Best RC Cars for Beginners

Hamish McRitchie | 22nd November, 2018 | 21 min read

Excited to buy your first RC car? We don't blame you!

However, like many industries these days, the remote-control car market is flooded with hundreds if not thousands of different products which all seem to claim to be the “best” the “fastest” the “toughest” etc. With so many different options such as on-road or off-road, electric or petrol and what scale to get, it’s hard to navigate your way to a suitable model, and it’s no wonder so many get it wrong leaving you feeling disappointed.

About the author

Hamish McRitchie | Age 24

Hi, I’m Hamish, and I’m a lifetime passionate RC hobby enthusiast and have worked and raced in the RC industry since the age of 14.

Why buy an RC car?

I'm writing this knowing some of you are buying for yourself and some buying your kids.

Because they're loads of fun

Let's not kid ourselves, controlling an RC car is exciting, fun and challenging. Not to mention it brings out the Jamie Whincup in us all!

Get the kids outdoors

This is one for the parents. In a world where phones, tablets and computer screens surround the majority of us for most of our day to day life, it’s fantastic to gift someone something that encourages them to get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

Improve basic skills

Driving RC cars will help improve hand-eye coordination, depth perception and reflexes.

Mechanical knowledge

Driving, maintaining and repairing RC Cars will help teach mechanical engineering concepts such a suspension, gearing and the importance of basic maintenance.

Key points to consider

After some serious consideration, I will be rating hobby RC cars on the points below.

Budget

Hobby grade remote control cars can get expensive, so, I will be looking at the best value for money RC cars, and I’ll also be considering any extras (such as batteries, chargers, special tools etc.) that may be required to start driving the RC car and enjoying it.

Durability

No one wants to be repairing their RC car every two minutes due to inferior quality and design - that's just not fun (to most of us anyway!). I will be using my years of experience to recommend tough, battle-hardened RC cars that have been proven to be durable!

Speed

The need for speed! Who doesn’t want to go fast? Nothing gets the heart rate up more than some fast-paced wheel spinning action! Something to keep in mind is the faster they go, the quicker they tend to break. So, make sure to get an RC car that isn’t so quick that you're unable to control it.

Run time

This is how long you can use the RC car before having to stop and charge the rechargeable car battery. Some RC cars will have longer run time than others due to larger capacity batteries and more efficient motors and drivetrain setup ie. 2WD cars typically have a longer runtime than 4WD cars.

Usability

Specific power sources will require more maintenance than other. A common misconception is that nitro (often referred to as “petrol”) powered RC cars are a better alternative when trying to get a powerful RC car that doesn’t need to be recharged. The reality of these small combustion engines (sizes vary from 2cc – 4cc for nitro engines) is that they’re very maintenance demanding and require a high level of mechanical know how. For this reason, I have NO nitro powered remote control cars in my list.

Learn more about the differences between electric, nitro and petrol RC cars.

Parts support

This is a commonly overlooked aspect by many beginners when purchasing an RC car, and let’s face it, who considers planning on breaking their new RC car? If there is something I have learnt over my ten years working in a hobby store is it isn’t a matter of “if” but more a matter of “when” something will break or wear out on an RC car, and this is regardless of how much it costs. Even the most expensive RC vehicles aren’t exempt from requiring spare parts eventually - whether it’s wearing out tyres, losing a screw or snapping a chassis in two (it happens) because a tree decided to jump in front of your RC while it’s travelling at top speed.
Make sure whatever car you decide on, you can get replacement parts.

Top 11 beginner RC cars

In no paticular order, here are the best remote-control cars for beginners available today.

Xinlehong 1/10 Sprint 4WD Truck

This beast of a 1/10 monster truck is packed full of features such twin powerful 380 sized motors, IPX4 waterproofing, 4WD, steel driveshafts & axles, ball bearings, 2.4Ghz remote, 7.4v LiPo battery and capable of a remarkable speed of 46kph! All at a very affordable price. These have been extremely popular with both our customers and our team (almost everyone at Hobbies Direct having to buy one and take it home to “test”)

Has enough ground clearance for off-road use and is great fun at a BMX track with some small jumps.

