Best RC Truck

[Alex Brewer]

Sorry if this is a loaded question. Currently, I am into RC Airplanes
and RC Helis and wanted to get a RC truck of some kind as well.

For the 'beginner' RC truck enthusiast, what is the best all-in-one
kit? I was in a hobby store that had a few that were all around $400
for everything but fuel. The big thing that concerned me with them
was that the TX that came with them was on 27 mHz. I thought that the
land band was on 75. Would this limit my options later on down the
road, so to speak?

Someone else in the store pointed out that one came with a reverse
gear built in and the other did not. He said that if I raced my truck
at all, then I would need to remove the reverse gear before I did so.
Is this true?

One last thing: The box said that I would need to run 30% nitro. How
critical is this? All my planes and helis run 10% with a little added
castor oil. Would the same fuel work well in a truck as well?

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

Alex.

[Andrew Fitzgerald @ GT]

If I had the money to do it all over again right now, I think I'd wait till
the Traxxas Revo comes out. It's design promises to eliminate a lot of the
current weakspots of the TMaxx and improve on some already excellent
qualities. Right now though, I've had my TMaxx 2.5 since last October, and
I've been loving it. I've had to replace a lot of parts, but this was all
driver error. You can't expect things not to break when you catch a utility
pole head on with a front wheel at 25-30 mph. It's a wonderful truck, and I
just keep in mind that the hobby can be expensive and I don't get too
frustrated.

Andrew




"Alex Brewer" <alex-brewer@rocketmail.com> wrote in message
news:4ebf0060.0405161425.6c9003c9@posting.google.c om...
> Sorry if this is a loaded question. Currently, I am into RC Airplanes
> and RC Helis and wanted to get a RC truck of some kind as well.
>
> For the 'beginner' RC truck enthusiast, what is the best all-in-one
> kit? I was in a hobby store that had a few that were all around $400
> for everything but fuel. The big thing that concerned me with them
> was that the TX that came with them was on 27 mHz. I thought that the
> land band was on 75. Would this limit my options later on down the
> road, so to speak?
>
> Someone else in the store pointed out that one came with a reverse
> gear built in and the other did not. He said that if I raced my truck
> at all, then I would need to remove the reverse gear before I did so.
> Is this true?
>
> One last thing: The box said that I would need to run 30% nitro. How
> critical is this? All my planes and helis run 10% with a little added
> castor oil. Would the same fuel work well in a truck as well?
>
> Any advice is appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Alex.

[GT Grand Prix 00]

You can put a 75 mhz radio in any RC vehicle. 27 mhz has been in them for a
while. I have cars that have both. As far as fuel, run what is recommended for
that engine. My truck calls for 20%, and I was running 10. It made the engine
run hotter and made it harder to start. I am now at 20%. You can go higher, but
not recommended to go lower.

[GT Grand Prix 00]

The only bad thing about the savage 25 is the factory brakes...strips hubs
easily. I just ordered an aftermarket set-up for mine. feel free to email me
directly and I can send you pics of the brake problem that I am talking about.

George
gtgrandprix00@aol.com

[!bungle]

MikeF wrote:
> reliability issues with the Tmaxx?
> Id suggest you look for better advice....
>


What he said... (IMHO)

Dirk

(LHS employees can get "snobby" about brands that have lower priced models.
While the Traxxas Bandit suffers a bit in direct comparison to a B4 or a
BK2, it's also MUCH less expensive... The Maxx's are not built to a price
point and share no parts with the cheaper Traxxas models.)


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.688 / Virus Database: 449 - Release Date: 5/18/2004

[Alex Brewer]

alex-brewer@rocketmail.com (Alex Brewer) wrote in message news:<4ebf0060.0405161425.6c9003c9@posting.google.com>...
> Sorry if this is a loaded question. Currently, I am into RC Airplanes
> and RC Helis and wanted to get a RC truck of some kind as well.
>
> For the 'beginner' RC truck enthusiast, what is the best all-in-one
> kit? I was in a hobby store that had a few that were all around $400
> for everything but fuel. The big thing that concerned me with them
> was that the TX that came with them was on 27 mHz. I thought that the
> land band was on 75. Would this limit my options later on down the
> road, so to speak?
>
> Someone else in the store pointed out that one came with a reverse
> gear built in and the other did not. He said that if I raced my truck
> at all, then I would need to remove the reverse gear before I did so.
> Is this true?
>
> One last thing: The box said that I would need to run 30% nitro. How
> critical is this? All my planes and helis run 10% with a little added
> castor oil. Would the same fuel work well in a truck as well?
>
> Any advice is appreciated!
>
> Thanks!
>
> Alex.


