Losi Hammer Rey Rock Racer
Losi Hammer Rey U4 Trophy Jeep
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Welcome to our new section dedicated to the Losi Hammer Rey U4 Rock Racer.
Our primary focus is to evaluate how well the Hammer Rey performs on our rugged desert track, and how long it will tolerate the difficult, rocky terrain before completely falling apart. We will not be bashing, jumping, or doing any “top speed” asphalt runs with the Hammer Rey; it’s all about Ultra 4 styled off-road racing. After some thought, we decided to handle this section like a blog with frequent updates on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, depending on our schedule. |
These updates will share detailed information about our testing results from the desert track as well as upgrades and modifications.
We've already been on the track for a few weeks developing a feel for the Hammer Rey, and a small number of changes have already been made. For now it’s going to be a matter of catching up with content before we are current with project status. Please bear with us for a month or so until we reach that point.
We've already been on the track for a few weeks developing a feel for the Hammer Rey, and a small number of changes have already been made. For now it’s going to be a matter of catching up with content before we are current with project status. Please bear with us for a month or so until we reach that point.
Nitto Trail Grappler 2.2" Tire
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Update 6/15/2022 - Nitto Trail Grapplers
Staying with the trend of supplying excellent tires on their RTR offerings, the Hammer Rey comes with an excellent set of Nitto Trail Grappler tires glued to a set of plastic KMC beadlock-styled 2.2 wheels. The Nitto Trail Grappler is the very tire Casey Currie is running on his Trophy Jeep, which is the source and inspiration for the Hammer Rey. Personally I was quite pleased to see the Nitto tire on the Hammer Rey due to the immense amount of support and effort Nitto Tire has given to the Ultra 4 racing series as well as their crown jewel event; King of the Hammers. In the 1:1 world, Nitto is one of the most respected tire makers on the market, and their off-road designs are stellar. |
The rubber quality of this tire feels pliable but tough, something close to a medium softness similar to that of a Basher tire. It’s a good choice for something as challenging as rock racing, and my guess is that a softer compound would have a much reduced tread-life. The carcass feels firm but is not belted, and on the inside is what feels to be a very firm open-cell tire foam.
Adding to the sharp looks of the tire is a high level of scale-detail in the lettering and lug pattern. Losi nailed the scale aspect of this tire in that at first glance it looks just like the real thing. Much like the 1:1 version, the tread pattern is a non-directional reverse-mirror pattern.
Unfortunately for us as of this writing, there is no plan to offer this tire unmounted – and for what it’s worth I feel that’s an oversight. Knowing how abrasive rock racing is on tires, this being a true 2.2” tire, it lends itself to be reversible on the wheel, there by extending tire life and allowing an even amount of wear. With the tire glued to the wheel, you can only change direction of the tread, but you cannot flip the inner and outer sidewall orientation.
Looking on, the wheel and tire selection will play an interesting role in the performance of the Hammer Rey, as well as the longevity in terms of life span for the drivetrain and suspension components. My guess is that heavy wheels and tires will take their toll, and I’m also betting that the OEM wheels and tires will prove to be one of the best options on the market for optimal performance.
Nitto Trail Grappler Tire Specs
Adding to the sharp looks of the tire is a high level of scale-detail in the lettering and lug pattern. Losi nailed the scale aspect of this tire in that at first glance it looks just like the real thing. Much like the 1:1 version, the tread pattern is a non-directional reverse-mirror pattern.
Unfortunately for us as of this writing, there is no plan to offer this tire unmounted – and for what it’s worth I feel that’s an oversight. Knowing how abrasive rock racing is on tires, this being a true 2.2” tire, it lends itself to be reversible on the wheel, there by extending tire life and allowing an even amount of wear. With the tire glued to the wheel, you can only change direction of the tread, but you cannot flip the inner and outer sidewall orientation.
Looking on, the wheel and tire selection will play an interesting role in the performance of the Hammer Rey, as well as the longevity in terms of life span for the drivetrain and suspension components. My guess is that heavy wheels and tires will take their toll, and I’m also betting that the OEM wheels and tires will prove to be one of the best options on the market for optimal performance.
