Go Back  R/C Tech Forums > General Forums > Micro and Mini Scales
Adding a 3rd Mini to my stable, which one? >

Adding a 3rd Mini to my stable, which one?

Adding a 3rd Mini to my stable, which one?

Old 08-19-2010, 09:48 AM
  #1  
Tech Rookie
Thread Starter
 
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 19
Default Adding a 3rd Mini to my stable, which one?

Hi, everyone.

Recently got back into the hobby after a 5 year absence. I have always had a thing for smaller than 1/10 scale vehicles due to the space I have available to run in my apartment complex.

Right now I have a Losi Mini LST2 LE and a Traxxas 1/16 erevo VXL. They are both keepers in my book for different reasons. I am looking to add a third mini to my stable, but having some vacillation about which one.

This vehicle would be mostly for running in an underground parking garage for a 36 family apartment building and in dry seasons run outdoors on a paved parking lot. I have small ramps (6-12") that I have made for jumps. I have absolutely no intention to race.

My target points are as follows:
  • $250 out the door with 2 or 3 battery packs of a reasonable capacity - NiMH or LiPo is OK
  • Parts support readily available online and locally
  • Has to be able to handle parking lot debris (small stones and the like) without many hassles in the durability department.
  • Reasonably quick (faster than my MLST2 LE, but doesn't need to be as fast as my merv)
  • Halfway decent handling
  • Shaft driven 4WD (no belts for me, bad vibes from previous time in the hobby)
  • 2.4ghz preferred (I get BAD glitches on 27 MHz AM in my neighborhood, and why bother with 75 Mhz when 2.4 is out?)
  • Better quality than my Losi MLST2 LE (not going to strip servos or gears in the first week of ownership with moderate driving).

Here is what I have come up with, tell me if I am smoking anything and help me out.

Duratrax Vendetta Rally
Pros:
  • 2.4 Ghz
  • Parts support local and online
  • Good body options aftermarket
  • Probably the best on pavement
  • I can always get the RJ Speed Bodies for better looks

Cons:
  • Heard tires wear quickly on concrete/asphalt - $$$
  • Maybe not the best for jumping
  • Ugly stock body, that would have to get replaced
  • Have to buy new packs for the car, and not LiPo ready out of the box

Duratrax Vendetta SC
Pros:
  • 2.4 Ghz
  • Parts support local and online
  • Decent looks
  • Better than the 1/16 slash on pavement
  • Least expensive of the three

Cons:
  • Not as good looking as the 1/16 slash VXL
  • Have to buy new packs for the car, and not LiPo ready out of the box


Traxxas Slash 1/16 VXL
Pros:
  • Brushless
  • I don't have to buy packs since my MERV packs will fit
  • Parts support local and online
  • Best looking of the three
  • Waterproof (Snow outside anyone?)
  • LiPo ready out of the box
  • Most parts shared with my MERV

Cons:
  • Heard it was a handful to drive on pavement. Worst handling of the three
  • Most expensive of the three
  • To go 2.4, figure at least another $70
  • It's a MERV with shorter arms and a different body.

I really am having a hard time deciding. The 1/16 slash wins for speed, looks, and for parts simplicity (most shared with merv), but the handling issues worry me.

The SC seems to be the most balanced of the three, but then I think to myself that I already have two trucks, and so much want a car.

The Rally car is probably my favorite right now, but that body would have to go. I also have had plenty of touring / rally cars in the past and inevitably they have broken a belt or gotten ground gears due to pebbles.

Thoughts?

Last edited by mattgk; 08-19-2010 at 09:50 AM. Reason: fixed list code
mattgk is offline  
Old 08-19-2010, 09:55 AM
  #2  
Tech Master
iTrader: (103)
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: LaVergne, TN
Posts: 1,025
Trader Rating: 103 (100%+)
Default

I just bought a Ofna/HoBao Hyper Mini Ste and its a blast!! It takes 1/10 scale eletronics and is a 4 wheel drive powerhouse!!

But out of your list i would go with the Slash, but on the other hand youve got the revo, so you basicly got the Slash with extended control arms.
jrherald420 is offline  
Old 08-21-2010, 02:43 PM
  #3  
Tech Master
iTrader: (11)
 
Bermbuster's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Metro NYC
Posts: 1,871
Trader Rating: 11 (100%+)
Default

Get the Slash....
Me and my son have slashes and vendettas...
out of the box the slash is more durable.
To make a Vendetta bullet proof you will spend another $200 or so
metal cvds, ball diffs....and a better esc motor....like a novak mongoose...
Bermbuster is offline  
Old 08-26-2010, 10:53 PM
  #4  
Tech Addict
iTrader: (127)
 
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 506
Trader Rating: 127 (100%+)
Default

If you are interested in the used market you could look at the 1/18 scale RC18B or RC18T (not the RC18B2 or T2). It fits all of your specs but it's a little smaller than the three you've mentioned. With a brushless system they are blazing fast and highly maneuverable!
Ei8ht is offline  

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are Off


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.