Kyosho Mini-Z 4x4 Toyota 4Runner Crawler Review

[@lowercentenary]

Best little rc crawler on the planet. The triple aaa as its powerplant is genius because it's widely available, dummy proof and safe. No messing about with lipos balance chargers etc...I have gifted this to many young nephews, casual rc enthusiasts due to that reason alone. Yes they are widely available! I've traveled with these around the world on business from Asia to Middle East to Europe and I have always been able to find these batteries AT REGULAR STORES! No need to hunt around for rare, hard to find proprietary batteries only available at hobby stores (of which are even rarer in third world countries!) Only major drawback is the high cost of purchase. Highly recommend.

[@c.w.winger221]

I really love the AAA batteries. You can get them in lithium. yes they can be acquired anywhere, and for cheap. every house should have a charger for them anyways. they will not explode, no need to worry about damage. and it makes an ideal truck to bring on a trip or leave in a hot car.

[@stephanecivardi6129]

I buy the kyosho, i precise i have an scx24... i change the place of tow AAA and it change the gravity center IT' S THE SOLUTION!! Now it is perfect it take more pleasure with it than the Axial

[@wheelie642]

Do you have a tutorial for that? And a video.

[@renec5006]

Got mine a few days ago and love it so far. Seems like more of a trail truck but can still do some crawling. For $200 I’d take this over the 1/18 Gelande any day! The body is much more detailed and realistic than some of the RC4WD ones.

[@SeamusMacMattain]

I got mine about a week ago, but I got the Jimny.... it a great rig and if you look up sleekun on youtube, he has some great upgrades for it, I have hex wheels from the 1:25 proline ambush and a lift kit from him on mine... waiting for the hot racing shock adapters and 2.5mm lift blocks to make it a truly capable rig with the greatness of the scale body kyosho makes.... I should also note all the stuff sleekun makes is easily swapped out if you want to go on a scale run as opposed to a crawling run...

[@RebornMeatloaf]

You know what? Tell me why this guy is the first person ever to just tell me while pointing “consider subscribing”, and before I even breath I’m clicking the button wondering what just happened😂👍🏼 great video, love the 1/24 scale crawlers

[@wheelie642]

Very good review. I’m happy you mention the brake and reverse. Let’s hope they offer a fwd/reverse someday.

[@BlackSeaRC]

I just added the new 4Runner "Quick Sand" edition to my RC collection. The scale realism is amazing and the extra accessories on this version make it even more interesting than the original 4Runner. You have to accept the limitations of the vehicle in terms of performance but if you are happy to make that compromise it is not a bad buy. See the new version being unboxed on my channel, BlackSeaRC.

[@joshuakim5905]

what if you add some weight to the wheels? would that help?

[@papachill]

we racing mini-z touring cars here in socal, we often use white body with lexan window to reduce body's weight, im sure jsut the lexan windows can save a good 10 gram from the heavy body

[@papachill]

you can also update the battery to li-ion battery that's in the same shape as AAAs, if u use li-ion battery, you will only need 2 battery and save half of the weight

[@RCReviewChannel]

@@papachill ahhhhhhhhh.... only use two. That helps a lot. So only 4.2 volts?

[@Diamondbac]

@@RCReviewChannel awesome review, very in depth. The lilo battery models are 10440 at 4.2v each so two would be 8.4v. In theory, the ESC should be able to take it, especially with a low current drawing high torque motor. I've done the same lithium mod on my mini z buggy brushed (with a 50T mod motor) for a year and so far no problems at all. You'll need two dummy batteries or use two pieces of wires in place though it looks a bit ghetto. My experience is that lilo doesn't work well with high current draw so the c value is low. With my buggy, it'll run faster than nimh for one minute then it'll be slower than nimh. Then I need to give the car a rest before the performance returns but the same drop in performance will happen again. With the crawler, this shouldn't happen because I also did the same lilo mod to my SCX24 with a AAA 🔋 holder. The lilo works well and there's no drop in performance.

[@papachill]

@@RCReviewChannel li-ion battery should be at least 3.7v each, so you get your usual 7.4 volt outta 2 li-ion batteries

[@BrendonakaShanks]

I have AAA'S in a small hand torch. Lol. I haven't had anything else to put them in. Good review.

