Getting Started with RC Cars: Choosing the Best RC Vehicle for a Beginner

New to the RC cars arena? Welcome! There are many things you need to know, and among them is how to choose the best RC car. Choosing a car can often be rather frustrating, considering the intimidating number of RC cars on the market.  However, if you can find a reliable way to reduce the available options, the process would be much easier. When it comes to choosing the right RC vehicle for a beginner, there are a few things to consider, and fortunately, I have listed them in this article. That’s not all; at the bottom, I have reviewed two of the most suitable options for beginners to relieve you of the burden of unending research. 

Choosing the Best RC Vehicle for a Beginner 

As pointed out, the process shouldn’t be frustrating or cumbersome. Here is what to consider when buying an RC vehicle for a beginner:

User-Friendliness 

This one should be at your fingertips. As a beginner, you need an RC car that is easy to use, because you aren’t familiar with how they operate. It’s not a good idea to invest in a professional-grade car, as it will be too complex for you to handle. 

Besides, if it breaks down, you want something you can repair in a jiffy and not one of those models where you have to call the professionals to help you out. 

I recommend an RTR (ready-to-run) car since it is ready to use straight from the box. Also, you should buy an RC car with the following as part of the package:

• RTR RC car 
• Battery 
• Transmitter 
• Charger 

Some RC cars do not include a charger and battery, so ensure to check before buying. However, you can always purchase these two separately. 

Unfortunately, some RTR cars do not include a transmitter, so make sure to check. Lastly, you will require 8 or 4 AAA batteries, depending on your transmitter & rig. 

Build Quality

After narrowing down the list to an RTR that comes with a transmitter, battery, and charger, next, check the build quality. This mostly touches on solidity and durability. 

Most budget-friendly options are not constructed using the most durable materials, so choose wisely. All the same, some manufacturers are well-known for selling quality and affordable products like Axial, Traxxas, and Redcat. 

Consider the material used to build the frame, and ensure it is durable enough to last a long time. RC vehicles for a beginner often feature solid plastic or plastic and metal construction combinations. This is because you will mostly be driving on even, and smooth terrain, and your car won’t be at risk of hitting any obstacles. 

Availability of Spare & Upgrade Parts 

Some RC vehicles, like the ARRMA Felony, are meant for professionals but are approachable for newbies. So, when you improve your driving skills, you can upgrade the RC car accordingly. Upgrading requires upgrade parts, and it would be best to have a car whose upgrade parts are easily available. 

As for spare parts, your RC car will undoubtedly overturn or hit something as you learn how to drive. For this reason, it’s imperative to choose an RC car whose spare parts are easy to find. 

Brushed or Brushless Motor 

RC cars have either a brushed or brushless motor. Your choice will mostly depend on your budget. 

Brushed motors have been on the market longer than brushless options. For instance, if you choose an electric RC vehicle for a beginner, there is a high chance the motor will be brushed. This is because brushless motors are somewhat new on the market and are marginally more expensive than their counterparts. 

Brushless motors, LiPo batteries, and a charger used to be extremely pricey, though that has changed with time. 

So, what do RC cars with a brushed/brushless motor have to offer?

An RC car with a standard brushed motor will cost you less than $100, though brushless systems are more efficient. They offer faster speed and long runtime. Additionally, brushless motors are easier to maintain and don’t wear rapidly, thanks to the absence of brushes. 

For instance, if you opt to buy an RTR car with a brushed motor, you must consider the battery. LiPo batteries are the best option if your priority is superior performance, though these are for the brushless cars. 

However, because you are new to the RC scene, you can always choose a brushed motor and then upgrade after some time. Alternatively, you can purchase a brushless motor and drive your car even after your skills have improved. 

Best RC Vehicle for a Beginner 

As promised, I have included two of the most suitable RC vehicles for beginners to make the search process easier. 

Here they are:

BEZGAR 18 1/14 Scale RC Car 

This is an impressive toy-grade RC car, built perfectly to meet all the needs of beginners. With a stylish build and great aesthetics, this RC car will launch you into the RC scene effectively. It is a 1/14 scale car, making it bigger than the 1/18 scale cars. The included remote has all the needed features for controlling the car, and it is easy to use. 

Remember when I said to consider durability? This one is built using reinforced aluminum alloy, which renders it shockproof and collision-resistant. Also, the non-slip tires add to durability, longevity, and versatility since you can drive this car on numerous terrains effortlessly. 

The package includes a pair of 6V 800mAh batteries and a charger. It takes 3 hours to charge the battery fully, after which you will get 30 minutes of runtime. The top speed is 25kph, though if you drive at this speed, the battery will last 20 minutes. 

What I Like 

• Durable reinforced aluminum alloy build. 
• Top speed of 25 kph. 
• Solid shock absorbers that offer unmatched stability.
• Non-slip tires are perfect for driving on any terrain. 

What I Don’t Like 

• Short battery runtime and long charge time. 

Traxxas Slash 

The Traxxas Slash is a great beginner-friendly RC vehicle from one of the best manufacturers in the industry. 

What I like most about this car is the low COG, which gives newbies added stability even when driving at high speeds. Additionally, this is an RTR car, so no assembling is needed. The only downside with this RC car is that it is expensive, so it’s not ideal for buyers on a budget. 

But overall, this is a user-friendly, durable, and high-performance beginner-friendly RC vehicle.

What I Like 

• The low COG delivers great stability. 
• Easy to use. 
• It comes completely assembled. 
• It has a top speed of 50 mph. 

What I Don’t Like 

• It is expensive. 

Conclusion 

Venturing into the RC world can be challenging for the newbies. But, if you are purchasing your first RC vehicle, there is plenty to weigh in, from the type of vehicle and motor to ease of use and budget. 

Nevertheless, the variable that makes the process challenging is the endless number of options available on the market. Still, after reading this article, I have a feeling you are now a pro regarding choosing the best RC vehicle for a beginner.