Nitto Trail Grappler Tire Specs
- Height: 140mm tall
- Width: 45mm
- Weight: 176 grams
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Update: 6/14/2022 - On the Scale
One of the first things I wanted to learn was the “dry” weight of the Hammer Rey, by placing it on the scale without a battery installed. It will be some time before I decide what 3s battery I will end up using, so for now a weight for just the truck is good starting point to establish. This way as changes are made, we can come back to the initial weight and see if there is a gain or loss, as well as a changing of the overall balance. It’s also a good way to track the weight changes with after-market parts. This also allows you to compare the weight of your truck to our setup, without battery weight skewing the data. With the SkyRC scale reading from each tire, the total weight comes in at 4544 grams, with a noticeable weight bias towards the rear of the truck; 43/57. We are going to work on losing some weight and shifting the weight bias a bit more forward. |
Losi Hammer Rey weight without battery.
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The new Losi Hammer Rey Rock Racer
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Update: 6/13/2022
With the UPS truck pulling away, we immediately popped open the large brown box from Losi RC and began to unpackage the new Hammer Rey Trophy Jeep rock racer. Even though this is listed as a 1/10 size machine, it’s considerably larger than all of our 1/10 trucks in the fleet. There are two color schemes, and we lucked out with the green / grey / white color pattern which is our preferred. The truck also comes in a more striking red and black combo, but it’s a bit dark for my taste. I already had read some of the comments where people were describing the Hammer Rey as more of a 1/7 to 1/7 scale platform, but these opinions are based on wheelbase and track width, which we believe is an incorrect assessment in this case. A better way to understand scale in a situation like this is to look at the drivetrain and suspension components, specifically the differentials and suspension arms. |
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When comparing the Hammer Rey’s differential to the 1/8 scale Nomad DB-8, it’s much smaller in size.
Same with the drive shaft diameters; the Hammer Rey’s drive shaft is much thinner than what is found on a 1/8 scale buggy. This smaller scale of parts continues through the shocks and steering components, as well as hubs and steering spindles. When considering these parts, there is no question that the Hammer Rey is a 1/10 platform based on the size of parts underneath the body, and while it is for sure a long 1/10 machine, it’s a 1/10 machine none the less. |
The Hammer Rey at home on the rocks.
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Now there is a part of me that wished Losi had used larger 1/8th scale components inside; I believe it would make the truck much more robust, but it would have needed to be a completely redesigned around these larger elements. They would lose the ability to use parts from the Rock Rey and Baja Rey, and ultimately cost somewhere in the $700 to $800 price range ( which I would also gladly pay). All of this wishful thinking aside, it’s a good looking and well-built truck for the $500 price tag.
Looking over the rest of the truck, the fit and finish is good and on par with other Losi RC products. The suspension feels plush, and the scale details are a nice touch. When it comes to scale details, I’m not a fan generally of scale details – they just add unnecessary weight, but they do look pretty sharp. For the time being I will leave some of them on the truck, but I already have my eye on pulling that spare tire.
Looking over the rest of the truck, the fit and finish is good and on par with other Losi RC products. The suspension feels plush, and the scale details are a nice touch. When it comes to scale details, I’m not a fan generally of scale details – they just add unnecessary weight, but they do look pretty sharp. For the time being I will leave some of them on the truck, but I already have my eye on pulling that spare tire.
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Update: 6/10/2022
The Hammer Rey project came together with the help of our good friend Oscar T. from SoCal as well as from Losi RC. Other than asking the team at MVRCA where we needed the Hammer Rey shipped to, we were given virtually no constraints or direction, allowing us to explore and modify this truck to best suit our desert track and driving style. It’s important to us that we only change what is needed to improve the truck’s performance or repair damage, and not to make changes based on what looks cool or shinny on the truck. Bling is not part of our agenda; save that for the Traxxas guys. |
First and last time you'll see this Hammer Rey clean.
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I’ve found that while some after-market parts will help, most actually detract from the performance by adding weight or removing flexibility where it’s needed. Spoiler alert; you will not see goofy aluminum lower front suspension arms on this truck.
We will also be collaborating with drivers from the SoCal region as well as Washington, looking to compare and contrast performance characteristics in different terrains and environments as well sharing ideas and insights on improvements to the Hammer Rey.
With all of that said, we hope you all follow along and enjoy our content, hopefully gaining some insight to help you tune and adjust your Hammer Rey for optimal performance.
We will also be collaborating with drivers from the SoCal region as well as Washington, looking to compare and contrast performance characteristics in different terrains and environments as well sharing ideas and insights on improvements to the Hammer Rey.
With all of that said, we hope you all follow along and enjoy our content, hopefully gaining some insight to help you tune and adjust your Hammer Rey for optimal performance.