BASHING ONLY - Which truck?

[JeffEmbracedDC]

Hey, guys. I used to be in to cars a lot more. Over teh course of the last 10 years or so I've probably ran about 10 different cars (mostly associated. rc10, 10t, 10t2, 10t3, 10b3, 10b4, l3Touing, GT, Etc). I am now looking for a monster truck to bash with. It will most likely never touch a track and it will never race. I am looking fo something mainly durable, but of course fast is always great. I have really just started considering getting a new truck over the past week or so and haven't have much of a chance to do any research on it. I have been looking at the Associated Monster GT as well as the T-Maxx 3.3.

So basically - out of those two - and any other monster trucks in the same class - which would be best for bashing in sand and tall grass? For tall grass I'll need good torque and for sand I'm thinking it might be better to have bushings instead of bearings? Not sure. I'd like ro hear your opinions. Thanks everyone!

-J

[Claudacio]

Personally, I would say stay away from both of those trucks, the MGT is an oversized, extremely underpowered version of the T-maxx, which is also somewhat past its prime (the T-maxx) even though its been updated recently. I'd say for a tough as a brick truck (and flies like one too, LOL) nothing beats a savage. It is also kinda out of its prime even though its updated every couple years, but it is the toughest MT out there and it does have a huge aftermarket. The revo is also a decent truck, but I am not a fan of traxxas so I wont be recommending that one. I'd say for the best out of the box performing MT get yourself an LST2. Its more expensive than the rest, but driving it side by side with other MT's that are also straight out of the box you will see why very quickly, it also has a quality radio that comes with it and real big block power and size. And I have yet to drive another MT that flies as well as the LST2, nor have I found one thats as easy to drive, and it has as big of an aftermarket as the savage or revo.

The flame suit is being zipped up as I speak, LOL.

Team Losi LST2 (http://www.killerhobbies.com/Browse_Item_Details.asp/Item_ID/326455/categ_id/18/parent_ids/0,90,18/Name/Team_Losi_LST2_RTR_Monster_Truck_xXS3_Radio_-_LOSB0015)

www.lstforums.com

[bcane98]

Well said Claudacio... and with the release of the Muggy the LST2 prices have dropped on EBay by over $100... Me honestly... nothing beats a Savage for bashing. It is a very tough MT.

I never buy a basher NIB... too many little upgrades in too many places. Get a used one that is RTR and is about 1/2 the price of a new one. That way all the little quirks have been worked out hopefully...

IMO the Savage is hands down the better Bashing MT all around... LST2 would be a real close 2nd though.

[Claudacio]

IMO the Savage is hands down the better Bashing MT all around... LST2 would be a real close 2nd though.

Thats what you say now, wait till you finally get one, it'll be like "savage what, savage who"? LOL

[nitro_mt]

Savage...thats all I have to say

[DriftIsTheWayRS4]

1 Jammin CRT RTR
2 Revo 3.3
3 Tmaxx 3.3
4 Savage X
5 Savage 25

[NIdaho Mudder]

I run a new cen gst 5hp just a monster truck havent broke mine yet. All i say is after break in get the roto start.

http://www.cenracing.com/cars/gst/gst.html

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n36/NIdaho_Mudder/cengrass.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n36/NIdaho_Mudder/New-Old.jpg

[JeffEmbracedDC]

Hey, guys. Thanks for your response, and sorry for all of my typos in my first post :). I was in a bit of a hurry and wasn't able to spell-check. Anyway,

After looking at some more of these I seem to have an issue with one thing about most trucks in this class - They all seem to be basically stadium trucks with beefed up suspension, bigger tires and a jacked up body. Right now you're saying "Of course, that's exactly what they are, duh." But what I mean is that it seems that if you put some regular stadium tires on them that the ground clearance wouldn't be much more than an rc10gt or t4. Am I right on this, or do they truely have way more ground clearance due to arm/chassis design, and that the higher ground clearance is not only because of the large tires? It seems to me that you could get the same type of vehicle by lowing the gearing on a GT and retrofitting t-maxx tires to it.

If you look at this:
http://www2.gpmd.com/image/h/hpic1858.jpg
The o nly real "monsterous" looking thing about it is the somewhat large tires and body jacked up a mile into the sky.

What's everyones thoughts on that? Are these trucks really capable of more than a normal decent racing stadium truck? I am a n00b when it comes to monster trucks.

Thanks everyone.

