Question:
Hi Doc-
I have a question on Monster Trucks. I am trying to decide between the Team Associated Rival and the Thunder Tiger MT4-G3. I like speed and don’t crash a lot as I am pretty experienced. I also don’t do big jumps. Not sure which one will be better for me. I also want one that is very serviceable and has good parts availability.
Jacob
Answer:
Hi Jacob,
The AE Rival and TT MT4-G3 are great trucks, both of which I’ve had the opportunity to drive several times. They’re both comparable price-wise ($530 for the Rival, $585 for the MT4-G3) so it’s really up to the features and durability you’ll want to know about.
The Rival is based on AE’s Monster GT from some years ago; they’ve basically removed the nitro gear and stuffed it full of electric power. Out of the box, the Rival is a bit more Ready-To-Run; it comes standard with a pair of 7-cell NiMH Wolfpack batteries. Power on these is pretty good, but you’ll soon be craving more. The Rival’s ESC can handle up to 4S of LiPo power. Other than that, the suspension is great, tires work good on most offroad terrain and it’s built like you’d expect a Monster Truck to be built…tough as nails!
The MT4-G3 is no slouch, either. Built on a more-modernized chassis, the G3 also accepts up to 4S of LiPo power (not included). It’s a bit more streamlined and race-trucky, but the suspension and big tires work just as well as the Rival’s on offroad terrain. It gets good marks in durability, as well.
Both are powered by 2000kV brushless systems, utilize strong steering servos and feature 2.4GHz radio systems.
And, if you weren’t aware, both the Rival and MT4-G3 are manufactured under the same Thunder Tiger umbrella. Yup, Team Associated and Thunder Tiger are the same company, so you’re getting a quality product with either one.
So, what it basically comes down to is parts availability. Team Associated, being more of the US brand, has better parts support in here than the MT4-G3. That’s not saying you can’t get parts in a timely manner, but you’re more likely to visit a LHS and them having the parts. If you’re an online-ordering type of person, parts availability will be the same.
I still own a Monster GT and a Rival and love ’em. Either way you’ll be happy.
The Doc
