RC Car Buying Guide—6 Things to Consider Before Purchasing
Posted by RC Superstore on 1st Feb 2024
If you’re looking to purchase your first RC car, there’s one very important thing you should know. You’re not just picking a vehicle—you’re selecting your companion for off-road escapades and urban races.
So in other words, it would be wise to navigate this terrain with a discerning eye.
Before you rev up those miniature engines, let's explore the twists and turns of how to choose the perfect vehicle for you. To that end, this RC car buying guide is packed with six crucial considerations to ensure your choice aligns seamlessly with your expectations and preferences.
1. Price: Know Your Budget
How much does a decent RC car cost?
At RC Superstore, our price range of RC cars is quite diverse, spanning from $119.95 for the LaTrax Rally 1/18 Scale 4WD RTR RC Rally Car to $1,419.90 for the Traxxas X-Maxx 8S 4WD RTR Monster Truck Combo. To help ensure a harmonious balance between performance and budget, consider the features and capabilities that matter most to you.
What is the best RC car?
Whether you're a beginner looking to dip your toes into the hobby or a seasoned enthusiast in need of better performance, there's a Traxxas RC vehicle that's perfect for you. To find your ideal RC companion, check out our list of the 7 best RC cars for adults.
2. Speed: Find Your Ideal Pace
Novice drivers might find high speeds challenging to manage, leading to potential accidents and frustration. If you’re new to the RC world, we recommend you stick to vehicles with a top speed of 35 mph or less. Conversely, seasoned enthusiasts might crave the thrill of a faster model, and should be better equipped to handle top speeds of 40+ mph.
How fast can an RC car go?
A lot of the allure of RC cars lies in their speed, so it's pretty common for new hobbyists to ask, What is the highest speed RC? While there are plenty of RC vehicles capable of achieving speeds of 50 mph or more, it's the Traxxas XO-1 that takes the crown. Known as the world’s fastest RC car, the XO-1 can reach speeds of 60 mph in only 2.3 seconds—with a top speed of 100 mph! To learn more, check out our buyer's guide to the fastest RC cars.
With that said, it's crucial to match the car's speed with your skill level and comfort. Choosing a model that aligns with your proficiency will help ensure a satisfying and controlled driving experience, preventing the risk of encountering overwhelming speeds.
3. Durability: Determine Your Level of Abuse
If you’re simply looking to race your vehicle across parking lots and gymnasiums, you can probably get away with a more budget-friendly model. But if you plan to whip it through mud puddles and launch it over ramps, we recommend you opt for an off-road model that’s made with the most robust materials. This will help ensure the longevity of your RC car and reduce the frequency of repairs and replacements.
Are RC cars durable?
Yes! While every Traxxas RC car is built with longevity in mind and crafted with the highest-quality parts, they are not immune to everyday wear and tear. Depending on the model you purchase and how you intend to use it, this can lead to some significant lifespan variability.
Can RC cars get wet?
Also yes! Traxxas’ waterproof electronics let you live out your wildest off-road adventures—whether that's blasting through puddles, slinging up mud, or shredding over snow.
How do you maintain an RC car?
Has your RC car taken a real beating? If you're wondering how to fix a broken, lagging, or unresponsive vehicle, here are some quick fixes for your Traxxas so you can get back up and racing.
4. Features: Pick Your Racing Preferences
One of the best things about Traxxas RC cars is that they are not one-size-fits-all. They come laden with an array of amazing features that you can use to personalize them to your unique needs and driving style. That’s why defining your priorities is a crucial first step in any RC buyer’s guide.
What should I look for in an RC car?
Consider whether you want to prioritize realism, customization options, or specific driving modes. Some models offer adjustable suspension, programmable controllers, and even smartphone integration for enhanced functionality. As you’re shopping around, be sure to explore the features available in each model to ensure they align with your driving preferences.
5. Suspension: Master Your Terrain
Do RC cars need suspension? You bet they do! A well-designed suspension system is the unsung hero of RC car performance. It dictates how your car handles bumps and jumps and maintains stability during maneuvers.
Stiff vs Soft Suspension—what's the difference?
The type of suspension system your RC car employs can significantly influence its performance and your overall experience. A stiff suspension offers less compression, a firmer feel, and enhanced steering response, making it ideal for on-road racing and high-speed runs. Whereas a soft suspension provides more compression, a smoother ride, and improved off-road performance, allowing better traction and greater wheel articulation on rough terrain.
Can you get adjustable suspension?
Yes! Models with adjustable suspension allow you to fine-tune the setup to match your preferred driving conditions. Finding the right balance between stiffness and softness is key, with adjustments influencing the car's responsiveness and stability based on driving preferences and terrain conditions. Experimenting with settings, including spring rates and shock damping, helps tailor the suspension for optimal performance in whatever scenario you throw at it.
6. Tires: Get a Grip on Your Situation
Wheels and tires play a pivotal role in an RC car's performance, serving as the primary point of contact with the ground. That’s why making the right choice can significantly impact traction, handling, and overall control.
What are the different types of RC tires?
Consider the type of terrain you'll be predominantly driving on and choose tires that complement your preferred driving style. Slick tires are designed for smooth tracks, whereas off-road tires with aggressive treads enhance your vehicle’s grip on loose surfaces like dirt and gravel.
Are hard or soft tires better?
Choosing between hard and soft RC tires depends on your driving surface and preferences. Hard tires are durable, excel on smooth surfaces, and have less rolling resistance for on-road performance. Soft tires, on the other hand, offer a superior grip on uneven terrain, absorb shocks for off-road adventures, and provide better control.
Are all RC wheels the same size?
For the most part, the range of RC tire sizes mirrors the range of the real-life cars they are modeled after. This explains the variety. You can get specific performance from some types of tires, but you must know the adequate sizes for your model. For tips on how to measure your wheels, check out our RC tire guide.
Now You’re Ready to Start Shopping!
As you embark on this exciting journey, let these considerations help guide your decision-making process. With a clear understanding of your budget, preferences, and the wealth of RC car features available, you're poised to make a choice that not only aligns with your expectations but also propels your RC adventures to new heights. Start browsing our huge selection of RC cars and trucks today!
At RC Superstore, it's our goal to match drivers with their ideal vehicles, so if you're unsure which of these dream rides is right for you, reach out to our team today and our experts will provide you with a personalized recommendation. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start making your dreams a reality with Traxxas!