dude, if someone breaks the hpi chassis then they are a complete idiot, not just new to rc. I ******* wailed my cars/trucks(hpi) into things and NEVER broke the chassis. For you to bend or break the aluminum you have to go full speed head on into a wall I would guess. associated and hpi chassis are the same quality, I have friends with AE tc3's. both cars are 99% the same in quality, function, and speed.



the HPI chassis is the same material as the AE. You are being misled by a hobby shop that likes to sell AE.



As far as RTR vs. building it with your own parts, the only difference is just that, you get to pick your own engine and radio gear. so price is unlimited. RTR takes the fun out of building it yourself, but it is economical, and you can be out playing 10min after you get home.

 

I seem to be sounding partial to HPI, and I don't want that to happen, I just ultimatly chose HPI due to quality,price,and parts available. Over the years I have owned AE, yokomo,mugen,and serpent. While mugen and sepents are far superior, the prices are just ******* rediculous.





Here are my suggestions on what to buy as a beginner:



NITRO



AE TC3 NITRO RTR

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCES1&P=0



HPI RS4 RTR

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFSK3&P=0



all you need for either kit is fuel,12aa batteries,and a glow plug igniter(additional $30 for all)



ELECTRIC





AE TC3

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAHH0&P=0



HPI

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCTE5&P=0



for theese electric cars you need 8 aa batteries, atleast 1 battery pack, and a battery charger(minimum of $80)

 

i got an electric blew the steering motor 3 times went to metal geared one then i broke the steering rack deal in the front and gave up on the car cuz i couldnt take charging for 8 hours playing for 3 min. drifting was fun but the rules still apply



avoid curbs (gutters expecially) and people (well ankles) these suckers can fly

 

HPI RS4, reasonably priced, good strong car. Get an exhaust, carb, and a 2 speed trans, and its fast. Chances are replacement parts are in stock everywhere. The original belt driven RS4 is a little faster (not much) and lighter then the RS4 3(non SS). And i know ive had them both.



Or if you like dirt, the HPI MT is nice. identical to the RS4 3 accept with bigger tires and longer suspention.



Whatever you do, dont get a 2wd nitro road car. youl never get enough traction and youl incinerate tires.

 

HPI is fine for playing around. You don't need an expensive Serpent, Kyosho, or Mugen car if you're just bashing. Only if you're racing, you may want to consider them.



I don't know about the new HPI Nitro RS4 MT2 but I had their original Nitro MT and it was literally crap and not durable. My RC10GT could take a serious pounding. I also spent so much on the Nitro MT, I just sold it and bought an Ofna 1/8th buggy. What loads of fun it was even with a cheapo sport .21 engine. Then I moved onto a Mugen XR...a little overkill but I loved it.



A little trick you can do to make your HPI more durable is to boil the nylon plastic suspension pieces in water for about 10-15 minutes. Don't boil ABS plastic like some of their wheels, it will warp. The boiling effect makes the material softer and less prone to breakage at the expensive of slightly flexier setup in setting up suspension for racing.



And I agree with others. Don't buy an RTR. Its so much fun building them and you get to know the car inside/out to make repairs easier.

 

Hey listen if u dont buy a RTR then be prepared to spend plenty of money. But i may have been wrong about my previous statement but dont blame me. I got info from 5 people at 2 stores. sorry if i was wrong.

 

Your bank account is gonna hate you..

 

For the most part, all of the companies have good and bad cars. Most of my experience with HPI has been with the micro rs4 and that thing is a pile of **** until you replace 90% of the parts with aftermarket non-HPI stuff, but then they also have quite good quality cars like the nitro rs4. Kyosho makes good and bad cars too, so does team associated (the regular electric TC3 is crap for example). Tamiya has some quite nice touring cars out and they also have very cheap crappy cars. Team Losi has some great competitive cars and then they also have junk, for example the new mini-t.



Do research on whatever car you are considering buying, but before you can even start deciding on a car or truck you have to decide what you want to do with the thing. On road or off road? smooth parking lots and carpeting only or streets w/curbs and cracks too? Backyard bashing or dirt tracks? competitive or not? Rock crawling or big air jumping? Indoor, outdoor, or both? The answers to these questions will help greatly in deciding what you purchase.

 

check out my rc car www.cardomain.com/id/crimsonmx5 on page 4 ..