104LikesInexpensive Entry Level 1/10 EP Touring ?
09-08-2021 | 05:42 PM
#16
Tech Addict
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 514
From: Malaysia
I just built one for a newcomer who wanted to get into racing as cheap as possible - minus batteries and charger as he will be sharing these with other racers, He also wanted a new car so parts wouldn't be an issue and it has to have modern tech.
We initially wanted to go for the XQ2S but he wanted something with more red and I think the Xq2s doesn't come with a carbon fibre chassis. Such is the beauty of the hobby nowadays that there are cheaper brands to fit everyone's liking.
We also looked at the Sakura S64 but I have had bad experience with the brand in the past (I was semi sponsored in the past and even started the Sakura XI thread when the car was first launched). I asked in the S64 forum here to try to quell some of my concerns but had no feedback which was why we passed on this car.
I have included prices and links however many of these were bought locally. Am just linking to RCMart for a better representation of international prices.
Car - SNRC R3C (Carbon fibre chassis) - US$140
Proven car as this car has won multiple times on our track. Carbon fibre chassis and looks bling. Had to order from Aliexpress but never had issues with this in our region.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...ou_828570403.3
Servo - JX High Speed servo - US$14
Cheap entry level high speed servo. I use a few of these on my spare cars and have built a few cars for others using them as well. Haven't encountered any issues and plenty fast for a newcomer but I have read on this forum of people receiving dead or problematic units.
https://www.rcmart.com/jx-servo-alum...208mg-00079389
ESC/Motor - Xr10 Justock 13.5T - US$115
We are running 13.5T blinky so this is a good choice. There are cheaper options but this falls into the "longer term investment" category.
https://www.rcmart.com/hobbywing-xr1...b2151-00109958
Radio
Flysky FS-GT3B 2.4G - US$28
Good enough to start racing with and receivers are dirt cheap. I actually have a couple of these which are used on a few Shortcourse trucks that I just hand out to people during races to race with. Build quality is flimsy but nothing has broken yet. A big plus is that the receivers are dirt cheap.
https://www.rcmart.com/flysky-flysky...-2-4g-00037547
Body shell
Clone of the Dogbollox - US$15
Bought locally from the LHS. Not sure where to get online
Tyres - Team Powers - US$20
Bought locally from the LHS.
We initially wanted to go for the XQ2S but he wanted something with more red and I think the Xq2s doesn't come with a carbon fibre chassis. Such is the beauty of the hobby nowadays that there are cheaper brands to fit everyone's liking.
We also looked at the Sakura S64 but I have had bad experience with the brand in the past (I was semi sponsored in the past and even started the Sakura XI thread when the car was first launched). I asked in the S64 forum here to try to quell some of my concerns but had no feedback which was why we passed on this car.
I have included prices and links however many of these were bought locally. Am just linking to RCMart for a better representation of international prices.
Car - SNRC R3C (Carbon fibre chassis) - US$140
Proven car as this car has won multiple times on our track. Carbon fibre chassis and looks bling. Had to order from Aliexpress but never had issues with this in our region.
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...ou_828570403.3
Servo - JX High Speed servo - US$14
Cheap entry level high speed servo. I use a few of these on my spare cars and have built a few cars for others using them as well. Haven't encountered any issues and plenty fast for a newcomer but I have read on this forum of people receiving dead or problematic units.
https://www.rcmart.com/jx-servo-alum...208mg-00079389
ESC/Motor - Xr10 Justock 13.5T - US$115
We are running 13.5T blinky so this is a good choice. There are cheaper options but this falls into the "longer term investment" category.
https://www.rcmart.com/hobbywing-xr1...b2151-00109958
Radio
Flysky FS-GT3B 2.4G - US$28
Good enough to start racing with and receivers are dirt cheap. I actually have a couple of these which are used on a few Shortcourse trucks that I just hand out to people during races to race with. Build quality is flimsy but nothing has broken yet. A big plus is that the receivers are dirt cheap.
https://www.rcmart.com/flysky-flysky...-2-4g-00037547
Body shell
Clone of the Dogbollox - US$15
Bought locally from the LHS. Not sure where to get online
Tyres - Team Powers - US$20
Bought locally from the LHS.
Last edited by tak4; 09-08-2021 at 05:57 PM.
09-09-2021 | 01:27 AM
#18
Tech Regular
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 414
I would go with the XQ2S of all your options.
Since you're starting out new is better than secondhand, you build it so know how to fix it. If you go to the club and buy off someone there who will then help you then secondhand could be better for a first timer. Talk to the club members and theyll point you in the right direction as there are always those members who upgrade every week and you get good deals secondhand.
At my club there are many with both the Sakura and Xpress and the Xpress cars don't break. I have seen a lot of dnf from the Sakura.
