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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/28/2012 10:48 PM

kettlecorn

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What is the general consensus on the ZDracing cars? I saw a youtube video where someone said it broke within 15 minutes.

The Losi looks like, it looks like if I'm lucky I can get one complete with radio for about.. $400? Problem is I want electric not nitro cause of the noise. Not to mention maintenance.

It looks like I'm shooting for a 1/8 truggy then! I would buy the 1/5 baja 5b but I dont know it seems so loud. I'm starting to realize things are adding up and a Baja 5b at $450 is almost equiv to a Losi at $400. The Baja would be great but I dont want to buy it and end up thinking WOW this thing is too loud for my neighbors.

I saw some silencers for about $30. If you put on a silencer on a the Baja, how loud is it? Is it louder than a small lawn mower?

$400 is a bit steep for me still though, are there any models that are 1/8 truggies that are well known and reliable? Im just going to do a cross search for all these models on ebay or craigslist to find one that works.

I PMed the guy on rctech selling that D8E(?) but he hasn't replied.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/28/2012 11:41 PM

nitroexpress

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

What is the general consensus on the ZDracing cars? I saw a youtube video where someone said it broke within 15 minutes.

The Losi looks like, it looks like if I'm lucky I can get one complete with radio for about.. $400? Problem is I want electric not nitro cause of the noise. Not to mention maintenance.

It looks like I'm shooting for a 1/8 truggy then! I would buy the 1/5 baja 5b but I dont know it seems so loud. I'm starting to realize things are adding up and a Baja 5b at $450 is almost equiv to a Losi at $400. The Baja would be great but I dont want to buy it and end up thinking WOW this thing is too loud for my neighbors.

I saw some silencers for about $30. If you put on a silencer on a the Baja, how loud is it? Is it louder than a small lawn mower?

$400 is a bit steep for me still though, are there any models that are 1/8 truggies that are well known and reliable? Im just going to do a cross search for all these models on ebay or craigslist to find one that works.

I PMed the guy on rctech selling that D8E(?) but he hasn't replied.

The only Baja 5B (HPI and not clone) you'll get for $450 will be a used one And used anything is a gamble..

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 12:22 AM

phmaximus

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quote:

ORIGINAL: nitroexpress

quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

What is the general consensus on the ZDracing cars? I saw a youtube video where someone said it broke within 15 minutes.

The Losi looks like, it looks like if I'm lucky I can get one complete with radio for about.. $400? Problem is I want electric not nitro cause of the noise. Not to mention maintenance.

It looks like I'm shooting for a 1/8 truggy then! I would buy the 1/5 baja 5b but I dont know it seems so loud. I'm starting to realize things are adding up and a Baja 5b at $450 is almost equiv to a Losi at $400. The Baja would be great but I dont want to buy it and end up thinking WOW this thing is too loud for my neighbors.

I saw some silencers for about $30. If you put on a silencer on a the Baja, how loud is it? Is it louder than a small lawn mower?

$400 is a bit steep for me still though, are there any models that are 1/8 truggies that are well known and reliable? Im just going to do a cross search for all these models on ebay or craigslist to find one that works.

I PMed the guy on rctech selling that D8E(?) but he hasn't replied.

The only Baja 5B (HPI and not clone) you'll get for $450 will be a used one And used anything is a gamble..

What do u mean by a bit of a gamble? On what? What parts?

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 12:34 AM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: nitroexpress

quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

What is the general consensus on the ZDracing cars? I saw a youtube video where someone said it broke within 15 minutes.

The Losi looks like, it looks like if I'm lucky I can get one complete with radio for about.. $400? Problem is I want electric not nitro cause of the noise. Not to mention maintenance.

It looks like I'm shooting for a 1/8 truggy then! I would buy the 1/5 baja 5b but I dont know it seems so loud. I'm starting to realize things are adding up and a Baja 5b at $450 is almost equiv to a Losi at $400. The Baja would be great but I dont want to buy it and end up thinking WOW this thing is too loud for my neighbors.

I saw some silencers for about $30. If you put on a silencer on a the Baja, how loud is it? Is it louder than a small lawn mower?

$400 is a bit steep for me still though, are there any models that are 1/8 truggies that are well known and reliable? Im just going to do a cross search for all these models on ebay or craigslist to find one that works.

I PMed the guy on rctech selling that D8E(?) but he hasn't replied.

The only Baja 5B (HPI and not clone) you'll get for $450 will be a used one And used anything is a gamble..

Yes i wrote that it is used. But it's been used less than 5 times and looks perfect. It's only a gamble if you choose wrong.

Anyone have any truggy recommendations?

