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-   -   Want to start in RC Cars. (https://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-electric-off-road-trucks-buggies-truggies-more-147/11602810-want-start-rc-cars.html)

zarnold16 08-15-2014 10:22 AM

Want to start in RC Cars.
 
I want to start in RC cars but dont know what car to get. I want a 4WD and brushed but upgradeable later on to brushless. I have $400 to spend on a RC car. I want to drive it in my backyard. Also want it to be 2.4 gHz controller. Also would like to buy on Amazon. Any suggestions?
Thanks

SyCo_VeNoM 08-15-2014 12:15 PM

If you buy on amazon you will more then likely spend a quite a bit more on it. Also most parts I've not seen on amazon(and when I have they are almost 2X more then ebay, or hobby shops)

As for what you want what size, on-road/offroad, style, what kind of punishment are you planning to put it through, and what kind of terrain will you drive it on.

zarnold16 08-15-2014 08:29 PM


Originally Posted by SyCo_VeNoM (Post 11861298)
If you buy on amazon you will more then likely spend a quite a bit more on it. Also most parts I've not seen on amazon(and when I have they are almost 2X more then ebay, or hobby shops)

As for what you want what size, on-road/offroad, style, what kind of punishment are you planning to put it through, and what kind of terrain will you drive it on.

My nearest LHS is 1 1/2 hours away and amazon isn't a necessity. Size doesn't matter, offroad, buggy, drive it around, grass and driveway.

SyCo_VeNoM 08-15-2014 09:14 PM

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LWG706&P=7
coupon 410YF for $33 off (no idea when it will be in stock though should be any day by their estimation)

This seems interesting
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEDYL&P=ML
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihirljzh0J8 there is a review (note same coupon I put above would work)
other reviews I read said it can take a beating

phmaximus 08-16-2014 03:55 AM

These things are brand new and look very promising... Axial Yeti.... But it's $429

it's what I would call a "jack of all trades" and it's not small... And defiantly not slow.... Wheelbase 360mm

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEJRP&P=ML

http://youtu.be/f7GA7XcaH0Y

zarnold16 08-16-2014 05:51 AM


Originally Posted by SyCo_VeNoM (Post 11861512)
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LWG706&P=7
coupon 410YF for $33 off (no idea when it will be in stock though should be any day by their estimation)

This seems interesting
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEDYL&P=ML
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihirljzh0J8 there is a review (note same coupon I put above would work)
other reviews I read said it can take a beating

Is Ofna a good and reputable brand? Have you owned a car from this brand?

zarnold16 08-16-2014 05:59 AM

Could I go cheaper with a kit? I want a brushed car, but I want it to be upgradable in the future with brushless.

collector1231 08-16-2014 06:39 AM

Yeah, you could go kit, but most 4x4 brushless ones are out of the budget, once you get all the electronics.

Truck; http://www.amain.com/OFNA-TS4SC-1-10...-Truck/p263331
Battery; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...-with-uni-plug
Charger; http://www.amain.com/EcoPower-Electr...5A-50W/p217519

zarnold16 08-16-2014 06:58 AM

I guess 4WD isnt needed if im getting a kit. Wait, a kit is the one you build right?

SyCo_VeNoM 08-16-2014 11:15 AM


Originally Posted by zarnold16 (Post 11861616)
Is Ofna a good and reputable brand? Have you owned a car from this brand?

I own 5 ;)
Over the years I bought a Jammin X1x CR(nitro 1/8th scale buggy), Jammin X1 CRT(1/8th scale truggy), 2X Jammin .5 CRT's, and most recently an Nexx10SC SCT. Still own em all actually.

