What makes a product popular? I've asked myself that question for the past year after having posted a review of the Japanese Bit Char-G radio controlled car. That review continues to be one of the top 10 viewed pages on this site. It also has the most active comment forum here too. It's amazing that a 'toy' could have that amount of popularity with adults. Because of this popularity, these little cars are now being sold in the US under a different name (but are still made by Tomy). The R/C MicroSizer which is available thru TableTopRacers, is pretty much identical to the Bit Char-G in every way. Instead of re-writing the same review twice, go take a look at the Bit Char-G review and then come back here to read about the differences.

Available in 12 different body styles, I was sent the Blue Subaru Impreza. Like the Bit Char-G, the MicroSizer does not come pre-assembled. You must put it together... which is actually quick and fun to do. All it involves is putting the rubber tires on the front and rear wheels, putting the motor and wheel gear in the correct location, snapping the heat sink cover in place, snapping the real axel in place and then snapping the shell over the body. Luckily, instead of having to decipher Japanese instructions to accomplish these tasks like I had to do with the Bit Char-G, the MicroSizer comes with English instructions.

I mentioned the motor above, and just want to point out that when they call this little car a MicroSizer, they are NOT kidding. Talk about a tiny motor! All MicroSizers come with a 2.2 motor. 1.0, 2.2 and 2.6 motors are available as accessories. Depending on the model, the Bit Char-G comes with a 1.0, 2.2 or 2.6 motor. (1.0 means 10,000 RPMs, 2.2 means 22,000 RPMs, 2.6 means 26,000 RPMs). By the way - the motors are the same type that are used to cause mobile phones to vibrate.

[Motor]

Before you can begin racing your car, you must first charge the batteries. Like the Bit Char-G, this is done thru the hand held controller. The controller requires 2 AA batteries that are not included. Once you pop them in, and flip on the power, you're ready to charge your car. To do this, you flip up the plastic cover and snap the car onto the charging dock. A charging LED glows red for approximately 45 secs. Once it goes out, the car can be removed and is ready to play with.

The controller has an 18in antenna that can be extended by pulling it out of the controller, and then retracted by rotating a crank on the back side. The longer you pull out the antenna, the farther range you'll have with the car. I usually only pulled it out 12-14in or so. The thing I don't like about the antenna is the fact that it can get kinked if you're not careful, and it tends to fling around while you're moving the controller.

To drive the car, you hold the controller between your hands and use your thumbs on the two directional buttons. The left button rocks up and down, moving the car forwards and backwards. The right button rocks left and right moving the car in the appropriate direction. Steering the MicroSizer is easy and doesn't take much practice.

It is important to point out that the MicroSizers come in two frequencies - 27MHz and 49MHz. This is due to FCC regulations/restrictions. Bit Char-Gs come in four frequencies - 27MHz, 35MHz, 47MHz and 59MHz. Because the Bit Char-G cars are not FCC approved, most retailers will not carry them. What this really means is that you will only be able to race cars with one other person (as long as they have a car that uses a different frequency than the one you have).

The great thing about the MicroSizer is the availability of accessories that allow you to customize your cars. You can buy different axels, faster motors, different tires and even different body shells. For those of you that are talented with a paint brush, there are even clear body shells that you can paint any way you like.

The MicroSizers R/C cars will make any kid or adult happy. They are fun to play with and small enough to hide in your desk drawer for those times when the boss is near by. Buy two and race with a friend... they just might propel you back in time to when mortgages and house payments were something only grown ups worried about! :o)

Price: $29.99 - $32.99 available thru TableTopRacers

Pros:
Customizable
Fun!
Car charger built into controller
Fun!

Cons:
Can only play for about 5mins per charge
Only 12 body styles currently available
Only 2 frequencies currently available