Feedback on the Baja 5 SC - Interested in Buying One

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98NYFinestVette

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Hello all, I am new to the forum. I have 1/10 Traxxas items now - Slash 2x4, Slash 4x4, Stampede & T-Maxx.
I have had my eye on the HPI Baja 5 SC for awhile. I am looking for some real feedback on this.

This may open up a can or worms here. I have read about all of the other 1/5 models out there. I see that there is pros and cons to all models. Some say the T1000 and the Rovan have come a long way and almost as good or as good as the HPI.

I think if I am going to spend $1,300 for a HPI, $700 for a Rovan and so on. Which would be the best? I have read that some people need to change many parts on the Rovan and the T1000 when they open the box. Would it be worth it to buy the HPI in the long run - dollar for dollar? I understand there is a $500-$600 price difference. Best bang for the buck. :-)

I am sure this has come up in the past, I did try to search for this topic and did not find anything like it.

I want to buy the right vehicle one time and not have to keep driving to the LHS or stock up on parts. My plans would be to race the truck at events in the future.

Thanks in advance

I have read many posts on here and I liked what I was reading and decided to join.
 
I've never owned the largescale HPI or clone cars (5b 5sc or what ever type you go for) personaly but from what I've read, a lot of people seem to be happy with the clone cars because it's a cheaper base to start from when you're up grading.

You could say ... I'll buy the clone car for $600 and spend the resst on upgrades or be "brand loyal" and just go for the HPI.

I'd go for the FG Baja if I was bashing.
 
I have owned 1 Hpi 5T and 3 clones so far.

My opinion is go for the KM T1000 if your not going to be hitting up any hpi sponsored events in the future. I love my T1000 and have had ZERO issues with it and I've got about 7 hours run time on it so far. If you do have plans for hpi events I would look at buying a used 5T or 5SC. That way you will not have as much up front cost and still be able to run the sponsored events.

It's all personal preference and it comes down to your intentions. I got my 30.5cc T1000 from Heat Hobby for $699 shipped. I have had no issues at all out of it so far. Runs great and I have put it through some nice bashing and still no broken parts. For the same price you should be able to find a used HPI. I found a used HPI 5SC with upgraded servos on rctech for $650 a few weeks ago.
 
I would say do what nearly everybody does, but in a logical, progressive manner.
Buy the newest, straightest, CHEAPEST one you can find ...
then systematically select which parts you are going to replace and when ...
then purchase and install the hop-ups as, where and when able ...
there you have it.

A Baja like most others - perhaps 20% original with wheels, arms, bearings, axles, shock mounts, shocks, shock sox, servos, radio gear, motor, gears changed !!!

There you go.
Sorted.

Al.


PS Might have the original body on it if it hasn't been totalled!
 
Thanks for all the help. I did not know there were HPI Sponsored events. I am sure there are none up here int he north east.

My thoughts are, how much would the upgrades be for a T1000? I understand I would be saving $600 up front. If I am out there racing it, will it be more prone for replacement parts? I understand that you guys have been bashing them and they are surviving. I am looking at it in the long term. What will last and not require the $$$ to keep it going.

I wish I found that HPI for $600. I would have jumped all over it. I am sure many did. I will check the status now.

Thanks again, if anyone else has feedback or thoughts - I would like to hear them.

Thanks again,
Rob
 
One of the biggest if not the biggest HPI baja events in the world is in upper New Your. Do not know about the clones but I can say HPI has great customer service. They stand behind their products.

HPI parts are easy to get and plentiful. After marked support is second to none.
 
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46u said:
One of the biggest if not the biggest HPI baja events in the world is in upper New Your. Do not know about the clones but I can say HPI has great customer service. They stand behind their products.

HPI parts are easy to get and plentiful. After marked support is second to none.
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The clone is the Rovan? The T1000? Or both? LOL

Funny how that is near me, now I feel stupid. lol I just started to go further with this the other day. I am still learning about them. Now, there is the 2 speed trans. I don't think I need that if I am running on a track. Uggg decisions. LOL
 
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98NYFinestVette said:
The clone is the Rovan? The T1000? Or both? LOL

Funny how that is near me, now I feel stupid. lol I just started to go further with this the other day. I am still learning about them. Now, there is the 2 speed trans. I don't think I need that if I am running on a track. Uggg decisions. LOL
Click to expand...


Any baja that looks like the hpi 5b/5t/5sc that isn't made by hpi is considered a "clone". Rovan, King Motor, Shenghai...etc.... are all considered clones.

My KM T1000 is holding up GREAT so far. I now have about 7 hours runtime on it and I'm very happy with my purchase. As far as you needing any upgrades the normal things you replace on a hpi is the normal for a clone. Things such as throttle/brake servo and steering servo are the norm along with most end up going with a turtle racing clutch setup and possibly RPM arms.

I live within a couple hours of Digger's Dungeon where they have some BIG events every year. I know hpi comes down to those and really supports them well. I honestly don't know if clones are allowed there or not. But if you intend on going to hpi sponsored events I would look into buying a hpi so your not potentially turned away from any events.
 
MattP said:
I live within a couple hours of Digger's Dungeon where they have some BIG events every year. I know hpi comes down to those and really supports them well. I honestly don't know if clones are allowed there or not. But if you intend on going to hpi sponsored events I would look into buying a hpi so your not potentially turned away from any events.
Click to expand...

I was at Digger Dungeon in 2009 for the big baja event. I drove 600 miles to get there. It was cold and wet the whole time I was there but still had a great time. At HPI sponsored events they do not allow any clones.

I do not know if 98NYFinestVette saw my post that one of if not the biggest HPI baja events is upper New Your

John from HPI on right
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David owner of Turtle Racing
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Rob owner of Hostile Racing
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DSCF3266.webp
DSCF3268.webp
My pit
DSCF3229.webp
Prizes I won
DSCF3276.webp
 
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MattP said:
Any baja that looks like the hpi 5b/5t/5sc that isn't made by hpi is considered a "clone". Rovan, King Motor, Shenghai...etc.... are all considered clones.
Click to expand...

The reason they call them clones first baja like these to come out was the HPI 5b. After HPI spent much money to do the RD to make the 5B all the others just copied Their design.
 
Thanks 46u, I never knew that HPI had sponsored events. I would be interested in playing/participating in an event. I think I will get the HPI since I will more then likely want to race it vs bashing.

I will have to search for the HPI racing schedule so I can get in the loop of things.

I have a better understanding about the mods regardless of make and model - you will be upgrading with mods.
All the feedback has been extremely helpful for me to make this difficult choice.

Thanks again
Rob
 
Biggest Baja gathering in the world upper New York. Wish I could make it but it is about 974 miles away and in my situation no way.
http://www.hostileracingproducts.com/bajafest.htm

I sure do miss racing but the closes large scale track to me now is 300 miles away. There use to be a large scale track about 60 miles from be but did not last long do to little support.
 
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98NYFinestVette said:
Thanks for the link 46u. That weekend I will be in Bowling Green Kentucky racing my real car. LOL Maybe next year or they will have another event this year at this location or at a different location.

Guess what I got today? :D

[URL="http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2954944140100645390fcjmTo"][/URL]

[URL="http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/2580490110100645390agqVVo"][/URL]
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Good choice bro..... the real deal you wont regret it :)

i bought the hpi 5bss kit and just recently converted to 5t

IMG_0538-1.webp
IMG_0586.webp
 
Nice, I like the VW body on it.
I watched many videos, listened to all the feedback and read most if not all the threads and I decided on the HPI. It was tough and I mean tough. I was so ready to buy the T1000 then I decided to just go for the HPI. In two hours I will breaking it in.
 
Nice SC. I prefer and have the 5b SS I been running for about 3 years. The biggest thing I got against the T and SC is the weight 6 pounds heaver then the b out of the box and the price of the bodies. Take your time breaking it in and have fun.
 
you made the right decision you may have saved some dollars buying a km or rovan clone but you would have spent what you had saved in repairs and upgrades trust me i have owned all brands and so far the hpi is by far the better choice.......
as they say you get what you pay for!
 
OuttaLuck said:
you made the right decision you may have saved some dollars buying a km or rovan clone but you would have spent what you had saved in repairs and upgrades trust me i have owned all brands and so far the hpi is by far the better choice.......
as they say you get what you pay for!
Click to expand...

I agree and not only that but HPI has great customer service!
 
46u, you are correct about the body price. I am amazed to why they are so expensive.

This is what happened today.

Good news and bad news.
I broke in the engine on the street. I had to turn out the high speed screw 2 1/4 turns and low speed screw 1 3/4 turns out. This is not the bad news.

I went to the baseball field to have some fun with my kids and a friend. I was doing the bases - more like drifting. After a few times around, I had a feel for the field and truck. When I was approaching 2nd - about 10 to 12 feet away while sliding I must have hit a rock or a weed that was elevated above the ground. The truck went into a roll then Somersaults. This did not end well, could have been worse.

The left rear corner of the body broke off. The piece that came off was from the rear wheel to the tail light. The tail light is still there. I saw $$$$$$$$$$$ when I walked over. I saw the piece that came off and then a second small piece.

I am shocked to see how much the replacement bodies are. I will try to epoxy it.

Overall, I was amazed of the power. I was not expecting this. I thought the truck was going to be under power.
 
98NYFinestVette said:
46u, you are correct about the body price. I am amazed to why they are so expensive.

This is what happened today.

Good news and bad news.
I broke in the engine on the street. I had to turn out the high speed screw 2 1/4 turns and low speed screw 1 3/4 turns out. This is not the bad news.

I went to the baseball field to have some fun with my kids and a friend. I was doing the bases - more like drifting. After a few times around, I had a feel for the field and truck. When I was approaching 2nd - about 10 to 12 feet away while sliding I must have hit a rock or a weed that was elevated above the ground. The truck went into a roll then Somersaults. This did not end well, could have been worse.

The left rear corner of the body broke off. The piece that came off was from the rear wheel to the tail light. The tail light is still there. I saw $$$$$$$$$$$ when I walked over. I saw the piece that came off and then a second small piece.

I am shocked to see how much the replacement bodies are. I will try to epoxy it.

Overall, I was amazed of the power. I was not expecting this. I thought the truck was going to be under power.
Click to expand...

Sorry to hear about you crash but this is part of the hobby!
best way to repair your broken body is to use dry wall tape and shoe goo

 
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