Looking for suggestions.

[ken0474]

Thanx, for the info!!! I'm selling all of my guitar gear to start this hobby up. Any other suggestions? The more the better. :)

[Grudly]

Hi Ken, If you've never been to an r/c race yet I'd suggest you attend one for an hour or two and chat with some folks, maybe someone will let you try out their ride... I am willing to let new people usually drive mine. Are you interested in the electric r/c's or the nitro ones?

[ken0474]

Hey, thanks again. I was thinking about electric. Since I am new, I figured I should stick with electric. what do you think? I figured that electric would be slower and easier to control. Is this true?

[ChumsGum]

I suggest you go to your local race track on a race night and watch a race. In off road, there are buggy, truck, and E/T-Maxx classes. See what you like and ask around. Generally, most of the race organizers and racers are friendly and are always willing to help others get into their sport. Good luck.

[XXXER]

Ken, that is true, to an extent, you can make an electric car slower to drive, easier than you can a gas powered car, but, on the other hand, when you are ready, you can make electric cars scream, with the right motor, and gearing, etc. If you have not yet, I suggest you go to the track, and watch some of the races, talk to the locals, and see their opinions.

[Obi112]

Woah, what are you guys doing? This dude is a newbie. Don't tell him to buy matched packs and high-end radios when he's starting out. You won't need them for a few years and they won't make you faster until you can get around the track without chrashing.

You should start out with a good kit, though. If you don't, it'll be harder to upgrade than batteries or a radio. You should start with a B3 Team kit (or a XXX, I drive a B3, personally). Next, pick up a sport AM radio. The Airtronics Blazer is a sturdy, inexpensive radio. Sure, FM computer radios may be cooler, but you won't use those extra features for a while.

Pick up a good ESC. If you want to get into racing, buy an Explorer II from Novak. They're forward-only and bulletproof. If your going to do a lot of fooling around in your backyard, buy a reversing model (LRP has some nice ones). Buy a stock motor next. The P2K and GM3 from Trinity are good choices.

Finally, pick up a few 2000 mAH stick packs. They are getting cheaper by the day because of the new 2400 and 3000 mAH packs, but 2000 mAH is plenty for a stock motor.

This setup will save you a lot of money. But, if you really want to get the best gear, go for it. If you end up loving this hobby, you'll be way ahead. If you don't like the hobby, you'll end up losing money.

Hope this helps,
Dan C.

[atm92484]

I agree with Obi. A newbie doesn't need all that stuff especially for trying out a hobby. If I had to reccomend to a newbie what to do I'd go right by what Obi said. Even if you never upgrade, the stuff he mentioned is still good enough to have some fun with.

[ken0474]

Thanks for the feedback!! I'm excited about getting started. I guess I really still do not understand the major parts involved. What usually comes in a kit? What will i have to but to start driving it? What is an ESC? Do they come all together in kits? Is it better to buy seperately? I'm sorry if these sound totally stupid. What is better gas or electric? I was told that electric is bad because the batteries drain in a matter of minutes. is this true? Do you recommend gas? I want something that can go offroad, jump hills, that can withstand the jumps. And something that can go pretty fast. Not something you can pick up in toys-r-us. Thanks for responding. :D

[Mark98SS]

IMO the T-MAXX is an excellent beginner car. It is a complete package w/understandable instructions & is durable enough to get past the learning curve. You can get started for less than half of what you have to spend & save for rest for operating costs/improvements. Just my .02

[nitrovig]

guys!! i'm pretty new to off-road. i came here to find out the same information. the concensis of many egos say...go nitro,go with the factory team rc10gt. you wont be sorry. i'm not. very durable. it's got all the up-grades....and you can do more, too.
it is racer ready!

[TC3Racer]

well if our going electric off road then you need to see if you want a stadium truck or a monster truck. a stadium truck is more of a racer and lower to the ground than a monster truck. a really good stadium truck is the Team associated T3 RTR. (Ready-To-Run) you can find lots of information at www.teamassociated.com (http://www.teamassociated.com) or if you want a big truck and love to jump and like the look of a monster truck more, the traxxas stampede or E-maxx would be a good choice. go to www.traxxas.com (http://www.traxxas.com) for information on those, and othere RTR models that traxxas provides. good luck and with that much money your bound to end up with a great R/C!!