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 1:35 AM

FNG RIDER

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Slash ready to run is about $250 or less. You don't want it too fast until you learn how to drive, it has a beginners mode the will keep the speeds down until you are comfortable. I don't recommend used rc equipment or cars. When You buy it from a good hobby shop, they can assist you if you have any set up problems and can answer all your questions.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 2:35 AM

phmaximus

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I think that traning mode is more for small children, Slashes are not knowen for been fast in stock form. most adults find them slow, im running a 0.75hp brushless 2wd slash, tons of upgrades but and its nothing speical speed wise compared to a 1/8 buggy/truggy. tops out at about 60km/h, 37.28mph on 2s...

German Shepherd can easly maintain 26mph trot and can sprint up to 32mph for 1/4mile, some owners claim speeds of 35mph, and greyhounds are over 40mph...
but the thing is, a dog can hit full speed in under 3 seconds... not many rc cars can do that on grass....if any

So u can say a brushless modified slash with a 3900kv motor on 2s might have the speed but no way its even close to the acceleration.

im starting to think the OP needs something 4wd, with some good spiky tyres that will dig into the grass.

Ive used these tyres before on grass and they worked a treat, enough to pull wheelies on a Tamiya Baja King and a Rustler

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 2:43 AM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: phmaximus

I think that traning mode is more for small children, Slashes are not knowen for been fast in stock form. most adults find them slow, im running a 0.75hp brushless 2wd slash, tons of upgrades but and its nothing speical speed wise compared to a 1/8 buggy/truggy. tops out at about 60km/h, 37.28mph on 2s...

German Shepherd can easly maintain 26mph trot and can sprint up to 32mph for 1/4mile, some owners claim speeds of 35mph, and greyhounds are over 40mph...
but the thing is, a dog can hit full speed in under 3 seconds... not many rc cars can do that on grass....if any

So u can say a brushless modified slash with a 3900kv motor on 2s might have the speed but no way its even close to the acceleration.

im starting to think the OP needs something 4wd, with some good spiky tyres that will dig into the grass.

Ive used these tyres before on grass and they worked a treat, enough to pull wheelies on a Tamiya Baja King and a Rustler

Thanks for the help, much appreciated.

I'm confused more than ever. A part of me wants to bite on the $450 1/5 HPI but I know it's useless for now in terms of my purposes with my dog. I kind of get sidetrack haha What has started with a venture for a simple rc car has now turned into wanting a really bad ass one.
If she was a full grown dog, I would get the 1/5 but she's only a puppy. And I realized she won't be more than 50 feet away from me at all times. In maybe 5 or 6 months when her recall training is good, I can take her off the leash and then the real fun can begin, especially because by then she'll be fully grown and have lots of energy.
I guess the only reason i would get the HPI Baja 5b for $450 is that it's a killer deal and I'm going to need it in a few months. But it doesn't solve my immediate problem haha.

I can get a truggy like an expensive Losi8ight or something like that that I can use for eternity, or I can just get something to use around 50 feet like a Slash and deal with the lack of speed, agility, constantly flipping it over, etc. for a few months and try to upgrade to a 1/5.

Ah!

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 3:45 AM

nitroexpress

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quote:

ORIGINAL: phmaximus

What do u mean by a bit of a gamble? On what? What parts?

Unless a vehicle is local so that it can be checked out (hands on) it, it is a gamble. And it helps if a person knows the seller personally.

I've bought a few vehicles long distance and never again. I didn't get ripped off, but the non visual components were used more than I had hoped. Sometimes, half the bearings were rough. CVD's had the pins worn quite a bit. Hingepins were sometimes corroded from cleaning and improper after care. Sometimes, the front and rear arms, although not broken, were dinged up more than the pictures showed. The vehicles were clean, but hidden mechanicals made the price not so good. Thankfully, I make it a point of never buying used engines or ESC's/motors, so I've never been burned in that regard.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 4:15 AM

SyCo_VeNoM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: nitroexpress

quote:

ORIGINAL: phmaximus

What do u mean by a bit of a gamble? On what? What parts?

Unless a vehicle is local so that it can be checked out (hands on) it, it is a gamble. And it helps if a person knows the seller personally.

I've bought a few vehicles long distance and never again. I didn't get ripped off, but the non visual components were used more than I had hoped. Sometimes, half the bearings were rough. CVD's had the pins worn quite a bit. Hingepins were sometimes corroded from cleaning and improper after care. Sometimes, the front and rear arms, although not broken, were dinged up more than the pictures showed. The vehicles were clean, but hidden mechanicals made the price not so good. Thankfully, I make it a point of never buying used engines or ESC's/motors, so I've never been burned in that regard.

If a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is.

Agree
my 1st RC looked to be in great shape in the pictures... in 2-3 months of owning it I had to replace pretty much EVERY single part(including the engine), and paid more in repairs within a year of ownership than I would have if it was new.
I've bought other used RC's that honestly I think the pics they used were taken before they decided to go race it for a season as the RC was the same but it was no where near the condition the pics showed.

