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Cars & Trucks
Specific Questions To Help You Choose a Car or Truck
Where Can I Run or Race a Car or Truck?
Choosing a Car or Truck
In order to help you make your decision, we've split up the decision-making process into these three questions:
Should I get an on-road or off-road model?
Should I get a Nitro or Electric model?
Should I get an RTR model or a kit I have to build?
Read on and see what type of model suits you best!
Should I get an on-road or off-road model?
On-road RC models can hit high speeds and they look like the cars you see on racetracks and streets around the world. With four-wheel drive (4WD), they are easy to drive and you can get realistic treaded tyres and bodies for scale realism. However, driving off your curb or over holes in the road is not what these are designed to do. We offer on-road RC models in various sizes, so it's easy to find something you really want.
Off-road RC models feature big tyres, long shock absorbers and the ability to drive just about anywhere. They can handle jumps, dirt and other typical obstacles in your backyard, car park, and just about anywhere. We offer off-road models in ‘Electric’ and ‘Nitro’ versions, and our off-road RC trucks are available with either two-wheel (2WD) or four-wheel (4WD) drive versions. Our 4WD trucks are easier to drive and can usually drive over just about anything!
Should I get a ‘Nitro’ or Electric model?
Electric models are slightly easier to assemble and maintain than Nitro models, are nearly silent (so you don't bother your neighbours) and require simple plugs and switches to run. You can also run electric RC models indoors, while Nitro RC models must be run outdoors only. A well-tuned electric car can keep up with a Nitro car on a small car park track, but on a large track the Nitro car will easily pull away from the electric. The batteries that power the electric car's motor and steering can be recharged from a 12-volt car battery or a wall socket. Charging typically takes 15-30 minutes, and a battery will last about 5-10 minutes, depending on the type of motor used.
‘Nitro’ is a term that refers to the fuel-powered cars that many RC manufacturers offer. Nitro models are much more reliable than those from just a few years ago, and except for the engine and its related systems (exhaust and fuel) the Nitro RC car or RC truck is just as easy to build and care for as an electric car or truck. The Nitro engine provides realistic sights (smoke), sound (tuned pipe), and smells (exhaust), which is a huge reason for the RC Nitro class's popularity. While the electric model must use several battery packs to achieve run times of 30 to 60 minutes, all the Nitro model owner need to do is make sure his transmitter and receiver batteries are sufficient and fill the car's fuel tank every 5 to 10 minutes.
Should I get an RTR model or a kit I have to build?
‘RTR’ means Ready-To-Run, and normally, these RC models require only about 30 minutes preparation (or less) before you're running the car or truck. This option is good for hobbyists who don't have time to build a kit, want to easily add another RC model to the collection, or anyone who is buying a model for a younger relative.
Any model that is not labelled "RTR" is a "kit", meaning it must be built up from parts that are included in the box. This is usually not as hard a process as it initially sounds, as RC model instructions have improved immensely from even a couple of years ago and RC model kits are now easier to build than ever.
These questions and their answers should help you decide what sort of car or truck you might want to try out for your first RC model. As you get more involved with the hobby, you may find that your first car isn't keeping up with your interests. Many hobbyists have several cars so they can play on any type of terrain or surface!
Where can I run or race a Car or Truck?
Part of the process in deciding what type of RC model you get should involve the area you have around you, where you can run a car or truck. Cars generally need a paved surface to run on, open parking lots such as schools, churches, office areas, etc., provide plenty of space to play on. (Make sure to ask permission if you need to!) With trucks, the type of surface doesn't matter too much because they can drive on pavement, dirt, gravel and all types of ground. Long grass isn't the best place to run in, but for short periods of time it is okay for the truck.
Most of our customers enjoy simply running their car or truck by themselves or with a friend or two. Running the RC car up and down the street or through a field or vacant car park or piece of land can be lots of fun, but it's ten times as fun to drive around with another RC car or truck!
However, some of our customers find that they want to actually compete with other RC car or truck drivers. These people need to RACE!
If you want to try racing the model you buy, you will find yourself involved in one of the most exciting and fun activities you can participate in! For some RC hobbyists, nothing can come close to racing against a group of other drivers each week. Most race areas are on-road (paved) tracks, because it's easy to find a car park that isn't used. Other locations are off-road, featuring all-dirt surfaces with lanes separated by boards or plastic pipe.
RC Racing can be an activity enjoyed every few months or you can dive in and surround yourself with the terminology, routines and competition. It's entirely up to you, but for some RC hobbyists there's nothing else that compares!
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