What first truck to get?

[etc]

What would be a good first truck to get? Not looking to race or anything like that. Just looking for something to take out to the field with me while I take my dog out to play too.

Not really sure of the pro and cons of electric vs nitro.

Just looking for something to go out and tear around with in the field.

 

[alien13]

My vote would be either the Savage X 4.6 (nitro) or the Savage Flux (electric). Both are RTR trucks, and the Savage line is very durable. The X4.6 is about $430, and the Flux will be closer to $600.

If you've never run an RC, you may want to try out the electric option first, as it's easier to learn, but nitro is fun too, and it's something I believe every rc enthusiast should at least try. I personally love the nitro smell, and the sounds of the nitro engine as it flies by.

What is the field like that you would be running in? Tall or short grass, dirt, hilly?

 

[etc]

Short grass. Basically a big open baseball field that is not used. Also, I live in the Northeast so something that could tear around in snow would be great.

 

[alien13]

Short grass. Basically a big open baseball field that is not used. Also, I live in the Northeast so something that could tear around in snow would be great.

You can run either in the snow, however with the nitro, you'll want to get it broken in before it gets too cold, and the cold may be hard on the engine.

 

[etc]

Here are some questions I came across that someone recommended which should help with being able to suggest.

1. What is your experience level for driving and building RC cars and trucks? Have you ever driven one? Built one?
Driven your typical Walmart type car\truck.

2. Where do you plan on running your RC?
Open field. Short to tall grass and would ahve snow in the winter.

3. What is your intention for buying? Are you going to race or bash?
Bash

4. What is your budget?
$500

5. What scale RC are you looking for? 1/5, 1/8, 1/10, 1/12, 1/18, etc?
1/8 or 1/10

6. What type of power source do you want? Electric or Nitro?
Electric

7. Are you looking for something durable with more support for replacement parts or "hop ups" or are you looking for
an inexpensive car just to have fun with.
Fun, but that I could fix if something breaks.

8. Do you want a RTR (ready to run with everything but fuel and batteries) or a kit that you would have to build and
add parts manually to?
Kit would be cool with me, but it looks like RTR is the most popular.

9. What type of starting system do you want? Bump box, roto-start, pull start, electric-start?
N\A

10. Are you comfortable working on your own car for repairs or do you know a LHS (Local Hobby Shop) that can repair for you?
Would work on my own.

So basically an electric that I could take out in the snow.

 

[brokeitagain]

My advice would be somethin like an emaxx. Its in your price range, easy to work on, tons of parts and support, decent for bashing, and not ridiculously fast at first so you can learn how they drive and handle, but still have good performance with the option to speed it up. There are other good brands and I'm sure there may be some trucks that may better suit you which forum members here can recommend. The reason I say emaxx is I've had experience with tmaxx (nitro version) and it was an awesome starter truck for me and got me back in the hobby.
On the other hand if you can go a lil higher on your budget, I would recommend the savage flux all day every day over any maxx. Its still easy to work on and has tons of parts and support as well, but comes with a much better motor and esc and is a lot more durable than a maxx. You won't be turnin wrenches nearly as much on the flux due to parts breaking as you would on the maxx.(not to mention parts for maxx will add up to the difference in price quickly if you run it hard.) Good luck with your purchase tho and let us know what u decide.

 

[etc]

I think i am going to switch the power source preference. Sorry to be a pain. After some additional research I see that the batteries really don't last all that long per run. I like the idea of a nitro where I can fill it back up and be off and running again. Also, I like the idea of a little motor in the thing and it would be cool to work on down the road.

The only reason for the electric preference before was the snow driving. Can a nitro handle snow without the electronics getting damaged?

If so it looks like the Savage X 4.6 is highly recommended?

 

[alien13]

I can definitely recommend the Savage X, I have it and I think it's tough an nails. Go to the video section here, and look for my video from when I was bashing at one of the local dirt tracks, I cartwheeled it off of alot of jumps, and nothing broke.

 

[jojoviudez]

I agree with alien13, the savage x is a very good truck. I spend more time running than repairing. With my tmaxx 3.3, I tend to break the spur gear which is a pain to remove since you have to loosen the engine mount in order for the gear to clear. But I'm sure it was my fault maybe i was'nt tightening it enough. Another example is the standard plastic bumper of the tmaxx is fragile compared to the standard plastic bumper of the savage x. I just got fed up with it. With the Savage X, all I do now is eat, sleep and run/bash. Quite addicting I might add.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

I definitely would not recommend a nitro this time of year. They hate cold weather, and running them when it's below 40 degrees pretty much wastes the pinch(wears engine out fast). This is not the time to get into nitro, though I totally agree with everyone else. If you want a nitro, wait until spring. I can't help but to recommend the 4x4 Stampede. Awesome platform, waterproof, and as fast as you could ever need. You could pick up more batteries as your budget allows. Decent 2s lipos go for around $25. With 3-4 packs, you can run all day.

 

[jojoviudez]

I definitely would not recommend a nitro this time of year. They hate cold weather, and running them when it's below 40 degrees pretty much wastes the pinch(wears engine out fast).

I did not know that. It's a good thing I read your reply. The weather in Anchorage Alaska is getting lower, like today is 37 degrees. And I was planning to run my nitro this winter, as soon as the snow stops falling. I will try my very best to resist running below temps of 40. Thanks for the info.

 

[Metalhead Matt]

It's really up to the individual as to weather you want to run your engine in the cold. There's ways to make it easier. Covering a portion of the cooling head to keep the temps up without running lean, pre-heating the engine so it's loosened up for starting, ect... It's best to have an engine for summer and winter. Some folks choose to keep a worn out engine around for winter bashing. But for somebody starting out, nitro + winter = frustration.

 

[etc]

Thank you guys for all the info. I have decided to go with the Traxxas Stampede 4x4 vxl when it comes out in December.

My reason or based of of the following advice\reasons.

-Easy to work on.
-One battery and engine for simplicity and operating cost.
-Electric so no worries about the cold having negative effects on a Nitro.
-Electric so less maintenance than a Nitro.
-Stampede just a plain fun truck to drive\bash with.