Recommended Models For A Middle Aged Guy

[MarkMac]

I recently decided to invest the necessary time to start a R/C car hobby. I’m in my late 40s, but my maturity level is lagging far behind. My R/C experience is limited to drones, which I’m pretty good with and should transfer to some extent to R/C cars. BTW, watching videos of “bashing”, the R/C cars can take an unreal beating (as seen from the perspective of a drone pilot).

Which brings me to my search for a first R/C car. I spent a lot of my life racing dirtbikes as an amateur. I still ride my dirtbike. I have horses. I ride those too. I live on acreage, with pasture and dirt. I want something exhilarating that will be fun to fool around with and help launch me toward R/C competition… eventually. I’m looking for something durable. Cost isn’t really an up-front factor. The accessories & repairs/mods will cost more than the initial vehicle expense.

Initially I pinged the Traxxas Rustler. Then some research led me to the Traxxas Maxx, which is considered to be much more durable. Here is where my naivety really shows. Today I came across the Arrma Quake, which is relatively inexpensive, but seems bombproof and exceptionally quick. I never heard of the brand before, but it is clearly much higher quality than equivalent Traxxas models, with beefier components, more robust gears, and a bigger motor.

For a first “big-boy” car, for a mature adult with a high adrenaline threshold, some land, and no real budget restrictions, does the Arrma Quake make sense over the Traxxas Maxx? Are there any other models to explore? I’d prefer to stay relativelt mainstream.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Littlemotor]

I recently decided to invest the necessary time to start a R/C car hobby. I’m in my late 40s, but my maturity level is lagging far behind. My R/C experience is limited to drones, which I’m pretty good with and should transfer to some extent to R/C cars. BTW, watching videos of “bashing”, the R/C cars can take an unreal beating (as seen from the perspective of a drone pilot).

Which brings me to my search for a first R/C car. I spent a lot of my life racing dirtbikes as an amateur. I still ride my dirtbike. I have horses. I ride those too. I live on acreage, with pasture and dirt. I want something exhilarating that will be fun to fool around with and help launch me toward R/C competition… eventually. I’m looking for something durable. Cost isn’t really an up-front factor. The accessories & repairs/mods will cost more than the initial vehicle expense.

Initially I pinged the Traxxas Rustler. Then some research led me to the Traxxas Maxx, which is considered to be much more durable. Here is where my naivety really shows. Today I came across the Arrma Quake, which is relatively inexpensive, but seems bombproof and exceptionally quick. I never heard of the brand before, but it is clearly much higher quality than equivalent Traxxas models, with beefier components, more robust gears, and a bigger motor.

For a first “big-boy” car, for a mature adult with a high adrenaline threshold, some land, and no real budget restrictions, does the Arrma Quake make sense over the Traxxas Maxx? Are there any other models to explore? I’d prefer to stay relativelt mainstream.

Thank you in advance.

Hey Mark,

Welcome to RCT fella! Picked a great place to inquire what ya did, and there’s a lot of different ways you could go here. You’ll get LOTS of different answers by the same token as well.

Really depends on exactly what you’re after, and if it’s a “part time gig”, or a more serious endeavor with which you would be cool with the kind of “buy once, cry once” perspective.

It sounds like you’re on board with off-road surface RC obviously, but I also read that you are interested in an “end game” into possible “competition” stuff. There are many routes to get your proverbial feet wet, and while you said the initial “buy in” fundage isn’t a huge hurdle; it’s my opinion that doing your due diligence/homework would be highly beneficial, and give you the biggest shot at success. There are many, MANY vehicles to choose from the two manufacturers you mentioned, but they are certainly not the only games in town by a long shot.

They are indeed very good at getting people into the hobby, and into the dirt straight away, but do tend to unfortunately have a tendency to box you into a corner with proprietary batteries, and charging equipment, or even limiting your possible upgrades/parts support . They also tend to only offer “ready to run” (RTR) with total garbage electronics 90% of the time, or occasionally; assembled “rollers” for you to outfit with your own (higher quality that RTR grade) electronics, and radio gear.

Considering you’ve got dirtbike experience (I’d wager, some mechanical ability/routine maintenance skill), you may find that a competition/race grade KIT that you build yourself may be more suitable if you feel strongly about staying involved in the hobby. These are MUCH higher quality overall, easier to maintain/work on (generally-compared to less common/proprietary chassis & driveline layouts), FAR more durable (this is an ABSOLUTE priority for me) and again; YOU choose your own electronics, and radio gear.

