The Best Models of Radio-Controlled Cars on the Market

Are you looking for something to fill up your free time in a fun and creative way? There are so many things you could try to do – crafting, cooking, photography, writing, etc. But if you’re one of the many people who have tried some of these common hobbies and you didn’t want to get back to them for a second time, I have an interesting suggestion for you.  

It’s all about the world of radio-controlled gadgets! I have decided to focus on radio-controlled cars in particular, since I find them very interesting myself. More commonly known as RC cars, they are hobby products sold in any RC store.

These gadgets are miniature versions of real-life vehicles that you can control by using a remote, and they’re equally popular among all age-groups. Since RC road cars are so popular, manufacturers had to develop different versions, which is why today we have two main different categories, and those are:

Toy-Grade RC Cars

As you can probably gather by the title above, these types of RC cars are cheap to manufacture and also cheaper on the market, because the target group of all the brands who sell toy-grade RC cars is children. Regardless, they are still widely available in most rc shops you enter today.

If you have children who would like to have a radio-controlled car, purchasing an RC car of this type is something that I definitely recommend. However, if you’re a hobby enthusiast, I recommend investing in a hobby-grade model.

Hobby-Grade RC Cars

Also known as Ready-To-Run radio-controlled gadgets these RC cars are no joke. Manufacturers produce these gadgets with hobby-enthusiasts in mind, which is why they excel in the specification department.

Many hobby-grade cars can reach a speed of 80 miles per hour thanks to the high-performance electric motor, and have a premium build and feel. Other than the ready-to-run editions, these gadgets also come in kits, thanks to the high demand. If you’re interested in assembling your radio-controlled vehicle by yourself, this is something you can get.

If you already feel like you want a visit to a nearby hobby shop to get yourself a hobby-grade RC car, I have prepared a small list of some of the best models on the market, and it goes as follows:

TAMIYA Comical Hornet

If you are a hobby-enthusiast you probably know the name Tamiya. They are a Japanese company that has been a staple in the RC world since the 80s. The Comical Hornet is a very intriguing model because it is a rework of their original Hornet series, which used to be very popular. The design is inspired by the original as well.

The front and backlights are actually real ports where you can even install 5 millimetre LED lights to give your RC vehicle a cool touch. The back tires are nicely threaded for some added texture and smoother driving experience, which is also enabled thanks to the two springs in the front for some extra amortization and protection from an accidental hit.

Thanks to these features, you can have a very pleasant off-roading experience. The chassis is made out of stainless steel and the body is polycarbonate. Another important thing to mention is that this RC car runs on shotgun-style battery packs, which will last you a long amount of time until you need to recharge again.

If you have never invested in an RC car before, I recommend getting this model. It makes a great first RC car, and Tamiya is a very credible brand that is hugely popular and acclaimed in the world of hobby enthusiasts.

FTX Outlax Ultra-4

The Outlax Ultra by FTX is a cheaper hobby-grade RC car made for off-roading. Unfortunately, the motor, even though electric, cannot pick up the speed of the Tamiya. You can adjust the car thanks to the mounting options the brand has included so that you can cross the obstacles more easily. I’ve included this gadget into the list because this is a cheaper option that I’d recommend getting as a gift for a child since it features a poorer built and slower speeds.

A little more on the design aspect, the body of the RC car is made out of plastic, in tubular cage design. It comes in a range of different colours and a couple of different stickers grace the exterior.

Even though the throttle from the speed controller can be a bit irritating and high pitched, it would make a better option for your child if you want to avoid opting for a toy-grade RC car. Other than children, this RC car is also recommended for novices who would like to start with a vehicle that is more affordable but can still perform off-roading.

Maintenance

There are a couple of things you should consider when it comes to the maintenance of RC cars. The general cleanliness of your vehicle is of big importance, so I would recommend looking into what the market is offering and purchase a special cleaning concoction. If you want to save up, good soapy water shall do the trick for the exterior.

When it comes to the motor, however, just get any brush and brush off any debris that it’s accumulated. You wouldn’t need to do anything more than that. For the more serious owners of more premium models, you can also buy a can of compressed air and spray all of the narrower spaces of the RC car. This is the most efficient way to keep your hobby gadget clean.

My advice is, before visiting an RC store for the first time, to consider the type of consumer that you are. If you are an avid hobby enthusiast and would like to purchase a quality gadget for yourself, I would recommend any model of Tamiya. They are going to last you a long time thanks to their build quality and durability.

But if you would like to try RC cars out and don’t want to spend a lot of money, you could opt for a lower quality model. Just have in mind that these types of vehicles are often made out of plastic and won’t last you a long time, especially if you plan on doing some off-roading. Good luck!