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SS vs. RTR descision

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chadds

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Hi, I'm still fairly new to the hobby. I bought T-Maxx recently...and have has a lot of tuning and heat issues with the engine, and VERY easy to break parts. So...I just put it up on Ebay, and I'm ready to get a Savage.

I have never built a kit, and was thinking I may like to try, but after looking at HPI's website...now I'm not too sure.

For starters, I don't have a high quality radio system, I'm just a backyard basher, and I was planning on using the radio from my HPI MT 2 RTR, and just buying an HPI reciever, and some good servos. So cost would be about the same for the SS or RTR after I buy servos and a reciever.

When I compare the 2 kits on HPI's site this is what I come up with.

Both have the same engine, spur gear and clutch bell.

The RTR comes with a Roto-Start system, and 3-shoe clutch. The SS does not come with Roto-Start, and only has a 2-shoe clutch.

The RTR comes with a rear pickup tank without primer, and the SS comes with a primer, and front pickup. Is this really an advantage for the SS? Aren't primers generally a source for air leaks?

The RTR gets black firm springs, the SS gets purple firm springs...is there even a difference other than the color?

The only clear advantages I see for the SS are the better tuned pipe, and the heavy duty dogbones.

Is there something else I am missing that the SS has over the RTR? Are there other upgraded parts on the SS that HPI's website does not list?

I'd appreciate any input from anyone who has experienced both kits. I was looking forward to building a kit, but since I have to buy some radio equipment, and I would add the Roto-Start system to the SS, the RTR may be a better choice for me.

Thanks!

Chad
 
Originally posted by pissant
go for the rtr it would be cheaper in the afterrun! :dance:
Click to expand...

That's definately what I am leaning too. I was looking forward to putting a kit together...but it just doesn't seem cost effective as far as the Savage is concerned.

The R/C bug has got me good though...maybe I'll go with a kit when I decide to buy a touring car this summer. :yes:

Chad
 
After I recover from all my T-maxx upgrading $$$$$, I plan on getting an SS. I love building the kits and I can replace crap parts as I go. I can also use threadlock where I need to. I would have to just about take the 25 apart to add all the threadlock that is required. The 25's tank can be had for like $13 at tower. I have a JR XS3 so I would just need a receiver and the servos. Not sure about the Rotostart. BTW, the SS's body in not pre-painted if that matters to you.

Looks to me from reading your post that the 25 may be the way to go for ya.
 
Originally posted by robmob
Looks to me from reading your post that the 25 may be the way to go for ya.
Click to expand...

Yeah...I just wanted to make sure that the SS didn't have any other upgraded goodies that HPI didn't list on there website.

I do wanna try a kit out though! But...this will just give me more of an excuse to buy another car later. :LoL:

Chad
 
i bought the ss for my first nitro vehicle. the kit and a 2 channel am radio with servos ran me about 20.00 cheaper than the rtr. only thing if if ya get the ss make sure the tranny works right. been waiting 2 weeks for a new tranny from hpi
 
from what i get...the ss isnt all that much better...and it has some disadvantages (but then again so does the rtr)..i got a rtr because hey I'm a kid and the ss costs a little too much 560 vs 450
 
i think if you want to build a more cost effective truck. you might as well buy off a 2nd hand 21 and upgrade the parts( specially the truckzilla kit... it would be a VERY good bang for your buck.!!! i wished that i did that rather than bought my 25, now am waiting for jan 5 to call hpi because my engine has aluminium shreaddings.... :(( :whack:
 
Originally posted by gta18
i think if you want to build a more cost effective truck. you might as well buy off a 2nd hand 21 and upgrade the parts( specially the truckzilla kit... it would be a VERY good bang for your buck.!!! i wished that i did that rather than bought my 25, now am waiting for jan 5 to call hpi because my engine has aluminium shreaddings.... :(( :whack:
Click to expand...


WORD... that's what i did...

Got a Use 21 for $200
and upgraded it...

with the left over stock parts I order a Truckzilla kit and build a 2nd savage...

but that's if you know the savage really well...
 
but I would get the RTR 25...
just that it comes with a 3 shoe clutch system and a primerless tank...
the stock body you can use to bash and get a clear one to paint for show...

Plus you can always sell your radio system...

I sold my used Savage radio system with only the controller and receiver for $75.. no servos...

Then I sold my servos for $15 each...

but like I said if you plan on building up a savage... get a used one.. don't get a brand new one.. you save more.. way more...
 
@trd, sorry i forgot to mention u... i should have done what u did... :(

now am w8ng for jan 5 for hpi to be back from holidays....
 
Get the Savage SS and simply buy the Savage25 fuel tank and get a 3 shoe clutch and flywheel.This way you get the HD dogbones and a good tuned pipe.You'd be looking at roughly 65$-70$ on top of what the Savage25 costs if you just bought these parts.If you get the parts for the SS version you'll spend roughly 20$-25$ and you still get to pick your own radio gear and build the kit the right way.


Savage SS + parts from the 25 = 370$ + good radio gear
Savage 25 + parts from the SS = 495$ -105 for selling radio gear = 390$

So with the SS you'll save 20 bucks and won't have to wait for the radio gear to sell on ebay.
 
I bought the 25 RTR, but now I have done so much to it that I wish I could have started with the SS kit. The reason being that I could have done a lot of the upgrades and mods as I was building it instead of tearing it down doing something all the time. Then again I would have never spent the big lump sum of money to get all the upgrades at one time to do that...doesn't seem as bad when you buy a part here and there. If you go with the RTR version I would definately say to get the ribbed pipe, or another good tuned pipe. The only other thing I wish mine would have come with to start with is heavy duty cups that the center dogbones drive. After about 2 gallons mine are worn pretty badly, but I don't think the SS kit comes with those either...
 
I think the ss kit would be cool but if you run your truck at all and do upgrades you will rip it apart enough, you will feel as if it is a kit lol. For the price I would get the rtr .25 good luck man .

Pee Wee
 
I'm definately going with the RTR. Will be getting it in a week or 2, gotta wait till some of my slot car stuff I have for sale on ebay clears out! :)

Chad
 

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