New to MT's, ideas please...

[wyattburp]

I'm looking for a basher (probably won't race this one) MT that I can have as much fun with as possible. I've always been a buggy and stadium truck guy, so the MT vehicles are all new to me...(though I used to own an electric Kyosho USA-1, remember those?? :p )

I will like to mod things, but not constantly. I will want to buy a new part every so often and upgrade things here and there. So basically, I'm a casual modder, with no hellbent obsession with making it a all-aluminum nightmare. Just the trick part scattered about making it better than stock.

If I'm buying new, I would prefer a RTR ($ isn't a problem, but I'm lazy at the moment, and am already RC inclined on putting vehicles together...) I'm open to buying used too, so that would probably mean that it's 'RTR' already...

Anyway, I've come down to a few choices, and am looking for opinions on which ones YOU would pick if you were simply going to bash it. If you think of a MT that ISN'T on my list, by all means, make a case for why you think it's better for my style.

(there aren't in any particular order...)
1. TNX
2. Thunder Quake
3. MGT (not sure if this would be my first choice, but I'm a AE fan on their other vehicles...)
4. ???


Any ?'s, flames, etc? I browse the web all day long (my day job is GRAND!)

[4DMNYC]

Well, the MGT would be a good choice I believe because it can take a bashing and there are alot of parts for it. Also the Savage is a great truck for what you want to do.(you knew someone was going to mention the Savage sooner or later :p)The other trucks you mentioned are pretty good too but the MGT and the Savage are the two best MT's IMO.

[turbopower]

I have a MGT,TNX, and Revo. I like the TNX and REVO. Those two trucks are two of the quickest and fastest trucks out the box. What makes them such good trucks is they are also very agile. Not a typical monster truck in a sense big and clumsy. If you decide to race later on those two the most competitive trucks (true monster trucks not truggy) on the market right now.

The Revo does hold a advantage in after market support but stock both these trucks are capable trucks. If you do get a TNX pay the extra for the PRO version, as the proline shocks do wonders for the TNX.

[67f100StPro]

I'll say the MGT or Savage would be prob the best choice. The Thunder Quake is discontinued and is not supported much by the aftermarket. I'm sure a TNX would be good too but I don't think it has a lot of support either. There are so many good trucks on the market it's hard to recommend one. I have a Savage and love it but a MGT would be just as good. I bought the RTR and have done a lot of upgrades to it.

[wyattburp]

Does anybody know if it's easy to convert the bodies that HPI makes (the ones that fit the Savage and Maxx) will fit easily on the TNX or any of the monster trucks? I would like to fit the Jeep Rubicon body on whatever I buy...sadly, this would play into my purchasing decision...

Also, how different are the wheels (diameter, etc) between the all the monster trucks? Are aftermarket tires made specifically for each truck? Would tires that fit Maxx wheels, also fit on MGT wheels? I like big, puffy wheels that bounce (you know, like clod tires), not the low profiles that are popular now....


Ok, enough babbling on for me....

[Chevy-SS]

MGT is very easy to work on, also very easy to clean by removing electronics. Stock engine runs good, but not quite enough sick power. Once you upgrade the engine, the MGT is hard to beat.

[wyattburp]

And from what I see in another thread about Savages, the ss 4.6 is the better version, right? (too bad it's not RTR, but I suppose I could pick one up used off ebay...)

[turbopower]

TNX and MGT have a bigger chassis than the savage. But I do believe the HPI Jeep body will fit the MGT or TNX as I had the HPI Bronco body on my MGT. But you shouldn't let what body fits determine which truck you get. In the end if body fits and you don't like the way the truck drives i kind of takes the fun out of driving. When I recommended the TNX and Revo that is based on fun to drive factor. I have also driven a Savage,and Tmaxx.

[trw]

also, yes you can fit HPI bodies on the TNX, i put a rubicon body on mine :D

you can also fit almost any MT wheels that use a hex adapter on it.

i attached a picture of my TNX, it has HPI's jeep body with Hotbodies Deathgrip tires and dagger wheels for the savage on it.

I also replaced stock shocks with some MGT shocks.

[wyattburp]

sweet lookin TNX!!!

I'm starting to lean towards the TNX, but am curious about aftermarket support...I'm not looking for a following like the Maxx trucks, but don't want something that will be discontinued in a year or two either..

