BlackZon makes affordable, ready-to-run RC cars and trucks, and the lineup has grown fast: Spryte, Slyder, Smyter, Vyper, plus Turbo versions of most of them. The names are easy to mix up. This guide explains what each model is, what the letters and "Turbo" mean, which one fits which driver, and which batteries and parts go with each.
How BlackZon names its models
The first word is the model family, which mostly tells you the size. The letters after it tell you the body style:
- MT: monster truck, with big tires for grass and jumps.
- ST: stadium truck, lower and quicker, good on dirt and pavement.
- SC: short course truck, with a full-coverage body that protects the wheels.
- DT / DB: desert truck and desert buggy styles.
- RX: rally car, great on pavement, gravel and dirt roads.
Turbo means the brushless version, with a stronger, faster motor. Non-Turbo models are brushed, which makes them smoother and easier to control for young or first-time drivers. All BlackZon models covered here are 4WD.
Spryte: 1/20 scale, the smallest and easiest
The Spryte is a compact 1/20 scale truck that fits a backyard, driveway or even a basement. It comes as the Spryte MT monster truck and the Spryte ST stadium truck, plus Turbo versions. It's a good first RC for kids, and a fun second car for adults who want something to run in a small space.
Battery: Spryte Turbo models use the 7.4V 600mAh Li-Ion pack. Parts: Spryte MT, Spryte ST, Spryte MT Turbo and Spryte ST Turbo parts.
Slyder: 1/16 scale, the all-rounder
The Slyder is a step up in size and speed. At 1/16 scale it's big enough to handle grass and gravel, but still light and easy to carry. The Slyder MT Turbo and Slyder ST Turbo are 2S brushless, and quick enough to keep an adult entertained.
Batteries: brushed Slyder MT and ST models use the 7.4V 800mAh Li-Ion pack. Slyder Turbo models use the 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo.
Vyper: short course and rally
The Vyper family covers two styles. The Vyper SC is a short course truck, and its full body and bumpers make it tough in crashes. The brushed Vyper SC is an easy-driving starter, and the Vyper SC Turbo is a 1/16 scale 2S brushless version. The Vyper RX is a 1/16 rally car, in brushed (Vyper RX) and brushless (Vyper RX Turbo) versions, and it's at its best on pavement and dirt roads.
Parts: Vyper SC and Vyper SC Turbo parts, including the 2840 3800KV brushless motor, center drive shaft and cups and diff outdrive cups.
Smyter: 1/12 scale, the biggest
The Smyter is the largest BlackZon, at 1/12 scale, in MT, DT and DB body styles. The bigger size handles rough ground, tall grass and jumps better than the smaller models. The Smyter DT Turbo is the brushless version for drivers who want real speed.
Batteries: brushed Smyter models use the 7.4V 1500mAh Li-Ion pack. Smyter Turbo models use the 7.4V 1600mAh 2S LiPo. Parts: Smyter MT, DT, DB, MT Turbo, DT Turbo and DB Turbo parts.
Which BlackZon should you buy?
- Young kids, indoor or small yard: Spryte MT or ST (brushed).
- First RC for a teen or adult, backyard: Slyder or Vyper SC, brushed to learn on or Turbo for more speed.
- Crash-heavy driving: Vyper SC. The short course body protects the wheels and suspension.
- Pavement and gravel roads: Vyper RX rally.
- Rough ground and big jumps: Smyter, especially the Turbo.
See every model in BlackZon RC cars and trucks.
Extra batteries: the best first purchase
The fastest way to get more fun out of any BlackZon is a second battery, so you can keep driving while the first one charges. Buy the pack listed for your model above, so the connector and size match. If you run LiPo packs, charge them with a LiPo balance charger in a fire-resistant bag or box. Our RC beginner's guide covers battery safety in more detail.
Parts that wear or break first
- Drive shafts and axles: such as the front universal drive shafts and rear axles for the Spryte Turbo.
- Spur and pinion gears: especially on Turbo models.
- Pivot balls and hinge pins: like the 3.8mm metal pivot balls for the Vyper SC Turbo.
- Chassis and bumpers: after a hard hit, such as the Spryte Turbo main chassis.
Our BlackZon parts are listed with the models they fit. Pick your model in the Parts Finder to see every part that fits, or browse all BlackZon.
Frequently asked questions
What does Turbo mean on a BlackZon?
Turbo models have a brushless motor, so they're much faster than the brushed versions. Each one uses its own battery, listed in the sections above.
Are BlackZon RC cars good for beginners?
Yes. They come ready to run, they're 4WD, and spare parts are inexpensive. Brushed models are the easiest to learn on.
Can I put a LiPo in a brushed BlackZon?
Use the battery listed for your model. Each model is designed around a specific pack, and the wrong pack may not fit the tray or match the electronics.
Where can I find parts for my BlackZon?
Every model has its own parts collection, linked above, and the Parts Finder shows everything that fits your exact model.
Not sure which BlackZon is right, or which part you need? Call us at 202-888-3669.