I want to get into a bigger scale of R/C, but know nothing. Help me out.

[ling427ttvette]

Like the title says, I want into 1/10 or something bigger than Xmods, that won't completely break my pocket book.

I want it to be somewhat strong and reliable, I want it to look realistic like Xmods. Nothing like this cheesy crap:

http://i22.ebayimg.com/04/i/000/da/78/9f60_1_b.JPG

Sorry, but those look dumb.

I don't want gas, I know how expensive those can be. Relatively easy to work on since I will be a beginner. What do you guys think? Preferably a truck, because if I get something 1/10 scale I want to be able to take it out and jump stuff and just haul *** no matter what terrain.

[xmodificationer]

Electric Stampede seems nice. Its from traxxas so you know its quality. They go 30mph with optional pinion and have a 12 turn Titan 550 motor. They are cheap too you can get one under $200 and they are 1/10 scale.

[2wdpancar]

Well, if you are serious, then you probably won't want to get a cheap POS, so I recommend HPI for beginners, or you could look into the RC18 series, they come in car or buggy(I think) versions.

They are pretty cool, and are fairly larger than xmods:
http://www.atomicmods.com/Categories/Associated-RC-18/Kits.aspx

[greekone]

Yeah, the RC18 series is probably your best bet.They have alot of chassis types to pick from.

[AeroSynch]

Or you can get a Tamiya High Lift. I have a Hilux, and it's pretty cool. :D

http://i197.photobucket.com/albums/aa297/AeroSynch/CIMG0568.jpg


Or get the new Traxxas Slash, but it's only 2WD..

[snowboi1289]

Dude,those high-lifts will be expensive !!!!

Theres wayy cheaper ones on different sites,I'll try to find a rc that you might like.

Edit: I found some really good trucks,good cheap trucks that are durable.
http://www.nitrorcx.com/eloftr.html

[AeroSynch]

Dude,those high-lifts will be expensive !!!!

Theres wayy cheaper ones on different sites,I'll try to find a rc that you might like.

Edit: I found some really good trucks,good cheap trucks that are durable.
http://www.nitrorcx.com/eloftr.html

Yea, but they kick arse. :D

[Donziikid]

Yea, but they kick arse. :D

But he asked for cheap and reliable, a Tamiya HighLift is far from either one of those (in my experience).

The Traxxas Stampede (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNJJ0**&P=ML) ($179.99) is a two-wheel-drive (rear wheels) monster truck. This has been my most reliable and durable truck I have ever owned and haven't had anything go wrong to date. Replacement parts and hop ups (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0005p?&I=TRAC23**&P=Z) are very inexpensive, but you probably won't need to get into those unless you want too. The only thing else you would need to purchase is a battery; these trucks run off of a six cell (7.2V) NiMH or NiCD battery. You could start off with a cheap battery, but you won't be very pleased; bite the bullet and buy the more expensive battery and charger so you can add to your arsenal. ;)

There is also a forum dedicated to Traxxas vehicles. Monster.Traxxas.com (http://monster.traxxas.com/) More specifically, the Electric Stampede Section (http://monster.traxxas.com/forumdisplay.php?f=39).

[snowboi1289]

I would say some duratrax trucks,because the name has dura,which you use in durable,so its also reliable,and there also really cheap.

[meme405]

Stay away from dynamite...

[AeroSynch]

Well, if you take one a jump it off everything of course it ain't going to last. They are for trailing, and some mild crawling. But if what he wants is to jump, which I think he does, then I recommend the new Traxxas Slash. Only $180, and it is RTR!:o


But he asked for cheap and reliable, a Tamiya HighLift is far from either one of those (in my experience).

The Traxxas Stampede (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXNJJ0**&P=ML) ($179.99) is a two-wheel-drive (rear wheels) monster truck. This has been my most reliable and durable truck I have ever owned and haven't had anything go wrong to date. Replacement parts and hop ups (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0005p?&I=TRAC23**&P=Z) are very inexpensive, but you probably won't need to get into those unless you want too. The only thing else you would need to purchase is a battery; these trucks run off of a six cell (7.2V) NiMH or NiCD battery. You could start off with a cheap battery, but you won't be very pleased; bite the bullet and buy the more expensive battery and charger so you can add to your arsenal. ;)

There is also a forum dedicated to Traxxas vehicles. Monster.Traxxas.com (http://monster.traxxas.com/) More specifically, the Electric Stampede Section (http://monster.traxxas.com/forumdisplay.php?f=39).