There is NO aftermarket parts I could find for it on Tower Hobbies (which is a bummer, I like ordering from them)...Is there another site that has aftermarket parts for the TNX?

When was the TNX released? If it's new, does everyone think the aftermarket parts market will grow?


Thanks for all your help, it's nice to not get hammered on for asking novice questions! :o

[trw]

novice questions are asked allll the time and hardly anyone minds answering them.

anyways, the TNX isnt that new, i am quite unsure of how old it is, but the afterkmarket is only just now starting to pickup, I know theres a company somewhere that makes aluminum A-arms and skids for it, and theres more, someone had posted all the links in another thread, I'd have to go dig it up for you.

for parts that are spacificly made for it, theres not many, the truck however is quite adaptable, as seen in the pic i attached, shocks, wheels, bodies, engines and exhausts all can be adapted to it easily. Most trucks are the same way, some pull it off better then others. I also know there is a bigblock conversion available and some people have adapted Duratrax universals to replace the stocks ones for more durability, and you'll probably want to know, that the stock universals are dare i say it, PLASTIC, but but but lol dont let it fool you, I've only broken one in a 6 month period and still going.

in short the TNX is a sleeper, most people get off by judging it cause "the plastic looks cheap" or some other malarky like that, but you can search these forums and not find one bad remark about a TNX from any owner of one.

[turbopower]

These guys have alot of hop ups for the TNX.

http://www.nemscalecars.com/

To be honest you really don't need that many hop ups for the TNX. Just a screw kit and shocks unless you get the Pro version which comes with the good shocks already.

[wyattburp]

turbopower -

Do you happen to have a picture of your MGT, Revo and TNX side by side? I'd like to see them for a visual comparison...

[tx_bull]

well i just got my MGT about a month ago iand have played around with a friends traxxas truck ive got to say i like them both but parshall to mine the truck runs really well and very user friendly and trust me it take a beating every time i run it (witch is about everyday haha)

[kitty]

And from what I see in another thread about Savages, the ss 4.6 is the better version, right? (too bad it's not RTR, but I suppose I could pick one up used off ebay...)
The 4.6 SS is geared more towards people who want to race and bash the same truck. It comes with strictly-offroad tires (HPI Dirt Bonz). Seeing that it's so new, if you see one that's up for sale on eBay that is used, it could be someone who is either really inexperienced and can't tune (or handle that much power), decided they just don't like a big MT after all, or something that someone totally thrashed. I'd say that it's more likely to be by someone who either changed their mind or can't tune it (which, I've read, is not that difficult).

Out of the ones at the top of your list, I'm partial to the TNX. I've not yet seen any "I hate my TNX" threads anywhere, which to me says something positive about the truck. I don't know what size wheels it takes, but I do know that the Savage uses the same wheels that the Maxx/Revo does (larger aftermarket) with 14mm hexes, but has thicker axles (8mm).

I can't speak for the TNX, but when it comes to durability, I can say that the Savage is one tough beast. I'm a basher that occasionally hits the local track and when I bash, I drive my truck like it's a rental from a company I'm really mad at. My truck has been subjected to more rollovers and cartwheels than I can count, yet I have not broken any parts. I have toasted a rear pinion gear, but that was user error (landing really hard with the throttle on coming off a 4' jump at the track). It isn't the easiest truck to work on, but once you've had it apart, you learn how to take something out without fully disassembling the truck. Tons of aftermarket parts for the Savage, though most of that is bling and, like you, I'm not into all the aluminum stuff.

[wyattburp]

So are you saying the NON 4.6 savage would still be a good choice, considering the price and all?

So, I guess I'm still considering either the Savage (non 4.6, only if it's worth it though...), the TNX (probably the front runner right now).

Also, I know the Savage is good at jumps, etc, but how would the TNX put with jumps..? I understand now that it's a good racer, etc. but how does it handle massive air? Is the balance of the truck even enough that it levels out good?

[ScMc]

Not to bring ya down or anything but I havent had too good of luck with my TNX. Every time I run I break something. I dont know why, maybe its my driving style. I have an os .18 cv-rx and maybe it just puts out too much torque? Anyways, I have broken 5 or 6 driveshafts and 2 knuckles so far. Today I broke two driveshafts, the ball cup (?) on the end of a turnbuckle came off, and I think I burnt up the clutch or something, hehe. If you want an all out basher, I have heard great things about the Savage's durability. I will definately be getting one. I think the TNX is more suitable for racing to be honest with you.