But then again others I expected to be in worst shape, and they arrived in way better condition then I expected.
One I paid $200 for a savage the motor was blown(guy said it worked...), but the thing was pretty much brand new(had 5 extremely light scratches on its bumper), and it had a brand new $70 servo in it with $50 in upgrades in perfect shape I was planning on buying anyways

IMO if the engine, or motor/esc work its an unexpected bonus as I buy used RCs as if the stuff is completely trashed

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 4:30 AM

phmaximus

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ohh ok u dident say that before, about not checking it out before hand.

I would never buy a 2nd rc or even a real car with out checking it out first, IMO thats not the smartest move.

Mine u I would if I saw a HPI Baja in Australia for that price I would risk it, Been rwd there is not a whole lot that could go wrong, and i would problary use paypal incase there is a obvious problem that was not listed to get a partial refund. I got a partial refund on my 5ive because they never disclosed that the box had been opened and was used as a desplay model. back to the Baja, parts are so cheap, say the motor is worn out, u can get a 30.5cc 36 mm +2mm Stroker Kit including cylinder head, gaskets, bearings, piston, crankshaft, seals and piston ring. even a free flywheel puller for only $68!!!

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 5:20 AM

kettlecorn

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Haha well trust me I dont know much about RC cars but this Baja is brand new. You can tell from the pictures. But it's also local maybe 30 minutes away so if i chose to get it, I can always test it out. But i think in my situation a truggy might be better to start off.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 7:42 AM

kettlecorn

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Any feedback on the Redcat shredder 1/6? I like it cause it's 4wd and electric. The baja is great but it's too loud for my neighbors and dog. If I had it my way, the louder the better haha i love the sound of the throaty exhaust. But oh well. Just curious i found a brand new redcat shredder for $299 but theres no charger or batteries and I'm not sure what the price range would be on that for a 1/6 model car.

And of course the standard issues like quality and breaking, overheating, etc. would be good to know. All the reviews that come up are like from resellers of the product.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 10:24 AM

kettlecorn

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I think based on long hours of research and watching reviews and youtube videos, the redcat or turnigy 1/6 or 1/5 models are the best fit for me. It has enough size and weight that it won't flip over too much, it's extremely quick and can run 6s lipo with amazing speed, traction and agility is more than enough for my dog at full grown. It's electric so no noise to scare the dog or annoy the neighbors. 4wd. And best of all, cheap.

I have no problem buying a gas HPI or something more fun and expensive but for now as my first RC car, I think a redcat for $240 shipped is a pretty good deal. Hobby King has the Turnigy for roughly the same price.

I wish I can find more threads about people who own them but theyre hard to come by.

Can someone help me figure out which batteries I need to get as well as a charger for the Redcat? I haven't ordered it yet. I see mAH, then #s, and then #C.. basically something like 20C 5000maH, 3s lipo. I'll be looking at Lipo not NiMH. So I understand mAH is capacity. 3S is the cells which I guess means the power. If you have 3s it'll be more powerful and lead to a faster car than a 2s or 1s lipo. Not sure what the "C" is for.

I'd like at least 1 hour of runtime per day, 2 if possible. I don't mind changing batteries and charging on a cycle so if it's cheaper to buy FOUR 2500mAH batteries than TWO 5000mah, that's cool with me. If anyone can look at the Redcat Shredder and tell me which battery would work, I'd appreciate it.

Also a charger. I know chargers can get ridiculous like $250.. but that's way too much for me. Will be my first RC so I can always charge and rotate batteries on a cycle.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 3:49 PM

nitroexpress

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

I think based on long hours of research and watching reviews and youtube videos, the redcat or turnigy 1/6 or 1/5 models are the best fit for me. It has enough size and weight that it won't flip over too much, it's extremely quick and can run 6s lipo with amazing speed, traction and agility is more than enough for my dog at full grown. It's electric so no noise to scare the dog or annoy the neighbors. 4wd. And best of all, cheap.

I have no problem buying a gas HPI or something more fun and expensive but for now as my first RC car, I think a redcat for $240 shipped is a pretty good deal. Hobby King has the Turnigy for roughly the same price.

I wish I can find more threads about people who own them but theyre hard to come by.

Can someone help me figure out which batteries I need to get as well as a charger for the Redcat? I haven't ordered it yet. I see mAH, then #s, and then #C.. basically something like 20C 5000maH, 3s lipo. I'll be looking at Lipo not NiMH. So I understand mAH is capacity. 3S is the cells which I guess means the power. If you have 3s it'll be more powerful and lead to a faster car than a 2s or 1s lipo. Not sure what the "C" is for.

