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RC Cars – Curated Buyer’s Guides & Reviews

  • Starter Guide
  • Resources
  • Reviews

Curated Buyer’s Guides & Reviews on all the Best RC Cars, Trucks, Accessories, Tools, and More…

Check out RC Cars for Beginners by Matt Benfield.

Meet the Team!

Vehicle Type

Buggy

remote control buggy

With sparse bodywork and excellent off-road driving characteristics, RC Buggies are suitable for most surfaces, including loose gravel, asphalt, smooth dirt, and short grass.

Desert Truck

remote control desert racer

Featuring long-travel suspension and powerful engines, Desert Trucks are designed to cross hundreds of miles over the desert. These true-to-scale 4-wheel drive race trucks are suitable for use on any surface, including loose gravel, dirt, sand, and short grass.

Monster Truck

remote control monster truck

Monster Trucks have been a staple RC category since the ’80s. Featuring heavy-duty suspension, oversized tires, 4WD drivetrain, and powerful motors, RC Monster Trucks are the go-to choice for hardcore bashers.


On-Road

remote control on-road car

The on-road class includes Rally Cars, Drift Cars, Touring Cars, Formula One, and Dragsters. Designed primarily for on-road use, these models are most suited for use on smooth asphalt and concrete.

  • The Best RC Drift Cars of 2021
  • Best RC Rally Cars of 2021
  • Best RC Motorcycles of 2021

Pan Car

remote control pan car

With foam tires, a chassis constructed from Fiberglass or Graphite, and a direct-drive solid axle, RC Pan Cars are designed for competition racing in oval, GT, and LTO (Left Turn Only) classes.

Rock Crawler

remote control rock crawler

Rock Crawlers require precise throttle and steering input skills from the user to enable their off-road scale truck or crawler to scramble up gravity-defying climbs or to traverse gully-riddled and rocky terrains.


Rock Racer

remote control rock racer

Competitive Rock Crawling and Hill-Climbing, commonly known as Rock Racing or sometimes “Rock Bouncing,” require tackling rocky terrain, vertical sections, and extreme hills in the fastest time possible.

Semi Truck

remote control semi truck

With realistic scale details such as a ladder frame chassis, metal leaf springs, and geared differentials, RC Semi Trucks are designed to be full-functioning scale representations of the real thing.

Short Course Truck

remote control short course truck

Similar in design to Desert Racers, but with less suspension travel, Short Course Trucks race on short closed dirt road courses, allowing for easier spectator viewing and access to the pits for mechanical repairs.


Stadium Truck

remote control stadium truck

Similar to Short Course Trucks in many ways, Stadium Trucks are wider with a shorter wheelbase and focus less on scale realism and more on providing exciting driving characteristics, making them better able to tackle high flying jumps and crazy stunts.

Some of our favorite models include the Team Associated RC10, and the Team Losi Racing 22T 4.0.

Truggy

remote control truggy

Suited for all-round driving, with stable and predictable handling characteristics, Truggies are great for both bashing & competitive racing. They can be used on most surfaces, including loose gravel, asphalt, smooth dirt, short grass.

Some of our favorite models include the Losi 8IGHT-T Nitro, and the Tekno RC ET410.2 Competition.

Construction

remote control dump truck

Replicating the various heavy equipment found on construction sites, including Forklifts, Dump Trucks, Front-end Loaders, Cranes, and Excavators with models suitable for adults and children.

Some of our favorite models include the Carson Model Sport Linde H40D Forklift, and the Top Race TR-211 Excavator.

  • All the Best RC Construction Models of 2021
  • Best RC Forklifts of 2021
  • Best RC Tractors of 2021
  • Best RC Dump Trucks of 2021
  • Best RC Snow Plows of 2021
  • Best RC Excavators of 2021
  • Best RC Cranes of 2021
  • Best RC Bulldozers of 2021

Toys

remote control toy car

Although lots of fun and great for kids and newcomers to the hobby, toy grade models generally lack proportional steering/ acceleration, geared differentials, and oil-filled shocks, with limited future upgradability.

Some of our favorite models include the Cyclone Stunt Car, and the Sharper Image Bumper Cars.

  • The Best RC Prehistoric Dinosaurs of 2021
  • Best RC Cars With Cameras of 2021
  • The Best RC Buses of 2021
  • Best RC Stunt Cars of 2021
  • Best RC Fire Trucks of 2021

Power Plant

Electric

Powered by a Brushed or Brushless electric motor.

Nitro

Powered by small scale Glow Engines fuelled with nitromethane.

Gas

Powered by large scale 2-stroke engines fuelled with gasoline.


Scale

Large Scale

large scale monster truck

For the biggest of the big, look no further. These large scale RC cars & trucks boast impressive sizes with their 1:5, 1:6, and 1:7 scales with enough space for some serious power.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

Mini/ Micro

mini scale rc rally car

In the RC world, mini and micro scales generally refer to 1/18, 1/24, Mini-Z, and everything in between. These micro-machines may be small in size, but they are not small in features.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

  • The Best Small Scale RC Cars & Trucks in 2021

Drivetrain

2WD

2wd buggy

2WD drivetrains are inherently more difficult to control than 4WD drivetrains, with more challenging but sometimes more rewarding handling characteristics. With less complexity and requiring fewer parts, 2WD models are generally available at a cheaper price point than their 4WD equivalents.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

4WD

4wd monster truck

4WD drivetrains, in contrast, provide very predictable handling characteristics with more traction and better off-road performance. Typically favored by bashers, 4WD trucks are generally more expensive due to their added complexity.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

6WD

6wd rock crawler

Reserved for Rock Crawlers, 6WD drivetrains have an additional axle at the rear, with all six-wheels being driven by the motor. The result is much greater traction in tricky off-road situations and the ability to tackle steeper inclines.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.


