The SG 1602 Brushless RC truck is a 1/16 scale 4wd off road truck/buggy (truggy) that has a powerful and efficient brushless motor/esc system. Note, this appears identical to the HBX 16889 and shares the same parts. It is available from Banggood for less than $90 and as little as $70. I've had one of these for about 2 months now and for the times that my son lets me drive it I've had quite a few runs to get a good feel of performance and durability. My full review is below. What's in the box? Actually this is pretty well equipped: In order to get this running you'll need 4 x AA batteries for the transmitter. These 2.4GHz transmitter are extremely efficient so you'll get good battery life even with cheap alkaline batteries. As mentioned above there is a nice set of headlights and wheelie bar included and these are very simple to install with well laid out instructions.
Specs and design
Getting it ready to run The main battery is an 18500 1300mah 2s li-ion pack and charging couldn't be simpler - plug the included USB charger into a USB port on one end and on the JST balance plug (white plug on the battery) on the other. It'll take 2-3 hours to charge but it is very simple when you compare the alternative of using a hobby-grade charger like this one. I'd recommend using a USB power supply rather than plugging into the USB port on your computer just in case the QC is a bit dodgy. The only other thing you need to do is add 4 x AA batteries to your remote. Turn the remote on, turn the car on, put the shell on with split pins and you're ready to go! In operation - remote Trigger remotes are the most common controllers around for good reason - they are very intuitive. Pull the trigger to go forward, push to brake and then to reverse push it again. Everything is full proportion i.e. if you pull the trigger a little it will run slowly, if you turn the wheel a little the car will turn a little. Steering and throttle trim on the remote it is set the centre-points for steering (to make it run straight) and throttle (to make sure it is in neutral when trigger released) respectively. Steering dual rate will change the range you can steer - leave this wound clockwise on this model. Unfortunately there is no throttle dual rate which is a very good tool for limiting maximum throttle for the learner. You can ignore the bind mode, this is not used here and performs no function if pushed. Lastly the control link has no interference but the range isn't fantastic. After about 50 metres the signal can be lost at which point the truck becomes unresponsive in a failsafe mode rather than running off with the last control that was input. Raising the remote above your head can often get you back in range. In operation - performance Man this little truck is quiet and fast! Quietness suggests a will meshed gearset with little friction and this truck is very impressive in that regards. This means a lot more power to the ground rather than being lost in noise and heat. I haven't run a GPS speed on it but it is a lot faster than the WL toys 12428 which my other son owns. In addition to top speed this has massive pick-up. It will wheel-stand anwhere there is a reasonable level of grip, it is most impressive on short grass in particular where it will wheelie right to the end of the battery. Some have said these tyres are too hard but I think they are perfect for the application - they offer great grip on grass and are predictable on concrete/tar seal. They are hard enough to make sure they last a good amount of time before replacing. They seem to be glue to the rim fairly securely. Spares are available here. Being a truggy style truck it has a fairly low centre of gravity and will not flip when using full throttle and steering unless you hit an obstacle. Compare to the WLtoys 12428 where full throttle and full steer from stand still or at speed will cause a flip. The stock suspension is very bouncy and tends to bottom out over jumps. This is because shocks are friction only i.e. they lack oil dampening. I highly recommend the oil shock upgrade front and rear but I'll cover this more in the section further below. With oil shocks this things handles very well indeed but it's pretty good for a car of this price range even without them. Durability This is the section that takes the longest to review because I can't make a call by driving it once or twice (even 10 times). So far I've had to replace nothing at all and it has been well abused by both myself and my 5 year old who is learning. Furthermore there is no wear on the driveline I can see or hear which is promising. I've also just learned front and rear diffs are metal with metal conical gears which means they should last the life of the car at least (unlike the plastic gears on generation 1 of the 12428 buggy which stripped with regularity). There is no obvious wear in drive cups and shafts at this stage. I am wary of the way the front and rear arms mount directly to the front and rear diff housings but so far the plastic seems to be of the right blend of compliance and bendability. I'm also not a fan of the way the wheels mount by bolt rather than nut but again, this is a design comment rather than a specific durability issue. Update: there are upgrade available if you wish to go to a tradtional universal shaft and nut retainer as below:
Upgrades First off there are no critical upgrades. Everything runs well as is and there are no glaring design issues. With that said I would recommend the oil shocks as it greatly improves on an already good handling truck. Oil shocks will improve dampening mean it can better control the springs making it less bouncy during running and lessen the chance of bottoming out over jumps. The official upgrade parts are actually decent - unlike other cheap oil shocks I've seen they offer about the right amount of dampening and spring strength for this truck. You can no doubt find shocks from other cars to fit but you can guarantee these ones 'just work'. There are a range of other parts below but I'll only be getting these upgrades if/when the stock parts break. The full list of upgrade and replacement parts can be found here.
