RC for Kids
 

Hi,

I'm tired of getting the RC cars from toy stores that only last a week, so I thought a hobby car might be the way to go. I just want an entry level, but a tough car/truck for my 5 year old. I was thinking of either a Duratrax Evader EXT2 because it has the 1 year warranty on parts or the Traxxas Rustler or Stampede because they are waterproof. It will mostly be used around the property where there are lots of puddles (~ 4" deep) and I'm sure he'll hit one in the first week. It is mostly grass with a wooded area.

How sensitive would the Evader be to going through a 4" deep puddle? Are the Traxxas ones as durable?

Any suggestions are appreciated. I still have to talk my wife into it, so I need to keep the cost down.<br type="_moz" />

RE: RC for Kids
 

Take a look at the Traxxas Stampede. It is a great beginner's RC for kids and it can take a hell of a beating and keep coming back for more.

RE: RC for Kids
 

Don't you think that 5 years old is a little too young for a hobby-grade rc car?

RE: RC for Kids
 

That was my first thought, but doesn't it roll over too easy for kids?

RE: RC for Kids
 

I'm seriously begginning to think that this rc is not for your 5 year old kid, but for you.

Don't worry - I won't tell the wifey :) Come clean!!!!! I know it's not for your 5 y/o kid!!!

RE: RC for Kids
 

I just bought a Traxxas GraveDigger (Stampede) for my son (same age) for Christmas. I'm here to tell you this thing kicks ass. It actually handles very well. You have to very aggressive on pavement to flip it. Its quite fast, jumps very well and can take a good beating. I broke the motor in properly and cleaned it after the first 10 batteries........so far so good. Not to mention the drivetrain is built for Brushless power so if the need comes for an upgrade down the road its GTG.
You will have a blast with your son.

cheers

RE: RC for Kids
 

I just noticed you are from Nova Scotia as well so waterproof is important!

RE: RC for Kids
 

I bought my first rc car recently. A HPI E-Firestorm. And i have to say it is very good. Its nippy, durable, pretty cheap, waterproof, and you can make a lot of adjustments to pars on it. I would highly recommend it.

RE: RC for Kids
 

Other than the Traxxas models, are there any other water proof ones in the same price range? (Around $200)

RE: RC for Kids
 

Here is a video of my son bashing his Stampede. It is the one with the yellow/orange colored body.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0F-7PdVecrA[/youtube]

RE: RC for Kids
 

nice video t9

RE: RC for Kids
 

Look at the ARRMA line, they're about the same price and water proof as well

RE: RC for Kids
 

If I went with the Duratrax Evader, can it be upgraded to be waterproof? What would it need?

RE: RC for Kids
 

All electronics from the stampede or a waterproof receiver box and xl-5 and servo. All motors are waterproof.

RE: RC for Kids
 

Motors are not waterproof.

RE: RC for Kids
 

I think (for now anyway) I will go with the Stampede as it is a better fit for what my son will want to do with it (running around the yard through puddles and such).  Anyone know roughly how long the stock battery lasts?<div>
</div><div>Also a little off topic, but when you can get a 7.2v 5000mah NiMH for cheaper than the equivalent 7.4v LiPO, why would you use the latter?  Can you use the LiFe batteries with these as the voltages are significantly different.</div>

RE: RC for Kids
 

If you get the stampede with the xl-5 speed control it has a beginner mode
that limits it to about half speed.

RE: RC for Kids
 

I have the Stampede XL5 and it is well made. I love the waterproof reciever compartment and the waterproof ESC. If you get one of these buy eight 5X11X4 ball bearings for the axles. The transmission has ball bearings already. The bushings on the axles will wear out fast. i got mine from Great Hobbies in PEI.

RE: RC for Kids
 

I am getting roughly 20 + minutes out of the stock 8.4v 3000mah battery.

RE: RC for Kids
 

In what way? Last time i checked you break in motors in water. maybe the circuitry on a sensored cant take water, and giving the motor a dip into an ocean isnt good, its waterproof.
<br type="_moz" />

RE: RC for Kids
 

Hpi Blitz

RE: RC for Kids
 

Brushed Motors are all waterproof (its the stuff in the water that can wreck you motor such as salt) but brushless are not waterproof unless the manufacturer says so because they seal it or something. receivers and servos can be wateproofed by using a balloon but I'm not exactly sure what are the steps. Someone correct me if I'm wrong.<div>
</div><div>Doesn't the water wreck your ball bearings in your car?</div><div>
</div><div>I don't recommended to submerge the electronics completely in water even if they are waterproof. Maybe someone who owns waterproof electronics can chime in..</div>

RE: RC for Kids
 

<div style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; ">Quick question for any of you that have the Stampede.  I went to my lhs today and saw these things for the first time.  I didn't realize quite how big they were :D  When talking to the guys that work there they recommended against the stampede due to problems with the motors and esc burning out due to the extra load the large tires have and recommended I get a rustler instead.  How long do these motors last in the stampede vs how long would they last in the rustler.  My experience with toy class cars is the motors can last for years and years, but the body's never do.  I'm starting to think I might be biting off more than I meant to.  I'm also starting to consider the 1/16 cars ;)</div>

RE: RC for Kids
 

I am not sure about Rustler but I would think Stampede would be better on grass due to higher clearance and bigger tires. But in terms handling, Rustler is way better and it does not flip easily. (From a kid's perspective, this is a good thing). I would recommend a Traxxas Stampede since it's waterproof, higher clearance. As far as the motor/esc is concerned, just buy a smaller pinion gear to keep the load down and everything is all good from there.

as for 1/16th scale, they are not very good on grass and they are not much cheaper sometimes even more expensive. 1/16 Revo 4WD brushed cost more than a 1/10 Stampede 2WD.

RE: RC for Kids
 

good point, and i hear that the stampede is just amazing