Is the Redcat Ground Pounder Really That Bad?
 

I wanted to get back into RC monster trucks.


I found the Ground Pounder and thought it looked really cool. I also found that you can easily put clod buster wheels/tires on it, which made it even more appealing to me. I've read many reviews and they seem mixed. The video reviews all seem great, but I've read online that some people say parts break easy. Is this true? Can it really be that bad? I don't plan on jumping off 6 foot ramps. I just wanted to buzz around in dirt and fields.


I also found the Wheely King. I've seen that many people mod it quite a bit, but I don't like that it's 1/12 scale to start with and it requires a lot of modding just go get it to look fine with a 1/10 scale body. I also hate the "wheely" aspect. Not my thing. I've searched online and the "crawler kits" to extend the wheelbase are all long discontinued and there really isn't an easy way to extend it. It requires hunting for parts that I'm likely not going to find at my local hardware store in small town Nebraska.


Then, there's the tried and true stampede. I actually hate the way the stock body looks. First thing I would do is swap the body. I also don't love the smallish tire and wheel size. But, parts availability for this truck are unmatched.


Is the Redcat Ground Pounder really that bad? If so, then I guess I'm leaning toward the Stampede (2wd). I want to stay well under $300.

I know this one is hitting your budget!
But in my opinion if I was looking for a product ,I would try to get the better brand even if its alittle
more.
For around 300 bucks ,this to me would be more of a better deal! Also ,if tower hobbies carries this ,
they give out good coupon deals.

http://s20.postimg.org/4dmm4xgsd/image.jpg

Thanks for the reply and suggestion. The savage looks cool in it's own right, but I'm looking for more of an authentic monster truck look (for my kid who loves monster trucks). If I get into this hobby and want to get another one, then I might look into that.

Oh ,I see what your talking about ,a more realistic solid axle monster truck!

I went an seen what it was ,an I admit ,I myself wouldn't mind having one ,an the price is right as well!
I say go for it!
Like you say ,your not going to do 6 ft jumps....:cool:

http://s20.postimg.org/goorghhkt/s_l2250_A3_R4_UEE.jpg

Well if you are staying well under and want the authentic monster truck look I would say the Traxxas Stampede/Craniak/Skully trucks are perfect. I am no expert and only know this from what I am told and I am researching these all for my first truck now too.

They are just over $200.00 for the Pede and the 2 oddballs are like $20.00 more due to the custom monster bodies which also fit the Pede. The Skully & Craniak trucks come stock with the traditional balloon terra tires too. You can get those tires for the Stampede too. They are 2WD but run like mad and are all great bashers from what I have read everywhere. The 4WD Stampede is just over $300.00 which is what I want for real 4WD for really getting over the silly stuff. But watch the vids on Traxxas' sight for these. The 2 WD beast do really run like mad.

I dont now how to post pics so here's links...

https://traxxas.com/products/models/...6054-1stampede

https://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/craniac

https://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/skully

Hope that helps.
Regards

Jimmy

PS... these videos of the monsters really shows what they are capable of.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IfAqoUkVPjk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY8jCEmj3ak

I have nothing but positive things to say about my Redcat, the Blackout xte pro, I too was a little hesitant about purchasing one with all the negative comments made about them but it turned out to be a great buy. Mine has been bullet proof, parts are readily available online and I ordered a bunch of spares but have yet to use them. I'm not exaggerating when I tell you it has withstood some insane abuse and bashing. I honestly have been shocked at how it has held up, it has been cart-wheeled end over end down the pavement at 40+ mph probably a dozen times along with high speed collisions with trees, curbs and a dumpster and all I've done is bent 1 dog bone and destroyed a few bodies although I have broke 2 different after market wheels due to hitting some massive jumps. After a few minor tweaks and upgrades it now performs awesome, when I take it to the track people are always surprised to find out it's a redcat. I even run 11.1v lipos in it and have not burned up the Hobbywing esc yet and let me tell you it runs!

How has your spur and pinion gears holding up?

I have 2 of them 1is my daughters and as long as you aren't beating the death out of them they are fine stock trucks.I have put metal drive shafts and axle braces on mine but have also added power and drive harder than my daughter...clod tires will add stress to the axles. M8ne still has stock gears my daughters I swtched to 32 pitch as an experiment.