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RTR or race roller?

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zworld

RC Newbie
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I'm wanting to get the losi 8, truck. The guy at the shop said I might want to buy the roller thats more race ready instead of the RTR. What comes extra on the race roller that makes it so much better? I looked at the losi site but there is no side by side comparison. thanks
 
There is little that I hate to hear more than when hobby shops recommend kits over RTR because they may be "better".

I assume you are planning on taking it racing? Are you seasoned in the world of r/c? Just curious.
 
Well, I had an rc10t a few years ago. Yes I want to race it. But rtr seems like it might the way to go. At least to get started. I mean if something breaks I can upgrade then. Unless there is so much more in the race roller it's too good to pass up. Is the rtr good enough to start with?
 
Is the rtr good enough to start with?

I believe so. Kits do generally come with a number of higher quality parts and sometimes they may be slightly lighter than their RTR counterparts but unless as a driver you are getting 100% out of it on the track it just isn't worth the extra cost. A kit won't be any faster to a rookie or even an intermediate driver, IMO.

The only argument I would make on that point is if you simply want to build the vehicle yourself, but I think a race roller is built already and you just have to add your own components.

Personally, I'm a fan of kits because I like to build them.
 
Cost is relavent for both if you have for a:

Kit ( race roller )

  • Engine
  • Pipe
  • Servo's
  • Radio
  • receiver
  • starter box
  • Experience


RTR

  • little experience
  • low budget
  • desire to learn from in order to get a kit.



It is ok to get a kit so long as you are ready for the challenge. There has yet to be a kit I have done that I have not ran into a challenge.

I think if you are new and are a little apprehensive about building, then get the RTR and enjoy it. Most common reason people new to the hobby leave the hobby is because they don't get the enjoyment out of it.

I say this out of experience. I was fortunate to find this site for help.
 
Regarding the Losi 8ight-T. I assume that is the one you want since this is the truggy forum.

The motor in the 8t is good enough to race with. Good to start with anyways. You get a spektrum radio which is awesome. The one this you will want to buy at the same time is at least a steering servo and take the stock steering servo and replace the throttle one with it. I have heard some throttle servos on the 8t dont make it through the break-in. Eeekkk

The big difference on the chassis is the shock mounts and maybe the shock towers?? There was a couple other things that I can't think of. Nothing that you couldn't easily upgrade. I saw a post once and the parts difference was less than $50 in upgrades.

If you were talking about the buggy the above still probably applies. But check with your track as you may not be able to run the .26 that comes in the buggy rtr. In that case you would be getting a .21 motor also. Even then the RTR might be a cheaper way to get started.

Hope that helps!
 
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Well guys I decided on the RTR, got it off of ebay for 650.00, 100.00 cheaper than Hobbytown. Should be here by Friday, I'll have more questions in the near future. I'm going to take it slow and try not to buy twice, if you know what I mean. What do I need to get for the RTR to get started with my break in.
 
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I have and recommend the King Headz radio tray stiffener posted above. As stated earlier this is a must have for these rigs, and I also highly recommend the front and rear chassis braces as these will also help in keeping everything in one place on hard landings. I use the King Heads parts for these also. Fioroni also makes a bunch of beefy upgrades for these truggys but the prices are a little higher than the King Headz.
 
Make sure you check, check and check again your throttle/brake epa's.
This is the main reason for the failure of the servo...also remember to use the 'o' rings under the battery box on the radio tray, some say you don't need them but the one time I failed to put them in I wrecked my servo.
I make a point of checking my epa's before every use.....only takes a few mins but can save you a servo:D

As well as the tray stiffener I would get the rr/pro shock towers as the rtr ones are weak and bend real easy....might also want to keep your eyes open for a rr/pro chassis as they are stiffer than the rtr ones.
The rr/pro alloy shock tops are also a must as the plastic ones are weak and also wear badly on the pins.

As for the Mach 427....Can't say a bad word against it...once it is tuned it stays tuned...end of.
I've whacked 7 gallons of Byrons Gen 25% through mine and the pinch is still really good and it just seems to get quicker and quicker every run....Awesome mill imo
 
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