(Re-Edited to 2009 Edition)
Ever since Tomy released their Bit Char-G in 2001, the micro R/C market has exploded to astronomical proportions worldwide. The main reason for their popularity is simply having the fun of playing R/Cs in smaller environments like office spaces or table tops. Many companies have released their own micro R/Cs, but which one is right for you? Here's a short guide to the major brands:
Bit Char-G / R/C MicroSizers (Tomy/Hobbico)
Base Price: US$14.99 (MicroSizers) / US$29.99 (Bit Char-G import)
Currently Own: blue Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (NISMO edition), Castrol Toyota Supra
The one that started it all. Using the same components as cell phones, Bit Char-G simply enables you to charge your car using the controller for 45 seconds for up to five minutes of playing time. Tomy's line of micro R/Cs has numerous custom parts to make your car run faster and hug corners like it's on rails. There are also dozens of body kits to choose from based on popular cars by Honda (S2000 and NSX), Nissan (Skyline, Gloria and 350Z), Mazda (RX-7), Toyota (Supra, Celica and bB), Mitsubishi (EVO) and Subaru (WRX), as well as local buses in Japan. The most recent additions to the lineup include the Volkswagen New Beetle and Mini Cooper S. Future lineups include Porsche and Lamborghini for the Super Bit Char-G series.
The Bit Char-G franchise proved to be so successful that many entertainment franchises jumped in on the bandwagon. Many Bit Char-G toys have been produced for anime/tokusatsu shows like Initial D, Mach Go Go Go (Speed Racer) and Ultraman, as well as hit videogames like Mario Kart and Auto Modelista.
Also available is the Wild Char-G series (released in the U.S. as PowerBrutes), monster trucks that can climb steep inclines and have motorized gimmicks like claws and scoops. This is a hit for kids who are sick of spinning colored tops in a bowl.
If you're a beginner in the micro R/C field, start with this toy line, as it has the most parts and is the easiest to maintain. After all, one million Bit Char-G owners can't go wrong.
NOTE: Following the merger of Tomy and Takara, the Bit Char-G line has been discontinued.
DigiQ (Konami/Takara)
Base Price: US$40.00
Currently Own: None
Not to be outdone by Tomy, Takara came up with their version. Based on the popular Choro-Q toy line and using infra-red technology, DigiQ cars run much faster and have a longer battery life than Bit Char-G cars. The lineup includes Honda (NSX and Integra), Mitsubishi (EVO), Nissan (Skyline, Fairlady Z and March), Subaru (WRX), Toyota (MR-S and AE86 Trueno), Mazda (RX-7), Volkswagen (New Beetle) and Audi (TT). DigiQ even has transporter trucks, tanks and Formula 1 race cars on their list. And like Tomy, Takara also has been licensed to produce a micro R/C of the AE86 Trueno from Initial D.
The only major problem is you have to wait 10 minutes before your car is fully charged. And because they steer using the rear wheels, it's not really easy to control them. Also, unlike Bit Char-G, DigiQ cars lack customization options (unless you have some Choro-Qs on hand and you're good with a hobby knife). Otherwise, if you want a fast and durable micro R/C, pick up a DigiQ.
NOTE: Following the merger of Takara and Tomy, the Digi-Q line has been discontinued.
ZipZaps (RadioShack)
Base Price: US$19.99
Currently Own: black Honda Civic (The Fast and the Furious), green Mitsubishi EVO VII and purple Mitsubishi Eclipse Spyder (2 Fast 2 Furious)
In 2002, RadioShack surprised everyone by jumping into the micro R/C bandwagon with ZipZaps. They even went all out on marketing the R/Cs by having Shaquille O'Neal endorse them (merely to show that he can hold three of them on his hand). Major entertainment franchises include The Fast and the Furious, X2, The Wild Thornberrys and Spongebob Squarepants. They're also the U.S. licensor of Initial D micro R/Cs. (Worst. Ever. )
Much like Bit Char-G, you use the controller to charge ZipZaps for 45 seconds. Aside from Honda (Civic and S2000), Toyota (Supra, AE86 Trueno and AE85 Levin), Mitsubishi (EVO and Eclipse), Nissan (Skyline GT-R and 350Z) and Mazda (RX-7 and RX-, RadioShack has also licensed Ford (Mustang), Chevrolet (Camaro SS and Yenko S/C Camaro), Chrysler (PT Cruiser), Audi (TT), Dodge (Challenger), Jeep (Wrangler), Mercedes-Benz (SL500) and Porsche (911 Turbo). While the brand's lineup is diverse, the designs just aren't as good as Bit Char-G cars. Performance-wise, they're pretty slow (even with the special NX motor) and their handling is truck-like (what's the whole point of Inital D cars that can't drift?). ZipZaps are good for beginners, but you're better off with Bit Char-G.
As of 2008, ZipZaps are now marketed as XMODS Micro RC.
XMODS (RadioShack)
Base Price: US$49.99
Currently Own: Ford Mustang GT (blue), Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 (Black) and Toyota Supra Turbo (Silver).
Just released in late October 2003, XMODS may be RadioShack's ultimate R/C line. The current lineup includes Toyota (Supra Turbo), Nissan (Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II), Acura (RSX Type-S) and Honda (Civic Si). Numerous accessories are available, such as motor upgrades (three for road courses, three for straightaways), tire kits (including foam tires for carpet racing), custom rims (Tenzo, Enkei and Ace), suspension and tie rod upgrades, all-wheel-drive upgrades, LEDs (for night racing), and body kits licensed by BOMEX and Sparco. The only problem with owning an XMOD is the price - $50 gets you the basic kit; building your dream R/C will set you back up to $200 or more. If you can afford it, get one now.
Q-Steer (Takara Tomy)
Base Price: Roughly US$13.00
Currently Own: None yet
Takara Tomy's newest micro R/C line is an evolution of both Bit Char-G and DigiQ. Q-Steer cars feature the same Choro-Q body styles and Digi-Q's IR technology, along with the steering and suspension designs of Bit Char-G. They're also said to be backwards-compatible with Bit Char-G parts as well. Making them even more fun is the ability to use your cell phone or Sony PSP to control them.
Unlike other micro R/Cs, Q-Steer cars are not rechargeable. Instead, the cars and controllers are powered by LR44 watch batteries, which are cheap outside RadioShack.
CAUL (Takara Tomy)
Base Price: Y600
Currently Own: None
CAUL (Car Action Units Line) is Takara Tomy's larger-scale mini R/C line. At 1/38 scale, they're easy to assemble and ridiculously cheap (starting at roughly $5!). Not much in customization, though.
X-Trek (Silverlit)
Base Price: US$29.99
Currently Own: None
I found the X-Trek line at a local Toys 'R' Us. Was also told that they're pretty popular in Europe. X-Trek cars are roughly the size of Bit Char-G while the gun-type controllers are full-size. As with most micro R/Cs, X-Trek cars charge directly through the controller. Car designs include the Enzo Ferrari and Subaru Impreza WRC.
