OutDrive
12-26-2002, 02:16 PM
Hey all,
I know I am new here, but I have been looking for some place to express my views :D so I thought I would start a new thread that I wished I could have read somewhere in the beginning.
I wanted to get into R/C racing and went to the track a couple of times. Unfortunately, I didn't ask enough questions and went right to a local hobby store to buy the hot set up. I wanted the best I could get, but didn't want to spend any more money than I had to. Also, since I didn't have anything, I needed to buy it all.
Well, again, unfortunately, the guy I talked to at the hobby shop probably knew less about the sport than I did. I proudly walked out with a new Traxxas Street Sport, Futaba Sport radio, and a Super Brain charger. The worst part about all this, I was planning on running oval! Most all hobby shops won't be this way, but try to get a feel for how knowledgable the clerk is who is helping you out!
Well, the guys at the track kind of chuckled when I pulled out the street sport. To give them credit, they did try to help me get it going, but it ended up being a waste of time. Also, the Super Brain burned up the third week I had it and though everything I bought was good for what it was, none of it is serious competition class equipment. I blew $400.00 and wasn't any closer to racing that I was before.
So, the point to all this is, ask questions, then ask more questions! Most of us racer's like to talk about the sport anyway, hence this forum!
Here is what I found out that helped me the most and in order of how it helped me. You Nitro guys may have to alter this somewhat...
Buy the best car you can afford for the type of racing you are going to be doing. In my case (I switched to on road electric), the Associated TC3 is the best for me. It's competitive and durable (face it, your car is gonna be in the wall a lot when you first start out).
Buy the best radio you can afford. I finally give up on my Futaba Sport when I got tired of peeling my FT off the boards due to all the radio glitches and interference. I did not become a serious competitor until I got my M8.
Buy the best electronics you can afford. I kept burning up my "cheapie" servos, but my digital, metal gear servo has paid for itself already in durability. Plus, I benefit from the extra speed and torque. A better speed control is going to give you better control. The lower cost ones tend to be "on and off" versus proportional/
Get the best tires and accessories you can afford. This will take even more time to figure out before you decide what to get, but by now you should be getting to know the guys at the track better and they will be willing to help.
Finally, get that hot motor. I know Big Jim might think this should be number one on the list ;) , but seriously, all that speed and torque aren't going to do you a bit of good when your car is in the pit all day!
Sorry for all the text, but I have been wanting to post my experiences for some time now!
Anyone else have other opinions on "what to buy?"
Thanks,
Cliff
I know I am new here, but I have been looking for some place to express my views :D so I thought I would start a new thread that I wished I could have read somewhere in the beginning.
I wanted to get into R/C racing and went to the track a couple of times. Unfortunately, I didn't ask enough questions and went right to a local hobby store to buy the hot set up. I wanted the best I could get, but didn't want to spend any more money than I had to. Also, since I didn't have anything, I needed to buy it all.
Well, again, unfortunately, the guy I talked to at the hobby shop probably knew less about the sport than I did. I proudly walked out with a new Traxxas Street Sport, Futaba Sport radio, and a Super Brain charger. The worst part about all this, I was planning on running oval! Most all hobby shops won't be this way, but try to get a feel for how knowledgable the clerk is who is helping you out!
Well, the guys at the track kind of chuckled when I pulled out the street sport. To give them credit, they did try to help me get it going, but it ended up being a waste of time. Also, the Super Brain burned up the third week I had it and though everything I bought was good for what it was, none of it is serious competition class equipment. I blew $400.00 and wasn't any closer to racing that I was before.
So, the point to all this is, ask questions, then ask more questions! Most of us racer's like to talk about the sport anyway, hence this forum!
Here is what I found out that helped me the most and in order of how it helped me. You Nitro guys may have to alter this somewhat...
Buy the best car you can afford for the type of racing you are going to be doing. In my case (I switched to on road electric), the Associated TC3 is the best for me. It's competitive and durable (face it, your car is gonna be in the wall a lot when you first start out).
Buy the best radio you can afford. I finally give up on my Futaba Sport when I got tired of peeling my FT off the boards due to all the radio glitches and interference. I did not become a serious competitor until I got my M8.
Buy the best electronics you can afford. I kept burning up my "cheapie" servos, but my digital, metal gear servo has paid for itself already in durability. Plus, I benefit from the extra speed and torque. A better speed control is going to give you better control. The lower cost ones tend to be "on and off" versus proportional/
Get the best tires and accessories you can afford. This will take even more time to figure out before you decide what to get, but by now you should be getting to know the guys at the track better and they will be willing to help.
Finally, get that hot motor. I know Big Jim might think this should be number one on the list ;) , but seriously, all that speed and torque aren't going to do you a bit of good when your car is in the pit all day!
Sorry for all the text, but I have been wanting to post my experiences for some time now!
Anyone else have other opinions on "what to buy?"
Thanks,
Cliff