Which 4wd Buggy. Hotshot, Supershot, Bigwig or Terra Scorcher?

[toyolien]

I'm thinking of building up a 4wd just for fun. No racing or hard bashing. I want the best performing option and maybe the one with the most upgrades available, perhaps.

Are there any issues/weaknesses i should look out for or can anyone offer any opinions/advice to help me choose? The option of running a hard case 2s lipo would be nice but I've got plenty of nimhs of not.

Thank you. 

[Saito2]

Of the buggies you listed the Terra Scorcher will be the best performing. Apart from some form of reinforced A5 part, the buggy doesn't have any glaring weaknesses. It has a nice metal motor mount and the drivetrain is robust enough for brushless power. The Terra Scorcher is the ultimate evolution of the Thundershot line. While not a total break from the basic design language of the Hotshot series like the Avante was, the TS series really is completely new, sharing virtually no parts with the earlier HS series. The design is far more streamlined with reduced complexity and parts count. The buggy has good ground clearance for real off road action and the bumpsteer and wide turning arcs of the earlier HS series are cured in the TS series. Its also more adjustable than the earlier options and features a more modern suspension system devoid of ball joints.

Now, for me, I'm a Supershot lover closely followed by the Hotshot, though the Bigwig represents a great value currently (the Terra Scorcher possibly even more so depending on where your interest lie). The Hotshot is the first and has a quirky charm about it but is the most flawed by far. The Super Shot looks the most aggressive, has many of the HS's issues ironed out, while still, maintaining the iconic roll cage look. It and the Hotshot are the most involving builds. The Bigwig was Tamiya's top attempt at the HS series and does stand out with its unique chassis, body and steering system. While they are all plastic, the Bigwig seems even more so to me for some odd reason. I chalk it up to the sprinkling of yellow and blue plastics added, mixed with the fact the Bigwig was aimed at the Optima series which has far more metal. For me its Super Shot but for your criteria in the initial post, its likely the Terra Scorcher

[Finnsllc]

I have a supershot coming. I cant wait to get started on it. Im looking forward to seeing how complex the kit is as ive not done a shot before. My opinion is its definatly the best looking kit in the platform.

[toyolien]

On 4/2/2020 at 4:02 PM, Saito2 said:

Of the buggies you listed the Terra Scorcher will be the best performing. Apart from some form of reinforced A5 part, the buggy doesn't have any glaring weaknesses. It has a nice metal motor mount and the drivetrain is robust enough for brushless power. The Terra Scorcher is the ultimate evolution of the Thundershot line. While not a total break from the basic design language of the Hotshot series like the Avante was, the TS series really is completely new, sharing virtually no parts with the earlier HS series. The design is far more streamlined with reduced complexity and parts count. The buggy has good ground clearance for real off road action and the bumpsteer and wide turning arcs of the earlier HS series are cured in the TS series. Its also more adjustable than the earlier options and features a more modern suspension system devoid of ball joints.

Now, for me, I'm a Supershot lover closely followed by the Hotshot, though the Bigwig represents a great value currently (the Terra Scorcher possibly even more so depending on where your interest lie). The Hotshot is the first and has a quirky charm about it but is the most flawed by far. The Super Shot looks the most aggressive, has many of the HS's issues ironed out, while still, maintaining the iconic roll cage look. It and the Hotshot are the most involving builds. The Bigwig was Tamiya's top attempt at the HS series and does stand out with its unique chassis, body and steering system. While they are all plastic, the Bigwig seems even more so to me for some odd reason. I chalk it up to the sprinkling of yellow and blue plastics added, mixed with the fact the Bigwig was aimed at the Optima series which has far more metal. For me its Super Shot but for your criteria in the initial post, its likely the Terra Scorcher

Thank you. That's a superbly detailed reply. I suspect I'll wait for the Terra Scorcher. Although i much prefer the look of the Supershot i think the Terra will be what I'll end up getting. Or maybe both in an ideal world...

On 4/2/2020 at 4:08 PM, Finnsllc said:

I have a supershot coming. I cant wait to get started on it. Im looking forward to seeing how complex the kit is as ive not done a shot before. My opinion is its definatly the best looking kit in the platform.

I agree with the looks. It's definitely iconic. I'll look out for your build.

[Baddon]

Terra Scorcher for exactly as @Saito2 said. Its a big step forward eliminating most of the accepted issues from the Hot Shot chassis, BUT you need the A5 brace or similar.

If you dont need the ground clearance a more modern 4WD will leave it for dead. If your after the nostalgia, pick the one you love the look of most as you will forgive its shortfalls for the smile factor you get.

I fully restored my Old Thundershot, put modern electics, motor and battery in it and ripped off corners, tires, broke chassis all on hte first run. So vintage stuff just not up to modern expectations.

As long as your expectations are realistic then pick what you want to play with most and enjoy. Spare are available for all your options so bash em, break em and fix em. (to this end the Thunder series is easier to fix) Defo the Terra upgrades from the original Thunder Shot make it the best option for use (Esp the bearings and front UJ shafts) I did ALL the upgrades to my Thundershot back in the day as they became available. Even making my own front shock tower for lager front shocks that I had in spares.

[Bash]

I picked up a Bigwig to build while we are in quarantine. Main reason I picked it up was for the unique looks since it will be a light runner. Never considered the other cars that were mentioned, but would probably still have got the BW. 

[toyolien]

I've narrowed it down to either the Super Hotshot or Terra Scorcher. I mush prefer the look of the Hotshot, but prefer the performance advantages of the Scorcher. Decisions, decisions... Unfortunately I'm not allowed both.

[Baddon]

Super HS is getting hard to find and a lot more expensive.

[A-Baum]

6 hours ago, toyolien said:

Unfortunately I'm not allowed both.

Famous last words

[toyolien]

On 4/22/2020 at 11:35 PM, Baddon said:

Super HS is getting hard to find and a lot more expensive.

@Baddon Does that mean it's discontinuation is imminent?