Buying first truck - need advice

[Crot]

I am getting ready to buy my first RC vehicle. I am leaning towards a monstr truck style nitro. I would love the T-Maxx but I don't think my budget (and wife) will go for it.

My other two choices are the HPI Nitro MT or the Traxxas Stampede. I would appreciate any feedback on either of these two or advice on other alternatives.

Thanks

[gubbs3]

For a first ANYTHING- Don't get a nitro. I had electric for 2 years before I got a nitro and I still had troubles, and I considered myself a knowledgable car guy. Even my friends who have gotten an r/c nitro have forgotten the hobby because they get tired of messing with them to keep them going. With an electric you can learn all about the car itself so when you step up to nitro all you have to learn is the engine part.

[chucksolo]

There is nothing wrong with getting a Nitro as your first R/C car as long as you READ THE INSTRUCTION MANUAL COMPLETELY!!! Too many people try to jump right in without reading the manual first. Nitro is more complex than electric, and more fun. Read the manual and follow the instructions to the letter (especially the part about breaking in the engine), and you should have no problems. Get a nitro car designed for beginners though. Too many people make the mistake of getting a "pure racing" vehicle the first time and get frustrated when the car doesn't perform because they can't set it up right.

[Nairb]

Well, if you're stuck on a gas truck, I'd go for either the T-MAXX, HPI Nitro MT, or an RC10GT. If you just want to screw around and do crazy stuff I'd suggest the T-MAXX or maybe the HPI. If you plan on at least trying to race with it I'd get an RC10GT. The name may be old, but they've been updated just as much as the other trucks with newer names and the beast still keeps winning. The T-MAXX can be loads of fun, but it's not made for superior handling and speed. Its suspension is huge and an aftermarket (pico) engine will give it loads of 4wd power, but it's still a monster truck with a high COM and weak monster truck tires. An RC10GT on the other hand has a great suspension (albeit without as much travel as a T-MAXX), can fly with the engine you get with it, and can handle racing at the edge. I really dig all three cars I mentioned, but they have individual advantages. You'll just have to ask yourself what strengths you want the most and what you plan on doing with the truck. I, for one, say racing is 100 times funner than "backyard bashing," but that's just me.

[This message has been edited by Nairb (edited 11-17-2000).]

[Crot]

Would the HPI Nitro MT be a good compromise between the T-Maxx and RC 10? The more I look at it the more I like it. I figure I probably wont get into racing for atleast a year or so. If I do decide to race I could always pick up an RC10 later on.

[Ranchdreson]

go for the Nitro MT. I've heard there is slight durability problems but who cares. My first real rc was a nitro. The manual really helps. It's really not that hard. you don't have to read it word for word (well I didn't). You really should though. The only reason you should go electric is if you are short on cash. you can't beat the sound of a nitro rc though. Hey, MT you say, pick up some masher 2000's and put them on the nitro MT, presto monster truck.
get the T if you can if not get the nitro MT

[This message has been edited by Ranchdreson (edited 11-18-2000).]