-Jeff

[JeffEmbracedDC]

I run a new cen gst 5hp just a monster truck havent broke mine yet. All i say is after break in get the roto start.

http://www.cenracing.com/cars/gst/gst.html

Jeez, Now that thing looks pretty monsterous. It looks like a really nice truck Unfortunately I think it's a little bit out of my budget. I was hoping on sub-$500. Like $450ish.It looks like the CEN Genesis .77 is about $550. I'll have to think about the whole deal some more. Thanks everyone!

[Claudacio]

I dont want to sound rude but do you have a concept of the size of these things? I will say the revo, t-maxx, and the savage are the smallest of the bunch that have been mentioned, the t-maxx and revo are 1/10th scale and the savage is the smallest of the 1/8th scales. You could probably put a stadium truck under the MGT, LST2, or the GST and not even see the stadium truck at all if you were looking down apon them both. You could line up a bunch of stadium trucks and drive over them like they do at the 1:1 scale MT shows, and do the same kinda of damage just about, LOL.

Staduim trucks are good for honing your racing skills and some good racing, I doubt you'd be able to go through some higher grass with a stadium truck without some kind of issue. If you want something to jump 10-15 feet off the ground and distances of 20-30 feet and keep going like nothing happened, jumping curbs or anything you can find, then one of the MT's mentioned above will do the job, some better than others, as you can see we all have our opinions as to which one is the best, but the truth is they all do something well and have strong points. You could essentially walk into a hobby shop and pick the one that looks the best to you and be in good shape, its best to stick to the major brands and the ones you can get parts for is the most important thing.

A little size comparison, the 1/10th scale traxxas jato stadium truck next to a 1/8th scale team losi LST2, I'd say there is a smidgen of a difference between the 2.

http://i50.photobucket.com/albums/f304/claudacio/JatoLST2.jpg

[team3six]

I was reading about the CEN today. Ok I have an LST, So the add says the CEN 7.7 is bigger than the T Maxx and showed a size comparision. But they claim the CEN 7.7 is 1/8th. OK so I am cool with that. But what is the differance between the CEN7.7 and the LST? As claimed. "The CEN7.7 is the largest 1/8th scale available on the market and it crushes the competition in comparision not only in size but in all over value with intergrated high proformance engineering" Now I personally have heard that once upon a time CEN was in fact a great competition product. But after awhile they have prooven to have terrible customer service and in fact, what they offer is great if they would stand by what they say. Apperently, how I take it is. If you dont have customer service it does not matter if you offer gold plated parts. They are not worth anything if they brake and you cant get service. Has that changed, or is it still the same old CEN marketing the same old BS?

[JeffEmbracedDC]

I dont want to sound rude but do you have a concept of the size of these things? I will say the revo, t-maxx, and the savage are the smallest of the bunch that have been mentioned, the t-maxx and revo are 1/10th scale and the savage is the smallest of the 1/8th scales. You could probably put a stadium truck under the MGT, LST2, or the GST and not even see the stadium truck at all if you were looking down apon them both. You could line up a bunch of stadium trucks and drive over them like they do at the 1:1 scale MT shows, and do the same kinda of damage just about, LOL.

Staduim trucks are good for honing your racing skills and some good racing, I doubt you'd be able to go through some higher grass with a stadium truck without some kind of issue. If you want something to jump 10-15 feet off the ground and distances of 20-30 feet and keep going like nothing happened, jumping curbs or anything you can find, then one of the MT's mentioned above will do the job, some better than others, as you can see we all have our opinions as to which one is the best, but the truth is they all do something well and have strong points. You could essentially walk into a hobby shop and pick the one that looks the best to you and be in good shape, its best to stick to the major brands and the ones you can get parts for is the most important thing.

A little size comparison, the 1/10th scale traxxas jato stadium truck next to a 1/8th scale team losi LST2, I'd say there is a smidgen of a difference between the 2. [/IMG]

Hey - I really appreciate this post. I have been out of this stuff so long that I really have lost the sense of the difference between these trucks. This makes me feel a lot better aboutgoing for an 8th scale monster versus a 10th stadium truck. It also tells me that I can stop looking at the GST because it wil be WAY too big. I really like the siize of your LST2. And as far as the major brands go - Yeah, I'm definitely aware. In fact I have always been afraid to put money into anything that isn't associated or losi. But for a bashing truck I think that one of these (traxxas, losi, hpi) will be great for what I want. Thanks again :)

[JeffEmbracedDC]

So I guess overall I'm looking for the fastest and most durable truck sub $500. So unfortunately the LST2 is out :(. Basically everyone says that the t-maxx and Monster GT are out as well? And that leaves us with only the Savage X? Hmm. And the Revo. Personally from what I've seen so far I like the Revo. Comments?

