12Likes1/8th truggy which one?
06-12-2019, 03:42 PM
#1
1/8th truggy which one?
I know you guys probably get tired of people asking "which kit should I buy" but here's one more... so I'm looking at the Associated RC8T3.1e, Tekno ET48.3, or the Mugen MBX8TE. I'm leaning towards either the Associated or Tekno just because of the price, but need help deciding. there are ZERO tracks near me but I'd like to drive the 100 miles every once and a while and practice for fun and in a perfect world build a track like I used to have when I was younger. As far as buying one supported by my hobby shop, there is one LHS in town but they carry traxxas and arrma... nothing else so my parts support will be solely Amain and tower hobbies. so with that said, what would you guys pick for a truck??
06-12-2019, 06:48 PM
#2
Man, I’m in the same boat. Although I will be buying from my lhs, and they have a track. But they no longer carry anything for 1/8 scale off road, due to lack of interest. Owner told me he’d get me whatever I want, and then would stock supporting parts for me. It’s between Associated, Mugen, and Xray for me. I hope this thread gets some action, because I could use some advice too. Oh, for me although I like Tekno, that narrow chassis just turns me off. Looks like just simple maintenance would require a total tear down. Not to mention if I wanted to experiment with different motor esc combo, it could be tough to do. No plans to formally race, but I like to come as close as possible to being race ready.
06-12-2019, 11:57 PM
#4
If you're choosing between the Mugen / Xray / Tekno, you can't really make a bad choice.
One thing I like about the Xray is that they still use big 8x16x5 diff pinion bearings, the other two (as well as Associated from memory) use smaller ones which will need servicing at shorter intervals. Since truggies usually use small 10T diff pinions it's a nice area to have bigger bearings to preserve the expensive main gears in the long term. X has the most durable driveline of the 3, and the large-oil-volume center diff is nice for stretching change intervals.
The Tekno has some clever longevity features too, like the longer lower shaft support bushing on the shocks, takes longer before they develop play compared to other brands. Narrow chassis seems to be a love/hate affair but theoretically faster (lower polar moment of inertia) if it suits you. Can't think of a year where the Mugen buggy/truggy hasn't also been one of the best. I've been using Mugen shock boots on my X's since they're more durable and seal better.
One thing I like about the Xray is that they still use big 8x16x5 diff pinion bearings, the other two (as well as Associated from memory) use smaller ones which will need servicing at shorter intervals. Since truggies usually use small 10T diff pinions it's a nice area to have bigger bearings to preserve the expensive main gears in the long term. X has the most durable driveline of the 3, and the large-oil-volume center diff is nice for stretching change intervals.
The Tekno has some clever longevity features too, like the longer lower shaft support bushing on the shocks, takes longer before they develop play compared to other brands. Narrow chassis seems to be a love/hate affair but theoretically faster (lower polar moment of inertia) if it suits you. Can't think of a year where the Mugen buggy/truggy hasn't also been one of the best. I've been using Mugen shock boots on my X's since they're more durable and seal better.
06-13-2019, 01:48 PM
#5
Xray
Originally Posted by I_NeedBigDrink
Don’t have any advice on what to choose as I’ve never owned one but I will point out that Xray released a new version of their xt8/e platform, the XT8.2E
07-07-2019, 11:48 AM
#6
Just built an XT8 17. Awesome truggy! Normally £600 but nearer half of that now since the new one released.
Perfect build, weight forward design. It's still a very competitive chassis. Most people prefer the weight forward truggies like the Tekno 48.3.
I was waiting for the next batch of MBX8T's but the Xray was just far too tempting at the price. Easily converts to electric and the manual has a section dedicated on how to do it, along with a list of parts.
Last edited by Horatio; 07-11-2019 at 03:31 PM.
07-07-2019, 08:52 PM
#7
Had an ET48.3 - gave it up and got an MBX8Te. I felt the Tekno was too twitchy, plus I wasn't a massive fan of how narrow the chassis is.
07-07-2019, 09:08 PM
#8
Have you thought sworkz s35-te
07-08-2019, 12:26 AM
#9
HB Racing E817T......I've had TLR 8ight te 3.0/4.0, Mugen and now I have 2 HB etruggies....no doubt HB is my favorite
07-13-2019, 08:07 PM
#10
Sworkz
Originally Posted by MadMick
Have you thought sworkz s35-te
07-14-2019, 04:27 AM
#11
Yea but he might was bashing not racing
07-14-2019, 06:16 AM
#12
Given that the OP bashing, and not racing, what is supported by your LHS, what can you get parts for. For bashing, they all suffice just fine. As you are not at the track, any nuances explained by those that race will be lost in translation. I would say, price out common spare parts between all platforms, to include, A-arms, Hub Carriers, Out Drives, Driveshafts etc. etc. and see where you end up. You will also note availability of spares on line. So the biggest driver should be parts availability to you first, and probably price of parts for same! Either way, most truggies are more than capable as a basher, provided you stick within their intended design parameters, i.e. 4S not 6S!
07-16-2019, 02:08 PM
#13
I have a Tekno buggy and a mugen truggy (electric) and I love both. Don't think you can go wrong with either.
07-16-2019, 02:24 PM
#14
I live in central Ontario and the most popular around here is the losi. I myself chose the associated and have no regrets. The manual is garbage but the truggy sure is nice! I run all Associated vehicles because of the parts availability.
11-03-2020, 12:31 PM
#15
thank you all for the input, i'm pulling the trigger on an Xray it looks like
