Team Associated Rival MT8 First Drive (Unboxing | Test | Review)

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

The reason the body mount punched a hole at an angle like that is because the bottom of the body mount it what limits the upward flex on the suspension. Really dumb! Got mine today and cut little less than half of the post off of the bottom.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Great tip!

[@RCRoads]

That truck looks great. I like how the electronics are laid out it looks like it would be a breeze to work on. Thanks for sharing and enjoy your awesome new toy.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I think you are right - very easy to work on for sure.

[@Wooskii1]

Thanks for the vid. I think EVERY hobby grade RC needs a manual like that.

[@RoadsideRC]

AGREE 100%!!!!!

[@theguyinthecomments9543]

Thicker chassis than the sledge I believe 🤔 nice job troy, I appreciate the consistency on your channel.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@DavidPilcher83]

Apparently the MT8 and the kaiju are actually made in the same factory a lot is different but a bit is the same. Camber and toe links are interchangeable, the shocks and possibly the dif casings as well. Maybe even more but that’s what I’ve seen so far…. But I love team associated and can’t wait to get an MT8. Great video. Keep up the good work 👍 before you run it too much more…. more dif fluid is a must…. All three. You’ll see when you open them…

[@RoadsideRC]

Yep - very similar to the Kaiju - lots of shared parts. It is good and bad both. I do plan to thicken the center diff. Seems like it is too thin for sure.

[@Rad671basher]

Thanks for your review. This truck has been on my list of durability rc's to check out. On another note pulling a double back flip, damn, that was awsome!

[@RoadsideRC]

Really impressive! Especially when you consider the price difference versus the competition!

[@Rad671basher]

@@RoadsideRC Oh yeah I agree. This is a perfect vehicle to get for my son to get the hang of it on a 3s for this size and not have to worry to much breaking things.

[@georgepapamichail1006]

Great video. I should also let you know that same chassis and spare parts (shocks, wheelie bars e.t.c.) are used between REDCAT and ABSIMA. And that is why in Europe REDCAT is represented by ABSIMA.. So check the chassis of the ABSIMA Assassin and some trucks from RECAT.

[@RoadsideRC]

Oh wow! Thank you for sharing!

[@FeralRC]

It's sitting in my shopping cart as I keep watching everyone's videos coming out over the last few days. Probably pull the trigger on it soon. Wish it had sway bars like the MT10, especially at this price.

[@RoadsideRC]

Fortunately, the Redcat swaybar set is rather cheap and easy to install.

[@FeralRC]

@@RoadsideRC so you're saying the Kaiju sway bar set would fit on the MT8? I know you said they shared identical parts but does that include the diff cover where I assume the sway bar mounts? I found the part number for the Kaiju sway bar RER13336. I'm assuming that is the same for the Kaiju EXT.

[@RoadsideRC]

Here is where I installed the swaybar on the Kaiju EXT - sure looks EXACTLY the same to me. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZCceKCOhLB6a9k

[@SyntheticCompany]

Another fun video, thank you sir.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@GreatLakesRC]

Awesome video Troy! This truck looks like an incredible value. I always thought the Kaiju looked like a great value too 👍 This Team associated has a more premium look to me though with the aluminum chassis and the braces from the towers to the center diff 👌I have been wanting a Kronos XTR but this truck is making me have second thoughts. For $550 rtr and it will double backflip on 4s! Price wise this is right in there with the Maxx V2. I need to see this truck in person 🤩

[@RoadsideRC]

Agree 100%! A comparison of this vs the Maxx would be very interesting. This might be better actually.

[@sofloflow]

@@RoadsideRC Im sure it may very well be better in certain ways, but the Maxx has that extreme durability. Hows this holding up? Legitimately wondering- I am interested in it.

[@RoadsideRC]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmjCnntmpLuBmbs

[@sofloflow]

@@RoadsideRC ha, almost as if you made that vid just for me 😂 Thanks!

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad it worked out!