[FilthyPierre]

Ken, when I first started in RC, a bunch of people reckoned to get the cheaper stuff and upgrade later - I did this and regretted it. I should have bought my XXX first up, but I didn't. I should have bought a decent charger first up, but I didn't. I should have bought a decent radio first up, but I didn't. So now that I've upgraded, I've got a crappy car, crappy charger and crappy radio sitting in the cupboard waiting for the day when my 3-year-old son is old enough to drive it. And he'll probably want a XXX pretty soon afterwards....

So, if you can afford it, go the XXX Kinwald Edition. It's only $40 US more expensive than the standard XXX, and you get a heap more hop up parts. I guarantee you you won't be sorry (although I don't know how you'd ever claim on that guarantee :) ).

An ESC is an Electronic Speed Controller, which, like the name suggests, controls the speed of the vehicle. The alternative is the MSC (Mechanical), which uses another servo to tug on the wiper of a potentiometer. These are prone to burn out and are usually present in only the cheaper cars. Any competition-style kit (like the XXX, B3 and Ultima RB) will require that you have an ESC. Go for the Novak Cyclone.

These are my personal choices only, not necessarily right for you. Hope it helps though.

Oh, almost forgot - don't sell the guitar, man! What have you got anyway ?

[ 07-30-2001: Message edited by: FilthyPierre ]

[KIWIRCGUY]

I have mixed views on the subject of what to buy when starting out..

So heres how I see it;

#1 BUY CHEAP GEAR: Ok so you save yourself alot of money if you dont like it you havent lost too much.... Downside is its really hard to sell cheap gear second hand.... Good gear will sell alot faster. The other downside is if you do like it, you now have to sell some if not all the cheaper gear, which as I said aint easy to buy better gear. In essence you end up buying everything twice!! NOT GOOD AT ALL

#2 BUY THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD: Ok so you now have all the eye candy there is on offer. Your now broke or uncomfortably close to it. If you dont like it, you can sell it but be warned no matter what gear and how little its used you will never get 3/4 of what its worth. Good point is if you like it, your set SCHWEEET!!

I do suggest going to a race or 5 and seeing what goes on. Before you really decide on off or on road see whats run in your area or whats run best. What ever you do decide, look around and do your home work on the gear you want, it can save a lot of heart ache and money later on.

Hope this helps.

[Spinner]

nitrovig~ i see ur from buford, have you been to the sugarbowl? its the best track for offroad in ga i think and ive been to most of em theres directions on their web site, stop by and check us out (www.sugarbowlrc.com)

[ken0474]

I was thinking about starting rc as a hobby. I was wondering if any of you veterans had any suggestions as far what type of equipment to buy. I was looking towards off road buggy types (durable and fit in my budget). I have about $1300.00 to get things going. Any suggestions to what brand or model to get? What type of controller? etc...Any help wil be appreciated. Feel free to email as well. :D

[outsider]

Off road buggies are anything but durable. But if you have $1300 to spend and you are new... for heavens sake get something simple to start out with! Get a 1/10 scale buggy like a Losi XXX or Associated B3 or even an Kyosho Ultima RB(my personal favorite). Those buggies have pretty good support and you local shop should have parts for them When (not if) things break down. Then you need to get a good motor, batteries (get side by side packs, not stick) 2000mah's-3000mah's, a good peak charger (novak or duratraxx), a radio (airtronics is my favorite, but futaba, hitec, etc. are good too), good tools(!), speed control. Look through the threads here on this forum and see what parts are favored and for what reasons.

[gubbs3]

Wow! $1300 just to try out a hobby! Anyway...If you're looking for something along the buggy lines start with electric. Amybe a Losi XXX or Associated B3. A Hitec Lynx 3D is a very good radio that has all the features you'll ever need so you won't end up buying two radios. Get a good servo that has at least 60 oz. of torque and .17 sec. transit speed. Get a Trinity P2K for a motor and the best batteries you can afford and then hook them up with Deans or Litespeed connectors. You don't have to get the same equipment I suggested but anything along those same lines is great. Have fun!

