Help a newbie buy his first RC car please.
04-10-2016, 03:58 AM
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Help a newbie buy his first RC car please.
I'm looking to get into Electric RC cars, (buggy looks coolest).
But as soon as I looked on webshops, the amount of them simply overwhelmed me.
I've read about some of the basic things so I think I know what I want, I live nearby some grass and stone walkways, so I thought a buggy would be best since it can drive on both?
Can you recommend me one? I would like it to be easy to maintain (if its possible as I have no tech skills) The more durable the better. My budget is around 300 euro/dollar
Thank you in advance!
edit: change of plans, I will mainly be driving on stone walkways/road, and bicycle paths.
Image of terrain:
But as soon as I looked on webshops, the amount of them simply overwhelmed me.
I've read about some of the basic things so I think I know what I want, I live nearby some grass and stone walkways, so I thought a buggy would be best since it can drive on both?
Can you recommend me one? I would like it to be easy to maintain (if its possible as I have no tech skills) The more durable the better. My budget is around 300 euro/dollar
Thank you in advance!
edit: change of plans, I will mainly be driving on stone walkways/road, and bicycle paths.
Image of terrain:
Last edited by Kels; 04-10-2016 at 10:28 AM.
04-10-2016, 07:17 AM
#2
Thanks for the picture of the terrain, that helps a lot! Welcome to the boards, Kels.
I wouldn't recommend a buggy, actually. Even tho that grass looks pretty short and tight, buggies have very low ground clearance. And unless you got a 4wd buggy, 2wd is just not a good idea on grass, unless the wheels are bigger and the ground clearance higher. You see, drag, like grass tends to impart, causes the motor to work harder and get hotter. Heat isn't good. Not to say they don't get pretty warm normally, but you don't want to over heat them. (An infra-red "no-touch" thermometer is an essential tool)
Question: is that $300 budget just for the car, or will you have to spread it out over all the other stuff you'll need, too?
Don't forget, you'll need some tools, a decent charger, and at least one other battery. (The battery and charger that come with most RTRs are short on run time and long on charge time)
As for the car suggestion, I'd look at Arrma. The low end models are very affordable brushed motor ones that retail well under $200. The brushless motor models go for under $300. I'd suggest the Vorteks Stadium Truck or the Granite Monster Truck. Although the Raider buggy is good too.
Brushless motors and Lipo batteries are the modern version of brushed motors and NiMh batteries. Brushed motor models are cheaper because the motors do wear out and need replacing. Brushless motors don't wear out, and Lipo batteries deliver more power than NiMh packs. Brushless motors are also more powerful than same-sized brushed cans.
I wouldn't recommend a buggy, actually. Even tho that grass looks pretty short and tight, buggies have very low ground clearance. And unless you got a 4wd buggy, 2wd is just not a good idea on grass, unless the wheels are bigger and the ground clearance higher. You see, drag, like grass tends to impart, causes the motor to work harder and get hotter. Heat isn't good. Not to say they don't get pretty warm normally, but you don't want to over heat them. (An infra-red "no-touch" thermometer is an essential tool)
Question: is that $300 budget just for the car, or will you have to spread it out over all the other stuff you'll need, too?
Don't forget, you'll need some tools, a decent charger, and at least one other battery. (The battery and charger that come with most RTRs are short on run time and long on charge time)
As for the car suggestion, I'd look at Arrma. The low end models are very affordable brushed motor ones that retail well under $200. The brushless motor models go for under $300. I'd suggest the Vorteks Stadium Truck or the Granite Monster Truck. Although the Raider buggy is good too.
Brushless motors and Lipo batteries are the modern version of brushed motors and NiMh batteries. Brushed motor models are cheaper because the motors do wear out and need replacing. Brushless motors don't wear out, and Lipo batteries deliver more power than NiMh packs. Brushless motors are also more powerful than same-sized brushed cans.
04-10-2016, 07:31 AM
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Thanks for the picture of the terrain, that helps a lot! Welcome to the boards, Kels.
I wouldn't recommend a buggy, actually. Even tho that grass looks pretty short and tight, buggies have very low ground clearance. And unless you got a 4wd buggy, 2wd is just not a good idea on grass, unless the wheels are bigger and the ground clearance higher. You see, drag, like grass tends to impart, causes the motor to work harder and get hotter. Heat isn't good. Not to say they don't get pretty warm normally, but you don't want to over heat them. (An infra-red "no-touch" thermometer is an essential tool)
Question: is that $300 budget just for the car, or will you have to spread it out over all the other stuff you'll need, too?
