Review: FMS FCX10 Chevrolet K5 Blazer
What happens when an R/C brand known for making beautiful scale radio-controlled cars and trucks makes a run at a polycarbonate-bodied rig? Well, you get the FCX10 Chevy K5 Blazer from FMS. A blend of scale detail and trail-ready performance that packs in more features than one might know what to do with, this 1/10-scale R/C trail truck has quite a bit going for it.
Thank you to the folks at FMS for providing me with an FCX10 to review. Let's dig into the details of this radio-controlled truck to see whether it's worthy of a spot in your R/C garage.
What's Included with the FMS FCX10 Chevrolet K5 Blazer:
- 1 FCX10 Chevy K5 Blazer
- 1 2.4GHz, 11-channel Radio Transmitter
- 1 Instruction Manual
- 1 Rear Cap*
- 4 Inner Fenders*
* These items were included with my review model but may be additional add-on items.
The Body and Body Details:
FMS has ABS hardbody R/C trucks down to a science. While performance may vary based on the model, you can't deny that they are visually stunning. That said, the FCX10 ushers in a unique era for FMS, introducing a 1/10-scale polycarbonate body into its mix of hard plastic-clad radio-controlled machines.
The FCX10 has all the makings of a great-looking truck. While some proportions and measurements might not be exact to the 1:1 Chevy K5 Blazer, I feel it does a good enough job of recreating this classic, square-body 4x4.
The body mounts to the chassis with downward-facing body posts that connect to mounting holes. Push-to-release tabs keep the body in place, making this system a welcome change from traditional body post and body clip systems. The body mounting system is a bit stiff at first, but the more you use it, the easier the body is to remove and attach.
Even though this is a polycarbonate body, FMS has done a solid job with its design, balancing durability and scale detail to appease fans of performance and visual appeal. ABS-plastic bits such as front and rear bumpers, grille, side mirrors, and door handles are just some of the body accessories you'll find sprinkled throughout the K10's lid.
The bed of the K5 Blazer body is open and deep enough to allow for custom scale accessories to be added. A nylon roll bar is pre-mounted in the bed, which can accept LED light buckets included with the FCX10. A rear cap and mounting components are also available for those who want to give their Blazer an enclosed back end.
There are three body color options: black, orange, and brown. Each body color has its own unique side decals or pinstriping and colored rear cap. The black model I received to review has a black cap, which I have yet to attach.
No FMS model, no matter its scale, would be complete without LED lights. The FCX10 is no exception and features headlights, taillights, and turn signals for added realism. While most pre-lit 1/10-scale models use white LED lights in the headlight area, FMS has equipped the FCX10 with warm, yellowish lights that are more period-correct to this style of Chevy Blazer.
The Electronics (Motor, Radio, Servos, and ESC):
As eye-catching as the FCX10 is on the outside, it also has some impressive components on the inside. Let's kick things off with the radio system. The FCX10 includes a multi-channel receiver and 11-channel transmitter. If you're used to a 2 or 3-channel radio system, the jump to 11 might seem like a lot—and it is. FMS has thrown quite a few goodies at this truck, ranging from a two-speed transmission and remote locking-unlocking diffs to dig mode and remote drag brake adjustment.
While it's nice to have all of those features (and then some), they can add complexity and ultimately lead to potential breakage down the road. Fortunately, I haven't encountered any issues with any of the many included electronic components on the FCX10, and I hope that holds true for quite some time.
The transmitter has a good feel in the hand, and its various buttons, knobs, and switches are relatively easy to memorize and access when you need to make adjustments or activate settings. For a complete rundown of all eleven channels, check out my FCX10 Transmitter Overview video.
The FCX10 is powered by a 550-size brushed motor that offers plenty of power in both low and high gear settings. I'll dive into the performance later in the review, but I found it to be on par with other 1/10-scale models that I've driven in the past, so I have no complaints there.
