SG 1601, SG1602 BrushLess RC Truck long term use Update

We've now had the SG 1602 brushless RC Truck (same as SG 1601, HBX 16889) for 6 months and it has been abused several times per weekend by my 5 year old (and myself!) in that time. I'm delighted to say that it is still running, still fast and I haven't needed to buy any spare parts. So far the list of casualties are:

• The rear spoiler. This was the first to go when my son kept reversing in to things.
• On of the front LED headlights. Continual front on crashes into solid objects at speed have damaged a wire. It's an easy fix but I am lazy! (Update, just fixed it last night)
• On of the tyres has become unglued in one spot on one rim but was an easy fix with some cheap super glue, the stuff that is like 99c for 6 packs.

Here is the original review with lots more write up and pictures

This truck is certainly no shelf queen!

So, as you may be able to see, this fast and light truck has taken an incredible amount of abuse and has very little damage to show for it, even then the damage is purely cosmetic. So what are my thoughts on the good and the bad of this now and my more recommendation based on the additional experience? Read on:

The good

• Extremely efficient - 15 minutes run time
• Most durable RC I've ever owned
• Very quick with strong acceleration from a well thought out power system
• Wide truggy tyres make it suitable for many terrains
• Light weight allows it to drive on top of rather than through grass
• Easily pulls wheelies especially on grass
• Small sizes means you can easily put it in a backpack or similar. 
• Key parts are available and inexpensive.

The not so good

• Range is pretty average (about 50m?)
• No throttle dual rate (cannot limit top speed)
• Stock suspension is bouncy
• Stock tyres are very hard (lower grip) but have great durability even on concrete and tar seal
• No adjustment for camber and toe.

Recommendations
6 months in I can wholeheartedly recommend this rapid little RC truck. The list of good and not so good means I think it is probably the very first RC vehicle I think of when friends ask me for the "next"RC car for their kids - after they have finished with their little toy grade car that has no proportional steering (or throttle) and runs of AA batteries. This SG 1602 and it alternatives are fast, efficient, reliable and stand up to abuse.

Even the list of "not so good" above actually make this more suitable for younger ones - shorter range means the car won't run away on you: it stops when out of range. Hard tyres mean less grip but it is still 4wd and most the time kids enjoy skids, donuts and power slides. It also means they are much harder wearing, even on concrete. Lack of adjustable tie rods is of benefit too because this is one less setting to keep an eye on. Bouncy suspension is less important for kids but something you may want to consider to improve handling and performance on jumps. The only real shortcoming for me is the lack of dual rate to limit high speed crashes, however the durability of this car makes this less important it it will teach them throttle control anyway.

Just a reminder, under the body these are all the same car so get whichever one you like the look of most or for me, which one is cheapest! Do make sure you get the brushless variant though

​SG 1602 2.4G 1/16 Brushless RC Car High Speed 45km/h

​SG 1601 2.4G 1/16 Brushless RC Car High Speed 45km/h

​HBX 16889 1/16 2.4G 4WD 45km/h Brushless RC Car with LED Light

Recommended Parts:

Upgrade 7.4V 1000mah 25C Lipo Battery
Lipo batteries are able to output more power than the included battery but do need extra care during charging

I strongly recommend upgrading from factory chargers. see my article and recommendations here

2PCS Upgraded Aluminum Capped Oil Filled Shock Absorber Damper
Only upgrade I've done and strongly recommended

​2PCS HBX M16105 Upgraded Metal Front CVD Drive Shaft
Stock units are plast and look weak but have held up well. If you do replace though I'd definitely recommend this more conventional drive shaft set

HBX M16102 Upgraded Zinc Alloy Spur Gear
I don't tend to recommend metal spur gear but here if you want.

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