Stampede Kit or RTR???

So you're looking to buy a Stampede, but you're confused about whether to buy the kit or the RTR (Ready to Run). It's an easy decision, buy the kit.

Well it used to be an easy decision, but since I originally wrote this article Traxxas has halted the production of all kits. Now their lineup can only be purchased in RTR form. So if you haven't purchased a Traxxas kit before now, chances are you will never have that opportunity. I know that this disappoints many people such as myself, as many of us actually loved to build the kits. However reality and sales always takes front stage. The sales of the kits compared to their RTR counterparts were pretty dismal overall. So, with this change, it seems Traxxas has decided to streamline their product lineup. Even though this decision disappoints me, I support the step they've taken. They didn't put themselves where they are in the RC industry by mistake, it took very solid business decisions. I see this as another of those smart decisions on their part. With the thought that someone may come across a kit that had been sitting on the shelf of the hobby store, or come across one on eBay, I've decided to leave the remainder of this article intact, as it may still be of some use at times.

Sure a kit sounds more difficult, but it's not. The instructions are top-notch and the whole procedure is rather simple. You'll also gain a lot of knowledge about your Stampede that will help you later, should the need arise, to troubleshoot a problem. Need more convincing? Let's look at the advantages and disadvantages of both.

Advantages for the RTR

• You're up and running in just a few minutes
• Virtually all the effort that's required, is to pull it out of the box

Disadvantages for the RTR

• You're forced to use the Traxxas radio and receiver
• Local hobby stores usually stock the RTR with the XL-1 ESC
• It comes with a weak servo
• You gain very little initial knowledge about your Stampede
• I hear that some people do not receive the assembly manual

Advantages for the Kit

• Choose your own radio/reciever
• Gain valuable knowledge about your Stampede
• You can choose your own ESC, since most stores stock RTR's with the XL-1 instead of the MSC
• You can upgrade to a metal gear servo before you even run
• You can upgrade other areas of the Stampede as you build it
• You get to paint your own body
• Usually cheaper in the long run
• Satisfaction of having done it yourself

Disadvantages for the Kit

• Can be overwhelming if you're not sure what else you need to buy (See below)
• It takes a little longer from the time the box is opened until the time you can drive
• Usually a little more expensive in the short run

Items You'll Need for the RTR

• Charger
• Battery Packs
• 8 AA batteries for the Radio

Items You'll Need for the Kit

• Charger
• Battery Packs
• Radio/Reciever Combo
• 8 AA Batteries for the Radio
• ESC (Unless you plan on using the MSC for a while)
• Paint for the body (You'll need to use paint made for lexan bodies)

• Metal Gear Servo
• Aluminum Idler (An easy upgrade while building the kit)
• Better Servo Saver
• Any of the other recommended upgrades found here