New to RC

[BrettG]

Hi All

I am interested in starting out and was wondering if Electric or Nitro is the way to go?

Is nitro far more expensive to run and maintain that electric?

Thanks in advance.

Brett

[savageP3]

its about the same start up cost due to batteries and chargers etc. but in the long run nitro will be slightly more expensive but its faster by a good deal.

[mook]

I just bought my first nitro rc and have so far spent nearly £500 on the kit & other gubbins to make it run. I have also been told by the bloke at my lhs that nitro's require more maintenance than electric which equals more $$.I reckon electric would have been much cheaper to start with.

just my experience and 0.2

mook

[NitroBoy24]

Nitro is going to be more expensive then electric, I can almost guarentee you that. And if you are a newbie, tuning a nitro engine and keeping it running will more then likely be a pain in your arse for a little while. After you get over the nitro tuning learning curve it's a lot easier to deal with. But you are still going to have glow plugs go bad on you, tuning can get finicky every now and then, and then of course you have to spend $20+ for a gallon of fuel. But if you aren't driving every day then it can last for quite a while.

Electric is generally a much easier way to get into the r/c car hobby but the only downside is...They are eons slower then nitro's. Mind you, you can make electrics extremely fast but that will cost you a LOT of mulah! And then the faster your motor is the less runtime you will have and if its a brushed motor you will be rebuiling it and cutting the come VERY frequently.

I made my entrance into r/c cars by going with a nitro and I am in no way sorry for not getting an electric. Also, the boards here are extremely helpful so if you are ever having problems do a search first, and if you can't find a thread that is the same as your situation then make a thread on it. And then the help will come to you.

One more thing, how much money do you have to spend? To get a nitro running is going to cost you around $320 or so for a decent car/truck (I'd recommend Team Associated RTR's, they have everything you need except fuel, extra glow plugs, and batteries) and then to keep it running you are going to need $10-$15 a month for fuel, parts, etc atleast from my past experiences. Sometimes you will get lucky and not have anything break and other times it seems like absolutely nothing is going your way.

But just stick with it, DO NOT buy a cheap car, I guarentee it will bit you in a$$ in the long run and you will probablly regret it.

Hope I helped :)

[Wedge598]

Electric will be far be the cheaper way to start. And unless you start racing with it the maintainence will be much less. Even with a brushed motor a backyard basher like me has yet to worry about too much maintanence on the electric motor. Of course I don't run mine all that often and I do have 3 vehicles so each one gets 1/3 of the use. Electric can be made to go quite fast and they also do have lots of power considering the small motors. Nitro is a huge step up in speed and power and can be quite fun as well but your will go throw glow plugs and fuel pretty quickly which can get expensive. Plus Nitros require a little more maintenance after using them. You need to clean out the engine with some special oil and clean the air filter after each use. This only takes a few minutes but electrics are almost maintence free if you didn't get them very dirty.

I started with electrics and I think it's a good way to go. If you really want a nitro I recommend a traxxas as the manual, DVD and online help are fantastic and will make it very easier to learn.

[trw]

Originally Posted By Wedge598
Plus Nitros require a little more maintenance after using them. You need to clean out the engine with some special oil and clean the air filter after each use.

thats not true, The air filter can go uncleaned for as much as 5-7 runs....Depending on where you drive it...as far as onroad is concerned.....but offroad will require more cleaning though.

lol and you dont have to clean the engine out with anything....I think you are refering to after run oil that alot of people use which is just 4-6 drops into the cylinder chamber, thats just to prevent rust...or in other words just used when the engine is about to go into storage....otherwise you can just turn it off and set your car on the shelf for the next day.

also glow plugs usually should last a couple of months and are only $3...if your going through glow plugs in days or so...then your engine isnt running right.

I used to be into electric...then i went nitro...i myself must say nitro even though a little more expensive is far more fun and self satisfying then electric ever was for me....not to mention nitro engines alow a little more room for error then electric motors do....nitro engines can tolerate FAR more hotter temperatures then an electric could so on hot summer days overheating isnt really a concern where as electric you'd have to keep a close eye....

My expirience with the both also shows that nitro engines cool off way faster then electric motors as well....within 7 minutes my nitro engine will go from blistering hot to cool to the touch....takes my electric almost 1 hour to do the same, even with a cold heatsink on it...not to metnion no battery charge times, where as nitro you can just fill the tank and go.

i also find my nitro car alot more fun to drive.....being able to rev it, the sounds and smells of the exhaust :D also the feeling i get when i see my car shift into 2nd gear going down the street at full throttle.

yes there alot of high points...but then the low points must be emphasized as well.

first off...fuel can be expensive but at the same time it can be cheap as well...I've had my car for 4 weeks now and im still on the first gallon i bought for it, thats including the fule i had to use for break-in which brings me to my next point.

unlike electrics...nitro engines require breaking them in which consists of running the car for 8 tanks AT FACTORY SETTINGS...first 2 being idle only, next 3 being 1/4th throttle next 2 being half throttle then last being full throttle, then you can tune it for performance, at factory settings the engines are set really rich for breaking in purposes....thats why when breaking them in they usualy are slow and sound gurgly....then when u tune em for performance they become really fast and run really well.

those are the only 2 downsides i see to nitro....all in all my only regret is actually getting into electric....If your up to it...learning to take care of a nitro is actually easy...fairly easy...tuning it is just a matter of turning 3 different needles on the carb till the engine runs right, then once you get more serious...like ALOT more serious lol you can try shimming the head and what not.

