We can earn a source of income from the products offered on this page and participate in partner programs. Learn more>
The global RC truck market has changed dramatically in recent years. At one point, you had to be willing to spend a lot of dollars and look for specialized outlets to get authentic amateur gear. Online stores and an influx of brands have driven down costs while also providing cars with higher-performance parts that historically had to be purchased on the aftermarket.
If you’re in the market for a new RC truck, you might be surprised to see the plethora of features available on the market. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered and will give you plenty of clarity with our guide. -Equipped purchasing consultant and more sensible product reviews. We’ll do this by tearing up the lawn in no time with a fast and beastly RC truck that won’t possibly leave you stranded.
If you need the same off-road jump and chicken-tail toss action as a genuine truck, but for the value of a few trips to the fuel station?RC trucks offer the same thrills but in an affordable package. Not to mention, you can park them on a shelf inside your home. So let’s see which ones are the most productive and let your bank account breathe a sigh of relief since you wouldn’t possibly spend $70,000 on a Raptor or TRX.
This consultant has developed the wisdom gained over decades of experience as a car enthusiast; Both genuine and radio-controlled cars. While RC cars still constitute a bountiful investment in terms of time and money, an RC car is largely a discretionary purchase. While we take this as seriously as buying a genuine car, the attributes that lead to a “better” judgment are much more authentic.
First, we analyze some more quantitative knowledge issues to judge; Can it be repaired, are the portions easy to find and its price?Then, we look at things from a more qualitative point of view; Is this truck fun, will its functionality live up to the hype, is it good value for money?You’re not buying a new microwave, you’re buying a beloved toy, it’s better if it provides a thrill that meets the requirements.
I’m a long-time RC enthusiast. I was young in the golden age of RC, first with Tamiya, then in cars like Team Associated RC10. Yes, mine came with gold chassis and endurance speed controller. I’m all for your local hobby store, however, some car corporations known as “Amazon brands” build very smart cars these days; I know this because I tried them.
The Laegendary Thunder is a 1/10 scale pickguard that comes with steel gears, full bearings, brushless electronics, a 2S LiPo battery and charger, a few portions of spare suspension, and even a moment body. All of this costs less than $150 – for reference, a comparable Traxxas Rustler 4×4 BL-2 costs around $330. The problem with the Thunder is a controller whose length will remind you more of driving slot cars than RC cars. Also, while it’s undeniable, ordering replacement portions online, you may not find brand-specific portions at your local hobby store.
If you’re looking for big jumps, wheelies, and a budget, this is your most productive option. Like everything else in the world, YouTube videos and social media have given other people expectations of overaction in everything they do. This 1/16 scale brushless truck delivers the excess with strength to spare, literally. If you accelerate it at full throttle from a standstill, it will roll so fast that it will literally roll over. There is an amateur mode that limits you to partial acceleration. It’s a little too tame and there’s no middle ground. But you are temporarily advised to respect the amount of force delivered through the brushless motor and LiPo battery. The truck includes a bar with wheels if you choose to install it.
Everything you want comes in the box. The tires are so big compared to the length of the frame that they look like a beaten up monster truck, but that’s kind of smart. Every facet of the truck is about ruggedness, even after several pounding sessions. , I haven’t damaged anything yet. The all-metal drivetrain and thick plastic parts are guilty of this. If it does eventually break, most of the hanging parts and bulkheads that are most likely to break first can be found on Amazon.
The included driver is smaller than those found in RTR (Ready To Run) cars from hobby stores, but halfway through the first ride it feels natural in the hand. The battery appears to be patented, but it has a Dean-type connector. I’ll have to figure out how to adapt the battery strap to another package of tastes, but that doesn’t seem like much of a challenge. For the value of this Bezgar, nothing comes close to performance. I admit that when I first started I was wary of the logo of a “non-hobby store,” but the seas are quickly turning. I don’t know what these cars will mean for the industry in the long run, but lower-priced smart cars aren’t a bad thing for consumers.
Traxxas may not have invented the temporary truck, but the Slash was the truck that brought them to the mass market of RC enthusiasts. Although stadium trucks are by far the most popular among attackers, a significant number of people like the authenticity of short courses. When you see one hitting the earth, they look authentic.
The Slash 4×4 Ultimate, while not affordable at just $500, represents a steal. The brushless motor and Velineon speed will handle 2S or 3S LiPo batteries and reach speeds in excess of 60 mph. It includes a number of functional aluminum parts, adding hub holders, uprights, surprise bodies, driveshaft, and more.
