If you are looking for fun hobbies to try, you should check out RC racing. In RC racing, you can buy customized or ready-made RC cars and compete against other people to see who wins races in mini racetracks.
Gone are the days when RC racing only has simple races and tournaments, as the hobby has now evolved to an activity where people can customize or upgrade their RC cars to make it have better handling and faster acceleration. If you are already intrigued about RC racing and want to try it out as soon as possible, here are some basic tips for buying the best and most suitable RC cars for you.
Discover high-performance RC cars NZ for thrilling off-road adventures and competitive racing.
Picking the Type of RC Car to Buy
RC car construction, racing, and design are popular hobbies among car enthusiasts. RC cars are a way to experience the fast lane without the inherent dangers of racing a real vehicle. When you decide to buy an RC car, the first challenge you will face is selecting your first vehicle make sure to check auto racing by the numbers graphs to gain insight.
When selecting an RC vehicle, you should first decide whether you want a car, truck, buggy, or another vehicle. RC cars are vehicles designed for use on flat surfaces, as opposed to other RC vehicles designed for off-road use.
On-road RC cars feature minimal suspensions, sleek, sophisticated design, and floor-it acceleration. On-road vehicles can be driven without difficulty on smooth streets, parking lots, and other (relatively) flat, paved surfaces. Off-road electric remote control cars, monster trucks, and buggies are capable of traversing wet, rough terrain, jumps, and ramps. Below is a list of the various types of RC cars available for your selection.
RC Cars
It is a type of on-road vehicle known as a touring car that is suitable for use on concrete, asphalt, and carpet. This type of automobile has four wheels and a fully independent suspension with upper and lower control arms. The chassis has been developed with a lower and upper deck to prevent bending, and the majority of enthusiasts prefer rubber tires.
RC Buggy
A remote-controlled buggy is an all-terrain vehicle capable of traversing rough terrain, muddy stretches, gravel, and other surfaces. This is a great option to consider if you haven’t settled on a certain type yet. The buggy’s shock absorber is longer than those of monster trucks, and its tires are thinner, both of which contribute to its superior off-road performance.
RC Truggy
Truggies are comparable to buggies, except that they were specifically designed for off-road use. They have monster truck tires and a buggy frame. These are the second-slowest off-road RC cars and the third-fastest on roads.
RC Trucks
If you enjoy a challenge, then remote-controlled trucks are the best option for you. There are two primary types of radio-controlled (RC) trucks: short-course trucks and monster trucks.
RC Short Course Truck: The shock absorbers of short course truck are shorter than those of buggy, and the four wheels are protected by bumpers and the car’s body, which is advantageous for the entire frame. The short course truck can also be used on all terrains, including paved roads, gravel, and grass, among others. If you enjoy customization, this type of machine can accommodate your needs. In addition, monster trucks are a symbol of power, much like muscular men, because they are heavy-duty, durable, and have a powerful punch.
RC Monster Truck: Due to its high power, wild and cool appearance, and great punch, this truck is one of the most popular and widespread types of radio-controlled vehicles. Therefore, the monster truck requires high-quality, high-energy-density, and high-discharge-rate lipo batteries. The 2S 5000mAh capacity is ideal for this type of vehicle. In addition, its four wheels are significantly larger than those of other vehicles and are located outside of the bumpers. Monster trucks are the typical off-road vehicle, able to traverse grass, dirt, sand dunes, and mud puddles. You can play anywhere, including your own backyard. Stand inverted? Dirt jumping? No problem. Monster truck can effortlessly perform all of these incredible stunts.
Brush vs Brushless Motor
Brush or brushless motors are available for RC cars. Brushless and brushed motors serve essentially the same purpose. They convert the rotational motion of an electric current into rotational motion. With brushed motors, electromagnets power the rotor and permanent magnets hold the stationary stator in place. The electric current is sent to the commutator in the rotor via carbon brushes that make direct contact with it. In the rotor, this voltage generates an electromagnetic field. By continuously reversing the polarity of the magnetic pull through the commutator, rotational motion is generated.
