Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10
Pros
- Ready To Race
- Value
- Fast & Fun!
- Extra Battery Included
- Wall Charger Included
Cons
- External On/Off Switch
Welcome back everyone! Up next is a full Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review.
Update: 10/01/19
Redact Is no longer making the Cyclone XB10. It has been replaced by the Redcat Racing Piranha XTR10. The Piranha Is another super cool RC from Redcat. We have already done a full review of the Piranha.
Redcat Piranha Review
Update: 1/o6/19 – Best Buy Is No Longer Carrying The XB10. We have contacted Redcat Racing and they assured us they will still be making the XB10 and will notify us as to when and where it will be available for purchase. We will update you the minute we receive any and all info!
In the meantime, please feel free to browse the site for some of the other awesome RC vehicles we have reviewed.
We have taken the Cyclone XB10 out for the first few times and we are very happy to say that we are not disappointed in the least!
As of right now, we have no problem calling the Cyclone XB10 the best RC in the under $200 range.
In this Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review, we will delve into the things we like about it and what we didn’t like.
So without further ado, let’s kick the tires and pop open the hood on the XB10.
P.S. If you’re willing to give up a little speed for some awesome 4×4 off – road capabilities for around the same price, don’t forget to Check Out Our Redcat Racing Volcano EPX 4×4 Review before you go. 🙂
Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review – Product Overview
The Cyclone XB10 by Redcat Racing is designed to be an all terrain, any weather RC buggy that delivers hobby grade performance at a price most hobby enthusiasts can afford.
The XB10 cruises nicely over just about every terrain we have drove it over and hasn’t shied away from the jumps either.
Four wheel independent suspension with fully adjustable oil filled shocks give the XB10 good control and stability off-road and a nice smooth ride on the road.
The Cyclone XB10 comes ready to run right out of the box with speeds easily topping the 20+ MPH claim stated on the box
So far, the XB10’s claim of being waterproof have held true. As you will see in the video at the end of this review, we have already put it through some pretty tough off-roading with plenty of water and mud.
Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Features
Cyclone XB10 Controller
The Cyclone XB10 comes with a nice 2.4 GHz controller.
This is a true hobby grade controller that allows for precision movement and speed control at great distances.
The feel of the controller is very nice with a cushioned wheel for steering. It’s not heavy so your arm and hand won’t get tired, but it’s not light and cheap feeling. Feels like a very well made sturdy controller, with positive stops on the trigger and wheel.
The controller has a trim knob for adjusting minor alignment issues and a nice trigger that has forward, reverse and brakes.
One unique feature is the option button for reverse steering. This allows you to steer the car while in reverse the same way you would when going forward. This freaked me out a little the first time I drove it because it was in reverse mode and I didn’t know it!
All in all, the controller for the XB10 is professional and easy to use.
Cyclone XB10 Motor
The Cyclone XB10 comes standard with the brushed RC540 motor.
The XB10 leaves plenty of room for upgrades if you want to.
The max battery capability would be 7.2 volt 5800mAH NiMH.
If you want to go LIPO, the max battery would be 7.4 volt 2S 5000mAH 20C.
You can also upgrade to a brush-less motor if you really want to increase top speeds.
But here’s what we found:
Right out of the box, the XB10 was hitting 25 MPH with no problem. For an RC that cost right around $150, this is phenomenal speed.
The motor supplied plenty of power for climbing hills and powering down muddy, wet trails.
Cyclone XB10 Batteries
The XB10 comes with 2, fully rechargeable 7.2 volt 2000mAH NiMH batteries!
The batteries come with a 2A fast charger that plugs right into your standard wall outlet. It does not come with a quick charger for the car, but I honestly like having the home charger better if I could only have one or the other.This way I know the batteries are ready to go when I am.
We did pick up a quick charger to keep with us when we’re out in the field. This way we can keep the fun going for as long as possible.
Here’s the breakdown on what we got from the batteries:
- Run Time With Full Charge: 15 – 20 Minutes, Depending On Terrain
- Charge Time In Home: 1 – 1.5 Hours
- Charge Time In Car: 45 Minutes – 1 Hour
When you get where your going and the first battery runs out, put it on the quick charger and it will be ready to go in about an hour. With the 2 battery packs and car charger, we can usually spend the whole day doing what we love to do…R/C’n!
Cyclone XB10 Waterproof Electronics
The XB10 comes with a completely waterproof 2 in 1 ESC/Receiver.
Each battery is completely encased and sealed in its own pack.
All the connections form a tight waterproof seal. When you change batteries, be sure to push the connectors completely back together to avoid letting water in.
Now I do not suggest leaving the buggy completely under water! It’s not a submarine, it’s an off-road buggy. 🙂
We have driven the XB10 through a lot of water, snow and mud with no problems so far.