Completion Level

Ready-To-Run (RTR)

ready-to-run rc short course truck

In the early 2000s, a new type of RC package was born in the form of the Ready-To-Run. Pre-assembled and including almost everything required to use straight out of the box, with only a battery and charger needed to complete. Simply pick a vehicle, charge a battery and you’re ready to go! Learn more about Ready-To-Run (RTR) models.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

Roller

on-road rc car roller

Pre-assembled but supplied without electronics, Rollers are perfect for those looking to pick and choose their own equipment. Required items will usually include an ESC, Motor, Servo, Transmitter, Receiver, Batteries, Charger, and occasionally, Bodyshell, Tires, and Wheels.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

Unassembled (KIT)

unassembled rc rock crawler

Unassembled kits are available in various forms, but generally include everything required to build a Roller, with the freedom to finish it off with your choice of electronics, and occasionally tires, wheels, body, and paint. Requiring assembly, the build process can be extremely rewarding and provides an excellent teaching tool, making it much easier to maintain, repair, and upgrade your model. Learn more about Unassembled (KIT) models.

Some of our favourite models include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.


Budget

Under $50

rc car priced under $50

$50-$100

rc car priced under $100

$100-$200

rc car priced under $200
  • Best RC Cars & Trucks Under $200 (2021)

$200-$300

rc car priced under $300

$300-$500

rc car priced under $500


Top Brands

Arrma

arrma logo

Axial

axial logo

Kyosho

kyosho logo


Losi

losi logo

Redcat

redcat logo

Traxxas

traxxas logo


Radio Systems

Transmitters

rc car transmitter

Upgrading your Transmitter is a great way to improve performance, with many RTR models including a basic transmitter with slow response times and short-range. Features to look out for include model memory, additional channels, and low input latency. Learn more about Transmitters.

Some of our favorite transmitters include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.

Servos

rc car standard size servo

Upgrading servos is an easy way to improve handling characteristics, with many RTR models including budget servos that inevitably fail, with plastic gears, slow response times, and low torque. Features to look out for include being fully waterproof, digital circuitry, metal gears, and high torque.

Some of our favorite servos include the Arrma Felony 6S BLX, and the Team Associated DR10.


Parts, Electronics & Accessories

Batteries

venom 3 cell lipo battery

Chargers

dc battery charger

Electric Motors & ESCs

Trying to make your RC car faster is a priority upgrade for many, and upgrading to a brushless ESC and Motor, can be a simple way to add more power. With confusing terminologies such as Turns, Watts and KV, finding a suitable replacement can quickly become overwhelming. If you’re new to the hobby, check out our guide on how to upgrade to a brushless ESC & Motor.


Bodies

painted rc truck body

Constructed from plastics such as Polycarbonate and injection-molded ABS, body shells don’t last forever. Although with the help of shoe goo, they will last much longer! With so many different shells on the market, including ultra-realistic licensed designs from automotive giants such as Chevy, Ford, and Mercedes, there is something for everyone. If you’re new to the hobby, learn how to trim, finish, paint, and mount a new body.

Tires & Wheels

stacked off-road tires and wheels

Tires don’t last forever, and with a wide variety of different tire & wheel combinations available, Replacing your RC tires & wheels is easy. Features to look out for include belted tires to prevent ballooning and removable hexes allowing for both the damaged hexes to be swapped out and on the fly changes to the wheel offset.

Nitro Engines

nitro engine with pull start

There are plenty of choices for replacement Nitro engines, and upgrading is easy with many engines using a standard clutch set up and engine mounting locations. Important considerations include engine displacement, engine start options, side or rear-facing exhaust manifolds, and on-road/ off-road use. If you’re new to the hobby, learn more about Nitro engines and how to replace your nitro engine.


Nitro Accessories

pencil style nitro glow igniter

Maintenance

raised rotating stand for rc trucks

A big part of the RC hobby involves wrenching and if you’re serious about RC, investing in the correct tools, equipment, and supplies required to repair, maintain, and upgrade your vehicles can make a world of difference. Good tools can not only save time but also effort and make difficult tasks more accessible. It’s worth setting aside a dedicated RC work area and the more organized you can be, the more enjoyable the hobby will be.

Ramps

folding ramp for rc cars

While guides for building custom ramps out of wood are abundant online, it can be difficult, expensive, and time-consuming. A great alternative can be found in premade ramps used in sports such as skateboarding and BMXing!

  • The Best RC Car Ramps (2021)

Meet our amazing team.

With our team of passionate RC aficionados trying out new products daily and staying up with the latest trends, we can provide unbiased and honest recommendations of the best prodcuts on the market.

Matt Benfield

Contributor – rcracer.com

Matt Benfield has been involved in the radio control hobby for the best part of thirty years. He started out RC racing at club level locally in 1:10-scale off-road, before moving through the ranks of Regional and National competition, and has represented his country at both European and World Championship events. Since its inception in 1997, Matt has had a pivotal role at Radio Control Car Racer magazine, the leading title in its field, with the last twenty years as Editor. He has traveled the world to cover events for the magazine, from 1:12 on-road circuits in South Africa, through to 1:8 off-road in the United States, and many other international races in between. He is also the Editor of Drone Zone, a magazine that covers the latest developments within this sector of RC as well as the helicopter scene. Matt has been commissioned to work on projects for publishers such as Eaglemoss, Haynes Publishing, and Haymarket, and is highly respected in the RC industry. Matt lives in Kent with his wife and son

    Michael Freeman

    Staff Writer

    If it runs on electricity, Mike’s probably tinkered with it. From RCs to PCs, Paintball to Pinball. Whether it’s the newest trending tech or a retro blast from the past. If you need to know if something’s worth your time, he’s the guy to ask.

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