The 21 best rc car kit brands
Tamiya, HSP and Kyosho lead our ranking of 21 rc car kit brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Rc Car Kit brands, ranked
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1
Tamiya
Tamiya Championship Series is a brand-new racing competition that takes RC vehicle racing to the next level. In collaboration with Tamiya America, Inc., the UK-based retailers have launched a one-of-a-kind series that matches drivers against one another in a thrilling race scenario. With the help of cooperating hobby stores from throughout the country. The event attempts to uncover the country's greatest and most inventive racers and allow them to demonstrate their abilities at one of their premier competitions. Over 70 regional events in North America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and South America are part of the series.
Website: tamiyausa.com |Brands like Tamiya
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
HSP
HSP is a competent and innovative model product provider in China. They offer their clients the most comprehensive variety of best items, including electric/gas-powered models, upgraded replacement parts, batteries, fuel, and other accessories. They provide a wide range of gas-powered RC model cars, buggies, and trucks that have been meticulously developed with an emphasis on quality and performance. Their skilled staff ensures that the items they sell meet the US and European requirements.
Website: hspracing.com |Brands like HSP
Popularity 3.2/10
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3
Kyosho
Kyosho is a Japanese company specializing in the manufacturing of radio control cars. The brand's miniature cars and radio control product lines are designed to bring joy and fun into people's lives. They also make ships and airplanes that either come in a kit or are pre-assembled. The company's products are inspired by several vintage and new cars and are very innovative. They are also reasonably priced without compromising on quality.
Website: rc.kyosho.com |Brands like Kyosho
Popularity 2.0/10
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4
HG
Since 1969, HG has been manufacturing cleaning supplies for use in and around the house, and the company has a long history of offering premium-quality goods at competitive prices. HG, one of the top companies in Korea right now, keeps revolutionizing the cleaning sector by creating brand-new products that are healthy, safe, and simple to use. Under their brands, they provide premium cleaning supplies. They also participate in the supply chain of other businesses, which runs from raw materials to completed goods.
Website: hg.eu |Brands like HG
Popularity 1.2/10
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5
Brookstone
Brookstone is a renowned insurance company offering its services to businesses and individuals. They have a range of plans that one can choose according to their requirement. They are a trusted insurance company and offer services in various fields like business and construction. The company strives to give people the right coverage plan without being too heavy on their pockets. They help their customers have some peace and focus on their productivity.
Website: brookstone-group.com |Brands like Brookstone
Popularity 1.1/10
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6
Himoto Racing
Himoto Racing, headquartered in Taiwan, is a world-class RC model vehicle manufacturer. They are dedicated to offering superior quality and service to RC car fans worldwide, both advanced and novice. Himoto Racing specializes in designing and producing various racing 4WD model automobiles. Every consumer receives top quality, a fair price, and excellent service. All of their models are crafted with the best quality materials and expert craftsmanship, making them long-lasting and easy to maintain
Website: himotoracing.com |Brands like Himoto Racing
Popularity 1.1/10
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7
3RACING
3Racing has been a market leader since its inception as a retailer in 1988. By 1995, it had expanded itself into a production house, manufacturing car tools for race cars. Their products are an important part of every race car that has driven the racetracks. This is primarily because of the inclusiveness of its range and the reliability of its products. Their products are utilized by almost every industry and factory that manufactures these cars.
Website: os.3racing.hk |Brands like 3RACING
Popularity 1.1/10
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8
Revell
The top producer of plastic model kits worldwide is Revell. They offer everything you want, whether you are new to the activity and searching for your first kit or an experienced one who wants to construct something remarkable and one-of-a-kind. There is something for everyone among the more than 200 kits offered on Revell.com, including vehicles like cars, planes, tanks, trucks, and spaceships. Revell provides the kits you need to create your fantasy and begin a lifetime hobby, regardless of your area of interest—cars, trains, or even airplanes.
Website: revell.de |Brands like Revell
Popularity 1.0/10
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9
Team Associated
Team Associated manufacturers hardware components that are primarily utilized in autos. Their cars & trucks department has a great seller called the rc8b4 team kit, which is designed to support a broad range of flex and stiffness choices with increased...
Website: associatedelectrics.com |Brands like Team Associated
Popularity 0.9/10
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10
HPI
HPI produces a wide variety of Radio Controlled automobiles, trucks, and buggies. They create their radio control systems to ensure they are the best on the market today. All of their items are intended for ease of use, and they...