Ofna is the US importer for RC's by HongNor, and Hobao 2nd one I linked is based on their Hyper line(made by Hoboa) which has a real good rep for being tough as hell. The ones I named were by Hongnor. Ofna don't even hide who manufactured the vehicles as they just ship you the Hobao box with an ofna sticker on it


and yes kits you build(there are not too many left though)

josh h 08-16-2014 11:32 AM

That ofna is pretty sweet and at a good price. But he would still have to buy 2 batteries and a charger. I was thinking the 4x4 stampede. Seems like a good durable basher to get started with that has everything included. And at 300 dolars, that leaves enough for a decent charger and maybe another pack. It's brushed like he wants, 4x4, 2.4, and parts/hop ups are easily bought anywhere.

josh h 08-16-2014 11:32 AM

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXDZWK**&P=7

EXT2Rob 08-16-2014 11:42 AM


Originally Posted by zarnold16 (Post 11861616)
Is Ofna a good and reputable brand? Have you owned a car from this brand?

Absolutely. While Ofna doesn't actually make the cars (most are made by HoBao and Hong Nor) they are known to be of good repute and good build quality.
I own a Ofna/HoBao Hyper 10TT electric truggy. Much like the Hyper SSe, but smaller. I have a dirt track, so the smaller size works for me. The 1/8th scale of the buggies suggested might suit you better, if you're going to be running it on grass. (Make it short grass, most RCs don't like it, but the bigger ones can) I am really impressed with the quality of the car I got. I did find that it needed a good front and rear bumper, to keep it from breaking suspension arms, but that is fairly typical. Especially in 10th scale. So if you go 8th scale, you'll do even better.

Don't forget to include the other stuff you'll need in your budget. A Charger for one. Here's a good one: http://www.hobbypartz.com/73p-ac680-accharger.html under $70 Holy Crap! It's ON SALE now for $49!! Jump on this!! And you'll need a couple of these http://www.hobbypartz.com/98p-40c-50...se-direct.html

And you will need diff fluid, I suggest 5000wt front and middle, 3000wt rear. And you will need tools. Bearing lube.

So you see, you may want to up your budget a bit, or aim a little lower on the car. But those Ofna's are a good bet. Nitrohouse.com has a good selection of Ofna parts, quick shipping too.

SyCo_VeNoM 08-16-2014 12:05 PM


Originally Posted by josh h (Post 11861737)
That ofna is pretty sweet and at a good price. But he would still have to buy 2 batteries and a charger. I was thinking the 4x4 stampede. Seems like a good durable basher to get started with that has everything included. And at 300 dolars, that leaves enough for a decent charger and maybe another pack. It's brushed like he wants, 4x4, 2.4, and parts/hop ups are easily bought anywhere.

He would still need a battery and a charger as NiMh suck, and the charger is junk in RTR's ;)
Also Titan 550 motors are crap(well 95% I'd say he might get a fluke that works for more then 2 packs) too so it would more then likely need replacing

Batteries for the 1/8th buggy would run $45 or so for 2 2S from hobbyking, and a charger is $45 or so.

EXT2Rob 08-16-2014 12:18 PM

Here is the route I went:

Hyper 10TT http://www.nitrohouse.com/Hyper-10TT...it_p_5060.html
Says "kit" but is really 90% built. You add motor system and radio system and battery, you paint the body. EEk, it's gone up, was $189, now $209.

EZrun brushless motor system: http://www.hobbypartz.com/ezrun-35a-9t-3650-motor.html WITH programming card $77

FlySky 2.4ghz 3ch radio system: http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-fsgt2b-2ch-car.html $24

Just about $300. But you still need batteries and charger, right now, another $100.

Oh, shoot. Forgot, need a steering servo too, so figure another $50 for a good Hitec. I've had good luck with $15 servos on lightweight 2wd cars, but this 4.5lb 4wd car needs a strong servo. And you'd need these bumpers: http://t-bone-racing.net/Hyper-TT-c275/

josh h 08-16-2014 12:21 PM

Well, he wants a brushed truck that's 4x4 and he can upgrade later. And I don't see nimh being bad for someone first starting out. And like I said. Still has 100 bucks left to buy a charger and maybe another pack from tower. Then he don't have to wait 3 more weeks for his battery and charger from HK before he runs his truck.