Conclusion I'll be brief here. For me this is the budget RC car to have at the moment if you are looking to step up from a toy grade without the expensive of a full hobby grade setup. This is because it offers they key elements you want in an RC car:
Further more the small size means it can be easily placed in a backpack, in the bottom of a baby buggy or however you want to carry it. This is an easy truck to recommend and I think will be very popular. If you are looking to buy, make sure you get the brushless rather than brushed variant. The same truck is sold under SG and HBX brands. To be safe I've identified the correct models in the links below and in this article: 6 month update - My 5 year old son has now been running this every weekend for the last 6 months. It's yet to break anything substantial. This is definitely my recommendation for a fast reliable and tough RC car for friends' kids and would recommend the same for reader. More details on the 6 month update in this article. Thanks for reading, if you found this article useful please feel free to like or share, the facebook links below directly link/like this article. Links are affiliated and help me buy the bits I need to produce this type of content. If you are looking for quads or parts check out my coupons and discounts page which I keep updated with only the parts and quads I like at a proper discount
70 Comments
Kirk Maluo
26/3/2020 09:21:13 pm
Do you know where to get additional batteries? Thanks!
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Quadify RC
27/3/2020 09:28:54 am
Here you go: https://bit.ly/2JeBacV
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Dave
24/11/2020 09:51:31 pm
How do you fit these batteries? On the website they appear to be longer than the stock, with the tray not having an obvious option to expand.
Kirk Maluo
1/5/2020 06:46:32 pm
Hello again, do you know where I can get wheels for this? The inside rim stripped where the spinning nut meets the rim. Thank you!
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Quadify RC
1/5/2020 06:52:06 pm
No problem! Here are the wheels: https://bit.ly/329P9Jp
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Peter
11/5/2020 05:39:35 pm
Hi!
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Quadify RC
12/5/2020 09:01:01 am
Hey Peter
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Kirk Maluo
12/5/2020 09:44:06 am
Could we extend the transmitter wire for a stronger signal?
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Quadify RC
12/5/2020 09:59:44 am
Hi Kirk
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Kirk A Maluo
29/5/2020 06:17:18 pm
I ordered these wheels thinking they were an exact match, but it looks like it needs the hex adapter you were talking about. Do you know which is the right adapter on banggood? Thanks!
Sam
14/5/2020 11:12:51 am
Hello,
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Quadify RC
14/5/2020 12:24:08 pm
Hi Sam
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Jon
20/6/2020 03:18:57 pm
"Unfortunately there is no throttle dual rate which is a very good tool for limiting maximum throttle for the learner."
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Quadify RC
21/6/2020 09:41:43 pm
Yes, you cannot limit speed unfortunately. With that said my 5 year old (soon to be 6) has been practicing using part throttle. Even when he runs with full throttle it has stood up to the beating. As at June 2020 the only thing broken is on of the LED headlights and the rear spoiler. It still goes hard!
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Dave
24/11/2020 09:55:39 pm
We bought a 16889 second hand in the summer, and a new sg 1602 in the autumn. Subtle difference in the controllers: The older model had a Throttle DR and the newer one had a speed adjustment to limit the speed.
patrick
12/8/2021 11:09:27 pm
All the recent packages include a TX which DOES have a throttle rate control
Wu
31/8/2020 04:48:44 pm
I'm new into the hobby, and got this model recently. After my 2nd run, the throttle is no longer working. The servo is still responsive, but the throttle doesn't work. The ESC is blinking 2 red flashes intermittently. Wondering if you have any advice, as online searches haven't turned up anything helpful.
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QuadifyRC
31/8/2020 04:53:46 pm
Hi Wu
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Wu
31/8/2020 05:30:06 pm
Thanks for replying! This happened with a fully charged new (allegedly) batteries. Unfortunately due to lockdown, I can't head to any RC shop to get the batteries checked. I'm going to try charging them again. What would you recommend I start testing replacement parts to narrow down this issue? Batteries, transmitter, then ESC? Can I just get any generic 2.4Ghz transmitter, or are there any specific controllers that need to be paired to the ESC for this basher? 😅 I did have have a barrel of fun (maybe too much fun?) for the day it was working.
