Yet Another help me pick first RC car thread

Hello everyone, I was thinking about getting into the hobby and I'm overwhelmed by all the choices and options and whats best for what I want to do. I know there are numerous topics for this same thing, but this one is mine and I hope the information I provide will point me in a good direction.


RC background: I used to fly RC airplanes with Nitro engines, and I have Never used or operated an electric RC anything.

Type of terrain for planned RC use: Short to kinda short grass yards/lawns, rough and semi-smooth pavement, and the occasional dirt and small/packed rocky driveway.

What I want in the RC vehicle: can be upgraded easily, 2.4 radio, atleast 1/10 scale, runs at least 30mph out of the box.

Planned use: Right now just recreational, maybe having some fun with some friends but no serious racing or anything like that.

Budget: I'm trying for something less than $400 to start, would like to hopefully get something $200-$350 range but that can change. But nothing more than $400.

Nitro or Electic: I'm leaning toward electric but i've dealt with nitro airplane motors so it doesn't really matter, I just want a vehicle that will last and run well on whatever is powering it! But I do want to get it to eventually go atleast 50MPH or more

look at the traxxas stampede 2wd. Its one of the best beginners rc out there. Either the XL5 or the VXL are excellent choices. They are very easy to work on. They will handle grass just fine cause its got about 2-3 inches of ground clearence. And if the regular stampede body doesnt please you, then look at any of the MOnster Jam series trucks cause they are based 100% off of the 2wd stampede except for a more monster truck looking body and some more monster truck looking wheels and tires. O ya and the stampede's are all 100% waterPROOF like you can turn them into boats.

stampede Xl5
http://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/3605stampede
stampede vxl
http://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/3607stampedevxl
Monster jam
http://traxxas.com/products/models/electric/3602Agravedigger

I seem to have been pointed into the direction of either a HPI e Firestorm Flux or a Rustler VXL. From my own personal research I'm leaning more towards HPI just because they say it is more durable. People generally suggest Rustler VXL only due to parts availability. My Local hobby shops around here carry both HPI and traxxas among others like Losi and team associated. I do however Love the stampede 4x4 VXL if I had a $100 more to spend ahaha.

think about the traxxas stampede 4x4 or the traxxas emaxx. there at the top of your budget but they can go anywhere and they are water proof so you can run in water or rain

the rustler is very very durable. but there are a few weak points but every rc has that. go with the rustler, its faster, more durable, and there's more upgrades available for it. u will also be more satisfied

Get a Rustler. I have a couple threads on mine.