I'd like at least 1 hour of runtime per day, 2 if possible. I don't mind changing batteries and charging on a cycle so if it's cheaper to buy FOUR 2500mAH batteries than TWO 5000mah, that's cool with me. If anyone can look at the Redcat Shredder and tell me which battery would work, I'd appreciate it.

Also a charger. I know chargers can get ridiculous like $250.. but that's way too much for me. Will be my first RC so I can always charge and rotate batteries on a cycle.

Redcat makes a 1/5 scale electric for $240? I'd be surprised, but do share a link.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 7:18 PM

BKoz559

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I couldn't come up with the Shredder for less than $399 but, we're still curious.

Whether you choose the Redcat or the Turnigy, you would want to have atleast 2 sets of batteries. The turnigy needs 2 packs so, 2 - 5000mah packs will give you good runtime while having another set on standby and another on the charger. The ESC for that car is rated at 80amps, so technically you can use 20C - 4000mah batteries. But, packs are cheap now adays so shoot for a higher C rating in case you want to use these packs on "heavier" duty ESC in the future.

Charger's aren't very expensive. HK sells DC powered multi-chemistry chargers for around $30. If you want to get wild, they have a 4-port charger for $77.29. It's currently backordered but it will charge 4 packs at once.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 8:52 PM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: nitroexpress

quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

I think based on long hours of research and watching reviews and youtube videos, the redcat or turnigy 1/6 or 1/5 models are the best fit for me. It has enough size and weight that it won't flip over too much, it's extremely quick and can run 6s lipo with amazing speed, traction and agility is more than enough for my dog at full grown. It's electric so no noise to scare the dog or annoy the neighbors. 4wd. And best of all, cheap.

I have no problem buying a gas HPI or something more fun and expensive but for now as my first RC car, I think a redcat for $240 shipped is a pretty good deal. Hobby King has the Turnigy for roughly the same price.

I wish I can find more threads about people who own them but theyre hard to come by.

Can someone help me figure out which batteries I need to get as well as a charger for the Redcat? I haven't ordered it yet. I see mAH, then #s, and then #C.. basically something like 20C 5000maH, 3s lipo. I'll be looking at Lipo not NiMH. So I understand mAH is capacity. 3S is the cells which I guess means the power. If you have 3s it'll be more powerful and lead to a faster car than a 2s or 1s lipo. Not sure what the "C" is for.

I'd like at least 1 hour of runtime per day, 2 if possible. I don't mind changing batteries and charging on a cycle so if it's cheaper to buy FOUR 2500mAH batteries than TWO 5000mah, that's cool with me. If anyone can look at the Redcat Shredder and tell me which battery would work, I'd appreciate it.

Also a charger. I know chargers can get ridiculous like $250.. but that's way too much for me. Will be my first RC so I can always charge and rotate batteries on a cycle.

Redcat makes a 1/5 scale electric for $240? I'd be surprised, but do share a link.

See below.

quote:

ORIGINAL: BKoz559

I couldn't come up with the Shredder for less than $399 but, we're still curious.

Whether you choose the Redcat or the Turnigy, you would want to have atleast 2 sets of batteries. The turnigy needs 2 packs so, 2 - 5000mah packs will give you good runtime while having another set on standby and another on the charger. The ESC for that car is rated at 80amps, so technically you can use 20C - 4000mah batteries. But, packs are cheap now adays so shoot for a higher C rating in case you want to use these packs on "heavier" duty ESC in the future.

Charger's aren't very expensive. HK sells DC powered multi-chemistry chargers for around $30. If you want to get wild, they have a 4-port charger for $77.29. It's currently backordered but it will charge 4 packs at once.

Thanks for the tips on the batteries. I have heard you can run 3S on the stock ESC but it's 80A so I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Hobby King has a 120A that I know people have swapped out to go 6S for $49. I just dont want to have to buy batteries again cause theyre not very cheap. I'll shoot for 30C batteriesif I can or higher.
The $30 charger... how long does it take to charge a battery (or pair)? So.. I would need maybe 6 batteries total? A pair for using, A spare pair and then another spare on the charger... I might just go for 2 pairs.

I found these, not sure if they're price though? Can you give me some input?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__15518__Turnigy_6000mAh_2S2P_7_4v_25C_hardcase_pack.html I'm not sure if 25C is high enough and if 6000mAh is goign to be too bulky.

