Help me choose a brushless RC car

Help me choose a brushless RC car

Author
Discussion

TheGreatSoprendo

Original Poster:

5,286 posts

248 months

Tuesday 21st October 2014
quotequote all
Haven't had anything to do with RC cars since I had a Tamiya Boomerang as a kid in the 80's but have a hankering to make my RC return. I know next to nothing about modern RC cars and some of the technical specs mean very little to me!

I'm looking for something quick, fun and (relatively) hassle free, hence steering clear of nitro and looking at brushless. I want something 4WD, but unsure whether to go for a buggy or more of a 'truggy'. It'll be used just for fun and run on grass/dirt/beach. Looking to spend around £300-400 to get started.

Having looked around, here are a few things that have caught my eye. Any advice/recommendations very much appreciated!

HPI Trophy Truggy (£379)
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/hpi-trophy-truggy-flux...

Or the buggy version (£349)
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/hpi-trophy-buggy-flux-...

Thunder Tiger EB4 G3 (£289)
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/thunder-tiger-eb4-g3-1...

HPI Bullet ST Flux (£289)
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/hpi-bullet-st-flux-rtr...

HPI Savage XS Flux (£279)
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/hpi-savage-xs-flux-2.4...

It looks like HPI are in pole position, but I'm open to suggestions! driving

Edited by TheGreatSoprendo on Tuesday 21st October 20:43

sausage76

350 posts

122 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
Bullet ST for me

C.A.R.

3,967 posts

187 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
Brushless =/= fast.

Brushless motors are more efficient and lower maintenance, but not necessarily quicker than a brushed motor.

The real major update since you had a Boomerang will be the battery technology, which is now LiPo. Some people will tell you to avoid this as it will result in your own fiery death, but treat it with respect and it's no more dangerous than a regular NiMh battery.

Factor in £60-80 for some decent LiPo batteries and a compatible charger. LiPos charge quicker, last longer and give you a much more powerful 'punch' with no performance drop off until the battery is spent. Then, you will need a LiPo alarm to avoid discharging the battery too far.

Otherwise, you're just looking at parts availability / longevity, otherwise all of those buggies look fine.

MBBlat

1,602 posts

148 months

Wednesday 22nd October 2014
quotequote all
Axial Wraith (kit & put in brushless, choose your own radio, RTR with brushed motors also available)
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/axial-wraith-rock-race...

Axial Yeti - brushless RTR
http://www.modelsport.co.uk/axial-yeti-1-10-4wd-br...

LIPO with deans connectors are definitely the way to go, I can get > 30 min runtime out of my brushless Wraith on 2S, or silly speeds out of 3S.

The Wraith is well supported by aftermarket parts to add strength, the Yeti less so simply because its new.

Wraith with blossom 1 by MBBlat, on Flickr

RTR - Ready to Run, just charge & install batteries and your ready to go.
kit - put it together first which will take a couple of evenings, the Axial kits normally come with some upgraded parts.