Micro Mayhem: Hobby Plus Speck-B vs. Losi Micro-B – Which Tiny Terror Takes the Crown?
Micro Mayhem: Hobby Plus Speck-B vs. Losi Micro-B – Which Tiny Terror Takes the Crown?
The world of micro RC buggies offers immense fun in a compact package, allowing you to race in your living room, garage, or even a small backyard track. Two contenders stand out in this miniature arena: the Hobby Plus Speck-B and the Losi Micro-B. Both offer thrilling performance, but they cater to slightly different preferences and driving styles.
If you're torn between these tiny titans, read on as we break down what makes each buggy special and help you decide which one belongs in your pit crew!
Hobby Plus Speck-B: The Feature-Packed Challenger
The Hobby Plus Speck-B has quickly gained a reputation for punching above its weight, delivering an impressive array of features typically found in larger, more expensive models.
Key Strengths of the Speck-B:
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Advanced Suspension: Praised for its smooth, oil-filled shock absorbers, the Speck-B offers superior dampening and handling over varied surfaces. This translates to more stable jumps and better traction through rough patches.
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Metal Gear Differentials: A significant durability upgrade, metal gears in the differentials mean less worry about stripped gears during intense bashing sessions or competitive racing.
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Brushless Ready: With an adaptive micro motor plate and brushless ready 2in1 ESC you can easily upgrade without the need of a new receiver, transmitter, or platform specific electronics.
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Solid Construction: Perceived as robust for its size, offering good resilience against impacts.
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Included Components: Comes with a full-function 2.4GHz radio system, battery, and charger, making it a true Ready-to-Run (RTR) package.
- Cost: The Speck-B offers incredible value at only $99.99 USD
Who is the Speck-B For?
The Hobby Plus Speck-B is ideal for the enthusiast who wants full size hobby-grade features and tunability in a micro package. If you enjoy tweaking your suspension, appreciate durable components, and want a buggy that can perform exceptionally on a variety of indoor and light outdoor terrains, the Speck-B is a fantastic choice. It's a great platform for those looking to get serious about micro racing.
Losi Micro-B: The Classic Contender
The Losi Micro-B has been a staple in the micro RC scene for years, building a loyal following thanks to its simplicity, speed, and aftermarket support.
Key Strengths of the Micro-B:
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Pure Speed (with upgrades): Out of the box, the Micro-B is quick. With a brushless motor upgrade, it transforms into an absolute rocket, delivering exhilarating top-end speed. However the platform specific motor setup gives you less brushless options to chose from than the Speck-B.
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Vast Aftermarket Support: Being a long-standing model, the Micro-B boasts an extensive range of aftermarket parts and upgrades. This means you can customize almost every aspect of the buggy, from chassis components to exotic materials. We recommend looking at the Bermco RC Parts Micro-B upgrades HERE.
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Simplicity: Its design is straightforward, making it easy to maintain and repair. This can be a huge plus for beginners or those who prefer less complexity.
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Proven Design: A tried-and-true platform that has stood the test of time and countless laps.
Who is the Micro-B For?
The Losi Micro-B is perfect for the driver who values outright speed (especially after major upgrades) and wants a highly customizable platform. If you love the idea of building up a micro rocket, exploring a huge aftermarket, and having a nimble, responsive buggy for fast-paced action, the Micro-B is an excellent foundation. It's also a great entry point for those who prioritize ease of maintenance and a vast community.
The Verdict: Which Micro is Right for You?
| Feature/Characteristic | Hobby Plus Speck-B | Losi Micro-B |
| Out-of-Box Performance | Excellent, more refined suspension | Good, snappy acceleration |
| Durability | Strong, especially with metal diffs | Good, vast aftermarket for upgrades |
| Value | Excellent, $99.99 price tag | Good, $129.99 |
| Speed Potential | Very good | Very good |
| Aftermarket Support | Growing, but less extensive than Losi | Vast, mature |
| Ideal For | Enthusiasts wanting hobby-grade features, refined handling | Speed freaks, customizers, simplicity |
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Choose the Hobby Plus Speck-B if: You want a great-performing micro buggy with advanced features like threaded oil-filled shocks and metal gears right out of the box, offering a more refined driving experience without immediate upgrades.
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Choose the Losi Micro-B if: You're looking for a simple, fast platform with enormous upgrade potential, a massive aftermarket, and you don't mind investing in a few upgrades to truly unlock its full speed capabilities.
Ultimately, both the Hobby Plus Speck-B and the Losi Micro-B promise endless fun. Your choice comes down to whether you prefer a more feature-rich, refined experience from the get-go (Speck-B) or a highly customizable, speed-focused platform with deep aftermarket support (Micro-B).
Whichever you choose, get ready for some serious micro mayhem!