If you’re a dirtbike guy, I am assuming you’re looking to check some of those motocross boxes, and a 1/8 scale 4wd buggy, or truggy would certainly quench that thirst. I have a very similar background with dirtbikes, as well as race 4wheelers. Since going 1/8 nitro just over 20yrs ago (as well as electric lately) buggy, and truggy, I haven’t looked back. Nothing else even comes close for me personally. The brands I’d be looking at for this would be (and in this order) these specifically:

Tekno
Mugen Seiki
Kyosho
Sworkz
Xray
Hong Nor (in about the next 30 days when Amain Hobbies becomes the exclusive distributor for them in the US)

Like I say, it all depends what you’re after, and what checks the right boxes for YOU, and I’m simply going off of my own personal experience. Also to be clear-I do NOT race my stuff like I did in the past. I run on backyard tracks with friends, or at my own house. I absolutely require “big air”, but do not send my stuff 60+ feet into the air like the idiot YT influencers. Don’t get me wrong-my stuff WILL do it, and survive, I’m just not a complete moron, thirsty for views while punishing my vehicles.

I am sure you will have no shortage of answers, thoughts, and opinions here directly, but in the meantime-this thread is well worth viewing at your leisure, and will give you a very good insight on what all is out there.

Thread 'With an $800 budget , what would you get?'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/with-an-800-budget-what-would-you-get.143480/

Also here is short list of build threads that I have personally put up to help folks out, as well as show some of the many differences you can expect with a competition grade KIT, over an RTR vehicle. I also include super detailed photos & commentary with a LOT of my own tips, and tricks that I’ve been doing for decades to make the build go smoothly, as well as turn out a higher quality vehicle IMO. While SOME are vehicle specific; others apply to MANY different brands, and vehicles, and are not at all limited to those in the individual threads.

Thread 'Littlemotor’s Tekno ET & NT48 2.0 (RE)builds thread! '
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/littlemotor’s-tekno-et-nt48-2-0-re-builds-thread-.142753/

Thread '“Ladies First!” Mrs. Littlemotor’s Tekno ET48 2.0 build!!'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/“ladies-first-”-mrs-littlemotor’s-tekno-et48-2-0-build.142767/

Thread 'Official RC8B3.2 “UNbuild” thread..'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/official-rc8b3-2-“unbuild”-thread.143194/

Thread 'Littlemotor’s Tekno NB48 2.2 Build Thread! '
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/littlemotor’s-tekno-nb48-2-2-build-thread-.144473/

This one is a bit different than your typical kit, as it was produced in 2005. I grabbed a handful up, broke them all down into brand new parts, and started from scratch for an “updated” version while providing plenty of my own future parts support (they are not made anymore). It’s also only 1/12 scale..

Thread 'Project “Old School”. A Littlemotor Jammin’ CRT.5 1/12 nitro truggy build for 2025!!! '
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/project-“old-school”-a-littlemotor-jammin’-crt-5-1-12-nitro-truggy-build-for-2025-.145261/


Again-welcome to RCT, and feel free to shoot me a DM or post up here in your thread with any questions I can help you out with.

 

[racerEX]

I recently decided to invest the necessary time to start a R/C car hobby. I’m in my late 40s, but my maturity level is lagging far behind. My R/C experience is limited to drones, which I’m pretty good with and should transfer to some extent to R/C cars. BTW, watching videos of “bashing”, the R/C cars can take an unreal beating (as seen from the perspective of a drone pilot).

Which brings me to my search for a first R/C car. I spent a lot of my life racing dirtbikes as an amateur. I still ride my dirtbike. I have horses. I ride those too. I live on acreage, with pasture and dirt. I want something exhilarating that will be fun to fool around with and help launch me toward R/C competition… eventually. I’m looking for something durable. Cost isn’t really an up-front factor. The accessories & repairs/mods will cost more than the initial vehicle expense.

Initially I pinged the Traxxas Rustler. Then some research led me to the Traxxas Maxx, which is considered to be much more durable. Here is where my naivety really shows. Today I came across the Arrma Quake, which is relatively inexpensive, but seems bombproof and exceptionally quick. I never heard of the brand before, but it is clearly much higher quality than equivalent Traxxas models, with beefier components, more robust gears, and a bigger motor.