In brushless motors, the situation is inverted. The stator generates the electromagnetic field, while the rotor contains permanent magnets. An electronic controller generates a three-phase variable current that successively powers the motor’s coils in lieu of brushes. This results in the formation of a rotating magnetic field in the stator, which powers the rotor’s magnets and generates the spinning motion.
2WD or 4WD
If this is your first time purchasing an RC car, it is advisable to compare 2WD and 4WD. Most people prefer 4WD RC cars because they are more powerful, don’t get stuck as easily, and handle most terrains well. Although 2WD vehicles are often slower than 4WD vehicles, they are a good choice for novice drivers or young children.
The vast majority of hobby-grade RC cars are four-wheel drive because they have greater forward traction. They also stop faster than 2WD RC vehicles. You can drift with a potent 4WD RC vehicle if you practice on the appropriate terrain. On dirt tracks, you will be able to drift. You must accelerate aggressively so that the tires lose grip and “drift” along the track. It functions identically to full-sized rally cars.
It is easier to create tighter drifts with 2WD vehicles since the back tires slide out more than the front as they spin, losing grip/traction; nevertheless, it is doable with 4WD vehicles, if the motor is strong enough.
Types of RC
Electric cars are powered by a battery. The motor is connected to the car’s wheels and turns them to propel the vehicle forward. Electric RC cars are great for racing and are a lot of fun to play with. The ESC is responsible for regulating engine power and applying the brakes when the vehicle begins to spin. A Potentiometer can be used to determine a rod’s position. ESCs are compatible with nearly all electric RC car motors.
Nitro-powered cars are propelled by a fuel mixture ignited by compression, typically in a separate combustion chamber. These automobiles utilize nitromethane or methanol as fuel and must be refueled frequently. Nitro RC cars are also referred to as gas or fuel cars. They are renowned for being swift and costly (this can vary depending on the model).
Gas-powered RC cars are more expensive than their electric counterparts, but they are also more durable and faster. Your gas-powered vehicle is ideal for novices who want a realistic experience and enthusiasts who want to tinker with their vehicles’ inner workings. While nitro engines should only be used with extreme caution, gas-powered vehicles are simple to operate and safe on a variety of terrains. The only disadvantage is that you will need to refuel before long drives.
Other Considerations When Purchasing RC Cars
When shopping for an RC car, you will be inundated with brands. There are dozens, some of which may only be available in a handful of stores or on the Internet. There are well-known brands like Tamiya and premium brands like Losi. Popular brands with a solid reputation include Traxxas, Arrma, and Axial, but they are not the least expensive. And there are numerous others. Others, such as HSP, are more price-oriented.
The RC market is rapidly transitioning to lithium polymer, or LiPo, batteries. In general, they are more expensive, lighter, and can store more energy, which is measured in milliamp hours (mAh). The greater the quantity, the better. However, battery capacity does not determine the device’s strength. A higher voltage causes the engine to spin faster, so you can (or may be able to) drive it faster if the controller and motor can handle the higher voltage.
The final step is to establish a budget. This will assist you in comparing various options. We are all aware that price is the deciding factor in a purchase. Have you ever searched far and wide for the ideal RC car, only to discover that it was prohibitively expensive? It’s unfortunate, but it occurs. Therefore, it is essential to establish a budget prior to shopping. This will help you narrow down your options and find something within your budget.
RC cars range in price from approximately $99 to more than $200. The more expensive options typically have more features and higher quality, but this does not imply that the less expensive options are inferior. You can find the best deals if you are willing to search.
To summarize
The best remote control cars for adults provide a balance of features, performance, and cost. There is no universal solution, as the best vehicle for one individual may not be the best for another. Nevertheless, if you consider the factors discussed in this guide, you should be able to locate the ideal RC car for your needs.
