OFNA Hyper 7 Pro

Radio Control Car Action, Oct 2001 by Hastings, Bob

Trinity Monster Horsepower 25% nitro fuel

I've long been a believer in Monster Horsepower fuel. The 25-percent nitro content is a nice compromise between the demands of race and play, so it has become my primary blend.

OFNA/Picco 0-1.21 After watching another 1/8 scale fly with the 0-1 OFNA/Picco engine, I had a very short "short list" of engine choices. After following the break-in Instructions, I'm happy to say that this 0-1 delivered a repeat performance. The powerplant has good low-end grunt and quickly winds up to full song.

OFNA/MDP 1000mAh NiMH receiver pack

The Hyper 7 Pro comes ready to accommodate a straight 5-cell rechargeable pack, Six volts provide optimum servo response, and the 1000mAh pack has the power to get you through the long Mains.

PERFORMANCE

I had planned to sneak out for some private track time because truthfully, I'm more adept at wheeling lAo-scale trucks. My seclusion lasted only about 10 minutes, though, as the crackle from the OFNA/Picco 0-1 quickly gave me away. The stock pins and soft foam inserts weren't the best choice for the freshly groomed dirt, but they did little to slow the Hyper 7. The car is well balanced in the air, and its overall well-mannered demeanor had me up to speed by the time Steve and Kevin joined me to offer their "constructive" critiques. I had the most fun blasting down the main straight and then taking full advantage of the quad-disc brakes. During each lap, I advanced my braking point farther down the track, awed (terrified) by the ease with which the Hyper 7 Pro spooled up to full speed and then decelerated. I found the car to be much more forgiving then I had expected; even after entering comers completely out of shape, the chassis seemed to know what my original plan was. During my second tank of fuel around the circuit, lap times increased noticeably, so I pulled in for further inspection. The adjustment nuts for the brakes pads were a little tight, which caused the brakes to drag, so I let things cool down before I took the car out again. We refired the engine, and I passed the transmitter to the guys for their respective input. Both agreed that the Hyper 7 Pro is certainly easy to drive.

THE VERDICT

For 1/8-scale competition, the chassis is very forgiving and durable; it's ideal for folks who want to graduate from .12- to .15-powered 1/10-scale trucks to the power of a .21 engine. The Hyper 7 has enough flex to come back smiling from skirmishes with the boards while you're climbing the learning curve. I've put it through a few inverted landings and cartwheels during my 1/8-scale education and am pleased to report that the comer marshals tire out before the Hyper 7 does. Overall the car is fun, predictable, durable and yes-good-looking, too. OFNA recognizes that all hobbyists lust after aluminum and graphite goodies and, therefore, didn't spare any of the trick stuff on the Hyper 7 Pro. It's a good learning tool that can probably get you to the podium, too.

SOURCE GUIDE

AIRTRONICS

1185 Stanford Ct., Anaheim, CA 92805; (714) 978-1895; fax (714) 978-1540; www.airtronics.net.