Jack Dunn

So I'm an older dude that's been around rc since the 80's. At that time I was into rc planes and gliders. More recently (mid 90's) had an Associated stadium truck but sold it off around 2000.
Anyway here I am interested again and impulsively ordered from Amain the other day an Arrma Typhon.
Then I was watching some YouTube video and decided maybe that was a bit much for me just coming back into the hobby so I cancelled that order.
I then ordered a Wltoys buggy that had some good reviews just to see how i liked it.
Anyway just searching from for more capable off road vehicles to play around with and seeing what recommendations you all have.
Trying to catch up on all the new tech
Thanks

RustyUs

Arrma Typhon. Put your order in, and let it ride this time.

bill_delong

+1

Great entry level car for the price!

If you want something a little more serious then consider a race grade kit with waterproof electronics to get the best of all worlds. While the following thread is targeted for the 4WD SCT class, there are some brands there which are universal for comparison for a 1/8 buggy that are worth considering where ARRMA is fairly high on the list:

• Which 1/10 4WD SCT is best?

Jack Dunn

Really? That's an entry level?

Like I say I'm playing catch up.
Not going to be racing on a track.
Just running solo most of the time probably.
Sport fields
Parking lots
My rough gravel driveway.
Got intimidated a little watching You Tube videos.
That thing is fast!
I realize how fast is in my control.
The Kyosho Optima buggy kit intrigued me because I like building.
It's a back order item right now.
Anyway... Appreciate the replies
I'm still window shopping and trying to figure out what I want..
I know I'll easily have 1200 spent just on the initial set up with charger, batteries. etc.
.

Jack Dunn

And actually I managed to cancel all the accessory items before they shipped but not the Typhon.
It's due tomorrow and I have a return authorization but...…..
You never know.

Jack Dunn

The model Typhon I ordered is 6S Blx. Is that considered entry level?
Just curious

Jack Dunn

Thanks for the link Bill. Interesting.
One of many things I'm just trying to understand is the basher vs race quality. I get the concept but not sure for instance what category the Typhon 6s fits into.
It arrives tomorrow and I have the RMA to return it but I'm now thinking... maybe not.

bill_delong

So here's the deal with RTR... it actually means "Ready to Reassemble".... all RTR's take short cuts to minimize costs... simply put, you get what you pay for.

I have a fair amount of experience helping other Typhon owners tune their cars at the track in my area, so I've wrenched on them just enough to know where quality is lacking when compared to most race grade kits.

First thing I would do with the Typhon is do a complete rebuild... get into all the diffs/shocks and pack the rubber seals with fresh grease like this:
https://www.teknoforums.com/threads/...389/post-11784
and
https://www.teknoforums.com/threads/...389/post-11816

I would also break in all the ball link ends like this which will save you a lot of frustration when tuning later:
https://www.teknoforums.com/threads/...389/post-11792

It really takes experience building a quality kit to understand the key differences where in general the RTR's are based on old designs which can make maintenance more difficult than is necessary.

Of all the RTR's on the market, I feel that ARRMA is the best choice, though no where near the quality you get from the TEKNO that referenced above or HB which I recently switched to here:
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...acing-E8T-evo3

I would try to stay away from the re-re's from Kyosho and Tamiya... old geometry is not worth it.

If you want to build something decent in the 1/10 range that is modern tech and good quality for a reasonable price, the I recommend PR Racing:
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...ng-SB401-TypeR

They have "sport" versions available for their kits too:
https://shop.thercproshop.com/pr-racing/pr-racing-kits

Key difference is the sport version has very few upgrades and the race version is loaded with aluminum and carbon upgrades... many people will buy a RTR, then spend more money on upgrades than they spent on the RTR initially... where if they bought the race grade in the first place they would've saved money... facepalm

Anyway, I'm getting ready to sell my 401R loaded with upgrades/spares soon... I recently switched sponsors over to HB Racing which is why I'm selling, it's a great chassis or you can buy a sport version to save money if 1/10 classes suit you better.

Jack Dunn

Well Bill , now you've certainly given me more options to consider.
Initially when I first started looking to get back into this I was looking for kits just because that was my past experience in the mid 90's. I built a TA truck and enjoyed that part of it a lot. .
Anyway thanks for taking the time for the detailed responses.
I'm going to take a closer look at the kits you recommended

collector1231

My Feedback: (1)

RTR or kit, you really can't go wrong! Anything on 6S is gonna be a little much for a beginner, but you can always dial back the throttle.

Jack Dunn

So I had the return authorization but decided to keep the Typhoon 6s
What the hell.
It looks awesome.
Battery’s and charger due in tomorrow or Saturday.
Bought one 4s and one 6s.
Appreciate all the input.
Just discovered the Arrman forum and lots of info there as well.
I’ll be back!