Thanks to all for the great replys!

I guess my best bet would be to wait until the Traxxis Revo comes out
in a few months.

For pure 'fun-factor', would I be beter off to get a buggy? Are they
considerably less expensive than a truck?

Alex.

[Bert Olton]

Alex Brewer wrote:
> Thanks to all for the great replys!
>
> I guess my best bet would be to wait until the Traxxis Revo comes out
> in a few months.
>
> For pure 'fun-factor', would I be beter off to get a buggy? Are they
> considerably less expensive than a truck?
>
> Alex.

Alex, don't agonize too much. With your experience with r.c. aircraft,
you already know the hazards of carelessness...anything you choose for
land operating will be a lot of fun! I've got a TMax, wish I had the
funds to grab a Revo, but don't regret for a minute the one I've got.
It's a hoot to run and easy to fix when those gremlins (like loss of
concentration, over confidence or just plain craziness) pop up. Grab
something that looks good to you and enjoy.

Bert
--
To all who have served or are serving the cause of freedom, from
whatever country, whether in peace or in war, at home or abroad, thank you.

"Let's roll!" Todd Beamer, Flight 93, September 11, 2001.

[BDM]

Get both!

Seriously, buggys haul and corner much better than a truck. Buggies are
like a scalpel and monster trucks are like a machetti. They really
cannot be compared. It depends on what you enjoy and what your track
looks like. Trucks will handle rough terrain much better than a buggy.
If you have a relatively smooth surface to run on, a buggy will outgun
the truck in every way, including durability...but they're a handfull
and maybe not the best option for a beginner. Me, I prefer buggies
overall, but I have both and like each for it's own virtues. Expense
wise, you can pick up a new T-Maxx for $359 and a RTR buggy will cost
you about the same (of course, you can spend alot more for an MBX5 or
MP7.5). You'll be happy either way, I expect. Good luck in whatever
you choose.

Brian


> Thanks to all for the great replys!
>
> I guess my best bet would be to wait until the Traxxis Revo comes out
> in a few months.
>
> For pure 'fun-factor', would I be beter off to get a buggy? Are they
> considerably less expensive than a truck?
>
> Alex.
>

[Ken]

I get my new Revo on Saturday! It should be a lot of fun.


"BDM" <metzb1@remove.yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:MPG.1b1d9c257461d14c989725@news.cox.net...
> Get both!
>
> Seriously, buggys haul and corner much better than a truck. Buggies are
> like a scalpel and monster trucks are like a machetti. They really
> cannot be compared. It depends on what you enjoy and what your track
> looks like. Trucks will handle rough terrain much better than a buggy.
> If you have a relatively smooth surface to run on, a buggy will outgun
> the truck in every way, including durability...but they're a handfull
> and maybe not the best option for a beginner. Me, I prefer buggies
> overall, but I have both and like each for it's own virtues. Expense
> wise, you can pick up a new T-Maxx for $359 and a RTR buggy will cost
> you about the same (of course, you can spend alot more for an MBX5 or
> MP7.5). You'll be happy either way, I expect. Good luck in whatever
> you choose.
>
> Brian
>
>
> > Thanks to all for the great replys!
> >
> > I guess my best bet would be to wait until the Traxxis Revo comes out
> > in a few months.
> >
> > For pure 'fun-factor', would I be beter off to get a buggy? Are they
> > considerably less expensive than a truck?
> >
> > Alex.
> >

[Ken]

I just got home (Western Washington) from England today. My Revo was waiting
for me! I have the batteries charging & I will be running it in the morning.

"Ken" <boxercrazy@nventure.com> wrote in message
news:10ghm0hafj2klef@corp.supernews.com...
> I get my new Revo on Saturday! It should be a lot of fun.
>
>
> "BDM" <metzb1@remove.yahoo.com> wrote in message
> news:MPG.1b1d9c257461d14c989725@news.cox.net...
> > Get both!
> >
> > Seriously, buggys haul and corner much better than a truck. Buggies are
> > like a scalpel and monster trucks are like a machetti. They really
> > cannot be compared. It depends on what you enjoy and what your track
> > looks like. Trucks will handle rough terrain much better than a buggy.
> > If you have a relatively smooth surface to run on, a buggy will outgun
> > the truck in every way, including durability...but they're a handfull
> > and maybe not the best option for a beginner. Me, I prefer buggies
> > overall, but I have both and like each for it's own virtues. Expense
> > wise, you can pick up a new T-Maxx for $359 and a RTR buggy will cost
> > you about the same (of course, you can spend alot more for an MBX5 or
> > MP7.5). You'll be happy either way, I expect. Good luck in whatever
> > you choose.
> >
> > Brian
> >
> >
> > > Thanks to all for the great replys!
> > >
> > > I guess my best bet would be to wait until the Traxxis Revo comes out
> > > in a few months.
> > >
> > > For pure 'fun-factor', would I be beter off to get a buggy? Are they
> > > considerably less expensive than a truck?
> > >
> > > Alex.
> > >
>
>

