There are many different kinds of RC cars that people make for specific purposes.
You might come across things like battle RCs, rock crawlers, or RC stunt cars. But when you’re first entering the world of RC cars, you’ll want to stick to something a little more basic.
Keep reading to learn when you need to look for when buying RC cars.
The Type of Power
There are two different ways to power your RC car. You can either choose a gas engine or an electric battery.
Which method is better?
That depends on your preference and how you plan to use the car. Both power types come with there own sets of advantages and disadvantages. So let’s take a closer look at each of these power options.
Gas Engine
Most gas engine RC cars don’t actually use gas. Though you can find some that use gas, many use a mixture of gas and oil. But the most common type of fuel for gas engine RC cars is nitromethane.
This fuel gives RCs more power than electric batteries, which makes them faster than battery powered RC cars. And it’s not as hard to get your hands on this type of fuel as you think. You can buy nitromethane at most every RC hobby store. If you don’t know where any of those stores might be, you can also get it online.
Nitro-powered RCs are heavier than battery-powered RCs. This means they have a higher risk of breaking if you crash one. They’re also messier than other RCs because they can develop gas leaks and spills.
Every time you get a new one, you’ll also have to tune it up before using it. For an RC car, this means taking it out for a few test drives without running full throttle. This allows the RC to get used to the fuel.
And if you’re an avid RC hobbyist, buying all that nitro fuel can get expensive.
Electrical Battery
If you’re looking into buying your first RC car, you’re better off getting an electrical battery-powered vehicle. These cars are easier for people to practice and learn with, but many people still pick them as their RC of choice.
Electrical RCs don’t have as much power as a gas RC, but they send the power they do have to their wheels faster. This means electric cars can take off and “get off the line” quicker than their counterparts.
The best thing about electric RCs is you don’t have to do anything to them. They’re ready to drive as soon as you buy them (which you can find at this company). Instead of buying the right fuel and tuning the RC up, all you have to do is charge the battery.
These types of RC are also quieter than gas RCs. But that isn’t always a good thing. Some people love the sound of gas-powered engines.
The Type of RC Car
Just like normal vehicles, there are several different models to choose from. Again, there is no right or wrong choice here. The most important factors in picking your type of RC is how you want to use it and which one you like best.
There are three main types of RC car. Here’s a quick breakdown of each one.
RC Car
RC cars are the fastest kind of RC vehicle. Most of these cars can go over 40 miles an hour. Some RC cars, though this isn’t as common, can even reach speeds of 100 miles an hour.
But when it comes to RC cars, you still have three main types to choose from.
- Drift Cars: Electric-powered and good on smooth roads or parking lots
- On-Road Cars: Can drive on asphalt and cement roads
- Rally Cars: Can drive on any kind of road and on gravel and dirt
If you’re just getting started and want to take your RC car to an empty parking lot, a drift car will do fine. But if you’re looking for something more versatile, you’ll want an on-road or rally car.
RC Truck
RC trucks are designed to drive off-road. But, again, there are three different kinds to choose from.
- Monster Trucks: Can drive off-road and in the mud (if they’re waterproof)
- Short Course Trucks: More durable than other trucks, these trucks are good for racing
- Stadium Trucks: More stable and easier to clean than other trucks
All of these trucks drive well in the dirt, but if you want to get into some competitive racing, you might want to choose the short course truck.
RC Buggy
You can drive buggies on the pavement and through the dirt. They are like a mix between RC cars and RC trucks. They come with speed but also have off-road capabilities. This means they can jump hills and piles of dirt just as well as trucks.
A Few Other Things to Look for When Buying RC Cars
While the power and type of car you choose is half the battle, there are some other things you should keep in mind when looking for RC cars.
Here are a few examples.
The Speed
When you’re buying your first RC car, don’t focus on the speed. Driving your RC as fast as it can go might sound fun, but it’s not a good idea if you’re still getting the hang of it.
You don’t want to accidentally crash your car on the first test run.
Make sure you start slow and work your way up to higher speeds. So for a first RC, speed isn’t important. Instead, focus on learning how to control the vehicle and getting familiar with it.
The Remote Control
There are some complicated remote control designs out there. For someone who’s just getting started, pick something that looks similar to a joystick. This is a familiar shape to many people and will be easy to pick up.
After all, what good is a remote control if you don’t understand how to use it?
The Cost
An expensive RC car isn’t always better than inexpensive RC cars. In other words, don’t feel like you have to go over your budget to get the best one. Besides, if you’re a beginner, you shouldn’t spend a lot of money on your first one anyway.
Remember, start small. Spend some time getting familiar with the RC cars because you start buying fast and expensive models.
What to Know About Buying RC Cars
Ask yourself how you plan to use your RC then spend some time doing your research to figure out what type of RC car is best for you. Would you rather use gas than a battery? Do you want a truck or a car? Once you know what kind of car you want, you can start looking into the remote controls, the speed, and the cost.
Wondering where you can find some RC cars? Take a look at these options.