The 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners
Date Posted:10 April 2024
Have you watched an RC car race, monster truck bash, or know someone who is into the hobby and that made you interested in the hobby? Whatever your reasons are, you likely wish to know where to start. We can help you out - this list will include the 6 best RC cars for beginners, taking into account factors such as affordability, availability, ease of use, and performance.
By the end, you will hopefully know which model will be your jumping-off point. However, before we get to that, let’s quickly discuss a few important concepts related to the hobby.
A Few Notes Before We Start
If you are just getting into the RC car hobby and racing and driving, you should first understand the different types of RC cars that exist. In the simplest of terms, you have:
- On-road cars - these are meant for driving on surfaces like concrete and asphalt. They are built for driving at high speeds, whether in the context of competitive racing on tracks or for recreational purposes.
- Off-road cars - off-road cars are meant for driving on dirt trails, gravel paths, etc. They are not built to reach the same speeds as on-road cars but can handle uneven surfaces and challenging terrain. Like their on-road counterparts, they are used for competitive off-road racing or for recreational purposes.
- Drift cars - drift RC cars are a subtype of on-road cars that are specifically designed for precision maneuvering, i.e., drifting. They have special suspension systems, tyres, and are generally very customisable to allow the owners to fine-tune them for drift competitions.
- Other RC vehicles - besides cars, you can also find RC monster trucks, firetrucks, haulers, and almost any other vehicle you can find in the real world. These types of vehicles are typically more niche and are used primarily by enthusiasts who are in love with one specific vehicle, as opposed to the hobby in general.
So, before you buy your first RC car, think of how and where you would prefer to use it as that will impact your enjoyment of the hobby. You should also know that the hobby is not only about driving - RC car maintenance and eventually customisation plays a big part, as most enthusiasts are their own ‘mechanics’, so to speak. Now that you know a bit more about the hobby, let’s talk about the best RC cars for beginners.
How the Cars Were Chosen
Because we are talking about the best RC cars for beginners, we should clarify how they were chosen. The cars were chosen based on a combination of the following criteria:
- Type of car - first, only off-road RC vehicles were considered because these are widely available and driving and racing them is relatively beginner-friendly. They are built to withstand damage and you don’t need to search for dedicated indoor tracks. Additionally, the hobby community is largely based around them so it’s easy to find support and fellow enthusiasts to share your hobby with. Specialised vehicles like drift cars or semi-trailers were not considered as they are more of a niche hobby and, thus, not truly beginner-friendly.
- Engine vs. motor - RC cars can run on: 1. electric motors and 2. nitro engines. Nitro engines have a steep learning curve and need regular tuning and upkeep, which is part of the reason why people are drawn to nitro cars, however, that makes them unsuitable for beginners. Thus, only RC cars with electric motors were chosen.
- Availability - when it comes to RC cars, there is an abundance of models available but some are easier to find than others. Thus, the best RC cars for beginners must be readily available and you shouldn’t need to go to niche stores, wait for weeks or months, or have to have connections in the community to buy them. That also means that replacement parts are just as easy to find, which can have a significant impact on your enjoyment of the hobby.
- Scale - RC car scales go all the way from 1:5 (which means that the RC car is ⅕ of the size of the real-life car it is modelled on) to micro 1:32 models. For our list of the 6 best RC cars for beginners we focused on 1:8 and 1:10 models (with two exceptions). For one, these models are the most common, so it goes towards our previous criteria of availability. More importantly, 1:8s and 1:10s provide a good balance of speed and handling, which is ideal if you are just starting out. Plus, some models of this scale can be used both outdoors and indoors, so you have more options available.
- Price - finally, we selected cars that wouldn’t break the bank. RC cars are not simple toys and the prices reflect that. Just as with regular cars, the prices can vary significantly based on the model you are getting. And just as you would get a reliable and affordable model for your starter car in real life, the same applies to your first RC car. After you’ve gotten some experience, you can always upgrade.
So, the six RC cars for beginners that you will find on our list are all off-road vehicles, have electric motors, are readily available on the market, primarily 1:8 or 1:10 in scale, and are reasonably priced. Now, let’s talk about the best cars that meet all the criteria, in no particular order.
Our Pick of the 6 Best RC Cars for Beginners
The River Hobby VRX Cobra is a stellar choice for novice RC enthusiasts seeking thrills straight out of the box - the Cobra is ready-to-run (RTR) so you don’t need to assemble it to drive it. The first thing you’ll likely notice when you unpack the Cobra is that it’s large - 485mm long, 340mm wide, and 190mm high. Besides being big, it is strong, durable, and can overcome most obstacles.
It has a 4-wheel drive (4WD) system equipped with three differentials with durable metal gears, ensuring superior performance and longevity. Its powerful brushed motor, accompanied by a cooling fan, propels the Cobra to speeds easily ranging from 20 to 30 km/h. The included 8.4V NiMH batteries will give you a runtime of 10 to 15 minutes per charge and the 2.4GHz remote controller provides a commanding range of up to 150 meters.
Plus, with a simple upgrade to a 2S LiPo battery, you can push the upper-speed limit to around 40 km/h, although that may not be advisable when you are just starting out. Once you order the Cobra, all you need to do is grab eight AA batteries for the remote and you're ready to unleash it on any terrain.
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The FTX Outlaw is the latest sensation in the esteemed FTX off-road buggy lineup and it is inspired by the formidable Ultra 4 buggies. The Outlaw arrives fully assembled and ready to conquer any terrain. With dimensions of 505mm in length, 320mm in width, and 240mm in height, the Outlaw is even larger than the Cobra. Its 4WD capabilities, propelled by a brushed motor, achieve speeds of up to 30 - 35 km/h, ensuring adventures for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike.
