What To Look For When Buying an RC Car
Terrain and Where You Will Ride
Not everyone has buttery smooth sidewalks and roads to ride
around on, so make sure to take into account that a little RC car built for smooth
pavement going over 20 MPH is likely to go flying off course or breaking something
should it hit a small pebble or crack in the road. If you want to be able to have
your fun in a wide variety of places, stick with RC cars built for all-terrain and
equipped with larger springs and tires. If you’re going to invest in a higher
priced model, be sure there is easy access to replacement parts. Some of the models
on our top 5 RC Car list are more for fun. You could break them
and buy a new one 3 times over and you’d still spend less than some of the higher
end models. It’s important to take into consideration on what exactly your looking
for, be it the terrain you’ll be driving on, or amount you’d like to invest in the
RC Car hobby.
Battery Life
These smaller RC cars tend to have shorter battery lives as
there isn’t much room for larger battery packs. Lower speed models will tend to
have better battery life while the high speed models will drain much faster. Be
realistic in your expectations and note that you will likely be getting 10-30
minutes of ride time depending on the size/weight/speed of your RC Car of choice.
Most of these Remote Control Cars have replaceable batteries that you can purchase
and charge beforehand so you can extend your ride time.
Remote Control Range
Another key point to keep in mind is the range of your remote
control. For indoor use, a range of 10-20m is more than enough to have fun riding
around, but can be a little limited when you get outside. Some models can push this
up to 100m, but bear in mind, over 300 feet is quite far away and you should always
keep your RC car in view. If your going to be having fun in your backyard or at the
park, it’s not necessary to spend more on a model with a higher range remote
control. You’re likely going to be moving or following your RC car anyway to keep
an eye on it. If you have wide open spaces where you’re likely going to be riding
around in, then a longer range remote will definitely prove useful.
Durability
Cheaper models tend to also use flimsier and lower quality
parts that are prone to breaking from impacts and crashes. If you are looking for a
durable ride, avoid models with unnecessary plastic bits and flashy designs that
will easily break off or crack from crashes. Most higher end models have a slew of
after-market replacement parts and can easily be repaired should something break.
Traxxas is a well known brand with many accessories and parts available. For offer
road models, bumpers, clearance height, and enclosed electronics are great features
to look for to ensure your RC car will keep on riding even after taking a hit.
