Gas or Electric for my 9 yr old?

[Klaidice]

Hey everyone! Would gas be to much for my 9 yr old son? Would like to get him a truck or buggie but was wondering should I go electric or nitro? Thanks

Doug
"Hey Kool Aid!!!"

[bsoder]

personally I think electric is the way to go for kids. (actually I prefer electric in any case, but that's a different argument. :)) Plug it in and go - no tuning, mess, noise, etc.

[murphy3688]

yep yep... electric for anyone starting in rc. i started with a nitro and i didnt know anything. and yes, theyre much more simple and clean.

[djgrom]

unless your son is a mechanic electric, plus there is no break intime that would allow an impatient nine year old to ruin the engine by deciding that break in periods are for losers

[Red01MustangGT]

Most likely electric would be best to start with. I started with electric and I'm glad it went that way. I have an electric and a nitro now and I love them both, but electric is more simple to maintain, repair, and run. Plus electrics are quieter which is great for a kid who might be stuck at the house where a nitro could anoy the neighbors.

[got nitro]

Go with a electric ST, it would be a better starter versus a buggy,Nitro would be good if he was older,Get him a xxx-t.

[rocknbil]

Agreed, unless your son demonstrates sufficient mechanical ability and a level of patience to deal with the issues that frustrate many nitro owners, go with electric. Then have him mow lawns, mop floors, pick up dog-doo, wash windows and wash cars for the allowance that will buy his his first nitro when he's ready. It's a win-win. :D

[Cain]

Electric all the way. A stadium truck will probably be best since it has better ground clearance and can be more versatile than a buggy. Though, depending on what his heart is set on, he can have fun with either one.

[Legacy]

I also recommend an electric stadium truck. I have an xxx-t sport II and love it. You can find some great used ones for sale here. Also look for a team associated T3 or T4, I think someone is selling has one for sale right now.

[tadium54]

Ya, electric for a 1st car is a good idea

[trw]

start him out on electric, many good points already pointed out, also being that it protects him for one day having the urge of wondering how nitro fuel tastes and how hot the engine gets lol.

[djgrom]

ohhhhh you only try that once though !!! jk jk

[holeshotkid]

electric, but not just because hes nine. when i was nine i almost fully understood how an internal cumbustion engine worked and had worked on them and seen all the internals (dirt bikes). i reccomend electric just because hes a noobie.

[JonBoy]

id say electric for sure.

[Mustang2]

look into a mini t for him

[rcaddikt]

Electric definitely. I would advise against ANY of the mini cars/trucks as well. Box stock he'd be bored with it in an hour and a half. Whatever you have an abundance of near you to run (pavement or field / grass) should help decide what chassis to get.

My 2¢

[Klaidice]

Thanks everyone for your input! Yeah I was also thinking electric too. But I think I will be getting a nitro tmaxx for myself to pass on to my son later. A friend of mine is suppose to be selling me one for $250 RTR with only 7 tanks ran through it. As for my son's not to sure yet. Maybe kyosho, tamiya, or TEAM ASSOCIATED. One guy was wanting to sell me a couple older cars, the kyosho stinger (which he says he has over $500 in it) and the Traxxas TCR (which he says he has nearly a $1000 in it) both for $450. I was thinking maybe offering 4. He said if I was really interested he would dig them out and send me pics of them. Anyways thanks everyone again on your input it has been a big help, keep it comin.

Doug
"Hey Kool Aid!!!"

[vtl1180ny]

I started my son at 3 with my origional RC10T.... When he was 4 I got him an EMaxx and a Micro RS4.... He's 5 now and he has a FT TC3 and I'm going to pass a T-Maxx to him this summer..... He helps me work on the RC's, but I still do the bulk of the work.... I'm also contemplating letting him start to race 1/12th scale....

[QDiddy]

I would go e, but I wouldn't pay $400 for them. I would get a used rustler or something cheap, tough and quick like that. Once you get your Maxx you will be frustrated enough let alone wrenching on your boys' too. LOL

[metalry101]

I don't know much about either of those older models, but I believe they're so old as to be next to impossible to find parts for. I'd definately steer clear of those, especially at that price. They may be spiffy collectors items (doubtful since they're not stock at all), but they're not good beginner cars, or even good cars for someone who knows what they're doing. You can multiple new, better electric cars for that kind of money...

[JonBoy]

I would sugest a T3, Rustler, Evader, or Stampede. I have never had a evader it just seems decent though. Anyway all can be had pretty cheap and parts are easy to get. I would sugest buying used as a roller(if its a stampede it needs to be hopped up some) all should be around $65 as a roller in good shape with bearings. Buy new ESC, Motor, and radio and your set.

[JonBoy]

I would also pass on those old car.

[cheerwhiner]

since you will have a tmaxx an emaxx for him would be good. share some of the same parts and he can run where you do. plus interchangeable bodies and tires! I love my emaxx.

I started out with used FT t3 and loved it. However a monster is more versitale. You may coniser a stampede to save some dough. plenty of parts available.

[revoguy]

i would go with the traxxas bandit because it is an electric and easy to keep control of if he id a noob. agin that is my appinion and i drove one so it is a good one for noobs :D

[JonBoy]

id stay away from buggies get a stadium truck or a stampede. the increased ground clearace is worth it.

[Savage_Freak]

get him either electric or u can get him a nitro but limit the opening of the carb. supervised of course as well

[revoguy]

id stay away from buggies get a stadium truck or a stampede. the increased ground clearace is worth it.


i would to. get him a stamped for him

[Fluke]

i know some 9yr kids with infernos.the thing is you must know if your son is responsible enough to understand that a nitro rc is not a toy and hitting people with it really hurts.

i would suggest electric too but could consider nitro too.depends on your son.savage freak gave you a good advice limiting carb opening

[Newdude]

I started with a T-Maxx but I was 13...so like they said depends on how patient

[JonBoy]

I think electric because he can take it in his room and mess with it and be more into it with out help. Sure he could run a nitro but would you want him messing with the fuel alone? I dont think I would and when your not home what is he to do? But with electric get him a simple peak charger and some reg batts and he will be able to do everything on his own.

[Silent Scope]

I would say electric.. I started out at 12 with a nitro and i didnt know how to tune it.. :( :( :(

[MORTER MAN]

I am gonna say nitro, just cause every one said electric.... LOL



Electric will be fine. and very fun.

[NitroBoy24]

Definitely electric. He will be able to charge the packs and run the car if you aren't there to help him tune it if he had a nitro.