Help, I am new, got $700 and want a tank!

[BamaCoop]

I want to get into tanks. I played around with VS Tanks a few years back but now I want a more hardy one. I teach history and would like to use them, occasionally, in classroom discussions. I have a budget of around $700. Would love an all-metal tank. I have been looking at the ones on MatoMart. I would like to have one that is air-soft (just for the cool factor) but I don't guess it has to have it. I can paint from scratch onto metal but It would be better on this first one to just "age", high-lite, and add some extra pieces (bedrolls, buckets, shovels, etc). Also, I have noticed different gear ratios. I would assume 3:1 is for heavier tanks while 5:1 is for speed? Also, I don't see a RC controller in most of these packages. So, is it safe to assume that I will need to purchase one separately? If there is another company besides Mato that I should be looking to, I am all ears.

Thanks for any help you can give this newbie!

[Ragnar]

I just ordered the Taigen Tiger I mid metal edition from Imex in FL.for $514.complete and out the door.
It has everything it sounds like your looking for in a tank.quality and a fair price.
Check out the Imex Taigen website.beware this brute weighs 15+ lbs.

[Max-U52]

Hi Bama, Welcome to The Forum. You won't catch any flak from me, but some of the sticklers may Razz you for not posting an introduce yourself thread before asking questions. It is a good idea, though, to go to the introduce yourself section and tell us a little bit about yourself, especially, where are you located? If you're in the United States I can be of great help to you in obtaining a tank that would be perfect for your classroom, but if you're in the UK postage cross the pond prevents that.

My first recommendation for you would be the Tiger 1 mid with airsoft Barrel recoil, or, a Torro King Tiger. Both great tanks, both a little bit under your budget, with plenty of metal additions. Here in the States, you would go to IMEX, but if you're in the UK or Europe then Dave at Forge bear tanks is probably your best bet.

[jarndice]

Bama Welcome to the Forum
You ask about controllers/Transmitters, We I am afraid get a bit blasé and make assumptions which to a "Newbie" is unfair and not very helpful,
Every ready to run (RTR) Tank that is on sale today INCLUDES a controller/Transmitter (Which comes without the necessary AA Battery's) as well as a rechargeable battery and battery charger,
The Transmitter and battery charger are adequate but in general basic,
An upgrade would be near the top of my shopping list for both.
I endorse the recommendation from MAX about a Taigen Tiger 1 from IMEX, Florida based and bears an international reputation for top quality products at a reasonable price backed up by top service.
I have a rather low regard for Mato Tanks although the parts they supply are decent quality.
Keep asking the questions and if you have answers please tell us, As A Teacher you know that the only stupid question is the one that is not asked,
Your Forum needs the membership to get involved or it will die.

[BamaCoop]

I am here in the states. I will go and introduce myself shortly. Thanks a ton to all for the quick responses and help.

[BamaCoop]

Any suggestion on good transmitter to buy? I have decided to go with the IMEX Tiger 1. Love the light grey version.
I want the Airsoft version as well. So, just to make sure: Has a metal barrel but does NOT recoil with airsoft unless you get that turret as an upgrade?

[Max-U52]

The airsoft Barrel recoil only comes stock on the Tiger 1 mid. The early and late versions don't have it but you can add it if you want to by purchasing The Recoil unit separately. it will come with a V3 transmitter that is just fine for a stock airsoft tank, but if you later want to upgrade the control board you will need a hobby grade transmitter and the new V3 control boards allow you to use your own transmitter if you choose to, but you will lose your machine gun affect. If you want to go with your own TX, the FlySky I6 is highly recommended and will do everything that tank needs to do..

[DymondTank]

Mato probably the best make I bought . Ready made tank , sealed case . I got the tiger 1 early version Infared setup . Controls are easy to grasp . So I would recommend Mato anytime

[Lo_Thar]

Look at SALE forum - you can buy beatufull, ready to go model with extra stuff for this money

[Ragnar]

Bamacoop
Might I suggest getting the Tiger 1 Mid with barrel recoil,that gives you everything you want and if later your hearts still set on the light grey you can always paint it....not that difficult.
Much simpler that swapping turrets and electronics.