Cen Colossus XT

CEN is back with a massive, mighty monster.

- Kevin Hetmanski

CEN Racing has been an OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for more than 15 years, and seasoned RC enthusiasts will recall the lineup of models CEN offered under its own name. Now CEN Racing is back with a new owner, research and development team, and manufacturing facilities. CEN is focused on taking the brand to the next level by improving the design, quality, and innovation, and the brand’s comeback machine is the Colossus XT. This massive 1/7-scale monster truck is ready to party with massive 25mm-diameter shocks, Hobbywing and Savox electronics, and a simple dual-plate design that put a premium on durability. The guys at CEN told me that they’ve been beating the living daylights out of the Colossus and it keeps coming back for more. I can’t wait to try it out myself.

HOBBYWING HIGH-VOLTAGE POWER

These days, if you’re selling a big monster truck, it better have big power on tap—and the Colossus doesn’t disappoint. The brushless speed control features thick 12-gauge wire, and you can adjust functions such as running mode, drag-brake force, low-voltage-cutoff threshold, start mode, and max brake force, and that can be done with the small button next to the on/off switch; however, you can also alter speed-control settings through a Hobbywing control box or Wi-Fi module. You also get heavy-duty XT90 connectors for the batteries and a brushless fan to keep the speed control cool at all times. The brushless motor connected to the speed control is a 1/8-scale 1450Kv unit. The case has fins that increase its surface area, and that helps keep operating temps down. The motor mount is drilled and tapped, so you can install a brushless fan to further reduce the temperature of the motor.