does anyone know what temp gun is the most accurate for a budget. im looking at the duratrax temp gun or the $35 one at tempgun.com im not sur what the differenc is between them. any help would be appreciated.

Dont get one that uses laser as they are bad for shiny surfaces.

Most of the cheaper ones will offer you the same amount of accuracy, so in my opinion it really does not matter which one you get.

The high dollar exergens and such are the only ones that will show a correct accurate temp, and those have to be calibarated every so often.
For the purpose in which they will be used the cheaps one will be fine, should not be off more than a few degrees.

The point of the laser is simply for orientation and placement.


Dbow

I like to use the laser to drive the dog nuts! He spins faster than a top...

I have a Raytek gun that I've used for about 3 years. I got it primarily for use at the shop (working on automobiles), but it somehow found more use in my pit box. Works great, and really helps tune the motors. Worth the money, since if you don't really know how hot your motor is getting, you stand a chance on prematurely wearing it out. With the temp gun, you have some margin of safety, relatively speaking.

FWIW, something is better than nothing. At the most, there probably isn't more than a 4-5 degree difference between a $35 gun, and a $100 Raytek like I got. I say get the cheap one, and go buy more NITRO!

ok thanks for the help i have made the desicion to go with the duratrax temp gun for a bout $25- from towerhobbies.

Good choice.

Update the thread and let us know what you think of it after you use it.


Dbow

I've had mine for about 5-6 months now, the Duratrax one. It appears to be identical to the one on Tempgun.com (except for color and labeling). It seems to be a pretty good unit. Compared it to a Raytek and it was off by 3* or so.

Matt

i like the duratrax i have, and another thing you should know about the colors (being that is the only difference here) - blue is faster! just something to keep in mind.

I have a Raytek and have compared it to a calibrated Exergen that is used in the technology field for diagnosis.

My raytek was consistantly off by 1 or 2 degree's.

It really does not make a difference with R/C cars or R/C in general, I would say that a variance of up to 10 degree's would be acceptable for these hobby engines...Just my opinion.

So the cheaper units are certainly proof of a smart shopper.


Dbow

I got one form Sears/Craftsman - and it is usually about 8 degrees higher than the raytech I compare it to. So - - trusting that the raytech is closer to actual then I figure that I am in good shape.

I have to agree with dbow that it really should not make that much difference because you should really use the temp gun as a benchmark test on your own vehicle. You still need to trust your eyes and ears - the temp gun just confirms that you are in the correct range - and makes your life alot easier.

Take the advise of Col KOrn and use the extra $$ to buy more fuel!!!!

SLICKS

i just ordered it today it by snail mail it will probably be a while like 2 weeks be fore it arrives