Do yourself and your buggy a favor. After you get home and wash off all the fun and mud, be kind and at least towel dry it off.
Tough & Fun!
Right out of the box, the Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 has a real tough look to it.
The stance is mean and low to the ground. The look it gives almost begs you to try and break it!
We have taken turns dishing out some pretty severe punishment and so far the XB10 has held up very well.
At this price range, we really weren’t sure what to expect. But the absolute fun we have experienced far exceeded our expectations.
If you’re looking for true, affordable, hobby grade fun, then we highly recommend giving the XB10 a try!
Range
One of the first things we did was check out what kind of range we could get out of the XB10.
Here’s what we found:
At around 450′ we saw slight hesitation with the controls.
We didn’t lose full control until a very impressive 600’+!
This is the type of range we typically find in RC’s with a much bigger price tag.
Well done Redcat!
Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review – Any Drawbacks?
We are not complainers by nature.
When we do a review, we feel that it is our responsibility to give you the pros as well as the cons of the vehicle.
When we point out cons, it does not mean we are bashing the vehicle, it means we are giving you the best review we can.
That being said, the XB10 is one of the best RC’s under $200 that we have ever seen.
One minor issue we discovered while bashing the XB10 was that the on/off switch would occasionally be moved by brush and weeds running along side the buggy.
It didn’t happen often, but we placed a small piece of tape over the switch to prevent it from happening.
If you’re not going to be out in the woods, you won’t have a problem at all. We just wanted to bring it to your attention so you don’t panic if it happens to you. If the buggy quits working, make sure you check the on/off switch first.
Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review – The Bottom Line
For the price of this RC, we were extremely impressed with the performance we got.
If you’re looking for the best RC in the under $200 range, we feel that the Cyclone XB10 will leave you with little to be desired.
With speeds of 20+ MPH, 4 wheel independent suspension, oil filled adjustable shocks, awesome off-road capability and 600’+ range, we have no problem recommending the XB10 as our top pick for RC’s under $200.
The Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 is no longer available at Best Buy. We are in contact with Redcat and will give updates asap.
Click the button below for pricing info on other Redcat Racing RC vehicles.
We hope you enjoyed this Redacat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review.
If you have any questions or concerns, please leave a message below, or hit the contact tab in the menu and we will be more than happy to help.
Thanks for stopping by & happy off-roading!
~R/C Insiders
Looks like an awesome amount of fun. And the details you provided about the construction, Adjustable oil-filled shocks, controller feels substantial, battery charge and discharge times in actual usage, really help to make the decision to buy or not.
I’ve never owned an R/C and have been toying with the idea of having something like that around when my grand kids come over.
Thanks for the information!
Jim
You’re welcome Jim!
We are glad you enjoyed the Redcat Racing XB10 Review.
What a great idea for the grand kids. You will be the greatest grandpa ever. 🙂
Be careful though Jim! Having the Cyclone XB10 around will likely turn you into an R/C hobbyist. Before you know it, you will have to build your own R/C room.
Thanks for stopping by Jim and don’t forget to stop back by and let us know how the grand kids like the XB10…And when you’re getting your own. 🙂
~R/C Insiders
I am glad you did a review of the xb10! I am still thinking of getting the R/C for my son and the price tag of this is more of my comfort zone. The rating you gave it makes me comfortable and for about $150, it’s really do-able and affordable 🙂
I am not that bothered about the on/off switch being on the outside and that it can be moved. My simple solution would be to put a bit of duck tape over it while in use. LOL.
Awesome Dinha!
We are glad you enjoyed the Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 review. 🙂
We have been bashing the XB10 for a few weeks and I must admit that I am very impressed so far.
This is one of the best deals we have found in this price range. We absolutely love that it comes with a 2nd battery. With the 2 batteries, we are able to hit the trails for a couple hours and have a great time.
We have gotten the XB10 full of mud, ice, snow and brought it home for a complete wash down with the hose. After several bash and wash adventures, the XB10 fires right up and runs like new, so we feel confident about it being waterproof.
The only time we had issues with the switch was running through tall grass and sticks. If you will be running that kind of terrain, the tape will do the trick.
The XB10 gives you some very affordable, hobby grade fun Dinha.
We have no problem recommending this RC for your son. We think he is going to love it!
Thanks for stopping by ~R/C Insiders
The Redcat racing cyclone XB10 looks pretty amazing! Just even by looking at it you can determine that it’s a fine peace of gear.
It’s great that it can go long ranges without losing connection. Being waterproof is a significant advantage for it also. It can compete in dirty, wet and muddy tracks. It deserves all the 9.7 points!!
Hey Tyler!
