Nitro lover looking for first electric.

[Cornholio]

Hello everyone. I've been a nitro fan for 10 years or so, I've put many gallons through my blue chassis RC10GT. It's been a fantastic truck and I love all the tinkering, tuning and how durable it's been. But I think I'd like to try my hand at a 1/10 electric, especially for cold weather running or when I just have a few minutes of bashing time. I don't necessarily need something thats "race" worthy, but it definetely will have to be durable. A RTR would probably be fine, I don't mind upgrading parts as they break and I have access to a free Lipo charger. What i'd like is a 4x4 SCT. I've been looking at the SC10 4x4 and the ProLite 4x4 but I don't know anything about the motors, ESC's or lipo batteries. My budget is about $400. I'd consider another manufacturer like Traxxas or Losi if you have a good suggestion. I've tried to do some reading the past few days, but I'm a little overwhelmed now and would like some suggestions from people here. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[SchrodeMode]

Are you looking to race or just bash? If you're looking for a basher, the 4x4 Slash is probably your best bet. It's got a reputation as being a solid basher plus a never ending list of aftermarket parts support. Will you dealing with snow?

 

[Cornholio]

Definetly bashing only and snow/mud could be a possibility, but that's only if I can motivate my old self to get out in the cold!

 

[hamz9561]

The Slash 4X4 would do great then because it designed to run in the slop and the electronics can stand anything but extended submersion in water. And as @SchrodeMode stated it has tons of upgrades.

 

[SchrodeMode]

Definetly bashing only and snow/mud could be a possibility, but that's only if I can motivate my old self to get out in the cold!

Slash 4x4 with some Trenchers...paddles for the snow and sloppy mud.

 

[Cornholio]

OK. And what about batteries? Where's a good place to shop for them?

How about this one?

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXYNB0LS&P=0

Is the stock motor and esc fairly acceptable?

 

[hamz9561]

The stock is plenty strong and is highly water resistant (It will work unless you submerge it for a period of time). The Onyx LiPo listed at the top of the accessories would be fine for bashing.

 

[SchrodeMode]

Hobbyking's Turnigy Nano-Techs are some of the best reviewed "cheap" packs I've seen, I'll be ordering some once I figure out a way to get them shipped to me.

 

[Cornholio]

Thanks for the help guys, I'll go ahead and get the Slash.

 

[Greywolf74]

For what you pay for nanotechs and shipping you can pay just a little bit more and get some SMC packs. Nano Techs are ok but I think the SMCs are better.

http://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=common/home

 

[hamz9561]

Hobbyking's Turnigy Nano-Techs are some of the best reviewed "cheap" packs I've seen, I'll be ordering some once I figure out a way to get them shipped to me.

HK has a Great Britain warehouse that they can ship to you without too much of a hassle.

 

[SchrodeMode]

HK has a Great Britain warehouse that they can ship to you without too much of a hassle.

Yeah, but I can't put a UK address on my US PayPal. They have different ways for creating a PayPal account over here, my bank doesn't have a UK address which means I can't use it and my debit cards all have a US address as well. I've talked to one of my bashing buddies here and he said he'll order for me and I can just give him cash.

 

[Nitrotrout]

I recommend the SPC LiPo's. I run the SPC 8200mAh, 50C, 2S, 7.4V Soft-Cases in my Summit. My truck loves these things.

http://spcracingbatteries.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

 

[Cornholio]

I recommend the SPC LiPo's. I run the SPC 8200mAh, 50C, 2S, 7.4V Soft-Cases in my Summit. My truck loves these things.

http://spcracingbatteries.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=59

For what you pay for nanotechs and shipping you can pay just a little bit more and get some SMC packs. Nano Techs are ok but I think the SMCs are better.

http://www.smc-racing.net/index.php?route=common/home

I'll try one of each, thanks guys.

 

[Alexander_0_1]

I got my nano-techs from Hong Kong, cost me about $65 for 4 3s 1400mAh for the MERV shipping and handling included......took about 16 days to get to me.

 

[Cornholio]

So I settled on this:

2

I'm really happy with it, so thanks to everyone that gave me the advice that i needed. I bought a pair of 2s 5000 packs and ran them today, surprised at how much better handling 4wd is verses 2wd even for yard bashing. Gave it a good thrashing through the water, ice and leaves.

My only question is do I need to balance the batteries between every charge? And does it matter before or after the charge?

 

[Sixtysixdeuce]

My only question is do I need to balance the batteries between every charge?

No, but it can't hurt. Only time I don't is on a couple of mine that are a PITA to remove the battery from. I run big packs in these (6,500-8,000 mAh) , and when practicing, I'll simply switch vehicles and throw it on a fast charge. Later on at home, I'll pull battery and do a balance charge.

And does it matter before or after the charge?

Not sure I understand exactly what you're asking, but if you mean balancing, it can only be done while charging.

The reason for balance charging is that each cell is supposed to be 3.7V (4.2 on full charge). Without the balance plug in the port, the charger will simply charge to full voltage, but the individual cells can be charged to different levels. Your total may be 8.4V, but you could have one cell at 5V and the other at 3.4, which isn't good for either one. That's an extreme example, but the point remains that you want the cells to be balanced, since over or underchargning LiPo cells not only shortens the life of the pack, but is also dangerous due their becoming unstable below or above min/max charge. You never, ever want LiPo cells to drop below 3.2V or go above 4.7V.