Which Re-starter Buggy ?

[Kahlophis]

Hi all

Back in the 90's I owned a Grasshopper and Manta Ray, and had great fun messing around with them, as well as going to race my mates merc at the local track.

After a few years away I am looking to get back into RC, and am looking for a cheapish buggy (complete with all gear) to get re-started.

Was looking at the Rising Storm or Plasma Edge (I know same car) to get started, as I want it cheap but option to upgrade. Would they be a good buy, or should I be looking elsewhere ? Want to spend around £180 including radio gear and a decent charger.

[jay-ta02]

The Holiday buggy has just been re released, Take a look at that

[Gruntfuggly]

Why don't you pick up something used off eBay - you can have a play with it and see if you like it. If not, sell it on and try something else...

Of course you might want to build it yourself though...

[Kahlophis]

I'd quite like to build it myself, as I have 3 young boys now that I think would love the whole thing, from building to driving

[Jonny Retro]

It's become a bit of a cliche to recommend the Lunchbox (or Pumpkin), but I don't think anyone ever regretted buying one ... it's a simple build, they're fairly cheap, they're fun, have a very tough chassis, and will cope with a lot of surfaces (grass, dirt, sand, tarmac, light snow).

[skinned]

maybe a RTR frog /hornet..if you plan on racing other people...

[JeepnMike]

maybe a RTR frog /hornet..if you plan on racing other people...

+1 for a Frog... Classic, fun to build, and can really take a beating. Also lots of spare parts available.

[pikachoo-75]

If youre after a Tamiya kit to build but comes with good spec to start with you couldnt go wrong with a DT02 chassis buggy such as a Sand Viper,Desert Gator or Neo Falcon.

ballraced,CVA oil shocks (like your old Manta Ray..but black colour),modern chassis design and handling,all from the box.

the kit supplied speed controller will handle a sport or dirt tuned motor so you could add a bit more speed later without having to get another speedo?

being 2wd its simpler to maintain etc but if your after 4wd, your idea of a Plasma Edge/Gravel Hound is good for the money too

[qatmix]

If youre after a Tamiya kit to build but comes with good spec to start with you couldnt go wrong with a DT02 chassis buggy such as a Sand Viper,Desert Gator or Neo Falcon.

ballraced,CVA oil shocks (like your old Manta Ray..but black colour),modern chassis design and handling,all from the box.

the kit supplied speed controller will handle a sport or dirt tuned motor so you could add a bit more speed later without having to get another speedo?

being 2wd its simpler to maintain etc but if your after 4wd, your idea of a Plasma Edge/Gravel Hound is good for the money too

As you have done this before I wouldn't rcommend the hornet/frog as they are a giant backwards step over the manta ray.

If you want a tamiya and 2wd look at the dt02 cars mentioned above (not the holiday buggy as that is the basic version without bearings / oil shocks.

I like the df02 for a good stony 4wd although the df03 (dark impact, avante mk2 etc) can be bought for a similar price if you look around and they are even better) the mantarqy chassis is also still available usually in the dirt thrasher guise and that is still a good fun chassis.

The Lunchbox / pumpkin are fun cheap cars And kiddies like them because they wheelie. But again if you want to teach the how to drive rc or go to a track they are useless.

If you want another make. Check out the Ansmann Macnum truggy. It's cheap, strong and is better than the dt02 chassis cars that tamiya make.