Are CEN Matrix Trucks good?
 

I read a review for the new CEN Matrix 5MT 1/5th Scale 4x4 Gas veh in RCCarAction, and for the price ($900), it seemed like a great buy. I was just always under the impression that CEN stuff wasn't all that great. I'm not sure why I had that impression, but I do/did.

For the money, that 1/5th scale Matrix seems like a great deal!

There aren't a lot of clips out there of it yet though. This guy has two or three clips, but most are very dimly lit.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r48nZimvKrk

I went to the CEN site to take a look, and there are three models. The MT, Buggy, and Truggy. There are a couple different reviews too, but none of the truggy.

It was this video that sorta made me think twice about wanting one though... and the review that comes up when you go to the Truggy/magazine review. That review confirmed what I feared from this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIPD80QhSRw

That these trucks are nose dive central! Maybe many big trucks like this are, I don't know. But these are jumpers, that's for sure!

alot of things can cause nose dives, its not always the balance, it can be as simple as the way you come off the jump to what shock oil weight and Spring weight you are using.

as for cen, i have never owned one so i really dont know how well the hold up but I'm pretty sure they are just slapping their name on that 1/5 because i have seen it before, just cant remember who's name was on it then

Wow, hilarious typo that I made....

"That these trucks are nose dive central! Maybe many big trucks like this are, I don't know. But these are jumpers, that's for sure!"

I meant to say "but these aren't jumpers, that's for sure".

I get that the set up may be the problem, but every review I've read on these have said that they tend to "nose dive", partially because the truck is super heavy, partially because of set up, and partially due to the nature of the gas motor and clutch not being able to produce enough torque quick enough to make corrections in the air.

That being said... I've seen some big trucks like this make some sweet jumps. I'm in love with the idea of having a gas powered truck and how easy it is to start and keep running. BUT, I'm starting to doubt how much I will love having such a heavy truck. Speed isn't an issue, because for a truck that big, 30mph is plenty fast. I have plenty of fast "big" trucks anyway. I'm just drawn to what these things can plow through, and the idea that you can drive them in the winter without worrying about weird tuning issues such as nitro, or Lipos getting too cold, esc getting wet, etc. I just don't know. I bet I'll end up with a big gas powered truck someday, but which one I have no clue. I'm kinda thinking Savage Flux, then later converting it. Then again, my Losi XXL is plenty big enough, and soon to be brushless.

Hard to say if CEN has just slapped their name on it. That truck looks like many trucks in that class, such as the Redcat or FG's. The mag's didn't indicate that it was anything other than a new design, due to the way the drive shaft goes thru the gas tank, allowing for tons of fuel capacity, and the cool roll cage removal idea. But they said the motor didn't have a "name" on it anywhere, but that it seemed strong.

I don't have experience with CEN's 1/5 trucks but there is some info about them on their forum under New Products, I believe they are another brand with some changes specifically for CEN only and a different motor (not sure what motor it is.). I haven't heard or seen anyone get one of these trucks.

I do have experience with the 1/8 buggy/truggy and own a GST 7.7 and their stuff is built solid. The GST is an awesome truck and is huge, has mega power and jumps amazingly. I had mine out a couple weeks bashing it along with my brothers slash, it looked like an episode of monster jam when I drove over the slash. However their customer support is lacking and the buggy and truggy designs are outdated, the keep promising new stuff, but nothing shows up....

I'd buy a 5t over the cen, it looks scary close to a redcat and they aren't known for there durability ( ala nitrorcx.com) you can usually find a nice 5b or t on eBay for about that price and you can be garaunteed that they are durable and will always have parts support. And to clarify I have a KM baja which is a direct clone of a baja, if you want to try your luck with one like I did they are usually pretty tough.--Josh