Here's a 40C for around $23.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__10305__Turnigy_5000mAh_2S_40C_Lipo_Pack.html

And a 30C 2S 5000mah for $22
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21002__Turnigy_5200mAh_2S_30C_Hard_Case_Car_Lipo_Pack_ROAR_APPROVED_.html

Regarding chargers, I have NO IDEA what I'm looking at here. Bunch of electronic mumbo bumbo if you ask me. Amps and what not. Something that will charge quick would be nice for at cheap as possible. I can always get another if I expand my RC collection and feel I need more efficiency. If I'm buying 3 pairs (2 spares) then I dont need a super quick charger.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__216__408__Battery_Chargers_Acc_-Battery_Chargers.html

Okay regarding the Redcat, I did so much research last night and watched tons of videos on it my head hurts. The Redcat used to have a real ****ty reputation cause they built things like the XTE and other 1/10 scale stuff. Well they didn't build it but they have it made by BSDracing in China and they rebrand it. I guess the older stuff wasn't very good cause they broke very easily. One review gave it a very bad review but did speak well of the customer service saying it was top.
The new ones like the 8E, 10E, and any of the Shredder XT or XB series are much better quality. The Shredder Xt and XB and SC are the ones I am looking at and they are "1/6" scale. They are not TRUE 1/6 scale from what I understand but a very big and beefy 1/8 scale? Not too sure about this but all I know is that it looks pretty big. They're 4wd, brushless and videos I've seen them running on grass for my needs are the best I've seen.
The Losi 8ight in the video on the previous page runs great but it's a bit more expensive, more fragile when it comes to my needs (for my dog to chase) so I can buy 2 of these Redcats AT LEAST, for the price of 1 Losi 8ight. And with my dog durability and size would be required so it takes a beating and it doesn't flip over as much.

I have seen people upgrade the batteries to run 3s x 2 = 6s on an upgraded motor with a $49 hobby king 120A ESC upgrade and using the eye test it looks pretty freakin fast. Fast enough for my dog for sure.
Plus Redcat parts aren't very hard to find.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Redcat-Shredder-SC-Electric-RC-Truck-1-6-Scale-Brushless-Car-Blue-Dual-Lipo-/150939354435?pt=US_Character_Radio_Control_Toys&hash=item2324afc543 $289 shipped

One thing to note is that Redcat Shredder is also sold under a different name by hobbyking with the brand called Turnigy. Theirs is called the Turnigy Trailbrazer and they call it "1/5". I believe the body looks different but every part is the same given that they are rebrands from BSDracing in China. So quality would be the same and parts are interchangeable. The Turnigy XT (truck) is going for $220 right now on their website and the buggy is a bit more at $249
What I dont get about Hobbyking is that their prices are always changing I have no idea why and when I do a search the product doesn't show up. I just did a search for the buggy and it says "AUS warehouse", but yesterday the USA warehouse was $265 and then $240. Weird.

There is also another rebrand by the name of Mad Gear. This one goes for about $280 right now.
A few months ago I believe one of these brands were on sale for $199.

Redcat has a more beefier 1/5 called the Rampage but this one is like $700 (gas and electric) so I think the Shredder would be a good cheap alternative.

Review of said Turnigy Trailblazer (Short course version) here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7EfbxF472E&list=UUX7W3zQ4BGA2_0Y2Buc5sYQ&index=7&feature=plcp
Look at his other videos where he upgrades the parts and also crashes it and wrecks. He plays on grass and that's exactly what I need. The beefiness coupled with speed, agility and quickness on grass for my dog.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 9:02 PM

SyCo_VeNoM

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minor correction most of redcats things are made by HSP Racing same as the himoto, exceed, acme, and like 10 other places. They might get some of the BSDRacing (never heard of them before) which might account for the few models I seen that they had that I couldn't figure out the himoto, or exceed variant

And if that's the one that I'm thinking of its just an ultra extended 1/10th scale (i forgot the model, but that is why its dirt cheap). See a pic of the shell off and the arms look pretty flimsy(which they should seeing they are off a 1/10th scale)
But hey its your money tell us if its good or not if you get it

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 9:06 PM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SyCo_VeNoM

minor correction most of redcats things are made by HSP Racing same as the himoto, exceed, acme, and like 10 other places. They might get some of the BSDRacing (never heard of them before) which might account for the few models I seen that they had that I couldn't figure out the himoto, or exceed variant

And if that's the one that I'm thinking of its just an ultra extended 1/10th scale (i forgot the model, but that is why its dirt cheap). See a pic of the shell off and the arms look pretty flimsy(which they should seeing they are off a 1/10th scale)
But hey its your money tell us if its good or not if you get it

Yeah I read that they had HSP and exceed have their products made but that's only for certain models. The shredder and the rampage are apparently made by different companies. From the reviews, it's clear the lower quality models are quite bad and within a day's of bashing many parts broke. But the 1/6 SC that was bash tested, it was pretty freaking sturdy. Jumped off of a 12' roof onto gravel no problem.

