Remote control cars have come a long way in recent years. With advancements in technology, materials and design, RC cars today are faster, more durable and just plain more fun than ever before. If you’re looking to get into RC cars in 2024, there’s one model that stands out above the rest: the MJX Bugs 3.
Why the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302 is the Best RC Car for 2024
The MJX Bugs 3 offers a perfect blend of performance, durability and value that makes it arguably the best RC car for beginners and experts alike. Here’s a quick rundown of why this vehicle should be at the top of your wishlist:
Speed and Power
Under the hood, the Bugs 3 packs a punch thanks to its brushless motor and 2S LiPo battery. It can hit speeds over 45 mph out of the box when running on 3S power. Very few RC cars in this price range can keep up.
Toughness
The Bugs 3 lives up to its name thanks to its rugged aluminum chassis, oil-filled shocks and all-terrain tires. It can take a serious beating whether blasting over dirt, through grass or off jumps. Multiple skid plates help protect the underside as well.
Easy to Drive
An intuitive transmitter with dual rates plus a gyro system keep the Bugs 3 easy to control. Beginners can start slowly with the 70% throttle limit then unlock its full speed potential. It handles great on all surfaces.
Great Value
For a high-speed, durable 4WD vehicle, the Bugs 3 is very affordably priced. Everything you need comes in the box including batteries and a charger. Spare parts are cheap and plentiful too.
Unique Style
While some RC cars can look alike, the Bugs 3 stands out with its cool retro styling. Multiple body choices let you customize it further. Scale details like lights, faux engine vents and interior make it ultra-realistic.
Simply put, if you want a fast, tough and fun RC car that won’t break the bank, the MJX Bugs 3 is easily one of the top choices for 2024 and beyond. Keep reading for an in-depth look at this awesome vehicle.
Overview of the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302 Specs
Before taking a deep dive, here’s a quick rundown of the MJX Bugs 3’s key specifications:
- Scale – 1/10
- Dimensions – 18 x 11 x 7 inches
- Weight – 9 lbs
- Motor – 3300KV brushless
- ESC – 120A brushless w/lipo cut-off
- Radio – 2.4GHz pistol-grip transmitter
- Batteries – 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo x2
- Top Speed – 45+ mph (w/ 3S battery)
- Run Time – Up to 20 minutes
- Terrain – Off-road; dirt, grass, gravel etc.
- Skill Level – Intermediate
- Price – Around $250
As you can see, the Bugs 3 delivers some pretty impressive stats for the price. Next up, we’ll take a more detailed look at the design and key components that make this RC car so great in 2024.
In-Depth Review of the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302 Design and Components
Here’s an in-depth examination of all the elements that come together to make the Bugs 3 a top-notch RC vehicle:
Durable Chassis and Suspension
The foundation starts with a tough 3mm aluminum alloy chassis that’s ready for hard landings and crashes. Front and rear camber link suspension with oil-filled coilover shocks soak up the roughness for stable handling. Beefy 12mm hex front and rear drive shafts put the power down reliably.
Advanced features like adjustable toe links, sway bars and multiple shock mounting positions allow for tuning the handling when desired. It’s a durable, race-inspired suspension design perfect for bashing or running on tracks.
High-Torque Brushless Power System
Providing the motivation is a 3300KV sensorless brushless motor powered by a 120A ESC with LiPo cutoff. It has excellent torque and efficiency to rocket the Bugs 3 to 45+ mph on 3S LiPo batteries. A built-in cooling fan keeps temperatures in check.
The included 7.4V 2000mAh 2S LiPo battery already provides blistering speed but 3S power unlocks its full potential. The ESC can handle up to 4S LiPo packs as well for 50+ mph top speeds.
All-Wheel Drive Grips Any Surface
In a departure from cheaper RC cars, the Bugs 3 features full 4WD to put its power down effectively. Beefy all-metal drivetrains front and rear have sealed gears for smooth, efficient power transfer. Dig through grass, blast over dirt and grip gravel with confidence thanks to the 4WD system and grippy tires.
Precise, Comfortable Transmitter
Having a quality transmitter makes driving any RC car more fun. The included 2.4GHz pistol-grip radio has a smooth throttle and steering along with an LCD screen to display battery voltage and trims.
It’s comfortable in the hand and has ergonomic steering and throttle triggers. The transmitter is also compatible with multiple MJX models which is handy if you expand your fleet. Dual rates allow dialing in the controls from mellow (70%) to aggressive (100%).
Scale Realism and Customizeable Style
While speed and durability are key, it’s also important that an RC car looks great too. The retro styling of the Bugs 3 pays homage to vintage off-road racers with a cool rear spoiler, fake engine details, interior and working lights.
Multiple body choices let you pick a color scheme you love. Wheelie bars, light bars and other scale accessories can be added down the line. The Bugs just oozes character that’s hard to match.
What’s Included with the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302 RTR Package
One of the best aspects of the Bugs 3 is that everything you need to start driving comes right in the box. Here’s a breakdown of what’s included with the ready-to-run package:
- Assembled Bugs 3 RC car
- 2.4GHz pistol grip transmitter
- 7.4V 2000mAh LiPo battery
- LiPo fast charger
- 4 AA batteries for transmitter
- Hex wrench tool
- Spare servo horn
- Spare wheel nuts
- Spare shock o-rings
- Spare screws
- Instruction manual
With charger, battery and tools included, just charge up the LiPo and you’ll be ripping around in no time. The spare parts are handy for repairs and adjustments down the road.
