Scroll down to continue....
If you are a radio control beginner, it's important to know the different options available in terms of radio control vehicles.
The essential choices are electric or nitro/gas powered, and car or buggy or truck. You will find more detailed information to help you decide if you follow the menu links, but here's a little information to get you started.
One of the most popular types of radio control model is the Off-Road Buggy. The buggy combines big spiked, heavy duty tires, tough full-travel suspension parts, great performance and a very generous ground clearance. This allows the off-road buggy to take on all types of tough terrain. You can choose either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel-drive (4WD), but it's probably best to keep things simple with 2WD to star with - less mechanical parts to fail.
RC trucks and monster trucks are also rugged and tough with great off road performance and if you want to own a monster truck in real life, but just can't afford it, then this may be just the right choice for you to be the "macho"man.
Many "newbies" will start out with on-road cars, often powered by an electric motor to keep things simple. These fast cars usually have less ground clearance, very aerodynamic bodies, and high performance slick tires, and are capable of a high speeds, even in your own backyard or parking lot. They're the best for straight line speed and with careful set-up can also handle the curves amazingly well.
Radio control cars use two different energy sources for power. The choice is either electric power from a rechargeable battery, or nitro/gas powered using special nitro fuel. Most electric cars use a rechargeable Ni-Cad battery pack and will run up to 10 minutes before being recharged for about 15 minutes. Nitro power cars are a little more complex and the nitro engine can be a bit temperamental, and need more maintenance, being powered by a small engine burning the special glow or nitro fuel.
You can assemble your own car or truck from a complete kit or buy one that is completely ready to go - these cars are called “RTR” (ready to run) and usually come with installed radio control systems. “ATR” or "almost ready to run" is another possibility but ATR models usually need to have the radio systems installed, which is something you may not want to try if you are just starting out.
If you are new to the rc hobby, you will most likely want to choose a truck or car that is RTR. This helps you enjoy the hobby quickly, without getting lost in the technical details. Such pre-built models are also often preferred by “backyard” drivers who just want to enjoy the hobby at home and not get involved with too much of the technical detail and kit building.
Complex kits that need building from scratch are usually chosen by more experienced drivers who have been into the hobby for a while. The advantage of building a kit yourself is that you will know how to repair any possible damage - building a kit is the quickest way to really get to know your rc car! If you built it - you'll almost certainly be able to repair it. Although building a kit rather than buying RTR does require extra time, there are distinct advantages.
These are just a few hints and tips on choosing a radio control car or truck. Follow the menu links to review lots of different rc models, or for more helpful information about radio control cars.