Dagr

iTrader: (4)

Hey guys,

Just wanted to see if anyone had any opinions regarding a good starter buggy/truggy RTR for my son (who is 7). (Oh, and keep in mind that he's probably going to have to share with his little 4 year old brother on occasion, so durable = good ).

I run a HPI Vorza, and he's REALLY wanting something that can at least go similar places (he wants to participate, but I've been gun-shy about letting him get behind the wheel of my 4s/6s Vorza setup!).

He's doing great with my old HPI micro RS4, but a micro scale on-road and a 1/8th buggy don't really run well together.

Here's a list I've been making:
HPI Brama 1/10th 4wd
Duratrax Evader Buggy and/or Truggy
Circuit 1/10th Stadium Truck
Traxxas Bandit (starting to get expensive here)
E-Firestorm (again, starting to get pricey for a starter)
1/18th mini-T (too small?)
1/18th Duratrax Vendetta

Or... option 2: find a regular 1/10th buggy/truggy used on the boards or similar.

Thanks in advance for the opinions!

rcgod

iTrader: (33)

I'm surprised you left out a slash, either 2wd or 4wd. That would be my recommendation.

richvarner

iTrader: (50)

Used is always a good option for a starter. My nephew (who is 6) just started on a used stampede that is like new for $80 with a trickle charger and 2 nimh packs. Of course my brother in law also just bought a Blitz so he got a good charger and lipos as well.

Honestly, I would look for a used 2wd Slash. They are bullet proof and he can race in a kids or novice class because that is what most other kids start on. A new one might be better, but then you are getting close to spending 180.

Dagr

iTrader: (4)

Which is exactly why I didn't list the slash... frankly I thought it was a bit out of reach price wise for a first car. I do really like the vehicle though (and had the slash 4x4 on my short list when I bought my own buggy).

A used slash might work well for him... I'll have to keep my eye out for one.

jim_w

If you happen to be a club member at Tower, you can get him a Slash 2WD RTR with 2.4 Radio and 7 cell nimh for 200 bucks delivered.

Considering it may have to survive 2 "little people", it wouldn't be a bad investment. JMO!

Jim

Dagr

iTrader: (4)

Good point... Where do you go to get the tower discount (I am actually a club member... thought I'd give it a try a while back when ordering some oil/grease & tire glue -- though I havn't really used it much).

RacerMike42

iTrader: (1)

these Tower codes are good until Oct 31st

If Your Order Totals: YOU SAVE Use Ad#
$100.00 - $124.99 $15.00 011P1
$125.00 - $149.99 $20.00 011P2
$150.00 - $199.99 $25.00 011P3
$200.00 - $224.99 $35.00 011P4
$225.00 - $249.99 $40.00 011P5
$250.00 - $299.99 $50.00 011P6
$300.00 or more $60.00 011P7

blade329

iTrader: (114)

The best value you would actually be the Slash 2wd RTR. With it you get a battery, charger and 2.4gHz radio. It's tough as nails, parts are cheap and there are a ton of hop ups for it. You can get one cheap used if you look around.

ZiG-87

iTrader: (5)

Another +1 for the Slash. One more thing that I didn't see mentioned here, you can get the Slash with a 2.4 ghz radio. Little ones + AM radios often = bent antennas.

jim_w

Yep...just bump it from 249.99 by adding some spare front carriers or a bottle of shock oil or anything. You'll get 50 off instead of 40.

Reubster24

iTrader: (37)

If I had a 7 year old son i would get a refurbished T4.1 $164 or B4.1 $160. They are RTR and all you would have to get is batteries and charger. They are pretty strong and parts are cheap. Heres the link
order.aeteam.net/Products.asp?categorycode=8000.1KIT&pg=2\
You can also get there 1/18th scale stuff for real cheap.

Ostach24

iTrader: (104)

T4 b4 and others in the class will break easier than a 8buggy/truggy, but sc is very durable, keep that in mind. If you go with a stadium truck or buggy yo will be replacing a lot of arms and such.

blade329

iTrader: (114)

Great cars, but are too fragile for a young kid. That's why SCT's are the better choice. More durable.

SocalSnakeEyes

iTrader: (6)

I would like in to the Duratraxs or the AE cars. Both have been around for sometime now and both have a great parts backing.

Dagr

iTrader: (4)

Not to completely de-rail this thread (lots of great feeback so far, thanks!)... but does anyone know anything about this car?:

http://www.mertado.com/?spact=produc...FQQ_bAodbClfiA

From what I gather, its a cheaper knock off of a RC18B... but for $40 with battery, it seems like it might actually be a decent choice for a kid. I just know my oldest wants something bigger in scale (since I run 1/8th like I said). (My biggest issue with "toy grade" RC is always the TX/RX... but this has an FM setup which is interesting).

Still... might be worth it, especially if you can use parts from a RC18 B/T...

Thoughts?