Monster Trucks are fun for the whole family. But how fun can they really be when they can fit in your pocket? FMS Model has released the FCX24 Max Smasher RTR to fill that Monster truck 1/24 bashing void that the scale world has had. Let’s see how it holds up while a Scalin’ Squid is driving the FMS Model FCX24 Max Smasher.
From: FMS Model
Direct link: FMS 1:24 FCX24 Smasher Monster Truck RTR 4WD
Unboxing video: Uboxing the FMS Max Smasher Monster Truck
Bashing video: Uboxing the FMS Max Smasher Monster Truck
Review By: Jeremy Griffith
Photography By: Jeremy Griffith
Test Drivers: Jeremy Griffith
Specs:
RTR or Kit: RTR
Ages: 14+
2wd or 4wd: 4WD
Shaft or Belt: Shaft
Electric or Gas: Electric
Waterproof: Water Resistant
Scale: 1:24
Length: 227mm
Width: 156mm
Wheelbase: 139mm
Gear Reduction ratio: (High Gears) 24.75, (Low Gears) 99
Ground Clearance: 44mm
Motor: 130 Brushed motor
Low voltage cut off: yes
Radio: 2.4GHz Radio
Differential: Open but has lockers to be installed if you would like
Weight: 442 grams
Servo: Metal Gears Steering Servo
Screws: Hex
Chassis: High strength mixed fiber nylon
Bearings: yes
Tires: F/R : Φ 68 × 34mm
Battery: 7.4V 380 mAh 2S Lipo
Part Number: FMS12402RTRBU
Street Price: $159.99
Run Time (measured by BSRC) 15mins
Top Speed: 8km/h
Primary Competition: Axial Adventure, Element RC, and Traxxas.
Build Quality: The Max Smasher FCX24 was in perfect shape out of the box.
Set up notes: Unlike most RC rig the Max Smasher uses water decals. So, getting the FCX24 all decked out with decals will take some time.
Test Venues: Big Squid RC Kentucky HQ, “Juicebox Holler”
Radio: The Little Radio has a ton of adjustments, as well as controlling the lights from channel 3 and the transmission on channel 4. The Radio also takes 4AAA batteries.
Note – The FCX24 transmitter has been updated in subsequent releases since we shot the video with an early release unit. The new FCX24 transmitter combines the high-beam, low-beam light control functions into a one-button light switch function, and adds an electronic sound prompt function of the
middle steering position and the middle throttle position, and an idle alarm function.
Turning: Compared to the FCX24 Power wagon, the Max Smasher turns better at higher speeds with less roll overs, due to the larger tires.
Crawling: Out of the box the Max Smasher is not the best rig to crawl with. The diffs on the Max Smasher come open, but FMS does supply the diff lockers with the rig to lock the axles. After doing that, the Max Smasher will crawl a lot better. Add the metal gear portals, and you got the makings of a solid little crawler. The Max Smasher is more suited for Scale Monster Jams. Setting up a tiny course is a blast and getting the rig bash around felt more like a larger scale than 1/24.
Broken parts: After the third run the Max Smasher took a hard landing on its right rear, causing the right rear shock to bend slightly. The scale shop was able to bend it back and had the Max Smasher back out on the track in no time.
Best Mod: We think a bigger motor would be a lot of fun with the FMS Max Smasher.
Summary:
Time to bash: If you want to play right away, then its relatively quick to get bashing. But if you want the full detailed look with all the water decals, it will take some time to get out and play.
Workability: Working on the FCX24 Chassis is fairly easy, just make sure not to lose the wheel nut tool for the deep wheels.
Car Show Rating: We all know What the FMS FCX24 Max Smasher looks like… And we here at Big Squid RC are happy to finally see a monster truck version of Needles truck, from Back To The Future. 😉 The Hardbody is detailed to the spec of a static model you can get at the local hobby shop. The decals are a nice change from stickers and lay better on the body as well. FMS has yet to fail in the Car Show rating and with that kind of consistency, FMS has made a name for themselves.
Handling: The Max Smasher gets around great, portal axels and big tires are a deadly combination of bashing bliss. The shocks could be better, but they get the job done, same can be said about the servo. Loose dirt is the Max Smashers best friend, and it will make some impressive saves for its size.
Value:FMS Model does a fantastic job at keeping the cost low. For $159.99 bucks you winter fun is covered.
Parts Availability: The only thing lacking with FMS Model is parts availability. Parts are all over the web but finding them at local hobby shops will be hard. Luckily the FMS rigs hold up well and broken parts are rare.
Big Squid RC Final Thoughts: The new FCX24 Max Smasher is a great addition to the FMS Model lineup. Tons of fun packed into a tiny truck, the Max Smasher is fun for everyone and can be played with indoors as well as outside. Bust out your Monster Jam toys and have some fun!
Doug also got his hands on a FMS Max Smasher (I think we are all going to own one soon). Check out his video review here
Unboxing video here:
Bashing Video here:
