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zanemoseley

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Over the last few years I've dabbled in EPP foam plane kits, I made a full kit racing quad and have a Redcat 1/10 RTR brushless. I've got the bug for something larger and loud, I was first looking at the 1/8 Losi 8ight-t RTR but think maybe I should jump up to an entry level 1/5 gas, my thinking is you can get a pretty decent HPI clone for $550, seems like the gas engines would be less tinkering than a nitro, larger platform to allow easier access the replacement parts, the 2WD system should also be a lot easier to work on than a 1/8 4wd with more diffs and axles to worry about.

For beginners just wanting to have fun (not competitive racing) are the KM (KM002) clones still a good starting point? They've got a fair amount of aluminum upgrades and like that there are so many options for replacement parts since they HPI/KM/ROVAN parts are interchangeable.

Are there other platforms I should look at instead? Hoping to stay in the $500 - $600 range but if there was a really compelling reason to go a bit higher I might.
 
If I went 4wd what is a good starting point for a beginner? Preferably easy to work on with good parts availability.
 
they are mediocre cars, sloppy, engines are okay for a while, and build quality is as you expect for 500 bucks. they are not terrible , but you get what you pay for. if you go the 4wd route, save up a bit and buy a real losi (used or brand new), don't buy the clones, the losi is wayyy better.
 
What parts haven't fit for you? I just bought new KM a-arms for my baja and they went on fine. Wasn't thrilled about the rear connecting rod but fits fine.
 
As a beginner myself 2 years ago, i went with the KM002, dougstar is correct on the reliability, i had to replace servo's with mine to get it to steer like i wasn't drunk off my ass, damn thing wouldn't turn right so i had to do donuts to point it the way i wanted to go, that's pretty much all i had to replace, it was a fun learning experience and with the greatly appreciated help from this group, plus i like tearing and tinkering into things and it wasn't too expensive but other than the servo's it still runs like a champ to this day! and if i decide to step up to the big boy truck$, i'll know what and how to fix things, and the crazy thing was i bought another KM002, yes i could've bought a better car for the price of both, but if something were to break on one buggy, i can steal it from the other and still have fun til the replacement part comes in, which i've done once or twice, that's my 2cents...good luck and brap brap braaaaaap on!
 
Bartyboy said:
As a beginner myself 2 years ago, i went with the KM002, dougstar is correct on the reliability, i had to replace servo's with mine to get it to steer like i wasn't drunk off my ass, damn thing wouldn't turn right so i had to do donuts to point it the way i wanted to go, that's pretty much all i had to replace, it was a fun learning experience and with the greatly appreciated help from this group, plus i like tearing and tinkering into things and it wasn't too expensive but other than the servo's it still runs like a champ to this day! and if i decide to step up to the big boy truck$, i'll know what and how to fix things, and the crazy thing was i bought another KM002, yes i could've bought a better car for the price of both, but if something were to break on one buggy, i can steal it from the other and still have fun til the replacement part comes in, which i've done once or twice, that's my 2cents...good luck and brap brap braaaaaap on!
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btw, the 2nd buggy did not need any replacing of anything and it too, still runs like a champ...
MonsterAir said:
Servo's are the first thing replaced in any rtr vehicle.
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oh really? that makes me feel alot better with my clones, at least i don't have to "wait to see what else is gonna fail on this thing" thx for that info bud!
 
MonsterAir said:
What parts haven't fit for you? I just bought new KM a-arms for my baja and they went on fine. Wasn't thrilled about the rear connecting rod but fits fine.
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Rear end parts in specific. Parts are sometimes larger or smaller then the real deal (hpi) such as the diff case was like 2mm larger then a orig hpi diff case. My flm stuff really didn't fit my roven, went on my hpi without an issue. The layshaft is about a mm longer on the rovan, brake hex is the same. That's just a few things.
 
Jshaff16 said:
To the op.. why not get a tlr 5b, it's just a bit more than your budget and a much better platform
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Am I missing something. It looks to cost a LOT more. The kit alone is $1260 and I would imagine the engine, exhaust, servos, radio and batter/charge would get the total cost close to $2k. That's almost 4x the cost of KM002.

I've still not ruled out a Losi 8ight-t especially if you guys think they're easier to work on than a 1/5 2wd baja.
 
Z, these guys are trying to spend all of your money!!! If your not planning on racing get something cheap. I went used but had to repair a buncha stuff that is equaling more than a new rtr KM or Rovan. Given I'm prepping for racing I don't mind.

They are all the same to work on for most part. If less wrenching hours is what your after go with a FG Marder. I can tare down everything and rebuild in less than an hour.
 
I have a Losi 5ive buggy, cost 750, will require 300 in servos, 100 radio, 300 ish engine before it hits the dirt.
The losi dbxl isn't too bad, just have to locktite stuff, I haven't taken the car out for a full tank of gas without it loosing a pin or pinion gear due to loctite, but its very fun.

i am still gathering courage and money to get the 5ive on the road, but it has many improvements over the losi dbxl, that will be more reliable. Its a very nice kit.
 
Im a newbie here and have never owned anything but the Rovan Baja I got abot 4 months ago , In my case I like to MOD things , I had a few issues that had to be upgraded
1. front bumper ! get a good one ASAP with the extra support , your gonna hit crap ( broke my frame , they told me to do it and I didnt)
2. Radio , the stock one is crap, I replaced mine with a$70 ONE. and its pretty good !
3. IF you want improved performance get a ESP race ported top end kit and Pipe from DDM $200 MASSIVE improvement in power.

I just bash for now , but I run it HARD and the driveline has held up as well as the suspension parts , my next upgrade will be a all metal steering setup for $79

Be careful these crackers will try to spend ALL UR $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ my 2 cents
 
MonsterAir said:
Z, these guys are trying to spend all of your money!!! If your not planning on racing get something cheap. I went used but had to repair a buncha stuff that is equaling more than a new rtr KM or Rovan. Given I'm prepping for racing I don't mind.

They are all the same to work on for most part. If less wrenching hours is what your after go with a FG Marder. I can tare down everything and rebuild in less than an hour.
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zanemoseley said:
Am I missing something. It looks to cost a LOT more. The kit alone is $1260 and I would imagine the engine, exhaust, servos, radio and batter/charge would get the total cost close to $2k. That's almost 4x the cost of KM002.

I've still not ruled out a Losi 8ight-t especially if you guys think they're easier to work on than a 1/5 2wd baja.
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I agree with the "you get what you pay for", but i'm happy with my KM's. I just want to have fun and see if i really wanted to get into this hobby, what's funny is, if you go KM, you're getting more upgraded parts than i did and for about the same price i paid 2 years ago!? i just happened to look at KM's site b4 i logged into the forum.
 
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