[torredo]

HPI is the best bet for not only reliability, but also cheap parts that are readily available from your local hobby.

HPI FtW!

[Acura]

STAY AWAY FROM OFF BRAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

stick with the brand name products. it's more expensive but it will totally save you money. reoson is because off brand break's to easily

HPI, TRAXXAS, AND TEAM ASSOCIATED ARE ONE OF THE BEST ELECTRIC/NITRO BRAND NAME R/C'S

[2wdpancar]

I know of a site where you can get rolling HPI micro rs4's for 100 bucks, drop in a mod motor and a nice esc, and it'll be crazy!
Or the RTR ones run 220..:p

Don't get the drift, pshh, D-Box...:lol:

[Sweed]

Traxxas Stampede.
If you break it.. Well, you won't.
The most I've broken on one is..... Slipper melted (I changed the Mesh) and broke the glue between the rim/tire.

Otherwise, I would go with a E-Maxx. The E-Savage is like a toy, it's nothing compared to the E-Maxx. The E-Maxx is king of Electric Monster Trucks (for now..), but the E-Revo is coming...

Then again, you can drift with the Stampede. Get the BL one and traction (or lack thereof) is your biggest worry.

Visit your hobby store and said Manufacturer's websites. I haven't Seen REDisFASTER for a while, but he was our AE Guru.

Traxxas ftw!

EDIT::
I know of a site where you can get rolling HPI micro rs4's for 100 bucks, drop in a mod motor and a nice esc, and it'll be crazy!
Or the RTR ones run 220..:p

Don't get the drift, pshh, D-Box...:lol:

Let's see..
$100 Rolling Chassis
$70+ Radio/Reciever
$20+ Steering Servo
$25+ Mod Motor
$50+ ESC
$40 D-Box

$305 for a (new) MRS4?

You'll want about $70 laying for hop-ups and replacements. It's addictive and expensive.

[torredo]

nephew got the new version with the Titan motor, and so far...

the rear hubs got eaten up, so we upgraded to the big hubs with BB, and front suspension got sheared off on a bad landing. This needed a new lower suspension arm, upper arm & new shock cap.

not indestructible by any means!
first thing i did was beef up the front tower as it has WAY too much flex.

[snowboi1289]

STAY AWAY FROM OFF BRAND!!!!!!!!!!!!!

stick with the brand name products. it's more expensive but it will totally save you money. reoson is because off brand break's to easily

HPI, TRAXXAS, AND TEAM ASSOCIATED ARE ONE OF THE BEST ELECTRIC/NITRO BRAND NAME R/C'S

Not true,my off brand nitro buggy is very reliable,and alot of different brands like some traxxas parts will fit it perfectly.
Off brand will give you an advantage to show something new to everybody,if you just buy a rc that everybody already knows about,they'll already know what its like,and what could go wrong with it...Sorry if I don't make much sense,I've been working on my rwal car all day,and I'm really tired,sorry again...

[ling427ttvette]

So, these trucks here:

http://www.nitrorcx.com/eloftr.html

That's a hell of a price, is there any certain one that would be good to get, or are they all basically the same?

Looking at the E-Maxx from Traxxas though.. man that thing is sweet. How much are they? Couldn't find a price..

[Sweed]

So, these trucks here:

http://www.nitrorcx.com/eloftr.html

That's a hell of a price, is there any certain one that would be good to get, or are they all basically the same?

Looking at the E-Maxx from Traxxas though.. man that thing is sweet. How much are they? Couldn't find a price..


I woulld pass on them. Off-Brand trucks aren't the bust, and most LHS's don't support them. Plus, no aftermarket.

I dunno. Look to spend $400 for batteries (you need two, minimum) and a good charger.

[ling427ttvette]

$400 for batteries? Are you kidding me? Hell no. $400 could get me better things for my real life car. Like subframe connectors, a bigger cam, some head work.. just to name a few. Obviously not all of those at once.

And, the only hobby place around here is Hobby Lobby.. they have no R/C's..

