cyclonite

Hello all,

I realise this question is very open ended thus I'll clarify things here.

I'm just considering getting a Nitro RC model for fun as a hobby. I have no intention to compete in races etc. Basically just want to learn Nitro related stuff.

If I like things, I might switch to Brushless in the future or mod what I have from Nitro.

Back to my question, I'm not sure what the pros and cons are when comparing truggies and buggies. I've seen people modding the Hyper VS buggy with brushless systems that can hit well over 100 mph; however I haven't seen this done on the Hyper ST truggy. Is there a reason why buggies are more common and seem to be able to hit higher speeds?

What are the usual deciding factors between the two and which has more potential for modding?

Thanks in advance.

Jeremy Z

Unless you're really into the idea of fuel, I'd start electric. Brushed electric cars and trucks are a lot faster than they used to be. Then, go to brushless later, if you want. You'll quickly go broke buying nitro fuel, and the noise and smoke will limit where you can run it.

A truggy is a buggy with longer arms and bigger tires. They can handle rougher terrain than buggies can. Buggies are lower to the ground and therefore have a lower center of gravity, which makes them easier to control. Buggies cost less, usually, and don't break as easily, since there's less leverage on the suspension arms from the smaller wheels.

Go based on the terrain you want to drive on. If in doubt, go with a truggy, as they're more flexible. To me, buggies look better, but they're a one trick pony: relatively smooth offroad surfaces only.

Believe me when I tell you this: forget going 100 mph. We all wanted to go 100 mph when we started. We chased the speed, then realized it gets boring quickly, is easy to break your vehicle, and requires a ton of space. Even after driving RC cars for over 30 years, I find 20-25 mph to be PLENTY fast, for 1/10 scale. Even for 1/8 scale, it's pretty fast.

Focus on fun instead. Set up a track for yourself somewhere, bring little cones or other obstacles. Find a local buddy to race with. Get a slow crawler truck and bring it on hikes in the woods.

cyclonite

Thanks very much for your advice Jeremy.

The complication, cost etc of going Nitro is the reason I want to get into it. I've already built some brushless stuff in the past so this is just about learning something new. It'll probably be a short lived hobby too.

Coming back to buggies vs truggies, your response is completely contradictory to what someone wrote on a website which is quite puzzling to me. I understood that buggies are more difficult to control due to higher cg and slimmer tyres but go faster. I think if buggies can handle the beating better then I'd stick with those to reduce running costs.

I thought that truggies are more suited for normal roads than buggies as the former are lower to the ground and have wider tyres.

Thanks again.

Jeremy Z

Buggies have smaller wheels and can therefore be lower to the ground.

Truggies, in an attempt to keep the flat handling characteristics of a buggy (despite their larger wheels) have longer suspension arms for a wider stance. I guess it can work, but you end up with a bigger vehicle. They were created because people wanted buggy-like handling, but something that could handle rougher terrain than a buggy.

Google 'buggy vs truggy', then select the image option at the top, there's a good pic of them side by side.
https://www.google.com/search?q=bugg...0HfemhORxXzZAM

^ not sure that'll work.

cyclonite

Thanks. I'm well aware of what they look like. Just wasn't sure how they handled in real life Thanks for your advice. I realise I was wrong on some of my previous understandings.