RC Car - Is The HPI RS4 Sport Good?

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Is The HPI RS4 Sport Good?

Comments: I am considering buying HPI's R/C car model, the RS4 Sport. It is electric, not nitro, and it comes with a Chevrolet Corvette body that is 200mm wide. I am just now starting in R/C and, and one of my experienced friends told me that the model was ok to buy as long as they made replacement parts for it. I would like to know if HPI makes replacement parts for the RS4 sport. I would also like you to e-mail any good starter kits that are fast, and come with everything you need to run them. (I don't want a pre-assembled car).

Response: The HPI RS4 Sport is an amazing car. I highly recommend that you start with a vehicle such as this. It would not normally be considered a starter car but it is a good investment. There is not much point in buying a cheaper car if you are going to be tired of it in a few weeks, forcing yourself to spend another bunch of cash to buy the car you wanted in the first place. As for replacement parts, HPI has got tonnes of replacement parts! If you are looking for the stock replacements, almost every hobby store carries HPI so availability is not a problem. HPI is a very popular company and this is very important to you as it will ensure easy accessibility to parts as well as excellent customer support.

If it is hop ups you are looking for, HPI is the leader for those too. Take a look through some of the RC car magazines and all you will see are upgrade parts for the HPI RS4. It is almost sick! There is so much you can do to this car, you will never get bored. A good car is a car that does not need replacing after a few months and HPI is definitely it. You name it and you can do it, tires, rims, suspension, bearings, shocks, bodies, motors, speed controls, diffs, arms, chassis, 2 speeds, etc. etc. etc.

There is only one problem with the HPI RS4 (and it is not really a problem). It does not come with a motor or speed control. This means that you must purchase them on your own. This is actually a good thing. One of the best upgrades you can make to an RC car is an electronic speed control. The RS4 sport forces you to get one. The initial investment is a little higher but you will be very satisfied in the end.

So my answer, YES, go for the HPI RS4 Sport. You will be very happy with its performance. As for a complete package, forget about it. With my experience it is not any cheaper when a company hands you a complete car with radio and battery etc, it is only more convenient. Convenience is not what you want when you are about to drop some huge cash into an RC car. Take the time and choose the accessories that you want. Have the hobby store guy explain to you the advantages and disadvantages of every item (don't let them tell you what you want, you tell them!). Most hobby store workers are very knowledgeable and will be more than happy to help you. Do a little research on your own so you have an idea of what you are looking for (i.e. a speed control with reverse or just forward and brake).

As you mentioned, get a car that you assemble yourself. You WILL crash and you WILL break your car at some point. If you built it yourself, you can fix it yourself.

Let's take off a few tenths per lap,

"PRO"
Pro Racer Secrets