Tips to help you choose the right RC vehicle

This is mostly a guide for newcomers to the rc vehicle scene, if you're already into rc you likely already have an idea of what you're looking for. So, without further ado, here goes...

The world of radio control vehicles is expanding as a hobby, and this upsurge has led to a huge industry in rc cars and hop ups. However, the rc car market can be a confusing one for a beginner. Which rc vehicle is the best for you? Should you go for an rc truck or an rc car? Should you go electric or nitro? These are all questions that pop up in the minds of most newcomers to the rc scene.

First off, rc vehicles have two types of power behind them:

• Gas or nitro power: These cars and trucks are powered by either pure gasoline, a mixture of pure gasoline and oil, or nitro methane (glow fuel). Nitro-powered vehicles are capable of producing more power and speed than the electrical ones, but are a lot more high-maintenance and require constant fuelling, just like a regular car.
  Because of the mess that comes with gas leaks, nitro powered rc vehicles also tend to be a bit messier than electric. Also, nitro powered engines require tuning more often (sometimes every time out) than electric, which are generally consistent when driven with a fully-charged battery. Nitro engines also require a critical engine break-in period (usually lasting through the first few tanks of fuel). During this time you also have to avoid accelerating to the max, which can be obnoxious when you've just got a new car and want to let 'er rip.
• Electric power: Instead of a fuel-powered motor, these obviously use an electric powered motor, hence the name. They run on batteries therefore don't necessarily get the torque or top speeds that nitro powered cars/trucks get. However, the torque they do get is instant, meaning you get a head start from the line. Electric powered cars generally don't go higher than about 40mph, however, and average at speeds of around 20mph.
  If you're just a beginner looking to get a feel for the hobby and how to control and operate a car, the lower speeds and low-maintenance of electric is probably the best bet.

If we break it down a bit more for you, rc vehicles mostly come as either...

• RC Trucks
• RC Buggies
• RC Cars

They also come in air and water-borne types, but to keep it simple we're just going to look at the land-loving types. So let's get a good look at each in detail, to help you decide whether you're a car or truck person.
Is it all about sleek style and speed? Or rough and tumble bashing?...

RC Trucks

RC Trucks come in all sizes, shapes and colors, from the smallest 1/36th scale trucks to awesome 1/10th scale Monster Trucks.
What you need to ask yourself before purchasing an rc truck is how you intend to use it. This will ultimately be the key deciding factor in your pick.

If you are looking to race at a track, a smaller, faster, more lightweight truck will likely suit you better than a huge monster basher. Whereas if your main terrain of choice is the rough outdoors, you might want to get a bigger scale truck with wider suspension so that your truck can get over rocks and rubble better, and also take jumps without crashing and burning.
Traxxas trucks are a pretty popular pick if you're new to rc trucks with popular models like the Traxxas Revo, Stampede and Jato.

• Team Losi's Micro-T is one of the best trucks that you can get in the smaller-sized end of the rc truck market. Don't be fooled by its tiny size, it can actually perform. A fully independent suspension, a slipper clutch and a 3 speed transmission are some of the features of this truck. Also, a good choice in hop-up for this truck is to add a brushless motor, it will make your truck last longer and run smoother.
• The next size is the 1/18th scale truck, which are really still quite small. These can also handle pretty tough terrain, although the steering isn't necessarily as sturdy, and it's probably better in terms of maintenance to avoid bashing it around too much.
• To take it up a notch there's also 1/10th scale stadium rc trucks. These can reach top speeds of over 65mph, so if you're looking for speed, this is probably the best option for you. Both the electric and the nitro versions are pretty fast, so there's not a huge difference between them. They also come with a fully independent suspension for better handling around corners, etc. To hop-up your stadium truck, it's advised that you invest in a worth wheelie bar to prevent your truck from flipping head over wheels.
• A Truggy is the combination of a buggy and a truck. They have bigger tires and suspension arms as compared to the buggy though, and most come nitro-powered. These are best for rock-crawling on really steep terrain.
• The last and the most popular in the rc trucks category are the Monster Trucks. This is likely because this is where the producers have focused a lot of the variety in their products. Most Monster Trucks have a huge range of hop-ups you can add to the truck to enhance performance and style, like better suspensions, tires and chassis. The length and width etc. of the trucks also varies depending on the make and model. Depending on the type you pick, you can focus on torque, making it bash-ready, or both. The HPI Savage X is a prime example of a great Monster Truck.

RC Cars

RC cars are the second popular type of rc vehicles. Once again you can get a less expensive electric version for beginners or you can get a fast and sleek nitro version, which tends to be a bit more expensive.
Again, you need to decide on where and how you wish to use them before you buy one for yourself. And size ranges again from big buggies like the HPI Baja 5b to a lot tamer varieties too.

• HPI and Nikko have some pretty basic introductory level models of rc cars that are cheap and good for racing.
  Nikko is not quite top quality for adults, and usually kids are happier with them. For the more aggressive racer, HPI is recommended. The HPI 1/10 Dash model which has two sleek and stylish bodies (the BMW and the Dodge Viper) to choose from is a good one to start with for a beginner. What's more, you won't have to burn a hole in your wallet, as they usually come for less than $100. For a little bit more money, going with HPI Sprint 2 series electric rc cars might be worthwhile as well.
• If you want a little more rev in your engine, then the 1/10 scale nitro versions might be a good bet. They are not uber fast but can easily hit top speeds of over 40mph. The Associated Nitro TC3 RTR (Ready to Run) is one of more the popular models if you're just starting out.
• RC cars like the Traxxas Nitro 4-Tec are the more powerful cars, capable of hitting awesome top speeds of up to 75mph! But these may be more difficult to control and maneuver for an absolute beginner, so you may be better off checking out one of the earlier mentioned versions.

Some Tips For Parents

If you are a parent who is looking to gift one of these bad boys to your child, then you need to keep a few things in mind. Is your kid a pro racer or is just a budding racer (or maybe wants to be a pro racer)? Has he ever had experience with an rc vehicle before?
Depending on that, you can decide whether to give your kid an introductory level rc car with speeds of around 15 to 20 mph or a more savage one with top speeds well over 50mph. You might also want to look at some reviews and ratings on the internet for rc cars to help you decide. You should also find more information about the right rc car accessories, rc batteries etc that you'll need.
So arm yourself with the right information and have a great time shopping for the best rc car for your child.

About the Author

Lee Brain is a successful business writer and an expert in the field of rc Cars and rc Trucks. He is seen as an rc industry resource, specializing in racing and rc Nitro Cars. He offers valuable tips, advice and money-saving techniques for online purchasers.

More related articles, within RC Airplane World, from Lee Brain are...
Traxxas vs. HPI - who wins?
Nitro engine tuning.

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