New nitro RCs, in general, are sold by established retailers that are more reliable and easier to deal with, which is part of the reason you have to pay a little more. Here is a step-by-step process for buying a new nitro RC.
Decide which model you want
This is probably the most difficult part! Refer to the section on the different types of nitro RCs and decide what you want. Then look at a listing of available nitro RCs at an online retailer like amain hobbies. There isn’t that many models available in the current nitro RC market, so there will probably be only 1 or 2 models to choose from if you already know what kind of nitro RC you want.
Buying Decision – Example #1
You want a nitro RC that will perform off-road, but will also be fun to drive on-road if you don’t have time to make it to the bashing spot. A stadium or short course truck is going to be your best bet, and there’s only a few options available:
If you want a nitro RC that is a little smaller and will handle better, get a stadium truck. Get the Nitro Rustler if you prioritize off-road performance or the Jato 3.3 if you prioritize on-road performance.
If you want a more realistic driving experience in a slightly bigger format, get a short course truck. Get the Nitro Slash if you want a simpler model or the Slayer Pro if you want something with 4wd.
Buying Decision – Example #2
You want a nitro RC that you can drive in rugged bashing spots and hit the biggest jumps without a hiccup. A monster truck is the perfect platform and you have multiple options:
If you want the biggest and baddest nitro RC monster truck available, get the HPI Savage XL 5.9.
If you want the most realistic driving monster truck, get the Kyosho USA-1 GP.
If you want a quality monster truck with plenty of speed at a great value, consider the Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 or the Revo 3.3. Get the T-Maxx if you want a more traditional monster truck experience or the Revo if you want a better handling monster truck with more features.
Decide where you want to buy
If price is your only concern, then it is a simple matter of searching for the best price. First, look at amain hobbies to get a baseline price. Then search google, Amazon, and eBay for your model to see who else is selling it new. Lastly, call any local hobby shops near you to ask if they have the model in stock and for what price. Most hobby shops will only have Traxxas nitro models in stock.
If you appreciate having a local hobby shop near you, then I suggest purchasing the vehicle there. The prices are typically the same as online retailers and your purchase will do a small part towards keeping them in business. If the local hobby shop is not conveniently located, consider that you will likely need to make a trip anyway to purchase nitro fuel.
Coupons and Sales
The big online retailers, like amain hobbies, offer monthly coupons if you sign up for their newsletter. That said, these coupons will not work for HPI or Traxxas nitro RCs. They may apply to accessories you are purchasing.
Sales on nitro RCs are fairly rare. The only name brand nitro RCs that you ever see on sale are Kyosho and Serpent. Traxxas and HPI models never go on sale.
Make the purchase and don’t forget the accessories
Once you know what you want and where you want to buy it, it’s just a matter of completing the purchase, but don’t forget the necessary accessories.
Regardless of what model you purchase, you will need the following:
- Fuel
- Fuel bottle
- AA batteries (seller should tell you how many you need)
Here are some other accessories you’ll want to consider:
- Extra AA batteries
- Hex and nut drivers
- Hex sizes: 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm
- Nut sizes: 5mm, 5.5mm, 7mm and 8mm
- Smart charger (for EZ-Start battery, if applicable)
- Glow igniter (if not equipped with EZ-Start)
Quick Tip
If you look at the model you want to buy on amain hobbies or another online retailer, it will tell you exactly what is included and what accessories are needed to complete the vehicle. If you are going to buy a nitro RC at a hobby shop, know what you need before hand. A hobby shop employee might try to sell you some other accessories and while whatever they suggest is probably a good idea, you’ll know exactly what you need because you’ve done your homework.
For example, it is a good idea to buy an extra glow plug when you are buying a new nitro RC. You’ll have to break-in your engine after purchase and the break-in process is hard on glow plugs. If you’re buying a new Traxxas nitro RC, you already know that an extra glow plug comes with it 😉