Don't forget, you'll need some tools, a decent charger, and at least one other battery. (The battery and charger that come with most RTRs are short on run time and long on charge time)
As for the car suggestion, I'd look at Arrma. The low end models are very affordable brushed motor ones that retail well under $200. The brushless motor models go for under $300. I'd suggest the Vorteks Stadium Truck or the Granite Monster Truck. Although the Raider buggy is good too.
Brushless motors and Lipo batteries are the modern version of brushed motors and NiMh batteries. Brushed motor models are cheaper because the motors do wear out and need replacing. Brushless motors don't wear out, and Lipo batteries deliver more power than NiMh packs. Brushless motors are also more powerful than same-sized brushed cans.
I wouldn't recommend a buggy, actually. Even tho that grass looks pretty short and tight, buggies have very low ground clearance. And unless you got a 4wd buggy, 2wd is just not a good idea on grass, unless the wheels are bigger and the ground clearance higher. You see, drag, like grass tends to impart, causes the motor to work harder and get hotter. Heat isn't good. Not to say they don't get pretty warm normally, but you don't want to over heat them. (An infra-red "no-touch" thermometer is an essential tool)
Question: is that $300 budget just for the car, or will you have to spread it out over all the other stuff you'll need, too?
Don't forget, you'll need some tools, a decent charger, and at least one other battery. (The battery and charger that come with most RTRs are short on run time and long on charge time)
As for the car suggestion, I'd look at Arrma. The low end models are very affordable brushed motor ones that retail well under $200. The brushless motor models go for under $300. I'd suggest the Vorteks Stadium Truck or the Granite Monster Truck. Although the Raider buggy is good too.
Brushless motors and Lipo batteries are the modern version of brushed motors and NiMh batteries. Brushed motor models are cheaper because the motors do wear out and need replacing. Brushless motors don't wear out, and Lipo batteries deliver more power than NiMh packs. Brushless motors are also more powerful than same-sized brushed cans.
I absolutely agree with all of this. 1/10 buggies are too low to be run on grass. A short course truck or monster truck would be best for running on that terrain. I also suggest looking at ECX and Traxxas models in that class. Also, LiPO shipping regulations now state you cannot ship overseas with LiPOs, so it seems Hobbyking is your only real option for batteries. Not great, but it'll work.
ECX Ruckus; http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...ls?ie=UTF8&me=
Battery; http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...case_Pack.html
Charger; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...attery-charger
Adapter; http://www.atomikrc.com/collections/...lipo-batteries
Last edited by collector1231; 04-10-2016 at 07:54 AM.
04-10-2016, 07:48 AM
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Thanks for the picture of the terrain, that helps a lot! Welcome to the boards, Kels.
I wouldn't recommend a buggy, actually. Even tho that grass looks pretty short and tight, buggies have very low ground clearance. And unless you got a 4wd buggy, 2wd is just not a good idea on grass, unless the wheels are bigger and the ground clearance higher. You see, drag, like grass tends to impart, causes the motor to work harder and get hotter. Heat isn't good. Not to say they don't get pretty warm normally, but you don't want to over heat them. (An infra-red "no-touch" thermometer is an essential tool)
Question: is that $300 budget just for the car, or will you have to spread it out over all the other stuff you'll need, too?
Don't forget, you'll need some tools, a decent charger, and at least one other battery. (The battery and charger that come with most RTRs are short on run time and long on charge time) .
I wouldn't recommend a buggy, actually. Even tho that grass looks pretty short and tight, buggies have very low ground clearance. And unless you got a 4wd buggy, 2wd is just not a good idea on grass, unless the wheels are bigger and the ground clearance higher. You see, drag, like grass tends to impart, causes the motor to work harder and get hotter. Heat isn't good. Not to say they don't get pretty warm normally, but you don't want to over heat them. (An infra-red "no-touch" thermometer is an essential tool)
Question: is that $300 budget just for the car, or will you have to spread it out over all the other stuff you'll need, too?
Don't forget, you'll need some tools, a decent charger, and at least one other battery. (The battery and charger that come with most RTRs are short on run time and long on charge time) .