For a first “big-boy” car, for a mature adult with a high adrenaline threshold, some land, and no real budget restrictions, does the Arrma Quake make sense over the Traxxas Maxx? Are there any other models to explore? I’d prefer to stay relativelt mainstream.

Thank you in advance.

I saw you have a 1979 Bronco, might as well get the Traxxas TRX4 1979 Bronco to match.

 

[RustyUs]

Looking over what you mentioned in original post, it seems like you definitely want a truck. Congratulations on overcoming your first "what works for me" obstacle Every platform that you mentioned is an RTR. If that is the direction you want to go, then one of the Arrma Kraton 6S platforms should be on your list of RCs to look at.

So many options out there. I will end this installment with this, if you got the space... you'll most likely be happier with a 1/8th scale platform. Initial costs are larger, but a buggy or truggy make some of the best Swiss army knife type of bashing/racing RC platforms around.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

Ill second the suggestion for an Arrma Kraton 6s. Great stable basher platform. Relatively durable and jumps great. Arrma has a sizeable basher lineup and is a pretty reliable brand in general.

Traxxas is another great entry level brand that makes a very wide variety of bashers and crawlers. Of their lineup, the Xmaxx and Sledge are my favorites. While some tend to bash Traxxas as a company, they make some great RC's and the Xmaxx is my favorite of the 25 in my collection. It takes a beating like no other truck I have.

 

[332_RC]

Arrma Kraton is a great rig.

 

[Chubaka]

Welcome to the site. I'm gonna leave this here.....
https://www.losi.com/cars-and-trucks/by-platform/promoto/

https://www.bigsquidrc.com/?s=Losi+promoto

 

[CertifiedMike]

I will just caution you... do not believe all the video hype about indestructable RCs!!!
I bought into an Arrma Granite 3s thinking I was buying a capable 3s basher to run while I built up my vintage racers for the track.
Far from the case!
While sold as a 3s capable truck, its no more capable than its 2s cousins. It needs significant upgrades and even at that, the only ppl I see having good luck with the 3s platform is because they've upgraded to 4s parts. Its essentially not the same truck.
I break mine every time I run it... not skate park bash it, run it in my back yard.

I have a box stock Arrma Gorgon too.
While its def not going to be a track star, it might be one of the most fun RCs I own.
Its slow and a bit bumbley like a real monster truck. In fact, its realistic ride is what I love about it.
I only just broke the servo after more than a year of running. 1st broken part on the truck!

Monster trucks tend to be very durable. They go where other RCs get stuck and are a lot of fun to drive. They are a great option for noobs as well as backyard bashers. You won't find 6s bashers at the track.

Buggies and truggies are what you will find on the race tracks.

You love bikes and loud things... have you considered nitro at all?
Some ppl love nitro, some ppl not so much but I bet you'd get into it being a dirt bike rider.

A Kyosho MP11 nitro buggy would get you ripping at home and at the track.

Have you visited any local tracks at all?
If your goal is to be racing, you need to get to the tracks and determine which class(es) you want to run in. Then build your RC so it qualifies.

You can get an idea of popular brands while you are there. Ask what ppl are running and why.

Having a popular brand at tge track can pay off. Ppl are usually very willing to lend a spare driveshaft or control arm when you break so they can race with you on the track.
A lot of tracks have a hobby shop attached too. Easy parts access.

I don't feel like there is 1 RC that fits everything.
When you start looking for that, you end up with an RC that does ok at lots of things but doesn't do much of anything spectacularly.

 

[MarkMac]

Hey Mark,

Welcome to RCT fella! Picked a great place to inquire what ya did, and there’s a lot of different ways you could go here. You’ll get LOTS of different answers by the same token as well.

Really depends on exactly what you’re after, and if it’s a “part time gig”, or a more serious endeavor with which you would be cool with the kind of “buy once, cry once” perspective.

It sounds like you’re on board with off-road surface RC obviously, but I also read that you are interested in an “end game” into possible “competition” stuff. There are many routes to get your proverbial feet wet, and while you said the initial “buy in” fundage isn’t a huge hurdle; it’s my opinion that doing your due diligence/homework would be highly beneficial, and give you the biggest shot at success. There are many, MANY vehicles to choose from the two manufacturers you mentioned, but they are certainly not the only games in town by a long shot.

