Decisions, decisions...first nitro buggy.

[Grovir]

I'm not totally new to the hobby but looking to get my first RTR nitro vehicle and I want a buggy. I will mostly use it for learning how to drive and maintain a nitro vehicle at first and maybe try to do some racing later on. I'm leaning towards the OFNA buggies but not sure which one to get. It will be either the Ultra LX One or Hyper 7 TQ Black. Any input or suggestions about either of these buggies, or any other similarly priced buggy for that matter, would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sweetdiesel]

Hyper 7 is a great starter buggy. It's very tough and parts should still be pretty easy to get.

 

[Amoeba]

The OFNA Hyper 7 Black is a well priced and a good choice. People may give me crap about this but... you may also want to look at Redcat Racing. Their Hurricane is pretty solid as well. I've got their Truggy and it's been a tank.

 

[Scrogg]

The Ofna Picco buggy is an excellent choice as well. Picco engine, 16mm big bore shocks, quad brakes, pivot ball suspension. I loved mine. It just needs better servos and radios. Tower has a good deal on it too. The only weak point i found is the front shock tower bends easily. All the Ofna RTRs have that problem though.
Oh yeah, Ofna does not believe in loc-tite on their RTRs either.

 

[Grovir]

Thanks for the input and suggestions!

There are so many options out there it's mind boggling. OFNA alone has 9 RTR buggies listed on their website. :\

Looking at the TowerHobbies listings for the Hyper 7 and the OFNA Picco there seems to be only a few major differences between the two, the engine, the brakes(single disk for the Hyper and dual disc for the Picco) and the size of the vehicle(the Picco being about an inch shorter and two inches narrower). The Picco buggy is smaller and has the Picco engine, but it's slightly more expensive. Is the engine that much better then the one that comes with the Hyper 7 (which TowerHobbies describes as the "Ofna Hyper .21") and will it really matter to a nitro noob like me?

Oh and I haven't ruled out the Redcat buggy just kinda got stuck on the OFNA ones.

 

[Lessen]

yeah, the Picco engine is definately of higher quality than the OFNA Hyper .21. Tuning the Picco should be much easier as I've heard that OFNA carbs aren't all that great.

 

[RC Addict]

I have but two words for you: Losi 8ight! Right now it is arguably the best buggy out there in RTR form.

 

[Scrogg]

The Picco engine is very easy to tune and is built very nice. It is real similar to the Hyper engine. Same block and carb. But the important parts are different. The sleeve piston and conrod are all very good qualitty in the Picco. I think it has better bearings as well. I was shocked to see the inside of this engine, nice thick sleeve, very clean ports. Send it off to be modded and I bet it would hurt some high dollar engines' feelings.
The Losi 8 is a better choice but you will pay for it.
Being this is your first nitro, I would suggest buying the Ofna roto start for your buggy.
A pullstart engine in the hands of a new guy can cause massive headaches, swearing and blisters galore, all without ever getting the thing to run! lol Been there!