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Need expert Advise "Part 2" ... electric info

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formyboys

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Okay so I started my quest in the Nitro section, then... Metalhead Matt suggested I explore electric... so here I am.

Long story short, I am wanting to surprise my husband with a RC for his birthday, was thinking about a Nitro car but Matt suggested the new modern electric cars. I just looked at the Traxxis Monster Jam versions - being new please start firing way info. You can look at the Nitro section "Need Expert Advise... to compare the Nitro info

They will be running mostly grass and dirt maybe a mudhole here and there and I need some speed. The only reason I chose Nitro is because that is all I know about, so any info would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Amy
 
look for a emaxx or an esavage. both of those are going to do well in every type of bashing you mentioned. good aftermarket parts availability. and has plenty of power options, brushed systems and brushless systems. great starter trucks.
 
The 4x4 Stampede/Slash platform is also a good choice. They're slightly smaller, but only require one battery to operate. The E Maxx requires 2 batteries and the E Savage isn't water resistant. As stated before, the initial cost is substantial, with the 4x4 Stampede and Slash going for around $380. Expect to pay $60-$100 for a quality charger and around $40-$50 for extra battery packs. One of the biggest positive points with electric is there is hardly any learning curve to get started. Charge the battery, plug it in and be amazed at the power and speed. Lipo batteries bring the power to a whole new level, but I would recommend sticking with nimh batteries until more knowledge is acquired. Lipos need special care and precautions. Nothing too extravagant, but regular ol' nimh's are simpler to handle in the beginning.
 
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I would have to go with the Traxxas Slash 4X4 because it is a good off road electric truck. It also use one battery at a time which means les initial out lay of money than the Savage Flux, the E-Maxx or the eRevo. Traxxas also has water resistant electronics so a mud puddle wouldn't hurt the truck unless you left in the puddle overnight.

A good thing to purchase as said above is a really good battery charger and at least 2 extra batteries. This will allow you to run one, charge one and let the other battery cool after running it.

I've run all three types of RC. I've run electric, nitro and gas. The best bang for the buck in my opinion is electric. You can just charge a pack and go and play.
 
The only downside to electric versus Nitro is typically the "start up cost" is a little higher for electric if you buy decent batteries. Nitro is not a bunch cheaper, and you have to keep buying fuel for it. Also run times with electric are a lot shorter, unless you keep a fleet of batteries at the ready.

Both are great fun....and if your hubby is mechanically inclined either will suit him just fine. Learning Nitro isn't that hard, but it can be a little frustrating. He will enjoy either type you get him I'm sure ;-)
 
Okay, so I made a visit to my local hobby shop, which is well stocked with all kinds of stuff. He also has is own custom rc's on display which I thought were pretty impressive, helicopters, planes, buggy's (big) and anything else you can think of.

After talking to him, a shop full of guys and you all, I think for now we are going to go electric. The upfront costs I am okay with considering all the extra's I would have to buy for a Nitro. Plus for beginners I don't think its worth the learning curve and the constant fixing/upkeep that seems to go on with the Nitro's. He was leaning me toward the Emaxx (brushless), but not sure of that yet. I plan on getting a good charger and extra batteries. Any thoughts???

And after I got in there I got excited, I think all of us will end up with one. He was showing me a good starter for my son (although he has his own arsenal of small rc's), and I may end up with one too. Can't let the boys have all the fun...

Keep sending the advice and I will be forum surfing, even if I don't understand all of the lingo.

Amy
 
The E-Maxx is a decent truck, but it is not as durable out of the box as the eRevo (the Summit is also built on this chassis) or the Savage Flux. Electric is really the best to start out with because of the lack of tuning, tweaking and cleaning of gunk after running.

All of the Traxxas electric trucks have a training mode which limits the truck to half throttle so a driver can get used to the handling of the truck.
 
Trucks are more versatile, being that you can drive them in rougher conditions and terrain. I'm in total agreement with the E Revo. It's water resistant, plenty fast out of the box and hop ups are plentiful.
 
X2 on the erevo. . .i own both of them. . .mini and full size and i love them and drive them ALL THE TIME, wicked quick out of the box and with the Mamba monster its just insanely fast(full size erevo) but the only down fall to the mamba monster is that it is NOT waterproof
 
A cool option, when the guys are ready for some insane speed, is to pickup the Momba Monster system for when it's dry outside. Then when the snow/rain falls or it's damp out, throw the stock esc/motors back in and bash on.:)
 
Right. The ERevo is not water resistant due to the Mamba. This is why I went with the Summit.
 
Oh yeah. I'll go stand in the corner for 10 minutes.

I would still go with the Summit. Even the 5 year old could have fun with it since it can act like a kinda sorta crawler.
 
Ha ha! I just wasn't sure. Haven't teased myself by looking at new rc's in a while.:) The slower speed of the Summit would suit a younger child well. I guess it comes down to terrain. If they're gonna be in the rough stuff more often, the Summits capabilities would be killer. If the terrain is gonna consist of grass and pavement, the Revo's speed and simplicity may be a better match. Sounds like we're getting close to decision time.:)
 
Okay you guys are throwing me a curve ball with the Mamba Monster stuff. So you are saying if it has the Mamba Monster stay away from water...got that. So is this something "extra" in the box? Something you buy? Something you change around?

Anything brushless not waterproof (resistant) ?

I am officially now more confused. . Maybe I am trust overthinking. Dumb it down for me guys!

And its official Momma is getting one too...any suggestions? besides the ERevo?
 
The Momba Moster is an electronic speed control and motor system. You can buy the Revo with either a waterproof brushed system, or the Momba brushless system. Kinda like buying a Mustang, and either going with a v6 or v8.:) It's just an option.
 
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