Whatever your age, racing radio controlled cars can be very addictive and give many hours of fun and pleasure for all. However, there are some considerations that you will need to think about before you can really get going, particularly if you are new to rc cars.
Most people are totally blown away by just how exhilarating racing radio controlled cars can be. The technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and has led to some highly sophisticated models that are capable of incredible speeds that are only limited by the skill of the user. Gone are the boring models that were practically the same. Now you can get an extensive variety of styles at all prices.
On the assumption that this may be your first radio controlled car, there are at least three considerations to be made: Kit or ready-made, on-road or off-road and electric or nitro rc cars.
Do you want to build your car from a kit or get one that is ready-to-go straight out of the box? This decision is likely to be based on your mechanical skills. If you have ever tried to take a clock to bits and put it back together then don’t choose this option! However, if this does not put you off, at least you will know how the model works and if something goes wrong, what is likely to be wrong and how to fix it. Although the kits are a little cheaper, you will not be able to get it out and take it for a spin straight away and if you are buying for a child, patience probably wouldn’t be one of the owner’s strong points!
Secondly, have you considered an on-road or off-road car? If you want to race, you’ll obviously need speed and to get that, you’ll need the on-road models that require paved surfaces to run on.
Conversely, if you are looking for a different type of challenge, try the off-roaders such as buggies, trucks (or even truggies). These models allow you to challenge yourself by manoeuvring your car around obstacle courses on most surfaces.
The last big decision to make is the power source. The two most popular choices are electric and nitro rc cars.
Electric radio controlled cars are the cleanest, quietest and most straightforward option and are especially good for the novice. While the expensive or designer electric models may be more suitable for racing, generally they do not give the same level of excitement of the nitro rc cars.
To get a real buzz, and get the smell and sound of real cars, then go for the realism of the nitro rc cars. On the downside is that they do need more maintenance than electric cars and a certain amount of care has to be exercised in refuelling. As with the electric radio controlled cars, recent developments have led to improved performance and consistency of the nitro models.
Personally, I would suggest if you are a novice, start with a small electric model and when you are comfortable with that and perhaps worn it out, and then go for the nitro rc car of your choice! Take a look around the Internet and compare prices as there are some very good deals to be found for radio controlled cars.
Racing radio controlled cars is something that can be enjoyed by all ages. Nitro rc cars are available in a wonderful range of styles suitable for all tastes, so do take a look!