They are indeed very good at getting people into the hobby, and into the dirt straight away, but do tend to unfortunately have a tendency to box you into a corner with proprietary batteries, and charging equipment, or even limiting your possible upgrades/parts support . They also tend to only offer “ready to run” (RTR) with total garbage electronics 90% of the time, or occasionally; assembled “rollers” for you to outfit with your own (higher quality that RTR grade) electronics, and radio gear.

Considering you’ve got dirtbike experience (I’d wager, some mechanical ability/routine maintenance skill), you may find that a competition/race grade KIT that you build yourself may be more suitable if you feel strongly about staying involved in the hobby. These are MUCH higher quality overall, easier to maintain/work on (generally-compared to less common/proprietary chassis & driveline layouts), FAR more durable (this is an ABSOLUTE priority for me) and again; YOU choose your own electronics, and radio gear.

If you’re a dirtbike guy, I am assuming you’re looking to check some of those motocross boxes, and a 1/8 scale 4wd buggy, or truggy would certainly quench that thirst. I have a very similar background with dirtbikes, as well as race 4wheelers. Since going 1/8 nitro just over 20yrs ago (as well as electric lately) buggy, and truggy, I haven’t looked back. Nothing else even comes close for me personally. The brands I’d be looking at for this would be (and in this order) these specifically:

Tekno
Mugen Seiki
Kyosho
Sworkz
Xray
Hong Nor (in about the next 30 days when Amain Hobbies becomes the exclusive distributor for them in the US)

Like I say, it all depends what you’re after, and what checks the right boxes for YOU, and I’m simply going off of my own personal experience. Also to be clear-I do NOT race my stuff like I did in the past. I run on backyard tracks with friends, or at my own house. I absolutely require “big air”, but do not send my stuff 60+ feet into the air like the idiot YT influencers. Don’t get me wrong-my stuff WILL do it, and survive, I’m just not a complete moron, thirsty for views while punishing my vehicles.

I am sure you will have no shortage of answers, thoughts, and opinions here directly, but in the meantime-this thread is well worth viewing at your leisure, and will give you a very good insight on what all is out there.

Thread 'With an $800 budget , what would you get?'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/with-an-800-budget-what-would-you-get.143480/

Also here is short list of build threads that I have personally put up to help folks out, as well as show some of the many differences you can expect with a competition grade KIT, over an RTR vehicle. I also include super detailed photos & commentary with a LOT of my own tips, and tricks that I’ve been doing for decades to make the build go smoothly, as well as turn out a higher quality vehicle IMO. While SOME are vehicle specific; others apply to MANY different brands, and vehicles, and are not at all limited to those in the individual threads.

Thread 'Littlemotor’s Tekno ET & NT48 2.0 (RE)builds thread! '
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/littlemotor’s-tekno-et-nt48-2-0-re-builds-thread-.142753/

Thread '“Ladies First!” Mrs. Littlemotor’s Tekno ET48 2.0 build!!'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/“ladies-first-”-mrs-littlemotor’s-tekno-et48-2-0-build.142767/

Thread 'Official RC8B3.2 “UNbuild” thread..'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/official-rc8b3-2-“unbuild”-thread.143194/

Thread 'Littlemotor’s Tekno NB48 2.2 Build Thread! '
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/littlemotor’s-tekno-nb48-2-2-build-thread-.144473/

This one is a bit different than your typical kit, as it was produced in 2005. I grabbed a handful up, broke them all down into brand new parts, and started from scratch for an “updated” version while providing plenty of my own future parts support (they are not made anymore). It’s also only 1/12 scale..

Thread 'Project “Old School”. A Littlemotor Jammin’ CRT.5 1/12 nitro truggy build for 2025!!! '
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/project-“old-school”-a-littlemotor-jammin’-crt-5-1-12-nitro-truggy-build-for-2025-.145261/


Again-welcome to RCT, and feel free to shoot me a DM or post up here in your thread with any questions I can help you out with.

Muchos Gracias for all the info! I’m pretty handy, and do all my own maintenance on dirtbikes, ATVs, tractors, etc. I also handload ammo, which requires a lot of attention to detail. Honestly, as I get older shooting gets boring and I only really do it to get brass to handload, which is the more exciting part.

I do prefer the buy-once-cry-once philosophy, but there is a performance threshold I feel a beginner just has no business starting at. The $800 thread you linked seems especially promising.

 

[MarkMac]

I really appreciate the good advice and links, guys.

Thank you!

 

[MarkMac]

I’m on page 3 of 76 of the best $800 already. Lol

Generally speaking is there a sweet spot, scale-wise, for durability/ability?