Equipped with a meticulously crafted front suspension system boasting adjustable settings, universal driveshafts, turnbuckles, and a heavy-duty metal geared differential, the Outlaw delivers precise stability and control. But that’s not all - it has a semi-scale trailing arm rear suspension, the same as you will find in full-size U4 buggies, so this masterpiece combines authenticity with performance. Included with the Outlaw is a NiMH 7.2V battery but the chassis readily accommodates both NiMH and LiPo batteries, providing flexibility for customisation.
The third entry on our list of the 6 best RC cars for beginners, the ARRMA Gorgon monster truck, offers something a little different. For one, RC monster trucks have a different purpose than regular off-road RC cars - they are primarily used for bashing and not for racing. Then, the ARRMA Gorgon comes ready to assemble, not ready to ride.
This is an exceptional option for beginners seeking the joy of assembly, the gratifying experience of building their own rugged off-road machine, and customisation. However, as is suitable for beginners, the assembly is not overly complex and can be finished in about one hour. Simply follow the straightforward step-by-step instructions that come with the Gorgon to piece together the factory-built modules, mounted tyres, and finished body.
When it comes to size, it measures 421mm in length, 334mm in width, and 245mm in height. Its 2WD transmission, coupled with a MEGA brushed motor, can propel it to speeds ranging from 30 to 35 km/h, easily ensuring heart-pounding excitement. The Gorgon also features a simple spine chassis design to effortlessly navigate through dirt, rocks, and mud without accumulating debris.
It is equipped with a NiMH battery and compatible with LiPo upgrades, so this monster truck offers versatility and power to suit your preferences. One of the reasons why the Gorgon is excellent for beginners is that the SLT2 2-channel radio system aids in mastering control skills by limiting maximum speed to 50% or 75%, ensuring a safe and gradual learning curve.
Additionally, the combination/two-in-one electronic speed controllers (ESC) and receiver unit simplify wiring and maintenance, allowing enthusiasts to focus on the thrill of the ride. As you grow more comfortable, you can unleash the full potential of the Gorgon by upgrading to LiPo batteries and a brushless motor, elevating your off-road experience to new heights.
If you’re looking to tackle the toughest terrains, the Axial SCX24 2021 Ford Bronco is a marvel of engineering designed for rock climbing enthusiasts. While the Ford Bronco is 1/24 in scale (and the only true mini RC vehicle on our list), it is by no means small with a length of 222mm, width of 98mm, and height of 117mm.
The attention to detail is even more impressive as the ABS hard body is adorned with moulded door handles, mirrors, roof rails, and a mounted spare tyre, lending an authentic touch to your off-road adventures. It even has working lights lights on the front corners and bumper!
Most importantly, the Axial SCX24 2021 Ford Bronco is specifically designed for rugged terrain and features a ladder-frame chassis, four-link suspension, and highly responsive shocks, ensuring exceptional stability and traction for rock crawling. A brushed motor and a 7.4V LiPo battery power this model.
And it has four-wheel drive and two-wheel steering capabilities, allowing you to navigate through obstacles with precision and finesse. Like the first three entries, the Bronco comes ready to ride. One additional thing that sets the Bronco apart is that it is suitable for indoor riding, where it can crawl over obstacles in a similar manner as it can over rocks.
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In case you are getting into the hobby of RC car racing for the adrenaline rush, the second entry from ARRMA, the ARRMA Vortex could be your choice. This ready-to-run vehicle features a potent brushed motor paired with an 8.4V NiMH battery, delivering electrifying performance of up to 45+ km/h under optimal conditions straight out of the box of up to 45+ km/h, making it one of the fastest vehicles on our list.
When you acquire some experience and want even more speed, you can upgrade it to a 3S brushless motor. However, as this list is focused on the best RC cars for beginners, the more pertinent feature is that you can also set throttle limits at 50% or 75% with the Spektrum radio system. The Vortex's 2-wheel drive transmission offers agility and speed, with the option to upgrade to 4x4 for enhanced traction and stability.
The Vortex also features a double-wishbone suspension system, providing excellent handling and maneuverability and allowing you to tackle any terrain with confidence, while the 2-wheel drive transmission can be upgraded to 4x4 for enhanced traction and stability When it comes to size, the Vortex measures 470mm in length, 338mm in width, and 163mm in height.
The last entry on our list is the second-smallest vehicle, coming in right after the Axial Ford Bronco. Yet, that does not mean that the ARRMA Typhon Grom buggy has no power under the hood - despite its small size, it doesn't compromise on speed or durability, making it the perfect companion for enthusiasts on the go.
The 1/18 Typhon Grom is the smaller version of the hugely popular 1/8 Typhon Grom model, made with affordability in mind to let people get into the hobby for the first time without the hefty price tag. Yet, again, it doesn’t skimp on power due to the smaller size. This compact powerhouse features a potent 28T brushed motor and a 2S LiPo battery and can reach speeds of over 30 km/h.
It is also equipped with a metal gear 4WD drivetrain to drive over all terrains with ease, showcasing toughness and agility on any surface. Measuring at 296mm in length, 188mm in width, and 96mm in height, the Typhon Grom strikes the perfect balance between compactness and performance and lets you carry it with you wherever you go.
Looking for Other RC Vehicles?
We have selected what we believe are the 6 best RC cars for beginners and explained why we believe them to be a good choice for someone new to the hobby, however, the choice is ultimately subjective. You may use different criteria and feel other cars would be more appropriate.
Even if that’s the case, we can still help you out. At RCMA, you will find the model you need. Our collection of RC cars includes many models of off-road RC cars, but also on-road and drift cars, and RC trucks. So find the model you like best, order it online, and we will deliver it right to your address.
