Mini Wheats

i'd say a rustler - thats what i have and its got a good mix of speed - 35 to 40, cost - around $150 - $250 depending on the one you get, and durability. I've been driving mine on a track for a club that will eventually do races and have been pretty close to reckless with it... 4 foot nose drives at close to top speed and nothing breaks. Also the 6 cell batery packs work great in this car. So theres my two cents
Mini

OG RC 10T

iTrader: (41)

Any of the RTR's would work fine.

msmst25

I think I've decided on a Slash. I hadn't really considered it until someone mentioned its durability. After reading more about it and watching some videos that should have resulted in its destruction, I think I'm hooked.

shanty140

iTrader: (5)

I think you will like the Slash. The durability you get for the price of the car is awesome. And you could also put a 2S Lipo or a 7 Cell 8.4V Nimh when he is ready for an upgrade. My Slash with a 8.4v moves pretty good and I am very happy with it. If he does happen to break it the price of parts are not that bad and almost every hobby store has them. LOL also when he gets a bit older of if he could handle it now, it seems like the Slash class is taking off everywhere and he could race.

tmail55

iTrader: (61)

Have raced three Slashes, watch the rear a-arm mount bolts/screws they back out on some Slashes.

IF you do break any part(s) upgrade with RPM products.

Two racing upgrades that work for yard / sidewalk running.

Turn the ESC 180 degrees, remove the quick connects and direct solder the wires.

Put 3000 diff oil / lube in the gear diff.

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One of the nice things about a Slash. All you need to race a Slash after some yard / street running is a extra set (front and rear) wheels, motor and a 20 tooth pinion (for most tracks).

CHEAP racing!!!!!!!

xrayzone

Go with the slash!

salabarria

iTrader: (1)

yea the slash would be a great buy or maybe the new 1/16th e revo and 1/16 slash those should be good to

snowboard094

iTrader: (5)

i think those are gunna b a bit to fast for a beginner but they are cool looking.

msmst25

Now I just have to wait until my LHS gets it back in stock. I really want to support them, rather than buying from the internet, but I've been a little disappointed by the lack of selection (parts, cars, batteries, etc.) they've had in stock recently. I've only been in this for a short while, so I'll have to give them some more chances. In terms of customer service, however, they've been great, and that's more important, and the main reason that I'm trying to give them more business.

elkman

I have a Nitro Rustler (3 years now) it was my first RC. I upgraded nearly everything to RPM on that. It still bashes great. RPM isn't bullet-proof but realy durable for the cost. Your kid is gonna love the truck. Be sure to get 3 or 4 batteries so you can go out for more than 20 minutes at a time.
My 2 cents

B.A. Racer

iTrader: (10)

i say slash..if he wants to bash its durable and if he wants to race..its a big race class