Recommendations for a truck or buggy

[Tomblvd]

I'm looking for TWO electric trucks or buggys to buy so that my son and I can build a dirt track and race, hopefully getting more of his friends involved in the future. Obviously, because of those facts I want to keep the cost as low as possible, yet allow us to upgrade them as time and finances allow.

Right now I'm considering the Traxxas Bandit, which seems to be the best of both worlds. And since we won't be looking to race them elsewhere, it looks like a good compromise.

Are there any other recommendations out there?

[traxxas-dude]

The bandit is a GREAT beginner buggy, they are extremely durable and can take almost anything you dish out. I would recommend the Rustler however, they are a little bigger, little faster, and a little more capable performance wise. They also have bigger tires that ride a bit smoother. Hope this helps.

BTW, Welcome to the boards, they are a great place to get/give advice! :)

[evaderstracr]

the duratrax evader st or bx is WAY better than the traxxas buggy or truck

[gizmoguy303]

If you can swing for a little more, the Associated T4 RTR comes built with electronics and is based off the highly competitive T4 chassis. If going to a real RC track is anywhere in your future, I would get this.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHXM2&P=ML

[brutesparkfist]

I have a Traxxas Rustler, and, I don't like it.

[JonBoy]

Please let us know what your budget is. I would stay away from the bandit but think the rustler would do fine. I would also consider the Evader its a good deal for the money. If you still would consider more I would look into a T4. Get a ST over a buggy.

[Vato Loco]

I'm looking for TWO electric trucks or buggys to buy so that my son and I can build a dirt track and race, hopefully getting more of his friends involved in the future. Obviously, because of those facts I want to keep the cost as low as possible, yet allow us to upgrade them as time and finances allow.

Right now I'm considering the Traxxas Bandit, which seems to be the best of both worlds. And since we won't be looking to race them elsewhere, it looks like a good compromise.

Are there any other recommendations out there?
Hey Tomblvd!
My son and I were at where your are now! 2 1/2 years ago my son and I bought us two stock Rustys WE LOVE THEM! They're tough and parts are easy to find and Not many trucks can be as well... Different from one day to the next! The Rusty Hummer is my Sons and the Lexan Rusty is mine!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/cmhanson/h4-000.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/cmhanson/h3-000.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/cmhanson/c1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/cmhanson/Chevy5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v357/cmhanson/Chevy4.jpg
We Like bashing! These trucks are Great for that! Plus if you want a buggy? the Rusty can be changed into the Bandit or Stampede with just a few parts!
Your situation was the same as mine! :D

[Anemic_SluG]

My recommendation especially if you plan on racing at a track would be the T4 SE kit. It comes with better electronics than the Traxxas trucks and it also is a proven professional design that can be upgraded into the Pro model since all parts are interchangable. Also in seeing some of the Rustlers at the local track they are just not competative as well as the transmission in the T4 is the smoothest ever and easy to maintain. ( I know I sound like a Associated Commercial but I actually drive a LOSI) Just wanted to give you a fair opinion on the T4 which I think dollar for dollar it is the truck for a beginner. You can also find them at www.ultimatehobbies.com for low $$$$ plus free shipping. The guys down there are great and will take care of you.

[mugenX5]

I'm not sure if this fits in your budget, but the Losi XXXT RTR version. I think they call it the RTR II or similar. It is upgradeable and it comes with better electronics than anything else mentioned.

[Tomblvd]

Thanks for all the quick replies. It helps a lot.

At this point I'm still leaning toward the bandit or rustler simply becuase of the finances. I'd like to keep the total cost for one below $200.

My thinking here is that if I can get some of his friends interested we can expand with more kids buying their own kits. (there are no places to race around here).

We have loads of land here and I'd like to set up a big track to get the kids doing something other than playing computers. The ability to upgrade will give them a reason to take out the trash too....

[Tomblvd]

BTW, what online store is best to deal with?

I've dealt with Tower and Hobby Lobby with no problems in the past.

Any other recommendations?

[gizmoguy303]

Ultimate Hobbies has awesome prices but no secure checkout at their website (at least from the last time I tried to order). Placing an order via phone is no big deal, though. www.ultimatehobbies.com

[JonBoy]

price keeps rising, overall the T4 SE is your best bet around $205 while the XXXT II i think is around $280 so a big jump. How old is your son? If the budget is a real problem you could prob pick up 2 T3's cheap enought that you could invest the money you saved into a decent charger and nicer electonics.

[John2005]

I agree with Jonboy, get the T4. But I must mention, this is not a cheap hobby and the truck is the smallest part of the investment. You need batteries and chargers and the you are gonna break lots of parts. Also, the problem with most of the RTR kits is that some of the parts, especially the servos with plastic gears, aren't up to the task of backyard bashing. You'll break em pretty quick. So, consider getting metal geared servos.

Just a though here. I would buy one better quality car and share it, versus two that will end up costing more money.

