New guy needs help.

[Clueless]

A couple of years ago I bought a Losi XXX. I put it togeher but that is all I did with it.
Now I want to buy the rest of the stuff I need to drive it. I do not plan on racing I just want to beat around with it in my backyard.
So what I need is some advice on what else to get. I need a radio, speed control, motor, pinion gear, batteries and a charger.
Is there any thing else I would need? I don’t want to get junk but I don’t want to spend a fortune either.
Any advice would be appreciated.

[racer234]

Here are some of my recommendations for cheap, yet reliable and good equipment:

Radio- Airtronics Blazer ($40)
Speed Control- Novak XRS ESC ($50)
Motor- Trinity Speed Gem Pro Amber 17T ($28)
Pinion- I'm not familiar with Losi Gearing, so someone else will have to help you here.
Batteries- Epic 3000mAh Sport ($19 each)
Charger- Duratrax Intellipeak ($55)

Check out www.towerhobbies.com for great prices.

[tylerbac]

Try a 23T pinion, becareful not to overheat motor. :)

[microrcdude]

id buy a 22 tooth pinion. Everyone that bashes theirs around here uses that.

[dalejrfan8]

Get some high quality plugs like deans or powerpoles. You will get the most run time out of your packs because of the low resistance.

[Clueless]

If I have some extra cash to spend what should I upgrade? The Radio or the Speed Control? Thanks.

[*Miller*]

Thats a toughie. Id personally upgrade the ESC to one with a lower turn limit if possible. That gives you better scope for upgrading the cars motor in the future.

[SteveK]

I'm not positive about that radio: Make sure it has dual-rate or end point adjustments (EPA) for the steering, so it doesn't travel too far and affect handling. Futaba, Hitec, and Airtronics make inexpensive radios with dual-rate, and it's worth the few extra bucks to have it.

When it comes to batteries, think about getting several cheaper packs rather than one good one. Each pack won't last as long, but with more of them, you'll be waiting less time for them to cool and recharge.

And I agree with Miller on the ESC front: Get the best unit you can afford.

[*Miller*]

The Futaba 2TPHKA is a good little radio, I use it myself. Cost me £60 (so, its probably about $60 in the US :)) and havent had a problem with it. Not expensive, but works like a charm and has EPA for steering, and dual EPA for throttle.

[SteveK]

That radio has been discontinued, and replaced by the 2PL
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXENN3**&P=0
That's a damn good price for a 'computer' radio. Futaba stuff is top quality: I've used their radios and ESCs for years and have never had a single problem.

According to Tower's info page, the Blazer now has dual-rate steering (It didn't years ago), so that would be a good option as well.

[*Miller*]

Blimey, that is a good buy!

[Clueless]

Thanks for the input guys. Hopefully I'll get to order the stuff on Friday.