Helion’s line of affordable RTRs has been joined by another 1/12 scale entry with the Contakt 12TR, which dresses a 2WD platform with truggy styling. Just like the other 1/12 scale cars in their lineup, the Contakt packs a lot of value into a small package at a low price. A 2.4GHz radio system controls a water-resistant electronics package, and there’s no skimping on the included battery; it’s a high-capacity (for its size) LiPo, and there’s even a balance charger and charging bag included. All you need to add are four AA batteries, and the Contakt is ready to go directly from box to back yard.
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
It didn’t take long to get the Contakt out of the box and ready for action. The partially charged LiPo battery only took about a half hour before it was fully charged with the included charger. Once the Contakt was ready to go, I put it down on the tarmac and ripped on the throttle and it took off with authority. The Contakt has strong acceleration, especially on high-traction surfaces. Top speed is a GPS-confirmed 18.3mph, and it was easy to pop wheelies by rolling backward with reverse then blasting full throttle. The Contakt’s tires have lots of grip on asphalt and it is very reactive to steering inputs, enough to traction-roll. The little truck proved to be pretty resilient, and came back for more despite a few hard tumbles. On the dirt, the Contakt still exhibited a good amount of traction despite the tire tread’s wide-and-flat lug design. The front end gets light under power which contributes to understeer while accelerating, but once the front tires are on the ground and at speed, the Contakt turns exceptionally well as it moves from obstacle to obstacle. The Contakt doesn’t mind airtime and the truck flies nice and level, but hard landings can bottom-out the shocks and slap the chassis. The friction dampers do an adequate job soaking up small bumps and imperfections, but the Contakt tends to bounce and bottom out in very rough terrain. Since the Contakt is a 1/12-scale truck, I didn’t expect it to get over all the obstacles a 1/10 scale (or larger) car would. On surfaces appropriate for its size, it’s an excellent fun-runner.
PLUS
• LiPo battery and balance charger included
• Responsive handling
• Water resistant electronics
MINUS
• Friction shocks give a bouncy ride
Final Word
The Helion Contakt delivers a lot for about $150 bucks. Its user-friendliness makes it easy for a first-time driver to get a feel for the wheel, and the reduced-power settings are especially helpful for little guys. Responsive handling makes the Contakt fun to rip on and off road, and its 1/12 scale size offers easy portability for anytime RC action.
SPECIFICATIONS
Item no: HLNA0545
Scale: 1/12
Price: $155
Wheelbase: 9.8 in (250mm)
Length: 16.5 in. (420mm)
Width: 8.1 in. (205mm)
Height: 5.6 in. (143mm)
Weight: 2.0 lbs. (907g)
CHASSIS
Type: Tub
Material: Plastic
SUSPENSION
Type F/R: Front and rear H-arm with fixedlength
camber link
Inboard camber link position (F/R): 1/1
Outboard camber-link positions (F/R): 1/1
Shock positions, towers (F/R): 1/1
Shock positions, arms (F/R): 2/2
SHOCKS
Bodies: Plastic, friction type
Shafts: 2.5mm steel
DRIVETRAIN
Type/ratio: 2WD enclosed gearbox
Differential: Sealed bevel gear
Driveshafts: Plastic dogbones
Bearings: Metal shielded in gearbox, oilite bushings on axles
WHEELS & TIRES
Wheels: Black spoke with 12mm hex
Tires: Helion all-terrain
INCLUDED ELECTRONICS
Transmitter: Helion HRSS-2.1 2.4GHz
Speed control/receiver: Helion 2-in-1 combination unit
Motor: Helion 390RR brushed
Battery: Helion 1500mAh 2S 7.4V LiPo
Charger: Helion AC LiPo balance, 0.5amp
REQUIRES
4 AA batteries for transmitter