EXT2Rob 08-16-2014 02:54 PM

Yeah, the Stampede probably would be a good pick. IF that ESC can do Lipo (has an auto-cutoff),and I think it does, then I'd say yea to it. And would use that remaining $100 to get that charger and two Lipos from HPz. They're in stock and ship out of LA, get it in a few days. But yer right, too, the XL-5 would have no problem with NiMhs.
Zarnold, for future reference, when you do go brushless, only use Lipo batteries. Trust me. So you see, I'm suggesting you invest in Lipo now, so you will have them when you switch to Brushless later. That way you don't have several Nimhs lying around that you shouldn't use with you new brushless system, or you run the risk of damaging your ESC, and certainly will kill the Nimhs in the end anyway. Do yourself a favor: Buy Lipo and a Lipo charger now. Use what comes in the box till the new ones get there, then pitch the old stuff in the bin.

josh h 08-16-2014 03:06 PM

Just looked it up. Does have lvc.

cloudancer03 08-16-2014 04:37 PM

I am seriously considering an off road vehicle.have and still fly rc and have a good lips charger.the track I would be on is a great dirt track with just ps and sharp turns.i was told a good beginner car is usually 2 wheel drive but not fast.flying electric planes I definitely want brushless.and 4dis more competitive speed wise?? I anticipate some hard use.i am thinking of using lbs as they have parts.i want quick repairs.willing to start with a beginners vehicle that I can hop and upgrade as skill gets better.even then I see I will likely drop 300.00 open for for advice and which brands are reliable

collector1231 08-16-2014 06:00 PM


Originally Posted by cloudancer03 (Post 11861865)
I am seriously considering an off road vehicle.have and still fly rc and have a good lips charger.the track I would be on is a great dirt track with just ps and sharp turns.i was told a good beginner car is usually 2 wheel drive but not fast.flying electric planes I definitely want brushless.and 4dis more competitive speed wise?? I anticipate some hard use.i am thinking of using lbs as they have parts.i want quick repairs.willing to start with a beginners vehicle that I can hop and upgrade as skill gets better.even then I see I will likely drop 300.00 open for for advice and which brands are reliable

First thing, make your own thread, and don't be a threadjacker....

Second thing, to this threadjacker, go with the OFNA TS4 I specified above.

zarnold16 08-17-2014 12:46 PM

Okay thanks for the replies, I'll look into the stuff suggested tomorrow when I have time.

zarnold16 08-17-2014 02:12 PM

How would I be able to make my car waterproof? So I can drive it in snow.

josh h 08-17-2014 05:43 PM

The stampede is waterproof from the factory along with most other traxxas vehicles.

zarnold16 08-18-2014 11:24 AM

I'm gonna buy the Ofna 1/8 Electric Hyper SSe Brushless RTR Orange it seems like a good choice for me. I has a color scheme I like, looks cool, and looks like good quality, but I have one question what lipo battery do you recommend and what charger.

EXT2Rob 08-18-2014 02:33 PM

Good choice. You won't regret it.

You're going to need TWO Lipos. OR one 4S Lipo. This is your first RC, right? So there's no reason that you couldn't just get one (or two!) 4S packs, if you've got the scratch. That way, you'd only have one pack to charge, to run your car, instead of two 2S packs. If you got two 2S packs, you'd have to charge one, then charge the other, which takes 30-75min each depending on battery's charge state. You could get a charger with dual ports, but they're more money than a single port charger.

Again, this is your first car, right? An 8th scale buggy usually uses a lower-RPM-per-volt (kv) motor, but higher-voltage batteries to get their speed. 4S is the car's max, for racing. You might want to consider getting a 3S Lipo to use while you learn to drive that fast buggy, and get a 4S later, when you've gotten to be a good driver and not hit stuff. 4S is a LOT of power. Just giving you some things to consider in making your choice.