I have a Slash 2wd and since I started upgrading it, I would have liked to buy the 4×4. Looking at the costs I pay for functional parts, I’m also starting to realize that the Ultimate is probably a reduced price. in the end. If you know you’re going to buy a truck and start buying portions right away, the Slash 4×4 Ultimate might be a better option than starting with the versions that will only seem less expensive than in the first.
This is another truck from Laegndary that can be purchased primarily through online retailers. Unlike some of their other cars, the Grando shares factors with the more popular Axial SCX10, meaning many of the aftermarket and aftermarket parts will fit as well. However, it is a much bigger deal than the Axial. It comes with a 2-speed transmission that operates through a transfer on the controller. It also has an operable winch on the front bumper, as well as lights, which are operated via the controller.
It is a very realistic robot. The steel ladder frame supports the four-link front and rear suspension. The suspensions and guide arms are made of aluminum and the axles use steel gears. The front and rear differentials are locked, which means that it is not well cared for overall. conduction. The controller is much larger than the small unit included with the Thunder. It’s not fantastic yet, but it’s definitely usable. The motor is a brushed silver 550 case and the battery is a 6-cell NiMH pack. Some controllers will need to upgrade to LiPo, but in reality this propulsion system is more than sufficient given the low ratio.
Rock crawlers are real one-trick ponies. If you’re looking for a remote control truck to drive around a parking lot and do donuts, this probably isn’t for you. But if you need to get out and enjoy an activity, get some fresh air, go for a short walk, and then I’ll take you to the Grando.
If you need the ultimate in RC truck fun and your budget will almost allow you to purchase a true high mileage truck, you need to think big. The Baja Rey 2. 0 compatible Losi Su is a 1/6 scale vehicle; Measuring about 3 feet long, it’s one-sixth the length of a real desert racing truck. But, with a top speed of more than 50 miles per hour, its functionality is more than one-sixth that of the original model. .
We like the Losi Super Baja for its genuine appearance and the functionality it features through the use of a four-link suspension on the rear axle. It uses a full roll cage under the trophy truck frame to increase the rigidity of the aluminum chassis. Screw frame surprise shocks are even manufactured through genuine racing supplier King Off-Road. The structure is topped with three LED light bars and original main elements such as a jack, radiator fans and fire extinguishers. It even includes two spare tires fixed in the box.
All electronics are built and sized to work in a truck of this size, while also being waterproof. You’ll want to supply two 14. 8-volt lithium-ion batteries, a compatible charger, and AA batteries for the included Spektrum controller. that comes built and in condition to use. But, in addition to the price, you also have to be realistic about where you can drive such a big truck and how you’re going to ship it, it’s huge and incredibly fast after all.
Choosing which one is definitely the most productive is almost impossible. Every user has other desires and expectations about the products. Each of our most productive RC truck categories can be broken down into subcategories and probably broken down again. I settled on the 1/10. Brushless Stadium Truck scale Laegendary Thunder as the most productive RC truck overall because I like the fact that it provides the functionality of amateur-level trucks at an incredibly affordable price. The BEZGAR HP161S 1:16 4WD Brushless is another excellent option that offers excellent value for money. , but also in a more compact size. If you like RC trucks or just have an interest, we would be interested to hear your opinion in the comments. List what you need from an RC truck, maybe give an idea of what to offer you a realistic budget and let everyone know if you have an opinion on which truck is the most productive option.
When we start buying machinery and products, we never forget about the second-hand market. In fact, it is the first position we are looking for. Whether you’re browsing Amazon’s Refurbished segment, eBay for auto parts or machinery, or browsing Facebook Marketposition and Craigslist, you have thousands of used machinery, portions, and appliances that can be shipped to your door. Refurbished as new, they will be able to offer you many more years of smart, unwavering service while you save. your money. This also has the merit of not having to open an Amazon box inside an Amazon box with bubbles wrapped around the piece.
If the above features don’t meet your needs, your local salvage fleet is great for auto parts, while swap meetings are a wonderful resource that you can definitely take advantage of. Just Google and pass it on.
To make your second-hand search easier, here are two tips for locating deals and ensuring your new pieces haven’t been destroyed by the previous owner.
The most productive RC truck for me is possibly not the most productive for you. There is such a variety of trucks that it is worth asking yourself a few questions before you start buying. Where will I drive it most often? What is my current mechanical and driving skill point (be realistic)?What is my budget to buy everything I want to run and drive a truck and how much do I deserve to budget for maintenance and repairs?If I buy it for a child, am I actually buying it for a child, or am I buying it myself and the child can drive it from time to time?And do I deserve to be fair to myself/everyone and make sure you have the budget for two, otherwise the child and I will be unhappy?That absolutely hypothetical scenario aside, let’s take a look at other types of trucks and key features that we need to decide between.