Not to anyone's surprise, the steering servo could use a bit more power, but that's an easy enough fix that won't involve too much time or money. The other various shifting and support servos all feel snappy enough, but those, too, may benefit from an overhaul, depending on how much you'll be relying on the many driver comfort features that the FCX10 offers.
The Chassis:
The FCX10's chassis is laid out much like the other 1/10-scale trail trucks on the market. A ladder-frame chassis with metal C-channel rails serves as the primary foundation for this truck. Metal steering and chassis links provide the truck with durability and steady performance, and oil-filled shocks give this truck a smooth ride over bumps and obstacles.
The truck has plenty of suspension travel and articulation to maneuver through standard trail situations, and its portal axles offer additional ground clearance to help ensure you won't get hung up often.
Tires & Wheels:
I found the FCX10's tires to be quite grippy. They have no problem holding traction on the trail or while crawling over a range of obstacles. They are an original FMS design, so if you're going for scale realism, you may want to upgrade your tires (and your wheels, for that matter).
The FCX10 rolls on one-piece plastic wheels with a chrome finish. They look great, and I wouldn't mind running them with another set of tires. However, there's a downside. The wheels are glued to the tires. An actual beadlock wheel would be preferred, but for what they are, these aren't a bad set of RTR wheels and tires.
Performance:
The appearance of this rig is one thing, but the big question is how well it performs. In my outdoor adventures with the FCX10, I've found it a capable and incredibly fun rig to wheel. Overall performance stacks up well compared with other 1/10-scale models, and the plethora of features that are packed into this truck provide plenty of options if you find yourself in a tough spot.
The two-speed transmission and locking and unlocking diffs worked well during standard cruising and while crawling over a few obstacles. Coupled with the impressive traction of the tires, this truck did very well during its voyages.
How Does the FMS FCX10 Chevrolet K5 Blazer Stack Up to the Competition?
With plenty of 1/10-scale crawlers on the market and many great choices, where would I place the FCX10 among its competitors? Strictly from a feature standpoint, I'd rank it relatively high. It has many of the same features found on "premium" models like the Traxxas TRX-4, Axial's SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7, and Redcat's Gen9.
It also ranks pretty high for overall appearance. Blending injection-molded parts with a durable polycarbonate body, this truck has quite a bit of visual appeal and, again, would hold its own against similarly detailed models (I'm thinking of the TRX-4, Gen9, and SCX10 III here, as well).
With more features than some models and solid performance, it's one of the top five R/C trail trucks I've driven.
What's the Verdict?
As I've stated several times throughout this review, several 1/10-scale R/C crawlers and trail trucks are on the market today. The FCX10 strikes a solid balance between visual style and performance, making it an attractive option for anyone looking to get into the crawling scene (or add to their collection of radio-controlled vehicles).
Another feature that the FCX10 has in its favor is its price. For $399.99, you can get a solid-performing R/C truck that has plenty of goodies right out of the box and plenty of runway for upgrades and customization.
It may not have the same parts availability coverage as some of its competitors, but FMS does have a solid array of replacement and option parts for this model, and other aftermarket R/C brands have hopped aboard the FCX10 train as well.
Between the price, performance, and appearance, the FCX10 is a good option for R/C trail truck enthusiasts to consider.
FMS FCX10 Specs:
- Dimensions (mm): 548 x249 x 285
- Wheel Base (mm): 324
- Tire Size (mm): D46 x W120
- Ground Clearance: 89 mm
- Approach Angle: 58°
- Departure Angle: 48°
- Motor: 550 Brushed Motor
- Recommended Battery: 2S Lipo 7.4V 2000mAh XT60 plug x1
- Battery Compartment: 140 x 47 x 30mm
- Radio Control: 2.4GHz 11CH Radio Control System
- Radio Control Distance: 150m
- Price: $399.99
Watch my Overview of the FMS FCX10 Chevrolet K5 Blazer:
Where to Buy the FMS FCX10 Chevrolet K5 Blazer:
If you want to add this rig to your R/C garage, here are a few places to buy it. Please note that some of these are affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra cost to you, which helps support rcnewb.com.
