MOTO TC Monster Truck by Griffin Technology – Review and Giveaway

MOTO TC Monster Truck
The Moto TC Monster Truck From Griffin Technology is a big, rough tough machine that can make light work of your living room. First you need to download the free iOS app to your iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad and then MOTO TC Monster Truck the connects via Bluetooth.

When I first got this out of the package I was surprised at how large it is – much bigger than another similar product I have reviewed. It measures 8″ wide by 11″ long, has big knobby tires and four-wheel independent suspension. With it’s large size and high chassis it is able to go over small obstacles with ease. At first sight the shell seems very flimsy as it is made of a thin flexible plastic that reminds me of the plastic in a disposable cup, whilst the rest of the truck looks very sturdy.However that same flexibility means that is actually stands up very well to crashes, so first impressions can be deceiving as it is actually standing up very well in use.

I like that it is controlled by Bluetooth and needs to extra peripherals to set it up – you just need the Truck and the iPhone, iPod Touch or iPad. It is easier to control with an iPhone or iPod touch than a full sized iPad but the iPad mini works well too. You need to remove the cover (talking care not to loose the 3 pins that hold it on) and push a recessed Bluetooth pairing switch (e.g. with a pencil) to pair it with your device, this is fiddly and best done by an adult.

Once it is paired you control it via the app on your iOS device and you have several different choices on how to control it -using the virtual dashboard, tilting the device or having it follow your finger as you draw on the screen, or following a pre-drawn track. It is nice to have so many options to choose from, as different people will find different ones more intuitive. I love the mini steering wheel you control with your thumb and virtual dashboard. The truck has variable speed forward gears and reverse gears, so it is good to practice at a slow speed to get the hang of steering it. Two of my favorite features are the ability to have it follow a pre-drawn track and the option of recording your own maneuvers for it to repeat. It works on both hard wood/ tile floors and carpet but unsurprisingly works better on the harder floors. I would recommend practicing with it in a large open space if you can as it takes some practice to get good at controlling it. The app also makes some really fun sound effects as you drive the truck.

The truck has rechargeable batteries, but the downside is that you have to remove a small screw using a screwdriver to access the battery compartment to charge the batteries. The one improvement I would like to see is to have a charging socket accessible on the truck without needing to remove the battery cover. The good news is the batteries seem to hold their charge for quite a long time as I have has several sessions of playing with it without having to recharge the batteries. The truck is standing up really well to the multiple crashes it has endured too and has no visible signs of damage so far.

Overall, this is a really fun toy to play with and I would recommend it for adults and teenagers, who will get hours of enjoyment from it. Slightly younger children will enjoy it too but will need adult help with charging, Bluetooth connection and learning to maneuver it.

Available from Griffin.com or Amazon RRP US$59.99.

MOTO TC Monster by Griffin Technology Category: Entertainment Requirements: Compatible with iPad 3G, iPad WiFi, iPhone5, iPad 2 WiFI, iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad 2 3G, iPadThirdGen4G, iPadMini, iPadMini4G, iPadFourthGen4G, iPod Touch (3. Gen.), iPadFourthGen, iPodTouchFifthGen, iPadThirdGen, iPod Touch (4. Gen.), iPhone4S Size: 43.76 MB

$FREE

Screenshots

Screenshots for iPad

This product was featured in our Christmas Gift Guide- Great Gifts for Dads- check it out for more great gift ideas.

You may also want to check out our reviews of these products by Griffin:

Survivor Case for iPod Touch

Survivor Case for iPad

Giveaway

If you would like to win a MOTO TC Monster Truck (iPad or iPhone not included) Please enter via Rafflecopter. OPEN TO USA ONLY. Must have a valid US mailing address and claim prize within 48hrs of winner being announced.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Mary

Mary is originally from England but now lives in California with her husband and three children, an 8 year old boy and 5 year old boy/girl twins. Mary and her family love soccer, camping, hiking and playing with their iPad which is also used for therapy for their daughters Apraxia (speech disorder).

Latest posts by Mary (see all)

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You can email me direct at mary(at)theimums.com