[@cwatson42785]

First one offroad I believe! Great job Troy! I finally get to run my SRR today as weather has finally cooperated and dried up! I'm siked!

[@RoadsideRC]

Have fun with it!!!

[@cwatson42785]

@@RoadsideRC 😁🍻🍻

[@fireredz2213]

Great video, awesome truck !

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you!

[@restinpiecesrc5528]

Great video Troy, yeah the original rival 1/8 was an extruded 4mm kind of dual plane chassis, also Jaytee rc did a speed test of this and on 4s is only 4mph slower than the sledge on 6s, i think its a steal so long as they correct the weak spots, imagine if it had a 7075 chassis, same design except maybe a slight machining for weight

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree! This truck has the potential to be GREAT!

[@RC4all]

Looks like a winner, truck looks so good. Nice review 👍🏼

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks.

[@martyshaw9143]

Well I loved it for the five minutes it ran, snapped a front lower a arm and snapped a turnbuckle. Ordered tekno ones to replace the turnbuckle. Maybe a 10 foot jump and it snapped.

[@RoadsideRC]

I put the Redcat part in - very solid so far.

[@martyshaw9143]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks Troy I appreciate the reply, I'll order some myself and hopefully be back in action next weekend.

[@sambagogo777]

A single Deans type connector on a 6S RC of this specification is a spectacular own-goal. What were they thinking?

[@RoadsideRC]

Really not sure...

[@sambagogo777]

@@RoadsideRC Seems as though the bean counters had too much of a say.

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

I noticed single shear shock top mounts. I'm thinking that may be a problem for bashing hard.

[@RoadsideRC]

It is a shared design with the Kaiju EXT - I THRASHED that truck and it was never an issue.

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

@@RoadsideRC That's excellent. Has me considering one even more now. I appreciate the response. Great channel, new sub here.

[@carlhungus2521]

I wish team associated still made the old rival !/8 mt. I had a sick erevo, rc8 electric buggy and other sick rcs but even on the track, the rival always put the biggest smile on my face. I think it was a huge sleeper in the rc community because looking at it you wouldn't think it would be so good on supercross style whoops or big jumps but I'm telling you it was the most fun I haVE EVER Had with any rc. The thing was amazing in the snow too. I was so excited to learn they brought the 1/8 rival mt back but pretty heartbroken to see its really basically another brand with the team associated label slapped on it. anyway, great job with the video! most people on youtube annoy the bejeezus out of my but you seem like a good guy and with your voice I keep thinking seth rogen traded weed for rc cars

[@RoadsideRC]

I am with you- hopefully they can bring back some better designs!

[@Naginc]

Great video Troy. I preordered the MT8 almost 6 months ago and just when I cancelled my PO they have finally been released. I was able to get the Kaiju EXT on a discount sale, so settled for it and just bought upgrades. Do you think since I have the EXT, would you get the MT8 as well? Thanks Bruh! FYI, I always purchase additional arms with my rc's. When Redcat sent the replacement arms, I asked if I could send the old replacement arms I purchased, unopened...And Redcat stated " Those arms are good, it was just the ones that came with the truck that were bad". I really didn't believe that, but those turnbuckles look beefier than the Kaiju Ext, is that accurate?

[@RoadsideRC]

I would not purchase both trucks. Not enough of a difference to make it worth it. From the end of this video, I think you can tell what I think about the turnbuckles.

[@Naginc]

@@RoadsideRC Lol

[@MaxeeOffroadRC]

Nice off-road run Excellent RC 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks 👍

[@bsbigrcadventures2089]

Looks a good truck bud nice video of it 👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks 👍

[@cwatson42785]

One deans is very odd 🤔 That is really weird. How does a 6s truck come with a single deans plug? I wouldn't want to run a deans for even a single 4s pack. I always thought deans was really more suited for 2-3s.

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree 100%!

