badKarma

about to buy my girlfriend's son a first hobby grade off road buggy/truck...he is 7 years old and very intelligent and curious...of course I will be there to help and show him how to run it and also be there to fix/tune and get it back up and running when it breaks, but what do you guys suggest as a first vehicle and why? Thanks

bigjayjay1

iTrader: (86)

Traxxas they are simple made for your purchase.

badKarma

any particular vehicle??

kaiser

iTrader: (2)

why not get him something that he can learn from.....like a kit?

that way he can build it, with help if needed, and then know how to fix it and know how it works. he'll be more carefull with something he built himself.

that said, try a tamiya kit. something like a hornet or luchbox.
not sporty enough? then try a zahak or blackfoot 3.

y2kgtp

iTrader: (35)

My son has been driving a Stock Slash for 2+ years, and is 7 now. He also drives around my Slash 4x4 on 50% lately as his truck needs a motor.

I would say a brushless Slash 4x4 on 50% power is the same speed as a brushed slash on 100% power, both running a 7 cell battery.

(Traxxas speed controls you can cut the power by 50% for younger drivers)

I would also recommend the 2.4Ghz version of any vehicle for 3 reasons.

1) Far less interference or glitchiness. Turning on the truck first before the radio will not give you a runaway vehicle typically.

2) Only needs 4 AA batteries instead of 8 for the standard transmitter radio, and lasts longer. Transmitter is also lighter as well for kids.

3) Short stubby antenna on the transmitter. A 3 foot telescoping antenna will not last long with a younger child. They either swing it all over the place, or bend break it trying to put it away.

JMO....

badKarma

just thinking about an RTR for the first car, then move up to a kit for the next...

lowroad

iTrader: (79)

Stop.
HPI Blitz waterproof rtr. Nicer than a slash in every way, and easily just as durable. These are waterproof and include a 2.4ghz radio, battery and a charger for a hair over $200. I find the "legendary" traxxas durability highly over rated.

There are coupon codes to drop the price even more if you buy from here:

http://www.amainhobbies.com/product_...rce=google_ext

PVoelker

iTrader: (17)

Perfect Starter

y2kgtp

iTrader: (35)

Yeah, If I did not have 2 Slash's as it is, I would likely pick the Blitz over the Slash. Lower COG.

However now my 4yr old daughter wants a truck of her own (ans a pink body) I will likely just get another 2.4Ghz Slash to keep parts replacement easier.

However all he has ever broken in 2 years is a rear hub, and the motor finally died after 2+ hard years of abuse...

916bdogg

B4.1 +8mm = DIALED .

Timmahhh

iTrader: (15)

Awesome post! Almost spit out my food laughing though. Needs an sxx and Orion 6.5 to round out the package.

Most of the rtr short course trucks would work if he's not super serious about racing yet though.

sm_bailey77

iTrader: (1)

I let my soon to be wifes son have my xl5 rustler and he is 8. He has broken a few parts here and there and managed to kill the stock motor it came with but i just replaced it with an hpi 15t one. Just make sure whatever you go with, it has a good bumper on it! Kids love running into things.

mark in wi

I would check out the local hobby shop. If you break a part and you want/need to fix it quickly that would be a big factor what brand I would recommend. If you will have to order replacement parts I think any rtr short course would be durable and fast enough.

Mark

ASATRUGGYFAN

iTrader: (2)

ECX Torment

Cummins Driver

iTrader: (19)

Depending on the budget, there are several good ones

-Traxxas Rustler
-Traxxas Stampede
-Duratrax Evader EXT2
-Losi Desert Truck
-Slash
-Blitz
-RC10T4.1