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Getting started on a Nitro - Need opinion

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shamjithrp

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Hi Guys,
I am very new to this hobby and I need your expert opinion on trying to find a 4x4 to start off with. I started off with a budget of 200$ and I found that all I can get my hands on are Exceeds. I am not happy with the reviews on those and finalized on an HPI or Traxxas. I need to find a good model now under 400$.

What is your opinion on Traxxas T-Maxx 4WD Nitro Monster Truck RTR TRA4910 ?

Do I need the 2.4Ghz or a biggger motor? I know these depends sepcifically on on how I plan to use them. But as a newbie, are the specs on the tra4910 ok?
 
A Maxx is a great truck to start with as its pretty easy to work on and theres plenty of parts/upgrades available everywhere. I havent been to a LHS that didnt stock Traxxas parts. You are looking at the 2.5 version th where they have a newer 3.3 version you may wanna consider. if your gonna invest you might as well get the latest version possible. Another consideration would be the Savage X by HPI. While I dont have 1 I havent come across anyone who has 1 negative comment about that rig either. You can't go wrong with either 1 IMO. The high ground clearance, aftermarket, and drivability make them both fun rigs to own
 
Have you looked on Craigslist? I have 2 T-maxx's complete with everything and I spent $280 on both, $100 for one of them and $180 for the other one because it had an aftermarket motor and RPM A-arms and some other hop ups. I see 4910 T-maxx's on Craigslist for $100 everyday!!! That is a great truck to started with just my opinion because I as well am on a budget. I see Revo's on CL for $250-$300 all day long as well
 
davidbarton87 said:
Have you looked on Craigslist? I have 2 T-maxx's complete with everything and I spent $280 on both, $100 for one of them and $180 for the other one because it had an aftermarket motor and RPM A-arms and some other hop ups. I see 4910 T-maxx's on Craigslist for $100 everyday!!! That is a great truck to started with just my opinion because I as well am on a budget. I see Revo's on CL for $250-$300 all day long as well
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Thanks for the pointer David.. I searched my local listings and I did see some good deals but I am a little hesitant to buy used knowing very little about what I am getting into. But it sure did open my eyes on how much I should expect to loose when its time to sell. :\
 
shamjithrp said:
Thanks Phins-fan... The traxxas 3.3 and the savage is a little out of my budget for now.. An i would like to stick to under 400..

This is another option I have - teamassociated-MGT4.60

How would this compare to the traxxas 2.5?
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For me my MGT is the best MT that I have. That said it doesn't have nearly as much aftermarket available as a Maxx but it does come with a bigblock .28. It is substantially heavier that the Maxx as well. The weakest link on them is the differentials. I've been thru several over the past year+ since I've bought mine. Outside of them it is the most indestructable truck I have and is a great rig to own. From the 2 of them I would still suggest a noob get the Maxx because of part support/aftermarket. Once you feel comfortable with it you can always upgrade to a bigblock and a better suspension.

---------- Post added at 8:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 8:51 PM ----------
davidbarton87 said:
Have you looked on Craigslist? I have 2 T-maxx's complete with everything and I spent $280 on both, $100 for one of them and $180 for the other one because it had an aftermarket motor and RPM A-arms and some other hop ups. I see 4910 T-maxx's on Craigslist for $100 everyday!!! That is a great truck to started with just my opinion because I as well am on a budget. I see Revo's on CL for $250-$300 all day long as well
Click to expand...

Used is a good idea for an experienced hobbyist IMO. A noob should shy away from used as you may be taking over the previous owners headache and buy something that could already be severly beaten. Myself your right - you can get some great deals on those rigs. As long as you know what your looking at!!
 
the ideas that my friends give you here is the best advice you can get. but ill add that getting a very good RC shop is important to. but know it can be hard to find a good one. i had a great shop but he shout down.
 
Phins Fan said:
For me my MGT is the best MT that I have. That said it doesn't have nearly as much aftermarket available as a Maxx but it does come with a bigblock .28. It is substantially heavier that the Maxx as well. The weakest link on them is the differentials. I've been thru several over the past year+ since I've bought mine. Outside of them it is the most indestructable truck I have and is a great rig to own. From the 2 of them I would still suggest a noob get the Maxx because of part support/aftermarket. Once you feel comfortable with it you can always upgrade to a bigblock and a better suspension.

---------- Post added at 8:54 PM ---------- Previous post was at 8:51 PM ----------



Used is a good idea for an experienced hobbyist IMO. A noob should shy away from used as you may be taking over the previous owners headache and buy something that could already be severly beaten. Myself your right - you can get some great deals on those rigs. As long as you know what your looking at!!
Click to expand...

Thanks much for your awesome pointers phin. I will definitely take them into consideration.

After a lot of reading and searching this is the final list i have come up with and I have to choose 1 now..

1. T-max 3.3
2. Savage X SS 1/8 K4.6
3. MGT 4.6 SE
4. Losi Aftershock monster

Can you guys help ,me choose one?
 
IMO if you stick with any of the first 3 you have listed you will be a happy camper at the end of the day. Honestly any of them are a good rig. Take a trip to your LHS and see what they stock the most of. All honestly your probably gonna be paying the mortgage for them for the first few months as most of us did when we started by either buying replacement stock parts or severly upgrading your rig. Make sure once you buy you post some pics for us!! Also theres plenty of very knowledgable people to help you do the break in process and have a reliable rig you can beat on for years to come!!
 
Phins Fan said:
IMO if you stick with any of the first 3 you have listed you will be a happy camper at the end of the day. Honestly any of them are a good rig. Take a trip to your LHS and see what they stock the most of. All honestly your probably gonna be paying the mortgage for them for the first few months as most of us did when we started by either buying replacement stock parts or severly upgrading your rig. Make sure once you buy you post some pics for us!! Also theres plenty of very knowledgable people to help you do the break in process and have a reliable rig you can beat on for years to come!!
Click to expand...

Thanks again Phins.. Called up the local store and he was very pro Tmaxx. i think I am almost finalizing on the tmaxx 3.3 although he was asking me to put in some more and get the revo because its an all new platform.
 
I saw a tmaxx roller that I liked and wondering what servos and engine i should buy. You guys seem to know a lot about the tmaxx
 
shamjithrp said:
Thanks again Phins.. Called up the local store and he was very pro Tmaxx. i think I am almost finalizing on the tmaxx 3.3 although he was asking me to put in some more and get the revo because its an all new platform.
Click to expand...

I dont have the Revo but hear plenty of good about that rig too. I do know it utilizes a newer cantilever suspension system and is kinda like a truggy and MT had a baby together. Either way youll be happy
 
Hey Sham, I'm also a noob and I learned the hard way, after having people telling me to go ahead and go with the 3.3 Maxx, I got the 2.5 and ended up trading up a couple months later, when you take into consideration how much more you get with the 3.3, its worth the extra $70.
 
Rangerrico32 said:
Hey Sham, I'm also a noob and I learned the hard way, after having people telling me to go ahead and go with the 3.3 Maxx, I got the 2.5 and ended up trading up a couple months later, when you take into consideration how much more you get with the 3.3, its worth the extra $70.
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You just made my day because i just pulled the trigger on the 3.3. Ordered it via amazon for 442$ shipped. I am hoping it will have the full package. It is cheaper by around 30$ compared to the other stores.
 
shamjithrp said:
You just made my day because i just pulled the trigger on the 3.3. Ordered it via amazon for 442$ shipped. I am hoping it will have the full package. It is cheaper by around 30$ compared to the other stores.
Click to expand...
Congrats man, they are really nice rigs and I know you'll enjoy it!
 

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