Looking for a hobby to help you take your mind off the daily stress? Why not try RC vehicles? Many adults are passionate about collecting these cars, building them, operating them and even racing them in competitions. And while you may think this would be some childish hobby, RC vehicles are not you’re average toy-grade stuff. As opposed to RC toys, RC vehicles, accept a variety of performance-enhancing accessories or customization. And if they break, you can easily get a replacement part to keep them going.
And while an RC toy can be found from any big-box store such as Target, an RC model vehicle can only be purchased from a specialized RC hobby shop. The fact that such shops exist is a testament to how popular this hobby is. A standard RC hobby shop will have a variety of RC vehicles to choose from, ranging from cars to trucks, buggies, rock crawlers and more. You may start with one simple model and instantly hook yourself on trying more complex types of RC vehicles. In fact, many hobbyists even build their own RC kit from different parts.
As a beginner, it’s recommended that you start with an RTR (ready to run) model, which comes pre-assembled and ready to be operated straight out of the box. An RTR model is perfect to get an idea of what the RC hobby is all about. Plus, loads of RTR vehicles accept accessories and upgrades. Once your knowledge and skills have grown, you may want to try building your own RC kit. Although building a kit is more time-consuming, it allows you to better understandhow the RC works and what’s the best way to maintain and upgrade it.
Like regular cars, RC vehicles can also be powered by electricity or by gas. Electric models are considered a good start for beginners as they are inexpensive and quiet. They are powered by rechargeable batteries and can run 30-50 km an hour. On the other hand, gas models are much louder and come with engines similar to a lawn mower’s. Gas models feel more exciting as they resemble real cars with the smoke, sound and smell coming out from the exhaust. Plus, they can go really fast, from 50 – 75 km an hour.
As you can see, both electric and gas RC vehicles can reach very high speeds. With that being said, you need to practice your driving skills on a smooth and clean terrain in order to avoid crashing and damaging your car. And the same goes for operating an RC aircraft. Once you get the hang of it, you can move on to a rougher terrain and try out more complex vehicles.