I Want A Monster Truck!!

[dezertrat94]

The title explains it all. After having a stadium truck for two years, I have decided that bigger and badder is what I'm after. I've been reading up and doing my homework, and my top three are the Losi Raminator, the Losi Monster Baja, and the Savage X 4.6. First, let me make one thing clear: I am a basher heart and soul. I don't plan to race, just empty lots, the street in front of my house, and the desert. I want a truck that will stand up to my moderate bashing (I'm not super hardcore), and I want a truck I will not have to fuss with all the time. The less money and time I spend fixing, the better. For me, simplicity is key. I understand that Losi guys will say Losi is better, and same for the Savage guys, but I am just looking for an honest opinion. I'm in no HUGE rush to buy right now, so I have plenty of time to think. I plan on buying this year (I hope). Living where I do, finding parts, etc. is not hard, as I have maybe 5-10 LHSs. Any input from my fellow RCers is appreciated. Thanks for all your help.

dezertrat

[Hoss]

all i can tell you about is a savvy EZ to tune and it is tuff as heck. i beat this truck to death and i only broke an upright and the body working on #2 body with some cracks in it already. but i was told if U dont break it U R not bashing but in the end its what makes you happy so get what U like its all fun :D

[Gt-bone]

I dont think you can go wrong with any of those trucks. Personaly I like the Losi's better only b/c of some of the features found on them. The mega baja has some better features on the truck but the ram comes with a spektrum radio. The radio that comes with the savage kind of sucks but for what your doing Im sure you dont really care a whole lot about the radio anyway. Ive seen both take some serious beatings so Im sure you be happy either way.

[pedeboi364]

u forgot about revo, t-maxx, and uhhhhh, well, ya, those two. Im a real traxxas man at heart (own an rc18t but the ESC exploded) but from what i see around traxxas to losi and HPI off-road (nitro and electric) is about 5:1 . My LHS mite even be moving/expanding and they said so they could put more traxxas stuff in....

[dezertrat94]

I have been doing more research, and now I have been introduced to 2 more trucks I like: the Losi LST2, and the Losi Muggy. I'm really starting to like these Losis. Are there any major differences between the LST chassis and the LST2? It's hard for me to tell just by looking. My top three trucks now are: Losi Muggy, Losi LST2, and Losi Monster Baja. I'm still open to other suggestions though. Thanks again.

dezertrat

[dale_gribble]

I agree with GT-Bone, you can't go wrong with any one of the trucks you called out. Honestly. Pick the one you like and enjoy it. I have a Savage and an LST and I like both equally. Both have hundreds of aftermarket parts to make a killer basher or racer. Both have tons of wheels/tires and bodies available.

The LST trucks have a bit more of a presence. They are quite large.

If I had to say one thing, I think the Raminator and Mega Baja are slightly underbuilt for their size. This can be easily compensated for with aftermarket parts. The a-arms are a weak point and the cast engine brace is prone to breaking. I broke my share of front and rear hub carriers on the LST (same as Raminator and Mega Baja). LST2 came out with much beefier parts because of this, but these changes didn't permeate to the Ram/Baja.

Out of the box and truck for truck I think the Savage would require fewer parts and be the low maintenance and fun truck that you are looking for.

[dale_gribble]

I have been doing more research, and now I have been introduced to 2 more trucks I like: the Losi LST2, and the Losi Muggy. I'm really starting to like these Losis. Are there any major differences between the LST chassis and the LST2? It's hard for me to tell just by looking. My top three trucks now are: Losi Muggy, Losi LST2, and Losi Monster Baja. I'm still open to other suggestions though. Thanks again.

dezertrat

LST2 was a terrific evolution of the LST1. It had larger CVDs, beefier hub carriers, bigger bearings, stronger a-arms, metal diff cases, larger 20mm hubs, an improved tranny case and better engine. The LST2 has a great FM Synthesized radio set XS3 that's better then the Baja/Ram offerings. The LST2 also has a better slipper clutch setup then the Baja/Ram. It also has reverse.

