Johnny Lightning V_Bot RC Car/Robot Review

Nov 7 2007, 12:00am CST | by Shane McGlaun

Today we are looking at a remote controlled toy from Johnny Lightning called the V_Bot. The V-Bot is a Transformer-like robot that turns from a SUV into a robot and has a full function controller. If you or your kids are into RC toys and transformers, the V_Bot is a great toy for the holidays. Read the full review for all the details on the Johnny Lightning V_Bot.

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Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
The Johnny Lightning V_Bot has a wireless remote control that provides full function control over the V_Bot when it is in car or robot modes. The car is powered by six C-cell batteries and on 9V battery for the controller. In addition to the twin stick for directional control over the car, there are also six action buttons that allow the robot to perform different moves, like the V_Chop and three pre-programmed action sequences set to music that are more along the lines of choreographed dance routines. The Johnny Lightning V_Bot also has a line in jack or connecting your MP3 player. When connected the robot can dance to your choice of music.

V_Bot in Use
Transforming the Johnny Lightning V_Bot from SUV to robot mode is fast and very easy. All that is the operator has to do is press the button market “T” and the robot transforms itself. It takes about 15 seconds to go from car to robot or vice versa. Once transformed you can control the robot via the remote control in all directions and control the moves the robot makes as well.

The V_Bot is well built and can withstand impacts with doors, walls and other items in your home without falling apart. My six-year old son had a blast driving the car. Once he hit the doorframe with the car at full speed. The crash was hard enough to move some of the panels on the car around a bit from their normal tight fitting layout when transformed into a car. When the car sensed the panels weren’t aligned correctly, it activated the gears and motors used when changing from car to robot and pulled the panels back into their proper location.

When in car mode the V_Bot has more than enough power to operate on carpeting. The turning radius is larger than some rooms might support making for some backing up and turning repeatedly to get the vehicle turned around. When in robot mode there isn’t enough grip for the robot to move across the carpet, though it will transform. The turning radius of the V_Bot when in car mode on hard floors is slightly better than on carpet but still large to make navigating smaller rooms more difficult.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

Easy to operate
Cool transformation from car to robot
MP3 line-in

Cons

Big turning radius
Robot mode can’t operate on carpet

Verdict
If your kid likes Transformers and RC vehicles, the Johnny Lightning V_Bot is a fantastic holiday gift idea. The remote control is easy to operate even if the car isn’t the best handling RC vehicle around. In the end, the Johnny Lightning V_Bot is a blast to play with and my kids both loved the toy.

8.5

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Shane McGlaun
Leading our review center, Shane knows technology inside out. His extensive experience in testing computer hardware and consumer electronics enable him to effectively qualify new products and trends. If you want us review your product, please contact Shane.
Shane can be contacted directly at shane@i4u.com.