{"id":13191,"date":"2016-06-05T21:19:14","date_gmt":"2016-06-06T01:19:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ammorc.com\/?p=13191"},"modified":"2017-06-10T18:11:35","modified_gmt":"2017-06-10T22:11:35","slug":"i-knew-so-little-about-one-of-the-most-successful-products-in-the-history-of-rc","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/driverc.com\/index.php\/2016\/06\/05\/i-knew-so-little-about-one-of-the-most-successful-products-in-the-history-of-rc\/","title":{"rendered":"I knew so little about one of the most successful products in the history of RC"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Welcome to the Kyosho Mini-Z<\/a>. \u00a0The worst keep secret in r\/c in which I somehow knew very little about until recently. \u00a0The Mini-Z market is not generally visible from the surface, mostly because it takes place indoors and often in garages and basements around the world, but there\u2019s been considerable and enduring activity over many years.<\/p>\n

The Mini-Z market dates back to 1999, and it continues to benefit from the global support of a dedicated fan base. By its 10th year, the Mini-Z had sold over a million cars worldwide so it quietly ranks as one of the most successful products in the history of RC, and that\u2019s not including the totals of the last 6 or so years. \u00a0I had to learn more.<\/p>\n

Who is the typical Mini-Z buyer?<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s a diverse group from young to old. Some become involved through a dedicated racing program in their local area, while others gravitate to the product for its diecast-like scale appearance. The bodies are in fact, made in the same factory that produces diecast cars, so it\u2019s not just a metaphor. They really do have diecast quality scale and details. The chassis are very adaptable to various wheelbase and width ratios in addition to ranging body configurations so the cars can really maintain scale integrity.<\/p>\n

Frankly speaking, hardly anyone gets into the hobby because they saw something that looked like a door wedge with wheels from a clown car extending well beyond the body. The infinitely more common reaction that gets people into the hobby is when they see RC cars and trucks that look and function like the real thing. This is the premise on which the Mini-Z line is built and the reason it persists some 16+ years later.<\/p>\n

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Is there a strong aftermarket?<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are robust lines of aftermarket items for the Mini-Z vehicles, not only from Kyosho with its factory option parts and R246 line, but from many other companies that have specialized just in Mini-Z option parts. These items tend to focus more on performance than anything, but light kits, alloy wheels, new bodies, and other features are designed to make the cars even more scale in appearance and function.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a fascinating and sometimes complex product line that can simply be run as it\u2019s packaged, or the owner can take it to whatever level they desire, from super-scalers to drifters, racers and even shelf queens. The Mini-Z serves its many masters equally well. Just like anything else, taking it to a higher level requires the confidence and inquisitive nature that\u2019s synonymous with being a hobbyist, but it\u2019s an enduring and popular product for nearly two decades that will continue to enjoy support in the RC world as it evolves with its fan base.<\/p>\n

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Does the Mini-Z have racing clubs?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Because of its global appeal, there are numerous Mini-Z racing clubs and organizations. I couldn\u2019t point you to one in particular other than the Kyosho series itself in Japan, but you can find a lot of information with a simple search.<\/p>\n

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What about the price?<\/strong><\/p>\n

An important thing to keep in mind when discussing the Mini-Z is the perception of scale and cost. Without much consideration, many US consumers equate \u201csmaller\u201d with a lower price and \u201cbigger\u201d with a higher price tag. Larger vehicles do have more material costs, but once you get above a certain size, it\u2019s not difficult or costly to make components or accessories for a reasonable price. But the small size of these machines take a considerable amount of design and development to get all that technology into suck a compact package.<\/p>\n

Additionally, the Mini-Z has optional items like a gyro, and handheld and computer interface programmers to adjust the parameters of the speed controller. So the Mini-Z is far more difficult to manufacture than most would initially assume just because of its size, but it gives up nothing in features. It has the same or better resolution in the controls compared to most (if not all larger RTRs) and it has features that have never made it into larger RTRs.<\/p>\n

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KYOSHO MINI-Z MR-O3<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

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