Budget wise it depends on what I will require for extra things besides the car, If I had a car for 250 and 100 for some other equipment, that would be fine. (Just an example)
I read good things about Traxxas. Arrma, Kyoko, ECX. Are there more brands I can look at?
edit: Found this (sale), is it any good? https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-vorteks-b...auw-actie.html
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...rtr-blauw.html
Last edited by Kels; 04-10-2016 at 07:59 AM.
04-10-2016, 07:54 AM
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Look wise, I favor the buggy, are there exceptions that would do well in on this terrain (I will also be driving on pavement road)
Budget wise it depends on what I will require for extra things besides the car, If I had a car for 250 and 100 for some other equipment, that would be fine. (Just an example)
I read good things about Traxxas. Arrma, Kyoko, ECX. Are there more brands I can look at?
edit: Found this (sale), is it any good? https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-vorteks-b...auw-actie.html
Budget wise it depends on what I will require for extra things besides the car, If I had a car for 250 and 100 for some other equipment, that would be fine. (Just an example)
I read good things about Traxxas. Arrma, Kyoko, ECX. Are there more brands I can look at?
edit: Found this (sale), is it any good? https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-vorteks-b...auw-actie.html
04-10-2016, 07:59 AM
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04-10-2016, 08:21 AM
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How about this one? https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...rtr-blauw.html
04-10-2016, 08:42 AM
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Thanks for the quick reply, 1 thing I forgot to mention is that there are a ton of biking trails which look awesome to drive on. Do you have any recommendations?
04-10-2016, 02:12 PM
#9
Yeah, the Vortex would do better on the short grass than the Raider buggy. Especially since the Vortex model linked is a brushless model. It's basically the same kind of truck I started with. It's a Stadium Truck, btw, not technically a Truggy. A Truggy is a 4wd buggy with bigger tires and a larger lexan body. I personally prefer a Stadium Truck over a buggy, because that lexan body protects the otherwise unprotected shock tower and top of the shocks on the buggy. But that's just me.
That Vortex is not a bad deal since you also get a pretty decent 4000mah Lipo with Deans too. (A lot of times they're 3000 or less) The charger that comes with it will likely be sloooww. So one of the above listed 80Watt chargers for around $60 would be affordable to you and charge that lipo in 30min instead of 2hrs plus on the wall-wart charger.
I know you prefer the buggy look, but I second the Short Course Truck suggestion. I find they tend to right themselves if they roll or tumble, which keeps you from having to make the "walk of shame".
It will do better on your grass area than the Stadium Truck.
I do notice trees and other possible obstacles that could cause damage if hit at speed.
Find some small 20cm-high orange safety cones at a sporting goods store and some cheap sleeping mat foam. Put some cones around a tree, and a 20cm-high 1.5M long strip of foam around the cones. Voila'! Crash barrier. Saved me many many times and lots of money.
Oh and whatever you get, get a good front and rear bumper set from T-Bone Racing or RPM. The "bumpers" if any on most RTRs are cosmetic and do little to actually protect your investment.
That Vortex is not a bad deal since you also get a pretty decent 4000mah Lipo with Deans too. (A lot of times they're 3000 or less) The charger that comes with it will likely be sloooww. So one of the above listed 80Watt chargers for around $60 would be affordable to you and charge that lipo in 30min instead of 2hrs plus on the wall-wart charger.
I know you prefer the buggy look, but I second the Short Course Truck suggestion. I find they tend to right themselves if they roll or tumble, which keeps you from having to make the "walk of shame".
It will do better on your grass area than the Stadium Truck.I do notice trees and other possible obstacles that could cause damage if hit at speed.
Find some small 20cm-high orange safety cones at a sporting goods store and some cheap sleeping mat foam. Put some cones around a tree, and a 20cm-high 1.5M long strip of foam around the cones. Voila'! Crash barrier. Saved me many many times and lots of money.
Oh and whatever you get, get a good front and rear bumper set from T-Bone Racing or RPM. The "bumpers" if any on most RTRs are cosmetic and do little to actually protect your investment.
Last edited by EXT2Rob; 04-10-2016 at 02:26 PM.
04-11-2016, 01:59 AM
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I’ve done a lot of research on this. Here’s what I found:
http://www.swellrc.com/having-fun-wi...trol-car-kits/
I would suggest you a tamiya gravel hound with slightly larger tires so it looks like a buggy and trugggy combined.
