SSAN

Hey Guys,

I need some advice's on picking an RC powered car, truck or buggy with Futaba radio for my daughter to play with since she lost interest with RC plane. I'm looking for something pretty big in size, but not too big and can run at least 30+ MPH, and can take the abuse from a 14 years old kid. What would be your recommendation?

Your help is appreciated in advance!

Thanks,

PS
My background is from RC Pylon racing, but I don't have a clue when it comes to gas/glow powered car's.

michelob78

Get a traxxas stampede they are popular and very durable especially for beginners, as she wants to go faster that is no problem either, unless you are not going to do alot of off-road stuff, it is 2wd MT.

[link]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVK75**&P=ML[/link]

I realize it is electric, but for a beginner nitro can be discouraging.

If you are still set on nitro, maybe a rustler or nitro stampede.?

snowbl!nd

I think the best choice would be something along the lines of a 1/10 stadium truck. They are pretty easy to work on (2wd, simple drivetrain etc) and go pretty fast. You can also run them anywhere - the street, garden, offroad etc.

I honestly think that a 1/8 monster truck would be a bit much for a 14 yr old, they are pretty complex (2speeds/reverse etc) and weigh quite a bit. Not really something you want flying past your daughter at 35mph+. They are also the most expensive - by a fair margin.

A car wouldn't be a bad choice, but you are limited to where you can run them, and she may loose interest quickly if she cannot regularly use it. They are also quite a bit harder to work on than stadium trucks and are much more fragile.

Here are a few links which may interest you...

http://www.traxxas.com/products/nitr...x_nrustler.htm

http://www.traxxas.com/products/nitro/jato/trx_jato.htm

http://www.amerang-group.com/product...id=1820&menu=1

http://www.hpiracing.com/index2.htm

SSAN

Thanks for the recommendation on electric, but I prefer to have a Nitro powered model for her since I might steal it from time to time.

PrjctStrtFrce

My Feedback: (10)

HPI MT2, or the 18SS kit version......very reliable company..its like the honda of rc! the MT2 is rtr(ready to run) and goes problay around the low mid 30's adn the 18SS is a kit that u ahve to build and that probaly goes round high 30's low 40's! thats my opinion...and yes i think that a 1/8 would probaly be too big and complicated...so stick with a 1/10 stadium truck

SSAN

The JATO and HELLFIRE looks nice, but how durable are they, and can the engine be upgrade or change later?
Also, I would prefer something that can run all terrain from dirt road to grass or pavement since most of the time she will run it in the dirt.

Are there any other option can you provide?

Thanks,

PrjctStrtFrce

My Feedback: (10)

if u watn something really durbale and huge and still easy to maintain! then get teh 1/5 HPI Baha, or w/e its called.....it costs round like 900 i think and i dont think u can change the motor in it but it is extremely durbale if ud ask me! and its the newest design in 1/5 offorad buggies...and ur daughter will have tons of fun controlling and abusing that thing in the dirt!!!!!!!!!! i know i would if i had one!

SSAN

Do you have photo's of the models mentioned?

The bigger the better for her as long as it's very durable from abuse. I think 1/8 scale would be more prefer since it got higher ground clearance to run all terrain and still be stable at high speed cornering. Also would prefer an RTR (ready to run with or without TX) since I don't have to build it.

I'm thinking of a buggy or stadium truck. What do you think?
Price cap around $600.00 is fine.

PrjctStrtFrce

My Feedback: (10)

ya this is the Baja Buggy....
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLJV6&P=0


and higher ground clearance can mean easier and more frequent roll-overs......and from what ur explaining to me that buggy^^^^^ will b perfect...that is if u have 1 grand just layin around somewhere! lol its a gasoline engine so u dont have to tune it..im pretty sure about that...and the thing is very great in handling, power, and jsut pure fun factor! i cant rememebr which one, but there was a review on this car in RC Car Action and it was really good!!!!![sm=thumbup.gif]


here is the HELLFIRE
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLJV0&P=0


here is the MT2
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFSK5&P=0

here is a savage 1/8
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFLP2&P=0

and here is teh MT2 18SS kit...but i dont think u want a kit
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJKT0&P=0




GOOD LUCK!

SSAN

Thanks for the links, PrjctStrtFrce!

The Baja buggy is too expensive for her since I need the cash for my race planes.

The HELLFIRE and MT2 looks good, but the MT2 is a little small though. I would prefer a little bigger and engine size in the .21 or larger range.

The Savage seem like it will roll over easy since it sit higher up than the others. The kit would be no since I don't want to put it together.

How about a 1/8 buggy?
I think that might be the best choice now. I saw one somewhere that I like about a month ago, but don't remember what brand or model. The price was around $600.00 complete ready to run with Futaba radio gears.

The_Collector

If you do end up getting a nitro, the throttle linkage will have to be adjusted to restrict the RPM's (after break-in). These things can work their way up real quick, especially the .21's. Make the max speed 15 or 20 to start her off. A failsafe unit on the carb. servo is a good idea, too.

PrjctStrtFrce

My Feedback: (10)

hmmm i dont know about buggies too much so cant help u with that except for KYOSHO!!! Inferno sport, thats my favotire one

SSAN

Thanks for all the information guys! These really helps my Nitro powered car decision for the kid. However, I got one more question before deciding between the 1/8 HELLFIRE and 1/8 competition buggy I've found (see web link provided). I like the buggy more since it's a 4WD, but I'm not fond of Thunder Tiger products when it comes to high-end quality and durability.

What's your comment on this and is there another 1/8 buggy out there that is better?

1/8 4WD buggy: http://www.amerang-group.com/product...?id=343&menu=1

Thanks,

SSAN

Thanks for the tips! She better be good with the toy or otherwise, I will make go 10 MPH.