Maverick Strada XT

Got this model for my budding rc enthusiast boy (8). Model is simple yet reasonably robust and parts look well made. Simple set up when first out the box. Charged battery with included USB charger takes just 3 hours or so. Steering needed centering but this is on the budget side of model rc and would check this on any new model regardless. Checked over for loose fixings and found none so well put together. First run on christmas day in -1 degree and model preformed well. Good turn of speed (about 20 I'd say) and reasonable acceleration. Just right for his first proper model. Model took a few bumps, jumps and crashes with no I'll effects, so happy with that as cold weather can make parts brittle and prone to snapping. Got about 20-25 mins run time so not bad for the included 1800mah battery. Second run saw full throttle usage on tarmac and tyres did well for mini pin / bar type tyres but best suited to off road terrain. There is plenty for headroom for upgrades so model can grow with my boys skill level. Speed controller will accept down to a 12 turn DC motor for added speed and acceleration, but would need a much better battery pack to utilize this to it's full potential. Steering servo is quite slow and seems quite under powered for the size of model and wheel size. This will be upgraded to high torque high speed servo I have spare. Battery connector (tamiya type) pins are a bit fragile so be careful with these or upgrade to more robust items like xt60 connector for eg. All in all, a good model and fun to drive for those wanting a 1/10th scale 4x4 truggie on a budget or a starter model for a young one. I gave it 4 stars because of the battery connector being weak and the steering servo struggling to keep up. But this is a great starting point for those looking to get into rc modeling and most upgrades would not cost much to acquire. Needless to say my boy is very happy with his first proper model rc truck and I'm sure he will enjoy it for a long time to come.