Overall, it’s a very complete RTR package that delivers excellent value compared to having to buy components separately.
Upgrading the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302 for Even More Performance
While the box-stock Bugs 3 is pretty amazing, its potential can be unlocked even further with some simple upgrades:
Upgrade #1: 3S LiPo Battery
Switching to a high-capacity 3S LiPo battery instead of the stock 2S pack is the easiest way to boost top speed, acceleration and runtime. A 5000mAh 3S pack will provide 25+ minutes of drive time and speeds approaching 50mph. Just be sure your LiPo charger supports 3S charging.
Upgrade #2: Brushless Servo
The stock servo gets the job done but a faster brushless servo improves steering precision and reaction time. This helps keep the Bugs 3 pointed straight at full throttle. A waterproof model is a smart idea for running in wet conditions.
Upgrade #3: Metal Transmission Gears
While not truly necessary, one upgrade that will maximize durability is replacing the plastic transmission gears with metal ones. This prepares the drivetrain for the extreme stresses of 3S or 4S power. Again not vital, but cheap insurance against stripped gears.
Upgrade #4: Heavy Duty Driveshafts
The stock driveshafts can bend or break under big air jumps and crashes. For hardcore bashing, upgrading to steel CVAs is smart. Not only are they more durable, they also absorb impacts better thanks to the flexible rubber boots.
As you can see, just a few simple upgrades make the Bugs 3 nearly bombproof. Of course it’s also fun to experiment with wider tires, aluminum shocks, light kits and other accessories to make it your own.
How to Get the Most Performance from the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302
To get the best speed, acceleration and handling from your Bugs 3, keep these performance tips in mind:
Break It In Properly – Don’t just bash full throttle right away. Run a few easy battery packs to properly break-in the motor and drivetrain. This will maximize lifespan.
Gear it Low – For top speed, use a lower pinion gear like an 11T to reduce strain on the drivelrain and keep motor temps down. The increased torque rockets it off the line.
Balance the Chassis – Properly balance the chassis by shifting the battery and electronics for stable high-speed handling. Neutral fore/aft weight distribution is ideal.
Set Sag and Damping – Dial in the shocks with proper sag and light damping up front, stiffer in the rear. This allows the suspension to soak up bumps and jumps for better control.
Run High-C Batteries – Choose batteries with at least a 25C discharge rating so they can supply full power without overheating or voltage sag. High mAh for long runtimes.
Repair Damage Quickly – Fix crashes and broken parts ASAP to keep your Bugs running in top form. Catch issues early before they can cascade into worse problems.
If speed and durability are your priorities, the tips above will ensure your Bugs 3 performs at its very best.
Common Questions about the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about the outstanding MJX Bugs 3:
How fast does it go out of the box? Stock with the included 2S 7.4V battery it can hit around 35 mph. With a 3S 11.1V LiPo it will exceed 45 mph.
How long does the battery last? Expect 15-20 minutes from the 2000mAh LiPo depending on how aggressively you drive. A higher capacity 3S 5000mAh battery will run 25-30 minutes.
What’s the range on the transmitter? You’ll get 150-200 feet of radio range which is ample for most RC driving. Always drive within line of sight.
Can it be driven on pavement? Absolutely, the all-terrain tires work great on concrete, asphalt and other hard surfaces. Just gear it up for more top speed.
How durable is the Bugs 3? The aluminum chassis, oil shocks and 4WD drivetrain handle hard crashes and jumps with ease. It’s one tough buggy.
What batteries work best? For the best power and runtime, LiPo batteries are recommended. Stick to reputable brands and pay attention to mAh capacity and discharge (C) ratings.
Is it waterproof? The electronics are splashproof but not fully waterproof. Avoid submerging it or running in heavy rain unless you add aftermarket waterproofing.
How old do you need to be to drive it? MJX recommends 14+ for the Bugs 3. Adult supervision is recommended for younger new drivers. Follow all safety precautions.
Safety Tips for Driving the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302
The Bugs 3 is an extremely fast RC car, so adhering to basic safety practices is important:
- Always drive in a wide open area away from traffic and people
- Keep the Bugs 3 in sight and under control at all times
- Grip the controller securely and keep your eyes on the vehicle
- Avoid running it in the street or other dangerous areas
- Remove jewelry, tie back long hair and avoid loose clothing
- Keep hands, feet and face away from moving parts
- Use common sense and only drive as fast as conditions allow
- Avoid puddles, rocks, animals and other hazards
- Frequently check for loose parts and damage
- Carefully follow LiPo battery charging and handling procedures
- Remove batteries before transport and storage
While very fun, RC cars can cause injury if used improperly. Follow the tips above and the recommended age guidance. Safety first!
Final Thoughts on the MJX Hyper Go 14301/14302
After reviewing all of its capabilities, performance and value, it’s easy to see why the MJX Bugs 3 is arguably the best RC car for those looking to get into the hobby in 2024.
It simply offers the complete package of speed, durability, handling and customization options at a very affordable price point. Novices can start slowly with the 2S power system then upgrade to a 3S LiPo for 50+ mph exploits.
Spare parts are inexpensive, upgrades are plentiful and the Bugs just looks so cool whether box stock or personalized. For your money, you’d be hard pressed to find an RC car that delivers this level of versatility and fun.
So if you’re itching to get into RC in 2024, do yourself a favor and make the MJX Bugs 3 your first purchase. Once you experience its addictive blend of speed and durability, you’ll be hooked for life!