There Are Many Off-Road RC Car Models to Enjoy

In the world of RC vehicles, off-road radio controlled cars stand out as some of the most fun models to use.

While inferior to their on-road counterparts in terms of pure speed, off-road RC cars can do things that on-roads' can't come even close to. They are perfect for performing those long range jumps, and other stunts.

Off-road RC cars are made for rough terrain such as backyards. They can be driven through the dirt, the mud, and other rocky patches. Some of the more powerful models can even brave small streams. Designed for bumps and jumps, off-road RC car models are more lightweight than on-road RC cars and have special suspension systems. They are very durable and are great for those just getting into RC vehicles.

There are many models of off-road RC cars. They also come in both electric and nitro powered.

Electric models of off-road RC cars use battery packs and are overall better suited for beginners. They are easy to maintain and are very cost efficient.

Those looking for more speed might choose a nitro model of RC cars. As well as being generally faster, sturdier, and more powerful than electric RC cars, these RC models are louder and more realistic, though more difficult to maintain.

This is due to their small glow-engines which run on special nitro fuel. Consequently, there is a small chance of a nitro RC model going boom, so special care should be taken especially by younger owners.

Off-road RC car models can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes,
They can range from model RC trucks to RC buggies. Each has their own charm.
A favorite for new users and veterans alike is, the undisputed king of the dirt road, the monster truck. Like the real life versions, these beasts come with their signature giant tires that can take on the toughest of terrain, and make for hours of fun. A good example of a monster truck model is the Tamiya Terra Crusher. This nitro RC car model comes fully assembled and ready to run.
A good model for beginners is the stadium truck. These RC models are simple to use and offer a good combination of power and stability.
Examples of Stadium trucks are the Team Losi XXX-T and Traxxas Rustler.

Another extremely popular model RC cars is the buggy. RC Buggies are made for those jaw dropping jumps, with their low center of gravity, 4 wheel drive and durable build. A good RC buggy for beginners is the Condor nitro buggy.

As well as being a great introduction to the RC world, off-road RC cars offer an experience unique to RC vehicles, whatever model is used.

Also, check out my other guide on Classic Model

Satisfaction in an RC Car Kit

Once you've been caught in the excitement of the RC hobby, many times there is no turning back. Many people start out with RC cars that are ready to race or run out of the box. For the more adventurous, they would rather buy RC car kits that they can assemble themselves. Of course, once you buy a kit, you'll need the tools, a toolbox, and the list goes on and on.

If you've seen an RC hobbyist hard at work on one of his RC car kits, you would note the image of a watchmaker hard at work on his instrument. These hobbyists have these kits down to a science, and if you're raring for the excitement of assembling your own RC, then you've just been bitten by a very infectious bug.

Although there are some RC car kits, mostly for kids, that cost just about $30, the serious enthusiasts should expect to shell out between $100 - $500 or more per kit, not counting initial investment of tools, consumables, and or course, the labor.

The RC car kits can be categorized as follows:

Radio Control (RC) Car Kits - Electric

Most reasonably priced and with the widest variety in this category is the RC kits as Tamiya America, with prices ranging from just below $100 to their top of the line products priced around $600. The products range widely as well, from a Mini Cooper RC Car Kit to Storm Racers.

Similarly priced as Tamiya but not as wide a range of products would be DuraTrax. Mid-priced electric RC kits are Team Associated and C+M/Team Cobra with prices within the $200-$300 range. Also popular are HPI ($400++) and Hot Bodies ($400++).

Radio Control (RC) Car Kits - Nitro

For the nitro-powered kits, the minimum price would be higher - just below $200 for the cheapest ones. More brands compete at this category such as Mugen ($550-$1000), OFNA ($200-$600), and Thunder Tiger ($450-$800).

Of course, the classic RC kit brands such as Tamiya, Team Associated, and HPI all have their Nitro Car Kits; which are the most popular.

Whatever type of RC kit you choose, remember that once you get started, more than the kit itself, it is the time you have to invest in constructing the RC car according to the specifications you want that will warrant the most fun, and the most cost as well.

The idea of constructing your own RC from scratch may seem daunting at first, but as many RC car kit enthusiasts know, there is something very satisfying about constructing something with your own hands - and that is exactly what RC kits are all about.

Also, check out my other guide on Repairing RC and Building RC