New to the GAME

[DoItInTheDirt]

My Friend and I are looking into getting into RCing. We've been checking on the Internet and plan to go Monday to a local Hobby shop to learn a little more. I have a few questions about it though and I thought who better to ask than you guys.

1. Which is better Buggies or Trucks for off roading?

2. Are you better off to buy a RTR or a kit?

3. If you buy a RTR can I eventually replace the parts (body, wheels, suspension, etc.) so that it becomes one of the awesome ones you see on the Internet?

4. How much are the parts interchangeable?

:confused:

[tadium54]

1. truck will be more stable
2. up to you really, but I would go with kit. you know the car more then.
3. depends on the model, but generally yes
4. again, depends on the model. what were you thinking of?

[-=ADA$=-]

i wouldnt say truck will be more stabile, but it depends on what kind of, off-road you think if not very heavy than buggy, but with very heavy off-road buggy might not have enaugh ground clearance and trucks will cope with it better

[ScMc]

1. For offroad racing, you want a buggy. For Bashing, you'll want a truck.

2. For your first vehicle, Id say RTR. Makes everything easier and it comes with (depends on model) everything you need to get started besides the obvious fuel and such.

3 and 4 depend on what Model you're talking about. All the Traxxas maxx trucks have interchangeable parts, they come RTR, And they have great aftermarket support so maybe you want a Maxx...

[streetracer]

Well, if you have the money, look into the XXX-T G+. Great kit, and will not let you down. Comes with all the hop-ups from Losi, but you can still make it better and say "This is Me" with it.
Just my suggestion, and welcome to Readio Control Zone. Look forword to having you join our Family. :)

[TrickSpeed]

I will chime in and say go with a kit. Its just a bunch of plastic pieces and screws (for the most part) and its really not hard to do. Just take your time and read the instructions. Millions before have successfully completed a kit, its really not that difficult. Then when you break something you'll know how to fix it. Its like building your first diff and suddenly understanding how it works. Once you know it you know.

Besides, the kit equivalent of most RTRs come with better stuff.

[Supa]

True true.

[baldie]

Well I'm pretty much a newbie like you are and I do recommend going with an RTR first. It comes with everything you need to run, except for fuel, that is if you go with nitro. If you go with electric, I think some come with batteries. I first car was a duratrax nitro evade bx. Its a nice buggy, very quick but it was kinda boring to bash with. Buggies are better for racing. Then I got me a touring sedan. Then to top it off I got a T-maxx. If you want to just mess around in yoru yard or in fields, I do recommend getting a monster truck of some sort. I've done so much research since I got into thsi hobby a month ago, that I feel much more comfortable about the hobby. Its not a cheap hobby, but its fun and exciting when you get really into it. Just be sure, that whatever you decide to get, it has the outmost capability and variety of parts that you can use to upgrade/modify its performance and looks....because thats what its all about. Hope I helped just a bit.

[Duster_360]

A truck will have better ground clearance than a buggy, so if you intend to bash a truck would be a better choice. An RTR is an ideal way to get started - its practically complete, assembled and adjusted. Lets you play pretty much immediately on taking it out of the box. Its the way I got started - Tmaxx. Depending on the vehicle, theres usually a lot of after market support letting you modify it from just a little to a complete make over. Again, this depends on which vehicle you select and how long its been on the market. I've seen only limited parts interchange ability with parts and this is an important issue. You're going to break things and you would be well advised to check into parts availability both locally at nearby lhs an on the net. Better to find out up front you'll have to order everything needed to keep running than later when a few broken parts may keep you side lined for a few weeks while you wait for your order.

[baldie]

I'll also mention. Don't rush yourself into buying something right away. I made that mistake and ended up not liking what I got selling it and getting something different. When you find something you like, search for a thread on that particular car/truck and read what other owners have said about the car/truck. Search the net for reviews on that car/truck. Its good to know if the car/truck you want has gotten a good review by your fellow rc'ers. Just remember an RTR would be a wise choice for a beginner. After getting comfortable with the car/parts/upgrades, then I would go out and get a kit so you can build it the way you want to. Just my 2 cents.

[DoItInTheDirt]

For $200 with control and Auto Starter.

I feel pretty sure this is a good deal. BUT, how compatible is this truck to upgrades?

[tadium54]

a xxx-nt shouldn't need upgrades, but there is a market for it

[Dirtman]

Hey guys......I am DoItInTheDirt's buddy. You guys have been so helpful and this forum ROCKS!
My question:
First truck ever ~ would you get the T-Maxx or the Revo or something else?? I want to be competitive ~ I will mainly be racing this thing on a track. (www.Carolinarc.com to see track pix)

[TrickSpeed]

Do they have a T-maxx class????

Even if they do, most of the guys at my track have quite a few upgrades on whatever maxx style truck they run. So if your track is anything like mine, you will not be very competitive box stock.

[Dirtman]

Great ?.....Just called and they run all the monster trucks together. So with that being said....what is a good truck for me to buy and be competitive. I see all kinds on eBay ~

[Chris LaPanse]

LST or revo would be the best out of the box.

[zakerid]

MGT is a good truck as well...track and bashing.

[Duster_360]

Heard a lot of good thing about racing potential of a stock TNX, strong OS 18 motor and lighweight, need better shocks though - MGT is supposed to be a good out of the box racer too. Revo needs a lot of chassis and suspension tuning based on what I've read.

[supernitro_guy1]

I LIVE IN GREENVILLE Dirt, I go to Hobby Connection all the time, bought my nitro evader ST (Stadium Truck) from there, I'l be glad to help you

They have about 4 or 5 monster trucks every two weekends, in fact this saturday will be off-road saturday, they have about 10-11 1/8th scale buggies and about 6 stadium trucks and buggies, its a great place, i just practiced there monday morning, its really great.

[DoItInTheDirt]

Why doesn't the XXX-NT need upgrades?

[Dirtman]

I LIVE IN GREENVILLE Dirt, I go to Hobby Connection all the time, bought my nitro evader ST (Stadium Truck) from there, I'l be glad to help you

They have about 4 or 5 monster trucks every two weekends, in fact this saturday will be off-road saturday, they have about 10-11 1/8th scale buggies and about 6 stadium trucks and buggies, its a great place, i just practiced there monday morning, its really great.
Awesome man!! I cant make it this Sat....but my bud Adam won last week (or the last monster truck race they had). I'm still looking for a truck! I'll PM you when Iget something and we'll have to meet up!!

[munim]

Dirtman,

Hey it's great to see new people coming into the hobby. First and foremost, you should check out the local racing scene, see what other people are running. Mainly this will be helpful after you get your vehicle since there will be people there that know the ins and outs and can help you out. Also check out the local hobby shop to see which vehicly they support the most with parts. You're new to the hobby and inexperience does take it's toll on the cars, hehehe so you will most likely be looking for quick replacements.

[DoItInTheDirt]

Where can I go on the Internet to find ratings on the different manufacturers?

[tadium54]

Its not that the XXX-NT needs upgrades, but you can get them. I haven't heard that they need anything out of the box, but I could be wrong

[supernitro_guy1]

I got a nitro Evader from Duratrax, man, i love it, its my nitro nitro, and I have not had any major problems, I crahsed, but it was my fault, only a suspension arm broke, but fixed it woth 5 dollars, the engine is easy to tune and break-in was easy too, it handles quite well and its fast as heck, really nice, really nice.