We have been wanting to get our hands on one of these HPI E-Savage radio controlled trucks since we heard about it last fall. We finally did just that and have been playing with it for the last month. It sure does attract attention when you break it out at the ATV races.

The HPI E-Savage is a ready-to-run (RTR) electric-powered 1/10 scale RC monster truck. The E Savage is HPI's little brother to the Nitro-powered Savage and can be purchased with your choice of three bodies - a Baja bug, a GT truck, or an ATV and rider. Our testing has been with the #507 E-Savage with ATV body.

Ready-to-Run (RTR)

So does this monster truck really come ready to run? Well, pretty darn close but a first-timer should plan on about 45 minutes before you can be out playing. The first thing you need to do is get the charger and batteries out and start them charging. The E-Savage comes with two 7.2V 3300mAh Hot Bodies batteries and a GT Escape dual battery charger. The charger works great but it is a DC-only charger and requires a 12 volt battery source. It sure would be nice if it would work on either AC power or DC power. It will take 20-30 minutes to get the batteries charged. These are not top of the line performance RC battery packs, but they are decent packs.

We had just pulled the battery out of an ATV so we used that as a power source for the GT Escape charger that is included in the kit.

While your batteries are charging, you need to prep the rest of the truck. The transmitter included is a HPI TF-3 which is made by Futaba. Like the batteries, the receiver is not top of the line but it does include all the basics, like trim adjustments. You will need to put eight (8) AA batteries in the transmitter and set the steering reverse switch to "N" and the throttle reverse switch to "R".

This is the complete E-Savage ATV kit once you have it unboxed.

Next you need to thread the antenna through the antenna tube. I would recommend a drop of light oil in the tube. It is nearly impossible to get the antenna through the tube without something to help it on its way.

The E-Savage has a twin vertical plate (TVP) chassis similar to the Savage	The suspension arms are the same all the way around, making it easier to keep replacement parts on hand.

The batteries mount low in the side of the E-Savage chassis to give it a lower center of gravity.	An HPI 14.4v GT electronic speed controller is tucked up in the body.

The only thing left is to install the handlebars and prep and install the rider. The rider's feet attach to the side of the body and his hands fit over the handlebars. After your rider is mounted and body hooked on, your batteries should be charged and ready to install. Install one pack in each side and your new E-Savage 1/10 scale ATV monster truck is ready to run

Our radio control ATV E-Savage is now truly ready to run (RTR).

Backyard Bashing

Now for some fun. It has been awhile since I have had a radio control truck to play with and was remembering the days of my first Tamiya Blackfoot. Boy, we had a lot of fun with Blackfoot, but as with everything else, technology has brought huge advancements to the RC monster truck world. With dual motors, full-time AWD and eight long-travel shocks, I was thoroughly impressed. The E-Savage ROCKS!

After nearly a month of bashing the E-Savage around the backyard and at a whole host of off-road races, we have yet to break it - and it's not like we were being careful. We used it like you would. I am very impressed with the durability of this unit.

The batteries last only about 10-15 minutes depending on how hard you run it so you will probably want to pick up at least one extra set. Maybe even some 3800mAh packs and this should increase the run time.

The HPI E-Savage is very fast for an electric monster truck. We did not have anything to clock it with but it seems to achieve speeds of around 25 MPH in stock form. It jumps and lands with ease. As we initially suspected the ATV rider does hurt your handling significantly. While the rider is fairly light, it adds a lot of weight up high that takes away from the center of gravity of the E-Savage. The rider really separates the ATV from the crowd and makes it stand out from the normal monster truck but if you want optimal handling, you will want to remove the rider.

We have found this to be a great monster truck for the beginner or casual enthusiast. It is very simple and easy to maintain, very durable, and most of all, FUN.

Next month we will be testing the CEN Racing CST 7.7 Nitro powered monster truck.

Full Specs:

Dual 14.4V high power electric motors
Low-mounted dual batteries
EIght (8) long-travel shocks
Savage-style TVP chassis
HPI GT speed controller (14.4V)
Safety-protected reverse
GT Escape charger (with DC12V ADAPTER)
Dual Batteries (HPI GT 7.2V 3300mAh/2pcs)
Specifications:
Length: 455mm (17.91in)
Width: 363mm (14.29in) 0
Wheelbase: 293mm (11.54in)
Tire Size: 138x70mm (5.4x2.8in)
Weight: 9lbs

#507 E-SAVAGE WITH BAJA TT BODY - MSRP - $619.00

Source:

HPI Racing USA
70 Icon Street
Foothill Ranch, CA 92610 USA
Phone: (949) 753-1099
Fax: (949) 753-1098
Website: www.hpiracing.com