ManyTamiya3 15 Posted December 5, 2023 I got the bug to buy a new high-end kit, but not a re-release. For a 4WD Buggy I can buy an Avante Black kit that looks amazing but I want something designed within the last five years I guess. That would leave the Super Avante, ignore the name and it's not related to any Avante so there's no point comparing one to the other. I like the sealing of the chassis and the bellcrank front shocks to keep the grit out. Under 300 British Pounds here painted or unpainted. Then the Vanquish VQS, while almost a repop it does again have the sealed chassis but is almost the same price. I lean towards this one for looks maybe.(And I used to own a Vanquish...) In 2WD maybe an Astute? Probably not, but the BBX Buggy would be new, and for something completely different a Dynahead! Hmm, maybe go full Tamiya cornball with a Comical Avante, comical yes but apparently not mini.... So opinions/experience with these or the like? Well if I didn't sell five NIBs I wouldn't have to ask! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18826 Posted December 5, 2023 How about a TRF420X.. or are you looking for a buggy specifically? Not sure why you wouldn't consider a Kyosho rere as those are basically a new design made for BL compatibility.. GL with your search! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManyTamiya3 15 Posted December 5, 2023 Yes, Kyosho is an option (had an Optima Mid and Sideways) but this is Tamiyaclub.... The ultimate would have to be one of the TRF chassis to be honest, and a road car I don't have...except my Mini. A TT-02BR? A Neo Scorcher they went to town on apparently, for a reasonable price. To get my building fix maybe just a Fire Dragon and actually run it... lol 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jonathon Gillham 4690 Posted December 5, 2023 A DB01 Durga is an older design than 5 years, but is still a great runner and the closest you can get to a NIB TRF buggy without the pricetag of buying off a collector. There are a lot more options if you go for an onroad car. The TRF420X as @Willy iine has already mentioned, but there are also the midrange kits like XV01, XV02, TA07, TA08, TB05. The TA08R has just been released and has a lot of blue bits... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ThunderDragonCy 8139 Posted December 5, 2023 I started with buggies, but got into road stuff and I really like the scale shells. On road chassis are surprisingly usable in the street if you run them 6-7mm ride height, but it's easy to get lost in setup and get frustrated in my experience. I have a real soft spot for rally cars. Still that scale appearance, but more ride height and softer suspension so you can drop them off kerbs and such. XV01 or XV02 would really hit the mark in terms of modern design and materials with nice usability. That said, I am really enjoying my TD4. It's just a wheel and body swap away from not looking awful too. I grafted a Saint Dragon body onto mine, but I am sure with a bit of creative trimming you could get lots of bodies to work. Hat tip to the DB01 suggestion. They are wonderful to drive. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Willy iine 18826 Posted December 5, 2023 Indeed, the XV02-Pro is a nice all rounder for sure! 4 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toyolien 5635 Posted December 5, 2023 As you're after a buggy my vote would be the TD4. Get front universals, alloy diff nuts and move the servo to the other side of the chassis and it'll be a winner 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManyTamiya3 15 Posted December 5, 2023 Truth be told, I run my off-road stuff quite a bit on-road so they don't get dirty-not always but 20 minutes of running equals two hours of cleaning! I also had an F1 car, loved the simplicity of it and like the real thing built for speed. I remember the Durga, that's an option. Too bad I just blew real money on that Nichimo, nice collectable but I'd be almost into a new kit. Well it looks like Willy has taken the "one of everything" route so I shouldn't feel too bad. I did look at the Kyosho Tomahawk, gorgeous aluminium... and of course the Optima Gold, if you have money you're not using. Tamiya makes anything you could want, it's just the deciding. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wooders28 4874 Posted December 6, 2023 My 'short' list for 4wd contenders are the TD4 (possible to fit a shorty across the width?) ,Egress Black, Top Force Evo, Optima Mid ,Turbo Optima (but prefer the Optima Pro body), the L1R ,oh and possibly the Procat (with upgrade trans...)... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
toyolien 5635 Posted December 6, 2023 12 minutes ago, Wooders28 said: My 'short' list for 4wd contenders are the TD4 (possible to fit a shorty across the width?) ,Egress Black, Top Force Evo, Optima Mid ,Turbo Optima (but prefer the Optima Pro body), the L1R ,oh and possibly the Procat (with upgrade trans...)... Procat was my first ever competition buggy. My folks bought it for me second hand when I was 13. I'd love to get another one at some point👍 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
glancyguy 69 Posted December 6, 2023 If you want to stay off road... I just finished building the BBX, somewhat hesitant to own another 2WD Tamiya buggy. I watched all the YouTube reviews, but could not believe that Tamiya could pull off a modern design. My previous 2wd buggy experience has been Hornet, LunchBox, Fox, Mad Bull and DT-02 (Super Fighter G). All of them mediocre at best off-road and un-drivable on road without different tires, CVAs and highly tuned suspension. As for 4WD, the best handling I have are the DF-03 Avante Mk2 (purchased one from Japanese seller a few months ago), followed by DF-02 Rising Storm and then vintage - Hot Shot and Boomerang. All of these buggies heavily upgraded with hop-ups to perform well... primarily on asphalt. I was blown away by the BBX. The parts quality was outstanding. Hex screws, ball bearings, ball diff...modern plastics! I installed the slipper clutch, 26T pinion, SuperStock BZ, and HW1060. On a 2s lipo, the buggy drives like a dream. The suspension is by far the smoothest of any of my Tamiya buggies. The 48p simple gear box is quiet and efficient. Running the BZ Motor and a 2S lipo has plenty of acceleration, top speed, and handling in the corners both on asphalt and dirt. I'd say that the BBX handles as well as my DF-03. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ManyTamiya3 15 Posted December 6, 2023 The BBX could be the one, as you say a modern high-quality kit, to recapture the old Tamiya glory. Some Tamiyas are pretty much devoid of glory these days... like the 14-gear drivetrains or whatever, why didn't they just use two belts? Maybe it's just the times, like mostly wondering if you'd spend the money on it rather than being giddy about owning it.... Or if you're into mountain bikes, I got a serious one in 1983 and I was the king of the world, now they're $8000 and do nothing for me. Give me 9-speed XTR, that's something! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
