When it comes to the pinnacle of auto entertainment, nothing beats the power, versatility, and exhilaration of a remote control car. There’s just something about a toy that can be fully operated by the touch of a button. While conventional toys are great, nobody really wants to drag a dead plastic car by hand all day long.
So, what’s all the hype around remote control cars?
C’mon, we’ve all seen the awesome, spectacular YouTube video clips of guys tearing the pavement with some wicked moves. Today’s line-up of remote control cars that are available in the market really takes things to a whole new level. With more and more unique capabilities, each model is surely getting better than the last. We know you looking for a sweet remote control car, so we took the hard work out of it.
Here’re our top 10 most popular remote control cars and how to go about getting the perfect mini ride for you and your mini dudes.
When it comes to creating some mini monster cars, Maisto seems to be well at the top of the food chain. The newest Baja Remote Control Car combines ingenuity and excellent craftsmanship to give you the ideal road hog. The greatest thing about this remote control car is its array of pretty nifty features; it can make it through tougher terrain than most RCs.
Product
Maisto R/C Baja Beast Radio Control Vehicle (Colors May Vary)
view on Amazon
PROS:
Super tough but extremely lightweight
Tri-channel simulator for up to 3 drivers
Suspension and shocks for more control
CONS:
Dusty surfaces seem to pose a challenge for this remote control car
Maisto Tech Baja Beast overview & test
Yotube Video Review: Maisto Tech Baja Beast overview & test
Traxxas 58034-1 Slash: 2WD Short Course Racing Truck, Ready-To-Race
From the award-winning RC giants to ever grace your living room, Traxxas gives you the penultimate form of luxury in entertainment. Straight out of the box, the Traxxas Short Course Truck proudly displays its prowess like the sports car that it is.
In addition to crazy speeds and immense power to the wheels, this remote control car is super strong and sturdy. Whether you like to drive on tarmac, cement or the roughest roads out there, the tires on this bad boy are just right to give you the ideal bite, drift, and jump.
Product
Traxxas 58034-1 Slash: 2WD Short Course Racing Truck, Ready-To-Race (1/10-Scale), Colors May...
view on Amazon
PROS:
Superior and intellectual engineering and design
Waterproof components for harsh, muddy terrain
4 Amp peak direct current charger
CONS:
This is the penultimate form of RC madness, there are virtually no limitations except one hell of a price tag
Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Electric Truck, Blue/Silver
For beginner remote control car enthusiasts, nothing works better than a sweet ride that is ready to run right out of the box. It takes away all the hard work and technicality involved in building your own RC car from scratch. They call it the Volcano EXP remote control car for a reason; this bad boy packs a stupendous amount of power thanks to the 4 WD shaft underneath.
Product
Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Electric Truck, Blue/Silver, 1/10 Scale
view on Amazon
PROS:
Radio included
Electronics are waterproof for offroad madness
Oil filled shocks for more stability
CONS:
This remote control car contains no instructions whatsoever for disassembly and charging
Redcat Volcano EPX 1/10 Scale Electric Monster Truck 2s run
Yotube Video Review: Redcat Volcano EPX 1/10 Scale Electric Monster Truck 2s run
Since 2008, Maisto has been at the forefront of tech RC control cars, offering quality and reliable products. The Maisto RC Rock Crawler remote control car is another masterpiece from the award-winning manufacturers who never cease to amaze.
As the name suggests, the rock crawler makes short work of tough obstacles, boulders and hills thanks to a super high torque 4 by 4 drivetrain. There are also long articulated axles on both the front and rear to ensure 100 percent contact with the event the roughest of terrains.
Product
Maisto R/C 27Mhz (3-Channel) Rock Crawler Radio Control Vehicle (Colors May Vary)
view on Amazon
PROS:
Full off road capabilities
Tri-channel transmitter for more fun
Articulated suspension for more stability
CONS:
The remote control car might be a bit slow, but with this one, torque is the primary aim
For kids and toddlers, a remote control car needs to be more than just a machine. It needs to be a close, fun, loving and sometimes scary friend.
The Morphibians Kids galaxy remote control car can handle an incredible array of terrain due to hardy and clever engineering. It may be a kiddies ride, but Kid Galaxy Morphibians Gator Radio Control Vehicle drives through grass, gravel, pavement, dirt, asphalt and even water. Thanks to the tough and rugged gator tires with deeper grooves, the RC car easily maneuvers over cracks, uneven terrain, and bumps without toppling or spinning out.
Product
Kid Galaxy Morphibians Gator Radio Control Vehicle
view on Amazon
PROS:
Powerful 4WD drive train
Drives on a stupendous array of terrain
Deep grooved tires for a tough grip
CONS:
The remote control car and transmitter each have different battery requirements
Morphibians Gator RC
Yotube Video Review: Morphibians Gator RC
If you liked this article, you’ll also be interested in:
Liberty Imports Drift King Sports Car Drifting Race Car
Who says drifting only happens on TV and that you must be of driving age to do it? Not anymore it doesn’t. With the Liberty Imports Drift king remote control car, you can drift as well with the best of them without fear of crashing or dying.