[turbopower]

Yes the Savage is a durable truck but the fun factor vs. the TNX is much less in my opinion. Don't get me wrong the Savage is a great basher jumper but having to slow down for turns and having such a long travel/soft suspension making its handling tip over prone just doesn't do it for me. I'm not trying to bash the Savage that is just my preferance.

ScMc- is correct the axles are a problem on the TNX as they do tend to be weak. But landing a jump off throttle helps alot. MRP will release a CVD kit in a couple of weeks to solve this problem. I agree also on the ball cups poping out but they are cheap and easy to replace and the MGT does the same thing as when landing a jump at a awkward angle will pop the ends off- but better the ball cup end than the knuckles breaking all the time.

wyattburp- I do not have pics at the moment. I will try to get some but time is on the short side for me. The MGT and TNX are pretty close to the same size and are true 1/8 scale trucks. The MGT will look bigger as the stock wheel/tire combo is taller in diameter. The Revo is more of a 1/10th scale truck and is about 2-3" shorter. All the trucks use the 14MM hex for wheel mounting so all the trucks can use the same wheels except the Revo needs larger wheels though I believe due to larger knuckles.

[SpeedballTrix]

Heres my opinion:

Revo: Pure racer. Get this if you only want to race.

SS 4.6: Racer/Basher. Get this if you want to have a great basher that you can also race.

MGT: Basher/Racer. Get this if you want to bash in areas that no other MT will bash. I can tell you from experience that the MGT has a hugeness the likes of which other trucks cannot compete with. You can also race this truck successfully with a PM to Cotharyus.

LST: An MGT with a pre-installed Mach .26. Be aware that this truck has some issues.

Savage RTR: Basher. Get this if you want to mostly bash and race a bit.

TNX: Lesser Revo. Get this if you want to race only and repeatedly ask yourself why you didnt get a Revo. Also, if you like breaking parts.

[trw]

i was gonna say how the hey are you breaking so many shafts.

if your jumping its probably because your applying throttle while landing which is a no no for any truck. thats how i broke my shaft a while back.

I run an OS 18 CVRX and have only had that one shaft break and i havent gotten any other problems.

[turbopower]

Speedballtrix- you say the TNX is a lesser Revo so this must just be a fluke.

http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/feature.php?article-id=107

[SpeedballTrix]

Those trucks have about $200 worth of parts on them.

[turbopower]

How do you figure 200 bucks. TNX Pro comes with powerstroke shocks stock. A Revo would need bowties 40 series too so thats a wash between both trucks. In fact the TNX pro comes with the Maxx size bow ties stock so the TNX is a better buy. So the only thing extra were the MIP CVD's and a roto start(which many Revo users would also use for lighter weight). I believe the truck that won was pulled off the shelf the day before the race and race preped in one day.

FYI I also have a Revo and performance wise they are very close. I am just tired of people saying this and that without knowing the facts. The TNX is one of the most underrated/overlooked trucks on the market. It's partially Tamiyas fault as they don't really market the TNX that well(as compared to Traxxas) and don't offer that many hop-ups.

[ScMc]

FYI I also have a Revo and performance wise they are very close. I am just tired of people saying this and that without knowing the facts. The TNX is one of the most underrated/overlooked trucks on the market. It's partially Tamiyas fault as they don't really market the TNX that well(as compared to Traxxas) and don't offer that many hop-ups.

I agree 100%. Speedballtrix, honestly, I dont think you know what you're talking about. I am hard AS HELL on my TNX. Yesterday when I broke all those parts, I was driving like an idiot. I noticed the truck was braking/accelerating weird and i kept running it. At this point, one shaft was gone. I kept running it hard and another shaft went. Then I took a jump wrong and the ball-end popped off, turning my back tire towards the body of the truck. I said "cool" and started doing WOT donuts with the thing. :D

I dont think ANY truck could take that kind of abuse without breaking anything. Besides the shafts, TNX's are very durable. Revo's are not just racers either, they are PROVEN bashers. The revo is VERY versatile and saying that it can only be used as a racer shows your ignorance. And savages cannot be raced competitively. I dont know where you heard that.