As you can see here :
http://www.bigsquidrc.com/redcat-shredder-sc-16-scale-short-course-review/

And the crap models like the XTE:
http://www.bigsquidrc.com/redcat-monsoon-xte-review/

There's resounding positive reviews for the Shredder in particular.

Here is a post by Petrock on the matter and the various models;

"I don't know about their nitro models, but my general rule of thumb is:

Good
- Any model ending with "10E" or "8E" or called "Shredder" is a good value (i.e. "Caldera 10E" or "Backdraft 8E" or "Shredder XB"). These are OEM'd from BSD racing (http://bsdracing.com/app/menu.php?op=index) and are made of durable plastics (review1 (http://www.bigsquidrc.com/redcat-shredder-sc-16-scale-short-course-review/))(review2 (https://www.mikekirk.org/wordpress/something-old-something-new-something-borrowed-something-blue/))
- "Twister" models are good too (i.e. Twister XB Pro, Twister XTG) - these are OEM'd from Himoto Racing (http://www.himotoracing.com/) (review1 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fE5AFHHWDO8)) (review2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-5CGKvEc8M))

OK
- Anything with "EPX" in it (i.e. "Volcano EPX)". These are OEM'd from HSP Racing (http://www.hspracing.com/) and people sound happy with their plastics and value. The exception can be on the larger models and with brushless setups where there can be drivetrain issues (i.e. positive brushed review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JvbptbRQVsU), negative brushless review (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DuCP9ZJmY2w): same truck). These Redcat models can also be found as "Exceed' models from NitroRCX.com (http://www.nitrorcx.com/): often for a couple bucks less. (Redcat Volcano EPX = Exceed Infinitive, Redcat Tornado EPX = Exceed Sunfire)

Bad
- Their non "8E" 1/8th scale buggies/truggies/MT - the plastics used for them are apparently terrible. (review1 (http://www.bigsquidrc.com/redcat-monsoon-xte-review/))(review2 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrDKsrsI1nc))

Full Dislosure: I bought a Caldera SC 10E because of other reviews, and although the steering was tight out-of-the-box a little tuning took care of it, and I think it's a great value. About 2 weeks ago I also bought a Shredder SC and it handles even better (and shares many spare parts with the Caldera).

Because Redcat is rebranding RC's from at least three different manufacturers it can be hard to know which are good and which are bad without a little Googling. Once you do know if your model is made by BSD/HSP/Himoto then that unlocks other reviews you can search for. Hooray for the Internet!

"

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 11:04 PM

BKoz559

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

Thanks for the tips on the batteries. I have heard you can run 3S on the stock ESC but it's 80A so I'm not sure if that's a good idea. Hobby King has a 120A that I know people have swapped out to go 6S for $49. I just dont want to have to buy batteries again cause theyre not very cheap. I'll shoot for 30C batteriesif I can or higher.
The $30 charger... how long does it take to charge a battery (or pair)? So.. I would need maybe 6 batteries total? A pair for using, A spare pair and then another spare on the charger... I might just go for 2 pairs.

I found these, not sure if they're price though? Can you give me some input?

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__15518__Turnigy_6000mAh_2S2P_7_4v_25C_hardcase_pack.html I'm not sure if 25C is high enough and if 6000mAh is goign to be too bulky.

Here's a 40C for around $23.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__10305__Turnigy_5000mAh_2S_40C_Lipo_Pack.html

And a 30C 2S 5000mah for $22
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21002__Turnigy_5200mAh_2S_30C_Hard_Case_Car_Lipo_Pack_ROAR_APPROVED_.html

Regarding chargers, I have NO IDEA what I'm looking at here. Bunch of electronic mumbo bumbo if you ask me. Amps and what not. Something that will charge quick would be nice for at cheap as possible. I can always get another if I expand my RC collection and feel I need more efficiency. If I'm buying 3 pairs (2 spares) then I dont need a super quick charger.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__216__408__Battery_Chargers_Acc_-Battery_Chargers.html

Any of those batteries will do the job. The 6000 puts out 150a, the 5000 - 200a, and the 5200 - 156a. So any of those packs will be able to sustain the 80amp rated load of the ESC. The issue to contend with is the phyical size of the batteries and whether they will fit in the battery trays on the car. You may have to buy the car, measure the trays and find packs that fit within those dimensions.

As far as chargers go, most of them will output 5amps of current. With a 5000mah battery (or 5amp battery) it will theoretically take 1 hour to charge. I say theoretically because it's difficult to determine how low the pack is before you begin charging it so the actual time will vary. Some chargers will go higher than that but, you need to check what the recommended charge rate of the battery is first. Most manufacturer's recommend 1C. So a 6000mah pack should be charged at 6amps; a 5200mah pack at 5.2amps. See a pattern here?