[HauntedMyst]

Either nitro or electric can be as expensive as you make them. Electric is easier and cleaner if you just run it and don't tune it much, but for the same money, nitro is faster but messier and if you don't know how to tune an engine, it's harder but only by a small margin.

Electric TC3 RTR $209
3 3,300 Batters $120
Charger $50
Total $379

Nitro TC3 RTR $309
Gallon of fuel $25
Glow Ignitor $25
Glow Wrench $10
Total $369

Personally, I prefer electric, both for racing and for playing.

[BrettG]

Hi again

Thanks for all the feedback. It looks like I have to buy one of each :p , hahah.

I think the best thing is to hang out at a few race meetings and get the general vibe from the experienced guys like yourselves. I will then try and make a decision.

Thanks again for all the comments.

Cheers

Brett

[rocknbil]

Welcome aboard Brett! :D

Once you get the hang of it, nitro's every bit as easy to run, but first you have to get past the "learning curve." For many beginners, it's frustrating just to keep it running. With electric, you charge it and go (most of the time.) It really depends on how mechanically inclined you are and how much you're willing to put into it to get the fun out of it.

As for both? Hell yeah (http://www.nytebyte.com/personal/rides.html), just buy your wife/girlfriend one too. :D

[garydogwood]

i agree with just about everything everyone has posted; as for expense, they both can be expensive - especially if you are going for high performance (and if you stay in the hobby, you will go for high performance).

other costs of electric, some mentioned above, include a decent comm lathe ($120) (with the obligatory diamond bit - $75)) as well as a steady supply of brushes (around $4 ea); plus don't forget the electric motor cleaner ($5 - $8 a can); for really good runs, you need (several) good battery packs ($50 - $70) plus a good charger ($100 - skys the limit). you can get someone to cut your comms but still going to be $5 - $7 a pop and you would probably cut them more often if you had your own lathe.

for nitro, you will ocassionally have to replace the piston and sleeve ($75?) etc.. and as mentioned above, glow plugs, fuel, stater battery, etc..

then for both, don't forget the vast array of specialized tools you will accumulate to maintain / repair the car. of course once you really get into it, you'll be buying high performance replacement parts made of exotic materials such as aluminum and titanium (well i guess aluminum is not that exotic - but more expensive than plastic). oh yea, tires aren't cheap either.

it's going to be expensive not matter how you look at it. it just depends on you level of involvement. i have a couple electrics and a couple of nitros. i love em both and enjoy the electrics for the quietness as well as not having to clean up all the nitro gunk after a running. but then nothing can beat the sound (and smell of nitro) not to mention the power!!

i don't believe one is significantly cheaper than the other in the long run. they both require maintenance and tinkering to keep them running their best. actually the tinkering and maintenance is just about as much fun as the actually running of the cars / trucks for many people.

of course if you are just trying to convince the wife, then say something like " look honey, here is this nice evader for only $200 complete. wouldn't little johnny (or suzy) enjoy that".

gw

[warden0503]

NITRO
the sound and plum of smoke rules

cost is same in long run - cause you end up buying as much as you can afford regardless if its nitro or electric

so it would be a question of preference rather than cash to sway your vote

electric - easy
nitro - harder at first

who wants to charge batteries all the time, i mean, come on, i hate batteries, never know how much is really left, and if the charge is full,

with nitro - just fill 'er up and rip (eventually ;) )

[HauntedMyst]

your nitro car requires batteries as well so either you have to buy expensive alklines and replace them all the time or you need a charger and rechargable batteries for that as well.

[SS Pede]

There's also electric brushless. Certainly more expensive at first (at least $220 or so for a BL system), but very nice, very efficient, very fun, and ideally less expensive in the long run (very little maintenance, no comm cutting, etc.). Nitro performance, electric convenience, and less maintenance than either nitro or brushed electric.

You could always start off with electric and go brushless when the time comes, you will already have the batteries, charger, etc.

[trw]

Actually HauntedMyst....Regular AAs work perfectly and last weeks at a time without a problem, they aren't expensive...atleast not here.

and for $220 you could buy an engine faster then a BL system...The Novak SS BL system which does cost $220 is only equivalent to a 10-turn motor...which my TC3 with a 10x2 Trinity D6 can barely keep up with my stock HPI RS4 3 SS, granted that a BL is lil faster due to less friction....but if i were to get an OS engine in my nitro car...then it would stand no chance what so ever.

