Hi - Thinking about taking the plunge...

[2mths]

Hi all,

A middle aged Dad here thinking of re-living part of his childhood and hopefully providing my kid with some fun too. 

But what to buy?

I got the idea of getting an RC car again from watching a Dad & Son (I'm assuming) driving vehicles around the park. My son (3) was fascinated and I was perfectly happy to watch too. 

The Dad had a Tamiya Lunch Box truck. Not sure what his son had, but my best guess is an FTX Tracer. 

I looked them up and the first is more expensive than I'd want to entertain at this point. The second looks a more promising possibility. 

So I'm here to try and do some research and happy to hear of any experiences, suggestions and or general advice. 

Thanks,

Andrew

Edited July 31, 2024 by 2mths

[Lone-wolf]

how about a tracer for the child and a blackzon for you, not big money

[2mths]

15 hours ago, Lone-wolf said:

how about a tracer for the child and a b

I have taken the plunge on a Tracer! 

After reading around the forums, I took a punt on an HBX 16889A Pro from Banggood 🤞🏻

 

I will search/Google the Blackzon. I've no idea what it is!

 

Edit:

Seems it's the same thing again 🤔

I don't understand. 

Edited August 1, 2024 by 2mths

[Fred barlow]

Look at the mjx hyper go from AliExpress, it's the tracers better brother (you can upgrade parts easier especially electronics) the controller has a 30% power switch for the young ones to try it but full power is fun for dad too,

[Stormbringer]

Hi and welcome to the forum 

[Yrkoon]

welcome to the site 🙂

[2mths]

On 01/08/2024 at 13:18, Fred barlow said:

Look at the mjx hyper go from AliExpress, it's the tracers better brother (you can upgrade parts easier especially electronics) the controller has a 30% power switch for the young ones to try it but full power is fun for dad too,

If the first one turns up and gets used, then I'll look into this further! Thank you. 

[steephill]

Welcome to the forum. 

You've got a fun little truck👍

Very durable little trucks. 

 

[2mths]

On 04/08/2024 at 16:17, steephill said:

Welcome to the forum. 

You've got a fun little truck👍

Very durable little trucks. 

 

Thank you. It arrived Friday, but do did my daughter 🤣 So I haven't been able to try it out yet. 

[2mths]

On 01/08/2024 at 13:18, Fred barlow said:

Look at the mjx hyper go from AliExpress, it's the tracers better brother (you can upgrade parts easier especially electronics) the controller has a 30% power switch for the young ones to try it but full power is fun for dad too,

So the first one has turned up. I've not tried it yet as the controller doesn't seem to like any of my (rechargeable) batteries. 

 

So I looked on Ali Express and there seem to be various different Hyper Go models. Was there any particular one you'd recommend?

[ArGaT]

Definately make sure you get the brushless motor version. I am new to this, like yourself and I’ve bought 3 hyper-go’s they’re defo tough and fast enough for us. So far I can’t fault them, fun, fast and tough. For the price I paid (around £65) they’re great. I’m new to the hobby so I have nothing else to compare them against. Like you, ive done my research through the tinterweb and not very thorough either. But no regrets so far.  Oh I’m pretty sure they’re all 2s cars but they do a 3s version also. If that matters. 

[Fred barlow]

On 11/08/2024 at 08:22, 2mths said:

So the first one has turned up. I've not tried it yet as the controller doesn't seem to like any of my (rechargeable) batteries. 

 

So I looked on Ali Express and there seem to be various different Hyper Go models. Was there any particular one you'd recommend?

The one I'd go for are the 16208 to 10 range in the off road but the 10208 would be one to watch when they get the V3 out that's got all the modifications and all the kinks tweaked.

There is a couple of mjx groups on Facebook that are good at giving tips or tricks that are worth a look

[2mths]

On 12/08/2024 at 19:12, Fred barlow said:

The one I'd go for are the 16208 to 10 range in the off road but the 10208 would be one to watch when they get the V3 out that's got all the modifications and all the kinks tweaked.

There is a couple of mjx groups on Facebook that are good at giving tips or tricks that are worth a look

Fred - Thank you for all your replies on this thread. 