With blazing quick speed and a hair trigger response, all you have to do is touch the throttle and watch your remote control car zoom off into the horizon. It’s all about drifting; with this bad boy, you can perform awesome U-shape drifts and 8 shape drifts with the utmost of ease.
Product
Cartoon R/C Race Car Radio Control Toy for Toddlers by Liberty Imports...
view on Amazon
PROS:
Includes 4 rubber tires and 4 smooth ones
Working and fully functional headlights and backlights
Comfortable controller
CONS:
Some customers claim the car drains batteries too fast
Thanks to ingenious engineering and a compact size, the Lutema Remote Control Car is by far the leading RC giant when it comes to stability. Only 8 inches in length, this bad boy utilizes 4 channel tech and can maneuver in every direction in a fraction of a second. If you’re looking for quality and durability, this is exactly what you need.
Killing boredom can be an arduous task, especially when you don’t have the right tools. With this remote control car, you can now know exactly how it feels to own a Lambo. The car moves forward and reverse too.
Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car Offroad 2WD High-Speed Remote Controlled Car
When it comes to ushering beginner RC nuts into the world of remote control cars, Hosim seems to know precisely what to do. Hosim 1.12 Scale Electric RC Car Offroad 2.4Ghz 2WD High Speed 33+MPH Remote Controlled Car is not only super fast but also comes ready to run rig tout of the box.
Product
Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car Offroad 2.4Ghz 2WD High Speed 33+MPH...
view on Amazon
PROS:
Extra powerful motor
S-truck suspension for superior handling
100-meter radius
CONS:
Body is made from really thin material; careful on those jumps
Hosim 35+MPH 1/12 Scale Electric RC Monster Truck
Yotube Video Review: Hosim 35+MPH 1/12 Scale Electric RC Monster Truck
Cartoon Race Car Radio Control Toy for Toddlers by Liberty Imports
When you think of baby’s first toy, then let your mind wander no further than the Cartoon remote control car. In addition to moderate speeds, Cartoon RC Race Car Radio Control Toy for Toddlers by Liberty Imports has a horn and some music to calm your child down and soothe them during play.
Product
Cartoon R/C Race Car Radio Control Toy for Toddlers by Liberty Imports...
view on Amazon
PROS:
Removable action figures on remote control car
2 channel freq
Makes honking sounds and music
CONS:
Range on remote control is not really that far-reaching
How to Choose a Remote Control Car?
Just like choosing a real car, you need to take the search for the perfect remote control car as thorough and as efficiently as possible. This means busting out the notepad and making a detailed checklist of what you really want.
Is the remote control car for you or your kids? Do you need a big car or a small one? Where do you really intend to drive your new minibeast? What about the terrain, will it be smooth sailing or some rocky road excursions?
By ticking off all these and more questions, you will have avoided the most common mistake that most people make when looking for a remote control toy; going only for the aesthetics. This is especially more evident with today’s massive, brain bungling array of incredibly made remote control cars.
Relax, you are in good hands because we have gone far and wide, high and low and even ventured through the depth of Hades to find out how to choose the ideal remote control car. Just follow the tips below and you won’t be looking back.
Choose an Age-Appropriate Remote Control Car
As always, kids want extreme amounts of fun while parents want something educational and safe at the same time. The great news is that a remote control car offers the best of both worlds. Not only can the right remote control car spark your child’s imagination, but it also teaches them cause and effect as well as fitness, manual dexterity, and hand-eye coordination.
Although most RC cars are designed for older kids and adults, there are some specifically aimed at toddlers and elementary age children. The real difference between adult and kids RC cars is basically the mode of powering and some safety features such as short, bendy and rubber covered antennas. All the components for child RC cars also need to be shatterproof since kids tend to be more rough and careless than adults.
Decide on Electric Vs Gas Power
Don’t look so surprised, even RC cars need an engine. Typically, there are two major ways that your remote control can be powered; Gas and Electric. Gas powered RC cars do not run on conventional, leaded unleaded super diesel gasoline. They only use a nitro hobby fuel that is a combination of methane and nitrous.
A gas powered remote control car will generally reach much higher speeds than other methods and run for much longer without depleting. However, this type is heavier, noisier and requires more maintenance due to oil and gas spills. They also require plenty of tune ups and the nitro fuel does not come cheap.
On the other hand, electric cars are perfect for beginners. Not only are they more reliable, but they also run much quieter and do not require any maintenance practices. However, don’t let their smaller statures fool you; some of these bad boys can race neck and neck with nitro-powered RCs. While your typical electric remote control car might not be as powerful as their gas-powered counterparts, they tend to get power to the wheels much faster. This instant torque means they are very fast off the bat and achieve some pretty high speeds.
Pick a Type
When it comes to on land remote control cars, there are three main classes of vehicles. These are cars, buggies, and trucks; each unique in appearance and capabilities as well. Trucks make for slow and powerful machines that can tackle heavy loads and steep hills. Buggies, on the other hand, offer a great mixture of speed and great off-road capabilities like jumping dirt piles, however, they are usually only 2WD.
