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With an $800 budget , what would you get?

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Down payment on a Taylor engine.
Foreshadowing? lol

Chandler went his own way.. didn't pan out for him. I read up on it some time ago. Kinda like VHS vs Beta for those old enough to remember, lol. But yeah, Bigfoot was the shizzle way before anyone heard of the other guys.
I was just trying to get a rise out of WF. I'm more of a tractor pull guy as opposed to MTs. :)

Proline is just one of many too! There are NO shortages of companies making 1/10 tires and wheels.. 1/8 and up is where the choices start to thin out.. many say Proline has back slid since being aquired by HH. I really don't know since I refuse to pay Porkline prices. AKA is another highly regarded brand that's been swallowed up by HH..
Side story, I recently grabbed a set of AKA 1/8 premounts off ebay from seller "Hobbies_for_good". Half price, gotta buy those!! LOL. Well, when they arrived, shipper is Proline!? So, both Proline and AKA are "Made in USA", both owned by HH.. how much difference do I think there is between the two? Yes, different tread patterns/logos, but uh, likely not much else? Pricing is even pretty much the same.


Oh yeah, and Duratrax.. also owned by HH now. Shame HH all but killed off the Duratrax offerings. Not much available these days from Duratrax compared to what they used to make. Now Duratrax is basically Proline, but without the variety. Made in USA now however, so there's that.
Its a travesty what HH is doing to the hobby.

Traxxas Sledge
As others have said, the Arrma Kraton for $550 is a better buy and theyre practically the same rig. It also has a lot of parts support.
 
Smear campaign? Do tell …


So 6061 is not great compared to 7075?
No no. 6061 is awesome aluminum. Very good. 7075 is not as common in most manufacturers fields. 6061 is the go to for most all aluminum anywhere you see. If you see an aluminum sheet-metal bent box with holes in it & switches, it's most probably 3000 series. Aluminum RC parts, 6061.

7075 would be considered an upgrade in RC but $$ & not always necessary. It's just out there in the aftermarket world.
 
So 6061 is not great compared to 7075?
6061 is fine if its hardened to T6. If its not then its junk. 7075 is better but likewise its stronger when hardened to T6.

Here’s a comparison of the strengths for 6061-T6, 7075, and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys:

1. 6061-T6 Aluminum:​

  • Ultimate tensile strength: ~45,000 psi.
  • Yield strength: ~40,000 psi.
  • Elongation: ~12% (good ductility).
  • Hardness: Brinell hardness of around 95.
6061-T6 is widely used due to its good machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. It's strong enough for structural applications but is significantly less strong than 7075.

2. 7075 Aluminum (Non-Tempered):​

  • Ultimate tensile strength: Typically around 70,000 psi (but can vary).
  • Yield strength: Lower than 7075-T6, usually below 60,000 psi.
In its non-tempered state, 7075 is already stronger than 6061-T6 but doesn't reach its full potential until it undergoes the T6 heat treatment.

3. 7075-T6 Aluminum:​

  • Ultimate tensile strength: ~83,000 psi.
  • Yield strength: ~73,000 psi.
  • Elongation: ~10% (less ductility compared to 6061).
  • Hardness: Brinell hardness of around 150.
7075-T6 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available and is often used in aerospace, military, and high-stress applications due to its combination of strength and lightweight properties. It offers significantly higher strength than 6061-T6 but has lower weldability and corrosion resistance.

Summary of Strength:​

  • 6061-T6: Strong and versatile but with lower strength.
  • 7075: Higher strength than 6061, but full strength potential is reached in the T6 temper.
  • 7075-T6: The strongest among these, making it ideal for high-stress applications.
In terms of strength, 7075-T6 > 7075 > 6061-T6.
 
Smear campaign? Do tell …


So 6061 is not great compared to 7075?
That's my interpretation.. I get a bit critical sometimes, LOL. When Traxxas introduced the Sledge, they put out a chart listing what the Sledge has, is or made of, and what the Arrma Kraton has, is or made of. Sledge, 50 percent bigger this, 50 percent more that.. but what really lit my fire was the claim "no upgrades needed". Well, to me it was like propaganda, just how I saw it. Sales 101 actually, but as reports of bent chassis, broken shock caps, hinge pins, pins falling out of driveshafts started coming in, I laughed. Now, keep in mind, the Sledge was $800 when it rolled out, the Kraton $550. That's A LOT of upgrades, most of which aren't needed unless you plan on jumping houses.
 
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If you're wanting larger scale, I would take a good look at the Team Corally Kagama... It is really well constructed with oversized parts just about everywhere. The RTR version comes with a pretty good ESC/Motor and parts are readily available on-line. This company has $60 off of $400 right now, so you could get the roller for $360, or the RTR for $560.
https://rchobbyexplosion.com/

Here's a pretty good video comparison.
Corally fan here too.. see, told ya I'm not brand loyal, LOL. I have a 21 Kronos XTR. It's a fine machine, actually handles better than the Kraton, though maybe a tad less durable for hardcore bashing. I was going to mention the Kagama as well. The Corally plastics aren't quite as good as Arrma or Traxxas IMO, parts are more limited too.
My bro liked my Kronos so much, he bought one too, though his is the rtr version. He says it's the Dodge of the rc world, AKA broken all the time, LOL. Let me clarify, my bro likes the "sauce" too much. As such, he crashes too much.. so, is the Sledge chassis actually weak? Is Corally the Dodge of the rc world? I don't think so, but then I'm not the one getting sauced and crashing into everything either, LOL. But, I will come right out and say I'm no fan of Mopar. Different discussion..🤣
 
Foreshadowing? lol


I was just trying to get a rise out of WF. I'm more of a tractor pull guy as opposed to MTs. :)


Its a travesty what HH is doing to the hobby.


