Greetings. I come here looking to gain some info on my yearning interest of reentering the R/C world. Back in high school I was very involved in the hobby, but its been about 6 or 7 years since I've used any of my cars. So, I'll get right onto the subject.

What Vehicle to Choose?

Currently buried in my shed somewhere I have (all electric) a Traxxas Stampede, Tamiya Blackfoot, Tamiya Clodbuster, Bolink Legend, and about 3 or 4 other no name brand vehicles. I've always liked my Stampede the most. I want to stick with Traxxas. However, the gearbox is trashed. All the gears are blown. So, I could buy a new gear box which I saw went for ~$150 on Tower Hobbies. For $5 more I can buy a new Stampede or Rustler. This brings me to my next question.

Rustler or Stampede? I've been reading on the new (new to me anyways) VXL models. Now in all honesty I don't really want a car that does 70mph. Its impossible to control. I want something more...modest. So how do the "cheaper" versions compare to the VXL models? I also have been looking at the Rustlers and they appeal to me. How would you compare the two? I think I'll just purchase the XL-5 model of either and start from there but not sure which to choose.

Chargers

I had three chargers; 2 blue ones I think that were made by Traxxas or Duramax and a purple (Q-Link I think it is), digital charger. I know the purple one wasn't working all the well and I'm not sure about the two blue crank-type chargers. So, what are you folks running nowadays?

Batteries

Finally, there's my batteries. When I left the hobby 3300 mAh batteries were just introduced. Now I'm seeing 8000 mAh batteries . I had some 2200s and a bunch of 1500s that were pretty much standard but am curious as to what the median is considered today.

Welp, I guess that's it. I am excited about getting back into the hobby and could use some suggestions as to what my options are. Rebuild the old or just buy new, what chargers, and battery suggestions. Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks.

There you go.

So there really is a noticeable difference between the XL-5 and the VLX huh? I just don't want to go out and purchase one and find out that I can't keep the front wheels on the ground. I was hoping I would be able to get away with going with the cheaper model.

Damn, this hobby hasn't gotten any cheaper eh? Thanks for the response. I'll look into those batteries and charger. =]

You can go for the XL-5, I kept my Slash stock with it for a while, but the VXL with a 2-cell LiPo is very fast.

Unless you go for a 3-cell LiPo or higher, you will have no problem controlling the car.


Go brushless if you want, but it will be cheaper in the long run to get the VXL model and look for a used XL-5 ESC and buy a new Titan motor for ~$20.

Yea, I may just run "old school" right now. Its funny because all the top notch items from when I was into it are all looked at as outdated. I might just roll with the chargers I have now and a few 2200 mAh Trinity batteries. Get an XL-5 Rustler too. From there I'll see where it takes me. I didn't realize the improvements they have made in the years. Thanks for the help mate. =]