HBX 16889A Pro Review: The Full Metal 1:16 Basher That Punches Way Above Its Weight
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The HBX 16889A Pro is a car I resisted stocking for a while. We built this shop around MJX and FMS because I know those products inside out. But the 16889A Pro kept coming up in conversations, kept getting recommended in forums, and when I finally got one through my hands properly, I understood why. It earns its place.
What Is the HBX 16889A Pro?
The 16889A Pro is a 1:16 scale 4WD brushless RC monster truck from Haiboxing (HBX). It shares its fundamental platform with the FTX Tracer - a well-regarded UK budget basher - but the Pro version adds a fully upgraded metal drivetrain throughout: metal diffs, spur gear and pinion, metal front and rear CVD driveshafts. Not just a couple of metal parts, but the whole drivetrain.
At just under £100 in UK stock, it sits right alongside the MJX 16208 in price. The question is how they compare.
Key Specs
- Scale: 1:16
- Motor: 2840 3800KV brushless
- Battery included: 7.4V 2S LiPo (1000mAh)
- Top speed: ~45 km/h on 2S
- Drive: 4WD, full metal drivetrain (differentials, CVD driveshafts, spur gear, pinion)
- Suspension: Oil-filled shocks
- Control range: ~100m
- Runtime: 15–25 minutes on the included battery
The Full Metal Drivetrain: Why It Matters
The headline feature of the 16889A Pro is the drivetrain. While the MJX 16208 uses metal CVD driveshafts and a metal gearbox, the HBX goes further with metal differentials as standard - something that's genuinely rare at this price point.
Metal diffs mean the car can absorb more sustained power and impact without the drivetrain failing. It's the reason the 16889A Pro has built a reputation as an unusually durable basher. These aren't just marketing claims - the RC community has noticed.
How Does It Drive?
On 2S, the 16889A Pro delivers around 45 km/h and handles well on mixed surfaces - grass, gravel, dirt, tarmac. The monster truck proportions (high ride height, large tyres) give it the same all-terrain versatility as the MJX 16208.
The stock battery is a 1000mAh 2S, which gives a better runtime than the MJX's 1050mAh - around 15–25 minutes depending on terrain and how hard you drive. That's a meaningful difference and something you'll notice in a typical session.
Throttle response is smooth and proportional. The transmitter has a speed limit function. Overall driving feel is polished - it doesn't feel like a budget car when you're driving it.
HBX 16889A Pro vs MJX Hyper Go 16208: The Honest Comparison
These are the two cars most people compare at this price, so here's my honest take:
The HBX wins on: Full metal drivetrain including diffs (the MJX uses metal CVDs but plastic diffs), slightly longer runtime on the included battery, and build quality that's particularly impressive for sustained heavy bashing.
The MJX wins on: Faster top speed (the MJX edges it slightly), 3S capability (the 16889A Pro is 2S only), and a more established upgrade and parts ecosystem. The MJX also comes with the clipless body system, which is genuinely convenient.
If you want the fastest possible option with 3S capability, the MJX 16208 is the pick. If you want the most mechanically robust drivetrain and plan to bash it relentlessly on 2S without worrying about drivetrain wear, the HBX earns its money.
They're complementary rather than competitive. Some people who own one end up buying the other.
Who Is the HBX 16889A Pro For?
It's for drivers who want a bulletproof, all-terrain 2S basher that they can bash hard without worrying about the drivetrain giving up. It's also a great option as a second car alongside a 16208 - a different character, same price bracket.
It's not the pick if you specifically want the option of upgrading to 3S, for the fastest possible top speed. For that, the MJX range is the better choice.
Verdict
The HBX 16889A Pro is a genuinely excellent basher that earns its reputation. Full metal drivetrain, 45 km/h performance, good runtime, and the kind of build quality that inspires confidence. No question, it's one of the best sub-£100 RC trucks available.
In UK stock with free delivery: Buy the HBX 16889A Pro here.
Or compare it with the MJX Hyper Go 16208 - similar price, different strengths. Both are genuinely excellent, and both are in UK stock ready to ship same day in most cases.
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