Spy Gear Spy Video Car VX-6

Price : $58.90
You Save : $21.09 (26%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
The Spy Gear Spy Video Car VX6 is a spy mobile combining top features from all of the Spy Video vehicles. Unlike conventional remote-control cars, the VX6 allows you to see what it sees with real-time digital video displayed directly on the color LCD screen. Now kids can keep an eye on the action, no matter where it happens. Ideal for budding spies aged 8 years and up, the VX6 offers infrared night-vision technology, so kids can complete covert missions even after the sun goes down.

Spy Video Car VX6

• Ages: Eight and up
• Requires: 10 AA batteries; Phillips head screwdriver for battery installation

At a Glance:

• Dual-toggle control for maneuverability
• Real-time video plays on a color LCD
• Infrared night-vision technology for low-light play
• Remote-control signal transmits through walls
• Durable design for long-lasting operation

Dual Toggles and Wireless Video Feed for Optimum Control
Kids will be driving like a pro in no time using the handheld remote control, which offers complete maneuverability with its dual toggling controllers. The steering controls allow kids to operate the vehicle with precision over a variety of surfaces.
The VX6's most impressive feature, however, is its small color LCD screen that allows you to see everything the car is seeing in real time. The video transmitted wirelessly from a camera mounted on the front of the vehicle is surprisingly clear, giving kids the ultimate edge during spy missions. The LCD screen also indicates the battery life and the strength of the signal between the car and remote control.
The camera on the vehicle is stationary with no option to tilt or move in any direction. This limits your ability to see obstacles through the LCD screen that may be in the vehicle's path.
Night Vision Lets Kids Spy in the Dark
Young spies can take their reconnaissance under the cover of darkness with the VX6's infrared night-vision technology. With a push of a button on the remote control, kids will be able to see video on the LCD screen even in dark rooms.
The night-vision LED is mounted right next to the camera to help kids capture valuable nighttime surveillance. Now kids can send their VX6 out on top secret missions whenever duty calls, day or night.
Strong RC Signal Works Through Walls
Walls or solid barriers won't interrupt kids' spy adventures. The VX6's signal strength can transmit through walls and solid objects, so kids can operate the vehicle from a favorite hideout, even if it's in another room.
Sturdy Build for Lasting Operation
The VX6 feels sturdy in your hand and does not have many loose parts that are easily breakable. The antennas on both the vehicle and remote control are short and sturdy and do not need to be extended for operation.
Our testers found that the car does not move terribly fast, but its treaded tires give it good traction on carpet and concrete floors allowing it to cover ground easily.
Despite its durability, the VX6 is not meant to be driven through sand, water (even small puddles), or snow, and driving down stairs or off curbs should be avoided.
What's in the Box
Spy Gear Spy Video Car VX6, remote control, and instruction guide.
From the Manufacturer
The Spy Video Car VX6 is an RC vehicle that transmits live video to a color LCD screen on the remote. Drive the car into different rooms throughout your house (transmits through walls); and drive it in total darkness (has infrared night vision). See what's going on wherever the car goes!

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 17 x 5 x 12 inches ; 2.4 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B004QM91JE
• Item model number: 70436
• Manufacturer recommended age: 8 - 12 years
• Batteries: 10 AA batteries required.
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: 1,543 in Toys ; Games (See Top 100 in Toys ; Games)
• 7 inToys ; Games Novelty ; Gag Toys Spy Gadgets
  

Product Features

• See what the car sees with live color video built right into the controller!
• Real night vision to see in complete darkness!
• Transmits up to 200ft through walls
• Includes one RC vehicle and one color video controller.

 

Spy Gear Spy Video Car VX-6

 

Customer Reviews

If you are wanting to compare the original Spy Trakr and its features to the VX-6 to make a decision between the two, that is what my review mostly covers.
The advertising I read about the VX-6 between several different websites said this product had "all of the best features of the Trakr" and that is actually what sold me. With no reviews, and little information about this model or its features vs. the original Spy Trakr, I went ahead and took the plunge to get the product with hopes that; for the price I bought it for (which was around 99 bux after tax and shipping from elsewhere), it might end up being an updated model to the Trakr itself. However, when I received the item it was none of that!
What the VX-6 is in reality is a very bare-bones and durable version of an RC vehicle with live camera features. This model in comparison to the Spy Trakr has very few features.
-The camera is stationary. The info says the camera can be adjusted and it cannot. There is just no option to move it or tilt it.
-On the hand-held remote, there is an option for night vision and regular day vision. Night vision looks pretty cool. For regular daytime, the color is like on those old monochrome televisions. Not great for really seeing much. It's almost just like the night vision! Geez!
-There is no option to connect this to a computer for any reason such as syncing apps, programming it to do certain things etc. the way the Spy Trakr does.
Having expected to receive something similar to the Trakr and it not meeting my expectations for that based on the ads I read, I have rated it 3 stars.
Now, on its own and not comparing it to any particular product, I thought it ran pretty clean and appeared to be quite durable. It is not terribly fast, but moves along at a comfortable speed. It will go over carpet and has great traction on the stone tiled floor. It is not horribly loud either. The belts or the driver that keep this going are not silent, yet they are not blazing and screaming high pitched over the sound coming out of a TV for example.
The car took six batteries and the hand-held remote took four. All of them AA size. I think the battery life held up pretty well for the time it was tested out at our house. Still a good idea to get rechargeables, though. You have to have a screwdriver to unscrew four screws from a plate to insert batteries into the car, and then two for the remote. I was not terribly happy about that. More of a pain in the butt for kids when they need to change them out, but I suppose if you were driving it over very shallow water it helps to protect the batteries from moisture? In that case I can see that would work; again though, only if the water was shallow. We only tested this indoors here.
If I were going to purchase this toy or receive it not knowing the Trakr existed, I think I would have been satisfied enough to give it four stars for design, quiet, speed, durability and battery longevity just for the very short time I played around with it. Knowing however that the Trakr is still available and has so many more cool features at a much better price, I am unsure how I could even recommend this! The features of the Trakr are way too awesome to pass up, and therefore I had to return this product in exchange for one.
Please read my additional comment below.