Quadify RC
31/8/2020 09:05:12 pm
Yeah try charging again perhaps. Hopefully it will be something simple like this or the motor connectors, you know one of those facepalm moments. If you need a new ESC here is the one for HBX 16889 https://bit.ly/2GelEzt but I can't find one for the 1602/1601 in which case you'd have to go aftermarket. Let me know if you keen a link for a low price setup for that
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Wu Han
31/8/2020 10:48:24 pm
It was the LVC! Phew—here's to more months of bashing! Turns out it matters where you plug the USB charger. I plugged it into a higher watt adapter and the battery charged properly this time. Thanks for your tip! Saving the links for ESC. Interested also in an aftermarket upgrade you can recommend for later :)
Jack
15/9/2020 06:07:51 am
Hi - first off, thanks for the great site! I've been reading quite some articles and it's really got me wanting to get into the hobby. I also have a 4 year old son who absolutely loves RC cars.
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QuadifyRC
15/9/2020 09:05:18 am
Hey Jack
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Jack
15/9/2020 07:17:23 pm
Sure does, thanks!
Jakub
2/8/2021 06:41:53 pm
I have the same problem to choose 😄, thanks
Joshua
16/9/2020 05:17:09 pm
Hello,
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QuadifyRC
16/9/2020 09:57:05 pm
Hi Joshua
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Dave
24/11/2020 09:58:23 pm
Regarding the upgrades, on purchasing a used one, one of the wheel hubs had a screw broken in it so we upgraded to the alloy front drive kit, and rear. It's tough, but the fine metal wire to hold the pin on the front cv(?) assembly proved a weak point causing the pin to fall out and lose drive at the front.
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QuadifyRC
25/11/2020 08:52:45 am
Great to hear. Sometimes it's tricky buying a second hand one to know how it's been treated but sounds like you've come up with a good fix
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dek
3/12/2020 12:55:50 am
Hey, this is a great review! :)
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QuadifyRC
3/12/2020 10:32:44 am
Hey Dek
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Dek
3/12/2020 08:00:45 pm
Hey Quadify, thank you for the quick reply and sorry to hear it was stolen. Also, thanks for sharing the battery size, I will check the links and the options for small lipos.
ETX
5/12/2020 07:13:39 pm
Anyone know where to get a CLEAR body that fits this?
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Molax
23/1/2021 06:20:17 pm
Hi, does this have low voltage cutoff? When i used my 2s lipo it draied it to 2.9v and 3.0v. if this has lvc can i increase it? Thanks!
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QuadifyRC
28/1/2021 11:28:11 pm
Unfortunately it is very low and cannot be adjusted. I recommend a cheap lipo buzzer connected to the balance lead like this: https://bit.ly/3ockWDS
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Mrkng
14/8/2021 08:25:02 pm
A low voltage cutoff too low for a beginner car is not good/cool. It potentially causes premature battery damage. For the unaware parent they either spend more money on new batteries or simply give up assuming it's a bad product.
Pete
28/1/2021 10:47:49 am
Awesome reviews and tutorials! Thank you. I have one question. I have a brushed 16889, and am going to use some spare parts to convert it to brushless, but I can’t find any info on the gear pitch of the pinion and spur gears. Do you know what gear pitch they use for the pinion gear in the 16889? I have everything else, and it’s want some additional options on hand for gearing. Thank you.
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QuadifyRC
28/1/2021 11:35:39 pm
Sorry I wish I could check for you but my car was stolen some time ago :(. Stick with stock gearing, it is very good (you can't adjust it anyway). Looks like all parts including motor and pinion are available here: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ap3gIr
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Dave
29/1/2021 12:56:09 am
Thinking about this, the gears from motor to diffs can all be upgraded with parts from Aliexpress or Banggood. I havent done an upgrade but do consider the cost of parts vs just buying a brushless car straight off. The brushless ones come stock with plastic gears so I dont know if there is a brushed/brushless difference apart from motor and esc.
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Toby
1/2/2021 05:08:07 am
Great review just what I was looking for. The 16889 is my 1st RC for years and it’s a blast!
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QuadifyRC
1/2/2021 10:02:06 pm
Hey Toby, yes it's a lot of fun isn't it? Definitely grab the oil shocks, they're not the worlds best shocks but improve the cars handling a lot.
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Toby
2/2/2021 07:51:26 am
Thanks for the reply!
Great review, thanks for taking the time to put it together, I've got one on order.
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QuadifyRC
6/2/2021 09:39:17 pm
Sorry I'm afraid I can't give you the measurements. Sadly the car was stolen late last year :(
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Dave
6/2/2021 02:38:02 am
Just wondering if anyone had a list of spares of screw sizes to use? Postage from Chjna has stalled and I need some screws for the steering arm ends. I measure them as 2.2mm wide and 12mm long but unsure on pitch of the thread.
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QuadifyRC
6/2/2021 09:40:17 pm
With the car being stolen late last year but best bet is to take one into a hardware store or better yet a hobby store.