This ones my owned and it has held up very well considering it has bigger wheels and brushless setup. I bought it couple of years ago and it was my first RC car ever + it was a kit and was extra fun to put together.
It has a brushless ezrun in it and rubber sealed bearings.
The tires are Pro-Line Dirt Hawg. I forgot the name for the rims. Everything else is stock.
http://www.swellrc.com/having-fun-wi...trol-car-kits/
I would suggest you a tamiya gravel hound with slightly larger tires so it looks like a buggy and trugggy combined.
This ones my owned and it has held up very well considering it has bigger wheels and brushless setup. I bought it couple of years ago and it was my first RC car ever + it was a kit and was extra fun to put together.
It has a brushless ezrun in it and rubber sealed bearings.
The tires are Pro-Line Dirt Hawg. I forgot the name for the rims. Everything else is stock.
04-11-2016, 02:54 AM
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I’ve done a lot of research on this. Here’s what I found:
http://www.swellrc.com/having-fun-wi...trol-car-kits/
I would suggest you a tamiya gravel hound with slightly larger tires so it looks like a buggy and trugggy combined.
http://www.swellrc.com/having-fun-wi...trol-car-kits/
I would suggest you a tamiya gravel hound with slightly larger tires so it looks like a buggy and trugggy combined.
I've given this a lot of thought and I will focus more on roads and stone walkways since it summer and kids will be playing soccer on the grass.
I'm thinking of going with the Arrma Raider, what is the difference between these 2 ? (car itself)
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...-rtr-rood.html
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...rtr-blauw.html
Or can you maybe talk me into buying the more expensive version? 1:8? (It even has lights..)
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-xl...rtr-groen.html
edit: Or: https://www.toprc.nl/traxxas-bandit-...buggy-rtr.html
edit 2: On arrma's website it says the Raider BLX is discontinued, is that a bad thing for replacement parts?
Last edited by Kels; 04-11-2016 at 03:32 AM.
04-11-2016, 03:24 AM
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04-11-2016, 07:26 AM
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That looks amazing, but it's not for sale anywhere in my country.
I've given this a lot of thought and I will focus more on roads and stone walkways since it summer and kids will be playing soccer on the grass.
I'm thinking of going with the Arrma Raider, what is the difference between these 2 ? (car itself)
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...-rtr-rood.html
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...rtr-blauw.html
Or can you maybe talk me into buying the more expensive version? 1:8? (It even has lights..)
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-xl...rtr-groen.html
edit: Or: https://www.toprc.nl/traxxas-bandit-...buggy-rtr.html
edit 2: On arrma's website it says the Raider BLX is discontinued, is that a bad thing for replacement parts?
I've given this a lot of thought and I will focus more on roads and stone walkways since it summer and kids will be playing soccer on the grass.
I'm thinking of going with the Arrma Raider, what is the difference between these 2 ? (car itself)
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...-rtr-rood.html
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-bl...rtr-blauw.html
Or can you maybe talk me into buying the more expensive version? 1:8? (It even has lights..)
https://www.toprc.nl/arrma-raider-xl...rtr-groen.html
edit: Or: https://www.toprc.nl/traxxas-bandit-...buggy-rtr.html
edit 2: On arrma's website it says the Raider BLX is discontinued, is that a bad thing for replacement parts?
Raider BLX discontinued?? Really!? That's surprising. Yeah, not a good sign for parts availability. I'd skip that one.
04-13-2016, 05:17 AM
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ya im trying to get a rc car i have been looking at a couple of arrma cars and i need to be looking in the five hundred dollar rage i am looking at the arrma kraton the arrma talion and the arrma typhon if some one could help me i need to know what one would be best for a bmx park to drive on and for hitting jumps please let me know thanks-Matt
04-13-2016, 07:34 AM
#17
I'd say the Kraton OR the Talion. The Typhon buggy.....I just don't like having those shock towers and shocks sticking out in front, too susceptible to damage. With the Truggies, at least you've got the lexan body covering them if you go for a lid slide.
Whichever you get, go to T-Bone Racing and pick up a front/rear bumper set. If you're gonna be bashing and jumping at a skate park, you're going to need the extra protection.
Whichever you get, go to T-Bone Racing and pick up a front/rear bumper set. If you're gonna be bashing and jumping at a skate park, you're going to need the extra protection.
