
- February 5, 2023
- 913
- RC Crawlers
RC cars, while mere toy cars, are fascinating. However, with the consistent technology advancements, these cars have evolved so much they’re now an obsession for some adults too! I’ve done all the heavy lifting and found the three best cheap and fast RC cars, so if this is what you’re looking for, you’re in the right place.
The thrill of controlling an RC vehicle, which is impressively swift, but won’t hurt anyone in case it rolls over or hits an obstacle, is one most people can’t resist. This makes engaging in this hobby just perfect!
That being said, not all RC vehicles on the market are worth purchasing. It would be best to take some time to do research for a usable, fast, yet affordable option. And truth be told, no one has that much free time. With that in mind, don’t fret; I’ve got you covered.
What to Consider When Buying a Cheap and Fast RC Car
With the overwhelming number of RC cars on the market, deciding which one to pick might be incredibly frustrating. For this reason, knowing what to look for would be best. First, consider your objective with the RC car; you need a fast vehicle for racing.
Second, consider your budget; in this case, you have a cheap toy car. Next is terrain; what type of terrain are you racing on? And lastly, consider your skills. You don’t want to purchase an expensive and fancy RC car only to find out it’s too complex for you to drive.
So, what else should you consider when buying a cheap and fast RC vehicle? Read on to find out!
Battery Life
This one’s imperative. Drivetime is usually a top priority for all RC vehicle users. Generally, there are two main types of RC car batteries:
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- Lithium Polymer (LiPo)
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- Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH)
LiPo batteries are the most common and preferred since they are smaller and lighter. All the same, NiMH batteries are more affordable and stable. Additionally, you can discharge them without permanently spoiling the battery. On the other hand, LiPo batteries are susceptible to damage when under or over-charged.
Nonetheless, their run times are almost the same. You should get approximately 30 minutes on one battery; hence it would be an excellent idea to have spare ones.
Chassis
Like full-sized vehicles, your RC car’s rest is in the chassis. Mainly, these vehicles depend on the bathtub type of chassis, which provides good protection for the components in the interior and a rigid, robust base.
The best RC cars are equipped with a pan-style chassis, typically built using lightweight aluminum or carbon fiber. While it’s not as sturdy as the bathtub chassis, they perform better and are more responsive.
Motor
Currently, there are two types of motors; brushed & brushless. Newer models feature the brushless type, which regulates polarity using a microchip. Additionally, this motor has no brushes, so there is no wear and tear. Moreover, they offer a highly efficient translation of electricity to motion. For this reason, it is the superior choice for your RC car.
Brushed motors depend on a switch to shift polarity, making them a less effective and more outdated option. That said, they will deliver marginal cost savings.
Top Speed
In this case, you’re looking for a fast and cheap RC car, so top speed is a priority. Typically, RC cars can go up to 100 mph, though these are the more expensive models. If you want to race at these top speeds, you’ll have to dig deeper into your pocket.
However, if you’re a beginner or on a budget, you can get many great options with top speeds from 10 mph, which is somewhat fast, depending on your needs.
Three Best Cheap and Fast RC Cars
IMDEN RC Car
Topping my list is this ferocious beast, one of the best and most affordable options on the market. If you’re purchasing it for your child, you’ll appreciate that this RC car is made using non-toxic plastic. Additionally, this material is durable for maximum longevity.
The other thing to love about this RC car is the construction. It features a baffle at the front, which is handy in preventing damage when you directly hit an obstacle or wall.
In addition, it is entirely waterproof and has robust springs. The springs of this car will handle vibrations caused by racing in bumpy terrain well. Again, it is water-resistant, so you can always drive it in wet surroundings without worrying.
The 2.5GHz pistol RC can keep this vehicle linked to 80 meters, which will suffice. Besides, its remote control can operate two RC cars simultaneously, which is perfect if you have one more compatible RC car. Its top speed stands at 10.5 mph, which is somewhat low but enough for driving around the house.
What I Like
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- Unique and durable build
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- Water-resistant and shockproof
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- Well-performing batteries
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- Can race at maximum speed and still maintain control
What I Don’t Like
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- Sub-standard transmitter
Amicool 4WD RC Vehicle
Next is this 4Wd RC car from Amicool. Its design and material make it a steal due to its low price. The ABS build is entirely non-toxic and hence safe even for children. The four-wheel form allows you to do different stunts when racing or driving, while the 2.4GHz wireless RC has the same build as a gaming controller and can run two cars at the same time. The maximum speed of 7.5 mph is slightly less than its counterpart above but enough for driving in different terrain.
Besides its design, this RC car is non-rechargeable; hence it doesn’t have a USB. You’ll have to purchase non-rechargeable 1.5V batteries, which you can always remove and recharge when using this vehicle.
The battery life stands at half an hour.
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- It is water-resistant
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- It has four wheels with a 3600 construction
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- It’s ideal for beginners
What I Don’t Like
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- Non-rechargeable battery
Growsland RC Car
My last pick for a fast and cheap RC car is the Growsland RC, particularly if you’re on a tight budget. First, this is a stylish RC car with the colors spotting an impressive aerodynamic build. It also comes with all the necessary directional functions of RC vehicles, like right, left, back, and front turns.
You can control these directions with the user-friendly joystick RC, which is helpful and good-looking. When it comes to maximum speed, this one reaches 10 mph, which might not be sufficient for racing but decent considering its price tag.
You’ll also appreciate the two pairs of batteries that aren’t rechargeable and the LED light, which makes this vehicle light up when moving forward. This is also a handy feature when driving in the dark.
Lastly, it has a durable scratch-resistant exterior made of ABS plastic that is non-toxic.
What I like
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- It’s easy to use
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- LED lights are ideal for playing in dark rooms
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- The design and material are safe for kids
What I Don’t Like
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- Reduce ground clearance
In Conclusion
In the RC game, there is something for everyone! Whether you are looking for a fast, affordable RC car for you or your child or an expensive, top-of-the-line vehicle for racing, you’ll certainly find it. However, remember to weigh in on the factors mentioned above!
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