I just want something for less than $200 total that will be fast, fun and pretty sturdy. Two batteries is no big deal for me, I won't be driving it for hours on end. I don't have time for that.

What about the Traxxas stadium trucks? A guy here offered me one with two batteries and a controller for $150 shipped, used.. it's a T3 or something, or that's what it says on the body of it.

[Donziikid]

Looking at the E-Maxx from Traxxas though.. man that thing is sweet. How much are they? Couldn't find a price..

The new EMaxx (waterproof) is $369.99 off of Towerhobbies.com. Found Here. (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTJR4**&P=ML) It is a 16.8V monster; meaning it takes two seven cell (8.4V) batteries for her to move.

When you add in two good batteries and a decent charger, you'll be looking at about $600 ($100 for battery and $100 for charger). Maybe more, depending on how nice you want her to perform.

[ling427ttvette]

Definitely don't want to spend that much money.. that's quite a bit.

There is a Traxxas Stampede XL5 on Ebay right now for around $170 shipped, brand new and ready to run according to the auction.

Ebay link (http://cgi.ebay.com/TRAXXAS-STAMPEDE-RTR-NEW-XL-5-XL5-30-MPH_W0QQitemZ180234599399QQihZ008QQcategoryZ44029Q QtcZphotoQQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

I know for most of you this is a huge hobby and dropping $600 on one is no big deal, these are just something for me to do when I'm not working on my real car.. so $600 isn't really feasible for me. It doesn't need to be hardcore and really fast, just sturdy and fun to mess around with.

[AeroSynch]

Get the new Traxxas Slash:

http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/5805/images/overview_art.jpg
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/5805/trx_5805.htm

[ling427ttvette]

I saw that and was interested in it, but saw no price?

[Donziikid]

If you want something sturdy and fun to mess with them go with a Traxxas Stampede XL5 or a Traxxas Rustler XL5. If you're more for onroad, go with the Rustler; if you want more offroad go with the Stampede. They're both below $200 RTR. All you'd need to do is pick up a battery and a charger, which will be another ~$150.

[ling427ttvette]

Man, that's still alot of money to spend after battery and charger. When they say RTR, doesn't that mean it has a battery and charger already? They need those to run..

Sounds like that offer I got from a member here might be my best bet to start out with, not sure yet though.

[Donziikid]

Man, that's still alot of money to spend after battery and charger. When they say RTR, doesn't that mean it has a battery and charger already? They need those to run..

Sounds like that offer I got from a member here might be my best bet to start out with, not sure yet though.

That's typically what I think as well, but, meh, guess not. :lol:

Your Ebay auction also requires a 7.2V battery and a charger.

[clintr79]

You don't need to spent 150 on a battery and charger maybe 60.That would be 20 for battery and 40 for charger

[Donziikid]

You don't need to spent 150 on a battery and charger maybe 60.That would be 20 for battery and 40 for charger

For a decent charger and battery, yes you do. By decent I mean being able to chose the amperage you want to charge at and be able to run your car for longer than ten minutes.

With my Traxxas Stampede I get about 10 minutes of moderate run time on my cheap 1600mAh batteries from PowerRacing (the first battery I bought). They still have the sticker on them and they cost me $19.99. However, I have an SMC 3800mAh battery which I use all the time, which cost me $45.99 from my LHS, that lasts me about a half an hour. Instead of spending +$65, I could have just purchased the one battery if I would have known prior to purchasing my Stampede which would have been better. You don't want to spend any more money than you have too.

When it comes to charging, I use a Hobbico MKII Quick Field charger. This also cost me $80 and has a variable charging rate from 0.2amps to 2.0amps. I regret paying the measly $80 and only getting this, I could get much more out of my batteries if I were to purchase a more "intellegent" charger.

But, you could go the cheap route and buy a $20 battery and a $20 AC wall charger that takes eight hours to charge your battery and ten minutes to kill it. :p

[clintr79]

I would not go to the lhs and buy items cost to much.Buy off ebay and it is alot cheaper for same or better items.

[Sweed]

$400 for batteries? Are you kidding me? Hell no. $400 could get me better things for my real life car. Like subframe connectors, a bigger cam, some head work.. just to name a few. Obviously not all of those at once.

Oh, sorry, I meant $400 with batteries. You can cheapo Venom 3300's for $10 a piece, and a decent charger for $40.