Glad you enjoyed the Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Review
The Cyclone is still running strong after months of some pretty intense bashing without any repairs.
We feel completely confident with the Cyclone and we are very happy with our purchase.
Thanks for stopping by Tyler and do let us know if you need a hand with anything.
Happy off-roading! ~RC Insiders
Thanks for the review. Does this have any kind of traction control or stability management? I’m just concerned with the real wheel drive and the tendancy to be tail happy.
Hey Steve,
Other than the stock shocks and suspension, the is no special traction control or stability management on the xb10.
If you are concerned with traction, I would suggest you consider Red Cat’s Volcano. The Volcano is an awesome 4×4 monster truck RC for around the same price as the xb10.
Check Out Our Red Cat Volcano Review Here
We have enjoyed both of these RC’s, but the Volcano definitely opens up a lot more off – road adventures 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and please do stop back by any time.
Happy off – roading!
~RC Insiders
How strong is the drivetrain? Steel diffs/chunky outdrives? Can it handle brushless?
Does it use bearings throughout?
Hey Beomagi,
The drive train is very strong. The differential is a plastic casing with all metal gears.
Yes, it will absolutely handle brushless and it is already capable of handling LiPo as well if you’re really looking to scream. 🙂
Bearings are used throughout, including wheels and diff.
Are you looking to build a comp race car, or just build one heck of an awesome basher?
The Cyclone XB10 is already awesome right out of the box, but there is definitely plenty of upgrades available.
Absolutely one of the best values we have found for a hobby grade R/C.
Let us know if you need any help with anything
Thanks for stopping by ~RC Insiders
Did you upgrade to a brushless? Thoughts?
Hey Ryan!
No, we never upgraded the XB 10.
Always been happy with it stock, but will definitely throw a project at it sometime! 🙂
Did you?
Thanks for stopping by
#RCInsiders
Thanks for the article. My son and I have been having a blast with the xb10. Yes it Slides around a lot on gravel with the rear wheel drive but it still is a blast to do that. I believe we are getting 10-15 minutes per battery and it goes by too fast. I’m going to try to upgrade to LiPo 2s 7.4 to extend the run time. Apparently just need to move the switch in the speed control to LiPo mode. It’s plenty fast and runs at the right speed in my opinion. Just trying to get more fun time in! We’ll see.
Awesome to hear you and your son are enjoying some quality time together with the Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 Rob!
This is still one of our favorite RC’s and we try to get it out on the trails at least once a week. 🙂
If you are going to switch to LiPo, keep in mind that you are going to need a whole new charger as well.
Upgrading to LiPo will definitely increase speed, but won’t give you much more run time, if any.
If your main goal is just to increase run time, I suggest you upgrade to a 3800 – 5000 MA MiMH battery and save yourself the expense of a new charging system.
You will get a slight power increase, but you will get a big increase in run time.
Here’s a link to the one we got – https://amzn.to/2BWmJJr
It’s been a great battery so far.
Thanks for stopping by Rob and happy off – roading!!!
Let us know if we can help with anything.
~RC Insiders
oops! Appreciate the recommendation. I read it too late!
That said, I ended up putting in a LIPO 2S 50C 7.4V 5200 MAH (2 for $50), changed the speed control to LIPO by moving the connector as displayed on the speed control, and picked up a new Charger keenstone C1-XR.($50)
So: 2 CARS were $150 and $100 in batteries and chargers. just a fantastic value I think. Could have saved $50 if I looked at your response first! LIPOS are a bit lighter though but also a bit more dangerous from what I have read.(charging in an old metal ammo box to be safe).
battery life is now incredible and I notice the power boost. Haven’t timed it yet but thinking I am getting 30 minutes or so per charge. Highly recommend upgrading the battery for anyone that is using the stock battery if you are getting frustrated with the runtime.
Just in time for the long labor day weekend!
Thanks Jeremy!
Awesome Rob!
Absolutely a fantastic value.
LiPo’s are much safer than they were a few years ago, but I still never charge them unsupervised 🙂
Great idea keeping them in the box.
I hope you guys enjoy your Redcat Racing Cyclone XB10 for years to come.
If you ever need a hand with anything, just drop us a reply and we will be glad to talk R/C with ya’ any time.
If you have any pics with the XB10 you would like to share on the site, let us know. We would love to see them!
Thanks for stopping by & Happy Off – Roading 🙂
~RC Insiders
Just picked one up on Best Buy website for $74.99… For a hobby grade 1/10 RC, wow!
Awesome Monte!
That my friend is what I call a steal!!
Best Buy is no longer stocking them and I’m still awaiting word from RedCat Racing on whether or not they are still making them. I will let everyone know as soon as I get word.
