Five Things To Know When Choosing Your Next RC Car Or Truck
Being an RC car or truck enthusiast, it is probably safe to say that you've given up on toy grade RC vehicles and moved on to more advanced hobby grade models. Hobby grade RC vehicles are much more advanced than toy grade models and as such offer better performance, more options, and greater customization. Hobby grade RC cars and trucks are the choice of professional RC racers. They cost more than toy grade models, but the benefits that you can gain from owning one may outweigh the additional costs. Here are five things to think about when choosing your next RC car or truck:
1. Hobby grade RC cars and trucks require maintenance and time on the part of the owner. This surprises some people, but buying a high performance RC car is an investment in time and dedication. Just like caring for a real car, RC car owners must perform regular maintenance to their vehicles to keep them in tiptop condition. These vehicles can be expensive, so regular upkeep should be done to maximize your investment. Keeping gears lubricated and checking the suspension on the car or truck are two of the functions that you will have to perform. Also, the engine will need to be tuned and fiddled with to achieve optimal performance. No matter how good of a driver you are, you'll inevitably crash your RC car or truck. This can lead to body and paint damage, which will need to be repaired. All these repairs can be done at home as numerous parts and supplies are available in local hobby shops and online.
2. Electric or Nitro? The choice is yours. When buying an advanced RC car, one of the most important things you'll have to think about is how you want to power your car. There are two major options available -- electric or nitro. Nitro refers to a gas-like fuel substance based on a nitrogen and methane solution. Electric RC cars are quieter and don't emit any fumes, but they go slower than nitro powered cars in most cases. Electric RC cars also require frequent battery charging or battery replacement, which can have a significant impact on RC races. Nitro powered cars are noisy and give off smelly gases, but offer superior power and speed compared with electric cars. They can also run longer between fuel stops. On the flip side, they require more maintenance and cost much more than electric cars.
3. Consider terrain conditions before you decide on a car or a truck. Deciding on whether you want an RC car or truck may depend more on the terrain you will be driving over rather than your personal tastes. Aesthetics aside, there is a more practical concern when deciding between a car and a truck. Street racing RC cars are limited to smooth tracks like paved parking lots and indoors. For rougher terrain and off-road situations, you will have to get either a buggy type model or a truck.
4. If you are new, think about buying a ready to run (RTR) car or truck. RTR trucks and cars may be the best option for people who are new to RC racing but want more than a toy car. They are, as the name implies, ready to run right out of the box, requiring only that the battery be placed inside. The radio controller is preset and very little advanced knowledge is needed up front. These also cost less and require less maintenance time.
5. Buy a kit to save money and have more fun. RC cars can be bought pre-assembled, but because the work has already been done for you, there is a premium price attached to them. Instead, buy a kit or assemble the car from parts that you accumulate through the years. Not only does this save money, but you'll also gain knowledge about the inner workings of the car and have a great time while doing it.
