How to start racing 1/8 scale nitro buggy
#1
How to start racing 1/8 scale nitro buggy
As you may have already guessed, I just joined this forum, with the hope of acquiring enough knowledge so that I can start racing 1/8 scale nitro buggy. Aside from dabbling with those Cox planes a number of years ago, this is all new to me. Can someone point me in the right direction, so that I can start researching which buggy, engine, servos and radio to get.
From briefly reading some of the posts, i see the following brands may be popular:
Buggy:
O'Donnell Z01B-SG
Kyosho MP9
Losi 8ight 2.0 Buggy
Engines:
O'Donnell SS.21
Alpha
Go
OS V-Spec
Servos:
Futaba
High-Tec
JR
Radios:
Futaba
Spektrum
Airtronics.
Thanks,
Patrick Myas
From briefly reading some of the posts, i see the following brands may be popular:
Buggy:
O'Donnell Z01B-SG
Kyosho MP9
Losi 8ight 2.0 Buggy
Engines:
O'Donnell SS.21
Alpha
Go
OS V-Spec
Servos:
Futaba
High-Tec
JR
Radios:
Futaba
Spektrum
Airtronics.
Thanks,
Patrick Myas
#2
get a 2.0 losi rtr and have some fun
#4
#8
Tech Fanatic
iTrader: (5)
As a rookie i would highly recommend the losi 8ight 2.0. The reason is because you can either buy the rtr or race roller so you have plenty of options. If you really want to do it right and have a few extra bucks then go race roller. But regardless the parts are a dime a dozen and can be bought on ebay for 1/4 of the price you'd pay at a hobby shop. Also theres a ton of youtube videos by losi featuring adam drake. He is Losi's top professional driver and has a ton of experience and useful info. Theres videos explaining nearly everything you'd ever need to do to your buggy in detail with nice tips along the way. From building shocks, to filling the diffs, balancing wheels, etc its all there. Also theres loads of setup sheets you can download on losi's website. All in all its just going to be cheaper, easier and the end result will be you will enjoy the hobby much more without the frustration. Plus parts are plentiful at just about any hobby shop, so if the track you frequent has a store chances are you'll be in luck.
The rtr can be upgraded to race roller specs over time. I just spent about $250 to complete the conversion on mine, and that included about $30 in parts i didn't need but wanted to replace just because i was changing out so many other things.
If you figure that the rtr can be had for about $450 new (various websites) or even $350 if you find a good deal, then add the $250 worth of parts to convert it, you are still under the MSRP of what you'd pay at a local hobby shop.
But thats my opinion. I'm more than happy with my rides and couldn't dream of owning anything else.
The rtr can be upgraded to race roller specs over time. I just spent about $250 to complete the conversion on mine, and that included about $30 in parts i didn't need but wanted to replace just because i was changing out so many other things.
If you figure that the rtr can be had for about $450 new (various websites) or even $350 if you find a good deal, then add the $250 worth of parts to convert it, you are still under the MSRP of what you'd pay at a local hobby shop.
But thats my opinion. I'm more than happy with my rides and couldn't dream of owning anything else.
#9
If you have a little knowledge in building cars it would be better to piece a kit together, and choose parts you like, but if your not confident in doing that just get one of the top name brand rtr buggies and upgrade as needed. Thats how I did it and you learn a lot along the way. Good luck and have fun
#12
I'm a hotbodies fan, but for someone getting into the hobby, the Losi 8ight 2.0 RTR is by far the best way to go. You get everything in one package and you can be competitive right out of the box.
#13
Wow, I cant believe all of the feedback received so far. I should have stated a budget in my original post. As for a budget, I can really spend whatever I want to. Im more concerned about getting quality products. That ole addage "you get what you pay for" really works for me.
#14
Wow, I cant believe all of the feedback received so far. I should have stated a budget in my original post. As for a budget, I can really spend whatever I want to. Im more concerned about getting quality products. That ole addage "you get what you pay for" really works for me.
#15
I would like to build.