Serpent SRX8-E RTR 1/8 Buggy

[TheRadWarrior]

i've been looking at getting one of these, but i have a couple questions. how durable is it compared to other 1/8 buggies? are the stock electronics any good? how is the parts support(it seems like absolute hobbyz is the best option)? is it as tunable as some of the race-oriented kits? what are the first things i should upgrade? anything you happen to know about it will help!

 

[Beer_Goggles_RC]

Just from a quick look, it seems to be a pretty good rtr buggy for the price. It won't be as durable as a race grade kit, but most of the parts should be similar between the rtr and the race kit. The race kit typically just has more metal instead of plastic, but they're the same parts.

Electronics are standard race spec, the esc will lack tunability and smoothness, the motor may lack a slight amount of power. But of your new to racing, you wouldn't be able to notice a difference.

I've never owned a serpent so I wouldn't know about parts, but I believe they're a European brand so US availability may be limited

Looks to have all the same tuning options as a race kit. Like I said before, they're the same parts just different quality and material.

I wouldn't upgrade anything if you intend on racing it. Maybe a proper Tx but that would be all until you get the feel for the buggy.

Overall looks like a great kit to start with!

That being said, @Littlemotor is always finding crazy deals on race rigs so id watch his post.

There's also an TLR Typhon in the classifieds, more basher electronics than race but a nice build none the less

 

[Littlemotor]

The issue with RTR’s-even from race grade manufacturers is a lot of what @Beer_Goggles_RC touched on, but also the electronics are always garbage. Even if it’s a Hobbywing rebadge-it’s bargain barrel stuff unfortunately. Servo’s ESPECIALLY. I have yet to find a capable servo in ANY RTR; ever.

The other issues are that even though at first glance-they APPEAR to share the same platform as the KIT vehicle, and just may very well share SOME parts, you would be very hard pressed to find any further interchangeability that arms, or bulkheads.. Also, what IS there is gonna be severely cheapened forms of what come standard on the actual KIT offering.. Like by a lot.. It’s aggravating, and often is what turns people away from the hobby when they see how much money they end up spending just to not have parts fail over, and over..

For what that Serpent costs, and what the “TLR Tuned” Typhon in the classifieds does; this is a no brainer for me personally… That Arrma has been pumped UP to a higher standard with the “TLR Tuned” treatment, and they (Typhon’s) are already known for being extremely durable. THAT one in particular-already has been outfitted with VERY high quality (fast & DURABLE) Castle Creations, and ECO Power electronics. THAT ALONE will save you time, money, and headache for sure. It’s been driven less than 8 times, adult owned, and built, and it’s by a very reputable seller, and all around nice guy. Also, you can get Arrma parts literally ANYWHERE-like probably Food Lion if ya had to… Not so much with Serpent unfortunately..

Personally-I’d say it’d be hard for you to find a better deal on a capable, durable, and CLEAN 1/8 vehicle. I wouldn’t even bother trying to haggle on price to be honest. It’s Christmas, and he has WAY more tied up in that vehicle than he’s asking.

Thread 'Arrma TLR Typhon Build'
https://www.rctalk.com/forum/threads/arrma-tlr-typhon-build.148357/

Just my .02..

 

[RustyUs]

i've been looking at getting one of these, but i have a couple questions. how durable is it compared to other 1/8 buggies? are the stock electronics any good? how is the parts support(it seems like absolute hobbyz is the best option)? is it as tunable as some of the race-oriented kits? what are the first things i should upgrade? anything you happen to know about it will help!

Is this Serpent "deal" goin' down or what? I 'm just curious to know where you are at in your decision making.

Whether it's racing or bashing, I know it's hard crunchin' those numbers to get into the scheme of things sometimes. Even when deciding on a "basher" it's that question in bold (above) that has given that sarcastically but trueful "Ready-To-Rebuy" meaning to RTR.

I tossed and turned at night researching a few 1/8th scale eBuggy RTR platforms like Sworkz, Caster Racing, Kyosho, HoBao, Corally, and yes, even Losi. Even though I had dreams of owning a Serpent RC years ago, I did not entertain their SRX8-E ride simply because of the shocks being gold and the way they are attached to the tower. I'm sure a person could devise a way to better secure 'em though.

 

[332_RC]

Some of the Serpent buggy & truggy RTRs, the servos are re-branded Savox.