HPI Savage XL SBK 1/8 Nitro Monster Truck Kit

[ferrebee88]

Hats off to HPI!

https://www.amainhobbies.com/hpi-savage-xl-sbk-1-8-nitro-monster-truck-kit-hpi160550/p1783099

https://www.hpiracing.com/en/kit/160550

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

don't like the XL, the wheelbase is to long so they look weird, and the body selection is low.
i do appreciate the kit though.

 

[ohsnap]

I say this as someone who still has and runs (what remains) of his 2002 Savage (mainly the TVP's these days).

I haven't followed prices of new RTR Savages for years - but getting what you would be getting (and not getting) in that kit for $599 seems steep to me just for the "thrill" of building it myself.
I'd get that same "thrill" by buying something off eBay, tearing it down, repairing/upgrading, and putting it back together.
Except that 2nd thrill would probably turn out to be a customized build saving me hundreds.

Maybe I'm cheap, but you're way better off going onto the net doing some selective model/chassis shopping and then just adding those parts that are "Needed to Complete" or are otherwise needed to produce an equivalent Savage.

It's not unusual to see decent (complete and appear to be runnable) Savages (including 2.4 transmitters / receivers and Roto-starts) where the delivery price comes in under $600.
You don't like the engine and pipe, *poof* - gone to be replaced - and you were needing to buy new ones anyways...
Same goes for electronics.
I've seen needy Savage X's out there barely touching $200...
You can do a lot with those extra hundreds in savings.

Granted here's a whole lot of ugly ducklings out there that need to be avoided, but the Savage never came across as cute.
I just don't see this kit being snapped up by those who are new to the hobby.
It almost feels like HPI had to figure a way to try and move inventory once their engine supply dried up.

 

[Crazybajabuild]

I say this as someone who still has and runs (what remains) of his 2002 Savage (mainly the TVP's these days).

I haven't followed prices of new RTR Savages for years - but getting what you would be getting (and not getting) in that kit for $599 seems steep to me just for the "thrill" of building it myself.
I'd get that same "thrill" by buying something off eBay, tearing it down, repairing/upgrading, and putting it back together.
Except that 2nd thrill would probably turn out to be a customized build saving me hundreds.

Maybe I'm cheap, but you're way better off going onto the net doing some selective model/chassis shopping and then just adding those parts that are "Needed to Complete" or are otherwise needed to produce an equivalent Savage.

It's not unusual to see decent (complete and appear to be runnable) Savages (including 2.4 transmitters / receivers and Roto-starts) where the delivery price comes in under $600.
You don't like the engine and pipe, *poof* - gone to be replaced - and you were needing to buy new ones anyways...
Same goes for electronics.
I've seen needy Savage X's out there barely touching $200...
You can do a lot with those extra hundreds in savings.

Granted here's a whole lot of ugly ducklings out there that need to be avoided, but the Savage never came across as cute.
I just don't see this kit being snapped up by those who are new to the hobby.
It almost feels like HPI had to figure a way to try and move inventory once their engine supply dried up.

View attachment 262811View attachment 262812

i think the same way you do. i mean i want a new savage too even tho I've had many over the years and I've built a few nice ones. but i can't justify buying that sbk for that price. i could build mine better for cheaper.

 

[ohsnap]

"i could build mine better for cheaper."
If you haven't already...
IMO - There's really nothing in this kit that moves Heaven and Earth, and after you add on the "must add" add-ons, you got a pricy rig.

HPI says this about the SBK kit.
"The SBK version also benefits from new performance focused upgrades, including steel second and third gear components for the 3-speed transmission,"

The third (and ostensibly 2nd) gears are different in this kit as opposed to previous 3 speeds.
The same 2nd and 3rd gear clutch holders are used, as well as the first gear arrangement and idler and drive gears - and shafts.
HPI is not yet listing the part number nor details for the 2nd gear and pinion set, but they have listed 3rd.

The high-speed 3rd gear set (26T/36T) differs from the previous high-speed gear set.
160756 - New ("and improved") 3rd high-speed gear set
77065 - Previous 3rd high-speed gear set
I've personally never had an issue with my (77065) high-speed gear set-up.
Yes, either would be an upgrade over the original 24T/38T 3rd gear, but you can currently buy both 3rd HS gear sets off the marketplace.

Here's a link to the standard parts.
https://www.hpiracing.com/en/parts/160550/std
You can access the option parts off that page.

Most standard parts are common with the newer RTR's, and what you don't have in yours, you can get in the marketplace.
(Except for the updated 2nd gear set, which I so far can't find)

You could start from scratch with nothing but money, buy a decent used Savage off of eBay, throw in what you need and want, and still have significant money left over.
Needless to say, if you already have a donor Savage on hand, you're miles ahead.

 

[easy rider]

It’s nice to have the option irregardless of individual circumstances. I too would t pay this for it. But, when it came time to in order to have a savage xl, I would pay it had I not just converted an x over to the xl.

To each their own. I doubt this is going to last long anyways. There can’t be many people willing to drop $500 on a nitro roller they gotta put together them selves. Then drop another $300 on motor and electronics.

If they are like me, it’s been so cold for so long now, there’s been zero opportunity to break it in. No sense in putting that coin out if you can’t run it in the near future.