Website: hpiracing.com |Brands like HPI
Popularity 0.9/10
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11
Sears
Want to shop for your house and don’t have much time? Then shop at Sears. It is a one-stop place to buy appliances, gadgets, homeware, and pretty much everything you need. They offer many different brands and collections for all...
Website: sears.com |Brands like Sears
Popularity 0.5/10
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12
Academy
Academy is your one-stop store for all things hunting and outdoor. The brand has you covered with the top gear and equipment in the market, whether you're fishing, camping, hiking, or skiing. They have elevated products that their consumers adore,...
Website: academy.com |Brands like Academy
Popularity 0.5/10
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13
K & M
K & M is Los Angeles' largest camera retailer. For almost 40 years, they have serviced professional and amateur photographers who want to record experiences that will last a lifetime. Their knowledgeable team is available to answer your questions, provide...
Website: kmcamera.com |Brands like K & M
Popularity 0.5/10
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14
ATOMIC
Giordano Robbiati designed the ATOMIC coffee maker in 1946. The coffee maker is designed to enhance the functionality and use of the product. It has a highly polished finish and a classic look that catches people's eye. The company has...
Website: atomiccoffeemachines.com.au |Brands like ATOMIC
Popularity 0.5/10
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15
AOSHIMA
Aoshima provides plastic model kits that let people unveil their creative side. Model enthusiasts choose Aoshima products because of their quality and attention to minute details. Their sole motive is to deliver joy to people through their fun products. They...
Website: aoshima-bk.co.jp |Brands like AOSHIMA
Popularity 0.5/10
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16
New-Ray
New-Ray is a brand that reintroduces the joy of play. They provide educational toys and activities to assist youngsters in exploring their surroundings and developing essential skills such as creativity, imagination, and critical thinking. Their one-of-a-kind toys are entertaining to...
Website: newrayusa.com |Brands like New-Ray
Popularity 0.5/10
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17
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18
Graupner
Graupner relishes constructing a smart living by providing customers with items that will aid them in enjoying a lifestyle that contains smart-tech gear. They sell portable radios in various bright colors, designs, and transmitters. Another reason they're a fantastic choice...
Website: graupner.com |Brands like Graupner
Popularity 0.5/10
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19
HoBao
The HoBao racing e-shop is your destination for limited edition spare parts for your vehicles. The company has launched its indigenous trucks, which are now on sale. Looking for RC parts for every model is not tedious anymore; you will...
Website: eshop.hobao-racing.com |Brands like HoBao
Popularity 0.5/10
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20
Serpent
Serpent Model Racing Cars is a European company that manufactures radio-controlled racing cars. With an experience of over 40 years, cars by the brand offer the best competitive experience to racers. The brand holds fame as the producer of numerous...
Website: serpent.com |Brands like Serpent
Popularity 0.5/10
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21
RJ Speed
Toys are an essential part of bringing up your child. As they say, nowadays, toys are gender-neutral and are not meant for only boys or girls; RJ Speed started manufacturing R/C cars. Their products are manufactured in the US and...
Website: rjspeed.com |Brands like RJ Speed
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamiya | tamiyausa.com | – | – | – | – |
| HSP | hspracing.com | – | – | – | – |
| Kyosho | rc.kyosho.com | /KyoshoCorpRC | kyosho_rc_models_official | – | kyoshomovie |
| HG | hg.eu | /HGNL1969 | – | – | UCVIR1rzYdKoQ714jAUH-Cg |
| Brookstone | brookstone-group.com | /brookstoneinsurancegroup | – | – | – |
| Himoto Racing | himotoracing.com | – | – | – | himotoracingglobal |
| 3RACING | os.3racing.hk | – | – | – | – |
| Revell | revell.de | /Revell | revellgermany | @revellgermany | RevellGermany |
| Team Associated | associatedelectrics.com | /TeamAssociated | teamassociatedrc | @Team_Associated | TeamAssociatedRC |
| HPI | hpiracing.com | /OfficialHPI | – | @officialhpi | OfficialHPI |
RC Car Kit Buying Guide
Remote-controlled (RC) cars have been a favorite hobby for generations of car enthusiasts. The thrill of controlling a miniature car has captured the hearts of young and old alike. One of the most exciting aspects of the hobby is building an RC car from a kit. The process of putting together the car, selecting the electronics, and fine-tuning it to perfection is both challenging and rewarding.