[draggerman11]

Maybe this guy should buy a rtr run car. All they need is a stick pack, a charger, and 8 aa batteries for the radio. Here are a couple links to various rtr(rtr means ready to run; the car is prebuilt) Note: All cars below only require a stick pack, a charger, and 8 aa batteries for radio.

Traxxas Rustler (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXJE53**&P=7)
Uses a msc.

Traxxas Rustler (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXVK74**&P=7)
Same as above car, except it includes an esc.

Traxxas Stampede (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXJE66**&P=7)
A two wheel drive monster truck, awesome car.

Traxxas Stampede (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXVK75**&P=7)
Same as above car, except it includes an esc.

Traxxas Bandit (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXJE54**&P=7)
R/C buggy, nice car.

Traxxas 4Tec (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXJE04**&P=7)
On-road touring car, 4 wheel drive. I like it.
for more info on these cars, visit
Traxxas'es (http://www.traxxas.com) website.

Team Associated T3 RTR (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXWL80&P=7)
This is a racing off-road truck, in a rtr format. highly reccomended, but expensive.

Team Associated TC3 RTR (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXAHH0&P=7)
This is a rtr on-road touring car. Again, this is a race winning car in a rtr form.

To get more info on these cars, please visitTeam Associated's (http://www.rc10.com) website.

Duratrax Evader (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXXJ49**&P=7)
Very nice off-road stadium truck.

here is a few links to battery packs, and chargers.


Tower Hobbies 1500 mah battery pack (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXJA83&P=7)
offers good runtime for a stock rtr.

Duratrax piranha peak charger (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXD548&P=7)good "beginners" charger

Duratrax Intellipeak charger (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXUF43&P=7)
A move up from the Piranha

Trinity "Time Warp" 1900 mah battery pack (http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXXA26&P=M)
Offers alot more runtime than the 1500's, but still extremely cheap.

I hope this post helped.

[ 07-31-2001: Message edited by: draggerman11 ]

[ChumsGum]

Personally, I enjoy building kits from scratch and would not buy a RTR. If you're confident with the wrench, can follow instructions, and have the time and patience, get a build it yourself kit. The sense of accomplishment is really rewarding.

Do your research. Go to your local hobby shop, race track, and manufacturer's websites. I suggest picking up a RCCA magazine. Great reading and many ads in the mag give website listings.

[staggsracing]

That new Evader RTR looks pretty **** good to me for a first setup. Its alot like my T3 and it has a warranty. Not too shabby. I got to by some of their stock.

[HauntedMyst]

I have to agree with buying the best radio and charger you can afford up front. If you get into it, you will be set. If you don't, you can Ebay them for 3/4 what you paid for them. I regularly see XR3 radios on ebay going for $130 to $150. They cost $169 new!

I agree with the 2000's battery thing.

As far as car goes, get what you want.

[primuswoostinkinhoo]

this guy has money to blow even if he buys top end stuff he probably wont use it all, theres no sense in buying a rtr. he will want to upgrade it in the end anyway and spend more than if he just baught it right out. i baught all cheap stuff to start too and i regret it, i now have a hitec lynx laying around 3 lrp runners laying around a buttload of bushings laying around, a max st(could be used but i have a xxnt and its much better). anyways if u think u are gonna be in this awhile then do not buy cheaper equipment. oh and to the guy that said u wont need better batterys for a few yrs? i totaly disagree, i just got in this hobby this yr(not that im the greatest example) but i regret buying those 2000 and 1500 unmatched stick packs, my lil 11 yr old sister who now races just as much as me wont even use those batts. well my whole point is i coulda saved alot of money and effort buy just buying better stuff in the beginning
im done now

[combones]

