New to the sport. Need suggestions

[Dkrm80]

I'm new to the world of R/C racing and I could use a few suggestions on what to buy. I've done a lot of research and looked at prices, and I'm thinking I'll either get a Team Losi or an Associated car. I'm looking for something under $400, which should include everything the car might need to get running. Please Help!! I'm still confused!

[B3 Boy]

well you cant bye a losi or associat car with every thing ond in rtr form unles you get the lesser nice car like the rc10t3rtr but it isnt as good as some other kit forms

[bryceanator]

you can get a ft b3 or a xxx ke with lower end speed control and radio equipment and servos for 400-420

[TA03 Drive Hard]

Well what is your interest? Gas or electric? It seems you know which manufacturer you wish to buy from... ;)

[BrahmaBullSQ]

~Associated RC10T3 - $140-240 (you could get the RTR and instantly hit the dirt if you buy a charger and battery pack(s) :) )
~RC10B3 - same price but not in RTR form

~Losi XXX - around $200???
~XXXT - around $200???

Radio equipment - get some cheap radio... I have a Futaba 2PC Magnum Sport Am Radio ($60)

Speed Control - I prefer Novak... but LRP is good. Novak ranges from $50-140. I have a Novak Explorer 2. LRP is around the same price ranges.

Stock Motor - $30-40 (I have a Fantom P2K)

Battery Packs - I have two Trinity Amp MAx 2s which are $14 dollars each and give around nine minutes run time with a stock motor... they are 1500 mAh. Trinity Time Warp 1900 mAh are $35 and more powerful packs range from $40 to $100.... if you just plan on playing (not racing) you'd be better off with a bunch of cheap sport packs rather than an expensive $70 pack that you must assemble.

Peak Charger - about $40

if you get a RTR then you could most likely skip the Servo, Radio, ESC, and motor. but the motor and ESC won't be the greatest.

this is just for ELECTRIC!!!! i don't know enough about gas but Losi and Associated do make Nitro vehicles. hope i helped.

[Jason C]

Are you thinking of on-road or off-road? It seems like the folks that have replied listed off-road buggies and trucks. If you're looking for on-road touring cars, Associated's TC3 is excellent (~$150 for the Racer kit) and Losi will be releasing a new car soon.

In my opinion, I think electric is a better choice than nitro for a first timer. I say this because nitro cars require more maintinence time than elecs. as just their greasy fuel residue is a dirt magnet and could have you using up motor spray cans faster than you could drink a 20 oz. pop. Some people (me included) find spending a lot of time cleaning the car to be somewhat of a turn-off to running the cars. But if you don't mind doing it, then go nitro, but the kits tend to cost a little more than elec.

As for a radio, I think you should spend a little more there and get a better one so that you can pass it on to other cars. (I've yet to hear of a first timer buying only one car and stopping there. They usually buy another later on.) One radio I like is the JR Racing XR2 AM radio. It is a computer radio and has a digital display and trims - much better than having to fiddle with analog dials. It also has a 2 model memory so you need only buy another reciever for you other car to control it. The price is good too, about $100 (I actually got mine for $85 at my hobby store).

[ 06-24-2001: Message edited by: Jason C ]

[Dkrm80]

In response to TAO3 Drive Hard's question, I'm looking for an electric buggy. Also, thanks to all of you for your help! :p

[Obi112]

RC10B3 all the way. Here's my setup:
Radio: Airtronics Rival Sport (Now called the Blazer).
ESC: Novak Explorer II Sport
Motor: Trinity Monsters of Touring 15x2 (though you should start with a stock motor... the P2K is the best).
Battery: 2000 mAH Duratrax stick packs
Charger: Duratrax Intellipeak Digital (I started with a Piranha)

[nsane]

I've got a FT B3 and love it, but don't overlook the XXX Kinwald Edition, its a really tight buggy as well. :)

[Dkrm80]

I appreciate all the input. Now I think I'm leaning towards the Losi XXX KE. :cool:

[william2001]

Obi112 has a good list here, I like the Losi myself but the Associated can still rock....You can't go wrong with either one.

[Slipknot13]

You should definitely go with a B3!

They have great instructins(my 1st time bvuilding a kit went well!)

I use------
Team Updated B3
Novak Dually DP
Trinity Team 2400
Peak Spitfire 27-Turn and P2K
Futaba Radio/servos
I race 2wd stock and got- 1st,1st,2nd,2nd,3rd
great buggy for racing!

[Slipknot13]

You should definitely go with a B3!

They have great instructins(my 1st time bvuilding a kit went well!)

I use------
Team Updated B3
Novak Dually DP
Trinity Team 2400
Peak Spitfire 27-Turn and P2K
Futaba Radio/servos
I race 2wd stock and got- 1st,1st,2nd,2nd,3rd
great buggy for racing! :D