HPI vs Associated

[ChopperDoc]

I have been out of the hobby for about 25 years; my last car was an Associated RC10 that I had more into than most daily drivers.
Race tracks in this area have come and gone - mostly gone. A new one is opening up that is just an add on to an old and established business, so it might stand a chance for longevity.

Since I enjoy the tinkering as much as I do the racing, I would prefer a kit over a RTR but with the increased cost of the kit and the uncertanty of having a track, I am leaning toward the RTRs. I don't want to have $2K into something that I can only run around the yard. I can do that for $100 from Walmart.

I have narrowed it down to two choices - The Associated RC8 RS (ASC80905) and the HPI Pulse 4.6 Buggy (HPI107020). I am assuming that both can be started with a starter box, which is about all I have left that isn't obsolete.
I would welcome opions as to which one of the two would be the best buy, or suggestions for other options.

 

[Greywolf74]

The model number ASC80905 I think may have been discontinued cuz I can't find it anywhere. I can find the Associated 8.2 RTR ASC80909 which looks pretty much identical and its the same price. Out of this and the HPI, Id choose the RC8.2 especially for racing.

If I was going to buy an HPI, I would look at either The HPI Trophy Buggy. HPIs best racing buggy IMO is the Hot Bodies 812 but its more than what it looks like youve budgeted for.

The Kyosho Inferno MP9 is also a nice offering for the same money as the Associated 8.2 but teh 8.2 is probably still my top pick in $500 or less RTR range.

OFNA always has a couple of nice racing class buggies that are usually on the less expensive side of things but I'm a little outta touch with which ones are their racers and which ones are their bashers.

 

[ChopperDoc]

I came across the ASC80905 from a web store; It showed the MSRP as $1K and change and selling it for $379. It has the .28 engine and prostart included. It may be discontinued but it does seem like a lot of car for the money. Based on what you said and my other research, I think it is worth a try. I'll post the web name right after I get my order in (lol). Thanks for the comments.

 

[SchrodeMode]

I came across the ASC80905 from a web store; It showed the MSRP as $1K and change and selling it for $379.

Don't believe all of the "MSRP" prices you see, about 4 yrs ago I saw Revos listed as 50% off their $1200 MSRP. That was the first and only time I had ever seen a $1200 price on a bone stock Revo, the over priced Integy monsters on eBay are a whole other story. Welcome back to the hobby though, and good luck with the new rig.