Smartech Magic Wheel

Author
Discussion

dredge

Original Poster:

197 posts

221 months

Thursday 16th August 2007
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Hi guys,

Does anyone have any comments on getting one of these Smartech Magic Wheel RC monster trucks as a first foray into RC vehicles? I had a sudden impulse today to look into them and this is one of the first ones I found.

I'm actually impressed you can get (what appears to be) so much for a reasonable amount of money. 4WD, gearboxes, differentials, dampers... all the buzzwords definitely appeal to the geek/PHer in me!

The only thing that puts me off is that it's a reasonable amount of money to spend on something that might prove to be unsuitable for a beginner... I'm just a bit worried I'll smash it to pieces straight away, and/or that I get bored of it in a few days once I've done a few laps of the garden.

So I suppose my question is really: does that truck look like a reasonable buy for the money?

sgrimshaw

7,419 posts

257 months

Sunday 19th August 2007
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Haven't had any personal experience of this brand, but it does look ok from the pictures and video.

Price looks very good too.

One key thing to check with models from less well known manufacturers is the spares availability.

The nitrotek website lists spares for this model so that bodes well.

For the money - I'd give it a go.

Simon

Moreymach

1,029 posts

273 months

Monday 20th August 2007
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They look like clones of the Traxxas T Maxx http://www.traxxas.com/products/nitro/maxx/trx_max... .

The spares would be a big issue to me, you will need them expecially if youre just starting off.

A T Maxx or HPI Savage will be £100 or so more but the market for upgrades and spares is huge.

Edited to add video of the 3.3 TMAxx http://www.modelsport.co.uk/?CallFunction=ShowSpec...

Edited by Moreymach on Monday 20th August 14:58

dredge

Original Poster:

197 posts

221 months

Thursday 30th August 2007
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Damn you Moreymach... you convinced me!

I've ordered a T-Maxx 3.3 and it should hopefully arrive tomorrow. That video you linked to and the availability of spares and upgrades (supercharger! nitrous injection!) convinced me. Hopefully I won't regret it when it arrives. wink

Cheers.

Space Kid

402 posts

215 months

Friday 31st August 2007
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You want something that you can by spares over the counter and get advice from your local model shop when it goes wrong for your first one.

Last time i looked Smarttech did not have UK importer, and the model shop that i used to manage used to see a lot of very dejected people, when you told them that spares were not available.

Get a Traxxas or HPI Savage if you want a truck, they cost a bit more to start with, but well worth it in terms of quality/parts/importer assistance.

Graham

Moreymach

1,029 posts

273 months

Sunday 2nd September 2007
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dredge said:
Damn you Moreymach... you convinced me!



Cheers.
Glad to be of service smile

Space Kid

402 posts

215 months

Monday 3rd September 2007
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You have made a wise choice.