Pros

Top speed of 46kph
4WD
7.4v LiPo battery
IPX4 waterproof
Twin 380 sized motors
Trainer mode for beginners
Replacement spare parts available

Cons

No upgrade parts available
USB charger (no 240v wall plug)

Xinlehong Sprint - RC Truck

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HSP Brushed 2WD Range (Storm, Crusher, Viper, Mongoose)

I have decided to group certain product ranges due to them sharing identical features, and where the only difference will be some slight handling characteristics and visual appearance, so you can choose the best-suited model from these similar product ranges.

The HSP 2WD brushed range has proven to be a fantastic option for those looking to get into the full hobby grade remote control cars. Featuring a durable 2WD tub chassis, waterproof electronics, massive XL 550 brushed motor, large capacity 3000mAh 7.2v battery and a 2A fast charger.

Priced well under $200 and backed with a full range of standard and optional parts.

Pros

Top speed of 30kph
Powerful XL 550 motor
30 minutes run time
90 minutes charge time
Ball bearings
Steel driveshafts & axles
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

Some plastic drivetrain gears (steel upgrade gears available as an optional part)
Steering servo has plastic gears (upgradable)

HSP Crusher - RC Truck

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HSP Mongoose - RC Buggy

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HSP Storm - RC SCT

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HSP Viper - RC Stadium Truck

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Xinlehong 1/12 2WD Range (Challenger & Racer)

Again, I have grouped these two models due to them sharing identical features, and where the only difference will be some slight handling characteristics and visual appearance.

These little 1/12 beasts are fantastic value! Priced under $100 but still have heaps of features such as steel driveshafts, ball bearings, 9.6v Lithium battery and IPX4 waterproofing.

Pros

Top speed of 42kph
9.6v lithium-ion battery
IPX4 waterproof
Have plenty of power to do skids and doughnuts
Replacement spare parts available

Cons

2WD although it does awesome skids some beginners may find it frustrating to keep in a straight line
No optional parts available
USB charger (no 240v wall plug)

Xinlehong Challenger - RC Truck

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Xinlehong Racer - RC Truggy

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HSP Brushless 2WD Range

Again, I have grouped these models due to them sharing identical features, and where the only difference will be some slight handling characteristics and visual appearance, so you can choose the best-suited model from this range.

The HSP 2WD BL (brushless) range are amazing value coming in at around $220 which is crazy considering the sort of quality and features they’re equipped with out of the box, such as the 540 sized 3300kv brushless motor, 7.4v LiPo battery, waterproof electronics, 2.4Ghz radio, ball bearings, steel drive shafts and much more!

Pros

Top speed of 55kph
540 sized 3300Kv brushless Motor
30 minutes run time
Ball bearings
Steel driveshafts & axles
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

Some plastic drivetrain gears (steel upgrade gears available as an optional part)
Steering servo has plastic gears (upgradable)
2WD (some beginners may find it frustrating to keep in a straight line)

HSP Crusher BL - RC Truck

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HSP Mongoose BL - RC Buggy

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HSP Storm BL - RC SCT

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HSP Viper BL - RC Stadium Truck

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Traxxas XL5 Brushed 2WD Range

Again, I have grouped these models due to them sharing identical features and where the only difference will be some slight handling characteristics and visual appearance so that you can choose the best-suited model from this range.

Traxxas is one of, if not the most renowned RC brands, with every good hobby store stocking both their models and supporting a range of replacement parts and accessories. The Traxxas XL5 RC car range is a famous line up with models such as the Traxxas Slash, Rustler, Stampede and Bandit which are all specifically designed for beginners and have helped thousands get into the hobby.

This range is by far the most tested and proven chassis in my list, with some of the chassis being in the market for over ten years! Durability and speed are what you’ll find in this range of Traxxas RC cars, with high-quality waterproof electronics, suspension components, steel driveline parts and capable of a speed of 48kph.
(with included optional 23-tooth pinion gear & optional 8.4v NiMH battery)

Pros

Proven durability
Top speed of 48kph
8.4v NiMH battery
Trainer mode
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

Expensive (Traxxas RC models are more expensive pricing between $330 - $400)
DC charger (charger only plugs into a 12v cigarette jack only - you can purchase a 240v power supply)

Traxxas Slash - RC SCT

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Traxxas Rustler - RC Stadium Truck

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Traxxas Stampede - RC Truck

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Traxxas Bandit - RC Buggy

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HSP 1/10 4WD Brushless Range

Again, I have grouped these two models due to them sharing identical features, and where the only difference will be some slight handling characteristics and visual appearance.

