So, you’re looking to buy an RC car? That’s awesome! It can be super exciting, but also a little confusing with all the options out there. Let’s break it down to help you find the perfect RC car for your needs. We’ll consider what you want to do with your car and how much you’re looking to spend to guide you to the right choice.
Are you looking for a car that’s ready to run straight out of the box and fun for the whole family? Or are you wanting something a bit faster that you don’t mind spending a little more time and money on?
If you want something durable and are willing to invest a bit more upfront, keep reading. If budget is your main concern and you’re okay with something that might need repairs down the line, we’ve got options for you too.
Let’s think about where you’ll be driving your RC car. Do you picture yourself tearing it up off-road, tackling dirt tracks and jumps? Or are you more interested in sleek on-road action, racing on smooth surfaces? Maybe you want a bit of both, something versatile that can handle different terrains.
Off-Road Adventures
For off-road enthusiasts, you’ve got some great choices depending on your need for speed and budget.
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Fast and Thrilling: If you crave speed and off-road excitement, models like the E-Maxx, Slash VXL, or Stampede VXL are excellent. These are built for tougher terrains and higher speeds. When looking at these models, consider durable suspension parts and robust chassis components as they will take a beating off-road.
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Slower and Budget-Friendly: For a more affordable entry into off-road RC, look at the Summit, Slash, Stampede, or the brushed E-Maxx. Also, explore options from Tamiya. These are still great for off-road fun but at a more accessible price point. For these, investing in spare tires might be a good idea for off-road driving.
Versatile All-Rounders
If you want a car that’s capable on various surfaces, these in-between models are worth considering.
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Fast and Agile: For speed and versatility, check out the E-Revo Brushless, Rustler VXL, or Bandit VXL. These offer a good balance of speed and handling for mixed terrains. Consider looking at motor upgrades in the future if you want even more speed.
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Slower and Economical: More budget-friendly all-rounders include the brushed E-Revo, Rustler, Bandit, and again, models from Tamiya. These are great for learning and general fun without breaking the bank. For maintenance, keep an eye on gear wear as these models are often driven on varied surfaces.
On-Road Speed Demons
If you’re all about speed and smooth surfaces, on-road cars are for you.
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Fast and Furious: For high-speed on-road action, explore brushless HPI on-road or drift cars from HPI Racing. These are built for pure speed and handling on paved surfaces. Upgrading to high-performance tires and aerodynamic body parts can enhance on-road performance.
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Slower and Affordable: For a more budget-conscious entry into on-road RC, consider brushed HPI on-road or drift cars also from HPI Racing. These provide on-road fun at a lower cost. Consider getting replacement wheels as on-road driving can wear them down faster.
Budget-Friendly Choices
If you are looking for cheaper options, consider these based on terrain preference:
- Off-Road: Rally Monster Pro or Dynamite-Pro for faster options, and Rally Monster or Dynamite for slower, more affordable choices.
- On-Road: Champion Pro or Drift Star Pro for speed, and Champion or Drift Star for budget-friendly options.
- All-Terrain: Sunfire Pro for faster speeds and Sunfire for a more economical choice.
Nitro Cars
One note – if you’re interested in nitro cars, you’ll need to do some extra research as they have their own set of considerations and maintenance needs.
This guide gives you a starting point. There are many more RC cars out there, but this should give you a good idea of the types available. Now, it’s time to research the models that fit your style and budget to find the perfect RC car for you. Think about what you want in the long run. Many RC enthusiasts, when starting out, sometimes don’t consider future maintenance and upgrades, which can lead to higher costs later on. Choosing wisely now will save you money and keep you enjoying your RC car for longer!
