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HorizonRC.com Review - Losi's LST XXL Monster Truck
When it comes to Nitro Monster trucks Losi has always moved to the beat of a different drummer. When other monsters were using multiple small diameter shocks on each wheel, the original LST defied conventional wisdom by using one massive shock per wheel. When other monster trucks were using a single steering servo, Losi raised the stakes again by utilizing dual-metal geared servos. When others were relying on small block engines, Losi yet again broke the mold by going with a big block. Needless to say the previous Losi monsters' success speaks for itself. The latest generation of Losi monster is here in the Losi LST XXL. It gains its XXL moniker by being the largest LST to date, but there's more under the body than just a stretched chassis. Featuring refined molded components that are based off the 8IGHT 2.0 Race Roller, a bigger 454-sized engine, optimized transmission and more, the LST XXL is one big and bad truck. Add in Spektrum's telemetry-equipped DX3S transmitter into the mix and you have what is sure to be a winner. It's time to roost the competition and we invite you to come along to see exactly what Losi's latest LST brings to the party. I took out with the LST XXL. I thought it might sound better without it. Speed Specs LST XXL Manufacturer - Losi Part Number - LOSB0016 Vehicle Type/Class - Big-Block Nitro Monster Truck Target Audience - Entry-Level to Advanced Nitro Monster Truck Enthusiast Kit/RTR/Race Roller - RTR Test Items Used: Losi 30% Nitrotane - LOSF0330 Dynamite Fast Fill Fuel Bottle - DYN2003 Dynamite Metered Glow Driver - DYN1925 Final Thoughts Anyone who has followed our articles on the site know that I spent a good amount of time about two years ago building up what I then called the "Ultimate Race LST2". That truck was tweaked for performance and durability with bashing as an afterthought. I ran more than a few gallons of fuel through that truck but honestly haven't driven a nitro monster truck in some time. I went over the truck before break-in to make sure everything was tightened up properly, gave the shocks the "squish test", checked the telemetry installation out and more. Score one for the LST XXL as it passed my bench test with flying colors. The LST XXL comes with a combination pull start/spin start backplate. Now anyone can start a big block with a spin starter but the real test comes when you need to pull start it. Foregoing the spin start in favor of pull starting I was pleasantly surprised when the engine came to life after just a few pulls. After a minute or two of warm-up I pulled the glow driver and was impressed as it just sat there and idled perfectly. After the engine was broken in I took the truck to the dirt to let the LST XXL eat. Power, power, and more power is what you get with the LST XXL. As you can see from the video it has the bottom end torque to get up and over a wide variety of obstacles. In fact it seemed like the LST XXL was better able to climb the hills than I was! As impressive as its climbing prowess was, I was just as impressed with its precise control I had each and every time I descended the mound. The brakes slowed my descent while not being overly grabby or touchy. The suspension was absolutely perfect in these conditions as well and, owing to its being directly lifted from the LST2, I had very high expectations for the suspension and it didn't disappoint. Perhaps the neatest aspect of the LST XXL was in fact the built-in telemetry. I never had to stop running to see what the head temps were. Monitoring the temperatures was as simple as just looking at the DX3S' large display screen and there it was. For all the abuse I put the truck through the engine never got above 240-degrees, even in the high humidity and 85-degree temperatures. To say I was impressed with the LST XXL would be an understatement. I tried to break this truck, I really did, but it just came back looking for more each and every time I flipped it, rolled it or sent it careening. The straight-line speed was awesome, but I was more impressed by the torque and control offered by this truck. This is indeed a worthy successor to the LST2 in every possible way that still gives me a reason to pause and smile as I sit here typing, thinking back to everything I put this truck through. This is what RC fun is supposed to be about, and the LST XXL nails it! Questions? Comments? Feel free to e-mail us at Editors@HorizonRC.com For more information please visit the links below: http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=LOSB0016 http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/ExploreRC.aspx If you like our videos, check out our weekly podcast, The R/Cast, at the link below: http://www.horizonhobby.com/podcasts/