Happy bashing! 🙂
#RCInsiders
Just following back up on this thread. I have had two of the xb10s for about 8 months now. We have put these through a lot and so far so good. I have had to replace the plastic spur gear once running on the lipo 2s with the 540 and blew out original 540 motor. I also broke a shock. Red cat was super helpful and sent me replacement parts quickly. I could not find a metal replacement spur gear and honestly the 540 with the 2s lipo is too fast on dirt or gravel. More drifting than turning. Maybe different on pavement.
I’ve tried two different motors to get the car to the right speed. I’m convinced the crawler 35T 540 is the right motor for this car. We get incredible battery life and the car isn’t too fast for its own good. I just now purchased a third car on eBay and will be putting the 35T in it as well. The motor is $13 on amazon. Rc4wd 35t crawler.
Anyone add lights yet?
Loving the car
Just picked this up at a local thrift shop, new in box with an additional charger, 50% off = $34, awesome!!
Any recommendations on “plug and play” brushless motors that won’t require other parts to be changed? Looking to increase speed, hoping to be 35+mph.
RCR still lists this as a “current vehicle” any word on them bringing it back?
WOW! What a score bro!!
I will look into this and get back with you. Usually switching to a brushless motor will require a brushless ESC upgrade. This is a pretty easy project & shouldn’t be too expensive. I’ll get you a couple links.
Congrats on that score man!!
Thanks for stopping by & happy bashing!
#RCInsiders
Hey Ryan,
Can you give me an idea of a budget you have for the brushless motor/esc upgrade?
Some great info here.. have an xb10 myself that I’m looking to upgrade. Bought a 28T pinion gear, but it seems the nut won’t come out of the stock gear. Can’t get the damn thing off, just turns and turns. I have a Lipo 7v 2S battery on the way (with charging bag + Lipo charger). I’d also like to upgrade to larger tires, but I’m not quite sure what would fit. I saw a video on YouTube where someone had Traxxas Summit tires mounted on an XB10 and he said the tires alone made the car faster. Also heavily considering brushless motor + ESC combo. Would appreciate any insights or feedback.. thanks!
Hey Bryan!
The XB 10 is an awesome little buggy right? I really don’t get why Redcat stopped making it!
Anyways…Are you talking about the little tiny grub screw that secures the pinion to the motor shaft?
If so, this is something I’ve had to deal with often, but don’t panic you CAN get it out with a small drill bit, a small allen wrench that you don’t mind ruining & a hammer.
Drill into the grub screw…Just make sure you don’t drill too deep & hit the shaft! Tap the slightly larger allen wrench into the hole you drilled and cautiously loosen the screw. Tapping the wrench in will help loosen any rust/debris as well.
What is your budget for your motor/esc upgrade? Let me know and I’ll try to put you together a good combo & some links 🙂
Nice to meet you.
Thanks for stopping by & happy bashing my friend!!
#RCInsiders
Hi Jeremy,
Thanks for the quick reply! Yep, you guessed it, the tiny grub screw securing the pinion to the shaft. I’ll have to try the steps you listed there… thanks for the advice on that. As for the motor/esc combo, I suppose I don’t really know offhand what my budget would be. I think I’d be willing to spend a decent amount on quality parts. Until I upgrade the motor + ESC, any idea how to set the stock ESC for Lipo? Also, any ideas on what size tires I could upgrade to? Thanks again!
Hey Bryan,
Sorry for the late reply. Things kinda crazy out there!
To switch the ESC to accommodate LIPO, you have to remove the 2 screws holding the esc cover & lift the plate.
There should be a small diagram on the top that shows the configuration for LIPO.
There is a small chip that you need to move onto the small prongs per the diagram. You may need a small pair of needle nose pliers. It’s likely going to be slightly difficult to remove since you have never switched it before. Just take it slow & you should be fine.
I’ll get back with you on some tires & a couple options for motor/esc as soon as I can 🙂
Happy bashing brother!
We also have a YouTube channel you may wanna check out – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHtN1NtMk5yeK5hksiyxydQ
Try to do something fun every week.
~Jeremy
Hey Bryan,
Here’s 2 brushless combos that will work for the Xb10:
https://amzn.to/2VaXB8g
https://amzn.to/2yD0pmX
Sweet Wheels!
https://amzn.to/34nHhFB
Thanks for the info and doing the research!
Still looking at the ESC/Motor combos.. haven’t pulled the trigger just yet. I ended up going with these for tires:
The Lipo battery alone made such a noticeable difference in speed!
No problem Bryan!
I don’t mind looking around for RC upgrades, I always end up stumbling upon something that I gotta have 🙂
Let me know if you end up upgrading the motor. We would love to see what you do!
Enjoy your new peppy-er Cyclone 🙂
Happy bashing my friend!!
#RCInsiders