[nicktht]

the best truck you can get is a tmaxx it way faster and more durable than a savage it sounds tuffer more upgrades it an all around great truck

[Jeremy]

True a T-maxx might be a bit quicker, but stock it lacks the durability of
the savage, It can and does
cost a lot of money to bring the t-maxx above the savage in durability.

The revo is a serious contender for the savage but it is more suited to
track running, and
has no where near the jumpability of the savage, bang for buck Savage rtr 25
is great,
To make a great truck you just need hpi ribbed pipe $30 Nova cooling head
$50
and do the diff mod to cope with the power increase.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_250/tt.htm

God made Crap
T-maxx put wheels on it.


"nicktht" <nicktht.1b3nwc@rcgroups.com> wrote in message
news:nicktht.1b3nwc@rcgroups.com...
>
> the best truck you can get is a tmaxx it way faster and more durable
> than a savage it sounds tuffer more upgrades it an all around great
> truck
>
>
> --
> nicktht
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> nicktht's Profile:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=37892
> View this thread:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=231435
>

[mike]

Hi Guys,

I guess I am one of the few (???) people on here who has owned both a Savage
..25 AND a T-Maxx. In stock form, I can guarantee you that a T-Maxx will run
rings around a Savage in every area except the following:

.. Extreme/massively rutty terrain where the Sav glides across where the
T-Maxx is skittish and takes a lot of driver input to keep things in shape.

.. Massive (I mean massive) jumping, where the T will be bouncing about all
over the place while the Sav just lands and sticks.

.. Absolute beginner drivers - the Maxx requires more driver input to get the
best out of it, while the Sav just seemed to cruise through everything.

Other than those two areas, my stock T-Maxx absolutely killed my stock
Savage in every conceivable area of performance - blue groove, gravel,
grass, sand, climbing, acceleration, top speed, braking, you name it. I
loved my Savage (and I wouldn't knock anyone who chose to buy one, still a
smart choice) and had a lot of fun with it, but I sold it within weeks of
getting my Maxx. As an additional personal comment, I find the Maxx a fair
bit easier to work on than the Savage. And the guy who thought up the Savage
radio/battery tray ...... sheeeeesh, can I have some of what he's on?

Of course once you start modding, everything changes :-) These comments
apply to the stock trucks.

This is just what I've found.

Mike


"Jeremy" <c-k-b@ihug.co.nz> wrote in message
news:cfrgdf$83s$1@lust.ihug.co.nz...
> True a T-maxx might be a bit quicker, but stock it lacks the durability of
> the savage, It can and does
> cost a lot of money to bring the t-maxx above the savage in durability.
>
> The revo is a serious contender for the savage but it is more suited to
> track running, and
> has no where near the jumpability of the savage, bang for buck Savage rtr
25
> is great,
> To make a great truck you just need hpi ribbed pipe $30 Nova cooling head
> $50
> and do the diff mod to cope with the power increase.
>
> http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_250/tt.htm
>
> God made Crap
> T-maxx put wheels on it.
>
>
> "nicktht" <nicktht.1b3nwc@rcgroups.com> wrote in message
> news:nicktht.1b3nwc@rcgroups.com...
> >
> > the best truck you can get is a tmaxx it way faster and more durable
> > than a savage it sounds tuffer more upgrades it an all around great
> > truck
> >
> >
> > --
> > nicktht
> > ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > nicktht's Profile:
> http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=37892
> > View this thread:
> http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=231435
> >
>
>

[Jeremy]

Thanks Mike thats fair hearing from sombody who has owned both trucks, in
stock form.
I have never owned a tmaxx but have never heard anything good said about
them,
( prob because I spend too much time reading the savage forums).