[@BEASTMODERC]

It seems a common issue with just the rear. And people are replacing them with the Kaiju ones

[@RoadsideRC]

That is what I did today!

[@Jimbosrc-w2u]

Thanks for making my mind up ! Kaiju sound better being the same without the wheel problem

[@RoadsideRC]

There is not really a wheel problem here. Just a silly cap that once you have it off, you are good. I think you will enjoy either truck. Both are good!

[@JagImaging]

Awesome vid! Did you get rid of your Kaiju?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yeah, a local guy really wanted it, so sold it.

[@JagImaging]

@@RoadsideRC oh cool! Woulda been cool to see a comparison vid. Seems people are saying the MT8 is small for a 1/8 scale .

[@KurtsRCs]

It looks good and strong like the MT10

[@RoadsideRC]

It is pretty strong!

[@BEASTMODERC]

Check your diffs And Turn punch up and 4s is perfect

[@RoadsideRC]

Makes sense to me!

[@lukerecore]

Dean's plug and xt90 have the same voltage, they r rated up to 60 amps.

[@RoadsideRC]

You are confusing XT60 and XT90. The "90" of XT90 is the amp rating.

[@rayv882]

I agree with you on the single dean's connector for 6s that strange but I'm sure it will work their the professionals. One thing that I would do that I don't like from sing the vidio is the wiring for the led lights. It looks sloppy like if it's just thrown there. I would make the wires longer and route it better so it looks cleaner and put that small black plastic wire loom around the wires to protect the wiring and again it would look cleaner.

[@RoadsideRC]

Makes sense to me!

[@2040RC]

Nice review and car, love this truck.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@Megasty15]

This thing has a ton of Kaiju in it. There's no use denying it. Just like the MT10 is a slightly tweaked Helion Avenge 10MT. But that's a good & bad thing. The suspension on the Kaiju belittles the heck out of the thing. It's not only the weakest part of the truck but it makes it unbashable. I had to completely change the arms & throw on the aluminum upgrades. I'm willing to bet the aluminum steering parts will fit this truck too. As for the arms, it took over a year & the combined efforts of a few minds to get them to the place where they can handle anything - but none of them is Kaiju anymore. One of the surprises on the Kaiju is the drivetrain. The metal is poor all around, but it's more than durable enough for 6s with very little modding. The worst thing you could do with this truck is think it has better components because it's a TA. My original Rival can crush this thing.

[@RoadsideRC]

I never had any issues with metal in my Kaiju driveline - but mine was EXT, and seems they did improve a few of the parts there.

[@Megasty15]

@@RoadsideRCi just got started on my EXT. They definitely improved it & that motor mount is going in my other trucks. But I'm still not a fan of the arms. As for the drivetrain, I only had a broken CVD, cup, & bent axles (cause of hex extensions).

[@winstonoso5821]

You think by putting 15mm rubber tubes at the bottom of the shocks will help with the A arms bending? Like u set up the ext kaiju v2.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - 100% I think it will help!

[@victortorres313]

what I'm wondering is if the arms are still made of glass lol

[@RoadsideRC]

Nope! The arms are super strong.

[@beesod6412]

the caps just twist off, they're not that hard to turn on the 10th scale. although it might just depend on who torqued that one that day. Great review thanks!

[@RoadsideRC]

They were torqued this day!!! Really took some effort to get off!

[@BEASTMODERC]

I love The truck. My only issues and complaints are my receiver and radio are bad I thought it was my steering servo but it’s not. And then the size of the battery tray is kind of a let down I have to buy some new 6s shortys

[@RoadsideRC]

I haven't had an issue with the controller or servo at all. What issues have you had?

