11 Best RC Car Kits in 2021

LEGO Technic R.C. Tracked Racer 42065 Building Kit

TAMIYA SUPER HOTSHOT

Meccano Erector, Remote Control Speedster Model Vehicle Building Set, with 2.4GHz

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Remote control cars are famous with both children and adults. They are toys for children but can also be recreational tools for adults who are interested in R.C. cars. Many people love RC vehicles but have no idea what parts go into making them. It would be easier for you to know the components that go into making an RC car functional if you plan on building yours using an RC car kit.

RC cars differ from one another, but they all have some similar components. The basic components that a kit has include a piece of radio equipment, batteries, battery chargers, motors and speed controllers, a chassis, an engine, a servo, a transmitter, a receiver, a controller and if it is electric then you need a battery pack. A kit contains all these components.

When you choose to build your RC car kits, it gives you a chance to experience building and learn basic engineering skills. There are a lot of kits available, some are simple and are made for kids while some have a higher level of difficulty.

This guide talks about 11 best R.C. car kits that are currently available, their pros and cons have been highlighted, so you know what you’re signing up for.

The Best R.C. Car Kits Are Reviewed Below

We have reviewed a list of the best RC car kits which will help you choose the RC car kit suitable for you or your child. We hope you get to choose the best kit suitable for yourself after reading this review article.

Below is a list of the best R.C. kits with their reviews. Both adults and children can use these kits.

1

LEGO Technic R.C. Tracked Racer 42065 Building Kit

The LEGO Technic RC Tracked Racer is a unique RC car that has both race car and military vehicle style features. It has a sleek and streamlined race car body with a bright green racing stripe, the black tank track wheels allow left, right, front and back motion and also 360 degree turns even over a large obstacle. The kit contains 370 pieces and is great for both beginners and intermediate users. It can be built as an RC off-road truck or any other car or truck creation, and this gives you or your child opportunities to develop their hand-eye coordination and also have fun while doing it. It also encourages creative thinking because it can be built in different styles.

Key Features:

  • Drives forward, backwards, right and left and also makes 360 degree turns while driving over large obstacles
  • 2in1 model: Rebuild it into an RC off-road truck
  • Contains 370 pieces except for batteries

Specification:

  • Brand: LEGO
  • Model: LEGO Technic R.C. Tracked Racer 42065 Building Kit
  • Size: 3*8*6 inches
  • Style: race car and military
Pros
  • It can be made into a race car and also an off-road truck
  • It is compatible with other LEGO design sets
Cons
  • It is mainly meant for indoor use.

2

TAMIYA SUPER HOTSHOT

Tamiya has been around for decades and loved by RC car enthusiasts. They are known for their high end, durable RC model kits. This kit may be a bit advanced for beginners or little children, and the kit doesn’t include everything. But an experienced or intermediate user will have a lot of fun assembling the car. Skill is needed in other to construct the kit properly, but the result is worth it, you get a beautiful and detailed model buggy. This kit comes with shocks upgrade and a full-body skid plate.

Most kits don’t include everything, and this kit requires you to purchase a servo, battery, speed controller and E.S.C.

Key Features:

  • Twelve channels of output
  • Built-in four-in-one R.F. Module
  • Hall sensor, gimbal design
  • External USB port
  • J.R. module added for third party R.F. Modules

Specification:

  • Brand: TAMIYA
  • Model: TAMIYA SUPER HOTSHOT
  • Size: 12*12*5 inches
  • Style: Race car
Pros
  • It is made using the highest quality materials and components
  • It durable and safe
  • It is beautifully detailed
Cons
  • It is a bit pricey

3

Meccano Erector, Remote Control Speedster Model Vehicle Building Set, with 2.4GHz

The Meccano Erector is a 218 piece kit that is a great challenge for older children and teens. Not only does it meet all the qualifications of an educational S.T.E/m experience, but it also creates entertainment and fun. It has a communication range of 2.4 GHz, which is impressive and also multi-directional steering. This build is challenging but has an exciting reward at the end.