Most of the chargers listed on HK's website are single pack chargers and requireDC input power. This means you either need a separate power supply to plug into your AC outlet at home OR you can hook it up to your car battery out in the garage. This is cool if you're out at a field driving the RC and you need to charge batteries at the same time. Whether you opt for 2 single chargers or one of those multi-port chargers is up to you. I personally use single chargers; all are DC powered.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 11:18 PM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: BKoz559

Any of those batteries will do the job. The 6000 puts out 150a, the 5000 - 200a, and the 5200 - 156a. So any of those packs will be able to sustain the 80amp rated load of the ESC. The issue to contend with is the phyical size of the batteries and whether they will fit in the battery trays on the car. You may have to buy the car, measure the trays and find packs that fit within those dimensions.

As far as chargers go, most of them will output 5amps of current. With a 5000mah battery (or 5amp battery) it will theoretically take 1 hour to charge. I say theoretically because it's difficult to determine how low the pack is before you begin charging it so the actual time will vary. Some chargers will go higher than that but, you need to check what the recommended charge rate of the battery is first. Most manufacturer's recommend 1C. So a 6000mah pack should be charged at 6amps; a 5200mah pack at 5.2amps. See a pattern here?

Most of the chargers listed on HK's website are single pack chargers and requireDC input power. This means you either need a separate power supply to plug into your AC outlet at home OR you can hook it up to your car battery out in the garage. This is cool if you're out at a field driving the RC and you need to charge batteries at the same time. Whether you opt for 2 single chargers or one of those multi-port chargers is up to you. I personally use single chargers; all are DC powered.

I might have to order the car first, then order the battery cause I want the biggest capacity possible so might need to measure it out.
But if most chargers charge at 5a, does that mean if I get a 5200 or 6000mah battery it won't be as efficient or might be bad for the battery?

Hmm how is this charger? http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2100
So most of these require separate power supplies? Why not just have one that comes with the standard AC plug for the home? And do I need to look specifically for a lipo charger with a balancer so it doesn't jack up my batteries? i'm not sure about that aspect of charging. They all look the same to me.

that commonsense charger is listed at $65 locally though brand new.

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 11:24 PM

SyCo_VeNoM

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quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

quote:

ORIGINAL: BKoz559

Any of those batteries will do the job. The 6000 puts out 150a, the 5000 - 200a, and the 5200 - 156a. So any of those packs will be able to sustain the 80amp rated load of the ESC. The issue to contend with is the phyical size of the batteries and whether they will fit in the battery trays on the car. You may have to buy the car, measure the trays and find packs that fit within those dimensions.

As far as chargers go, most of them will output 5amps of current. With a 5000mah battery (or 5amp battery) it will theoretically take 1 hour to charge. I say theoretically because it's difficult to determine how low the pack is before you begin charging it so the actual time will vary. Some chargers will go higher than that but, you need to check what the recommended charge rate of the battery is first. Most manufacturer's recommend 1C. So a 6000mah pack should be charged at 6amps; a 5200mah pack at 5.2amps. See a pattern here?

Most of the chargers listed on HK's website are single pack chargers and requireDC input power. This means you either need a separate power supply to plug into your AC outlet at home OR you can hook it up to your car battery out in the garage. This is cool if you're out at a field driving the RC and you need to charge batteries at the same time. Whether you opt for 2 single chargers or one of those multi-port chargers is up to you. I personally use single chargers; all are DC powered.

I might have to order the car first, then order the battery cause I want the biggest capacity possible so might need to measure it out.
But if most chargers charge at 5a, does that mean if I get a 5200 or 6000mah battery it won't be as efficient or might be bad for the battery?

Hmm how is this charger? http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2100
So most of these require separate power supplies? Why not just have one that comes with the standard AC plug for the home? And do I need to look specifically for a lipo charger with a balancer so it doesn't jack up my batteries? i'm not sure about that aspect of charging. They all look the same to me.

that commonsense charger is listed at $65 locally though brand new.

they do those cost over 2X more in $$

Here is a tutorial from another forum if you want to save the cash and get the DC power supplies. I built one of these, and have had 3 chargers running at 5Amps at once on it (from the math it could probably support 6

)
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
For the cost of the power supply, and one charger you are at the same cost of one of the chargers that have the AC supply built in. Now if you want dual chargers you are starting to save cash as duals would run you around $90 where that setup for 2 $20 chargers and the power supply would be around $60

As for the charging 6000mah battery on a 5A charger it will charge fine it will just take a lil bit over an hour

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RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/29/2012 11:34 PM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SyCo_VeNoM

quote:

ORIGINAL: kettlecorn

quote:

ORIGINAL: BKoz559

Any of those batteries will do the job. The 6000 puts out 150a, the 5000 - 200a, and the 5200 - 156a. So any of those packs will be able to sustain the 80amp rated load of the ESC. The issue to contend with is the phyical size of the batteries and whether they will fit in the battery trays on the car. You may have to buy the car, measure the trays and find packs that fit within those dimensions.

