Radio Controlled Cars for Newbies

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Radio control models and especially cars provide an exceptionally fun and exciting hobby. But one of the first questions for the newcomer to radio controlled cars is whether to choose an electric car or nitro powered car.

As a general rule nitro RC cars are really best for someone who has gained a little experience. And an electric RC car is the best way to gain that vital experience.

Electric RC cars are simpler. They make less noise and they are much cleaner than their nitro powered counterparts. The negative side is that they are less realistic than those with a nitro engine and they can be less powerful.

But there are some fantastic electric RC cars that are equal to any nitro powered model. One small recommendation I would make is that you buy at least two battery packs. Some battery packs can last as little as only 5 minutes so you would do well to buy several of these to make sure you have to power to enjoy your car.

My personal favourite models are off-road dune buggys that I like to race around the sand dunes on some nearby beaches. I take along several fully charged battery packs so that I can get as much time as possible jumping around the sand dunes.

The key advantage of electric over nitro powered radio controlled cars is how easy they are to maintain. Nitro powered cars use real mini engines with real mini filters that need to be changed regularly. Electric RC cars are much simpler and therefore much more suitable for beginners and youngsters.

Both nitro and electric RC cars can be found in kit form and this adds a whole new dimension to the hobby. By building your own RC car you will learn lots about engineering and RC cars and this can be very satisfying. But, again, I recommend starting with an electric model and then moving on to a nitro powered car if you find you enjoy the hobby.

Radio Controlled Cars for Newbies

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