Here's how I see it:

Revo: Very versatile, durable, racer and basher, finnicky stock engine.

TNX: 60% racer 40% basher, competitive racer, OS engine from the factory, slightly less durable than savage/revo.

MGT: low budget racer/basher, comparable to the T-maxx, Doesnt accel in any certain areas.

LST: Has durability issues but can be competitive in the right hands, awesome stock radio gear.

Savage: Not a racer, very durable, Great jumper/basher.

[SpeedballTrix]

ScMc: Do one search on the forum and see how amny threads you come up with about people complaining about broken TNXs.

Also, the TNX is not fast.
Ive seen it run and I know a stock MGT is as fast or faster.

You know what Im tired of? Fanboys like you.
People were right when they said this forum was going to the n00bs.
Its a shame.

[trw]

coming from a person who thought the epic 18 was better then the OS 18?

[turbopower]

speedballtrix- Now I know you are just making things up. If you read the earlier posts by me you will see I own a MGT, Revo, and TNX. There is no way in H@#$ a MGT can keep up with a TNX in any way shape or form. The TNX is quicker, faster, and corners better than the MGT. Thats what makes the TNX a great truck it does everything well.

I think you should do a search on the TNX and read(or try to look for complaints) on the TNX. They are few and far between. The only problem with the TNX is the stock CVD's. With MIP releasing a kit in a couple of weeks that should solve that problem.

ScMc- Your post on the different trucks and their advatages is dead on accurate in my opinion.

[aior0s]

ScMc: Do one search on the forum and see how amny threads you come up with about people complaining about broken TNXs.

Also, the TNX is not fast.
Ive seen it run and I know a stock MGT is as fast or faster.

You know what Im tired of? Fanboys like you.
People were right when they said this forum was going to the n00bs.
Its a shame.
I'm with ScMc and turbopower on this! I own a TNX. this is my 1st truck and who knows what I did with it! I just got it 1 month ago and the things that I have broken on mine are 1 spur gear(I didn't check the machine screw!) and the heat sink(cause I run it without the body) That's it!
And just the hell of it I did a search on this forum about people complaining about TNX!All they complained about are things that replaceable for small amount! They have no regret of buying TNX!!! I never read about someone sold their TNX for Revo! I consider Revo is a nice MT. If I didn't bought TNX I would have gotten that! I think $200 dollar hop ups is still within affordable range!
Here is the link for some hop ups for TNX
http://www.neweramodels.com/prod66_tamiya_tnx.htm?session_id=xfhgpxfrtqqaekcfg hgokwjwcloojfps
http://www.novarcproducts.com/tnxpage.html
http://www.rcxshop.com/default.php?cPath=46_48
http://www.rc-monster.com/products.php?cat=15

[arne]

I had a savage and tnx , ended selling my savage. Best ever decision ever made. The tnx handles jumps very well infact almost alike the savage just you open the throttel a littel right after (lift off) ;) . Its very durable , and handles like a buggy . By the way the mgt wouldn t hang with the tnx ,the speed its just insane infact I can prove that
www.tamiyatrucks.com//index.php?act=Downloads&do=download&id=72 (http://www.tamiyatrucks.com//index.php?act=Downloads&do=download&id=72) :eek: :eek: :eek: . The tnx is so under estimatet that it is a shame. Many people are interrestet in the aftermarket support that is not important when it comes to the tnx . This truck is friendly for begginers . I love tnx :) :)

[ScMc]

ScMc: Do one search on the forum and see how amny threads you come up with about people complaining about broken TNXs.

Also, the TNX is not fast.
Ive seen it run and I know a stock MGT is as fast or faster.

You know what Im tired of? Fanboys like you.
People were right when they said this forum was going to the n00bs.
Its a shame.

If you run the truck right, You should not have any problems with durability. I drive my truck like it got my girlfriend pregnant behind my back. :p

Where are all the threads about TNX's breaking? :confused: Links please....

Also, the TNXs that Tamiya race dont have very many mods on them at all. They have upgraded radio gear, different tires/wheels than stock, a set of nice shocks, and a little custom tweaking like moving the battery box to the front of the chassis. And WHO THE HELL CARES about that anyways? There is no limit to what you can and what you cant put on a race truck. The TNX wins races with the STOCK engine so that's all anyone should care about.

