Photo by Matt Gunn

Product: The Losi 1:16 Mini ReadyLift SCT RTR is a short-course racer modeled after the no. 16 Lucas Oil Off-Road Racing Series truck driven by Sean Geiser. Built for speed and realistic short-course handling, the Mini SCT features a powerful Xcelorin 4500Kv brushless motor, matching 2–3-cell ESC with LiPo cutoff, and adjustable oil-filled shocks. With the included 7.4v 1100mAh NiMH pack, the ReadyLift SCT is quick enough to satisfy most off-roaders, but becomes a monster when given a LiPo to feed on.

There are a number of unique features that allow the Mini ReadyLift SCT to take the punishment routinely handed out by a brushless motor and LiPo. Let’s take a look under the body and see what makes this truck a true performer in its class.
 
Performance: The Mini ReadyLift SCT uses the same chassis as the 1:18-scale Mini HIGHroller. It has, however, been lengthened and lowered to better suit the performance and handling style of the typical short-course truck. The transverse, all-metal-gear transmission is installed inverted, which places the motor low on the chassis and slightly forward for more realistic body roll. Chrome red beadlock-styled wheels and all-terrain tires add to the overall realism, and the ReadyLift body is an exact copy of the full-scale race truck.

Equally at home on the dirt or in the parking lot, the Mini ReadyLift SCT is a blast to drive. It slides through the turns with excessive body lean, almost to the point where it’s dragging the outside fender. Squeeze the throttle from a stop and watch the back end squat as it plants the rear wheels just like the real thing. I found jumping speed bumps in my parking lot to be entertaining as the Mini SCT caught air off the lip and landed smoothly, thanks to the oil-filled coilover shocks.

The Mini ReadyLift SCT RTR package includes a 2.4GHz DSM2 transmitter, and a 7.4v 1100mAh NiMH battery and charger. Charging time is an excruciating five or six hours with the wall charger, which means upgrading to a quick charger will happen sooner or later. Run time is around 10 minutes with the included pack.

Marketing: Losi created a realistic short course truck with the Mini ReadyLift SCT, and the perfect box to advertise it: the top of the box is clear plastic, allowing customers to view the actual truck, instead of the typical box art we’re all used to seeing.

Still, it doesn’t hurt to display a truck on the counter for potential customers to inspect. Seasoned drivers will appreciate the all-metal-gear transmission that’s capable of handling more powerful brushless systems without fear of self-destruction, as well as the mid-mounted motor placement that’s unique to the Losi lineup. Since the Mini SCT comes in a RTR package and a Bind-N-Drive version that requires a radio system, it should appeal to the beginner and the more advanced hobbyist that already has a transmitter.

The included NiMH battery pack is decent for beginners, but the wall charger just won’t cut it. Tell customers about the 6-hour charge times and the convenience that a quick charger has to offer. The MultiPro Intelligent Balance DC Charger by Losi (No. LOSB9606, $149.99) is a great upgrade option to package with the Mini SCT, and if they want more speed, throw in a LiPo battery pack as well. Losi sells both a 7.4v (No. LOSB9826, $44.99) and an 11.1v 1300mAh LiPo battery (No. LOSB9827, $69.99)designed to fit the Mini SCT and promises a nice increase in speed and run duration.

The Losi Mini ReadyLift SCT is a 1:16-scale 2WD short-course truck marketed towards beginners and experts alike. Its bulletproof drivetrain is perfect for tuners wanting more power without sacrificing durability, while new drivers can appreciate its ready-to-run configuration and brushless performance; this truck proves that “beginner” doesn’t have to mean slow.

VITAL STATS
Product: Mini ReadyLift SCT RTR (No. LOSB0208, MSRP/MAP $229.99/$199.99); BND (No. LOSB208BD, MSRP/MAP $279.99/$169.99)
Maker: Losi
Scale: 1:16
Availability: Horizon Hobby

BOTTOM LINE
For novices and veterans
Wall charger takes too long
Tough transmission; fun to drive