The Muggy is a good truck. It too has the LST2 suspension and drivetrain upgrades on it. It has some problems with chassis flex and toasting the stock clutch. Those are easy problems to fix with some cheap additional bracing and either: smaller tires, smaller clutch bell and/or upgraded clutch shoes for the toasting clutch problem. It doesn't have the ground clearance of the LST2 but it handles better. It is a single speed truck so it doesn't have the top end of the LST2 but it would probably do better then an LST2 on the track, stock for stock. It has an AM XR2i radio which is a good radio.

Either one is awesome.

[dezertrat94]

Thanks guys for all your help. I've been doign EVEN MORE research and now I'm interested in the Losi Aftershock. Do you guys have any thoughts on that? I have realized though that for what I'm doing, the Muggy sits too low, and I'm probably gonna need 2 gears for those high speed runs down my street. I really like the Losis and I am honestly surprised at the value of these trucks. I haven't seriously looked at TRAXXAS yet as they are just a little pricier than the Savage and the Losis (excluding the LST2). Once again, thanks for all the help. You guys are making the decision process a lot easier.

dezertrat

[dale_gribble]

Aftershock was the forefather of the Mega Baja and Raminator. They are all LST1 based scaled down LSTs. Other then minor differences, they are the same truck with different shells. The Aftershock needs a roto starter whereas the other two have a pull start/spin starter option. I would rather have the well optioned XR2i radio set that comes with the Baja and Aftershock then the scaled down Spectrum with the Raminator. The Spectrum is more glitch free but it has no options.

Pick the body you like best and get it.

[Taqrin]

Have you looked at the TNX 5.2 from Tamiya? I have Savages, LST's T-Maxx's, a Lightning SP, Terra Crusher's(early version of a TNX) and a host of other trucks, but I keep going back to the TNX. There not as main stream as some of the other trucks, but they do work well and are easy to fix and maintain, not to mention they have a really big motor, bigger than any of the other stock trucks out there next to the MGT.

This is a pic of my custom built TNX, it has a mach .26 motor, only because its what I had at the time to put in it, JR radio gear and a few hybred parts from the Terra Crusher. These truck run and fly great, take a look at one sometime.

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t180/Taqrin/DSCF0006_edited.jpg

[dezertrat94]

Which of these trucks are the easiest to maintain? Or, which of these require the least maintenance? (I know they all need maintenance from time to time.) Thanks again for all the input.

dezertrat

[Jato7691]

Hey, I agree with these guys find what you like and have fun.I have a s
Savage 4.6 and a Tmaxx 3.3 I like the savage better.For all the thing that I've hit and the jumps I've done with it I only broke 1 dog bone and a body ebay is a good sorce for parts on almost any of them.Good Luck.:D

[Taqrin]

Which of these trucks are the easiest to maintain? Or, which of these require the least maintenance? (I know they all need maintenance from time to time.) Thanks again for all the input.

dezertrat

To tell you the truth, they are all about the same, they all have motors, drive train, wheels, etc.....once you tear them apart and put them back together a few times, maintanence get all that much easier.

Although the TNX has everything right up front and is easy to get at, say compared to a Savage, which is squizzed between a couple of rails....The Losi trucks have a crap load of small hexed screws, T-Maxx's...well there T-Maxx's, They all have there good points and bad ones too....I myself again, like the Tamiya trucks, but what ever you decide, you will have to do maintanence either way and the more you do the easier it gets....:cool:

[pottsgroverc]

The Savage, out of the box, is probably your best bet. I think losi has better upgrades available and a better stock engine. But stock, the Savage is made for the basher and made to take a beating. If tuning an engine isn't a problem for you, I would go with the savage. You can put a beetle type body on it anyway if that is look you want. However, if you are planning to upgrade, the Losi's are the better option I believe. The aftershock and Mega Baja are basically the same, The LST2 is built better with more "race grade parts". I have a Baja and it is a blast, but bigger breaks easier. I also have a Savage and it is built like a brick...well, you know.

[dezertrat94]

In regard to the LST2, do you guys think it would be worth the money to get the "race grade" parts. From what I have heard, these parts are stronger than the stock ones. I assume it would be cheaper to buy an LST2 than to upgrade, say, an Aftershock to LST2 specs.