From left to right, 1st, 2nd, 3rd.

http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/ln/48/images/DSCN2752.jpg

And here's another race from six days ago, They took 1st and 2nd...

http://www.tamiyausa.com/articles/ln/107/images/header.jpg

The only newb that has posted in this thread is YOU, speedballtrix. Sorry :(

[4DMNYC]

I'm not sure what truck that is in the last pic (it looks like a Revo) with the white cross pattern on the tires. Is that painted on there or are they some type of wheel I've never seen before, and what rims are those on the truck on the end(the one the guy is holding up)?

[ScMc]

Those checkered wheels are painted, and those on the left end are Pro-line's new Wabash wheels.

[SpeedballTrix]

First of all: Trw... who are you talking about... cuz I never said the Epic was better than the OS .18. Also, dont try to start a flame war. Thats the last thing this forum needs.

ScMc: No no no... I said YOU do a search. You cant just turn that around.
I read one just the other day... someone snapped an axel or a drive cup or something that should NEVER be snapping. Especially because of a smallblock.

Also, just to prove you fanboys wrong, im going to actually time my bone stock MGT and then try to get someone to time a TNX. Maybe a hobby shop or something.

And for the record: The TNX is just a Revo thats not as good.
End of story.

Now... im done with this stupid thread until someone can legitimately prove to me that the TNX is faster than the MGT.

[rtypec]

Look here at the Proline Race Results (http://www.pro-lineracing.com/nitromaxx/05NirtoMAXXfinalresults.pdf). Check out the A-Main laps for the small versus big block class. The MGT would be in the big block and the TNX would be in the small block class. Is that fast enough ;)

[aior0s]

SpeedballTrix
If you can provide links to all the things that you said, I will believe you!
As I see it Now,You Are The Noobs here!!!
turbopower has said
speedballtrix- Now I know you are just making things up. If you read the earlier posts by me you will see I own a MGT, Revo, and TNX. There is no way in H@#$ a MGT can keep up with a TNX in any way shape or form. The TNX is quicker, faster, and corners better than the MGT. Thats what makes the TNX a great truck it does everything well.
This comes from the person that own and run both truck!
I know that my TNX is faster than MGT. My friend got an MGT and I always lead off from the start!

[wyattburp]

Wow, I didn't think this thread would end up this way....

For me, since I'm not racing, I couldn't care less about a few MPH difference, so it doesn't really matter IMO. I'm still thinking about either an MGT, Savage (rtr model), or a TNX...I think either of them wiill work fine for me, so it comes down to which I can get quickest and cheapest. I'll probably just end up getting it on ebay...



Thanks for all the help, everyone.

[turbopower]

wyattburp-Forget ebay. Check out www.ultimatehobbies.com and www.speedtechrc.com.

Believe me there is a difference. It is not only about the speed but the handling and jumping ability.

[ScMc]

ScMc: No no no... I said YOU do a search. You cant just turn that around.
I read one just the other day... someone snapped an axel or a drive cup or something that should NEVER be snapping. Especially because of a smallblock.



:p You presented information and didnt have anything to back it up with. Why should I go look for the post? What you did was like being a lawyer and coming to court without your evidence. And then telling the JUDGE to go find it himself. You're out of your mind, kid. And so what? Axles snap all the time. Hell, a .12 could snap an axle if you land on a tire at WOT off a jump. Once again, you prove your ignorance.

And if you still think you know everything after reading this post, Tell me this:

Why dont you see MGTs in the winner's circle... EVER??

Exactly.

Revos, TNXs, and Savages > MGTs

/thread

[trw]

First of all: Trw... who are you talking about... cuz I never said the Epic was better than the OS .18. Also, dont try to start a flame war. Thats the last thing this forum needs.

http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=178010&page=1&pp=25&highlight=epic

maybe that thread will refresh your memory :rolleyes:

and YOU were the first to try to start a flamewar, just look at your post before mine and read it carefully......

[wyattburp]

Just in case anybody was curious....

I went to a garage sale today and ended up finding a Savage for sale. I picked it up, and having a blast with it!!

I think in the end, I would have been happy with any of the trucks mentioned in this thread. With no racing in mind, it's kinda hard to not have fun with a nitro-powered MT, IMHO..... :D

Thanks again to everyone! :)