Key Features:

  • 2.4 GHz controller with multi-directional steering for precise control
  • Contains 218 parts, RC chassis, two real tools, one sticker sheet, an instruction sheet for one model and a remote control
  • AFHDS 3CH Receiver

Specification:

  • Brand: Meccano
  • Model: Meccano Erector, Remote Control Speedster Model Vehicle Building Set, with 2.4GHz
  • Size: 2.3*13.8*9.8 inches
  • Style: Race car
Pros
  • It has multi-directional steering which makes control easy
  • It has a wide range of frequency
Cons
  • Some reviewers have complained about the motor not moving properly
  • Some people find it challenging to build
  • Some screws and plastic pieces come loose and fall off

4

BO-TOYS 2 IN 1 TRUCK & ROADSTER

The Bo-Toys 2 in 1 Truck & Roadster kit is excellent for first-timers, but it is still complicated enough to make you think. It is a 426 piece kit that is great in improving hand-eye coordination, and it can also be used to make other creations. It is easy to assemble and control; both builds are durable and are easy for children to build and use.

Key Features:

  • Remote controller with up to 30′ R.C. distance
  • USB rechargeable battery

Specification:

  • Brand: BO-TOYS
  • Model: BO-TOYS 2 IN 1 TRUCK & ROADSTER
  • Size: 16.5*3.5*11 inches
  • Style: truck and roadster
Pros
  • The rechargeable battery helps save battery life
  • It is easy to assemble
  • It requires critical thinking but it is still easy for younger children
Cons

5

TAMIYA PETRONAS TT-02 KIT

This race car kit has a realistic look, and it is an excellent representation of a stock car. This kit is at an intermediate level that is ideal for teens who are used to working with other models. This car kit has amazing details which give it a realistic look, Tamiya is known for their exceptional details, and this kit was not an exception. It doesn’t include everything, and you are required to purchase a motor, E.S.C., servo, battery, paint and charger.

Key Features:

  • Includes: Petronas T.O.M.’S R.C. F Super G.T. Race Car Kit with 540 Brushed Motor, Tires, Wheels, Clear Body, Foam Inserts, Decals and Instructions
  • Chassis: TT-02 ABS resin bathtub type which minimizes contact with the road

Specification:

  • Brand: TAMIYA
  • Model: TAMIYA PETRONAS TT-02 KIT
  • Size: 6*9.1*19.2 inches
  • Style: Race car
Pros
  • It encourages STEM interest in teens
  • It is properly detailed
Cons
  • It doesn’t include an E.S.C. and some other parts
  • It takes a while to build

6

MECCANO ERECTOR RC ROADSTER

The Meccano Erector Roadster is impressive in the fact that it can be built into a race car or a sports car; this gives your child two different projects to work on. Like its other products, it’s parts can be repurposed to make other mechanical contraptions of your child’s choosing. It is a 154 piece set, and it includes everything. The car is a bit smaller when compared to others on this list, but this makes it easier for younger users to handle.

Key Features:

  • Multi-directional steering
  • Communication range of 2.4 GHz
  • Includes: 154 Parts, 2 Real Tools, 1 Remote Control, 1 R.C. Chassis, 1 Instruction Sheet, 1 User Guide

Specification:

  • Brand: MECCANO
  • Model: MECCANO ERECTOR RC ROADSTER
  • Size: 7.4*4.4*2.5 inches
  • Style: Race car, sports car
Pros
  • The kits include all the necessary parts
  • Its size is friendly for small hands
  • It challenges your child’s imagination
Cons
  • It doesn’t include batteries
  • It may be too small for older children and teenagers

7

BO-TOYS RC SUV AIRCRAFT CARRIER

The BO-TOYS Rc S.U.V. aircraft carrier is perfect for children who love the military, and it is a unique construction kit that an eye-catching green design. It contains 506 pieces which are used to build a durable Rc SUV, the turret rotates at 360 degrees which increases your child’s imagination while playing. It is excellent for beginners even with its high piece count, assembling this kit helps to improve hand-eye coordination.