The HSP 4WD BL (brushless) range are excellent value coming in at around $280 and loaded full of features such as 540 sized 3300kv brushless motor, 7.4v LiPo battery, waterproof electronics, complete metal 4WD driveline, 2.4Ghz radio and much more!

Being 4WD these RC cars handle better than their 2WD counterparts, having both the front and rear wheels clawing their way through the gravel and dirt helps with acceleration and handling on low traction surfaces, although this comes at a cost as spinning all four wheels takes more power and will reduce the runtime slightly.

Pros

Top speed of 55kph
Metal 4WD drivetrain
540 sized 3300KV brushless motor
Waterproof electronics
7.4v LiPo battery
Ball bearings
Aluminium adjustable oil filled shocks
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

Less run times
Steering servo has plastic gears (upgradable)

HSP Grampus - RC Lion

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HSP Grampus - RC Buggy

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Rovan Baja 5B

This is one for the rev heads! The Baja 5B, a legendary model in the RC hobby and is proven to be a tough chassis for weekend BMX track basher and club racers. The Rovan Baja is a clone of the more expensive and original HPI Baja (learn more about the differences between the clone and HPI Baja here. If you’re a bit of a rev head, you won't be able to go past a massive 1/5 scale off-road RC buggy powered by a huge 29cc two stroke engine! These engines are far more reliable then the nitro engines I spoke about at the start - learn more about the differences between electric, nitro and petrol RC cars.

Considering its size, these are very affordable, priced at $700-800 with everything in the box except 8x AA batteries for the hand remote and two-stroke fuel (which will cost around $10 - 15 to get separately).

Pros

Proven durability
Long travel suspension suitable for medium size jumps
Massive overall size (measuring over 800mm long)
29cc 2-stroke engine
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

A petrol based power source (so will require general maintenance and mechanical knowledge)
Engine noise (loud and not suitable for use in built-up areas)
Expensive (price tag of $700-800)

Rovan Baja 5B

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HSP RC4 Rock Crawler

The HSP RC rock crawler is a scaled looking 4WD that is designed to go over rough obstacles it’s even fitted with a working LED light kit for added realism.

It also has excellent suspension travel and articulation which allows it to scale rock faces and rough terrain but isn’t designed with speed in mind and certainly won’t be breaking any land speed records with a max speed of 8Kph. Great gift for someone who is interested in 4x4 as you can modify this scaled 4x4 to be decked out with a considerable range of scaled accessories such as jerry cans, roof racks, LED light kits, winches and optional bumpers and much more.

Pros

Scaled looks
Waterproof electronics
30 minutes run time
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

Slow 8kph top speed (unable to do jumps, skids)

HSP RC4 - RC Rock Crawler

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Traxxas VXL Range

Traxxas is one of, if not the most renowned RC brand, with every good hobby store stocking both their models and supporting a range of replacement parts and accessories. The Traxxas VXL RC car range is a fast-paced famous line up with models such as the Slash VXL, Rustler VXL, Stampede VXL and Bandit VXL which are all specifically designed for people looking to satisfy their need for speed!

This range is built upon the proven Traxxas XL5 chassis and has been souped up with a crazy powerful Velineon brushless motor and ESC combo! Durability and super speed are what you’ll find in this range of Traxxas VXL RC cars, with high-quality waterproof electronics, suspension components, steel driveline parts and capable of mind-blowing speeds of 112kph!! But don’t worry, if you think that’s too quick you can always switch it over to trainer mode to limit the speed to a more user-friendly pace.

Unlike the Traxxas XL5 range, you will need to go and purchase a battery and charger separately so keep this in mind when pricing up the complete package.

Pros

Proven durability
Top speed of 112kph
Trainer mode
TSM (Traxxas Stability Management) – TSM senses the vehicle’s direction and makes steering corrections to provide full throttle acceleration without fishtailing or spinouts
All standard & optional parts available

Cons

Expensive – Traxxas VXL models are more expensive pricing between $450 - $600 not including battery and charger

Traxxas 1/10 2WD Range

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HSP Ocelot On-Road Car

Streetcar styling and excellent on-road handling with a top speed of 59kph out of the box this beast moves!

The HSP Ocelot BL (brushless) is a tremendous valued 1/10 on-road car which is priced around $280 and loaded full of features such as 540 sized 3300kv brushless motor, 7.4v LiPo battery, waterproof electronics, full metal 4WD driveline, 2.4Ghz radio and much more!