[@BEASTMODERC]

@@RoadsideRC I had pretty bad landing coming off of a jump going downhill. It cart wheeled so many times. I thought for sure something broke but didn’t see anything so kept going when I got home I found that I had bent a dog bone in the rear and the really long boat that goes through The wheels on the wheelie bar had been as well. And then the next day when I took it out when I noticed that the tires weren’t coming back to center when I turned and if I barely touch the wheel and slightly turned it to the right the wheels would start going crazy. So I thought that it was the servo. I really don’t care for that radio feels kind of cheap so I put a Dumbo on it and when I did I had no more issues with the servo. Also I had an issue with my on off switch any decent size jumps it would just shut off the switch was really loose. I put a little electronic grease on it and it seems to have added enough friction I haven’t had the problem since

[@billyb5057]

looks a great truck nice features but before long you will find things that need upgrading goes really well on the test but you found some problems I see *fully watched👀Au👍A big thumbs up👍*

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks Billy!

[@rcadventures1056]

Should I buy the mt8 or the kiju ext

[@RoadsideRC]

They are basically the same truck. Pick the one you think looks better. Or pick the cheaper one.

[@RCVOODOO]

Great looking truck.

[@RoadsideRC]

Pretty good value at $500 - but VERY similar to the Redcat Kaiju EXT.

[@bretrishelrc9789]

that should be a shirt. Single Deans??

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! I like it!

[@longboardguy]

I think I’d definitely like to buy this truck after watching all your videos on it. Overall it seems like a solid truck and I’m looking for a bit smaller truck for the yard and some fun in not so wide open places. I think overall it will be a success. I just bought a Erevo 2.0 so this will have to wait for me though lol. I don’t quite understand the deans plug either that’s a strange choice now days for such high powered rc. Great videos thanks.

[@RoadsideRC]

Glad to hear the videos were a help! It really handles well, and a simple fix on the control arms - this thing should be a SOLID basher for you.

[@jebrc]

get the 50mm tekno turnbuckles they are way stronger then the new redcat ones check them out

[@RoadsideRC]

That is exactly what I show in the video!

[@jebrc]

@@RoadsideRC i must of been typing lol i can only do one thing at a time im gonna look them lunsford up

[@twrecks116]

Even Sounds like the Kaiju! Cool Truck though! 🏆😎

[@RoadsideRC]

Not sure where the sound comes from. Diffs?

[@--emt]

Is this truck better then the Arrma big rock?

[@RoadsideRC]

Depends on how big you want to go. This truck is 6S capable out of the box. For most folks, I belive the Arrma 3S lineup is a great choice.

[@--emt]

@@RoadsideRC I'm talking about quality. Not lipo Capacity

[@RoadsideRC]

@@--emt I understand. I'm telling you the power levels are the biggest difference.

[@owen8538]

Would 6s kraton hub set fit mt8

[@RoadsideRC]

I am not sure, sorry.

[@Gijoe0012]

I broke my steering link on the mt8 the aluminum piece for the kaiju looks like it may fit. Do you have any idea? Thanks

[@RoadsideRC]

I would assume it would fit. They look identical.

[@synergyiii]

Can you please add size comparisons to your review vids? I know you have granite and vortek to compare it with. Just some constructive criticism

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! I do occasionally, but could easily add it more frequently. Have you seen the Maxx vs MT8 video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZmjCnntmpLuBmbs Or perhaps my Sledge size comparison video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/aHuwgJKOj9V5d7M

[@bradcarpenter1881]

Except this isn't a 1:8 scale, this is at most a 1:10 scale, it's literally the same size as the Traxxas maxx and corally skeeter. Not that it's a big deal, I just personally wish this was 2-3" longer chassis for better high speed and air control

[@bradcarpenter1881]

Honestly I guess it just depends what you are into, this truck is definitely for the type of guy that wants to do double standing back flips any time you hit the throttle lol

[@RoadsideRC]

I do feel this compares more to the Maxx ( a large 1/10) and the Outcast 6S. Like you say in your other comment - this is more that stunt truck / crazy basher. Not a smooth-sailing Kraton/Talion type of truck.

[@brianargo1659]

That's all pretty cool. Looks like u get more of a parts choice. I would compare prices on parts.