Key Features:

  • 2.4 GHz radio controlled motorized army SUV
  • USB rechargeable battery
  • Remote controllers with 100 feet long R.C. distance
  • Moves forward, left, right and backwards on any terrain
  • The turret can turn up to 360 degrees
  • Made of high-quality A.B.S. plastic

Specification:

  • Brand: BO-TOYS
  • Model: BO-TOYS RC SUV AIRCRAFT CARRIER
  • Size: 9.5 * 5 * 4.7
  • Style: Military aircraft carrier
Pros
  • It is made from high-quality A.B.S. plastic which is skin safe and hypoallergenic
  • It is durable
  • It helps your child develop fine motor skills and also stimulates his imagination
  • Its 100 RC distance allows you to enjoy racing indoor or outdoor
  • It uses USB rechargeable batteries which is convenient
Cons
  • Some reviewers have said that it is a bit difficult for children under eight to assemble without any help

8

STEM LEARNING RC RACER

The STEM Learning kits R.C. Racer can be built as a car or truck. An ebook that explains the construction of the kit comes with the product, and it is a 326 piece set that promises hours of possible fun. The pieces in this kit are slightly larger than other kit’s pieces, which makes it great for teamwork. The finished product is sleek and cool.

Key Features:

  • USB rechargeable battery
  • Made from premium quality A.B.S. plastic

Specification:

  • Brand: Morwant
  • Model: STEM Learning R.C. Racer
  • Size: 16.5*11.4*3.5 inches
  • Style: Sports car, race car, truck
Pros
  • It is made from A.B.S. plastic which is hypoallergenic
  • It is durable
  • It helps improve your child’s teamwork abilities
  • They offer a six months 100% money-back guarantee
Cons
  • It can’t be driven on a rough terrain

9

THE PERSEIDS DIY CAR BUILDING KIT

Complex kits can be off-putting to younger children who want to join the R.C. family, but the Perseids DIY car building kit is simple enough that children from age six upward won’t have an issue assembling it, so younger children can join the fun without feeling intimidated or overwhelmed. The 421 piece kit is easy to fit together without any external tools and is great for small hands. The finished product is sleek while improving your child’s motor skill. The sports car has a bright orange design that is very fun to see when it is coming together. It resembles some old European car models.

Key Features:

  • 2.4 GHz automatic frequency
  • Comes with assembly instructions
  • Made with A.B.S. plastic

Specification:

  • Brand: THE PERSEIDS
  • Model: The Perseids DIY car building kit
  • Size: 11.4*10.2*2.9 inches
  • Style: Sports car
Pros
  • Made from hypoallergenic material
  • It has a stable and flexible body
  • It is less complicated for younger children
Cons
  • The kit does not include batteries

10

TAMIYA GTO TT FERRARI KIT

The Tamiya GTO TT Ferrari kit is excellent for intermediate users. The detail of this model is exceptional from the shiny rims to the bright, cheery red colour, and this classic 1980s body style makes it great for teens who are fans of classic cars or an auto enthusiast. Like other Tamiya, you need to purchase some parts to complete your build.

Key Features:

  • Made with A.B.S. materials

Specification:

  • Brand: Tamiya
  • Model: Tamiya GTO TT Ferrari kit
  • Size: 12*12*5 inches
  • Style: Sports car
Pros
  • A trustworthy manufacturer makes it so what you see is what you get
  • It is hypoallergenic and durable
Cons
  • You are required to purchase a motor, servo, E.S.C., battery, charger and paint

11

Tamiya 58346 The Grasshopper R.C. Car Kit

The Tamiya 58346 The Grasshopper R.C. Car is a re-issued, vintage, entry-level R.C. kit. It uses entry-level 1980s technology, and you could decide to save up and upgrade it if you want. It can’t be compared to current R.C. models, but it is a durable hobby grade toy.

Key Features:

  • Made using the highest quality materials
  • Terrain use: off-road; Drive-train: 2WD RWD
  • Chassis is compatible with 540 type motor
  • Independent swing axle front suspension, rolling rigid axle rear suspension

Specification:

  • Brand: Tamiya
  • Model: Tamiya 58346 The Grasshopper R.C. Car Kit
  • Size: 15.3*8.77*5.3 inches
  • Style: Race car
Pros
  • The durable plastic body is joined to bathtub resin monocoque chassis by screws, creating a solid frame that can absorb any type of shock
  • It is lightweight
  • It is excellent for beginners
Cons
  • You are required to purchase the transmitter, receiver, battery, charger, servo, standard R.C. model tools (hobby knife, small screw drivers, pliers, and file) and paint
  • Its suspension performance is weak
  • it doesn’t move well on a rough terrain
  • it is a expensive

Buying Guide Questions

Do lipo batteries make R.C. cars faster? Is higher K.V. better?

