Radio Controlled Cars - opinions on best place to purchase

Forums › Gadgets, robotics, home automation, electronics (including wearables) › Radio Controlled Cars - opinions on best place to purchase

E3xtc

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#281468 19-Feb-2021 14:01

Hello,

So after watching my 7yo's soul die while trying to continually have some fun with these horrible cheap cars (think KMart, Warehouse, Farmers etc), I am thinking of saying if he saves up half I will pay the rest for a decent one. Thinking budget of around $400-$450ish - so that he has to contribute about $200. He can drive my old school 4wd Tamiya Celica fine - https://www.tamiyaclub.com/car.asp?cid=125

We would want something that is off road capable (ie loves dirt and splashes)

Need to include all the kit - ie battery, radio, car.

I don't mind if the car needs assembly.

I like the look of something like the Traxxas Rustler (due to its water resistance and the ability to throttle the performance). https://www.hobbycity.nz/collections/traxxasrc/products/traxxas-37054-1-1-10-rustler-rtr-w-xl-5-esc-w-id-connector

Would like to try and get at least 15-20m runtime - but not sure that is even possible at this price point :\

Question is - what are peoples thoughts around where to get something from?

Any input/ideas/thoughts are appreciated.

Cheers

tehgerbil

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#2659795 19-Feb-2021 14:05

If you're willing to wait, I have bought RC devices from Bang good.com successfully, their warranty is very good (usually a partial/full refund) if there are any issues and you'll get much better value for money.

I'd also reccomend the RCsaylors on Youtube if you're into RC content, they're no BS reviewers who specialize in offroaders.

networkn

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#2659798 19-Feb-2021 14:22

Traxxas make really nice gear. I have a Brushless Slash 4WD unit. It's almost insanely tough, and it fair honks along (with 3S Batteries >100 KM/ph).

You do pay a bit of a premium, and some say they are over priced, but they have a massive community, their support is very good, and they are pretty well represented in NZ.

$400-500 is a fair bit to spend on a RC Car I'd say. You could consider a second hand one, or perhaps something a bit more modest, as whilst it's somewhat possible it could be a long term hobby, kids interests can change pretty quickly.

You may be limited to buying what you can actually get unless you are prepared to wait a while.

If it's a long term hobby thing, then I do think the unit you linked is a nice bit of kit.

askelon

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#2659810 19-Feb-2021 14:50

I buy my stuff from RCNZ and have found them really good at dealing with things. Bought a few cars off them over the years.

My previous set of radio gear I bought second hand off trademe with a few extra receivers. Just replaced it with a DumboRC X6 with a gyro receiver. Got it off Aliexpress. Took a while to turn up but was well priced and works well. I thought the gyro would make my Sakura FGX F1 RWD drivable. But nope. That things too insane!

xpd

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#2659880 19-Feb-2021 15:31

I've chatted with this guy a few times and his pricing is in line with anyone else for quality gear. https://www.rchobbies.co.nz/

I looked at buying a new RTR a while ago, everyone said "go brushless" - so I was lucky and picked up a 2nd hand Arrma Granite 3S for $450 on TM with heaps of spares.

It rockets along quite happily with stock gear etc, and 2S battery, putting a 3S will push it up to 80km+ and even more if I swap out gearing etc.

https://youtu.be/UmGZ4cRoqEA

I've been lazy and not got the thing back together yet after a repair, but want to before the crap weather arrives :)

Catch with the brushless cars/trucks though, is they can be thrashed quite hard (such as launched 30ft into the air off skate ramps etc), so if you go 2nd hand, have a good look at it.

I wasnt too bothered with mine as the guy supplied so much spare parts it wasnt funny.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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networkn

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#2659885 19-Feb-2021 15:45

Arma is the brand I was wracking my brain to recommend as a better value proposition. If I was buying my kid a RC I'd seriously consider that.

josephhinvest

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#2659888 19-Feb-2021 15:52

I was thinking back to my first RC Car, a Tamiya Grasshopper. So much fun. And LOOK AT THIS!. Looks awesome! Needs controller and stuff but I think it looks super cool.

Cheers,
Joseph

duckDecoy

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#2659889 19-Feb-2021 16:00

I know nothing about this topic, but my office mate bought both his sons a fuel powered one and never looked back. Basically as long as you've got fuel you've got fun. He never touched a battery one again.

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xpd

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#2659942 19-Feb-2021 18:06

Fuel ones require bit more t and c and are noisy little things :D

The new "retro" Tamiyas I havent seen up close yet, be interesting to see if theyre built as well as the originals. I had a Hornet.

Arrma are known for being tough units, can thrash them fairly well before parts to break/fail. My pick would be Arrma, followed by Traxxas then Tamiya.

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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E3xtc

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#2661102 22-Feb-2021 13:31

Cool - thanks for the input everyone. Have found an Aarma Granite Voltage 2WD truck that might fit the bill; entry level, good price (ie RTR just under $300), so looks like a bit of fun. Reviews seem to indicate its reasonably respectable, so a good entry.

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#2661105 22-Feb-2021 13:49

E3xtc:

Cool - thanks for the input everyone. Have found an Aarma Granite Voltage 2WD truck that might fit the bill; entry level, good price (ie RTR just under $300), so looks like a bit of fun. Reviews seem to indicate its reasonably respectable, so a good entry.

They're fun, just don't look at the 3S models, you'll be wanting one of those pretty quickly instead ;)

Where you located ? Always fun racing them around with others :)

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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networkn

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#2661108 22-Feb-2021 13:53

To be honest, I wouldn't bother with 3S unless the car is built to take them. I have a good Slash model, and when I moved from 2S to 3S, all sorts of things broke. The tolerances of the gear in a car probably aren't designed for 3S, unless it ships with 3S batteries. I'd say you are a good long way off that.

I am actually going to sell my 3S batteries as lots of stuff broke in my car at 3S, and I could barely keep it running. Spend the extra on a decent dual battery fast charger.

xpd

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#2661110 22-Feb-2021 14:13

Let me know if you decide to sell your batteries.....

Gavin / xpd / FastRaccoon / Geek of Coastguard New Zealand

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networkn

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#2661113 22-Feb-2021 14:20

I will be selling them, I just need to work out what's what beforehand. Bear in mind, they are HUGE, as I bought the largest capacity I could get my hands on.

You'd want to ensure you can secure them in your vehicle prior :)