Nowadays, entering racing can not be any easier or more cost effective. Losi’s 8IGHT Nitro RTR is probably the best bang for your buck option out on the market today with an RTR price of only $350. The package has practically everything you need to get going and is absolutely perfect for novice and sportsman level racing. Most racers will find that the time to move up into more serious competition will present itself sooner rather than later, and the 8IGHT can use a few parts to make sure it is ready for the next level. None of these upgrades will break the bank and really will make the Losi feel like a whole new race buggy out on the track.
Losi 8IGHT Nitro Lini To Buy: http://amzn.to/2yyDcQw
1. Pro-Line SwitchBlade M4 (Super Soft) Off-Road 1:8 Buggy Tires
By far the single best upgrade for any race vehicle is the tires. It is the single point of contact between the vehicle and the terrain, and thus any improvement here benefit the way the car handles all around. While tire choice is very dependent on the track conditions, I feel safe in recommending Switchblade tires from Pro-Line Racing because it is a very versatile tire. It is a directional tire, and can be mounted one way for loose/dusty conditions, or the other way which is perfect for high traction tracks. Therefore if you race at multiple tracks or just aren’t sure what tire works best, the Switchblade is a solid option. I would recommend the softest compound for best performance, but this will reduce the life of the tires. Even a medium compound will be a nice upgrade for the stock Losi tires.
DETAILS:
Manufacturer: Pro-Line Racing
Part: SwitchBlade M4 (Super Soft) Off-Road 1:8 Buggy Tires
Part Number: Front or Rear 9057-03
Price: (2 tires) $25.46
Link To Buy: http://amzn.to/2zjDyYF
2. Hitec HS-7985MG High Torque, Metal Gear Servo
I’ve recommended it before and I’ll recommend it again, the Hitec HS-7985MG. This workhorse of a servo pumps out a hefty 172 oz of torque with a transit time of 0.13 seconds at 6 volts. This is more than enough power to turn the buggy wheels with an excellent speed. What you will immediately notice is an improvement with the response time form your transmitter inputs to the front wheels. These extra milliseconds may not seems like much, but trust me they make all the difference in the world when racing. You probably will even find that your ability to initiate turns increase, which will result in more consistent lap times and greater ability to take sharp, hairpin turns.
Manufacturer: Hitec
Part: HS-7985MG High Torque, Metal Gear Coreless Premium Digital Servo
Part Number: 37985S
Price: $84.99
Link To Buy: http://amzn.to/2zjDGHD
3. Spektrum DX5R DSMR 5CH Tx
The Losi 8ight RTR does include a Spektrum radio system out of the box, however the DX2E is a little on the basic side when it comes to options. Understandable, given the price point, but we can do better. Something racers come to appreciate is a rock solid radio system that has plenty of tuning settings. I feel that the DX5R is the perfect upgrade that will last you a long time. The best part is that the transmitter is compatible with the receiver included on the 8ight, so after purchasing this system, you have an extra receiver to put in any other vehicle. With a 250 model memory this radio is very capable for many different types of rigs and vehicle setups. Since this is a full featured computer radio, expect to have better control over parameters in your vehicle. It also should center the servos better allowing the vehicle to track straighter. It has an LCD screen for on the fly adjustments which is very important when out on the track. This whole bundle costs $280 dollars, which is a deal in comparison to other radios on the market given the capabilities of this radio. Head to your local hobby shop and check one out in person, you will be surprised with the difference a proper transmitter can have in both feel and function.
Manufacturer: Spektrum
Part: DX5R DSMR 5CH Tx w/SR6000T
Part Number: SPM5000
Price: $279.99
Link To Buy: http://amzn.to/2zkmFgv
RC car racing can be a very expensive endeavor, but it doesn’t have to be! The Losi 8ight is a great sportsman level racer that can be upgraded as the user’s skill level increases. Out of all the upgrades, I would absolutely recommend a tire upgrade as a starting point. I would go as far to say that you should set the stock tires aside and run the Losi with Pro-Lines right out of the box, anything less and you will not be taking advantage of everything the 8ight has to offer. Once you get comfortable with the tires, look into the servo and radio upgrades for sure!
LINKS:
losi.com
prolineracing.com
hitecrcd.com
spektrumrc.com
