BoneYard

If you had $300 and wanted to buy your first nitro truck - what would you buy? This is for dirt track and jumps.

BIGUGLYSTICK

My Feedback: (12)

In all honesty, i'd browse the classifieds and buy a HPI Savage thats been well taken care of. Savage's are the best bang for your buck period! It'll take you from just backyard bashing to full blown racing with small modifications. Just my opinion. Buy what feels right to you and suits the purpose you have in mind for your driving style. The biggest thing is TO HAVE FUN!

BoneYard

I've wondered that part too. Something used off eBay/classifieds or a new car? I'm worried about getting a used truck and has problems.

This would be a Christmas gift for an 8yr old boy. He's driven an old RC10 around a little bit and now wants his own truck. Most his friends have older RC10's. Two have Savages. Also one has a buggy of some sort. One friend wants a Jato. Dad wants a Revo 3.3.

Mainly looking for best bang for buck. Since he wont have much $$ for upgrades and replacing broken parts. Something he will be able to start himself. Not too hard to drive. But he can handle them pretty well. We do have a dirt track w/jumps on our property. It's a pretty tight track, no high speed isn't much a factor.

ehroof

traxxas rustler, easy for him to start, very easy to get parts, not to complicated to fix, its a good first nitro car, got on for my 9yr old son, he is able to start an use it with out my help, i dont let him do it by himself though.

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

I have been looking to get a nitro truck for a little yard use and some track time. LHS suggested the Associated RC10GT2. Out of the box, the LHS guy who races a lot stated that nothing needs to be swapped out since it's built well. There are aftermarket parts, but it's very solid outta the box. Plus it's a kit form so you could build it with your son. Can get an engine for $100 roughly for $400 total. Over your stated budget but something he could grow into and be competitive. Just throwin' out there.

somegeek

46u

My Feedback: (3)

Look at this.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPAC9&P=0

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

46u - what is the difference between the Associated RC10 GT2 RS RTR and the Associated Factory Team RC10GT2 Kit Non-Pull Start besides the engine? Upgraded components on the Factory Team rig?

BoneYard

Yes. The RC10 GT2 is what I've had bookmarked...but for some reason haven't pulled the trigger to place the order. Maybe because it's not 4 wheel drive. But don't know if thats really important for an 8yr old and trying to stay in my $300 budget -- I don't have a lot of choices. I'm sure "HE" would be happy with any I bought for him.

Bombers_410

You might want to check out hpi's new truck the firestorm. Its similar to the rc10gt2 but looks a little bit beefier so it should take a little more punishment than the rc10gt

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXPVD8&P=0

http://www.hpiracing.com/index2.htm its called the firestorm rtr, its nitro 2wd Its a little bit cheaper than the rc10gt too, im not sure if it will be out by Christmas or not.

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

Seems like that rig is something he can grow with.

I haven't raced in about 17 years... is 4wd an issue on the track rules/performance-wise? The LHS guy said you see a ton of RC10GT2s at the track - gotta say something about their performance/value.

somegeek

chrobar

I don't think that the RC10GT2 would be a good truck to start out with IMO. A good one to start out with would be the traxxas nitro sport SE or the rustler. The RC10GT2 is a great truck but it is more geared to racing and serious competition. It's also alot more expensive to buy a kit because you will need to buy an engine, and electronics, bringing you to aroung $250 just for what i've stated. The Nitro Sport goes aroung $220 and the rustler is $300.

46u

My Feedback: (3)

If you are going to race some places will not let a 4 wheel drive run in the stadium truck class. Some places put them in with buggies or monster trucks and the 4-wheel drive stadium does not have much of a chance.

I have a HPI MT for many years it use to be a MT 1 but now is up graded to MT 1 ¾ and at our local track they let me run with all the other nitro and electric stadium trucks. All so 4-wheel drive handles so much BETTER and will go places a 2 wheel only wishes it could go.

Yes the Firestorm looks like it is going to be a very good truck. I am not big on Traxxas.

BoneYard

What makes the RC10GT2 not a good "first truck"? He's been driving a while......using an old RC10 (just never had his OWN truck). So thought it might be an easy switch. And found the RTR for $280. But if there is something better - I want to know! I don't want him to outgrow it too fast.

Bombers_410

I heard that the rc10gt motors are the most reliable rtr engines on the market.

puppykicker199

soo ive been drivinig now for a couple years and ive had more cars than most people would in their lives

basically what im saying is reaserch hard buy one and make it your baby