Home : Getting Started in RC

New to RC? Learn how to get started.

There are several different categories of RC Cars, Trucks and Helicopters. This section should familarize you with the terminology and what's available.

How to Choose an RC - Buyer's Guide

RC VEHICLE TYPES

Style

There are as many different styles of RC vehicles as there are racers. The main categories available are:

Monster Trucks
Buggies
Truggies
Stadium Trucks
Sedans

Size

RC Cars and Trucks come in several sizes. The most popular are:

1/8 Scale

1/10 Scale

1/18 Scale (Minis)

1/35 Scale (Micros)

Terrain

Vehicles are designed to operate on different types of terrain.

Off-road

Off-road vehicles are designed to run on dirt. They are rugged, durable and sit high off the ground to allow for some small rock climbing.

On-road

These vehicles are generally sedans and are designed to run on asphalt. They tend to be faster than off-road.

There are some new models that are made to do both.

Out of the Box Format

Are you a do-it-yourself type of racer or do you want to get going the day you bring it home?

RTR - Ready to Run

The Ready to Run models are best for beginners because they come completely assembled and require very little work before they are ready to run.

Kits

Kits, on the other hand, are for the true enthusiast and racer. They come completely disasembled and require quite a bit of experience and know-how to put together. However, they are incredibly rewarding when they are done.

Power

Nitro

Gas-powered vehicles have gas engines. These vehicles are for the person who understands and can work on engines. They require breaking-in, tuning and alot of maintenance. Fuel costs can really add up as well.

Electric

Electric cars and trucks run on rechargable batteries. These are the best types of vehicles for beginners and children. Electric cars are typically not as fast as gas powered, but they are improving by leaps and bounds every year.