The Wide World of RC Cars - Radio Control Hobbies

A newbie in RC cars needn't have the skill of Michael Schumacher in order to go full speed into the hobby. With so many options now available in the radio- and remote control market, like RC gas cars ("gassers" or "fuelies" to the veterans), electric cars, nitro-powered cars, on- or off-road RCs, micro- or mini cars, there's no shortage of RC options for even the most discriminating hobbyist. If you’re seriously getting into the radio control hobby, and a toy car just won’t do, then be prepared for some major spending, but be RC-wise: The idea is to know enough about each RC car type that you know where best to invest your hard-earned cash, your time, and your knack for speed.

You may have picked up on the RC cars hobby by running into a brand name in RCs. Tamiya, Nikko, HPI, Traxxas, and Kyosho, to name a few, are some of the more reputed RC brands out there, each with their own trademarks in RC features. RC models by Traxxas and HPI, both venerable names in the RC industry, are recommended for both novice RC-ers and seasoned pros. For those inclined to collect RC cars, Kyosho boasts its signature Inferno series' sleek designs. Likewise, pro collectors go for Tamiya’s vintage models, given that the company’ been around since the late 1970s and actually pioneered the first remote controlled car. Budget-friendly Nikko RCs are inexpensive, fun, and constructed out of real-life cars, and are generally recommended for kids.

So what’s your flavor? Electric? Mini or micro? Gas or nitro? An electric RC car is great for beginners as it requires no fuel; an extra feature. If you're pressed for space, a mini or micro RC car can run on minimal space, even indoors. If you’re reliving The Fast and the Furious (Admit it: you just wanna be Dom Torretto), then you might go for an RC gas- or nitro-powered car. There are also on-road off-road RC cars, and there are a variety of options for beginners as well as expert RC-ers.

The RC car hobby has become more newbie-friendly by the use of ready-to-run kits or RTRs, which give fast satisfaction since they’re almost completely assembled and contain all the necessary parts such as batteries, remote control, and motor. However, those who are more mechanic-savvy and love to take things apart would find more satisfaction in RC car kits, which require the building process and allow you to build the vehicle to your specifications.

Are you ready for the ride? Before you you gear up and raid the nearest hobby shop for your first (or 20th) RC car, consider your options, brands, your time for the RC hobby, and exactly what kind of RC car you're game for. Whichever the case, RC cars will take you through the love affair of fuel-powered and nitro-powered RC cars, engine tune-ups, wheel alignments, and the general satisfaction of being in complete control.