Anyone into R/C?

You'll like it. You'll be climbing the furniture a few minutes after you fire it up.
Axial makes good stuff. I have an AX10 Scorpion that is still running like new.

The scx10 looks to be a good platform to build from too if the mod bug bites.

 

Well, with Axial you usually get better out of the box components with a kit rather then their RTR. The Honcho is RTR only, though, if I recall, so you'll eventually itch for upgrades. Watch some YouTube reviews and running videos if you haven't.

 

A stock scx is super fun! You're not going to win class 2 with one, but a stock rig is still a blast. Like others have said, $400 is just the beginning...

 

Right, but that was my point regarding expectations and his intended use. Scaling in his back yard vs competing requires vastly different setups, IMHO

 

My intent is when I go camping or whatever I can break it out and just drive it over stuff and do whatever, I'm not gonna compete or anything, just another hobby upon which I throw my life savings lol

 

When I get home I'll summarize for you what I think you may eventually consider upgrading. In the meantime, do you have a Lipo charger already? Those are the additional expenses when getting into this hobby.

 

Nope sure don't! I have nothing yet, I just wanna get it and keep it stock until I'm done with my 1:1 truck then build the 1:10 to mirror that

 

The SCX10 is a good starter rig. You can wheel it stock. Move the battery up front, directions are in the book. You don't need a lipo to drive a crawler. I have a nimh you can have if you live close.

I have 1200 into my scx10. You can't see most of it but it's all there. I think the most important mods are battery tray, lower turn motor, links, servo, high steer setup (lots of possibilities here), and metal steering links.

 

I agree with the above, but let me be a bit more detailed.

They're fine if you're running on level ground and will even be fine if you run on well-traveled trails in the woods. However, they start to become a problem when you're trying to crawl over obstacles, rocks, etc. They bend and give, which results in your tires not being able to bite into the obstacle as intended. If you're going to upgrade one thing on the truck, I'd swap out all of those to metal. If you want top quality, go for the ones Vanquish makes, you won't be sorry. You can see them all in this picture:



Next, the stock brushed motor and ESC are ok, but not super great. The motor isn't as strong or as tuned as one would like, so it'll run fine but it won't let the truck perform to its potential. You can upgrade to a better brushed motor OR you could upgrade to a brushless motor and ESC. If you want to retain the ability to run in water without frying anything, brushed is slightly safer, but brushed motors will eventually wear out. I would run the crap out of the stock motor and when it poofs, invest in something better. I'm a big fan of Tekin (for both brushed and brushless systems), though many like Holmes Hobbies too (brushed). Personally, even though I have a hand-built HH motor in my Wraith, I'm not a fan of the man behind that business so I won't be giving him any more of my money, but I digress.

If you do upgrade to a brushless setup OR even if running with the stock brushed setup, the drive shafts could be an issue (also seen in the picture above). The plastic splined shafts can start to twist and then eventually strip. Metal drive shafts are the way to go. MIP makes replacement sets, I wouldn't consider any other company for that.

If, and only if you upgrade to brushless, you may also want to beef up the gears inside the axles. They're metal stock, but you can get hardened metal ones from Axial, they're a bit stronger. I wouldn't upgrade these until/unless you break or strip one.

Lastly, the stock shocks are ok, but they may leak and/or break on you. There are numerous replacements out there, I'm actually quite happy with some GMade shocks I have on my Wraith, though I went with ProLine scaler shocks for the SCX-10. Other popular options are made by RC4WD, like the King scale shocks they sell.

If you go with the RTR, the stock servo could be better also. It'll get the job done, but just barely if you get into crawling over big obstacles and rocks. If you do decide to upgrade, I'd recommend a waterproof one. I got an Xpert 7000 series one for my SCX-10, although I haven't put it through the ringer yet, it's a very nice servo.

Honestly, I wouldn't worry about anything else. You can upgrade the hell out of this vehicle, but after that, it's all cosmetic and for scale appearance.

You don't NEED a Lipo battery, but they are worth it in my opinion. We can talk about that another time. Hope this helps

 

They are pure beef. I aready gone through 6 sets of skid plates for mine on my wrairh. Only down side to the curries is if you like to play in the water they suck. Too many bolts to take them apart.

 

This is solely my opinion, but....I had never owned and RC before, but my friends had some. After seeing the 2nd gen Deadbolt, I got one. It's a total blast, and the only thing I've done is move the batter forward.

 

That's what I do.. I don't compete I just mess around and enjoy the hobby

 

Y'll are awesome, thanks for the info! It being the 15th of the month I think I'll go get one

 

It surprised how quickly RC can get expensive... I am going to be $1200 into my Twin Hammers build and there would still be a ton of money one could sink into it...

 

I think my rtr honcho has been a blast, of course it's even more fun with a few mods, just like a fullsize 4x4. I say take the leap and go for it. Maybe you will love it stock and if not then mods are cheaper than full size even though they do add up. The potential to drop a grand is unnecessary if you don't plan to take it to major RC events across the country. Then again in time I'm sure I'll reach that

 

Between RC and my Taco I have spent waaaaay too much $$$! But it's all worth it!

 

If you up grade anything on the stock rig.. change the stock plastic transmission gears to steel... that's usually the first thing to go.

 

Don't even get me started on the Tacoma

 

piktars and list of your favorite upgrades nao!

I actually got my TH for free, but I want to really build it this winter. I'm only about $200 deep in aftermarket parts, but am thinking next parts will be aluminum axle housing m, upright fronts, and some bead locks. currently gathering parts to build a better steering setup. l may have also fried my ESC with a little too much pond skimming

 

I don't have a TH yet; just planning a build. I'm going to pick up the kit since it comes with metal trans and diff gears and I can pick up a brushless set up for it. I could compile my current list for you though. Sr. Irie on RC Crawler makes a bell crank steering upgrade for the TH. It is bolt on for the GCM upright kit and I think he makes one for the Blue Monkey kit as well.