R?C noob here looking for advice

[michaeld]

I would like a nice r/c vehicle(offroad). I don't wanna race or do competitions, just something to toy around with that will be better than some el'cheapo Wal-Mart r/c. I really don't wanna spend a lot, and I really don't know what to look for. I looked on ebay and there were too many choices. So I googled r/c vehicles and found this place in hopes of being pointed in the right direction.

[XXXNTMAN]

Now, I'm sure we can help you here but it depends what you are looking for. If you want a nitro car I would go with a ready to run RC10gt or maybe the Jato or the Evader st. If you are looking for electrics well, I don't know too much about those. But maybe a Traxxas rustler or something like that. Welcome to the boards.

[michaeld]

What would be the pros and cons of gas and electric? And whatever I get, I want something that has cheap parts and lots of different accessories and choices for new body's, parts etc.

[Jayboy]

if i was you, i would get an electric to start with because they require much less maintenance and are cheapeper to run

i would recommend a Tamiya Brand to start with, they are cheap, easy to run, extremely strong and easily upgradeable

[z-man280]

Welcome aboard michaeld,

you have already made a huge choice without knowing it! many people dont know what they want to do, so they buy the wrong car or truck for their needs, lose interest, and we sadly see them leave.
This is only a suggestion, but i feel that for general playing around, it is now a chocie from stadium style, or monster trucks. The Traxxas Stampede and Rustler are both excellent choices for the novice or seasoned vet alike for playing. both are tough as nails, many accessories for them, and priced well under $200.
With the new versions of both coming out, the originals can be had at discount pricing as well. Also, the Associated RC10T4 is an outstanding performer, as is the offering from Losi, but both carry a bit higher price tag, although you are getting second-to-none quality. Duratrax offers the Evader, with many upgrades on it as well, a "in-between" if you will, of the rustler, and the T4.

Radio shack is a good source for inexpensive batteries, with their 3300 mah packs for $25 being a great deal, and a good peak charger can be had from tower or other respected online places for as little as $45.
Again, welcome aboard, we will look forward to your choices, and of course, pictures!!!!!

Ron

[z-man280]

Oh, and as far as nitro and electric, nitro offers you blazing fast speed, realism with the sound of 2-stroke engine, and the "never charge" feature, but do require much more maintenance and a good understanding of their amazing little power plants.

Electric has the "no mess, run anywhere" appeal about them, although you do need a charger, good batteries, and you compromise speed unless you spend a good chunk of money to go to a brushless motor set up.
Take the time to read up on both, and go to your local gorcery store, or book store, and pick up a copy of RCCA and you can do some in depth reading which may help you decide. The reliability of nitro engines now are excellent, and you can get alot of use from one with proper care. If you like the "plug-n-play" appeal of electric, go that way...


Ron

[Legend_Car]

how much are you looking to spend? i have around 10 vehicles and my Traxxas e-maxx is by far my favorite. i drive it in the street over jumps pop wheelies its great. the only thing i have broken is the spur which i replaced with a robinson slipper for 28 bucks and then i have 100 dollars in 2 3800 MAH batteries. thats probably more than you want to spend. but stampedes are great trucks too.

[michaeld]

I would buy used if I could get something for 100-150.

[associatedude92]

ur best bet probly would be the traxxas rustler. those are prctially unbreakable,have friends who just bash them to their max!!

[slink]

I would buy used if I could get something for 100-150.


A traxxas rustler can be had NEW around the 150 price.It would certainly be safer to buy new. towerhobbies.com has decent prices and good service.