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

In regard to the LST2, do you guys think it would be worth the money to get the "race grade" parts. From what I have heard, these parts are stronger than the stock ones. I assume it would be cheaper to buy an LST2 than to upgrade, say, an Aftershock to LST2 specs.

dezertrat

The upgrade kits around $150, so that would depend on what you can pick up an Aftershock for.

[dezertrat94]

Aftershock: roughly $400
LST2: $650ish
Aftershock w/ upgrade: $550

However, I'm not that inclined to take apart my brand new truck to make it like something I could have bought. In my opinion, the LST2 is worth the money, but then again, I may not need all the extra stuff. I don't know. Which (LST2 or AFT) do you guys think would be better for bashing?

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

Aftershock: roughly $400
LST2: $650ish
Aftershock w/ upgrade: $550

However, I'm not that inclined to take apart my brand new truck to make it like something I could have bought. In my opinion, the LST2 is worth the money, but then again, I may not need all the extra stuff. I don't know. Which (LST2 or AFT) do you guys think would be better for bashing?

dezertrat

Ok, if your going to go with Losi, start with the Aftershock. then, when or if you start breaking things, get the up-grade kit.... I have a truck with the LST2 tires and five others with the Aftershock/LST1 tires....I'd stick with the latter....(I find them a much nicer tire than the LST2 tires) I think the LST2 tires scweek to much and don't grab as good. So keep the LST2 tires as spares and either buy another set of tires for the LST2 rims which come with the up-grade or boil the tires off the Aftershock rims and swap them over.

One more thing, if the Aftershock doesn't come with a 5 cell/6 volt rechargable pack, which I think is does, buy one. you won't regret it.:cool:

[Taqrin]

You will never quess what I paid for my NIB LST1??????

[dale_gribble]

$250-300 for a NIB LST1? I bought a slightly used one for $238 about two years ago. My second used one that I converted to an LST2 was $175.

[Taqrin]

Well...it was a customer return but it was never taken out of the box, all it had was a small bit of body damage, which could be seen from the top of the truck. A little work with a pair of body scissors and you wouldn't know...(it was around the hole the motor pokes through)

I got it for $245.00 shipped to my door.:eek: Now that was a steel:D

[dezertrat94]

OK. Thanks for the info. I'll keep that in mind before I buy. Also, I plan on buying from my LHS as I don't really trust eBay or any of those other shops. I have another question: I know it sounds redundant, but do you guys think it's worth the extra $100 to get the LST2 if I don't want to go through taking the AFT apart. Personally, I think it might be worht it, but I want your guys' opinion.

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

OK. Thanks for the info. I'll keep that in mind before I buy. Also, I plan on buying from my LHS as I don't really trust eBay or any of those other shops. I have another question: I know it sounds redundant, but do you guys think it's worth the extra $100 to get the LST2 if I don't want to go through taking the AFT apart. Personally, I think it might be worht it, but I want your guys' opinion.

dezertrat


Well, if its only $100 diff. you may want to go that way. but put it this way, If you get the Aftershock and later down the road get the up-grade kit, it will give you the chance to take the truck apart and rebuild it, that way you get to know the truck a little better and give you some spare parts to boot.:eek:

[dezertrat94]

I wasn't thinking that way. You make a good point. Now I just have to decide for myself. I've been looking at pics of the factory LST2, especially the tires. While it appears they work well in dirt, does anyone know if these tires work at all in sand? It doesn't look as though the have enough dig to work in sand, but maybe they do. Has anyone used these tires in sand before? By the way, the tires I am referring to are the ATX tires that come standard on the LST2.

dezertrat

[dezertrat94]

I have been looking on the Losi website, and I cannot find the up-grade kit you guys are talking about. Is it sold as one kit, or do you have to buy all the parts separately?

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

I have been looking on the Losi website, and I cannot find the up-grade kit you guys are talking about. Is it sold as one kit, or do you have to buy all the parts separately?

dezertrat

The upgrade is a kit, I know you said you don't trust ebay, but this is from a seller that I trust very much and have baught from many time, log on to eBay and look up Item number: 280019055737. If you buy from them, tell them Taqrin sent you.

or use this link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/LOSI-LOSB0014-LST-2-PERFORMANCE-UPDATE-KIT-LST2_W0QQitemZ280019055737QQihZ018QQcategoryZ44028 QQcmdZViewItem

BTW they are a hobby shop, just have an eBay store as well.