For instance, small vehicles are likely more fragile, and typically get more robust as they get bigger in scale. But then at some point they must get so heavy & bulky that they are more damage prone.

As a parable, for a long time the German Shepherd was considered the ideal police dog. Bred big & powerful. Then people realized the Belgian Malinois was more compact, athletic, easier to manage, more hardy, etc… and overall superior for police work. The optimized combination of size, strength, & speed.

Where does that translate to back pasture R/C? Would 1:8 scale or 1:10 scale be inside the sweet range?

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I have had the best durability out of 1/8 scale stuff.

 

[9x19]

I agree... the 1/8th (and bigger) models have more meat in the arms and hinge pins. Also the shocks are genrally aluminum bodies and many come with aluminum caps as well. Those three areas are often the first breakage problems you'll see.

 

[Littlemotor]

I’m on page 3 of 76 of the best $800 already. Lol

Generally speaking is there a sweet spot, scale-wise, for durability/ability?

For instance, small vehicles are likely more fragile, and typically get more robust as they get bigger in scale. But then at some point they must get so heavy & bulky that they are more damage prone.

As a parable, for a long time the German Shepherd was considered the ideal police dog. Bred big & powerful. Then people realized the Belgian Malinois was more compact, athletic, easier to manage, more hardy, etc… and overall superior for police work. The optimized combination of size, strength, & speed.

Where does that translate to back pasture R/C? Would 1:8 scale or 1:10 scale be inside the sweet range?

1/8 hands down.

Buggy/Truggy.

Nothing else even comes close.

 

[RustyUs]

I’m on page 3 of 76 of the best $800 already. Lol

Generally speaking is there a sweet spot, scale-wise, for durability/ability?

For instance, small vehicles are likely more fragile, and typically get more robust as they get bigger in scale. But then at some point they must get so heavy & bulky that they are more damage prone.

As a parable, for a long time the German Shepherd was considered the ideal police dog. Bred big & powerful. Then people realized the Belgian Malinois was more compact, athletic, easier to manage, more hardy, etc… and overall superior for police work. The optimized combination of size, strength, & speed.

Where does that translate to back pasture R/C? Would 1:8 scale or 1:10 scale be inside the sweet range?

I left a lil' laughing face emoji on your post, because that thread you are reading will teach you a new language while unicycling on a first date.
A "If I could only have one RC, what would it be?" thread would have a 1/8 scale platform at the top of the list.

 

[PainKiller]

I agree... the 1/8th (and bigger) models have more meat in the arms and hinge pins. Also the shocks are genrally aluminum bodies and many come with aluminum caps as well. Those three areas are often the first breakage problems you'll see.

1/8 scale is clearly a favorite for durability. Would you say the bigger you go , the more durable an RC is? Example : would a 1/5 scale generally be more durable than a 1/8 scale? Or does it vary?

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I think at a certain point, weight exceeds an RC's ability to be durable. I have a few 1/5 scale trucks and while they are a lot of fun, they dont seem to hold up to punishment very well. Keep in mind I'm likely a little harder on my cars than most. Frequent trips to skate parks and such.

 

[PainKiller]

I think at a certain point, weight exceeds an RC's ability to be durable. I have a few 1/5 scale trucks and while they are a lot of fun, they dont seem to hold up to punishment very well. Keep in mind I'm likely a little harder on my cars than most. Frequent trips to skate parks and such.

I’d be afraid to take an RC to a skate park. I can just see my rig taking a jump and landing in 1000 pieces.

 

[Mrgoodwrench35]

I’d be afraid to take an RC to a skate park. I can just see my rig taking a jump and landing in 1000 pieces.

Most of them are pretty resilient as long as you stick the landings. Once you get used to air control its pretty easy.

 

[Jerold]

Talking high level, there are exceptions to both.
If you want durable buy Traxxas.
If you want adjustability and precision buy Arrama.

Traxxas uses more plastic (good quality) parts and plastic flexes. Arrma has lots metal bits and adjustments. But metal bends.

The Maxx is a beast it's really big, I would suggest you check it out in person. The similar Arrma would be the Kraton 8S.

The Quake is a 1/10 scale and much smaller. It looks more like a monster truck than a basher. The chassis is plastic and will flex. I haven't seen a lot of them around, but it looks similar to the Gorgon, which is popular.

Don't worry if you don't get the exact right one, there are more RCs in your future.