This is currently the most popular RC truck taste among enthusiasts and for good reason. A stadium truck is a smart selection for the most of any type of driving you can find. They are direct descendants of buggies and excel at jumping, skidding, and acting as another aggression bureaucracy. Due to their robustness, they manufacture vehicles for amateurs, and at the same time, most off-road tracks offer racing lessons, making stadium trucks a great choice for more experienced drivers as well. experienced.
Short-haul trucks share some parts with stadium trucks, but offer a more realistic experience in terms of looks and ride. While they’re still sturdy, the smaller wheels found inside the bodywork, along with a more realistic silhouette, make them a little less forgiving when making massive jumps over anything other than their tires. They’re a great option if you want to ride on or off-road, the one thing they probably wouldn’t do is attack skate parks on Instagram.
The term “rock crawling” is a general term that can be easily broken down into subcategories such as rock crawling, rock racing, etc. For the most part, the general category is for cars that look realistic and are meant to drive slower than other trucks. in a much more technical field. They are specialized cars that excel in one discipline. While this is the fastest growing niche when it comes to RC, keep in mind that purchasing a vehicle limits you to this style of driving.
Two types of electric motors power the radio-controlled trucks; with and without brushes. A brushed motor uses a mechanical rotating transfer called a commutator to replace the polarity of the copper coils wound on the internal rotor, called the armature. The armature houses permanent magnets and, as the direction of the armature changes, it rotates.
The latest generation is brushless motors that move the heavy windings outwards and the magnets are in the rotor. While brushed motors are mechanical, brushless motors are controlled through a logic chip.
Brushless motors offer greater efficiency, which equals more power. Additionally, brushed motors require maintenance or, in most cases, replacement when the brushes wear out. The merit is that brushed motors are significantly cheaper. The costs of brushless motors will continue to fall. Eventually all kits will be brushless.
When you buy an electric RC vehicle, you will have two types of batteries. The oldest and cheapest generation is NiMH (nickel-metal hydride). Typically, these batteries consist of individual 1. 2 volt cells connected in series. You can use them between 6. 0 and 9. 6 volts. Since they are in series, the mAh (milliampere-hour) rating of the package is the same as that of an individual cell. NiMH is very stable, cheaper, can be fully discharged without damaging the battery, and can be stored in any state. of charge.
LiPo is the latest chemistry. They are made up of 3. 7 volt battery cells. LiPo has a higher power density, meaning that comparable voltage and milliamp-hour packs will be smaller and lighter than NiMH. LiPo supplies a more constant voltage, so your truck will be faster for longer. The downside to LiPo packs is that they break down from overcharging or overdischarging. LiPos operation requires speed controllers and voltage-sensing chargers integrated. The charging of LiPos and electronics is significantly higher than that of NiMh.
RC vehicle manufacturers, such as Traxxas, will offer their fastest models with selectable driving modes. For beginners, the training mode reduces the total strength to fifty percent. Given the incredible functionality of brushless motors and LiPo batteries, putting the controller in the hands of a new driving force is equivalent to putting a user with no knowledge of high-functionality driving in a Viper. Sport and Run modes will offer full acceleration, the latter eliminating reverse gear.
As with full-scale trucks, the price diversity of radio-controlled versions comes in a wide range of prices. Our pick for the most productive cargo RC truck, the Traxxas Slash, can be found for around $250. There are fewer There are expensive trucks and some are good. If you need something smaller scale, 1:28 scale indoor racers are just $60. On the other end of the spectrum, full-scale pickup trucks can cost thousands of dollars, with gasoline engines. Trucks top the list. Spending a few hundred dollars will allow you to enjoy this hobby.
Once you have your truck, you may need to upgrade some appliances. NiMH batteries cost between $40 and $60, while LiPo batteries will charge you between $50 and $100 depending on the voltage and capacity. Battery chargers start at around $60 and can pass you by. at $200. Many offer Bluetooth connectivity that allows for greater capacity when connected to an app on a smart device. Repair and maintenance parts are affordable and regularly correspond to the original purchase value of the vehicle. Variety of 1:10 scale polycarbonate bodies starting at $30 for unpainted fixtures and $70 for original painted fixtures. It is worth browsing the portion shelves to check values when purchasing your vehicle.
You have questions. The Drive has answers.
The chronicle of culture, delivered to your inbox.
By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Some benefits of our Car Shopping program may not be available in your area. See terms and situations for details.