ABX Strider mk-ik 'Special Edition'

I've always respected ABX for the many fine cars they've designed, yet it seems strange that the cult-favorite Strider is the ABX seen most often in the southwest. One of the firmest believers of the "small car" mantra has been Dali Madson of ikil, and we used one of his personal striders for our test model. As for appearance, The car looks like a combat clown-mobile designed for the desert.

My first impression was built upon by the noxious fumes that hit me as I opened the side door. The interior smelled of booze, cigarettes, and other godforsaken odors I couldn't recognize. Once I regained my composure and set myself down in front of the steering wheel, I was immiediately impressed by the setup of the dash, radar, and weapon control systems. Somehow, the interior displays were laid out in a way that seemed very sensible, although cramped. It's a wonder all the hardware fits in the front of that car; one wonders if the boot is filled w/ targeting computer hardware.

The car's initial performance was phenomenal. The supercharged V-10 engine combined with the virtually negligable weight of the strider create incredible acceleration, while the suspension gave the car impressive cornering ability. When a car is this powerful, the driver needs to be very responsible; luckily this need for responsibility is negated by the Mud Flaps and "Ax-L" Structo Bumpers that reinforce the chassis.

The car is, however, an overall unwise choice for the vigilante brave enough to enter the badlands. This car is lightly armored and a few mortar hits will effectively cripple the car. With more mortar-based attack plans being used, more striders tend to explode. The V-10 cooling system is also not in great condition, with many 50 caliber slugs blocking up the radiator flow, and overheated several times after the first 1,000 miles. It's also a gas guzzler, with fairly awful mileage (the V-10 powerplant model, the V-8 is not nearly as expensive to maintain) on both roads and highways. This is an important consideration in these times of gas rationing in paticular, and our editors brought down the overall Strider scores acccordingly.

The Strider is an effective car for the Vigilante who wants to make a statement and has the driving skills to back it up. If you have the skills needed to control a fast-moving car effectively, than the Stirder might be the car for you. Otherwise, listen to your self-preservation and get a slightly more substansial car.

What's Hot... Face-flattening acceleration, good cornering, the ability to make snide remarks at anyone who uses a mortar, and the always entertaining "How many people can you fit in a Strider?" game. Also has great paint options.

What's Not... Limited weapons, tends to pop when hit with any weapon bigger than a machine gun, your girlfriend won't be impressed.