However, the most popular type is the all favorite Remote control car that promises agility and speeds of up to 100 mph. Here, you need to consider the purpose of the RC.
Product Name
Image
Overall Rating
Details
Maisto Baja Beast Radio Control Vehicle
7.5
Check price
Traxxas 58034-1 Slash: 2WD Short Course Racing Truck, Ready-To-Race
10
Check price
Redcat Racing Volcano EPX Electric Truck, Blue/Silver
8.5
Check price
Maisto R/C 27Mhz Rock Crawler Control Vehicle
9
Check price
Kid Galaxy Gator Radio Control Vehicle
8
Check price
Liberty Imports Drift King Sports Car Drifting Race Car
7.5
Check price
Lutema Blaze Truck Remote Control Truck
6
Check price
Remote Control Lamborghini Reventon
8.5
Check price
Hosim 1/12 Scale Electric RC Car Offroad 2WD High-Speed Remote Controlled Car
9
Check price
Cartoon Race Car Radio Control Toy for Toddlers by Liberty Imports
9.5
Check price
Drift RC Cars
This type is usually electric powered and is ideal for smooth roads, parking lots or that driveway outside your house. Heck, if you manage to get some hardwood flooring, the owner might not be too pleased, but you will pull off some mean Tokyo Drifts all over that place. Much like on-road cars, drift cars can also be raced around asphalt and cemented surfaces. They need to be at high speeds and handled by a pro to pull off the perfect drifts.
Rally Cars
Like I said, the only real difference between the real thing and a remote control car is just scale and proportions. Rally remote control cars can be driven off road in the worst conditions and still manage to outrun the harshest of terrains.
Stadium Trucks
This is a cross breed between a monster RC truck and the all favorite buggy. Here, the tires are out and away from the body of the truck. This wide stance helps this dedicated off-roader with all the stability it needs as well as keeping the car much cleaner.
Choose the Right Scale
Having an idea of what size will suit you and your location is crucial to getting the ideal product. Nobody wants to buy something only to find out it is either too small or too massive for the house. Remote control cars come in a wide array of shapes and sizes referred to as scale. The most popular and common scale is the 1/10 which basically means your remote control car is a tenth of the size of the real car it is modeled after.
However, keep in mind that the scale is not really always precise and exactly, but more of a generalization. On the higher end, there are RC mammoths with a scale of 1/4 and 1/5 that measure well over 3 feet long. On the lower spectrum, you could get a remote control car as small as a matchbox with scales of 1/64. If you get lost, just think of it like a slice of a pie. The larger the denominator, the smaller your car will be.
Ready to Run
If you are a Remote control car enthusiast then you have most likely heard of the term RTR. Ready to run simply means that the vehicle comes out of the box fully and completely assembled with all electronics neatly installed and the exterior magnificently painted, trimmed and declared. RTRs are the perfect way to get into the hobby since they offer a quick and easy convenient way.
However, when buying this type of remote control car, keep an eye open for a mention of any additional parts and accessories. Some will require you to get a charger or some double A batteries for the transmitter used to control the car. But most RTRs come 100 percent ready to run. This is great news if you are just a beginner since the platform gives you an opportunity to learn the mechanics before moving on to the next step.
Build it Yourself Kits
This is where things get a little complicated for the untrained and inexperienced remote control car hobbyist. In this option, users have to manually build their remote control cars from different parts that they purchase from the manufacturer.
Typically, a purchase includes independently packed electronic gear, wheels, and paint. In addition to fitting the essentials, most kits will require additional speed control, steering servo, motor, and battery. For the mechanically inclined, it can be loads of fun building your own customized remote control car from scratch.
There is no better way to understand exactly how your RC works from the largest component down to the smallest gear in the drive train. This will turn you into a very knowledgeable remote control car enthusiast and hobbyist who is very capable of carrying out their own repairs.
Consider the Maintenance and Upgrades
No matter what kind of car you buy, maintenance will always factor in. Nobody wants to be at the workbench all day tweaking and tinkering like a mad scientist. What you want is touch and go, racing and bashing out in the yard and then circuit like a pro. If you are not a fan of repairs and too much maintenance, gas powered RC cars might not be the best choice for you, but if you don’t mind it, go nuts.
Just like in real cars, it’s always wise to plan for upgrades in future, even though you may not need them now. Today, almost all RC cars come with accessories or the ability to carry upgrades. Whether you prefer performance upgrades like bigger motors and stronger drive trains or flashy add ones like chromed wheels and unique points, the sky is the limit.
The ultimate champion here is the Traxxas 58034-1 Slash: 2WD Short Course Racing Truck, Ready-To-Race. From the award-winning RC giants to ever grace your living room, Traxxas gives you the penultimate form of luxury in entertainment. Straight out of the box, the Traxxas Short Course Truck proudly displays its prowess like the sports car that it is.
In addition to crazy speeds and immense power to the wheels, this remote control car is super strong and sturdy. Whether you like to drive on tarmac, cement or the roughest roads out there, the tires on this bad boy are just right to give you the ideal bite, drift, and jump.
Choose the Right Scale