As far as chargers go, most of them will output 5amps of current. With a 5000mah battery (or 5amp battery) it will theoretically take 1 hour to charge. I say theoretically because it's difficult to determine how low the pack is before you begin charging it so the actual time will vary. Some chargers will go higher than that but, you need to check what the recommended charge rate of the battery is first. Most manufacturer's recommend 1C. So a 6000mah pack should be charged at 6amps; a 5200mah pack at 5.2amps. See a pattern here?

Most of the chargers listed on HK's website are single pack chargers and requireDC input power. This means you either need a separate power supply to plug into your AC outlet at home OR you can hook it up to your car battery out in the garage. This is cool if you're out at a field driving the RC and you need to charge batteries at the same time. Whether you opt for 2 single chargers or one of those multi-port chargers is up to you. I personally use single chargers; all are DC powered.

I might have to order the car first, then order the battery cause I want the biggest capacity possible so might need to measure it out.
But if most chargers charge at 5a, does that mean if I get a 5200 or 6000mah battery it won't be as efficient or might be bad for the battery?

Hmm how is this charger? http://www.commonsenserc.com/product_info.php?products_id=2100
So most of these require separate power supplies? Why not just have one that comes with the standard AC plug for the home? And do I need to look specifically for a lipo charger with a balancer so it doesn't jack up my batteries? i'm not sure about that aspect of charging. They all look the same to me.

that commonsense charger is listed at $65 locally though brand new.

they do those cost over 2X more in $$
Here is a tutorial from another forum if you want to save the cash and get the DC power supplies. I built one of these, and have had 3 chargers running at 5Amps at once on it (from the math it could probably support 6 )
http://www.rc-monster.com/forum/showthread.php?t=27554
For the cost of the power supply, and one charger you are at the same cost of one of the chargers that have the AC supply built in. Now if you want dual chargers you are starting to save cash as duals would run you around $90 where that setup for 2 $20 chargers and the power supply would be around $60

As for the charging 6000mah battery on a 5A charger it will charge fine it will just take a lil bit over an hour

Just read everything thoroughly and i understand what's going on sort of. The 3 pins are connected together and soldered so they start up the PSU. Can add a switch if needed. Then you also need power wires right? 2 of them, 1 for each charger. And you have to solder them onto the pins on the right/left?

Never soldered a thing in my life. I once tried to repair frayed earphone wires and it ended up miserable.

EDIT: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__11938__Turnigy_nano_tech_6000mah_2S_25_50C_Lipo_Pack.html
In the config it says max charge is at 5C. Is that right? That's not related to 5a is it? I thought most batteries (general rule of thumb) charge at 1c?

< Message edited by kettlecorn -- 11/30/2012 12:03 AM >

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Post #: 47

RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/30/2012 12:23 AM

kettlecorn

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Is there anything wrong with using this PSU? It's pretty cheap at $14. That with a $20 Turnigy is about $30 per.. so $60 for a two chargers. EDIT: Forgot the link http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=20971

< Message edited by kettlecorn -- 11/30/2012 12:49 AM >

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Post #: 48

RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/30/2012 12:29 AM

SyCo_VeNoM

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If you are looking at hobby king power supplies personally I don't trust em as I had one that melted down in about 25 minutes.

as the link I posted personally I didn't bother with a switch, as unplugging its simple enough. when it comes down to soldering that is one thing you pretty much have to learn for electrics, as most batteries come with connectors that are not compatible with what your ESC will have most the time so you have to replace the battery connectors. Soldering thicker wire will be way easier than soldering that thin ass earphone wiring as even those can give me issues, and I've been soldering over half my life

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Post #: 49

RE: Beginner, have a few questions - 11/30/2012 12:51 AM

kettlecorn

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quote:

ORIGINAL: SyCo_VeNoM

If you are looking at hobby king power supplies personally I don't trust em as I had one that melted down in about 25 minutes.

as the link I posted personally I didn't bother with a switch, as unplugging its simple enough. when it comes down to soldering that is one thing you pretty much have to learn for electrics, as most batteries come with connectors that are not compatible with what your ESC will have most the time so you have to replace the battery connectors. Soldering thicker wire will be way easier than soldering that thin ass earphone wiring as even those can give me issues, and I've been soldering over half my life

Hm maybe ill give it a shot then but its real frustating when it doesnt work out. I bought a solder kit for fixing my ear phones and the solder would not stick onto the 2 wires, it was a big goop that was clinging onto the solder itself, not the 2 wires I was trying to adjoin.

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=20971 thats the PSU I was talking about. frankly i dont see a difference between that and a laptop charger haha

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