[Gt-bone]

Have you given the Team associated MGT any thought?

[dezertrat94]

Have you given the Team associated MGT any thought?

In regard to the MGT, I haven't really looked at it because it's slightly out of my price range and I haven't been satisfied with Team Associated products. My last truck, an RC10 GT was just a little bit of a letdown as it didn't seem to be on par with the other stadium trucks I should have looked at before I bought. Had I not gotten the RC10, I may have had a little more faith in TA products.

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

In regard to the MGT, I haven't really looked at it because it's slightly out of my price range and I haven't been satisfied with Team Associated products. My last truck, an RC10 GT was just a little bit of a letdown as it didn't seem to be on par with the other stadium trucks I should have looked at before I bought. Had I not gotten the RC10, I may have had a little more faith in TA products.

dezertrat

What!!?? you did like the RC10GT,:eek: hmmmm! I baught one and liked it so much I have 6 now.....:cool:

[Taqrin]

Did you check out that link to the LST2 up-grade kit?

[dezertrat94]

Did you check out that link to the LST2 up-grade kit?

Yes, I did! I was very impressed by HopMeUp's selection of stuff. They seemed to have a lot of cool stuff. I think I have heard of them before, or maybe I was cruzing through eBay and I saw that name. I would definitely buy the kit from them (mainly because I can't find it anywhere else). In response to your other comment, I felt that the RC10 was lacking in some of the features other stadium trucks had. Mainly, it didn't have any kind of spin start/roto start, and there were a few other little things that irked me about it.

dezertrat

[dezertrat94]

Has anyone looked at my tire question? Does anyone have an answer?

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

Has anyone looked at my tire question? Does anyone have an answer?

dezertrat

Hmmm! can't help ya on that one, but I know those tires squeak like hell on the street, and I much prefer the ones that come on the LST and Aftershock...Not much sand around here, but you live near a desert?

[Gt-bone]

You didnt like the rc10? That was the trend setter for stadium trucks and set a whole new standard for the rest of the company's. I had a GT2 ready to run and the only upgrade was rpm arms and that thing was a little tank. The new MGT is still pretty high in price but thats just cause it just came out and it will be a few months before it comes down to the range of other monster trucks. Make sure and let all know what you end up picking.

[dezertrat94]

Hmmm! can't help ya on that one, but I know those tires squeak like hell on the street, and I much prefer the ones that come on the LST and Aftershock...Not much sand around here, but you live near a desert?

In a manner of speaking. Living in SoCal, it's hard not to say you live near a desert. We make trips out to Glamis, CA (big sand dunes), as well as dirt lots, so yes, I guess I do live near a desert. Are the tires really that bad on the street?

dezertrat

[dezertrat94]

You didnt like the rc10? That was the trend setter for stadium trucks and set a whole new standard for the rest of the company's. I had a GT2 ready to run and the only upgrade was rpm arms and that thing was a little tank. The new MGT is still pretty high in price but thats just cause it just came out and it will be a few months before it comes down to the range of other monster trucks. Make sure and let all know what you end up picking.

Hmmm. Maybe I didn't like the RC10 because I'd always known that I'd wanted something bigger. Maybe I just haven't given the RC10 enough of a chance...What you said about the MGT makes sense. I don't know if I really need all the power that thing has to offer.

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

Its funny to hear them, sounds like a mouse is in the truck driving...I have a mach .26 in the truck and it has a custom crank in it, so it puts out more power on the bottom end, and this is enough to make it spin the tires on take off and when it does, they squeak, even when you turn corners.

I've never heard tires do this before and its the funniest thing.

[Taqrin]

Just one of my LST's built like a srick bhit house!

http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t180/Taqrin/LSTtanka.jpg

[dezertrat94]

Nice cage! Looks like one tough truck!

dezertrat

[Taqrin]

Nice cage! Looks like one tough truck!

dezertrat

Sure is, I built it to try and destroy it.

I slammed it into a fence post(by accedent) at around 30mph and cracked the post, the only damage was the aluminium skid plate got bent and it pulled loose from the bulkhead, other than that.....