Whats your budget? I bought a Tamiya TA07Pro first time round and now that I've spent enough it hangs with the fast guys, but resembles a TA07MS. I should have bought a TRF419XR (TRF420 now) at the start and would have had the right car from the start. If you can stretch to the XQ10 then get that, it needs no upgrades and will be better. It doesn't save money by buying cheap to start as you spend the money later. I think the XQ2S is different to the TA07 but you will end up spending more as you go. If you get the XQ10 there isn't much you can spend as you have the best from the start.
Since you're starting out new is better than secondhand, you build it so know how to fix it. If you go to the club and buy off someone there who will then help you then secondhand could be better for a first timer. Talk to the club members and theyll point you in the right direction as there are always those members who upgrade every week and you get good deals secondhand.
At my club there are many with both the Sakura and Xpress and the Xpress cars don't break. I have seen a lot of dnf from the Sakura.
Whats your budget? I bought a Tamiya TA07Pro first time round and now that I've spent enough it hangs with the fast guys, but resembles a TA07MS. I should have bought a TRF419XR (TRF420 now) at the start and would have had the right car from the start. If you can stretch to the XQ10 then get that, it needs no upgrades and will be better. It doesn't save money by buying cheap to start as you spend the money later. I think the XQ2S is different to the TA07 but you will end up spending more as you go. If you get the XQ10 there isn't much you can spend as you have the best from the start.
09-09-2021 | 02:03 AM
#19
Since it is almost always a good idea to completely disassemble and rebuild the car when buying used, you can clean the parts (if necessary), check them for signs of wear (and if necessary, replace them), learn how to build and repair the car, and most importantly: make sure it is built correctly (which, unfortunately, is not a given).
But buying used is not for everyone - for all kinds of reasons. While I do not explicitly recommend it to new people in our club, I tell them to at least consider it - while giving them the advantages and possible disadvantages (and we all offer them help to check deals on used cars as well). Personally I generally do not buy used RC stuff - with very few exceptions (with people I know personally, and know how they drive and care for their stuff, I might make an exception.)
So if a used Xray (or other top brand car) isn't what you want, and you are sure you don't want to pony up some more money up front (upgrading the low budget kits is more expensive than getting the full car in the beginning - and buying cheap often is not cheaper in the long run... but most of us have been through that at some point), then I would probably go for the Xpress over the Sakura as well.
But buying used is not for everyone - for all kinds of reasons. While I do not explicitly recommend it to new people in our club, I tell them to at least consider it - while giving them the advantages and possible disadvantages (and we all offer them help to check deals on used cars as well). Personally I generally do not buy used RC stuff - with very few exceptions (with people I know personally, and know how they drive and care for their stuff, I might make an exception.)
So if a used Xray (or other top brand car) isn't what you want, and you are sure you don't want to pony up some more money up front (upgrading the low budget kits is more expensive than getting the full car in the beginning - and buying cheap often is not cheaper in the long run... but most of us have been through that at some point), then I would probably go for the Xpress over the Sakura as well.
09-09-2021 | 02:14 AM
#20
Tech Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 93
Since it is almost always a good idea to completely disassemble and rebuild the car when buying used, you can clean the parts (if necessary), check them for signs of wear (and if necessary, replace them), learn how to build and repair the car, and most importantly: make sure it is built correctly (which, unfortunately, is not a given).
But buying used is not for everyone - for all kinds of reasons. While I do not explicitly recommend it to new people in our club, I tell them to at least consider it - while giving them the advantages and possible disadvantages (and we all offer them help to check deals on used cars as well). Personally I generally do not buy used RC stuff - with very few exceptions (with people I know personally, and know how they drive and care for their stuff, I might make an exception.)
So if a used Xray (or other top brand car) isn't what you want, and you are sure you don't want to pony up some more money up front (upgrading the low budget kits is more expensive than getting the full car in the beginning - and buying cheap often is not cheaper in the long run... but most of us have been through that at some point), then I would probably go for the Xpress over the Sakura as well.
But buying used is not for everyone - for all kinds of reasons. While I do not explicitly recommend it to new people in our club, I tell them to at least consider it - while giving them the advantages and possible disadvantages (and we all offer them help to check deals on used cars as well). Personally I generally do not buy used RC stuff - with very few exceptions (with people I know personally, and know how they drive and care for their stuff, I might make an exception.)
So if a used Xray (or other top brand car) isn't what you want, and you are sure you don't want to pony up some more money up front (upgrading the low budget kits is more expensive than getting the full car in the beginning - and buying cheap often is not cheaper in the long run... but most of us have been through that at some point), then I would probably go for the Xpress over the Sakura as well.
