Here We Go!

[Flanker]

My son turns 11 in June and I've been wanting to get back into the hobby. He's had several RC cars from big box stores, and likes them, but is also aware of my big boy cars in storage. For his birthday, I've been planning on getting him an entry level stadium truck and decided on a Traxxas Rustler RTR to simplify getting replacement parts for the inevitable. My dad gifted me my first hobby type RC (Nitro Rustler) over 20 years ago and is still my favorite gift I can recall ever receiving. At the time, I didn't even know they made RC's that ran on fuel and he has never owned an RC in his life... just a random gift.

I've been away from the hobby for about 10 years... WTF happened? HPI, Associated, and Losi appear dead too me. I knew Traxxas was coming on strong 10 years ago but I never pictured this... 20 years ago Traxxas was the worst quality brand you could buy at my shop and now it is almost the only brand left. I truly believe Traxxas ruined my favorite hobby and now I'm basically forced to buy one for my kid after days of research for an alternative.

I've been reading the Losi board all day and want to thank the members for their incredible builds that got my juices flowing again. I plan on buying an XX4 roller and building my dream RC. I used to race almost every weekend and will be looking for local tracks after Covid-19. Here is a little history of myself...

GARAGE
- Vintage Nitro Rustler: Needs new gas tank and engine
- Mad Beast: Still starts
- Losi 8ight: Still starts and maintained, my primary racing car with upgrades
- Losi Micro-T: Several of these and need batteries

PREVIOUSLY OWNED
- Losi XX: Stolen
- Losi XXT: Stolen
- HPI Savage: Sold
- HPI Firestorm: Sold (the most reliable Nitro I've owned and wish I still had it)
- Traxxas Nitro T-Maxx: Gave to a friend

I'm excited to get back into the hobby and may need some help.

[Flanker]

I offer you 2 sweet Micro-T that I just found in boxes as a party favor.

[Basher67]

Traxxas has definitely claimed its market share, but at race tracks it's still an Associated and Losi world. They have far from disappeared, but you usually won't find them in hobby shops that aren't located near a racetrack. Associated still makes arguably the best rc race cars on the planet, but they are so purpose built, that they sort of suck for bashing.
Nice micros. I always loved the baja bug

[Lonestar]

Welcome Aboard!