opinion on a truck

[fstbusa]

I'm starting to get into r/c racing. I"m looking for a 4x4 truck of some sort that is less than $400.

what do you guys think of the HPI nitro MT 2 ?

I like the looks and specs of this vehicle but have heard that it had drivetrain problems with the bigger engine.

what other vehicles can I look at? I only am considering nitro at this point.

Thanks

 

[Revo Rancher]

That is a great truck. Are you considering the RTR or the SS kit?

BTW, welcome to the forum and to the hobby!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[bustedgears]

I have one upgraded quite a bit. They are very good trucks in my opinion. I have an O.S. .18 CVRX in mine and it runs like a scalded ape.

But for the $400 range, have you considered a Savage RTR? They're bigger and stronger. Ask beason, he bounces his off of trees. I think it would save you money in the long run to tell you the truth.

 

[vbgagnon]

If your going to race don't go with the mt2, there is no race class for it. Go with a revo or something of that nature.

 

[fstbusa]

for right now me and a friend just plan on messing around with them. If I get into racing I would probably buy a new car.

I like the traxxas revo but its about $450-$500.

If I happen to get the nitro mt2 rtr, I just don't want to have it break something if I hit a mild jump or something.

The racing league/track in my area isn't very restrictive on classes. I think all trucks race in the same class.

then truggy's and buggys.

 

[MEGA MAXX]

what about the hot bodies lightning stadium?

.26 engine and 4wd, great racer but I'm not so sure about bashing.

 

[jetmechG550]

Your track may not have restrictions on classes but that truck will not fit it any class, really. It's 4wd so it wouldn't run with 1/10th 2wd's. It would probably be outclassed altogether in production or stock MT and would get owned with Unlimted MT's. I think we, or at least I, am trying to prevent you from buying a truck you want and find out t's not what you want and can't run it and then having to go and buy something else for another $400-$500. If you looking to spend $400 you can find either a great condition used Revo, Savage or for really just a few dollars more you can get one new in the box. RushRC might have either new or used if you check with him if not, there's a few others places I've seen new Revo's going for under $440.

 

[Plaidfish]

If you looking to spend $400 you can find either a great condition used Revo, Savage or .......

OR a nice slightly used OFNA 9.5 buggy w/ a brand new engine

Jetmech is right... that truck is fun to play with, but if you ever want to race, it will get owned every time....

 

[AC48]

I would suggest a HPI MT2 18SS. Its a great, fast little truck, and the drivetrain problem was eliminated in the 18SS version with the steel gears and outdrives. My friend may be willing to sell you a barely used one for under your 400 limit that is RTR. PM me if interested.

 

[fstbusa]

Your track may not have restrictions on classes but that truck will not fit it any class, really. It's 4wd so it wouldn't run with 1/10th 2wd's. It would probably be outclassed altogether in production or stock MT and would get owned with Unlimted MT's. I think we, or at least I, am trying to prevent you from buying a truck you want and find out t's not what you want and can't run it and then having to go and buy something else for another $400-$500. If you looking to spend $400 you can find either a great condition used Revo, Savage or for really just a few dollars more you can get one new in the box. RushRC might have either new or used if you check with him if not, there's a few others places I've seen new Revo's going for under $440.

thanks for the advice. I don't plan on being competetive in any truck class, just want to get out and have some fun.

 

[jetmechG550]

Words of warning here, it becomes addictive! Good luck

 

[fstbusa]

I would suggest a HPI MT2 18SS. Its a great, fast little truck, and the drivetrain problem was eliminated in the 18SS version with the steel gears and outdrives. My friend may be willing to sell you a barely used one for under your 400 limit that is RTR. PM me if interested.

has anyone had any experience with this?

I really don't want to be replacing diff gears and whatnot right off if its going to break. I would just soon buy a different vehicle and buy something thats reliable and isnt' going to break.

also does the 18ss come with an RTR option or just a kit I have to assemble.

 

[HPIaddict]

The 18ss is a kit but i find building your car is half the fun. Plus you know exactly where everything goes so is something breaks youll have an idea of what it is.

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Hey man, I don't mean to burst your bubble, but no R/C truck exists that isn't going to break. Yes, some models are built to take more abuse than others (Savage), others are built to run faster (Revo), some are intended to help introduce one to the hobby (MT 2) and then there are kits that are designed specifically for those that are hard core racers (Ofna being one). The one common denominator in all of these is that, at some point, something will break and chances are it will break when you least want it to!

The MT2 is a solid, solid truck and you can upgrade parts to make it tougher than it is out of the box, but overall, it's pretty tough stock. Does this mean it'll handle the same punishment a stock Revo or Savage can? No, it probably cannot, or at least not as long, but it's not the same as those two.

You need to ask yourself what you intend to do with it and how available parts are around you. Once you know that, and admit to yourself that at some point in time, something will break, you'll be able to truly enjoy it and have fun!

Good luck! Enjoy yourself!

 

[fstbusa]

thanks for the reply monkey. I think I made my decision.

#1) My intent is just to mess around as a hobby with a buddy of mine in the back yard or whereever and maybe hit up the track once in a while for a bit of fun. We have an indoor track 10 min from where I live that a bunch of people race. Most of the MT racers run revos along with a couple TNX's.

#2) The only READILY available parts around me are for traxxas vehicles since those are the brand the hobby store owners run. They said they can order any parts or cars that I want but they have traxxas in stock.

#3) if something breaks I guess I will just order parts online. If what you say about the mt2 is true about it being a decently solid truck then I think that is the one for me. Its relatively cheap and suits my needs best.

 

[MonsterCowpower]

The MT2 18SS is the ticket,out of the box you do not need any hop ups.Just add a radio system,a standard and a high torque servo and you are rocking.

A mini truggy,handles great,fast and can take a beating.Great buy

 

[Monkey Wrench]

Yeah, sounds real good and you'll have a good time with that MT2.

What I suggest is searching the Stadium Trucks thread for suggestions on common spare parts to get, so you're at least prepared and get suggestions on some reasonable upgrades to help mitigate some common breakage.

For example, on my MT (first generation) I always made sure I had at least two spur gears on hand. Just one of those things that went on it fairly easily.

There are quite a few folks that have that truck, so ask around and I'm sure you'll get a lot of great ideas!

Good luck and have fun!

 

[NvNitro]

Nice explanation on the MT2 Monkey. I just got one, haven't ran it yet, putting on a roll cage, but I agree 100% with your feedback. I think it two is an awsome truck to start out with, regarding what you can spend and avalable parts near you. I'm looking forward to fireing it up, and running it.

 

[bustedgears]

Nice explanation on the MT2 Monkey. I just got one, haven't ran it yet, putting on a roll cage, but I agree 100% with your feedback. I think it two is an awsome truck to start out with, regarding what you can spend and avalable parts near you. I'm looking forward to fireing it up, and running it.

Where did you find a roll cage? and how much $$$?