Pictures and Videos Of The Savage
The Good:
The Bad:
So how do you improve upon a popular classic? Well, the focus on the HPI Savage X was increasing speed, adjustability and durability. By taking suggestions from HPI Savage users, HPI Racingwas able to incorporate a variety of changes to enhance the Savage to it’s full potential. This includes features like a wider more aggressive body, new graphics and an optional nylon roll cage for the engine of your Savage.
Also in the upgraded version of HPI’s Savage (X) the low center of gravity of the Savage’s TVP chassis drops the engine, center gearbox and radio 5mm lower than the HPI Savage 25, which ultimately results in better handling and faster lap times, hence the increased speed of the Savage X.
The most popular basher around, the improved HPI Savage X model comes with a new 4.6cc engine that can reach top speeds of 44mph. Not bad for a basher! Along with this shnazzy new engine, the Savage X also comes stock with an anodized billet aluminum head, 8.5mm composite carburetor, updated 47/17 gearing and a pull-starter. While these upgrades are fantastic, nothing’s ever perfect. So let’s take a closer look at the good, the bad, and the ugly of HPI’s great new basher, the Savage X.
If you’re into HPI Racing products then be sure to check out the Traxxas line of rc cars and trucks – such as the Traxxas Slash, Revo and Rustler. Traxxas also has a wide range of rc car parts available.
The Good:
- Any complaints you may have had about the earlier Savage 25 model will likely have been remedied in the Savage X. Most of the Savage’s features have been upgraded in the Savage X: ranging from the engine, carburetor, brakes, pull-start and rc servo saver to the tires.
- Savage-lovers can tell you first hand the best part about this baby is that it’s top notch for bashing, and can take all the knocking around you can dish out, with few repairs.
- The Savage X also offers awesome performance when it comes to taking and landing jumps. So if you’re the guy that tries to copy the house-jumping videos, with some adjustment to your truck, you may just get there.
- The X comes stock with a compact chassis that make it easier to work on and modify because the neat chassis package is easy to access.
- If you’re not too familiar with repairing and assembling RC cars and trucks, HPI makes it pretty simple. The Savage X comes with simple, easy-to-understand instructions on how to break-in, tune your truck, as well as a diagram of it’s parts showing you what goes where.
- HPI is a popular company not only because it makes great products, but also because it has a wicked array of hop-ups and aftermarket support for you to put some pizzazz — in the form of a faster engine, roll cage, better tires, etc–into your car or truck.
Unfortunately it’s not all peaches ‘n cream though, so let’s get a grip on what’s not-so-perfect about the Savage X.
The Bad:
- If you’re a racer but also really like to bash, the Savage X may be what you’re looking for, but it just can’t get up to those high speeds and will generally get blown out of the water by a truck more geared for racing. It’s only powered by a single servo, after all. However, if you really want to put some speed in your corner, you can upgrade the X with HPI’s 3 speed tranny provided as a hop-up from HPI.
- A common problem with RC’s is that, like the Savage X, they often come stock with plastic (or metal) bushings, which increase friction when you drive–slowing you down–and can also put an excess of wear and tear on your drive shaft. However, to fix this problem, it’s easy enough to replace them with metal or rubber ball bearings.
- If you’re a newbie and are still getting the feel of tuning, the Savage X comes stock with a plastic composite muffler, and it may melt if you overheat your truck. However, this only really occurs if you run the carburetor too lean. If you don’t want to run this risk, it’s probably a good idea to replace the plastic muffler with a new chrome one. You can pick one up at your local hobby shop, or order online.
- While this may be obvious to most RCers, Savage X users should follow HPI’s break-in methods (outlined in the manual) closely if you want to get the best bang for your buck out of your engine.
- If you’re looking for hop-ups for your Savage X, a worthwhile purchase is to replace the steering servo with a stronger one. This should make for better handling. If you’re a little clueless about what might be better, ask around at your local hobby shop.
So there you have it folks, the low-down on what’s great, and what can be improved with the Savage X. If you’re looking to buy one of these bad boys, or couldn’t figure out why your drive shaft was wearing down, I hope this has helped! All in all, the Savage X is amazing for bashing, and a worthy purchase if you’re looking to take it out and give it a beating. The Savage X receives a 4.6/5.