Jeremy

"mike netspace.net.au>" <transam@<REMOVETHISINCLUDINGBRACKETS> wrote in
message news:412153c5$1@dnews.tpgi.com.au...
> Hi Guys,
>
> I guess I am one of the few (???) people on here who has owned both a
Savage
> .25 AND a T-Maxx. In stock form, I can guarantee you that a T-Maxx will
run
> rings around a Savage in every area except the following:
>
> . Extreme/massively rutty terrain where the Sav glides across where the
> T-Maxx is skittish and takes a lot of driver input to keep things in
shape.
>
> . Massive (I mean massive) jumping, where the T will be bouncing about all
> over the place while the Sav just lands and sticks.
>
> . Absolute beginner drivers - the Maxx requires more driver input to get
the
> best out of it, while the Sav just seemed to cruise through everything.
>
> Other than those two areas, my stock T-Maxx absolutely killed my stock
> Savage in every conceivable area of performance - blue groove, gravel,
> grass, sand, climbing, acceleration, top speed, braking, you name it. I
> loved my Savage (and I wouldn't knock anyone who chose to buy one, still a
> smart choice) and had a lot of fun with it, but I sold it within weeks of
> getting my Maxx. As an additional personal comment, I find the Maxx a
fair
> bit easier to work on than the Savage. And the guy who thought up the
Savage
> radio/battery tray ...... sheeeeesh, can I have some of what he's on?
>
> Of course once you start modding, everything changes :-) These comments
> apply to the stock trucks.
>
> This is just what I've found.
>
> Mike
>
>
> "Jeremy" <c-k-b@ihug.co.nz> wrote in message
> news:cfrgdf$83s$1@lust.ihug.co.nz...
> > True a T-maxx might be a bit quicker, but stock it lacks the durability
of
> > the savage, It can and does
> > cost a lot of money to bring the t-maxx above the savage in durability.
> >
> > The revo is a serious contender for the savage but it is more suited to
> > track running, and
> > has no where near the jumpability of the savage, bang for buck Savage
rtr
> 25
> > is great,
> > To make a great truck you just need hpi ribbed pipe $30 Nova cooling
head
> > $50
> > and do the diff mod to cope with the power increase.
> >
> > http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_250/tt.htm
> >
> > God made Crap
> > T-maxx put wheels on it.
> >
> >
> > "nicktht" <nicktht.1b3nwc@rcgroups.com> wrote in message
> > news:nicktht.1b3nwc@rcgroups.com...
> > >
> > > the best truck you can get is a tmaxx it way faster and more durable
> > > than a savage it sounds tuffer more upgrades it an all around great
> > > truck
> > >
> > >
> > > --
> > > nicktht
> >
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------
> > > nicktht's Profile:
> > http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?action=getinfo&userid=37892
> > > View this thread:
> > http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=231435
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

[Sny]

Jeremy wrote:

> Thanks Mike thats fair hearing from sombody who has owned both trucks, in
> stock form.
> I have never owned a tmaxx but have never heard anything good said about
> them,
> ( prob because I spend too much time reading the savage forums).
>

I have very much enjoyed my T-Maxx. In fact, I am considering buying
an E-Maxx. I'm kinda fed up with the nitro stuff.

--

QUIPd 1.02: (127 of 679)
-> Wow! They've got the Internet on computers now! --Homer Simpson

My photo albums: http://www.pbase.com/sny

[jray]

Sny wrote:
> Jeremy wrote:
>
>
>>Thanks Mike thats fair hearing from sombody who has owned both trucks, in
>>stock form.
>>I have never owned a tmaxx but have never heard anything good said about
>>them,
>>( prob because I spend too much time reading the savage forums).
>>
>
>
> I have very much enjoyed my T-Maxx. In fact, I am considering buying
> an E-Maxx. I'm kinda fed up with the nitro stuff.
>
I have both trucks.

The T-Maxx 2.5 has a much more reliable motor. Starting and running a
T-Maxx 2.5 is a breeze. T-maxx chassie design blows! IT is not as
durable as a Savage25. To make a Maxx as relibale as a savage will cost
you some money.

On the other hand the savage nitro star 25 motor Blows! A T-maxx 2.5
will kill a stock savage motor in all aspects. To get a savage to
compete with a Maxx will cost you some money.

You need to know that the trucks are two differnt scales. Savages are
8th scale trucks. A maxx is a 10th scale truck.

If you want a good basher go savage.
If you want a good racer with limited investment go t-maxx.

[mike]

I recently sold my Savage .25 to get a T-Maxx. My experience is that a stock
T-Maxx will absolutely run rings around a stock Savage with the following
possible exceptions:

(a) Landing *very* big jumps

(b) Truly sever terrain, where the Maxx bounces around, while the Savage
just seemed to "float" above it all.

No doubt both of these things could be addressed with minor mods, my
comments apply to the trucks as stockers.

My Savage was a big plush behemoth where my Maxx is a pretty taught rocket
ship. In acceleration, top speed, climbing, braking, you name it, my Maxx
would kill my old Savage. I haven't broken much yet, but my gut feeling is
that the Maxx may not be as durable as the Savage, but that is just from
looking at it. I know for certain that my Savage was a tough old bird
(survived some horrendous things virtually unscathed).

