The best Hobby RC Trucks: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Just like /u/whoknowswho2 said, it's bottom grade. The company is called New Bright and they are basically the cheap, Chinese company that makes tons of these and they are fun, but they have no ability to upgrade. My kids have 2 and they are generally speaking ok toys. The antenna tubes are annoying as I see you also have the antenna missing much like my kids.

If you can get $100 together, get a cheap ECX kit off amazon. This one my buddy has and it is a blast to drive, has 4wd and lots of spare parts. Dont be discouraged by your purchase, have fun, but if you want something to tweak and upgrade, look elsewhere.

I bought my 9 year old son a Traxxas Rustler XL5 for under $200 on Amazon. It can hit 45 MPH right out of the box and the thing can take a serious beating. Parts are readily available both on Amazon and at our local hobby store. He had so much fun with it that I ended up buying a Traxxas Rustler VXL for $340 for myself so I could join in! And that thing can hit 70MPH if you put a LiPo in it.

A lot of people in this forum don't seem to like Traxxas for some reason, but they have held up really well for me and my son and they are easy to work on. But we don't do any competitive racing, just backyard bashing. It sounds like that's what you're after as well, so I would highly recommend Traxxas for what you're doing.

First off, let me say I do NOT have any personal experience with ECX, so I'll defer to others posting here on the quality, repairability, etc.

I did notice Amazon has an ECX Ruckus at your $100 price point. It is 1/18 scale versus your existing 1/12 scale, so will be a little smaller. https://www.amazon.com/ECX-Ruckus-4WD-Monster-Truck/dp/B00FAOM4GY

I bought a $120 brushes rc car from Amazon came with everything and it’s TOUGH. I put 3s in it now it’s too fast 😂 probably would enjoy it a lot more then upgrading yours Hosim RC Car 1:16 Scale 2847... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVHCVNF?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

Hot Wheels R/C 1:10 Tesla Cybertruck Radio-Controlled Truck & Electric Cyberquad, Custom Controller, Speeds to 12 MPH, Working Headlights & Taillights, for Kids & Collectors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08J4FQWCX/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_7REP6KWP9A102CEZY8GT

This is the option I would start with.

Small enough to not be intimidating. Fast enough to maneuver however you want. Rather cheap, and VERY durable. If a dog does happen to break something, you could also just get a whole spare vehicle.

Hosim 2845 Brushless 52+ KMH 4WD High Speed RC Monster Truck, 1:16 Scale RC Car All Terrain Off-Road Waterproof 2.4GHZ Hobby Grade Remote Control Vehicle for Adults Children(Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVHCVNF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_5RH2VE201H201S1YX7AK

I wouldn't say fragile, his Revo is an amazing RC, he just certainly pushes it to the limits! I just found that even to remove a single shock or A-Arm took SO much time and effort compared to 2 screws on the kraton.. (granted, different designs)

The EXB is also seriously beefed up in the arms, chassis, chassis support, shock towers and everything. It's impressive.

ALSO!!!! Their ready to run Kraton 6s is currently on sale for $120 off on Amazon, which is a dang good deal for what you'll get. Slightly less beefy then the EXB version I mentioned above, but you can certainly upgrade/replace the parts with EXB ones as needed. This would be a great start

Your budget makes this really tough.

Option 1, that I don't think will really does not 100% fit your wants. Hosim 2845 Brushless 52+ KMH 4WD High Speed RC Monster Truck, 1:16 Scale RC Car All Terrain Off-Road Waterproof 2.4GHZ Hobby Grade Remote Control Vehicle for Adults Children(Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVHCVNF/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_NSF6QYKYMPX7C1RHKJTD

Option 2 that would be perfect, but way out of your price range.
ARRMA 1/8 Typhon 4X4 V3 3S BLX Brushless Buggy RC Truck RTR (Transmitter and Receiver Included, Batteries and Charger Required), Red, ARA4306V3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2K2T8B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KRD56Y5TWT0B51CPE73A

