Help, looking for a fast, tough electric

[merlin703]

I found a few posts but since there are many cars that have been released since then, I figured I would start a new thread hoping to get some feedback on new models.

I'm looking for a robust 60 mph or so electric car. It has to be able to take punishment for jumps. I would like to this car to have options to be upgraded to go faster, if desired, also some versatitly so the car should be able to handle some tough terrain and dominate the concrete. Ideally, I would like the car to be water resistant at the very mininum. When it comes to RC cars I don't know if a 4 wheel drive would be much better than a 2 wheels.

I have found a few candidates so I hope an experienced driver here can give me the pros and cons of the units listed here. Also, based on my list of candidates, you will have an idea of what I'm looking for and please feel free to provide me with links to other models that you think I should consider and that meet my criteria.



4) Rustler VXL Brushless RTR by Traxxas $299 70 mph
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=TRA3708
2) E-Revo Brushless RTR w/Castle Mamba & 2.4 Radio by Traxxas $729 65 mph
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=TRA5608
3) 1/16 E-Revo VXL RTRw/ 2-channel radio system by Traxxas $299 50 mph
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=TRA7108
1) Traxxas Slash 4x4 (I believe this just came out and it's looking GOOD) 40 mph, 60+ mph and 80+ mph $399.99
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=TRA6808
http://www.traxxas.com/products/electric/6808_slash4x4/tour/default.html#/video-00
5) Savage Flux HP Brushless System RTR Moster truck $644.99 62 mph on 2 3s lipos
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HPI100646
6) Losi Speed-T 1/10 RTR $299.99 65 mph on 3s lipos
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=LOSB0101

[e-maxx owner]

I would go with the slash 4x4 or get a slash and upgrade it, thats what i did. I don't know how tough the 4x4 is but i'm guesing its the same as the slash which can really take a beating, trust me. And you can get both of these waterproof also.

[SteveM]

The new Traxxas 4X4 Slash does look sharp, but keep in mind that as a new vehicle the price will remain at MSRP for some time. Also, as a 4WD vehicle it will require more maintenance and costs will also be slightly higher as there are more parts to watch over. Your most economical solution might be the 2WD Slash and just add a brushless system and go have some fun.

[jettrooper02]

or the Savage flux. it'l do 62 with 2 3s lipos and on road tires. that and it's at least as tough as my savage(which has only broke because of trees or me. has yet to break from jumping).

[e-maxx owner]

yeah, that is another option but it will cost a bit more for bats

[merlin703]

I just watched a video of the Savage Flux (I also added a link to my original post) and it shows it can take a beating, which is a plus. The video didn't really show the 60 mph speed. Because of the body, I can see it can handle grass pretty nicely. This truck is $650 while the new Traxxas Slash is only $400. However, I still haven't seen a video of this new truck in action.

So you guys didn't even considered the Rustler or E-Revo at all? Is it that much of a difference?

[e-maxx owner]

I'VE HEARD THAT THE RUSTLER BREAKS QUITE A BIT AND I'VE SEEN IT BREAK FOR SOME REALLY STUPID REASONS BEFORE. i DON'T REALLY KNOW MUCH ABOUT THE REVO BUT IT LOOKS FAST AND TOUGH. i STILL WOULD GO WITH THE SLASH AND A MOTOR OF YOUR CHOICE.

[jettrooper02]

another one is the losi speed-t. it looks like it'll handle grass. are you going to be racing? i'm gonna race my savage, but just for fun to see if i have the skills and would enjoy it. i plan on getting an sc10. it won't do 60 but the class is popular. imagine 10 of them on a relatively small course! it's crazy!

[merlin703]

The Losi speed-t looks good but how does it handel punishment of being trown in the air? I don't plan on racing but I do want it capable of high speeds. I believe all the cars I have on my list are capable of handling high speed and take some punishment. I guess it should also have to be reasy to repair.

[jettrooper02]

that seems like the savage. i don't know much about the speed-t execpt that it can go fast. it looks durable. another idea would be to get a kit. or the 8ight-e 2.0 by losi. it is fast and got a good review by rc car magazine. it's fast though.

[jettrooper02]

you would need a radio and servo though for the 8ight-e.

[e-maxx owner]

I would still go with the slash because it is fast and good for backyard bashing and racing if you ever get into it.

[jettrooper02]

but it doesn't meet the speed requirements. the slash would need upgrades to go that fast and that would be another 200 dollars unless your talking about the new slash. but even then, the flux will meet those speeds and will handle the jumps great!

[e-maxx owner]

I'm talking about putting your own brushless in there. And that still would be less than the flux.

[jettrooper02]

yes. but not quite as durable. I'll get a report on racing my savage tomorrow evening. i plan on hittin my local track tomorrow. i already know i'm gonna do everything possible to lower the center of gravity. if it races well the flux will be perfect.

[e-maxx owner]

I think a slash would still be more durable

[jettrooper02]

well on a larger track it would be great. and a non indoor. but the savage definetly isn't a stock racer. you need to do a lot to lower the cg and prevent roll. it's really really needed.

