RTR VS Scratch Built?

[chevy42083]

Re: Geometry and Angles?

MOA 'breaks the rules" because you don't have toque from the chassis to the to the axle, so link geometry plays MUCH less, or none at all.
Also, its literally against competition rules because its simply so different. Its literally a self contained axle with a chassis tethering it to another... allowing all sorts of cool tricks from COG, to dig, to overdrive, to link clearance, to separate throttle mixing, etc etc. Its simply a different animal, so has its own class.

The geometry of links is all a trade off. Its depends on what you need, the space you have, your terrain, etc etc.
E.G. by having both links to the same height on the chassis, you get rid of all aspects you'd gain from a 'traction bar' type setup. But you have a higher belly.
If your shocks are parallel to your links, they aren't doing anything... they cant be compressed. But getting CLOSER to parallel than vertical means you've got a lower center of gravity (yes, they soften, but we all tune shocks anyways... so you'd just stiffen them to offset it)

 

[ussprinceton2004]

I prefer scratch built vs. RTR.

 

[Col_Sanders]

The benefit of a scratch build is that you can build exactly what you want without wasting $$ on parts you are just going to toss in the parts bin as you upgrade. The problem with a scratch build is that there are lots of small random parts that are going to add up to be $$ and odds are, if it is your first build, you are going to end up forgetting some stuff so be prepared to make several orders.

RTRs used to be crap but there are some better ones out now like the Vanquish Phoenix.

I like kits, especially if it is a new platform. I like to see how everything goes together and I get to pick my own electronics.

 

[diceman42]

I've been going back, and forth myself for some time now. My kids got scx24s for Christmas, and they drive those things all over the place. I'm now mostly leaning towards a rtr just to get going, and upgrade as needed from there.

 

[OutLore]

My verdict is that if you enjoy the build element of the hobby, get the kit. I have never owned an RTR as the building is really what I enjoy most, and it helps me understand exactly how the vehicle is built and works if anything isn't quite right or needs to be upgraded or modified later on.

If you're not big into building then the RTR as said will get you up and running quicker.

Cost wise, RTR is probably cheaper up front but many of them come with lesser quality electronics which may well end up fazing out or needing to be improved in the long run. Hard to make a decision based on this if you're new to crawling though.

 

[Valor]

TRX Sport Kit imo is the way to go as the first kit to build