If you’re new to RC cars or looking to upgrade your current kit, there are a few factors to take into consideration when selecting the right car kit for you. In this guide, we’ll outline some important factors to keep in mind when shopping for an RC car kit.
1. Electric vs. Nitro RC Car Kits
RC cars can be powered by either an electric motor or a nitro engine. There are pros and cons to both types of engines, so it is important to know the differences before you make your purchase.
Electric RC Car Kits
Electric RC car kits have a motor that is powered by a rechargeable battery. They are generally less expensive and easier to maintain than nitro RC car kits. Electric cars are also much quieter than nitro cars, which makes them an excellent choice if you plan to use them in a residential area.
Another advantage of electric RC cars is that they are very clean. There is no smoke or exhaust fumes produced, and they don’t leave a residue on the ground. This makes them ideal for indoor use and racing on tracks.
Nitro RC Car Kits
Nitro RC car kits are powered by a small two-stroke engine that runs on a mixture of methanol, nitro-methane, and oil. Nitro RC cars are generally faster and more powerful than electric RC cars. They have a realistic engine sound and produce smoke and exhaust fumes, which some enthusiasts enjoy.
However, nitro cars are more complicated to maintain and require more frequent maintenance. They are also more expensive than electric cars initially and require more ongoing costs, such as fuel and maintenance products.
2. Type of RC Car Kit
There are various types of RC cars, each with its own features and capabilities. Here are some of the most common types of RC car kits:
On-Road Cars
On-road RC car kits are designed for racing on smooth, paved surfaces. They are low-slung and compact, with a sleek, aerodynamic design. They are typically faster than off-road cars because of their lower center of gravity and tire design, which provides better grip on smooth surfaces.
Off-Road Cars
Off-road RC car kits are designed for rough terrain and uneven surfaces like dirt, sand, and grass. They have larger wheels and tires with deeper treads that provide better traction on rough terrain. Off-road cars are also typically four-wheel drive, which gives them better stability and control on uneven surfaces.
Drift Cars
Drift RC car kits are designed for precision maneuvering and drifting. They have a unique suspension system that allows them to slide sideways around corners. Drift cars often have a rear-wheel drive and a higher gear ratio, which helps them to achieve a controlled drift when cornering.
Monster Trucks
Monster truck RC car kits are designed to resemble full-size monster trucks. They are larger and heavier than other types of RC cars and have oversized wheels and tires. They are built to handle rough terrain and can perform stunts like jumps and flips.
Crawlers
Crawler RC car kits are designed for extreme off-road crawling. They have a low gear ratio and high torque, which allows them to crawl over obstacles like rocks and steep inclines. They have larger wheels and tires to provide better grip and slow-speed control.
3. Kit Complexity and Level of Skill Required
RC car kits can range from simple to complex. Some kits require little to no assembly, while others are more complex and can take weeks or even months to complete. When selecting a kit, it is important to consider your skill level and available time.
Simple kits are an excellent choice for beginners who are just starting with RC cars. They require little assembly and come with everything needed to get started. They are also typically less expensive than more complex kits.
Advanced kits are ideal for experienced builders who have more time and skills to dedicate to the project. These kits often require additional parts and customizations, which can add to the cost and complexity of the project.
4. Price Range
The price of an RC car kit can vary greatly depending on the type of car, motor, and complexity of the kit. Entry-level kits can start at around $50, while high-end kits can cost several thousand dollars.
When considering the cost of a kit, it is important to factor in any additional parts, accessories, and tools that may be required. While a cheaper kit may seem like a good deal, it may end up costing more in the long run if additional parts are needed to complete the project.
5. Brand and Availability of Parts
When shopping for an RC car kit, it is important to consider the brand and availability of replacement parts. Some brands have a better reputation for quality and customer service than others.
The availability of replacement parts is also important if you plan to make modifications or repairs to your kit. It is a good idea to choose a brand or model with readily available parts to avoid delays in repairs and upgrades.
Final Thoughts
Selecting an RC car kit can be a fun and exciting process. By considering the type of car, motor, complexity, price, brand, and availability of parts, you can find the right kit to suit your interests and skill level. Whether you are a beginner or experienced builder, the challenge of putting together and fine-tuning an RC car kit is sure to provide hours of enjoyment and satisfaction.