[CHAOS!]

will you give up on saying the stupid slash. and then the flux. you guys are going back and fourth like a couple school girls :P
Either one you get you will need to spend about $200 on batteries and a charger. you cant go that fast without a LiPo....wel you can, but your run times will be about 3 min.
you said waterproof? the only waterproof BL's I know of are the VXL's the savage flux is defenitly not worth the price. to even get it to do 60 you need to spend about $150 just on batteries!!! then the LiPo charger, plus you have to wait for 2 batteries to charge, unless you dump good money into a dual charger and I don't even know if they make one for LiPo's.
If you are going to be topping 60 moh then four wheel drive will defenitly be in your advantage.
I have heard great things about the slash being tough and an all over great vehicle. Now that they have the 4x4 one, and it comes with the VXL. wh0a, that'd be nice. I would opt for that. the vxl is waterproof, and it can handle 3s. if it can push the stupid rustler to 70 it can do the same for the slash. You might need to change the gearing around a bit, but I am sure with a 3s and the right gearing you can break 65mph...easily too.

But just remember. Whatever you do, if you want to go that fast with electric you are going to need to add about 90 bucks for a decent LiPo and about $130 for a decent charger. your best bet is to get something that comes with a BL so you just need to add the battery.

[jettrooper02]

ok first of all you can spend $40 and get 2 good lipo's. and $40 for a nice charger to charge them.

second, the flux will win a durability test against the slash anyday. and it may not be waterproof, but it's not like it's hard to water proof. you can water proof an entire electric truck with a can of liquid tape. simple. and plastic dip for everything but the esc.

[CHAOS!]

Of course the savage is more durable...it's a savage for christs sakes. I never said the slash is more durable, you just did. I have been looking for lipos and never seen any for that price. Please link me to the batteries and charger for that price. And From first hand experience cheap batteries and chargers arent worth the money you save.
But please do link me to what you are talking about.

[merlin703]

Well, I got some unexpected money from work.... I guess for Christmas so I might purchase one now or just get a smaller one so I can play around with my baby son. He is only 9 months and he already like cars... must have learned that in the daycare center.

Anyway, just to get it out of the way, getting lipos and chargers and nore a problem. I'm (have) already been in the RC helicopter part of the hobby so I have plenty of lipos, chargers and know sites that sell these for "cheap" so getting lipos and chargers is not an issue at all. I do want to stay with 3s and 6s since that pretty much all I have and I want to be sharing my lipos between helis, planes and cars (ideally). The best battery charger I have is a DUO so it can charge two type of batteries at the same time.

Regarding cheap sites to sell lipos and chargers. I believe (could be mistaken) that hobbycity is the cheapest option out there. Their "cheap" batteries have been tested over and over by helicopter pilots (demanding application) for 3D flights and have, sometimes, out performed lipos that cost 3x more.

I'm not sure if I'm allow to provide links here but the cost of a 3s lipo is about $20 bucks at hobbycity. Other packs can cost you near $70. Similar story with chargers from the same site. I will try to post some samples, if this site allows it.

[merlin703]

Here are few links to batteries:
$16 bucks 2,500 mAh http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9271
$25 bucks 3,000 mAh http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=9497

Charger for 2-4s batteries for $25 bucks
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7898&Product_Name=Turnigy_420_Balancer/Charger_2S~4S

When you order, you just have to make sure they have it in stock or you will have to wait for ever. Yes, it comes from China but EMS shipping takes about 4-5 days. They also have TX/RX 2.4 systems for under $30 bucks... it's almost a joke.

[jettrooper02]

they have 5000mah 2s 20c lipos for $20 to. :D

[hakmazter]

You said tough. Get an electric 1/8 scale. They really will go 60mph or more.

I have one of these....

http://www.rccaraction.com/ME2/dirmod.asp?sid=E29CAE68A6D4457BA0FB171BEC7D56D2&nm=Site+Features&type=news&mod=News&mid=9A02E3B96F2A415ABC72CB5F516B4C10&tier=3&nid=F6E8ED2E55FA41DA8104B0FEED8D5BE7

[dustin98]

i like my rustler vxl it dont break worth the flip ive jumped through at least 15 feet through the air and all i did to make it go 70 is upgrade my battery and it takes a pretty good beating haha ive been through water ice snow it goes fast but keep in mind that if you want to go in snow ice mud that its not 4wheel drive so good luck with your decision:)

[dustin98]

no you wont i spent $85 on a charger that charges nicd lipo nimh life and lilon and 35 on a lipo battery that goes 70mph at hobbytownusa

[dustin98]

i have had my rustler for 3 years and i swear to my life nothin big has broken:) the highest i have spent on getting it fixed is 15 bucks gee dont be hard on it haha

[dustin98]

i got an unexpected
20bucks to go toward it thank u lord haha

[zane]

Slash 4x4 there fast, tough, there easy to hop up and they can take a beating