

[@shameless4430]

Did you notice excessive play in the rear diff from the center output shaft ? I've been reading it is supposed to be that way is this true?

[@HawktorisAwesome]

Hey RCNetwork, do you know when you will have an upgrade series for this thing?

[@TheRCNetwork]

I just received in all the electronics and some upgrades as well. I'm starting (filming) the series in the next week

[@Dynamo55b]

How long was the average runtime with a Nmh Battery?

[@G14tube]

I am looking to buy this car, but keep hearing the spur gear keeps stripping. Its kind of steering me away from it. Are you having that problem? Is there anymore follow up videos coming up?

[@TheRCNetwork]

The Spur issues seem to be a result of not checking the slipper clutch tightness, gear mesh and running on a 16t pinion (not the recommended 12t) I had no issues on my testing so far (check out my running video!) Keep in mind that the "upset" RCer's voice is 20 times louder than the happy RCer! lol

[@dimagass7801]

can you send me links to all the batteries you used please! it would be greatly appreciated!

[@laprizzle7587]

Wondering if you'll do the new losi mini 8ight DB...?

[@TheRCNetwork]

Not sure on that one....If Losi included a 540 sized motor maybe....

[@MrSweatyhotdog]

Just bought this truggy as my first rc, hope it works out well should be here in week. Any advice for beginners anyone?

[@TheRCNetwork]

+projectrekt Turn the AVC on to about 2/3 using the dial on the front of the remote and have fun! The AVC helps make you drive better. Stick with the stock battery or a 2s (7.4v) Lipo battery.......3s (11.1) wrecks the stock drivetrain pretty quick

[@MrSweatyhotdog]

+The RCNetwork is it normal when I barely tap the accelerator it has a grinding noise and feels like its not teying to go forward but when it gets going it's fine, sometimes it stops and won't go even with a fully charged battery?

[@MidWesti]

+projectrekt you may have been a little rough on the forward and reverse.. the gear may be stripping since its plastic. its really tough on the teeth if you are full throttle then hit reverse.. or reverse then immediately full throttle forward. this is a very common mistake with beginners.. luckily its an easy cheap fix

[@MrSweatyhotdog]

+MidWeSTi thanks for the help

[@MidWesti]

+projectrekt and if it isnt the gear.. it may be the motor. which i believe is common/normal with this tiny car.

[@Tommyfoster9]

Great review! I am looking to get one of these and this helped a huge amount!

[@TheRCNetwork]

Good deal Tommy! It's a great truggy and the fun factor is there!

[@Tommyfoster9]

If this is the place to ask, what is the best rtr electric buggy/truggy in your opinion. I am looking for a great racer that needs little modifications. I know it is a very broad question, but if you could narrow it down to 2 or 3 that'd be great!

[@TheRCNetwork]

What scale?

[@Tommyfoster9]

Either 1:8, 1:10 or 1:14. Its a big variety sorry.

[@TheRCNetwork]

Yeah, pretty broad question. Most of the decent 1/8th scales will be roller/kit only and are all 4wd. The RTRs that are available are okay at best, but you will sink some serious money into them if you want them to race. As for 1/10th scale buggy, Kyosho has a ready set RB6 (2wd) and that's it for RTRs in 1/10th. As for 1/14th, that's a Losi game and the Mini 8ight Truggy would win over the buggy. 1/16th, Traxxas owns and in my opinion, they're not fun to "race".

[@benny2980]

Good review. Do you think it's better than the mini revo?

[@TheRCNetwork]

Yes, for a couple of reasons..........conventional drivetrain (metal dogbones, outdrives, etc), true 1/8th scale roots, shrunk down to 1/14th, Wheel/tire options are endless, and it's a Losi!!!

[@Mr_jz_12]

Room for a fan on the motor can to keep temps down?

[@TheRCNetwork]

Yeah, def. under the shell there's room

[@Mrtojo]

nice little RC!

[@TheRCNetwork]

Thanks Tommy!

[@TheHobbyistRc]

What is the diameter of the wheels?