[@louie4316]

Ok guys, before you write anymore negative comments on the crawling ability of this tiny RC. Lets look at the size of these rocks in scale terms. I feel it was irresponsible for this channel to test it in 1:10 conditions. This little 1:24 trail truck is all about realism and honestly to be used in an indoor track. Or in a trail that doesn't have what seems like 10ft (scale) rocks in the real 1:1 world. Bottom line a small trail truck will always bounce/roll over more than a 1:10.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We'll keep challenging these trucks in a set of easy courses and hard course. We'll see where the limits are and we'll run a bunch of vehicles to compare. We'll keep them appropriate and reasonable of course. We'll also do a bunch of mods, upgrades and suggestions to see if changes make a difference.

[@MrsRabbit8]

The body is excellent. Id like to take one apart and see how modifiable it is, some are better for that. Too bad that spare tire assembly in the back is so cumbersome. Looking forward to see what mods and upgrades become available. Thanks for the review!

[@RCReviewChannel]

We already have a bunch of mods planned! The key one is turning this into Life batteries. It's a version of lipos that have a closer voltage to stock. Light as well.

[@SeamusMacMattain]

sleekun on youtube has a bunch of mods for the mini z

[@MrsRabbit8]

@@SeamusMacMattain thanks, ill check that out.

[@keepingitonehundred]

Thank you so much for this video and I look forward to tomorrows video! Mini Z looks like it would be great as a Micro Trail truck instead of a rock crawler. Maybe Micro Trailing will be a new subgenre. Micro Bouncers would be pretty sweet with an HH 180 Revolver size motor. It Doesn't hurt to dream. When you were Riding with the body off and tire off reminded me of my1st time crawling in all stock Trx4 Defender...lol.Thankfully through learning from your channel and mods it has crawled along ways from where it started.

[@gripking131313]

With some carefully placed weight, wider stance wheels, and a sticky tire would really improve it's rock crawling.

[@RCReviewChannel]

maybe! Gotta address that 50 gram tirple A battery weight though.

[@SeamusMacMattain]

@@RCReviewChannel I haven't had the weight issues when I crawled my Jimny mini z.... I had a massive lack of traction, the tires are even smaller and more streety than the Toyota's are

[@JRJRCrawlers]

I love it and thinks and amazing rig, I'm tired of all the thin fake looking plastic crap bodies hence the other two on the left and right look nothing to true scale... This is the first mini that doesn't look ridiculous like the axial scx24 jeep which looks like 42" plus looking tires on it if it was true 1:1. This is the first RC car in a long time since RC4WD that has made a true scale rig, this truck acts exactly like a real 1:1 4runner and yes I have one so I know. If you want true scale including tire size plus realism look then this rigs for you, but if you want a rig that's super capable but looks like your kids Barbie cars then there's now choices....

[@JRJRCrawlers]

You're also still only running it at 110mm wheel base which of course is gonna have effects too on vertical climbs and descents... Please stretch it to 120mm so we can see all these lines done again, guarantee it does it all... Cant say its not up to par if your not properly testing. Just my opinion sir.

[@Diamondbac]

Eagerly awaiting your comparison with other crawler! One more thing about lithium AAA batteries, 10440. For LiLo, they come in two sizes, ones with circuit protection, ones without. The ones with circuit protection are a bit longer and won't fit in the battery tray. The max mAh is around 650mah and discharge at only 1C. They degrade under high temp. There is LiFe and they have no circuit protection. The max mAh is around 280 and discharge is between 1-25C. They handle high temp well. You'll need a multi charger that can charge both of these cells. Your regular nimh charger won't do.

[@NANNIRC]

It's in perfect scale and also the performances........ there is a lot to do and actually I don't think with great results.... Nice collectable vehicle.

[@ramonandramon]

Great review, really useful as always. You really make me save a lot of money ja ja ja. I expected more in a 250 euros model, I will pass up.

[@RCReviewChannel]

right on. That is our goal: Guide users towards the right vehicle for them.

[@johnd3579]

Thank God this thing isn't a good crawler. I was so afraid I was going to have to part with another $200. This will make it much easier to pass on.

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

John D no kidding I wanted it till I found out it’s a 200 dollar hunk of junk

[@johnd3579]

@@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916 Axial just made me forget all about this.

[@adamadams6740]

You probably cover this at some point but is it any better without the spare tire? I know it probably helps in some situations,JW. Thanks for the awesome videos you do!👍🏿 aww should have waited till I finished the video lol.

