241comp

I'm a newbie to RC. Well, I'm actually a newbie to fast RC - I've had about a dozen electric cars/trucks all of which were under $150 and were slow (fastest 2 can do 19 mph) compared to these nitro buggys. I'm a decent driver. I'll be driving on grass, snow, asphalt, gravel, and dirt tracks. I'm not planning on competition but I'd like something pretty nice. I'm also looking for something durable and that my wife can drive (she's pretty good with my electrics @ 3/4 throttle).

I think a buggy (4wd prefered) will be the best choice for stability and universal traction - is this right? I want something that is RTR or is a full kit with everything I need to build it. I want to stay under $400. Here's what I am looking at right now - maybe some of you can tell me whether I'm on the right track. Thanks!

XTM X-Terminator RTR
Kyosho Inferno MP-7.5 Sports (a little expensive)
Ofna Ultra LX Pro RTR
DuraTrax Axis Buggy
HPI Nitro MT 4x4

KyleSch

Remember that any kit you get will not come with a radio, and thats about another 100$, I would suggest an Nitro MT just because it sounds like you are inexperienced with real RC and it can be a big jump. The MT is really a 4wd stadium truck, not a buggy but its going to be cheaper, easier to maintain, and easier to fix. Also HPI is a very popular brand so its very likely your LHS carries parts for them. So I would go with that, if your new to nitro.

WhiskyVR-4

I've been looking at that XTM buggy a lot recently. There is a Hobby People right down the street from me, so that makes it easy to get the buggy and the parts, but it just seems like a pretty good deal for what it is. The only problem is that its an RTR so it comes with that POS transmitter (throw that in the box with all of the other crappy Tx's I have).

In any case, I cannot imagine having an 1/8th scale buggy and being unhappy. I just can't see it, there's nothing it won't do.

KyleSch

Whisky, Kyosho has a new MP 7.5 Sport thats RTR for only 450 on tower after discounts, maybe you should look into that?

If/when I get a buggy it will most likely be that (7.5 Sport), or if I want to race I'll pick of a mugen MBX which is about 420 + a radio and engine.

Stingray

My Feedback: (1)

I'm also trying to decide on a RTR buggy. I've narrowed my choices down to the HB Lightning Pro and the XTM X-Terminator. Not sure which one to get at this point. The HB Pro doesn't come with a radio(which is a good thing). The XTM does come with a radio, but an average one, and it's $100.00 more then the HB. These are both excellent RTR's, but companies are relatively new to the buggy market so I'm a bit hesitant.

rcharry-RCU

My Feedback: (1)

241comp, get the axis for bashing around.
and stingray get the hb

KyleSch

I wish all these buggies were not RTR!! Looking at the HB Buggy it looks decent enough, but I don't want that probably bad HB engine in there, or radio, and I like to build it!

DSA.308

My Feedback: (6)

I would suggest stretching to $550 and get a Storm GS for the whole package deal. It comes RTR with a AWESOME JR radio, and the chassis is the best entry-level bordering on full race worthy with a few minor upgrades. So many of the RTR'S come with garbage radios/recievers/servos- the storm doesn't, and it isn't but $150 more than you are spending for lesser car and a lesser radio too. Spend the 150 you will be right up against the best that is made for 1/2 the price.

Trust me I know...I have almost $1,800.00 in my Mugen MBX-XR Works.

WhiskyVR-4

Well Todd, I think you sold me. Now if I can find someone to buy my RC10GT, I'll pick up a GS Storm. Anyone want a nice GT? I'll even give you the radio and all of the electrics, ready to race, as they say.

eltorito

I just bought my first nitro. I got the Ofna Hyper 7 PBS RTR. The radio that came with it is junk So I pulled the radio and all electronics and my LHS gave $70 credit towards the purchase of a JR XS3. All in all I paid $500 for the car and $120 for the Radio, I think I got a pretty good deal. I will be breaking the engine in today. I think it is a nice car. One thing you must keep in mind is that even if the box says that it's RTR you should go thru the car and make sure everything is in place. Speaking from experience.

KyleSch

Todd, how is the engine on the Storm? The kit is 430 dollars and I like to build them anyway, but if the engine that comes with it is decent its probably worth the money I would save getting the RTR.