My main go-to for this is the Arrma Typhon. Such a great vehicle and fits right in your budget:

ARRMA 1/8 Typhon 4X4 V3 3S BLX Brushless Buggy RC Truck RTR (Transmitter and Receiver Included, Batteries and Charger Required), Red, ARA4306V3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2K2T8B/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_KEDH2JK4HMQX9XCQMBX4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Some decent deals on a few 6s V5 Arrmas on Amazon:

Arrma RTR Kraton 6s V5: $479.99 https://www.amazon.com/ARRMA-KRATON-Monster-Spektrum-ARA8608V5T1/dp/B08MX2FV1X/

Arrma RTR Typhon 6s V5: $439.99 https://www.amazon.com/ARRMA-Typhon-Spektrum-Ready-ARA8606V5/dp/B08N5NN58Q/

I've been looking at getting my 9 year old kid an electric one with brushless motors. I'm hoping that technology has caught up in the toy class ones that it won't be like mine growing up, 5 mins of mediocre run time. Anyway you might be someone who can tell me, are the ~$150 electric ones still trash? The batteries have to be better at least right? Anyone's thoughts on this are greatly appreciated.

For reference this one on amazon is what I was thinking. They seem WAY faster than the $50 ones at the toy store but I am still skeptical. I had a gas one before and I'm not expecting that kind of performance.

Try Amazon - Hot Wheels R/C 1:10 Tesla Cybertruck Radio-Controlled Truck & Electric Cyberquad, Custom Controller, Speeds to 12 MPH, Working Headlights & Taillights, for Kids & Collectors https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08J4FQWCX/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_3N3P1N43017ZS0Y1Z0H6

Losi 1/18 Mini-T 2.0 2WD Stadium RC Truck Brushed Ready to Run (Battery, Receiver, Charger and Transmitter Included) Blue/White, LOS01015T2
Been waiting for this for awhile and it's finally in stock and on sale from $149.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081534R29

DEERC RC Cars DE36W Remote Control Car with 720P HD FPV Camera, 1/16 Scale Off-Road Remote Control Truck, High Speed Monster Trucks for Kids Adults 2 Batteries for 60 Min Play, Gift for Boys and Girls https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VCCL9VC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_JHMMH3HES69JKTWV6AB6?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Is this the one? Could you recommend shocks for it?

Remote Control Car 16889, 1:16 Scale 2.4Ghz RC Cars 4x4 Off Road Trucks, Waterproof RTR RC Monster Truck 36KM/H, Remote Controlled Toys for Kids and Adults with 2 Batteries 35+ mins Play https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08C762GLK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apan_glt_fabc_3YBZ5BSDTX3SA7JFY7AE?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Limited-time deal: Hosim RC Car 1:16 Scale 2845 Brushless Remote Control RC Monster Truck , All Terrain 4WD High Speed 52KM/h Off-Road Waterproof/Shockproof/Anti-Skid 2.4G Radio Controlled RTR Hobby Car(Green) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NVHCVNF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_5ECYG0GJ38P9ZW6CX59H?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I see a lot of the RC youtube reviewers flog this HBX 16689. It's 1/16th scale. Comes with two batteries and if you look up the youtube videos you'll see it takes a pretty great bruising and just keeps going. Amazon has it for $85 or less. https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B08C762GLK/?coliid=I1AF7IURI729UU&colid=31KUO223TTELE&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Update: I decided to buy this one:

ARRMA 1/8 Typhon 4X4 V3 3S BLX Brushless Buggy RC Truck RTR (Transmitter and Receiver Included, Batteries and Charger Required), Red, ARA4306V3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2K2T8B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_z932FbDV27EP1

Seem to have a good reputation on Reddit and the video reviews and promo video sold me.

The list price of the 3S BLX brushless is 319 USD as of now. Have prices dropped within the last 17 days?

https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/1-8-typhon-4x4-v3-3s-blx-brushless-buggy-rtr--red/ARA4306V3.html

Amazon also sells it. Can you purchase it on Amazon?

