RC Cars
Radio Controlled Cars—Grades, Styles and Motor Types
Shopping for radio controlled cars can be confusing. There are different grades or classes. Prices vary greatly. Even experienced shoppers may need a little help to sort through the thousands of models available. This brief guide should help you decide what and where to buy.
There are two basic grades to choose from. They are toy-grade and hobby-grade. The toys were introduced to appeal to children and other shoppers who might be interested in R/C cars, but were not interested in assembling a model.
WRX RC Car
Most toy-grade vehicles are completely assembled. A few require some simple assembly or detailing. They are less expensive than hobby-grade models and easier to operate.
The toys are slower. Most are able to attain a maximum speed of about 10mph, which is fast enough for younger enthusiasts.
Because they are slow, there are few safety concerns. Crashes do not usually result in the destruction of the vehicles.
Since they are less expensive and the demand is higher, there are more models to choose from. In addition to traditional automobiles of all kinds, there are tanks, bulldozers, motorcycles and fantasy sci-fi type vehicles.
Hobby-grade vehicles are more expensive, but there are many advantages. One is durability.
Hobby-grade radio controlled cars are built much like real vehicles. The motors, electronic components and other parts are designed to be replaced. If one part fails, it can be replaced.
Toy-grade vehicles include non-standard motors and electronics that cannot be replaced. If one part fails, the whole vehicle is basically worthless.
Steering, speed and performance is better in hobby-grade varieties. These are the automobiles that can be raced for fun.
Toys run on batteries, usually the alkaline or NiCad type. The run-time is short. Batteries must be recharged and replaced often. Most models do not include the batteries. They must be purchased separately.
Hobby-grade radio controlled cars may be powered by electric brushed or brushless motors, nitro-methane fuel or gasoline. The electronic motors are not similar to that of real vehicles. The nitro and gasoline powered motors are internal combustion engines. They operate in the same way that your car operates.
Nitro-powered motors require more maintenance, which can be costly. Gasoline-powered motors cost more to purchase, but require less maintenance and usually last longer.
Originally, all hobby-grade R/C vehicles came in kits. Part of the hobby was building the model. Today, there are as many ready-to-run hobby-grades as there are kits. Some manufacturers have discontinued the kits completely.
When it comes to where to buy, you will find the highest prices in hobby and retail stores. eBay is the best source for new and used radio controlled cars of all kinds, at the most affordable prices.