RC Car - What Is Better, HPI or Traxxas

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What is Better, HPI or Traxxas?

Comments: I'm considering jumping from electric to gas on-road cars. I've been looking at the Nitro RS4 Racer and the Traxxas 4 Tec Racer. Which is the better value? Which is the better car? In either case I'd be going for the 2-speed tranny so speed shouldn't be a factor?

Response: Both Traxxas and HPI are very good companies. I have not done much dealing with Traxxas so I don't know how their customer service is but HPI is amazing. I have done extensive warranty and product support dealings with them and I can honestly say that they are the nicest bunch of guys in the business that I have ever dealt with. What does this mean to you? If you ever need support for a missing part or technical information, they will be there to help you. Most people don't think this is a big deal until they have a problem with their purchase and realize that the company will not back the product.

Now, down to all out performance. When it comes to the performance of the car, I can't give you specifics on the Traxxas because I have never run one. The HPI is a great car. It has all the adjustability that you need without having too much (some cars have a screw to change everything, this is not useful, it is confusing to beginners and it makes it difficult to keep the car in one piece as well as adding unnecessary weight to the car). The HPI is easy to work on, parts can be removed easily and tuning components are easily accessible.

One of the biggest issue is popularity. When you purchase a popular car such as the Nitro Racer, parts availability is never a problem. Also, more people will have done testing on the car, this means that there will be lots of setup sheets available to try for yourself.

Hop ups! This is a major thing for today's racers. Everyone wants to do upgrades to their cars. HPI has many more upgrades than Traxxas does. You can buy graphite anything, any body, weight reducing components, cool anodized parts, etc. etc. from HPI.

Another quick point. If you are planning on racing at an organized level, you will not be able to with the Traxxas because it has a .15 size engine. Most race organizations put a limit on engine size at .12 cubic inches.

In the end you have to make your own decision on the best car for you. I don't want to make it sound like the Traxxas is a bad idea. In fact, there are a few things about the Traxxas that are better. It is probably faster out of the box (since it comes with a 2 speed tranny and a .15 size engine). It is also easier to start (it has a cool electric starter). If you are looking for a kick around car that goes fast, then the Traxxas is for you. If you are looking for a pure race machine that you can upgrade and tune to your liking, the HPI Nitro Racer is your best bet in my opinion.

I hope this helps, I'll see you at the nitro races!

Let's take off a few tenths per lap,

"PRO"
Pro Racer Secrets