[@offason]

Merry Xmas

[@madgaming4401]

Hey, I got a new body for my Mini 8ight-t and it didn't come with a stock sticker sheet. Can you let me if you know if you know where to get one. Also do you know if hardened aluminum pinion (Robinson Racing)with a hardened steel spur gear (Hot Racing) works well? Thanks

[@TheRCNetwork]

MadGaming Sometimes you'll see Mini-8ight-t sticker sheets avail seperately, otherwise only with the body. The HR spur and RobRac pinion are working well together. You always want a hardened pinion with a steel spur

[@RCROZAYY]

Hey I bought a losi mini 8 and I ran a 2s lipo for it ran it for 10 min or so and after that I plugged up a lipo and the motor just cogg si removed the whole motor and I accelerated and I get cogg can u tell me what my problem is do I need a new motor or.?

[@TheRCNetwork]

If the cogging happens at very little RPM (like when you just pull the trigger), this is pretty normal for this size of motor and sensorless motors. I noticed the Mini 8ight T to have less cogging issues vs the mini 8ight though. Try not to run your motor under no load (not mounted in you car), as it's not good for it. Since it's farely new (the M8T just got released) contact Horizon Hobby and ask for a replacement (use the call back feature as the wait time is pretty long)

[@sugianismhernandez647]

Is their a new version 2020 by any chance?

[@TheRCNetwork]

Not really.....If you really want a great mini truggy - look at the Tekno ET410. Slightly larger but WAY more robust

[@justin_fajardo]

Would a castle 1/18 mamba monster combo work in there?

[@TheRCNetwork]

The ESC would be fine, but the motor is too small and will over heat

[@DarksideXray]

Had a mamba micro pro fry after less than a minute running in mine

[@dawson781]

DarksideXray I have 2 mini-8b's, 2 mini-8t's, mini lst, 2merv's, all run Velineon 380 motors, mamba micro pros on 3s nano-techs 40-80C, no fans, just lightened hardened steel spurs and pinions, lightened outdrives, and hi-speed bearings, have not lost 1 motor or ESC, ever. If you gear your cars properly, and not just the biggest pinion/smallest spur, and check your temps periodically, you should have 0 issue..........

[@matthewneufer1758]

Was all good . ?

[@TheRCNetwork]

The stock M8T did pretty well....especially on 2s

[@bobmarket1234]

When will u do one over the mini db

[@TheRCNetwork]

Not sure on the mini db......I wish Losi allowed for a 540 sized motor to be installed in these

[@ArcticAutoWerks]

Love it! How did you fit the lipos in?

[@TheRCNetwork]

I used a couple of Max Amps Lipos not intended for the Mini 8ight, but for the Traxxas 1/16th scales. Fit great, just had to make sure they didn't slide into the drive shaft

[@huntertorbush2320]

Is anything on this waterproof?

[@TheRCNetwork]

+Hunter “Hman018” Torbush The ESC is.....I even checked the new Maifield and Phend versions. You can check out my upgrade series where I swapped out the motor for a Traxxas VXL 380 (which is waterproof) and you can add a Spektrum WP recv

[@raynercamilo5327]

The wheels of my car do not spin I can do?

[@TheRCNetwork]

Start disassembling the RC and look for the issue...use your owners manual and take photos as you go

[@207esmeril]

the AVC is built in the receiver not the esc!

[@TheRCNetwork]

Charles Pagan my mistake.....I did correct later and say that it was in the receiver.....This was one of the first videos on KZbin featuring the Mini 8ight T along with one of the first vehicles with AVC.....Very new to everyone.

[@207esmeril]

The RCNetwork how has it hold the truck untill now? love you channel bro!

[@TheRCNetwork]

It did well. I did sell it off after the upgrade series though...had way too many RC's! lol

[@smoop3256]

Can this use e-flight lipos???

[@TheRCNetwork]

Sure.....make sure they fit in the designated area....if they're too short, they could move into the driveshaft area

[@smoop3256]

+The RCNetwork ok thx for getting back to me

[@RCROZAYY]

Yea I do full throttle and it's cogs all the way motor just cogs

[@TheRCNetwork]

eric rosas I would contact Horizon Hobby. They'll most likely replace it, but have your proof of purchase ready

[@bondebos3478]

same shocks as the mini 8ight buggy???!!