[@RoadsideRC]

The Redcat parts are cheaper!

[@BEASTMODERC]

Check your diffs

[@RoadsideRC]

That is on my list!

[@jerroldtaylor3047]

Alot of companies source out alot of parts cheaper that way. I have the original Rival 1/8 monster truck

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! If it helps keep this $200 cheaper than the competition- then I am OK with it! Plus - spare parts are easier to come.

[@jammer2150]

Thunder Tiger owns team associated, the thunder tiger sledge hammer and the team associated mgt are basically the same trucks, which have slowly over the years turned into the team associate rival, the thunder tiger st-1 and mt4g3 share some drive train parts, arms and links with the team associated rc8 T&B the thunder tiger emta fit somewhere before but in between the rival and the mt4 also sharing parts with some of the team associated rigs. the thunder tiger krock came after the success of the mt4-g3 but was kinda a failure as the arrma kraton had hit the market and took over as top basher rig bang for the buck. Things have changed in the rc world a lot and I can see thunder tiger /team associated cutting some corners using parts made for other platforms / competitors platform to save a buck, as long as copy right infringment does not apply, all this info is stuff I learned back around 2010 2011 so some of the newer team associated vehicles may not share parts anymore or maybe they do.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Not sure how much they share with Thunder Tiger anymore - but they sure do share with Redcat!

[@jammer2150]

@@RoadsideRC yeah I have to agree I feel the build of this truck was heavily influenced by the parent company thunder tiger and then slapping team associated name on it, thunder tiger went weird on their rc builds with the release of the emta and the k-rock to me this new rival does not reflect what I expect from a team associated vehicle.

[@jebrc]

Made by the same factory as the kaiju it shares alot of parts hence i wasnt real excited after seeing the mt8 it a fancey kaiju i have the og kaiju. Look at the mt10 next to the kaiju next to being bigger there practically the same

[@RoadsideRC]

They REALLY ARE!!!!! I guess I was one of the few folks in the dark about how similar they were.

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

lol traxxas servo horn ;)

[@RoadsideRC]

It looks similar!

[@brianargo1659]

Put some good plastic epoxy on it then stick back on let it set. Then get u a socket from ur tool kit that fits it and spin it off slow

[@RoadsideRC]

That would work!

[@twanmcnasty4012]

I was thinking about the new Sledge but after seeing this one $300 I can see......

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Nice to save $300...

[@ratherbeflying101]

They screwed up by not making this a nitro.

[@RoadsideRC]

Hmm. Doubt that since electric really is predominant now.

[@ratherbeflying101]

@@RoadsideRC Nitro is still popular, you say electric is popular because thats all there is. Nitro model would have outsold electric huge... These people are catering to the woke... REAL RC MEANS NITRO....CHARGE YOUR BATTERIES, BURN YOUR HOUSE DOWN!!!

[@Luke-en2tk]

As far as I know nobody can have a rubber seal or anything like that for their radio box as Traxxas some how has a patent on it.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting!

[@urdonercjeremyburris7541]

Companies doing the same thing as other companies is nothing new. Maybe do some research. 80% of redcat vehicles are repoped copies of other rigs. Compare alot of hpi maverick line to redcat lines

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Fully understand that happens - but think about the brands you just listed. HPI, Redcat, HSP, etc. Wasn't expect this much parts sharing with something from Team Associated.

[@OmarGreeneotraPedroVerde]

Even though this truck is priced right in there with other similar 1/8 scale vehicles, it's still out of touch for us poor boys. Every manufacturer, except for Wltoys and some others, are pricing us right out of the hobby. Sad.

[@RoadsideRC]

You have it nailed on the head! RC is supposed to be about fun and enjoyment. We have had this trend over the last few years of bigger/better/faster. This has not only made the vehicle soo expensive, it has also made them much more dangerous to let kids drive. This is part of the reason why my favorite vehicles are the Arrma 3S lineup. More budget-friendly (for now), and the performance/durability is really good.