Some other things I prefer about the Maxx is that I like the ezy start, plus
the Rx batteries last heaps longer (and try replacing the Rx batteries on a
Savage in under 20 minutes, I kid you not, the location is ridiculous).

Problems I experienced with my Maxx:

.. Shift adjustment screw vibrated loose
.. Stock settings *Far* too lean for running in (in Australia)


Mike



"jray" <jarvisr@sbcglobal.net.nospam> wrote in message
news:THnZc.12214$Pb.3299@newssvr24.news.prodigy.co m...
> Sny wrote:
> > Jeremy wrote:
> >
> >
> >>Thanks Mike thats fair hearing from sombody who has owned both trucks,
in
> >>stock form.
> >>I have never owned a tmaxx but have never heard anything good said about
> >>them,
> >>( prob because I spend too much time reading the savage forums).
> >>
> >
> >
> > I have very much enjoyed my T-Maxx. In fact, I am considering buying
> > an E-Maxx. I'm kinda fed up with the nitro stuff.
> >
> I have both trucks.
>
> The T-Maxx 2.5 has a much more reliable motor. Starting and running a
> T-Maxx 2.5 is a breeze. T-maxx chassie design blows! IT is not as
> durable as a Savage25. To make a Maxx as relibale as a savage will cost
> you some money.
>
> On the other hand the savage nitro star 25 motor Blows! A T-maxx 2.5
> will kill a stock savage motor in all aspects. To get a savage to
> compete with a Maxx will cost you some money.
>
> You need to know that the trucks are two differnt scales. Savages are
> 8th scale trucks. A maxx is a 10th scale truck.
>
> If you want a good basher go savage.
> If you want a good racer with limited investment go t-maxx.

[Frater Mus]

On Wed, 01 Sep 2004 at 17:31 GMT, <jarvisr@sbcglobal.net.nospam> wrote:

> The T-Maxx 2.5 has a much more reliable motor. Starting and running a
> T-Maxx 2.5 is a breeze. T-maxx chassie design blows! IT is not as
> durable as a Savage25. To make a Maxx as relibale as a savage will cost
> you some money.

If "chassie design" you mean the actual chassis (partnum 5122) then I
disagree. It's fairly rare to have to replace the chassis.

If "chassie design" you the general layout, then I would be closer to
agreeing. Bulkheads and shock towers are what I break most.

--
L.V.X., brother mouse
http://cbsrmt.mousetrap.net/RMTdb/ CBS Radio Mystery Theater database
http://greyhound.mousetrap.net/altus/ retired racing greyhound
http://www.mousetrap.net/~mouse/cs.html How to get good phone support

[yfyf]

my neoghbour and i both recetly purchased nitro trucks i bought the TNX and am a amazed at its preformence i have put it through hell and have ony cracked a heat sink head. i have run it on the track we created(dirt) AND ON PAVEMENT AND GRASS the only place thaat it did not run well was in long grass 6inch or more my neighbour bought a mt2 and has repetadly has broken parts and as a result now has aluminu,m parts . I would highly recomend the TNX also a plus is the 2 speed tranny sounds really cool i give 10/10

[flyinazn10]

i was looking through the tread and im having the same kinda issue, having trouble choosing a car. im likely running mostly on smooth surfaces, adn jumping it ALOT. i got skate ramps, dirt lots, and stairs i wanna challange. so, i read a buggy may be what im looking for, is it? ive read the savage is the toughest out there, but should I just get that? or go with a buggy?

and yes, i know im gon be happy either way, but i want to know which im gonna be happier with.

[FanDome123]

s, adn jumping it ALOT. i got skate ramps, dirt lots, and stairs
i wanna challange. so, i read a buggy may be what im looking for, is
it? ive read the savage is the toughest out there, but should I just
get that? or go with a buggy?

and yes, i know im gon be happy either way, but i want to know which im
gonna be happier with.


=====

my opinion it sounds like you want a buggy. if jumping is your forte, a 1/8th
scale buggy is the ticket. now if you want electric i dont know what your
options are in 1/8th scale. if you go nitro you have many, many options,
....mugen, kyosho,etc. all excellent stuff.
note that the 1/8th wont set you back much more than a 1/10th. and 1/8th
classes are showing up everywhere now if you race. i love the 1/8th nitros at
a so cal track i frequent. but i am a juicer electric guy, not nitro so i am
opting for a two-motor emaxx (i had a rc10 stadium truck for years and what a
truck! quality! (team versions ofcourse because of the hopups). the two
motors can be swapped for new-tech and i'll put 14 batteries in there!!! hahaha