How to Choose the Best RC Car
From drift racers to rc car monster truck, RC cars have different types, power sources, sizes, speeds, etc. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to determine which one is the perfect fit for you, especially if you are new to the hobby.
But don't worry; we have got your back. In this article, we will go through the different factors, from the size and type to speed and power source, to help you select the best RC car. So, without any further ado, let's get started.
Factors to Consider Before Buying an RC Car
Here is a list of factors you should consider before buying an RC car:
Type of Car
RC cars are divided into 2 main categories,i.e., on-road and off-road. Off-road cars include rock crawlers, monster trucks, buggies, and short-course trucks. Whereas the on-road cars include drift racers and touring or racing cars.
On-road cars are the best choice if you are looking for a car that can cruise through hard and smooth surfaces such as pavements, car parks, and racetracks. For a better grip on the road, these cars have slick tires.
On the other hand, off-road cars are more suitable for challenging terrains like mud tracks, rock gardens, and dirt trails. These cars have treaded tires, which offer traction on loose surfaces.
Size of the RC Car
There are various sizes of RC cars, like 1/16th, 1/10th, 1/8th, 1/5th, 1/28th, and 1/64th. For a beginner, A 1/16 scale rc car would be ideal as it is easy to use and store, affordable and available for indoor racing.In comparison, a 1/5th scale car is suitable for advanced users or off-road racing, as they are more powerful than small-scale cars and can withstand rough terrains too.
Power Source
RC cars can be powered by electric batteries or nitro fuels. When compared to electric cars, nitro cars are much faster and can travel for a longer time. In addition, these cars are extremely noisy, need more maintenance to keep them running, and are costly.
On the contrary, electric cars use rechargeable batteries like Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH), Lithium polymer (LiPo), and Nickel Cadmium (NiCd). These are cheaper, quieter, and easy to use and maintain; there is no need to check for fuel level or engine tune-ups.
Battery
Whether you are a pro or a beginner, you will need a battery to maneuver your electric car around. There are different types of batteries ranging from Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) to Lithium polymer (LiPo) and Nickel Cadmium (NiCd). NiCd and NiMH are the most common types available in the market.
Nickel Cadmium batteries are affordable, heavier, and tend to suffer from memory effects. Whereas, Nickel-metal hydride batteries are good beginner batteries with a long lifespan. Lastly, Lithium polymer is an expensive, high-quality battery that gives more power to RC cars.
Motor
RC cars either have a brushless motor or a brushed motor. Brushed motors are more suitable for beginners. They might be less powerful than a brushless motor but are still robust enough to enjoy your new car. Furthermore, they are cheaper and have two different types: brushed stock motors and brushed modified motors.
If you are looking for efficiency, then you should go for a brushless motor. A car with a brushless motor will go faster with more boost than a brushed motor. Since these cars offer durability and speed, they are more expensive than brushed motors.
However, brushless motor rc cars can be a bit difficult for beginners, as the steering, response time, and suspension are all a bit complicated. However, these motors do not require a commutator and are therefore more popular in the community due to their low breakage rate.
Speed and Maneuvering of the Car
Speed is an important thing to consider when choosing the best RC car. However, the final decision comes down to the fact whether you need a car for a race or to cruise around the neighborhood.
Off-road cars have more ground clearance than on-road cars, which makes it easier for them to move through obstacles. In comparison, on-road cars are faster because they are closer to the ground and have better aerodynamics.
2 Wheel Drive Cars Vs 4 Wheel Drive Cars
Choosing between 2 Wheel Drive Cars and 4 Wheel Drive Cars depends on your needs and preferences. If you are looking for an affordable RC car that can speed through pavements and roads, then 2 WD is an excellent option.
But these cars are challenging to control, especially when they are going at high speed, which can often result in 180-degree turns. In contrast, 4WD cars are better suited for rough terrains and are easier to control. But they are expensive and slower as compared to 2WDs.
Pre-assembled vs DIY
When purchasing an RC car, you'll need to decide between pre-assembled and DIY models. If you're a beginner, pre-assembled models are a great choice, as they let you concentrate on driving and learning the basics without worrying about assembling the car.
On the other hand, if you're an experienced hobbyist looking for a challenge, DIY models are an excellent option. Though building a DIY model can be time-consuming, it provides an opportunity to explore your creativity and understand how the car works. Additionally, with a DIY model, you can customize the car's performance and appearance to your liking.
Spare Parts
Spare parts are an important factor to consider, as these cars are bound to wear and tear, and at some point, you might want to upgrade certain parts. Therefore, it is crucial to check for the accessibility of spare parts as the versatility of replacement parts varies among different car models.
Summing Up
Getting your hands on the best RC car is not as difficult as it seems. Make sure to consider the factors like type, speed, size, etc., and find a balance between different features that suit your requirements.
Spend some time researching and comparing various models, reading user reviews, and don't hesitate to try new things. We hope that this article has helped you understand how to pick the best RC car.
So get ready to feel the thrill of racing with your new car!