John

[novakman5800]

The T4 is a good truck. i have the HPI MT which has been discontinued :( . the MT is a tough truck. another question is do you want a RTR or kit.

[Raster]

Tom,

I think the Rustler would be an outstanding choice for you and your son. Sure, there are other choices that are higher-end trucks, but they also cost at least $100 more.

For $139 at ultimatehobbies.com, it's the most fun you can have. (Be sure to get the Rustler with the ESC (electronic speed controller), instead of the cheaper one with the mechanical speed controller.

The Rustler is tough, durable and replacment parts can be bought just about anywere. Traxxas' customer service is second to none in the RC industry. (Associated's is also outstanding.)

You and your son will have a blast.

Good luck,
Ras

[Cain]

For a vehicle that can still be race competitive and be had pretty cheap if you dont mind used, the T3 is a great truck. They take a beating better than the T4, parts can still be had, and its quite the performer as well compared to some of the other trucks out there.

I purchased a T3 for my newphew as his first RC truck, knowing I live about 600 miles away, I wanted something that would take a beating but keep going for him. Since I sent it, he has had fun bashing it but hasn't broken anything.

[joostin421]

i totally have to agree with Vato Loco, get a stampede - the options are unlimited. out of the 16 r/c's we have, the stampedes/rustlers get the most use ;)

stampede 1
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1229.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1227.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1228.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1224.JPG

stampede 2
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1230.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1233.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1234.JPG

rustler 1
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1276.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1274.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~joostin420/wsb/media/355614/site1275.JPG

justin

[Bugs Buggy]

Tomblvd,

You may want to consider going 1/18th scale. The RC18T RTR can be had for around $155, and it comes with pretty much everything you need to go racing (perhaps a charger and a few battery packs may be nice to have though). Since they're smaller, building a track would probably be easier, and I believe they also have aftermarket upgrades (they come pretty well equiped out of the box though) if in the future you wish to hop it up. The only near term problem with them is you may have troubles finding a local track that have 18th scale race classes (at least I do... that's the only reason why I got a 10th scale buggy instead of the 18th scale..). But if you plan to go backyard racing, that wouldn't be a problem.. And I have to imagine that the 18th scale classes will get more popular as time goes on (it was a real treat when I got to watch a RC18T on our local track during practice...that little thing was quick!! :eek: )...

:cool:

Bugs

[TMaxxBenny25]

Team Assocaited B4 and T4!!!

[Cain]

Agreed on the 18th scale. For a track on your property, these will not need as much room but do perform quite well. They also now make a monster version of the RC18

[traxxas-dude]

But as he mentioned before he has plenty of property. I still say go with the rustlers or even stampedes. I have owned 1 of each of the Bandit, Rustler, And stampede. I would personally say go with the stampedes. They are the best RC ever made in my opinion. they are tough...can take just about anything you throw at them. They have good ground clearance and good performance out of the box. They wont get around your track the fastest, but you arent racing for blood anyways. :)

[shizzolator]

I just got my son an Evader ST after closely considering a Rusty and Stampede. You can't beat the components for the price...full ball-bearings, ALUMINUM body shocks w/ thread-collar adjustment, ball differential. Those 3 right there convinced me to go the DTX route. The design is basically the Losi-XXT circa mid-nineties, so it can find its way around a track.

An additional advatage for 'bashing' is that Duratrax will replace any broken parts for FREE within a year of buying. I bought a pre-built version from Tower Hobbies for $120 and added a Futaba 2PH for $43. That's $163 including Sprint ESC (which can take a 19T Spec motor)...and I believe right now Tower's promo is $25 off $175. Order ANYTHING else for more than 12 bucks and you're looking at a 'RTR' price of $138. For full bb's/ball diff/alum shocks/rear steel universals/decent ESC...unbeatable IMO!

If you are planning on racing sometime though I'd agree w/ the above...T4!

[ADRINAL]

My brother and I purchaced T4s (RTR version) last Fall. Both were lemons.
There were so many problems with them we gave up and pulled out our 15 year old RCs.

[kurrz]

Dont get an evader they break constantly the stress tech warranty is ok but you need it with DTX if you have no LHS stay away you'll have more down time than run time. Consider a Tamiya they are tough.

[Ed237]

Don't skimp on yoru initial purchase. Buy good stuff up front and you will not regret it. For less than 100 dollars more than the cost of a Bandit, you can have a XXXt or a T4.

I would encourage you to reconsider your budget limit and either get a RTR T4 or a XXXT. Either can be bought for under $250. They are the best off road stadium trucks ever made.

I had an Evader it was good vehicle. But, once I saw a T4 I knew I made a mistake.

[TimisTim]

One vote for losi, spend the extra $$$$ and get a quality truck. Either a XXX-T MF2 or rtr2 or a T4.

[TimisTim]

Ed beat me by 2 minutes! So what he said......