ARRMA 1/8 Typhon 4X4 V3 3S BLX Brushless Buggy RC Truck RTR (Transmitter and Receiver Included, Batteries and Charger Required), Red, ARA4306V3 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08F2K2T8B/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_bN52FbH3FMW2Q?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks for the recommendations! I also agree that a larger one would get a bit boring indoors after a little while. Although it would be better for running in the small side yard. So in my case, I would prefer a smaller car and I should have clarified my space constrain.

Back home I have a wltoys 12428 and I really enjoy it! Is it considered a “crawler”? I ask because I’ve always been interested in crawlers but I don’t always want to go slow.

I think I like the Losi mini t 2.0. It would be nice if it were 4wd (awd?) The price is excellent and it includes a TX I believe?

Losi 1/18 Mini-T 2.0 2WD Stadium RC Truck Brushed Ready to Run (Battery, Receiver, Charger and Transmitter Included) Blue/White, LOS01015T2 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081534R29/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabt1_lwOWFbMV9VZC3?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I have always wanted a Kyosho mini z but I can never figure out how to get one here in the US. Seems they are usually out of stock. Any recommendations on an awd car? I do like the trucks and it looks like I could order the one below but again I still want some zip around the house. Are any of the mini z’s still zippy but also a truck so I can still get over the rug/carpet?

So many on backorder:

https://www.towerhobbies.com/product/mini-z-4x4-jimny-sierra-blue/KYO32523MB.html

https://www.amazon.com/Hosim-Car-Waterproof-Shockproof-Controlled/dp/B07NVHCVNF/ref=sr_1_57?crid=1QJE53U9WY6SZ&dchild=1&keywords=rc+cars&qid=1604798625&sprefix=rc+car%2Caps%2C167&sr=8-57

Seemed to be good. Water resistant with brushless motors. Seemed decent for the price.

https://www.amazon.com/Hosim-Large-Size-Controlled-Cross-country/dp/B07867TVGB/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=rc+car&qid=1553044410&s=gateway&sr=8-8

this exact truck is $65 from the Chinese websites. you can get extra batteries cheap and extra parts easy straight from amazon. stats say exactly 30mph. I own one and am mostly satisfied.

I was reluctant to spend a lot first getting into this hobby too. For $130 this comes with everything you need (although I'd recommend an extra battery and spare body clips). It's got enough size (1:10, big tires) to handle any terrain. I have a huge grass yard and it handles it no problem. It's very durable. There's a low-speed and a high speed mode. The low speed has plenty of zip for a kid to enjoy, but it's not hard to handle transitioning to the faster mode. It looks cool too. Everything is already built. You just put the battery in, put the body on, and go.

Hosim 9125 - Amazon

Thank you! I bought one off Amazon that should do the trick, which comes with a camera but I like your idea with the phone better. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07VCCL9VC/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_csdSEbVRJFPKW It's a 1/16 scale but I feel like it fit all the other categories for a decent crawler(my first one so I'm basing it off beginners knowledge). Gonna strap my led headlamp to it which should solve the light issue. I like the idea of a 3d printed fpv mount and I know some people with 3d printers so I might look into that in the future. I appreciate the response man!

Since it's obvious you got the XL-5 version Rustler you seemed to have overpaid by quite a bit. Amazon has the Rustler you likely purchased for $200. I'm all for supporting the local hobby shop but spending $50 over retail(an extra 25%) sounds crazy to me. I'm fine with buying parts that are within 10% of the online price or so but that sounds like a dishonest owner and not someone I would want to give my business to. You didn't save $90 rather spent an extra $50.

Amazon link to the 18th scale

This option is smaller than the 10 scale ones. It may have some difficulty getting through a yard of 2 inch grass, but it will work well on fine grass like the stuff at golf courses and certainly on dirt.

I'm currently looking at this, as it seems to be the most popular. Comment with your opinion.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JI6DAE/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687502&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B00CQ722JW&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=1P0RH234RR6XFMD8FH3S