R/C n00b...where to begin? (1 Viewer)

[Spicy McHaggis]

Used to fly R/C aircraft.

Stopped that a few years ago.

Now I have an 8 year old son. I want to buy US (he and I) a real, honest to dog, R/C rock crawler or offroad truck for Christmas.

Not a Wally World special.

Something that won't cost any more than 600 bucks total (including batteries, controller, and anything else).

So...anyone got any suggestions? The more "realistic" the vehicle, the better.

Thanks!
Spicy (and son, even though he doesn't know)!

 

[concretejungle]

you can buy a "roller" new in a box and then add the additional components to make it run. Usually that will mean a motor, ESC (electronic speed controler, it's controls the motor), radio and receiver. It's kind of like buying a new car and deciding if you want the V8 or the V6 and what trim package.

Or, you can go to a few web pages such as: rccrawler.com, rcuniverse.com, ebay or craigslist and find one that's already completely built and RTR (ready to run).

If you are looking at a used one ask the owner if it's RTR or what is needed to make it RTR.

When deciding on a motor you have brushed and brushless. Lot's of debate on that but from what i've learned certain drive trains "prefer" a motor..... example: the losi crawlers are worm gear driven and prefer the brushless system, while the axial rigs are ring & pinion and can run brushed just fine.

If i were you i would go to one of the web pages and read the FAQ section.

 

[CruisinMT]

Traxxas makes some pretty tough bashers or racers within that price range. Their Summit Crawler has selectable e-lockers and a hi-lo range. Built in LED lights. brushless etc. plus you could get a peak charger and extra battery and still stay under 600 I think.

 

[Gumby]

The summit crawler is not a crawler.

Not to be a dick, but it just isn't. It's never gonna do this:

 

[WES1977]

You know Tamiya makes a FJ40 in the cr-01 chassis

not the best crawler but pretty cool It can be easily setup for 4 wheel steering, the back axle is already setup for it. Can be fully locked with a screw in the diff.

 

[concretejungle]

is that yours gumby?

 

[Spicy McHaggis]

You know Tamiya makes a FJ40 in the cr-01 chassis

not the best crawler but pretty cool It can be easily setup for 4 wheel steering, the back axle is already setup for it. Can be fully locked with a screw in the diff.

I was looking at this one, as well as the Unimog. Both seem pretty darn cool...I've heard of Tamiya and I assume it's a good quality machine?

 

[Gumby]

is that yours gumby?

I wish I had rocks like that to climb. That one is in the UK. My Berg is on a Rockstar Moonbuggy chassis. For whatever reason I don't have any pics or videos of the Berg.

 

[CruisinMT]

The summit crawler is not a crawler.

Not to be a dick, but it just isn't. It's never gonna do this:

Sure I can see that but your crawler wont do 22mph either. The reason I posted it as an idea is because it is capable of doing some crawling and also capable of higher speed. Personally as a kid when I had RC's and they were slow, it was really boring. so being able to mix it up could be a good thing. Not knocking crawlers cause I do want to get one preferable AX10 with an FJ40 body. But for now I'm just waiting patiently for the old 44 Ford tractor to get running so I can plow my driveway and drive my brand new Slash 4x4.