There’s nothing new about radio control hobbies. In fact, it has already been a popular hobby among model car enthusiasts way back in the 1960s. But as you see, even in the 21st century, it still is the trend. Of course, just slightly more exciting thanks to technological upgrades. From entertainment to practical applications, there’s so much more you can do with RC toys. Below in this article, we will cover the Getting into the RC Hobby: Radio Control Trucks and Everything You Need to Know
No wonder these babies are a hit not just among the youngsters but even with the grown-ups alike. There is a wide range of toys for everyone to enjoy – from planes to boats. Among these, though, RC cars and trucks are a special favorite, most especially to beginners.
Before you get into the hobby, you might want to know a bit of this and that to help you find the best RC truck in the market. Scroll down below to know more!
All About RC
Although RC toys come in different sizes and shapes, they all have similar components: a transmitter, a receiver, motor/s, and a power source. This also goes to RC trucks. The transmitter is a handheld device you use to control the vehicle; the receiver can be an antenna or any form that receives the signal; this will then activate the motors.
These vehicles are used primarily for racing or bashing, such as making high jumps, doing wheelies, and all sorts of tricks your truck is capable of. This is where all the fun begins. If you’re planning to buy one of your own, you can try to visit some of your local shops. But, you can also opt to buy online. Check out cool radio control trucks at Frontline Hobbies.
RC Trucks Come in Different Types
RC trucks can be gas-powered or can have an electric engine. But the categories don’t end there. Some of the most common types include:
Monster Trucks
RC monster trucks are no doubt one of the most popular and common types of RC trucks. They are known for their four big wheels, which contribute to their perfect mix of a wild and cool look. They can run and climb in almost all types of surfaces for a typical off-road vehicle, may it be dirt/gravel, grass, dunes – you name it.Â
Aside from handling different terrains, they can go and crash anything that comes along its way.Â
Short Course Trucks
RC short course trucks can offer a feel of realistic off-road racing. Their four wheels are enclosed by bumpers and the car’s shell, which allows them to absorb contact with other vehicles. Simply put, they are designed to hold their ground and get more physical on the track. They are also long-lasting, which makes them a likely candidate for racing and bashing.
Stadium Trucks
Stadium trucks slightly resemble a buggy with their longer suspension arms and open-wheel setup. They are only a bit oversized compared to a typical buggy vehicle. This RC truck type is also a pretty decent all-around vehicle that can also go with both rough or smooth surfaces. They are not as efficient as monster trucks, though, when it comes to highly rough terrains.
How to Choose Your RC Truck
Before you can choose your RC truck, there are a few things you have to consider first. Some of these include knowing where you want to use them or whether you’re going to go for kits or ready-to-run.
Where do you want to use them?
One of the great things about RC trucks is that most models can be used both on-roads or off-roads. However, as you may know, their full potential can be seen in rough surfaces, which makes them very ideal for off-road use. There are particular trucks also that is more powerful in a certain terrain than the others.
If you want to race on extremely rough terrains, for example, you might want to choose monster trucks as they are designed for those kinds of surfaces. If a much smoother surface is involved, you could go for short course trucks to speed up well on flatter terrain.
Kits vs. RTR
Another essential thing you might want to consider is whether you want to build your own or not. If you like to tinker things, customize, and put additional parts according to your liking, then you can go for an assembly kit. One of the advantages of creating your own is that you can upgrade it with better electrical components. Kits include the chassis, body, and rims.
The downside of this, though, is it can get a little bit expensive as some components are not included. If you do decide to go for kits, make sure you know what components are included. This way, you can note the other things you will need.
Meanwhile, ready-to-run (RTR) can be the better option if you don’t want to spend time with the mechanical side and are eager to plug and play. With RTRs, the only extra work you’re going to do is unpack, pull out, and charge the truck. Then voila, it’s ready to zoom around your backyard. RTRs are advisable for those who are still learning and gaining experience.
What Makes RC Trucks a Good Hobby?
RC trucks offer a lot of advantages than one could have imagined. Besides entertainment, they can also be a means of socializing, gaining friends, or having meaningful family bonding. Plus, it can even improve your hand-eye coordination. The greatest thing of all is that you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy these perks.
Takeaway
Knowing a great deal about RCs can guide you in choosing the best one for you. If you can’t decide about what you want, you can start with RC trucks. With that said, you might want to use the information mentioned above to help you start your RC journey.