[@jasonsmithsrrcfun9259]

Have you found a upgraded servo for the scx24 and if so witch one

[@RallyandTrail]

Great review! Love the way you do things in your vids👍🏻. Shame the kyosho isn't bigger

[@RCReviewChannel]

True, true. This should be bigger!! Mayb they'll make the Fazer platform into crawlers. We attack things with a child's and problem solver's approach. Hope it is helpful to some.

[@MCsCreations]

Awesome review, dude! Really nice! 😃

[@SeamusMacMattain]

great info, I should like to point out too, if you are looking for upgrades on the market for the mini z 4x4 series, look up sleekun on youtube, I have a couple of his mods on mine already, and it turns the mini z into more of a crawler, that you can easily convert back to stock for a more scale run if you wanted to... I have a body lift and hex adapter from him, this allows me to run my proline denali wheels and flat iron tires from the 1:25 ambush they sold a while back... sleekun also makes accessories for the mini crawlers like roof racks and coolers, etc.....

[@SeamusMacMattain]

oh, and subbed

[@Guy-em4ck]

SCX24 reigns supreme. It’s the TRX4 of 1/24 scale.

[@ickypowwow6635]

I love the scx24 but I want the scale look

[@Isuzu_Paul]

Here's a question. They just came out with the new Wrangler version that's had a longer wheel base. Will the 4runner body fit on the other chassis?

[@mickd8188]

Very comprehensive review FC... you guys certainly gave this thing every chance to prove itself.. I can certainly see the appeal of the scale accurate hard body, looks great, but these little crawler's in any brand just aren't my cup of tea at all. Cheers mate 👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. It's like a puzzle and we tried hard to solve it. That is our mission. Gotta pull out the lipo conversion perhaps. :)

[@mickd8188]

@@RCReviewChannel are you going to be doing any close look footage of that "Belly Dragger" that is always lurking in the background of run vids? Cheers mate 👍

[@RCCarRacing]

Awesome content, great video! Like it!

[@mr_johnm]

will that hard body fit the cr24 chassis?

[@DirectX3]

The weight ratio distribution is essential for off road truck. Kyosho should know it better. Disappointed performance but it has the look, that's love and hate expensive toy.

[@fernsolo]

Excellent review 👍

[@campXph]

Would you think converting it to lipo will be better? Very nice honest review.

[@paulmccarter908]

Very excited for launch day! I have questions..

[@RBKL777]

When is launch day?!

[@RCReviewChannel]

@@RBKL777 Launch day is March 12. Most of the pre-orders are sold out already. Wider availability is early May.

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

Maybe one day an rc company will release a 24th scale with good slow crawl. The axial comes close but still not enough low end torque, I want to see the tires barely spin but with lots of power. It can be done but they won’t put a big enough motor with small enough pinion gear in anything.

[@dbbiking5505]

Great vid definitely not liking forward brake rev we've ordered 4 and I may have to cancel them if that can't be changed could you let us know if this is fixable

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

D B biking I’d hurry up and cancel if I were you 5e slow crawl is garbage and the center of gravity is too stinking high

[@kay-ew3bf]

Can these be modded.. torn between these or the hobby panda tetra x2.. but I'm not even sure if they can really he modded

[@RCReviewChannel]

A little bit kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJ6ymIGVdpuka5Y

[@kay-ew3bf]

@@RCReviewChannel appreciat the reply, I looked into the axial scx24 and that thing has a very long list of upgrades! Tons of Brass and aluminum parts be a killer little indoor and outdoor car might have to get that over the trx4.. sucks my duratrax ball diff melted cant find a replacement part..

[@OswaldBeef]

Which model is far left? Is that the RGT or the uruav c-24?

[@RCReviewChannel]

That is the uruav cr24. We have a bunch of videos on that here on our channel.

[@nlrcchannel3967]

Good review 🔥💪

[@ryan1mcq]

Was considering getting one of these but after watching a few different reviews its became clear, i just cant stand the loud motor noise on this :(

[@jasonsmithsrrcfun9259]

Do you recamend the minis or the 24

[@Mudmowerdiesel]

Awesome channel thank you

[@jonthomas8487]

How’s the Gmade Komodo King Cab coming? Enough with the office crawlers!😴

[@RCReviewChannel]

Finally done. Stunning!

[@jonthomas8487]

RC Review I look forward to the video.

[@jonthomas8487]

RC Review I look forward to the video.