Let's see. You said off-road buggy, right? Factory Team B3 or XXX KE. Don't buy rtr. You will understand so much more and probably be more into it if you buy a kit and build it yourself. If you got that kind of cabbage to throw at this hobby, get the good stuff. Do buy GOOD battery packs. 2000's will serve you very well. Electrics can scream, and on most tracks, electric buggies will outrun just about any nitro vehicle due to the superior acceleration. Do buy a good charger, like the novak millennium. I wish I had to begin with. FTB3=$210 ESC=$80-$140. Radio=$60-$160. 4(at least) good batteries=$160 Fantom p2k=$30 Reedy Ti motor=$55 Novak charger=~$140. Power supply for charger=$50-$150. Misc tools, tires, gears, and other items I'm sure you will need=~$200. Right around 13 c-notes. Swing!!
http://www.plauder-smilies.com/smokin.gif

[ken0474]

Thanks again everyone. I'm learning a lot. I stopped by a local hobby shop and talked with guys there for a while. I'm going to check out the local track here in Jacksonville this Saturday like everyone suggests. I'm still not decided as far as gas or electric, but definately want a racing buggy. Again, thanks for the info, and I'm still open for suggestions. If any of you have done something you regretted (when starting out) please share it with me!!

Oh, yeah, FilthyPierre, I have an Gibson SG gothic, my band split up, and its time to move on
:)

[Obi112]

Ken,

Tell us how much your willing to spend. That way, will be better able to steer you to the right gear.

I stand by my post about buying sport gear. Notice, I said sport, not cheap. As long as you buy from repubtable manufacturers, the stuff is extremely well made. Three years in and I still use the sport stuff. I might move on this winter to better gear, but I have already gotten my money's worth.

[ken0474]

I posted how much I was willing to put into this, 1300.00. Thanks :D

[ATeam]

Ken here is my two cents. I know you said you are interested in a 2WD Off Road buggy. I personaly would start off with at 2WD Off Road Stadium Truck, such as the T3 or XXXT. It will be easier to learn to drive with. The stadium trucks have more predictable handling and are more stable than a buggy.

ATeam

[bubblejunky]

Get a factory team B3. You will always be able to get parts for it, and it is one of the best, if not the best, buggy in the world. Do like obi said and get the sport stuff, like futaba magnum sport or airtronics blazer sport. Fusion or dually esc and decent stock motor. Most people will tell you to support your local hobby shop, but if their prices aren't anywhere close to www.towerhobbies.com, (http://www.towerhobbies.com,) then I'd order from tower. Alot of hobby shops have a bunch of yo-yo's that tell you to buy all the expensive stuff. If you are fortunate enough to be close to a godd hobby shop, then shop there. However, you should at least check some prices at on-line places like tower or www.hobbypeople.net. (http://www.hobbypeople.net.) You will save a butt ton of money and also pay no tax. Granted, they can't help you with problems you may encounter like some hobby shops can, but that is what we're for. ;)

[ATeam]

another good thing about what dcommerce said about shoping online is eventually the Local hobby shop, that has a race track, will close up. If your lucky it will be the only LHS and track withing a couple hundred miles. Then you will have so much fun with a pile of RC stuff that collects dust becuase there is no place to race anymore!(that's if racing is your thing) YIPEE!! :rolleyes:

Granted dcommerce has a point in the LHS guy trying to sell you stuff you don't need. All you have to do is tell them that you want to buy such-n-such items and your not interested in what he is telling you about.

ATeam

[Obi112]

Woah, Ken, must have missed the $1300 mark! You definitely need to go and watch a couple of races. Ask if you can take a few laps with someone's car after the race is over. You need to solidify your class decision before you spend your cash. I think 2wd buggy is awesome, so here are my suggestions:

(Note, this is only if you want to spend $1300. If you'd like to save a lot of cash and just get your feet wet first, before diving in headfirst, look at my earlier posts).

Car: RC10B3 Factory Team (or the XXX KE, it's up to you)
ESC: Novak C2 (tried and true... the best)
Radio: Airtronics M8
Batteries: Matched 2400s
Charger: Novak Millenium

You'll also need some other stuff, like a power supply for the charger, a decent discharger, and maybe some high-quality servos.

[nitrovig]

spinner, my son is anthony..i'm jeff....see you at the "bowl" this saturday nite.....oh yea.. fill me in on some cv-r tips,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,"The 'Bowl' is sweet!!!"
vig