But, you could go the cheap route and buy a $20 battery and a $20 AC wall charger that takes eight hours to charge your battery and ten minutes to kill it. :p

We bought a Dynamite charger that lets you charge at 1, 2, or 4 amps. Cost us $40 for it. The Venoum 3300mah packs cost us about $10 a piece (two for stampede, two more for Emaxx).

Each pack lasts maybe 15-20 minutes, tops. But we don't get peak performance out of it. No wheelies. It get's close but doesn't do it.

This hobby is expensive, btw.

[snowboi1289]

So, these trucks here:

http://www.nitrorcx.com/eloftr.html

That's a hell of a price, is there any certain one that would be good to get, or are they all basically the same?

Looking at the E-Maxx from Traxxas though.. man that thing is sweet. How much are they? Couldn't find a price..

this one,they look nice,and I bet theres alot of upgrades available that you can find out that will fit..


Sweed,like I said,"alot of different brands like some traxxas parts will fit it perfectly",and alot of LHS's do carry some upgrades that might fit off-brand rc's,but youve got to find out if they fit.What I do is take my nitro buggy up there,and get the guy to look at it to see what he can find that might fit,or need some modding to fit.

[meme405]

I've been reading, and just kinda staying on the edges. Cause other members know much more aboutmoney and durability and such then me. When i buy a truck money (normally) isnt a problem. Ill spend what i have to to have it running and keep it running the way i want. Sometimes i go over the top others i keep it down to a minimum.

But from what im reading you takign teh minimum to a whole new level. You have to understand the stuff that some people show on this board, donzii for example is somethign that others could never reach without tons of money invested.

from Xmods to hobby grade is the grand canyon of gaps. Sounds to me like you shouldnt, and dont want to spend too much of your money. And thats completely okay, but for those restrictions you have to realize that your expectations in the hobby and car/truck and its performance should be much less.

I guess i am basically saying your not going to get what your thinking in a truck with what your conveying to me right now. Stick to Xmods, until your sure this is what you want to do, then start planning. At that time money should be easier to spend if you have a supply, which it sounds like you have a suply but are simply reluctant to spend on RC's...

B-raz out...

[ling427ttvette]

That's some pretty good advice meme, I realize that the hobby can get expensive.

It's kind of like Craftsman and Snap-On tools, I buy Snap-On because of the quality, and believe me I own alot of tools.. and obviously Snap On is alot higher than Craftsman.

I figured it would be possible to get into the hobby for not so much, and realized I wouldn't be on the level of the big dogs, but figured it would still be fun.

I don't know, I just want something bigger than an Xmod that looks halfway realistic, is fast and durable. Doesn't have to be a 1/10 scale I guess, but good sized. I knew you guys would be the ones to ask. Surely there is something out there for me?

[Sweed]

I don't know, I just want something bigger than an Xmod that looks halfway realistic, is fast and durable. Doesn't have to be a 1/10 scale I guess, but good sized. I knew you guys would be the ones to ask. Surely there is something out there for me?

Okay, I'm gonna say this again, and say for the RC World:
"Take a drive to a LHS, ask them, see what they carry, and so on.."
Becuase that's what EVERYONE will tell you.

Oh, and how much money do you have saved up?
Visit some of the manufacturer's websites, and look on thier forums.
www.traxxas.com
www.hpiracing.com
www.teamassociated.com
www.teamlosi.com

[Stampedekid]

I recommend a Losi MLST2 which is only 1/18th scale but it flies. The only problems with them are the diffs(I haven't had any probs with them yet) and the servos(need new ones lol) But these buggers are fast, reliable, and extremely durable. It has a 2.4Ghz DSM system with no frequencies or interference! Almost positive that it is a Spektrum. It also comes equipped with dual motors for the extra torque, and aluminum oversized shocks all around!
http://losi.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=LOSB0217
I got mine for $200+taxes. Most places charge you $229USD though.
There are also other trucks in the series of Mini Losi Super Truck(MLST) like the Raminator or Rammunition which are based off of real Monster Trucks.

It also comes with everything, the rechargeable for the truck and the batteries for the transmitter.

[AeroSynch]

I saw that and was interested in it, but saw no price?

It costs $180 and is RTR.
:bigwink: :bigwink: