I'm looking to buy a nitro stadium truck (I'm seriously considering the RC10GT and the Duratrax Evader) and I was just wondering whether a kit or RTR setup would be better. I am completely new to the hobby and just am looking for a car to bash around with a little bit for fun. I'm really interested in learning how the car works, so a kit would be ideal, but I don't know if I can afford it. I'm looking to spend between 3 and 400 dollars. I know I can get the RC10GT factory team kit for around $260, but then an engine and radio would be about another 200 at least. Let me know if anyone has any suggestions as to the advantages of kits or RTR's. I'm mainly focused on durability, potential for upgrading down the road, and ease of maintenance (from what I have seen on these forums, the RC10GT is great in all these categories).

Thanks for the help

It looks like you are in a helluva place. Your new and in order to know first hand how it works you shoud go with a kit. But RTRs are factory built so they will be put together without error. Both a kit and an RTR allow you to upgrade to better parts, which will improve the stength and durablitity. Maintainence doesnt really depend on kit or RTR, more on the vehicle model; however if YOU put it together you know where everything is. And for 300 bucks you can get a great kit or an RTR. Personally, I started with an RTR and I have no regrets. The choice is yours.

id say kit, they are actually fun to put together...[&:]

I'd say go with the Associated RTR. It will get you on the road quicker, allow you to learn both driving and how a truck is set up, its dependable, and has hopups easily available. Just by running a nitro you are going to get all the knowledge you want on how a car is put together. Nitro trucks are high maintenance and you'll have plenty of opportunity for taking it apart.

I'd go with what ever is the best buy. I like RTRs because they are inexpensive and, like the one I bought, come with good parts. Even though I enjoy putting together cars and trucks, you should always disassemble your RTR and put it back together so you know its built to meet your standards. Also this gives you a chance to threadlock everything. In my opinion, its a win win situation. If you go with an RTR, it will be cheaper plus you can get to know your truck but the downside is a lot of RTR's out there have crappy parts. If you go with a kit, you can also know your truck more easily (only requires assembly but if you choose an RTR, you should disassemble and reassemble everything) and also be able to put any engine/radio you want. Bad side is they can cost a fortune especially if you want a good engine and radio.

With the 2 trucks you mentioned, I fine the Evader to be the cheapest and also have good parts. The RC10GT also has good parts but is a kit. They have the RC10GT Plus RTR but I find the Evader to be a better RTR. The Evader has a .18 engine which is not legal for racing so if you plan on doing a lot of racing, the RC10GT would be better.

the first question is how mechanicly inclined are you?(hopefully better than my spelling) i would go for the kit because it would be alot better if you knew what your doing. but if you cant handle putting it together then a rtr would be better for you. i personally find it fun to put together a car with all of the parts i want. remember that a kit will cost you more than $400 though. are you new to rc, if so you may want to get a rtr, if not go for a kit.

also, if you have your mind set to the gt go for it, its a good truck, just ask about anyone that owns one. you should also look at the xxx nt before you make up your mind.

Get the Kit, not only is the truck far better, you learn how it works putting it together. When the truck breaks a part and it will if you run it hard, you will have a good idea of what to expect and what is broke when fixing it. The RTR rigs friends have had less quality selection of parts and the .15 is a POS.

Thanks guys.....it looks like I'll probably end up getting the RTR since I really can't spend 400 dollars on the kit. I think I'm pretty set on the GT just from all the good things I've been reading about it and because it's time tested. But another question...the parts on the RTR are worse than the parts on the kit? I know you said the engine is trash, but are the other parts more likely to break than those on the kit? also, what's the cheapest half decent radio kit that I could get if I was to get a kit? How about engine? Thanks for all the help guys.

rtrs are usually mostly plastic so they are stronger than graphite parts on a drake or factory team truck. if you get a kit youll easily spend over $500. you would be alot happier with a kit but a rtr will be less expencive and will be easier for a beginner car.

I think you should get a RTR

ericheller,
Plastic stronger than Graphite??? Really? So the Grahpite shock towers on the GT Factory Team kit aren't as strong as the plastic ones on the RTR?

yes although ive not noticed much of a difference plastic is stronger, heavier, and more flexible.

Thanks, I'm gonna pick up a RC10GT over spring break at my lhs next week. Thanks for the help.

I'm a little late in posting. I just ordered a RC10GT Factory Team Kit. I was going to go with the RTR, but decided to go for the kit since I could choose my own motor and radio. I also enjoy putting things together and this way I also know how truck is assembled when I go to work on it. I also didn't want to get the RTR and then turn around and have to buy $200 in hop ups. Just my $.02. See sig for current rig

Snyperx, how much did you pay for everything??? (Kit, radio, engine, the works)