[@TheRCNetwork]

+Roman Bosch I don't believe so....but might be wrong. Check part numbers at Losi

[@RCEOFYUMATLR]

that clean after bashin!? lol good vid

[@TheRCNetwork]

Yeah, I keep my RC's pretty clean. On this one, just a quick blow with my Air compressor and a wipe down.

[@MurderousMilo]

Guys, check out this video of my son taking some fast laps with this really fun car. @

[@djpywell]

Just managed to pick one of these up from wireless madness for £129 rtr. Bargain!

[@inspktr51]

I'm sorry to say this ... but this truggy is a lemon just like the mini lst, I bought one and it didn't even made it around the track ..spur gears are extremely weak, dirt and rocks get stuck in between the gears and they brake really fast, ball cups pop up at the smallest bump and hub carriers brake down very easy. i don't recommend it to any body had mine for two weeks and I got rid of it, to top it off the electronics are kind of crappy as the esc goes into thermal protection mode on the 2nd lipo pack. really disappointed with this vehicle I'm glad i sold it.

[@TheRCNetwork]

The spur gear issue (although I have not experienced it) seems to be an issue between the slipper being too tight from the factory, gear mesh issues and running a 16t stock pinion with a Lipo. When I got mine, I checked everything thoroughly before I ran mine, and the gear mesh was fine, but the slipper was too tight for what I like. As for the electronics.......The motor does get hot, but I experienced no issues with the ESC even on a 100 degree SoCal day when I shot my running video. I ran the stock, 2s Lipo and finished it off with a 3s with no breaks at all. I did pop 3-4 ball ends, and although it is a supposed to happen, they were quick to pop. Losi is addressing the ball ends and hopefully will do a swap for current owners. inspktr51

[@inspktr51]

The RCNetwork that's good, although it'll be nice if they did test their RC's and really put them through their paces before they put them out for sale, seems like some companies just use customers as their test ground.and horizon are experts at doing just that. I just wont buy anything from them anymore.

[@dawson781]

The RCNetwork I agree, never ever assume that an RC is 100% from the factory, they are flawed just like you and me. and, like buying a vehicle, sometimes you get a bad one, doesn't mean that they're all bad. the first revo I had would break every pack, but the next 4 revo's were amazing. Also I noticed that if I tightened One of the motor mount screws(the ones used for setting the mesh) all the way then the other, it would pull my motor sideways and dig into/strip the spur, plus it will cause the gears to be too tight and create friction and heat due to the increased resistance, putting it into thermal. When I used locktite(and a bit between the mount pieces itself) and tightened them both equally, 1 turn a side, back and forth till tight(careful not to overtighten though), the problem vanished.

[@ArcticAutoWerks]

sweet

[@mzondi1970]

This or ta 14t

[@TheRCNetwork]

I pick Losi over the AE

[@christiangruhn7365]

Hobbypartz has a cheapo Tacon motor, it is a 2445, another centimeter or so of length on the stock FUZE and has a lower kv. I ordered one and it might be the solution to the super really really really hot motor that on get on 2S, going to run 3S on the new motor. The little FUZE can go in my mini-t. Unfortunately the Tacon motor has a 3mm shaft... probably going to try drilling out 2mm gears since 3mm gears don't exist, let alone in .5 mod. www.hobbypartz.com/96m268-2445-2900kv-17t.html

[@TheRCNetwork]

Yeah, I saw that motor. I ordered in the perfect motor, but working with a 4mm motor shaft! I have some pinions sourced, but trying to get them here!

[@christiangruhn7365]

The motor has a 3mm shaft, planning on drilling out some 2mm losi pinions. I want to run a 12 or 13 tooth pinion and see how the speed is on 3s. Even with it's 2900kv I think it will be plenty fast with hopefully good wheelie torque. Might even be less load on the esc than the stock setup. I know losi goes down to a 9 tooth pinion that will fit the stock motor in the mini-8ight t. That would also make a happy motor temp probably. Might not loose much speed either, the Fuze is probably barely getting a chance to wind up based on how hot it gets.

[@dawson781]

Christian Gruhn Velineon 380's have a 3.2mm or 1/8" shaft, and Hot racing sells the 48p pinions with that bore, and they have a really nice 56t lightened, hardened spur too, tons and tons of options, even think RRP makes compatible pinions now.....