New member looking for a head start
 

Hi, My name is mike and I am new to the RC-monster forums. I m a very good friend of ben(brushlessboy16) and he got me hooked into RC. After seeing what his truck can do, I really wanna start an RC hobby. I've had an xmod, but ben's truck puts it to shame. I want to get an electric car, but I don't know where to start. Can anybody offer some advice for what to get as a starter, or better yet, does anybody have some old equipment from when they started out?

What what size rc are you after and what type? 1/10? 1/8? Truck? Buggy?
If you are after 1/10 and just wanting to start off in the brushless world you could look at the Traxxas VXL lineup (Bandit, Stampede, Rustler) or look at the E-REVO and convert it to brushless. Also, what is your budget? Are you wanting to run Lipo batteries?

If I was just starting out, I'd get a rustler and put a sidewinder 4600 system in it. Maybe go with 3s lipo or 9 cell nimh. I've owned about 6 rustlers sofar, and they are very, very tough. You could also get a rustler VXL. I personally hate the esc, so that's why I didn't suggest it. Get new rear tyres though. They suck.

Welcome!!! I would also suggesting starting out w/ a 10 scale truck...such as a rustler or an associated

Rustler is a good choice, and the vxl is the best for a newb. Stock gearing with 3s should be all you will ever want! I would go with a pede, more fun IMO!

Finally mike, only after about a week of waiting for your account to be activated.. :D

Im talking to him on AIM, he just wants SOMETHING

he doesnt have funding for Bl and lipo at the moment, so that really limits it..

So then narrow it down to either on road or off road. If Off road, go with a used XL-5 Stampede (I agree with Linc - more fun, and runs good on dirt). If onroad, then run a Rustler or an RC-10. All three of these should be able to had for around 100 used.

If you want to step it up a little and go 4WD, find a used stock E-Maxx - should be able to find one for under 200, or one of those E-Savage. Batteries and the charger will cost you double what you'd spend on one of the others.

Personally, my hopped up Stampede was one of the funnest trucks I ever drove (until I converted my Revo!).

Welcome
 

Hey Mike welcome to the RCM gang. Just starting out can be challening for sure. If money is an issue, then something simple up front will have to do. I would suggest purchsing an RTR kit that has everything that you need to get out and have some fun like the E-Savage, E-Revo, or E-Maxx. If you don't have the $$$ then make sure you print up the vehicles you like and give the print out to your family for your birthday and Xmas list.

Once you learn the basics, then you can think about either upgrading your first R/C or even building your first project from scratch. Either way you will get hooked quickly and before you know it all of your money will be used to purchase hop ups or LIpo batteries. Good luck and have some fun.

The problem with the monster trucks is that you need 2 batteries to power them. If you are wanting a mt, best bet would probably be the stampede. Tower Hobbies have lowered the price on the XL5 vehicles.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...P?FVSEARCH=xl5

wow when did the XL-5s get a new body, i think they are lowering the price becasue of the updated models of them coming out (prolly with the better servo and water proof xl-5).........maybe tower isnt supposed to have this picture up?
http://www2.gpmd.com/imagel/t/ltrac14.jpg

What about the HPI E-Firestorm Brushless?

150 for a pede! That is a great deal. I bet I paid almost that for the old xl1 pede (my first hobby grade r/c) a few years back! Get that a a few decent (not venom) nimh packs and a peak charger and you will be set. See what you can find used on the charger, should be able to pick up a phrophet plus for 20 bucks, and maybe the same for some decent nimhs...

What's wrong with Venom packs?

Dont buy a Pede, its a gateway drug, that was my 1st brushless truck and ran it on nimh 7cells, sick fast at that, decided to try a 3s lipo :surprised: I now own 9 or 10 trucks that run a good 15+ if I fixed some. Just say no

They suck and are overpriced. At least get some ib cells or the ep cells that cheapbatterypacks sells. No need to go way over 4000mah, the 3600-3700 cells are cheaper...