09-09-2021 | 03:06 AM
#21
Tech Master
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,955
Buying used isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. The car is built and you’ll probably just add electronics and go - never really going over the car. Unless you see the car/truck with your eyes people do not give an accurate description of what they’re selling. What you think is a 7 on a scale 1-10 someone else might rate a 9. You might not get everything that was in the kit - servo horns, tools (cheap or not it gets you going), optional rear ends (XRay), etc. These little nuances add up with traffic to the LHS, waiting on multiple online orders (shipping adds up), and so on.
Unless it’s the original owner, and/or you can see it, or it’s a superb deal - I would pass on preowned. You might be inheriting someone else’s headache. The XQ2S with sway bars costs $172.98 + tax whereas a used Xray is $350 + for a hobby or scale you might not stick to.
Unless it’s the original owner, and/or you can see it, or it’s a superb deal - I would pass on preowned. You might be inheriting someone else’s headache. The XQ2S with sway bars costs $172.98 + tax whereas a used Xray is $350 + for a hobby or scale you might not stick to.
09-09-2021 | 04:10 AM
#22
Dear Lonestar
Thank you for the suggestion.
I did a quick look through the sales section and found Xray T4s in the price range of $150. What is the oldest year I should consider in the range of $150 used ? Thank you !
Cheers
Thank you for the suggestion.
I did a quick look through the sales section and found Xray T4s in the price range of $150. What is the oldest year I should consider in the range of $150 used ? Thank you !
Cheers
what is said above is very true. with the best intention and faith, most used rc cars are poorly assembled/maintained. buying from a reputable racer or a local hotshot is your best bet.
09-09-2021 | 05:36 AM
#24
09-09-2021 | 06:06 AM
#25
Buying used isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be. The car is built and you’ll probably just add electronics and go - never really going over the car. Unless you see the car/truck with your eyes people do not give an accurate description of what they’re selling. What you think is a 7 on a scale 1-10 someone else might rate a 9. You might not get everything that was in the kit - servo horns, tools (cheap or not it gets you going), optional rear ends (XRay), etc. These little nuances add up with traffic to the LHS, waiting on multiple online orders (shipping adds up), and so on.
Unless it’s the original owner, and/or you can see it, or it’s a superb deal - I would pass on preowned. You might be inheriting someone else’s headache. The XQ2S with sway bars costs $172.98 + tax whereas a used Xray is $350 + for a hobby or scale you might not stick to.
Unless it’s the original owner, and/or you can see it, or it’s a superb deal - I would pass on preowned. You might be inheriting someone else’s headache. The XQ2S with sway bars costs $172.98 + tax whereas a used Xray is $350 + for a hobby or scale you might not stick to.
09-09-2021 | 06:14 AM
#26
Tech Master
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,955
You may have to replace a few things, but it's still cheaper than a new XRAY and you still end up with an XRAY. As for the car being built, so what? I strip the cars down and rebuild them when I buy them. If you might not stick to it, it's even more of a reason to buy used as the depreciation has already hit. A $350 used T4 is still worth $350 if you decide you don't want to run it. How much is a XQ2S worth used?
09-09-2021 | 07:09 AM
#27
You may have to replace a few things, but it's still cheaper than a new XRAY and you still end up with an XRAY. As for the car being built, so what? I strip the cars down and rebuild them when I buy them. If you might not stick to it, it's even more of a reason to buy used as the depreciation has already hit. A $350 used T4 is still worth $350 if you decide you don't want to run it. How much is a XQ2S worth used?
09-09-2021 | 07:20 AM
#28
Its always the same story. Don't buy off-brand if you intend to race. Find a used T4 and don't look back. Everything else is false economy. Racing is expensive and what you initially save on the car price will be quickly made up in broken parts, sourcing off-brand repair parts, and frustration in repairing/sourcing when you should be racing and having fun. I see it every few weeks at our track. New guy shows up with an off-brand, then eventually realises it sucks after assuring the club it's fine and he likes "racing something different." There are about to be a bunch of used 2018-2021 T4's dumped on the market (many with copious spare parts). Wait a few weeks and grab one of those and you'll be much further ahead.
*Xrays come with excellent manuals. If you don't get a manual with the kit they are available online plus lots of great videos on building and set-up. Honestly I hate to sound like a fanboy but its the only way to go.
*Xrays come with excellent manuals. If you don't get a manual with the kit they are available online plus lots of great videos on building and set-up. Honestly I hate to sound like a fanboy but its the only way to go.
09-09-2021 | 07:27 AM
#29
Tech Adept
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 223
You may have to replace a few things, but it's still cheaper than a new XRAY and you still end up with an XRAY. As for the car being built, so what? I strip the cars down and rebuild them when I buy them. If you might not stick to it, it's even more of a reason to buy used as the depreciation has already hit. A $350 used T4 is still worth $350 if you decide you don't want to run it. How much is a XQ2S worth used?
is great car not a cheap knock off use one wet car and better a800
also upgrades for what ever purpose you need they are forever upgrading like top company’s