So I'm in the market for an 1/8 e-buggy, I don't really want to go conversion route since there are plenty of buggies out there right now that were designed as e-buggies. Im looking for something decent but I dont really want to pay a fortune either.
Right now the Hot Bodies Ve8 looks like the best bang for the buck at ~$299 and has the option of running brakes or motor brakes plus I believe the slipperential will fit it.
The Ofna Hyper 9e also looks good and is a bit more money at around $499, but I dont think I can run the slipperential in it.
The brushless setup I'm thinking of running would be the MMP on 4s with a Tekin buggy motor.
Let me know what buggy you guys are running or what you would suggest.
Not really partial to Losi's personally, plus they are expsensive, I think the 8e race roller is like in the $750 range, and I certainly can't afford that. Thanks for the tip though, what is your second choice?
What I have read about the Ve8 is that its a good buggy especially for the price. A big complaint is the short battery tray, but I have a couple neu batteries that will fit.
Those 8ight-e 2.0's can be had for 650, but that comes w/ an esc and motor. Buy a 8ight 2.0 roller and convert yourself and save money or buy a tekno 2.0 kit and the rest on ebay and save even more if you wanted the losi.. I love mine and won't be changing for at least another year... at least.. If I didn't have a lot of spares and a full setup already for next year I would go for the Ve8 myself.. the battery tray is small but the hyperion cx packs fit perfect and are more than enough for a MMM combo or similar (4s 5k setup).
There are three things that I wouldn't be able to tolerate on the Ve8 if I had one. The fact that it has a plastic chassis, the fact that it has a the battery and motor on the same side, and the issue with the battery tray being small.
I like my 8ight because there are so many tuning options you can do to it that can't be done on other buggies. There's the smart diff, spool insert, and front one-way. You can also set it up for onroad using the proper spring rates and shock towers.
Not to mention that it is extremely reliable. My 8ight has been in my posession for over two years and it was bought used. Over the last 6 months i have raced it through about 40 qualifiers and 15 mains (including two 30 min mains) with just one dnf in a 6 minute qualifier, which wouldn't have happened if I was using the stock wheel axles.
Check out my custom converted 8ight:
Sub 7lb, lowest CG of any 1/8 buggy
I have a Hyper 9e and a converted Xray 808 and I can't decide which one I like better. They are both great, the Hyper is a bit more twitchy, which can be fun an the Xray is super smooth and light.
Thanks for all the inputs, I think im gonna grab one of the Ve8s for the price I can't beat it, plus Amain has 10% off, free shipping and a free t-shirt this weekend so I can get it shipped for $270.
Trying to run Nimh in an 1/8 application is asking for trouble. Pick yourself up a decent lipo pack like a Hyperion pack or if you are on a budget a zippy pack and you are all set.