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thoms
23/2/2021 06:55:13 am
hello thanks for the detail review! I'm from Indonesia, I just want to start new hobby RC, I'm considering SG1601 and SG1602. can you help me to decide which one? any pro/cons , Thank you in advance
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QuadifyRC
23/2/2021 10:14:40 am
No problem! Both are good, depends on the look you like. Also consider the HBX 16889 which is the same car rebranded which has more spares directly available: https://bit.ly/3bxsjR1
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Euwan
27/3/2021 04:11:53 am
I am about to pull the trigger on this. The only thing I am worried about is the Tx range not being good. What would be a good tx to uprade to and how would I install it if the esc already has a built in rx?
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OW
27/3/2021 05:44:54 am
Hi. I get plenty of range (haven't lost signal yet). I keep it in sight and it goes plenty far enough for that.
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Euwan
27/3/2021 05:54:22 am
Thanks for the response. I got some fpv equipment that I will put on it so that should make it even more fun hahaha
Eric
6/5/2021 09:57:58 am
This is awesome! Let me first thank you for the excelent website, info and reviews. I've red many articles the last few days and ordered my 1st RC car (SG 1601). 🥳
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QuadifyRC
6/5/2021 12:05:03 pm
Hey no problem Eric.
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Adam
14/5/2021 02:03:10 am
Hi, thanks for writing such great in depth articles. I've found them so useful with my new found love of (relatively) cheap RC cars from China!
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QuadifyRC
14/5/2021 10:39:54 am
Hi Adam. My pleasure. Yes there are some gems out there but also some real rubbish, you just need to know where to look! I guess that's where I come in.
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Ronan
18/5/2021 12:56:51 am
Hi great review. I purchased one of these recently and have fitted the oil shocks. It makes a huge difference, thanks for the tip. I have one question, after owning the SG1602 for a month all of a sudden it stopped while it was driving and won't switch on, not even the LEDs on the front. I've checked the battery and its perfect so I ordered a replacement ESC/receiver off Bangood assuming this is the culprit. When I've fitted the new ESC will the original remote pair ok with it? The banggood ESC/receiver looks identical to the original one. Thanks!
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Ronan
18/5/2021 03:08:11 am
I meant to say I have the SG1601 which has a red coloured ESC which looks slightly different than the one in your 1602.
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Adam
21/6/2021 04:24:38 am
Hi I'm looking for your expert advice, if I may? The steering wheel on my transmitter turns but does not move the wheels. Steering trim adjustment works from transmitter, but steering dual rate knob makes the wheels go full lock when turning the dial all the way up! Any ideas? Many thanks
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Adam
21/6/2021 05:04:03 am
..I just fixed it myself - inside the transmitter, 2 of the 3 steering wire solder points were touching. I separated them, re-bound the transmitter and problem solved!
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QuadifyRC
21/6/2021 09:29:37 am
Great problem solving, it's so satisfying when you can find the issue and repair yourself. 👌
Jakub
2/8/2021 06:54:01 pm
Thanks for good review and tips. I just ordered one and I cannot wait to drive it
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QuadifyRC
3/8/2021 03:02:40 pm
My pleasure! I think you'll love it
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Robert Albrecht
29/8/2021 08:13:55 am
Thank you for your articles and for sharing your experience!
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QuadifyRC
31/8/2021 12:17:39 am
Hi Robert
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Guido
14/2/2022 07:36:50 am
I have 2 sg1602’s and both have the same issue. They have steel drive shafts but plastic cups on both the dif and wheel axle side. After a little bit of bashing the plastic cups at the rear failed and its > $20 and 4 weeks before they can be replaced. Really disappointed. On the pictures in the article above I see all plastic shafts so maybe that is more consistent and less prone to failure. Also have a Flyhal fc600 and that has all steel parts so would def recommend the hbx pro version or the flyhal over the standard model as the higher price of the better version outweighs the parts and the hassle of fixing the cheapo car.
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Tomislav
13/5/2022 04:10:20 am
Hello. Which is the biggest battery that can fit in? That's because I want to buy one, but maybe a larger one. Does a 2000 mah battery fit in the battery ,case,?
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Mauro
30/10/2022 08:06:17 am
Hello,
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Kirk Maluo
31/10/2022 11:10:44 am
Is it fully charged? Sounds like a low battery.
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Mauro
31/10/2022 09:59:54 pm
The battery has been kept on charge for 4 hours and I think it is charged. Maybe I can check with a Voltmeter. This morning I started the car and for a few seconds it worked perfectly, then it stopped and the only thing that works is the steering.
QuadifyRC
28/11/2022 11:18:33 am
Hi Mauro, sounds like one or both of the cells might be dead. The USB chargers that come with these cars aren't great and need a lot of care which is usually why I recommend a better charger. Fully charged you should be reading 4.2v per cell or 8.4v combined.
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