Yes, Lipo batteries can make your R.C. car faster, they have very high capacity and a high discharge rate which gives you the power and an amazing run time.

A motor with a higher K.V. will have more speed but reduced acceleration and torque while a motor with a lower K.V. will not be fast but will accelerate faster and have increased torque.

How can I make my R.C. car faster for free?

The easiest, cheapest ways to make your R.C. car faster is by

Option 1: Adjusting your gear ratio; there are two gears on your R.C. and both of them can be upgraded to increase the speed and acceleration of your R.C.

Option 2: Changing your tires, using the wrong tires on a particular surface can slow down your R.C. If you’re driving on the tarmac then get slick tires, use full spikes for grass or mud and mini pins for carpets. Ensure you use high-quality tires.

Option 3: Reducing the weight of your R.C. is one of the simplest, cheapest ways to make it go faster. Use lighter materials like graphite, aluminum and light carbon. But reducing the weight will also reduce traction, to prevent this add a little weight to the front of the R.C. Brushless motors lose less energy through friction this enabling your R.C. car to move more quickly.

Perfect your technique, many people spend money on upgrading their RC cars to be faster without actually knowing how to handle it.

Is nitro R.C. dying?

Nitro is no longer as popular as it used to be since brushless and lipo were introduced, the electric models are more comfortable for beginners to use, but there are people who prefer nitro for different reasons.

Can you build your own R.C. car?

It is possible for you to build a basic radio control car with household materials like an electric drill motor, P.V.C. tubing and other few materials from your local hobby shop or you could get an R.C. car kit, all you need is in the box along with detailed instructions on where everything fits. Kit models help you identify the pieces, tell you where they fit and how they work.

What you need to build an R.C. car?

If you want to build your R.C. car yourself, then you will need a remote control, a servo, a lipo battery pack and charger, an E.S.C. (electronic speed controller), a brushless D.C. motor, an R.C. gear differential, wheels and chassis. You could also purchase a kit which contains most of the needed parts to build an R.C. car.

How long does a 5000mAh R.C. battery last?

If used in moderation, a 5000 mAh battery can last for typically a day and a half. It can last long enough for you to play a PUBG game on your phone non-stop for about 11 hours.

Can I put a higher voltage battery in my R.C. car?

Yes, you can put a higher voltage battery in your R.C. car but ensure that the voltage is within the limit of the range specified in your user manual. If you do not check this, then you may cause irreparable damage to your R.C. car. You can also check out the RC Cars that will climb vertical walls!

Conclusion

Choosing the right R.C. car kit depends on a lot of factors, you need to consider

  • The recommended age, there are kits available that are easy for kids to understand while some others are too complex for a beginner. Kits for adults are a lot more expensive than kits for children.
  • Then you need to consider the type of R.C. car you want there are block R.C. cars that are usually assembled with building blocks and require no tools then there are the hybrid types which need you to use tools but have a straightforward construction. Also, there are underwater RC Drones and Hovercraft RC you can check out
  • The type of battery to use but some kits include them, especially the USB rechargeable cars, but you still need batteries for your remote.
  • The difficulty level, depending on who you’re purchasing the kit for, you need to buy a kit that is appropriate for their skill level.
  • The style; there are different types of R.C. replicas such as sports cars, trucks race cars and military vehicles. Some kits even let users build two different cars with the same pieces. The style you purchase depends on your preference.
  • Size; R.C. cars come in different sizes although they are not incredibly huge. Ensure you are aware of the size of the finished vehicle so that you don’t end up with a too big or too small car. Most block kits are made to be friendly to little hands.
  • R.C. cars can be fun and also help improve your child’s hand-eye coordination and problem-solving skills. Whatever R.C. car kit you choose make sure you have fun assembling and playing with it.

Do you see what you like? The answer should be yes because above is a list of the best R.C. car kits. The work has been done to bring to you the best choices available; all you have to do is check out the features that best suit your needs and make a choice.