Anyone here into RC cars?

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scuwp

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#143966 3-May-2014 10:34

An idea for sons 13th birthday. We see these fast 4x4 looking things with electric motors screaming around the parks sometimes. Go like the clappers, go anywhere type of things, and look like a lot of fun. But I know zip about this stuff.

Are there good/bad brands?
What should I be looking for?

Looking online prices range from $20 to $1000+

I am not looking to race or anything, just something to thrash around the park or that he can take to the beach for a bit of fun. But I don't want to buy a 'toy' either that wont last.

I was thinking maybe a couple-hundy would be enough to buy something that was a step above Toyworld? Or am I way off?

Any advice appreciated.

Cheers

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Networkn
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#1035903 3-May-2014 10:37

I recommend buying second hand and getting one that has spare parts and probably a few expensive upgrades. The new kits are "easier" but most of the fun for most people is that once the thrill of racing around with them is over, the thing that keeps the interest going is the "other" stuff.

My bug bear with my RC Control Car is the battery lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Coil

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#1035909 3-May-2014 10:45

http://www.hobbycity.co.nz/

scuwp

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#1035911 3-May-2014 10:47

networkn: I recommend buying second hand and getting one that has spare parts and probably a few expensive upgrades. The new kits are "easier" but most of the fun for most people is that once the thrill of racing around with them is over, the thing that keeps the interest going is the "other" stuff.

My bug bear with my RC Control Car is the battery lasts about 10-15 minutes.

Thanks. Yes was wondering about the batteries. Neighbor has a petrol one that screams up and down the footpath. I want to run the damn thing over!! Noisy, smelly and very annoying, hence my electric preference. I also recall messing about with RC planes as a young-un, the engines were a pita.

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networkn

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#1035912 3-May-2014 10:49

Also don't get carried away, they are easily damaged. I personally would budget 1/3 to another 1/2 on bits that will need to be replaced :)

surfisup1000

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#1035917 3-May-2014 11:00

Tamiya kitsets are good. We bought the hotshot II (i think) for my son.

Good way to learn about how gears work and stuff.

Although , from memory, the extra bits and pieces pushed the prices up quite a bit over the sticker price (remote control/speed controller etc). but ,still well within your budget.

toyonut

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#1035935 3-May-2014 11:46

What is your budget?
Something like traxxas is more expensive up front, but there is a great selection of spares from all over if needed.
http://www.traxxasmodels.co.nz/
I had a rustler and it was a good fun little car, Need to budget a bit on batteries though. Very tough and took a beating without breaking anything. Only managed to strip a gear when putting a bigger motor and tyres on it, but that was easily fixed as they did a steel gear set for it.
Also had a Losi LST2 which I wish I had never sold. Big gas cars are way fun.

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toyonut

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#1035947 3-May-2014 12:30

Sorry, just saw your other post with budget.
something small like the ECX in the hobbycity link from TimA is probably going to be the best bet.
http://www.bigsquidrc.com/review-ecx-ruckus-118-4wd-rtr-monster-truck/
http://www.hobbycity.co.nz/shop/RC+Cars/-+Electric/Off-road/ECX+118th/ECX+Ruckus+118+4WD+Monster+Truck+RTR.html
Decent step up from toy store stuff, but not going to cost the earth.

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tchart

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#1035951 3-May-2014 12:44

Yup I'd also recommend getting a Tamiya kit and build one yourself. Just so you know how they work etc. I wouldn't waste to much on hop up parts though as it's often cheaper to buy a new car.

I got a few of the high end Nikko ones to start with and then work up from there.

I have a Nitro one but prefer electric.

tchart

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#1035953 3-May-2014 12:47

While not the greatest looking car this is a cheap kit which will get you running with a decent spec rc car

https://touch.trademe.co.nz/listing/view/723785862

tchart

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#1035955 3-May-2014 12:51

Also this is a good cheap car. Goes like the clappers
http://www.nikko.eu/products/panther

A few of the bigger toy world's stock them.

BTW check out Jaycar too they have some decent ones

networkn

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#1035956 3-May-2014 12:51

tchart: Yup I'd also recommend getting a Tamiya kit and build one yourself. Just so you know how they work etc. I wouldn't waste to much on hop up parts though as it's often cheaper to buy a new car.

I got a few of the high end Nikko ones to start with and then work up from there.

I have a Nitro one but prefer electric.

Actually I agree with the idea of kit set if you are even remotely interested, it's a great bonding thing to do with your Son!

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scuwp

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#1035963 3-May-2014 13:28

Some good places to start. That Big Squid looks the sort of thing I have seen, but also like the idea of the kit and the learning that will come from that. Will check out the links. Thanks!

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russelo

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#1036709 5-May-2014 07:01

I have a traxxas summit I bought from the US.
A tough truck that can go any terrain...water, mud, hills.
They're a bit big at 1:10 scale but lots of fun compared to the 1:16 model.

If you want your son to have fun bashing around in any terrain with speeds up to 65+mph, I'd recommend getting the new waterproof brushless that traxxas released:
Traxxas E-Maxx
or
Traxxas E-Revo

Just make sure you buy extra high capacity LiPo battery.
I got 7500mAh LiPo and haven't run it flat in one run...would probably last 2 hours.

Check if Hobbycity has them in stock, otherwise you can always buy from the US which could save you a couple hundred bucks.

josephhinvest

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#1036714 5-May-2014 07:33

I've had perhaps 7 RC cars over the years, all battery powered except the last one which was a gas powered Tamiya TG-10. This one has been by far the most fun for me. Noisy, smelly, smoky, all those good things. I upgraded it to a two speed gearbox and the thing screamed along. Awesome fun. I must get it out and going again, it's been a few years since it was used last.
Advantages of gas powered IMHO, longer driving times. Just refuel and carry on. FAST. Noisy, dirty and smelly. I consider these pros :).
Cons - no reverse gear.

Cheers,
Joseph

mrdrifter

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#1036736 5-May-2014 09:04

If your happy to import I would recommend either http://www.amain.com/ for genuine gear from the US or http://hobbyking.com/ for direct from Asia.

Generally the 1/10 scale is probably a good place to start and most have parts available easily.

If you're after something simple to start with on-road the Tamiya 1/10 scale mini is where a number of the competitive racers start out and these can be upgraded easily for blasting around.

Off-road again 1/10, something along the lines of the Traxxis, Losi, Kyosho - these are all of a quality that people actually use to compete.

My Losi has taken a hammering multiple times and still goes, but spare parts are essential.

Personally I would ensure it is a 2.4Ghz radio system which can be had for cheap if starting a kit from scratch http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__23165__Turnigy_GTX3_AFHDS_2_4ghz_3_Channel_Radio_System.html

Indoor use, something along the lines of a Losi Mini or Micro T in 1/18 or 1/36 scale can be fun.

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