[pottsgroverc]

I have a MGT and it is junk compared to my other trucks, not the fastest, not the quickest, and not the toughest. Remember one thing, if you buy the LST2, you have to replace with LST2 parts or upgrades. These are more than any choice for the Aftershock, so it is a more expensive purchase than that initial difference. The LST2, in my opinion, is a racing platform, Aftershock is a bashing platform. Why pay for race grade when you're not going to race?

[Philderbeast]

What you need is a CEN GST 7.7. It is the biggest, baddest of them all. I am saving for one now. I have driven one, it is almost as nice as my racing revo, but very much larger.

[Gt-bone]

I seen one the other day and they are HUGE and it was pretty cool watching a truck that big flying through the air and landing like no big deal.

[dezertrat94]

I have a MGT and it is junk compared to my other trucks, not the fastest, not the quickest, and not the toughest. Remember one thing, if you buy the LST2, you have to replace with LST2 parts or upgrades. These are more than any choice for the Aftershock, so it is a more expensive purchase than that initial difference. The LST2, in my opinion, is a racing platform, Aftershock is a bashing platform. Why pay for race grade when you're not going to race?

You make a good point. I hadn't thought of it that way.

dezertrat

[ngw]

i just purchased the mega baja myself. i was in similar situation as you.limited budget. this is not my first truck. i was havihg trouble deciding what to get.i based my decision on what i could get the most bang for my buck, the mega baja seemed to have the most, you said that you liked the losi based trucks.with the baja i got a reciever pack&charger,roto starter.the aftershock and raminater do not come with these.raminater does come with the spectrum radio and does have the combo pull start roto start plate.you have to buy the roto starter seperately. aftershock only pull start. my baja was 396 shipped from amainhobbies .in my opinion it was the better deal.the roto and rec. battery would have been another 70-100 bucks w/ charger. just my 2 cents.

[Benz]

you should get the traxxas t-maxx 2.5r or the 3.3.

[Philderbeast]

The CEN GST 7.7 will run you just under 600 bucks. If you want to impress your buddies with some awsome looks, ability, and power, look at it also. How can you go wrong with that platform and a 5 hp engine already installed???
cenracing.com
They even have a very informative review of it. You should check into it before making a decision on any MT.

[Philderbeast]

Here's a pic along side of the Traxxas Revo 3.3

[Benz]

so what i still think that you should get the traxxas t-maxx 2.5r or the 3.3

[pottsgroverc]

The CEN GST 7.7 will run you just under 600 bucks. If you want to impress your buddies with some awsome looks, ability, and power, look at it also. How can you go wrong with that platform and a 5 hp engine already installed???
cenracing.com
They even have a very informative review of it. You should check into it before making a decision on any MT.
How do fair getting parts? I have one and parts are a pain in the #@$. Even my LHS hates CEN because the lack of available parts.

[Philderbeast]

If your local hobby shop does not carry parts for the CEN vehicles, then you can order them straight throught CEN from thier website. Ebay has a lot of parts I have found, and many online stores carry parts and upgrades also.
So, you cannot tell me that parts are a pain to get, all you have to do is utilize your resourses.

[mikeneo3450]

After doing a 3 month research I was between the LST2 and the 8ight-t
LST2 is the best truck out there for bashing. Ifyou need off-road racing the best one out there is losi 8ight-t

LST2 sits high off ground, parts are very strong. with 2 gears for the high hills, nice motor with a really good radio. So for bashing it takes the beat no problem. ohh and it's got incrediable shocks and suspension system.

you won't go wrong with this truck if your looking for MT

[dezertrat94]

After starting another thread and doing more research, I have come almost full circle and decided to buy a Revo 3.3. Check out the Maintenance thread in the MT forum to see why.

[Benz]

WHAT ABOUT GETTING A T-MAXX?!? DOES EVERYBODY HATE THEM BESIDES ME?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?:confused: :mad: :confused: :mad: :confused:

[Philderbeast]

Naw, T-maxx is a fun truck, but I do not want one. My revo is too much fun to go out and blow that kind of money. Besides, I have an e-maxx with twin 650 revolver engines. Man, that thing is a haus. Now if I can just get a better turning radious......To be continued!