As others have said, the Arrma Kraton for $550 is a better buy and theyre practically the same rig. It also has a lot of parts support.
That was going to be my next question. So the Kraton has good parts support. Good to know. And people seem to really like the Kraton.
 
That was going to be my next question. So the Kraton has good parts support. Good to know. And people seem to really like the Kraton.
I have the 4S, 6S, and 8S Kraton. The 6S and 8S version are two of my favorite rigs I own, and I own a lot of rigs. Its a great all around basher.
 
That was going to be my next question. So the Kraton has good parts support. Good to know. And people seem to really like the Kraton.
It's a solid 6s basher, so successful that Traxxas came out with their own version, Sledge.
For most hobbyists, both are fine examples, the Sledge is priced higher as you know. Goes with the territory, most popular brand in the rc world. Most any hobby shop is going to have parts for either truck, though there are quite a few shops out there that are Traxxas exclusive. Traxxas is that popular that some shops don't even sell other brands.
I truly believe the Kraton represents a better value between the two, and if local parts is important to you, both Arrma and Traxxas are hugely popular.
Buy whatever tickles your fancy brother!
If you dive deep, you'll end up with a bunch more down the road anyway!!😉😜🍻
 
6061 is fine if its hardened to T6. If its not then its junk. 7075 is better but likewise its stronger when hardened to T6.

Here’s a comparison of the strengths for 6061-T6, 7075, and 7075-T6 aluminum alloys:

1. 6061-T6 Aluminum:​

  • Ultimate tensile strength: ~45,000 psi.
  • Yield strength: ~40,000 psi.
  • Elongation: ~12% (good ductility).
  • Hardness: Brinell hardness of around 95.
6061-T6 is widely used due to its good machinability, weldability, and corrosion resistance. It's strong enough for structural applications but is significantly less strong than 7075.

2. 7075 Aluminum (Non-Tempered):​

  • Ultimate tensile strength: Typically around 70,000 psi (but can vary).
  • Yield strength: Lower than 7075-T6, usually below 60,000 psi.
In its non-tempered state, 7075 is already stronger than 6061-T6 but doesn't reach its full potential until it undergoes the T6 heat treatment.

3. 7075-T6 Aluminum:​

  • Ultimate tensile strength: ~83,000 psi.
  • Yield strength: ~73,000 psi.
  • Elongation: ~10% (less ductility compared to 6061).
  • Hardness: Brinell hardness of around 150.
7075-T6 is one of the strongest aluminum alloys available and is often used in aerospace, military, and high-stress applications due to its combination of strength and lightweight properties. It offers significantly higher strength than 6061-T6 but has lower weldability and corrosion resistance.

Summary of Strength:​

  • 6061-T6: Strong and versatile but with lower strength.
  • 7075: Higher strength than 6061, but full strength potential is reached in the T6 temper.
  • 7075-T6: The strongest among these, making it ideal for high-stress applications.
In terms of strength, 7075-T6 > 7075 > 6061-T6.
Awesome! Thank you very much for this info. It’s very helpful.
And just did a live chat with Traxxas asking what grade aluminum the Sledge chassis is made of and I got this :
IMG_6459.webp
 
That was going to be my next question. So the Kraton has good parts support. Good to know. And people seem to really like the Kraton.
From my understanding, The Kraton was the 1st RC in RTR form to have a 6s electronics system.

Circa 2016 ??? 2013??
 
From my understanding, The Kraton was the 1st RC in RTR form to have a 6s electronics system.

Circa 2016 ??? 2013??
The Thunder Tiger MT4 G3 came out around 2011, 6s capable, provided you could fit 6s in it. Battery compartment is tight for 6s, maybe about a 4000mah or so fits.
Not saying it was the first 6s to market, but I bought mine in 2011. Ran mostly 4s in it, once borrowed a 6s stick pack from a coworker who was into planes.. didn't fit under the chassis cover, so I duct taped that puppy in there. Holy $hit!! Did that thing come to life!! :oops::p🤣
Here's a vid from Jang (legend) circa 2012. Pizza anyone?🤣
 
Awesome! Thank you very much for this info. It’s very helpful.
And just did a live chat with Traxxas asking what grade aluminum the Sledge chassis is made of and I got this :View attachment 202924
Typical Traxxas. They dont tell you half the crap you want to know about specs. 🤬

From my understanding, The Kraton was the 1st RC in RTR form to have a 6s electronics system.

Circa 2016 ??? 2013??

The Thunder Tiger MT4 G3 came out around 2011, 6s capable, provided you could fit 6s in it. Battery compartment is tight for 6s, maybe about a 4000mah or so fits.
Not saying it was the first 6s to market, but I bought mine in 2011. Ran mostly 4s in it, once borrowed a 6s stick pack from a coworker who was into planes.. didn't fit under the chassis cover, so I duct taped that puppy in there. Holy $hit!! Did that thing come to life!! :oops::p🤣
Here's a vid from Jang (legend) circa 2012. Pizza anyone?🤣
The original E-REVO in 2008 is the earliest example I can think of as the first 6S RTR. It came with a rebranded Castle MMM ESC and their 2200KV motor.
 
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