So, if you decide to go with a single pack instead of double-pack lipo, I would get the Thunder AC680 charger at HobbyPartz.com . Less than $70 (I think it's on sale for $50 right now) and can charge single pack lipos up to 6S at 80W. That is probably more than the cheapest dual-port AC-powered charger you'll find, and the dual port splits that total power between the two ports, so you'd only be charging at 40Watts per pack, if you went dual-pack. http://www.hobbypartz.com/73p-ac680-accharger.html

HEY! They've got 3S packs on sale for $50! http://www.hobbypartz.com/98p-40c-50...se-direct.html
Here's a 4S http://www.hobbypartz.com/98p-40c-50...se-direct.html

Whatever battery you choose (and I do recommend those two above) I highly suggest staying with lipos rated 40C minimum. That rating is indicative of how much current (amps) the pack can supply. If a motor system tries to draw more than the pack can comfortably deliver, the pack can heat up. A little is ok, but too hot, and they can puff, or swell. In which case, the battery is suspect. So don't be tempted by the less expensive packs that are only 25C.

NOTE that you will have to change the battery connector to match the Deans connector on the car. If you don't know how to solder, get someone to do it for you.

zarnold16 08-18-2014 07:16 PM

Car - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXEDYL&P=ML
Battery - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXYYZ7&P=0
charger - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAGUG&P=0

This is everything I'm gonna buy in October. Is there anything else I may need to start out in rc cars?

EXT2Rob 08-19-2014 07:04 AM

Diff fluid http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...RCH=diff+fluid
I'd suggest 7000wt for front and center diffs, 5000wt rear. They come from the factory with a little grease in them. Clean 'em out and put in the fluid.

Lubricant: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXATCH&P=7

degreaser for cleaning bearings: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXSEL1&P=ML

If you don't have a good set of hex drivers you'll need some. Buy quality first. MIP make good ones. You'll need 1.5mm, 2.0mm and 2.5mm.

IMO, you're over-paying for that Venom battery, but you apparently have the means, and prefer ordering everything from Tower. That's cool. But you can save considerable money if you consider alternatives. At least well-known alternatives. Some call it "cheap Chinese junk", but in my experience, they're just as good as anything else. Cheap servos can be dodgy, but batteries, motor systems and chargers, if you know the right brands, work great and are considerably cheaper.

zarnold16 08-19-2014 07:42 AM


Originally Posted by EXT2Rob (Post 11863535)
Diff fluid http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...RCH=diff+fluid
I'd suggest 7000wt for front and center diffs, 5000wt rear. They come from the factory with a little grease in them. Clean 'em out and put in the fluid.

Lubricant: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXATCH&P=7

degreaser for cleaning bearings: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXSEL1&P=ML

If you don't have a good set of hex drivers you'll need some. Buy quality first. MIP make good ones. You'll need 1.5mm, 2.0mm and 2.5mm.

IMO, you're over-paying for that Venom battery, but you apparently have the means, and prefer ordering everything from Tower. That's cool. But you can save considerable money if you consider alternatives. At least well-known alternatives. Some call it "cheap Chinese junk", but in my experience, they're just as good as anything else. Cheap servos can be dodgy, but batteries, motor systems and chargers, if you know the right brands, work great and are considerably cheaper.

Then what 4s battery from tower hobbies do you prefer? I went with venom because I have heard of that brand.

EXT2Rob 08-19-2014 06:45 PM

Sorry mate. Nuthin wrong with that battery, AFAIK. I'm just a cheap bhazterd and wouldn't pay $130 for something I could get for $82, that's all. Even if I do have to solder on my own connectors.

BKoz559 08-19-2014 07:33 PM


Originally Posted by EXT2Rob (Post 11863100)
Good choice. You won't regret it.

You're going to need TWO Lipos. OR one 4S Lipo...
You might want to consider getting a 3S Lipo to use while you learn to drive that fast buggy, and get a 4S later, when you've gotten to be a good driver and not hit stuff. 4S is a LOT of power.



Whatever battery you choose (and I do recommend those two above) I highly suggest staying with lipos rated 40C minimum. That rating is indicative of how much current (amps) the pack can supply. If a motor system tries to draw more than the pack can comfortably deliver, the pack can heat up. A little is ok, but too hot, and they can puff, or swell. In which case, the battery is suspect. So don't be tempted by the less expensive packs that are only 25C.