After the HBX 16889 Pro turned up it wasn't long before I also bought a MJX Hyper Go 16209! 

 

Im pleased with the pair. They are so similar in many ways, yet so different too. 

The Tracer offers far superior speed control/limit, so it's much better for my 3yo. The HyperGo only has a 70/100 switch and whilst it has some use (slightly less flips etc) it's still way too quick for a small child. However it gives me something to grow into. 

I'd like better (faster responding) speed modulation to help learn to control jump rotation. I'd also like to try and improve the handling as it doesn't like to turn and then when it does it often flips. 

 

I've also just sent the money for a 2nd hand 14301 🤣. So one month in and I'm bitten pretty hard. 

[2mths]

On 11/08/2024 at 09:35, ArGaT said:

Definately make sure you get the brushless motor version. I am new to this, like yourself and I’ve bought 3 hyper-go’s they’re defo tough and fast enough for us. So far I can’t fault them, fun, fast and tough. For the price I paid (around £65) they’re great. I’m new to the hobby so I have nothing else to compare them against. Like you, ive done my research through the tinterweb and not very thorough either. But no regrets so far.  Oh I’m pretty sure they’re all 2s cars but they do a 3s version also. If that matters. 

£65 is an amazing price. I didn't do that well, but I'm happy enough👍🏻. 

 

As I comment elsewhere in this thread the Tracer/16889 has much better speed limit options (analouge dial) but for the money you paid 🤷‍♂️😎

[Stuart Moonshine]

I would give  one of this a go:

WPL WP14 RTR 1/16 2.4G 4WD RC Car Off-Road Truck Full Proportional Fast Attack Vehicles Model Toys - Camouflage Green or Desert Sand

at £34.06 on Banggood they are cheap enough to buy a pair of without causing strife with in family finances.

They have enough performance to deal with running in the back garden and can cope with the lawn.

I think they are a great way to get into the hobby and would happily run on as a 'trail truck' out of the box.

With enough performance on a hard surface to entertain.

You can also find a slightly different model of the same vehicle:

SG PINECONE FOREST 1612 RTR 1/16 2.4G 4WD RC Car Off-Road Full Proportional Vehicles Model Toys - Blue or Red

Basically the same as above but to 'civilian' rather than 'military' colours

 

Alternative choice would be:

WPL C24 1/16 2.4G 4WD Crawler RTR Truck RC Car Full Proportional Control Two Battery - Two Batteries

yours for £44.13 ea.

As with most WPL models there is a great deal of aftermarket support for the WPL C series of models.

This model is a Toyota Hilux pickup in outline and as you might expect is a good start to trail trucking with plenty of potential to be upgraded to a capable vehicle without breaking the bank.

 

Final Hardshell scale vehicle is:

JJRC Q75 1/16 2.4G 6WD RC Car Military Truck Electric Off-Road Vehicles RTR Model - Green. Impressively large and with the addition of thick diff oil in the open diffs becomes a competent Trail Truck.

 

Do not rely on the manufacturer's supplied USB battery charger for long term use.

 

You will need something better to ensure the batteries are maintained properly.

Banggood's website offers lots of quality chargers at affordable prices.

Li-Po and Li-Ion batteries pack a serious punch and need to be used and stored with proper care.

 

None of the models I have selected are high speed electrics but will offer many hours of fun around the garden or along a footpath/bridleway the first two will happily 'bash' a skate park or handle a Pump bike circuit and survive the visit.

Please note I am not in any way connected with Banggood other than as an irregular customer.

[2mths]

@Stuart Moonshine Thank you so very much for this reply. I am sorry it has taken me so long to write this reply to say this (7 week old baby and struggling to do much of anything at the moment). 
I've read your post twice and looked up all the vehicles. 
I will look to buy some of them... When I think I can do so and stay married. 

I am taking on board your warning about battery charging. Though I admit I haven't bought anything yet (but neither have I USB charged my batteries again). I'm trying to work out what to get and as mentioned above, don't have much time or brainpower for it. 

Thank you again for taking the time, it is very much appreciated. ❤️