I need help deciding...

[marauder]

I usually do not do this, but there's a first time for everything...

I'm on the fence on what to do. After this weekend, I've decided that I'd like to learn how to race instead of bash. That being said my skill on the track is non-existent. I'm a quick learner, but I don't expect to be the best any time soon. I've been looking online for a good entry level 8th scale RTR nitro truggy or buggy. I've looked at quite a few options out there and it just boils down to parts availability and price. I don't want to buy something that doesn't have parts readily available for order online.

So I've looked at a few, and wanted to run this out there and see if anyone can pick up on what I'm wanting and steer me in the right direction.


http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXAXV1&P=ML
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVGM6&P=7
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXRDA4**&P=ML

 

[Lessen]

Since you are willing to use web ordering for your parts supply you'll want make your car decision based on your web retailer of choice, at least IMO. I like AMainHobbies.com and Stormerhobbies.com. Stormer has somewhat of an awkward layout as far as checkout is concerned and they don't take paypal directly but their shipping is lightning fast, at least it is for me.

I'm not sure of the big difference between the two OFNA models but OFNA is a good overall brand for beginners on a budget. Stay away from Duratrax in general as their reputation is shaky.

 

[alpinehyperlite]

For racing, look at the LOSI 8ight B.

 

[marauder]

Yeah, I'm really liking the ofna with the picco engine. Seems good, I'm not looking to be competetive right now, I just want a trackworthy rig.

 

[SmokeDogg]

X1-crt or x2-crt are both great choices if your looking for a truggie. If u do go with a rtr make sure to upgrade chassis braces to aluminum to prevent un-wanted problems in the future. KindHeadz makes some good ones that I run. You might want to look at the ofna 8 rtr with the 8.5 upgrade in the box. I have heard from a few people that it is a great ride.

As with any rtr change the servos or keep spares on hand!

 

[Scrogg]

I have the ofna Picco, great little buggy with an awesome engine and shocks. It would be the best choice of the three. It will outrun and outhandle the MBX.
The stock servos suck and you need a hump pack. Otherwise it is a good club racer.
There is not a drop of loc-tite on it out of the box. I highly suggest you remedy that.

 

[SmokeDogg]

There is not a drop of loc-tite on it out of the box. I highly suggest you remedy that.

I second that notion!

 

[marauder]

Thanks for the info Scrogg, and everyone else. I'm leaning toward the Ofna with Picco engine. Yeah, I figured servos would be an upgrade. I'm learning now that cheap servos just don't cut it.

What servos are you running in yours scrogg? Got any pics of your rig?

 

[Scrogg]

No pics bud, I jusr got a CRT PRo roller and I raped the poor buggy to build the truggy.
Too many buggy racers at my track and I missed racing monster trucks.
Steering servos= Hitec 5955
Throttle servo= Hitec 5625
The 5955 was overkill on a buggy. A Hitec 5985 would do perfect.

 

[marauder]

Nice, thanks! Hopefully I will be on the track soon. Worst case I take all winter and just piece together a kit instead of buying a rtr...but the itch is getting to me fast.

 

[Lessen]

Nice, thanks! Hopefully I will be on the track soon. Worst case I take all winter and just piece together a kit instead of buying a rtr...but the itch is getting to me fast.

If you decide to build a kit and add components of your choice I would like to suggest the Thunder Tiger EB4 S3 buggy. It's a reasonably priced kit at only around $300 and it's built to take a lickin'. It's one tough buggy. It's also a proven winner at bigtime events. The name doesn't carry the prestige of Kyosho or Xray but it's a great car and parts are reasonably priced as well. I bought it when it first hit the market at $500.

 

[Scrogg]

The new Hot Bodies D8 is doing well and does not cost much.
After my experience with buggies, I prefer a Truggy.
I picked up a the CRT Pro roller for 180 plus shipping. have yet to drive it but I love it already! I have driven other truggies, I still think the Kyosho ST-RR and the Mugen are the best available.
You can find Mugen's cheap now and they are still highly competitive.

 

[travis4380]

Ofna's are a good choice, but this one here is very upgradable if needed and a local guy I race with has one and its pretty durable to. Amainhobbies.com is a better place to order from and cheaper than tower.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_44_48/products_id/12836

Or if u still want the ofna go with the picco or x1-cr rtr
http://www.amainhobbies.com/index.php?cPath=1_44_48&sort=prl&filter_mfr=

 

[marauder]

Ofna's are a good choice, but this one here is very upgradable if needed and a local guy I race with has one and its pretty durable to. Amainhobbies.com is a better place to order from and cheaper than tower.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_44_48/products_id/12836

Hey, that's not a bad ride either. Amain does a bad job of listing all items included, I'd assume it comes with radio gear and servos?

Also seen this,
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_44_48/products_id/11188

Is it worth the added price?

Definitely looking for something in the sub $400 range, so $250's is EXCELLENT. I'm just looking to get in cheap, but not too cheap. I won't be competitive for a while, so I'm ok with not having the absolute best on the market.

I really would like a truggy over a buggy, but so far I've yet to find a good priced truggy.

 

[SmokeDogg]

I really would like a truggy over a buggy, but so far I've yet to find a good priced truggy.

I know this is a little more expensive than you wanted but is a awesome ride. I only suggest you upgrade the front and rear chassis brace to aluminum to prevent too much chassis flex. The other stuff can be upgraded if needed like some things just do on a RTR.

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_info.php/cPath/1_44_50/products_id/4134

If you want to see a video of one in action here you go. It is my X1-CRT.

https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=63183&page=2

There are MANY MANY parts for the X1-CRT and if you look on e-bay there is a company called dragon something that makes some good uprades that are real cheap. Or just look at the King Headz stuff on A-Main.

 

[marauder]

So are there any down sides to this GS Storm CL-1? I'm willing to give it a shot.

 

[SmokeDogg]

I have never seen one and nobody races them around here so I can't help you there. Check around for reviews and maybe a-main has some customer reviews up. That might help a bit.

 

[m_podt]

The new Hot Bodies D8 is doing well and does not cost much.
After my experience with buggies, I prefer a Truggy.
I picked up a the CRT Pro roller for 180 plus shipping. have yet to drive it but I love it already! I have driven other truggies, I still think the Kyosho ST-RR and the Mugen are the best available.
You can find Mugen's cheap now and they are still highly competitive.

I have been driving Mugen and Kyosho for years. They are the best in my opinion. But they are are not really cheap. I just recently bought a Hot Bodies D8 (see attachment) and I must say I am rather impressed. Especially considering its price: You can buy them for just over $300. Of course, it's not a Mugen or Kyosho regarding design, but it drives very nicely.

 

[Brushlessboy]

There are MANY MANY parts for the X1-CRT and if you look on e-bay there is a company called dragon something that makes some good uprades that are real cheap. Or just look at the King Headz stuff on A-Main.[/QUOTE]

The X1 CRT is an excellent choice, (X2 is better) and is a great handling truggy with, as stated, a HUGE supply of available parts and hopups...
The ebay store you're after is dragon racing, and is quite cheap.
For example I bought a set of alloy rear toe blocks in 2, 2.5 and 3 degree for I think $18. Whereas they are like $11 each on A Main, my next favourite store........

 

[m_podt]

Dragon racing... cheap price, cheap quality...