party_wagon

iTrader: (29)

Ok guys, I am wondering what class will allow you to compete w/ the best of the best on a $450 budget w/ the current roar rules. This is the cost of a new nintendo, the competition of r/c. If you are going to put tires, parts, & race fees into the equation then I will put internet, games, & extra controllers into the equation. A top of the line nintendo w/ a top of the line game will set you back about $450. Now, who here believes that a $450 setup can compete w/ the best of the best on a $450 setup nib?

BullFrog

iTrader: (4)

What class ?And probably not ( if you never driven an RC car).

party_wagon

iTrader: (29)

Come on guys, can you not think of a class & setup that is popular where you can run w/ the big dogs for $450? I mean, why should someone invest $800 in an r/c car when they can get a nintendo for $450?

party_wagon

iTrader: (29)

Come on guys, can you not think of a class & setup that is popular where you can run w/ the big dogs for $450? I mean, why should someone invest $800 in an r/c car when they can get a nintendo for $450?

Greg Sharpe

iTrader: (15)

No.




But seriously, if you consider used equipment and run in a class where new tires, motors, and gizmos aren't being indiscriminatly thrown at the TQ/winning cars, you might not spend eternity on the couch. Try 1/12 at the smallest track you can find, or rubber BL TC on carpet.

jheimb4897

iTrader: (1)

Tamiya Mini Cooper is the best way to go if you are on a budget. May not be the fastest but it is the most fun. And people of all skill levels can enter and still run with the big dogs.

M-03-$90
-or-
M-03R- $145 (with all the hop-ups you'll ever need)
Orion 3200- $80 (keeping it Tamiya legal for this year)
LiPo charger- $50
Mid-range servo- $40
Radio and Rx- $90

You only need one battery if you are going LiPo, and this is a very fun class that takes the bare minimum to be competitive. You can buy the regular M-03, but after you realize that you need bearings which are the most essentail hop-up, front knuckles after you break a million (rear ones are included too in M-03R), and shocks you realize that the M-03R is wayyy worth the money.

That is how you run with the big dogs for under $400. I think that is the best you could ever do for that price with new equipment. Now if you were to go used, that opens up your possibilities. I could buy a crap load of stuff with $450 in used stuff. Most of my stuff is used, but I have gotten lucky because I know all of the people that I have bought from.

Caveat emptor, remember that.

Ferrarimk13

only thing i can think of is the HPI Sprint 2, or the cyclone S RTR, which are both under $450. Who plays nintendo? isnt that from the 80s and 90s? Even better would be to get into offroad, if possible, where you have the duratrax evader EXt for under 200, and you can put the other $250 in mods, and stuff.

jheimb4897

iTrader: (1)

But as soon as the 'bug' bites, you will spend 5 times that amount...

Marcos.J

iTrader: (239)

or as soon as you realize that you have the slowest car out there

Syber Serulean

iTrader: (28)

wow.

"why go outside and have a really fun, interactive, competitive hobby when you can get a video game system and sit around at home?"



Do some research online, dont be lazy. Team Magic E4JS (when its out) will be cheap and good, Cyclone S, Sprint 2, or a used TC3. Piranha Peak charger. A few matched team packs. A bulb discharger. $450 is a managable budget.

Mason

i'd wonder if the Trans-Am class is or you could expect the rebirth of Pro10 to be close also. how soon are you wanting in..

CREWMAN

iTrader: (20)

The onlt thing i think you can race with a 450 budget is a micro.

squarehead

iTrader: (75)

Not new, racing is always expensive. But used, you can build a very competitive Trans Am car for around $300, including electronics.

You just have to be resourceful.



Who would want to be able to compete at a high level of anything without realizing that money, time and effort will have to be used to get there?

Ed237

iTrader: (11)

How about this:

Any touring car you want so long as it weighs in at 1600 grams, stick pack batteries, and silver can 'johnson' motors with handout stick pack batteries.

That should keep costs and motor tuning down.

Syber Serulean

iTrader: (28)

Sprint 2 Sport RTR 189.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXSVU4&P=7

Matched 3800 stick packs, can be broken down to saddle or sideXside at a later time $45.99 x 3
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLFW9&P=7

Intellipeak Charger (4a max charge on AC, 6.5a on DC with a power supply you can get later) 54.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUF43&P=ML

OR

Piranha Peak (3a max on AC, 5a max on DC, no discharge function) 49.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXCLD5&P=ML

OR

Intellipeak Deluxe (suggested since it has a power supply, 6.5a charge rate, and 10a discharge) 74.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXUF45&P=ML

CO27 Pro stock motor 29.99 (you may opt for a better tuned version from Axiom, Banzai, or similar company, but they are based off this one and cost more)
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXLXT7&P=7

You may want to buy pinion gears for gearing options (stock pinion is 28 so i suggest getting 26,27,29,30).

Sorex 32r Premounted tires 31.99
http://www.speedtechrc.com/store/ebp...id=359&id=6413


Total (suggested route): ~$465.
Total (cheapest charger route): ~$440.
Total (Intellipeak Pulse charger): ~445.

The sprint 2 has many option parts available from HPI as well that you may look into later, or you can simply get a used RTR setup from ebay or here on Rctech to bring that price down.