New to Nitro

[malkore]

I'm new to the forum and to Nitro. i don't have a car yet, hence my first post is this:

I'm not looking to spend a ton...so what's a reasonable amount to spend to get a 'first car' that I'm not going to outgrow in a year, that is durable, and upgradable? I think I'd be doing more off-roading (or at least rough pavement) so I'm looking at buggys or maybe a 'truggy'?

I'd been looking at the Exceed 'beginner' cars but a forum search proved these to be less than popular and not worth upgrading. Obviously the $159 price with controller made it attractive.

So, am I going to HAVE to spend $500 to get something worthwhile?

I may head back to Hobby Town today and see what they have. I didn't see much on display that drew my attention but maybe its just the wrong time of year for outdoor cars in the midwest so they're not in-stock.

 

[hamz9561]

I would really recommend an electric vehicle to start out. Once you're comfortable running it then maybe try going to a Nitro truck or buggy which adds the complexity of tuning the engine. The Traxxas Stampede is a good candidate and only really needs a battery and charger. Another good one to start with is the Associated RC-10t4.1. This truck is due out soon and Woody put up the specs on the front page a short while ago. My local Hobbytown USA has a price on it of $199.99 for a brushed version and $239.99 for the brushless version.

 

[malkore]

What if I kind of want a gas engine? I have two mechanical friends that can help me with tuning (and I'm good at following instructions). Part of the reason I want gas engine is to get a little more mechanical experience.

That said, I looked at the Stampede at HobbyTown USA today. The clerk steered me towards a 4WD brushless electric truck for $400. They also have a Traxxis TMaxx for $409 which seemed like the kind of nitro truck that met my criteria (other than being a little more than I hoped to spend).

Knowing that I like to tinker and learn about things inside and out, would you recommend the TMaxx?

 

[RC Addict]

The nitro Stampede is a nice place to start. The T-Maxx is a step up from that. The key is to get what YOU like and that you can get parts for. Spend as much as you can afford on a quality rig. Unless buying used (there are some great deals on this site for used rigs to get started with) I would look to spend a lot more than that $159.99...

 

[SavageShaun]

you mentioned a upgradeable nitro and that you would be doing more off roading with and wanted something that takes abuse you should take a look at the hpi savage line,there one of the toughest nitro monster truck out there and hopup's are everywere.. just something to look into...and welcome to the forum! lol


P.S.. i just noticed you love to "tinker" well the hpi savage has the ss kits which you build yourself,this way you know your truck inside and out,and they come with hopups right in the box not found on the rtr models....

 

[malkore]

Thanks for all of the opinions. Turns out I know someone with a Tmaxx, and he's a pretty picky person like myself, so I'm going to ask him his two cents...

there's an off chance he might not want his anymore and might offer me a good price. we'll see what happens there.

any other opinions in the $400 range (since that's what i can get a Tmaxx for)...feel free to post em.

 

[Racer 1966]

$400 is getting in the range for a Savage. It's a much better/more durable truck than the T-Maxx. If you were to go electric,check out a Slash,Blitz or SC10. They're all a blast and I'm not a fan of electrics. The Slayer is a nitro version of the Slash,also under your $400 range.

Ultimately,RCAddict is right on with his advice. Get what you like and can easily find parts for.

 

[Nitrobuzzard]

First off, welcome to RCNT...greatest place on earth!!

I've always been partial to the RC10GT for a first time nitro truck. Its 2wd, the engines are really easy to tune and they are tough as nails...and you can usually find them in good used condition for under $200 RTR. My LHS has a real nice GT2 for $300, I think, thats RTR with a nice engine. Good luck in whatever you decide to go with and have fun : )

-Nitro

 

[malkore]

how much harder is 2WD than 4WD? I've driven plenty of 2WD (rear wheel drive) vehicles in my life, but the hobbytown guy was really pushing me towards 4WD to "make it easier to control".

4WD does sound more fun though. looks like I have some cars to research this week though

 

[MotoGod]

malkore, if you are looking for a decent entry level vehicle....that will drive over pretty much anything. I've got a T-Maxx 2.5 up for grabs for @ $160. It's RTR. Charge the batteries, Add Fuel....and go.

There are a TON of nice vehicles out there that won't cost you $500. Like a few guys have mentioned the Savages are pretty nice. T-Maxx is a great starter vehicle as well, and pretty cheap to fix if you have a mishap.

Find out what you can get parts for locally....then make your decision. Ordering parts is no fun sometimes....lol

 

[malkore]

I have another easy followup question: just how loud are these nitro cars? specifically the Tmaxx 3.3?

the guy I work with said "you won't be able to drive it up the street without your neighbors getting all p*ssed off"

Is it louder than a gas trimmer/mower, or just that its higher pitched and thus seems worse?

I have some open fields I can go to, but my backyard is pretty big and my street is a deadend so I figured I could at least whip it around there a bit...yes/no?

 

[Nitrobuzzard]

They a little loud but it really depends on what pipe you have on it. Stockers are fairly quite for the most part. My 2.5 Maxx isn't loud, not in my opinion, and its stock as far as the pipe goes.

-Nitro

 

[MotoGod]

It's sounds like a weedwhacker most times. Stock pipes are pretty tolerable....some aftermarkets are pretty loud. I drive my Truggy in the front yard all the time without annoying my neighbors....so it's not too too bad.

 

[malkore]

Ok, so I think I am going to go electric. The more I read up on tuning nitro engines, the more worried I got.

So the local hobbytown is low on inventory due to their distributors, but they have one Traxxas Stampede VXL Brushless RTR in the box, for $309 I believe, and as I recall it had a charger and battery that came with it. All I'd need are batteries for the transmitter.

I think it was also 4WD.

Sound like a good deal/bashing truck for a noob?

 

[hamz9561]

That should be fine to start with. Traxxas parts are easy to find and not very expensive. I would suggest that you get a better peak charger than the one that comes with the truck.

 

[Nitrobuzzard]

yea you can't beat the Stampedes.....tough little trucks. I've had 3 of them....now that you mention it...i think i want another LOL

enjoy your new truck mate : )

-Nitro

 

[moe7404]

even though iam new to rc i have some ideas. the most important thing is that your local hobby shop has parts in stock. next thing is a T-Maxx is NOT a starter truck. i have a t-maxx and a jato, i should have bought the jato first. spend some time just hanging round the lhs, learn who is who, also chuck out the local race track. to run your new truck find an emty parking lot, with not to many posts. and dont go to fast till you know how it stops. some trucks dont like to have the break and steer on at the same time, they tend to filp. the smaller trucks, jato ect when you hit the break hard the back end will spin around 180 dgrees. this is normal. just take it slow at first.

 

[malkore]

It is done!

Traxxas Slash 4x4 brushless is mine (TR6808). didn't get any extras today, but earned $20 in coupons. Probably can't play with it til saturday due to work.