-J

[trentsee]

If you like the losi(which)I happen to love,and want something a little cheaper go with the aftershock.I got one and love it's awesome at the track and it's a fun basher because of the size.Plus you can upgrade it to any level you want or leave it stock either way for the money it's a good buy in my opinion..

[bcane98]

So I guess overall I'm looking for the fastest and most durable truck sub $500. So unfortunately the LST2 is out :(. Basically everyone says that the t-maxx and Monster GT are out as well? And that leaves us with only the Savage X? Hmm. And the Revo. Personally from what I've seen so far I like the Revo. Comments?

-J

Dollar for dollar... The new Savage X SS 4.6 is one tough machine... They have upgraded a lot of the drive train to make it bullet proof (as many of us had requested of HPI). Now the Revo may be a quick machine, but Traxxas products (IMO) are more difficult to work on and are not as tough as the Savage. The Savage has proven itself time and time again that it is the toughest truck out of the box (most anyone can attest to that)... not the fastest, but if you're not racing seconds don't really matter right...

[chanting] SAVAGE... SAVAGE... SAVAGE...

CEN is still the same CEN... I went to a hobby show in March and a CEN Team was there performing. All of their trucks had something break on them within 30 mins of running around. Nothing out of the ordinary that a stock Savage couldn't handle. CEN is junk IMO...

[crabs]

Hello Hello, Like you, I did alot of research. Checked out the internet alot. The Savage X won my heart. It's a blast to run. I have a neighbor who is die hard traxx-revo. After running next to my savage he's ready to upgrade. He now wants the revo 3.3. He's one who knows whats th best and of course owns it. (So he thinks) Remember like computers, whatever you buy will be short of what they'll come out with next year. I' d go Savage X.Let us know what you choose.............Crabs :rolleyes:

[Claudacio]

So I guess overall I'm looking for the fastest and most durable truck sub $500. So unfortunately the LST2 is out :(. Basically everyone says that the t-maxx and Monster GT are out as well? And that leaves us with only the Savage X? Hmm. And the Revo. Personally from what I've seen so far I like the Revo. Comments?

-J


If you buy the losi at killer you can have it shipped to you for $586.90 out the door, IMO if you are going to pay $500 for the revo, you'd get more not looking at either vehicles performance (real big block, shhh dont tell anyone).


Edit:

Oh yeah, I definitely say I agree with most everyone who mentioned about the CEN trucks I was trying to be polite before, they are nothing but headaches from the 3 or 4 that I have seen first hand. The size is cool and what not, but a stock LST outperforms their "5HP" engine and they are extremely top heavy, and I say that from having a freind that was all about the CEN trucks, he had the nemesis and the genesis, I then turned him into a losi freak and he has yet to even touch on of the other trucks he has, should I mention he has a savage and MGT also that are collecting dust with the CEN trucks, LOL.

[JeffEmbracedDC]

Hey guys, I really appreciate all of your posts and opinions. So far from what I have read on different forums and done research-wise, my first chice would no question be a Losi LST2, but unfortunately money is definitely a big factor. I was originally hoping on sun $400 truck but the only trucks like that would be the revo 2.5 or t maxx 2.5 for between $350 and $400. From the beginning I was really only toying with the idea. I'll have to think about it some more and decide if I can afford a truck right now. Thanks again for all of your advice. I think I have a good idea of the different trucks available and I'll let you know if I end up getting something. Thanks!

-J

[Claudacio]

Well that sucks to hear, the cost of these things are high initally and to get set up also costs a few bucks.

If you'd be interested in buying one second hand which theres nothing wrong with, LST2's pop up here and there here. (http://lstforums.com/forums/index.php?f=14)

Nothing wrong with starting off second hand and buying something new in the future, just make sure you look at what your buying and make sure to ask questions. I can assure you everyone at the site where the link I posted is alright to deal with, just look out for the people with 1 or 2 posts.

Good luck, and let us know how you make out.