The short version of this review: This toy is really neat. My kids think its "awesome". Its amazing that a $60 toy can do this. If your kids are into spy stuff they will think you rock. It DOES have some limitations, but my kids haven't noticed them... even if I have.
The long version:
Overview: Owning the Spy Gear Spy Video Car is a bit like playing a video game. You can drive the car into other rooms and see where you are going. My kids love the idea of sitting in one room of the house while driving all over the house. In fact this is what they do. They haven't started using it for spying. Although, as you will read, its ability to actually spy is very limited. The kids LOVE IT despite its shortcomings. I don't think they are even aware it has shortcomings.
The good:
1) Night vision feature works very well. In fact, we often used it during the day if we drove into a darker corner.
2) Battery life was very good. We got several HOURS of play out of our 10 duracell batteries. Personally, I'm shocked. But we only play with it for about 30 minutes at a time, I don't know how long the batteries last under continuous use.
3) Camera clarity is better than I expected. We can recognize people's faces and read license plates on cars.
4) Signal strength: has been excellent in all our tests. The video signal easily goes through walls and has a very long range outside (NOTE: instructions say INSIDE USE ONLY).
Neither good nor bad:
Speed: This thing pokes slowly along, like a turtle with some hustle. I would say it plods along at 3 to 4 miles an hour. This is not a "CON". Its logical that a spy device move slowly. Also its very good for the "little brother" who couldn't drive a fast RC car, he ignores the video screen and drives it around very happily.
The not-so-good:
1) Eats 10 AA batteries. Rechargeables not included, unlike many other remote control cars.
2) Camera angle lets you spy on peoples feet with ease (see uploaded picture).
3) Has trouble with bumps larger than a typical door threshold (see uploaded photo)
As far as actual spying goes, its really not possible. My kids are OBLIVIOUS but here is my take:
1) There is no microphone. The manufacturer could have included an audio feed and plug a headset into the remote. But I don't really want my kids recording my conversations. Or other adults.
2) Its a bit noisy. It grinds along happily making about as much noise as a toy train. Want to sneak up on someone? Well, maybe if the TV is on.
3) The camera angle sucks. It should have an additional 15 or 20 degree upward angle so you can see more faces. For you to see a tall person's face when they are standing, the car has to be pretty far away (15 feet?) and then the objects on the screen are very small.
4) Nice red glowing light on car makes it easy to see in the dark. I mean, also for people you might be spying on.
But for me, I don't really want a great spy device in my house. SO I don't care about any of that. But a larger "kid" might see these as serious flaws.
Improvements I would recommend for the manufacturer (or for you):
1) Allow the video feed to be turned off. Sometimes its just not needed and its draining batteries.
2) Add Headlights. We taped on a flashlight with a CREE LED that really adds a lot of light. Something like this would be fine: Fenix E01 Compact LED Flashlight. I have a Maratac 1-AA and it increased the camera clarity in some situations. More light = better image.
3) Add Rechargeable batteries. Get some eneloop rechargeables. This is the kind you should buy: Sanyo NEW 1500 eneloop 4 Pack AA Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries with Charger They come pre-charged. The car takes 8, so you would want to buy at least 8. The remote takes 2. This drives up the price of the toy (thats called a pun, son). Anyway I love my eneloops, and using copper tops could get really pricey.
4) Get rid of the need for a screwdriver. Yeah, you have to have a screwdriver just to get the darn thing out of the box, its screwed onto a plastic backer. Then you need a screwdriver to open the remote to change the batteries. Its not a show stopper, but have your tool kit ready on Xmas day.
There is a more expensive car that on amazon that has more features... Spy Gear Spy Video TRAKR. I would suggest that the fact that this car does not have those features may be a benefit for you (particularly because its cheaper). This version is great for younger kids, and my older kids do not need a new reason to spend time in front of the computer. If I had $100 and could buy either the TRAKR or the VX-6, I would take the VX-6.
BOTTOM LINE: I think this is a cool, fun toy at a fair price. It only does what it claims to do, so keep your expectations low. When the kids are done with it I'm going to hack it apart and use it as a "camera on a snake" to look in difficult places. Or I will use it to check out dilapidated buildings in ghost towns. Or I will use it to explore mayan temples which may have deadly traps. Oh, the fun I will have!