Model: Zig Zag Racer 2 Manufacturer: HobbyZone Distributor: Horizon Hobby Inc. Type: Ready-to-run monohull Length: 15 in. Beam: 5 3/4 in. Power: HBZ3329 electric motor Radio: 2-channel proportional FM transmitter Price: $80 Runtime: 10 to 15 min. Features: ABS plastic self-righting hull, fully assembled with motor, ESC and radio installed; rechargeable 6-cell battery pack; A/C wall charger with LED and timer; attachable buoy bumper; 3 self-anchoring buoys; boat stand; and a 2-channel proportional FM transmitter with 8 AA batteries. Comments: the Zig Zag Racer 2 requires hardly any assembly, is easy to transport and can really tear up the water with its amazing performance. Both durable and agile, the Zig Zag is a great model for beginners and practiced modelers who are looking for a fun day out on the water. Hits: • Cool updated hull with factory-applied decals. • Self-righting hull. • Extremely durable. • Very affordable. Misses • Doesn’t have reverse.

With its Zig Zag Racer 2, Hobbyzone hopes to set new standards for affordable fun in today’s RTR market. The boat’s self-righting design and durable hull make the Zig Zag 2 as close to unsinkable as an RC boat gets. All that makes it a great boat for beginners and those who fancy racing head-to-head in relatively small spaces and don’t want to spend a lot. The same concept was introduced with the original Zig Zag, but the sequel you see on these pages sports a number of refinements that make it more appealing than ever.

IMPROVEMENTS
You may remember the original Zig Zag Racer; it was highly regarded for its value, convenience and spirited performance. The body shell, however, is available in green and yellow, left a little to be desired. Well, the Zig Zag Racer 2 expands the palette to include a bold red, blue and yellow and features a revised canopy with considerably more detail, including a 3-dimensional driver’s cockpit. It acquired a number of technical improvements as well. The new model has a longer transmitter range (500 feet); this allows a driver to run it in larger pools and ponds. Its proportional controls, snappy acceleration and revised hull produce turn-on-a-dime maneuverability and make the Zig Zag 2 one of the fastest boats in its class.

WHAT COMES IN THE BOX?
As I opened the box, I was very excited to see all the included components. Hobbyzone includes a rechargeable 6-cell battery pack, an A/C wall charger with LED and timer, an attachable buoy bumper, three self-anchoring buoys, a boat stand and a 2-channel proportional FM transmitter with 8 AA batteries. Hobbyzone also supplies a very detailed manual for first-time boat modelers that covers everything from trimming the rudder controls and troubleshooting to playing water soccer and racecourse setup; this helpful manual will certainly ease anyone into RC boating.

The entire assembly—installing the battery—is performed by twisting the canopy that is attached to the hull with a rubber band sideways to access the battery compartment. Making sure that my transmitter was on and my Zig Zag 2 was on its stand, I attached the battery to its connector. The battery is also secured with a rubber band to prevent it from dislodging and interfering with the wire pushrod’s movement.

When the battery is in place, make sure that the radio’s controls operate the rudder and throttle properly. Pay particular attention to the rudder, and make sure that it looks straight when the stick is centered. If it doesn’t, use the trim lever to center it. If more movement is necessary, you can bend the wire pushrod slightly to further adjust the rudder angle. When you are sure that the rudder and throttle function correctly, you are ready to get your Zig Zag Racer 2 in the water!

 

Left: As you can see, the Zig Zag comes with everything you need to put your boat into action. It even includes the weighted buoys for fun-filled games. Right: Here’s the rear view of the Zig Zag. You can see its direct driveshaft, the small propeller and the rudder that steers your racer in the right direction.