Newbie, advice needed.
 

Hi all, can I ask a really basic and probably oft asked question -

I'm really interested in getting my first basic off road buggy. Had an old Tamiya Subaru Brat years ago, but am getting a bit confused looking around at a good intro model now. Dont want to spend a fortune (at this stage) but would like something that with a little work could be competitive.

Any advice, suggestions, or good links would be greatly appreciated.

(I know I should look myself but only get online for limited periods at the mo - soz).

Many thanks.

first thing, off or on-road, electric or nitro

check out reviews (top of this page on the menu) then look at the acedemy car;)

There are loads of good electric offroaders available at the moment, your best bet is to get to your local club and have a look the cars, see if you want a 2wd or 4wd car, and you might be able to pick up a good secondhand car, as Losi xxx4 (4wd), Kyosho zx5 (4wd) or Associated B4 (2wd) cars can be had, at around or below the £100 mark, just examples, I know there are other good offroader available quite cheap, before someone jumps in :)!!

Thanks guys,

yeah I was looking a a basic entry level electric off road buggy. I'll check out the reviews and have a look round the site to see when the local club meets, maybe turn up and have a chat and ask a few questions. (if you're a friendly bunch)

Do you have races for basic entry level buggys, or are all entrants modified? What are the first modifications you can make? Battery, motor?

Apologies for basic questions but we've all gotta start somewhere eh. ;)

At most clubs its open motors so alot will be running mods. However, new racers will be put with people of a similair ability more often than not.

Batteries, theres a wide choice but for a beginner, the best would probably be gp3300s, theyre good for racing in the future and dont need to be treat as well as the new IBs and GPs. As for a motor, run a stock or 19 motor till your used to it. I still run a 19 and its great for me

Nice one, cheers mate. You think I'd be best maybe lloking to buy someones old car or buy new? On a bit of a budget at this stage but would still like something decent if poss. Are the Tamiya cars competitive? Like the look of the Kyosho but they're 2 or 300 new. I'd like to build from new to familiar with the car, but if I can save money on a 2nd hand one I can take it apart and rebuild as neccesary.

How healthy is the club scene? Are there lots of clubs with plenty of members?

You have to decide whether you want 4 or 2wd. Both seem strong and all id say is the 4wd will probably need a stronger motor to compete.

The kyosho only cost £180 new. Id try and buy used as its much cheaper, I got set a roller with all electronics all be it not very good ones for £70

depending on your skill level and your local club, the Associated B4 RS is a great starter car.

the car is RTR (Ready to Run) so you only need some basic extra equipment to race.

the car its self is a lower spec version of the multiple national and world champ winning AE B4, it comes with 'entry' level electrics that will get you used to going round a track etc... all of which can be upgraded as you need or want to.

2WD is 'generally' the most popular class at local clubs.

doughty's right. I've just done the review for RRCi of the associated B4RS RTR. comes with everthing you need exept charger and battery, and I think I've seen them for sale for about 170squid! bargain.
Im still running mine and plan to run it next year.
apparently there's very little you need to do to it either. so a good starter car deffo!
comes with an lrp speedo that can tak upto a 13t motor and comes with a reedy 17t motor too.

The AE b4 RTR are good there not exspensive all you will need to race is some batterys(cells) a charger and some suitable tyres. Maybe a spring change.

My best mate had one and he still beat me and my FT B4 with it .

A:p

Thanks for the great advice guys. I think a used 2wd off roader is the way to go for now. Ta for the recommended models too, time to start sourcing a decent used one! I'll have a look around but any suggested links etc greatly received.

Im not entirely sure what these are like, but £110 for a 4WD buggy aint bad

http://www.chapelradiocontrol.com/sh...tr-p-1971.html