NOTE that you will have to change the battery connector to match the Deans connector on the car. If you don't know how to solder, get someone to do it for you.


Sound advice.

Also consider this, like most 1/8 vehicles there are probably 2 connectors on the ESC so, he would have to un-solder the "Y" and make it into a single connector to run the 3S pack. I used to have the older Ofna buggy 8e and it was a tough buggy. It was by no means quick and the instructions advised that altering gear ratios would void the warranty. I think it had a Leopard 1/8 in it. The specs on the SSe look better than the 8e so I imagine this wouldn't be an issue. The only gripe I had about it (probably because it was being discontinued) was that parts were difficult to obtain.


I wanted to touch on the Traxxas brushed 4x4 for a second. The bogus part about them is that Traxxas made them brushless "un-friendly" by using a plastic driveshaft instead of the aluminum tube on the brushless versions. You would have to upgrade this part too.

SyCo_VeNoM 08-19-2014 07:57 PM


Originally Posted by BKoz559 (Post 11863984)
I wanted to touch on the Traxxas brushed 4x4 for a second. The bogus part about them is that Traxxas made them brushless "un-friendly" by using a plastic driveshaft instead of the aluminum tube on the brushless versions. You would have to upgrade this part too.

wow that is pretty low of traxxas to do

domer1234 08-19-2014 08:28 PM

welcome to rc car, There are a lot of rc car that you can choose. Hope fun.

Muskokarc 08-19-2014 09:42 PM

1 Attachment(s)
All sound advice for getting into the hobby. One word of advice is when you start to upgrade parts be careful not to go over board with them. If you see a bunch of stuff you thing are cool and shiny add them to you wish list but then as you did for picking an new RC ask others about what they have done with their upgrades and hop ups. Some will make you machine better others just look good but where not worth it in the long run.

My one friend is and example of going over the top. He got a Traxxas Rustler new and ready to run a fine truck (I have one myself one of the first generation). Well he started looking at what he can get for upgrades and such. He got hooked on the shiny aluminum parts and replaced almost every part to the point he ended up with two rustlers using the reason that he would give the plastic one to his kids to use. The new shiny one looked great but became quite heavy he was trying to make it bullet proof but you need a good mix of original and new to get a good result I have found and save on money. With all his upgrades his like mine when he lost control of his truck at full speed and hit a unmovable object need much repair.

I had caught a bit of the bug to and did a bunch of upgrades to my old rc but money well lack of helped keep me from going over the top and got what I needed to bring it up to today's rc abilities and some bling to. Thats my ten cents worth all in all would say enjoy the hobby and have fun with it do your research before you buy as you have and it can save money and keep it fun. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2023767

BKoz559 08-20-2014 11:37 AM

I love that TrakPower Krytech lube. I use it on CVDs, hinge pins, ball joints. Great stuff!

In regards to batteries:

I have a mixed review of Venom batteries. On one hand they have a "life time" warranty if you keep your receipt. There are terms and conditions to the warranty but they have replacement coverage for the first year. On the other hand I've seen several of their packs come back to the shop with customers wanting to file claims because they've "puffed" or I've seen the wires break inside the case. We can argue that the owner was probably not caring for them as they should; and I would probably agree. But the Turnigy packs I've been getting from HobbyKing hold up a lot better. You can get a pair of 2S 40C packs shipped to you for about $60.

This is an example: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...Lipo_Pack.html

There are many choices but I agree with Rob, these "Chinese" packs offer performance that often times rivals that of "name brand" packs for literally half the price. The Turnigy's are my personal favorite but I've also used Zippy's. My brother swears by Gens Ace from Hobbypartz. Lots of other folks speak highly of them too. We can offer suggestions and such but the essentials are that you choose a pack that can support the amperage and preferably is rated at least 5000mAh.

