SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Looking to get into RC and I love the Monster Trucks. I'm on a budget and was wondering what RC truck do you think would be the best RTR kit to start off with. SMT10 or Ground Pounder

Also what would be the first upgrade I should do to the trucks. I've been reading up on builds I find.

Thanks in advance for all the tips and suggestions!!

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

SMT10 hands down..

Buy-
Metal trans gears
Metal trans mount
Metal steering links
Metal suspension links
Monster truck tires of your choice Jconcepts or Pro-Line make them (RPP hobby, and Amain hobbies both carry them)
Axial 20t brushed motor (easiest since you're new)
Decent tool set with all the common wrench sizes
5000mah 50c 2s lipo battery
Decent battery charger

All that ^ will make the RTR truck solid, and enjoyable..

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

I'm going to be buying mine tomorrow. So I'm just getting into the hobby and the SMT10 does not come with a charger or a battery. Should I get a S3 lipo? I have heard that they give it more power out of the box however I have also read of people burning up there stock motor using S3 lipo.

Also what numbers should I get on the battery:

5000mah 50c 2s1p? lipo battery

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Id probably skip the 20t and save up for a small brush less system. I skipped going to the Titan 12t because others said it was still slow for the type of running the truck is targeted for. 27t to 20t is not going change much

I have a Hobao 3900kv setup in mine and I wish it had just a little more...

Id skip the tires as well. Bigger meats will undoubtedly cause more damage for a new RC user. Stick with the stockers until you get a feel for the truck

Agree on the trans gears and steering, Aluminum links ( or at least the aluminum braces for the lowers), Team Associated (AE) makes a sweet tool with different size bits that also work in a screw gun its around 20$, ValueHobby has good prices on batteries and chargers.

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

I think a 2 cell (2s) Lipo is a good place to start, If you stay brushed 25-30C will get you along just find pending you arent bogging the truck down it tall grass, deep sand, other terrain that will require a lot from the motor

If you go brush less, id shoot for no less than a 30C rating.

I reference batteries in relation to a real car:
Cells (S rating) is the number of Cylinders you have--More Cells more power
MaH is your Fuel tank---More MaH more run time
C rating is how big your Carburetor is--Higher C rating, more "juice" you can get to your motor

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

So go full metal first then get big tires then big motor.

I think I will save for brushless setup later. I do want to go full pro build down the road.

So 5000mah 50c 2s lipo battery is good start.

What about the p I see some battery's have the 2s1P.


P.S. I like your battery reference that makes a lot of sense.

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Got my SMT10 Its slow as ****.. but I'll slowly be doing the metal gear change out before getting a new motor setup.

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Any Suggestion on what Motor / ESC and Battery setup to get once I go Metal gears?

Thanks

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

The smt-10 is way better than the GP, but for people that dont want to upgrade most of the trucks electonics and drivetrain

You should'a got the mad force, 1/8 brushless, twin battery 4s, stronger diffs/axles, 8mm drive train, 1/8 buggy oversize shocks, wheely bar...

Similar price, need almost no upgrades

Some people dislike the mf servo location/linkage but the servo saver is adjustable and works

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Im not familiar with what you referenced for batteries. I always referred to them as 1s 2s 3s etc etc

I did find this:

https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/show...s-2s2p-or-2s1p

Yea the truck is slow---You could start with a budget Brushless setup once you get some metal gears in the trans or, get the gears and brushless setup and swap both at the same time.

Im running a stock Hobao Hyper SCT ESC and 3900kv brushless motor. I think a pinion gear change may help, or perhaps a 3s battery. The truck just doesnt have that ooomph im looking for but it did make the truck a lot more enjoyable

Maybe look into a Hobbywing setup for a budget system? Tacon makes a decent motor, as does Leopard, If you can score a good Castle System you will be set

Ultimately the truck is for you to tune how you want. Just ask us questions you may have. If you are unsure on a setup, post up and get some feedback.

Good Luck!

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Yup haha

https://youtu.be/MAfg3c-xWPM

Re: SMT10 VS Ground Pounder
 

Castle creations with a sidewinder;-)