Fool proofing a first purchase.

[Lantern]

Well, it looks like I've got one of my friends talked into taking the plunge and buying his first RC.


The thing is.....he wants to know exactly how much it will cost him to get started(read that as he wants me to search the net for the best prices for every part since he's netless).


He wants a Revo so we have that part covered along with what already comes with the Revo. But, since I kinda want to fool proof his first experience(ie; lower his chances of a run away or bad gas ect) I was wondering if you guys would recommend a stonger replacement battery right off the bat and if so what brand/kind? Is there a failsafe that seems to be a board favorite? I always run Traxxas fuel, but if there's better I'm listening...hehe.


If you're guessing that I'm trying to limit how many times I'll be called over to fix something or explain why so and so did this and that to his(as always) angry wife who can't figure out why I can talk him into spending hundreds on "toys" but she can't talk him into getting her a $20 bouquet of flowers you'd be RIGHT......LOL!! :idea:



Just a general list of suggestions would be GREAT. Then I could pick which ones to add to the price and then I'll know the exact number I'll hear his wife nagging me about for the next few months.

 

[kwong2001]

Any 5-cell rechargable battery pack will work. I think I have racer edge battery packs in both my savage and ntc3.

I use the venom failsafe. Haven't had any problems with it, and it's fairly compact. It's also pretty easy to setup, just use a small flathead screwdriver to adjust it.

Opinions may vary, but I personally wouldn't give any n00b a trx2.5 for their first engine. He'll be hitting you up to tune it everytime he goes to play. Maybe you could set him up with a OS 18cv-r or 18TZ and have him sell the trx2.5 b4 it ever sees fuel?

For fuel, I like team trinity race blend. O'donnel is also really good from what I hear.

 

[Rolex]

The 2.5R in the Revo is extremely dependable, and holds its' tune. Don't confuse the Revo engine with the stock 2.5.
I was never 'brand specific' about anything, but I eventually learned that Traxxas fuel works best in a Traxxas engine.
If there's an engine problem during break in, they may not honor the warranty either, if they see that you didn't run the recommended fuel.
I highly recommend the Revo for a really good handling and dependable newbie truck. Great parts availability also.

 

[robmob]

I second the Revo as a first time purchase. The 2.5R is not plagued with the over heating of the original 2.5 in my experience.

I favor the Ofna micro failsafe, but I am sure the Venom one is fine. I use Traxxas fuel without any issues and would recommend it.

 

[jetmechG550]

The stock battery is fine, just make sure the steering servos aren't fighting each other and the run times will be good. Trinity Horsepower blend isn't too bad for a noob, it's got a higher oil content than most and I think it comes in a little cheaper. I've never used Traxxas though so I can't comment, I can't find it anywhere around me. I use Venom fail safe's but the OFNA is good as well and they are close in price $20-$25. You can also get the EPIC stick packs from tower for about $9.00 for the sleazy start. Don't forget the fuel filter, it's cheap ($4-5) insurance. Pick up some spares too (rod ends and such) that are common breakage items.

 

[Revo Rancher]

I second all these suggestions. For best dependability use Traxxas fuel. I use 20%. Also, I did my own experiment on glow plugs. Found out of the three Traxxas plugs, one McCoy and one OS plug that the McCoy burned the hottest when I tested them on my glow plug igniter.

As to batt packs, only one needed is the one for the EZ Start and I used the 1400mah Epic pack which I picked up for 9.00. I keep two in my kit and both charged for longer sessions. Note you will need to buy a charger for the sticks. You will need 8 AA batteries for the transmitter, too. Does not hurt to pick up a spare glow plug starter wire as they are prone to break. If they break in the field you will need a glow plug igniter, so consider one of those, too.

Last, get some cheap paint brushes, non-polyester as they fray, to clean dust and dirt off, after you have given the rig a blast with compressed air or nitro-clean.

 

[Lantern]

Thanks alot guys. I hadn't even thought of the oil content in the fuel as a headache deterent...LOL!!


If there are any more feel free to throw in your

 

[stampede]

lantern,

the revo is a great newbie choice IMO. dont let the tuning problems listed in this forum intimidate, most are probably caused by cold weather/break in. the reciever battery pack is very suficient i get at least 2 hours out of mine just make sure the steering servos are adjusted properly (no twitching/noise fighting eachother etc) mine was great out of the box also the best fuel I've used so far is traxxas 33% it makes the car scream and is much more forgiving when tuning I've used traxxas 20% and blue thunder 20% traxxas 33% works best for me. also when its under 35-40 degrees outside a traxxas #3230 plug is also healpful Good Luck!