SyCo_VeNoM 08-20-2014 03:57 PM


Originally Posted by BKoz559 (Post 11864421)
I love that TrakPower Krytech lube. I use it on CVDs, hinge pins, ball joints. Great stuff!

In regards to batteries:

I have a mixed review of Venom batteries. On one hand they have a "life time" warranty if you keep your receipt. There are terms and conditions to the warranty but they have replacement coverage for the first year. On the other hand I've seen several of their packs come back to the shop with customers wanting to file claims because they've "puffed" or I've seen the wires break inside the case. We can argue that the owner was probably not caring for them as they should; and I would probably agree. But the Turnigy packs I've been getting from HobbyKing hold up a lot better. You can get a pair of 2S 40C packs shipped to you for about $60.

This is an example: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...Lipo_Pack.html

There are many choices but I agree with Rob, these "Chinese" packs offer performance that often times rivals that of "name brand" packs for literally half the price. The Turnigy's are my personal favorite but I've also used Zippy's. My brother swears by Gens Ace from Hobbypartz. Lots of other folks speak highly of them too. We can offer suggestions and such but the essentials are that you choose a pack that can support the amperage and preferably is rated at least 5000mAh.

I've had one gens ace... I put it in storage with 3.7v a cell about 8 months ago(I do this on all my packs once I'm done). Pulled it out 2 months ago as I had an itch to run my merv the cells read 2.1 volts... I checked all my other batteries some which I've not used in 2 years(as the RC's they are for I've not bothered with) they still all read 3.6-3.8 volts. The other lipos were Sky, Trunigy(held the storage voltage the best), and a few other cheap ones that I can't think of the brand.
Not sure if it was just one bad battery or what.

EXT2Rob 08-20-2014 04:21 PM

Wow, my buddy and I have been using Gens Ace since going lipo three years ago and have never had that happen, Syco. That's a bummer! And of course, you didn't keep a receipt, huh? Me either. lol I think you were un-lucky and got a bad one. The Turnigy held the best charge, huh?

stoneenforcer 08-20-2014 04:30 PM

traxxas all the way for a long lasting durable backyard RC

BKoz559 08-21-2014 09:33 AM

I haven't used a GensAce personally but so far the Turnigy packs hold up for me. I've had a Losi that was stored for almost a year, the voltage was around 3.8/cell but I could see a buldge in the case. I've used it a couple of times since and it hasn't gotten worse but that still ticks me off! There's no turning back at that point.

A Zippy 6S for my helicopter, however, sat for about 3 months initially at around 3.8V/cell and when I brought it out to use again, two of the cells were way down around 2V. My charger wouldn't begin the charge cycle. I had to "tap" into the balance lead for those cells and slow charge them a bit to get the voltage up with the other cells. From there a normal balance charge brought it back. My charger shows resistance of the cells too and those have more resistance than the rest. I have another Zippy 6S just like it and it didn't have this issue. One of those flukes I guess.

SyCo_VeNoM 08-21-2014 06:33 PM


Originally Posted by EXT2Rob (Post 11864604)
Wow, my buddy and I have been using Gens Ace since going lipo three years ago and have never had that happen, Syco. That's a bummer! And of course, you didn't keep a receipt, huh? Me either. lol I think you were un-lucky and got a bad one. The Turnigy held the best charge, huh?

yup, and I put the turnigy through a lot of load as its a 5200mah 30C battery I've used them on my Savage flux, and 1/8th truggy.
The gens ace was used in a brushed merv, and a RC18b(brushed) a handful of times. I was also planning to use it in Vaterra Kalahari that I forgot I bought for awhile as it has a smaller battery tray like the merv.

But yea I figured I got a bad battery which why I didn't go around saying they are crap like some people I've seen that get one bad product the 1st time, and decide all are the same. Was planning on buying another 2 when I get some spare cash to waste, then if both of those would have issues I'd say they were crap :D.

domer1234 08-25-2014 06:03 PM

I suggest Traxxas RC. No any problem on it. So fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TsGvIoQrtvE


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