DSA.308

My Feedback: (6)

Kyle they sell the Storm GS in a kit with JR radio for 430? HOLLY SMOKES! Tell me where you found that please...The engine is the storm is fine for breaking the buggy in, the thing to keep in mind with the Storm, is it is made by General Silcones which makes the Torsen Differentials for FIORONI. These are some of the BEST parts and most technical available for the 1/8 buggys. So I guess my point is this- everything on the Storm is of excellent quality, they didnt really scrimp on anything- thats what makes the Storm GS so unique in its price bracket, there is nothing that can touch it except the big dogs, and they cost DOUBLE.

carnuts

Todd is right. I got the Storm, threw in some Fioroni stuff (stiffeners, bulkhead brace, titanium suspension arm holders etc..) Diff oils, lowered the wing, variety of tires, Pro shock towers, receiver pack, locktited the heck out of everything, then dialed in the shocks (oils), preloads, shock angles, And I can run with basically anything. Even with the stock motor and better pipe. The motor is tuned to the limit, but makes pretty decent power though. Running like 280 degrees. When it blows up, Oh well! LOL I think on dry dusty days, having less power makes it easier for me to drive, and more controllable, because it is tricky getting the power to the dirt.
Driving is the key at this point, and when I don't cRaCk under the pressure, I can hang with the best cars/drivers.
I have broken a few little things, but that was my fault not the buggy. It is WAY stronger than I figured on.

DSA.308

My Feedback: (6)

did you get the kit or RTR?

carnuts

I went with the RTR. Needed that immediate gratification thing
Have had lots of fun tinkering on it though.

DSA.308

My Feedback: (6)

Can I ask how much you paid and where you got it? I have seen a RTR Storm GS and they really look like someone actually took the time to assemble it pretty good. How do you like the JR radio, is it the xr3?

Yes, it is ultimately up to the owner to be sure every last fastener is Lock-tightened, you will figure out real quick which ones you forgot to do, but by then its too late- because the fastener is already lost.

DSA.308

My Feedback: (6)

Ok I just did my homework on the kit VS the RTR Storm. The RTR is a much better value because: the kit doesn't come with the following: engine, pipe, wheels, tires, or any radio. The 175 more for the JR radio, engine, pipe, wheels, tires, is a HUGE value. to buy all this would easily exceed 200$ and that would be very cheap stuff too, probably not nearly as nice as the stuff the GS comes with. I like kits better myself, but I think the RTR is the better choice, just go over the construction with a fine tooth comb, and it should be fine.

kyokai2

If your serious about getting into 1/8 buggys you might want to wait and save up some cash to get a high quality, well built machine. For 400 you are getting the middle of the road quality and for a little more you can get high quality. Anyway, for what you want to spend the Hyper 7 RTR is around 350-400$ and its a decent rig, better than the Storm IMO. The inferno 7.5 may be a little more expensive but well worth it, top quality and excellant handling.

nitroman88

My Feedback: (5)

You dont have to get a 175 dollar radio. you can get some fairly nice ones for 100. heck for 175 you can buy a lynx 3d computer radio, but the lynx wouldnt come with servos.

packfan88

My Feedback: (2)

check this out .....ebay has the inferno 7.5 sport /w gs.21

for $330 +$65 shipping (from hong kong.)

even with all of tower hobbies discounts it still comes to
$422.38 shipped.

question about the xs3 and the servos that come with it......will they do the job pulling this thing around?
is that an instant upgrade or will i survive with them until i can afford others.

DSA.308

My Feedback: (6)

Nitroman88 the $175 is not JUST a radio. It is: Radio,2 servos, engine, pipe, wheels, AND tires!

tell me, where you can buy all that for $175?

eltorito

Just a heads up to all of you. Do not buy the 7.5 sport coming from Hong Kong off of ebay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I won an auction for the 7.5 sport rtr package and the dude selling has been a pain in the behind. He stalled for more than 14 days after I sent payment. I guess he was planning to stiff me and keep the money. But he didn't count on the simple fact that I paid using my credit card via paypal! So all it took was a nasty complaint to paypal and his account is locked. Also my credit card company refunded me with a credit to my account since I disputed the charges and they will get paid by paypal. Hahaha.
So i went and got the Hyper 7. Just a word of caution for you all. Learn from my mistakes!

241comp

Thanks for all the advice so far! From what I've read it seems people recommend the Hyper 7 PBS or the GS Storm. Here's my question: I don't plan on competitive racing and I want my wife to be able to drive it, so which one of those would be a better choice given that? Keep in mind that if it's breaking constantly my wife will not let me buy another. I need to make this a positive experience for both of us. Thanks!

nitroman88

My Feedback: (5)

I stand corrected.