[@rcjoe406]

Glad I got a panda hobby 1/18 crawler oil shocks metal chassis foam tires with wheel weights 2 batteries oh ya full light kit

[@Sponge1310]

It’s probably more suitable for trail driving, rather than crawling up rocks as shown in the video.

[@rcmedia9516]

Drift mini-z seems to be the way to go.

[@Toaster808]

For a few bucks more you might as well get an RC4WD 1/18 Gelande II.

[@Sidewalkchalk27]

Well, the braking/reverse system of this vehicle pushed me away. You are right it needs different controls. The other stuff is just upgrades.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Exactly. That one behavior cannot be changed unfortunately.

[@Sticker-Happy]

I bought the SCX24 Deadbolt, I love how detailed the Kyosho looks but at that price with that tech? rofl

[@TJthercGuy]

Great video man! 👌👍 Yeah it’s crap for the $200 price tag! Kinda figured it looks like a Walmart toy under the body! You can get way better performing rigs for that! Of course it’s faster then the scx24 has ring and pinion gears but that means it also lower on torque. I think this will go the way of the ambush and be discontinued quick! Unless the price drops to $100 or less. 😂

[@terryedmond4492]

It's an indoor toy when it's cold outside. Not a serious crawler. Good for a young kid you can't trust not to burn the house down with LiPos.

[@gelmibson883]

prices go crazy on that kypsho....

[@fredrikstjernqvist9915]

AAA batteries are super common, always got them at home.

[@RCReviewChannel]

It’s common in some household but not all. And for this kind of model do you need very high powered rechargeable ones anyway.

[@terryedmond4492]

At $1 / each!

[@rccrawlersmid-wales645]

Excellent review! ❤️👍 Really interested to see you mod this, and how much it can be improved. Hopefully there's a way to fit more suitable tyres/wheels with all those odd sizes (why do some companies just ignore easy common standards? It's like Canondale, nothing else fits...). Or maybe Kyosho will make some scale off-road upgrades of their own? Surely the only point of making everything a few millimetres different from everyone else is to corner the aftermarket for parts...

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very good points! You're a biker too? That's my day job and yes, Cannondale puzzled me in past. I know they want to dance to their own beat but don't they want to make money?

[@rccrawlersmid-wales645]

RC Review I am, yes - and it was my day job for years too (I work in magazines), and just about still is (online these days...). What do you do? There's definitely a useful overlap between good mountain biking terrain and good crawling terrain...

[@patrickh4540]

Sorry too expensive for what it is. Good video as allways.

[@BlvlWmpower]

No. Not at all. The opposite. go order wpl parts.

[@stpbasss3773]

@@BlvlWmpower what do parts have to do with the initial cost? This thing costs as much as 2 scx24 which is absolutely insane. Probably costs them a couple bucks to make and they are charging 200+ for these tiny things.

[@1970scout800]

Awesome

[@davidgutierrez8297]

Rechargeable AAA lithium batteries off Amazon.

[@irok1d]

Thanks for the review. Now I know for sure I don't want one.

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

irok1d man everyone thinks it’s garbage including me

[@efaracing4000]

If you have a mini z collection, it compliments it so well, and considering scale i would say its damn good for a usuable display model what ive came across, No one seems to want to add weight for bias? Check my channel plenty of videos to come!, the rear tyre catching the ground is annoying but its crawling so CHALLENGE YOURSELF THAT BIT MORE,

[@TheXanUser]

So sad this is RTR only.

[@willlaplusbelledesminiz996]

yeah thanks

[@mr.sinister1279]

Is this guy the Asian version of billy crystal???🤔

[@coreyf4739]

Weak

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

So the new kyosho is just foe show. Not for performance

[@mrk1075]

I would be like: return it and get my money back.

[@scottk3920]

lithium AAA batteries. much lighter than alkaline

[@RCReviewChannel]

They're not lighter but I heard you can use two instead of four.

[@SeamusMacMattain]

@@RCReviewChannel I'm using nimh aaa batts in mine

[@carbonator100]

Piece of crap at this price point. I love Kyosho, but this is a fail for me

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will have to disagree there. This thing is impeccably designed and built. The AAA battery is an issue for high performance, but that can be solved.

[@allfreemedia717]

Looks like it performed like a 20$walmart toy.

[@lyxlyx8518]

so disappointed.i have paid the deposit！

[@RCReviewChannel]

We'll work on a lipo conversion and test.

[@lyxlyx8518]

@@RCReviewChannel waiting for your awesome video !