[p.n.e]

regardless of which you choose, heres a few simple tips to keep you out there and HAVING FUN.

if you go nitro, buy a few extra glowplugs. if you stick with one and it fouls up then your day is done. make sure you have a nice glow starter with a fully charged batt. it will help starting an engine so much more.


if you go electric, pick up a nice peak charger like the superbrain 959 or 969. this will charge your batts correctly and fully each time. pick up at least two decent packs 2400 nicds will do. try to get sanyo batteries. two packs will ensure you get your playtime as one pack will only last about 10 minutes before you have to bring your car in. with two you can charge one and use the other, and swap.

nitro or electric be sure you get a good set of hex wrenches. Dynamite makes a great set thats cheap too. this will let you repair/assemble your car without having bloody or raw fingers from those cheap L wrenches they supple with the kits. I can say a set of hex wrenches has been the BEST hopup for my cars.

some factors to consider in your choice, does your weather permit both types? nitro has problems in extreme cold running in the winter. does your neighbourhood allow for running nitro? its quite loud and can be annoying. Do you have a good place dedicated to working on rc cars? If you wrench on your bedroom floor you might not want to consider plopping a greasy dirty nitro on the carpet.

[trw]

if you go electric...do NOT under any circumstances get the Superbrain 959 <<< awful charger...try something like the 969 or the Duratrax Digital Intellipeak.

[BrettG]

Hi guys

Thanks for all the advice. It looks like the electric is the way to go at first.

Any suggestions on a decent on-road car to start with? Kit or RTR are fine for me.

Thanks again

Cheers

Brett

[C.J.OO]

I have to disagree with that...
If you get a Nitro RC first and learn to tune and run it properly you will be much Happier and Better off in the Pocket..
I actually got into RC When I was 12 with an electric RC But I am 28 Now And If I could go Back I would have chosen Nitro all the way..
I have over 10 nitro Rcs at the moment..(dont ask how manny electricRcs)..
I think Nitro Is the Way to GO...But in the end its up to you..
Good luck with what ever you choose and welcome the the Boards also.....;),

[astainback]

I have to say nitro just becuase I am into nitro. I do have a miniT (electric) but I love my xxxnt and tmaxx. If I were you, I would try to find and go to a race nearby. They might not run the kindof vehicle that you want, but you can get an idea of what is going on. I personally like watching the nitro touring over electric touring. electric is too quiet and slow. Nitro is really fast and loud. hahahaha

I know that if you are bashing, electric is pretty reasonable if you don't get rediculous with the faster motors and what-not. I do know that the electric touring drivers at the track brought so much stuff with them becuase they are constantly doing things to their car... soldering in motors and batteries... changing brushes between the quals and the mains.. it is crazy. I would like to show up and gas up. I hate soldering also (i can do it... just don't like it)

Sorry for all the rant. Go to a race or LHS and try them out if you can.

[a-man1234]

Are you planing on racing or bashing? Are there any tracks near you? Check the track see what people are driving. Talk to the local drivers. Check your local hobby shop(LHS), for which cars do they carry parts. Talk to them, they can be very helpful. Use the search feature of this web site. Great resource, ie best car, best electronics, best esc, best budget esc, first car and so on. What is your budget? I would suggest you start out with a stock or 19T motor. Do you want to build it or buy a RTR (ready to run)? Have you considered used cars and equipment? There are some great buys on ebay. If you got an nitro, where would you run it? My neighbors would have a fit If I ran an nitro in front of the house, but my son and I run our electrics in front of the house all the time. Oval racing with two cones. Buy the best battery charger you can afford within your budget. If your bashing, an esc with reverse is great. If you will be racing, you will need an esc that is forward only or has a reverse lockout feature.

Having said all that I would suggest the usual suspects:

Bashing:

LOSI XXXS standard version Kit or rtr
RC10 TC3 Racer kit or rtr
Yokomo MR4TC belt drive Pro or Special (older models)
Hpi Pro3 (older model)
Tamiya TL01
Tamiya Evo I, II, III

HIGHER END for racing

LOSI XXXS Graphite Plus
TC3 factory version
Xray T1 or T1R
Yokomo MR4TC SD (shaft drive) CGM or SSG
Schumacher Mission and Mi2
Hpi Pro4
Tamiya 414, 415 or Evo IV (real pricey)

I have a MR4TC Special and a TC3 Team version. My son has a TL01 and a XXXS RTR. For bashing any of these would be fine. For racing I would stay away from the TL01. The entry level Tamiya cars are some of the most durable vechicles, but not the fastest. The high end Tamiya are fast but pricey.

Are there differences between cars, yes. Will a good driver be fast with any of the these cars, yes.

Just get a car and have fun.

A-man1234