King Motor Baja vs HPI Baja...

[csmillsny]

Looking to get a 1/5 scale, but budget is pretty lean right now. Thinking of going with the clone 5b SS from king Motor. I've heard the are compatible with all the HPI parts (after market as well as stock). So when you consider that-not to mention the price tag- I think I'll come out ok with the clone.
Any feedback, comments or insight will be greatly appreciated. (Also, any "must have" upgrade recommendations).

 

[robmob]

The must have upgrade is a genuine HPI Baja and not the clone.

While you may have been told that parts are compatible, you will find that sometimes this is not the case. The fit and finish of the clone is not up to the standards of the HPI Baja and some parts simply will not fit without some modification.

Your best bet if you are on a budget is to purchase a used HPI Baja.

Good luck.

 

[csmillsny]

Thanks for the heads-up! Now let me ask this... a New 5b ss with a lot of up grades, including pipe, servos, and a lot of turtle stuff I really can't remember the names of. All for $1,100 with out a radio. Good deal or not?

 

[robmob]

That will depend on what upgrades are on it and condition.

FYI so you know I am not talking out of my arse. I own 2 Baja 5b's and 1 5T. All 3 have a lot of Turtle, DarkSoul, SkunkWorks, Team FastEddy and other upgrades.

If I was to sell my dirt 5B, $1100 would be my asking price without an RX/TX.

Here is the 5B I am referring to so you can get a reference to the one you are looking at.

https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66175&highlight=baja

 

[csmillsny]

ok, so what one should I get? I really like the 5t, but really can't justify the $300-$400 mark-up just for a truck body. Are there any real differences between the 5b and 5t as far as the gears, servos, motor, etc. are concerned?
I really want to move up to gas - 1/5 scale, then start getting rid of my nitro's.
I really need as much info/links I can get.

 

[csmillsny]

Also, what's a good price to pay for a 5t? Any discount websites where I may be able to save a few bucks on the purchase?

 

[robmob]

DDM is a great place for Baja stuff. Coupon code LSF will get you 5% off on purchases.

http://www.davesmotors.com/site/index.html

There is also TeamGoNads.

http://www.teamgonads.com/

There is also TowerHobbies.com. They always have coupon codes on the front page and if you join the Super Saver club, you get free shipping and ever better discount codes.

http://www.towerhobbies.com/

IMO the 5T is superior to the 5B. It handles better and it takes jumps better. The gearing is slightly different in the 5T to accommodate the larger diameter tires. Other than that, the only real differences are the body and the extra plastic parts for the front bumper and side skids/mounts and rear body mounts.

If you have your own radio gear and like to build, your best bet is to go for the Baja SS kit. It's the cheapest way to get a brand new HPI Baja.