[NIdaho Mudder]

Yes i hear CEN has had some horrid past on customer service. They currently are working very hard on that and seem to have improved alot. These newer models have been changed and are very comparable to the other cars mentioned. If you have a problem you call the 800 number or post on their forums. The problem is adressed in 24 hours in most cases. I am not upto speed on the other models compared except for the savage my LHS shop carries the savage and after running my cen is going to carry them instead. As for the traxxas line if you live more then 20 minutes drive from your LHS dont waste your money. Also remeber the LHS makes its money off replacement parts and hop ups thats why they push the traxxas product line so hard. Sofar all i have broken is the pull start cord cant even begin to list all i broke on my tmaxx. I can also bet that if i tied my CEN GST to any of the above mentioned trucks i can out pull them.

Best of luck on your choice and most of all buy what YOU like cause incase you didnt notice we all like something different :)

[NIdaho Mudder]

Yea be careful i bought first 2 rigs 2nd hand and i wouldnt recomend it to anyone :)

[team3six]

Yes i hear CEN has had some horrid past on customer service. They currently are working very hard on that and seem to have improved alot. These newer models have been changed and are very comparable to the other cars mentioned. If you have a problem you call the 800 number or post on their forums. The problem is adressed in 24 hours in most cases. I am not upto speed on the other models compared except for the savage my LHS shop carries the savage and after running my cen is going to carry them instead. As for the traxxas line if you live more then 20 minutes drive from your LHS dont waste your money. Also remeber the LHS makes its money off replacement parts and hop ups thats why they push the traxxas product line so hard. Sofar all i have broken is the pull start cord cant even begin to list all i broke on my tmaxx. I can also bet that if i tied my CEN GST to any of the above mentioned trucks i can out pull them.

Best of luck on your choice and most of all buy what YOU like cause incase you didnt notice we all like something different :)

Ummm, Your local hobby shop really does not make that much money on replacemnt parts. I dont know if you realize just how hard it is run a good hobby shop and have employees that actually know what they are talking about and how to fix things correctly. The term "Support your Local Hobby Shop" Is mentioned quite a bit because it is hard to provide the public with a reliable hobby shop and continue to pay the bills. Look at the online shops and see what the differance that they charge for something compared to your LHS and they are getting that in mass bulk. Not too much of a differance. The times have changed my friend. Internet is our best friend and to business's can be thier worst enemy. I am my self not the largest supporter. But I do still purchase when it comes to items that I want to know what it looks like or opperates like first hand. And at least I can get support from my hobby shop on the spot. And the reason that Hobby shops push RC's of certain brands is because opening an account costs some major duckets in some markets. other markets do not bash your head in with large deposits because they want you to sell the thier product. Traxxas is one of them. The biggest supplier of most hobby shops is Great Plains hobby distribution.So if you see it in a hobby shop. Chances are it came from there.

[NIdaho Mudder]

I agree in shopping at the LHS i have 3 within 1 hours drive 2 of them are great and helpful the 3rd is run by a pint sized *rick. I like people that talk to you an answer my questions not like internet stuff. The suport for the LHS was also adressed by CEN with the new GST if you purchased from LHS and not online you had them fill out a paper and signed by the LHS owner send it to CEN an they sent you a free 1/18 mini madness truck. Anyways since this seems to be a anti CEN forum i doubt i will be back. Best of luck with your rides :)

[team3six]

You know, I totally forgot about this. But another good choice for a truck would be the NEW Tamiya TNX. It has been completly re-invented and looks to be one hell of a great deal. Tamiya is stepping up by bringing other RC's to the table instead of just concentrating on the Touring cars. They are also offering several buggies to step into the competition ring. So I would give them a look. I just mention this because of how much I enjoy the Tamiya line of cars and honestly I would not switch into anything else. Here is the website on it. I want to also add that even though the price is larege on this. You have to realize that the better high end RC's are all high priced because as I have always said. You get what you pay for.

http://www.tamiyausa.com/product/item.php?product-id=43530

[SAVAGE_BASHER]

Hey i am not sure wut yall have been talking about latey on this forum but my chose after personly running a savage 25,savage X ,4 Tmaxx's,Mad Force,Revo..............................My chose is my first truck i ve ever driven the Savage X or 25 the X is better in the long run .....(DONT BUY A MAD FORCE 1 st U CAN'T GET PARTS FOR IT 2nd ITS NOT VERY GOOD WHEN IT COMES TO CRASHING) and the Tmaxx well umm wut did u expext out of a small block i ve owned 4 i ve burned up a 3.3 and 2.5r the t maxx with the .15 Pro IS A JOKE ? The Revo on the other hand is ok But i usely break the little cheap shock mounts (or the shock)


But its up to on wut u


(MY SAVAGE HAS A .46 5HP WHEELIE POPING MONSTER) lol i just had to add that