Ready to bash? Skip the set up and dive into excitement with ready-to-run (RTR) RC cars!
Do you love to get straight to the fun without fiddling with parts? Or maybe you’re eager to start racing but don’t have the time to build a car from scratch? A ready to run radio control car (RC car) might be just what you need.
RTR RC cars and trucks come fully assembled—no extra work needed. Just open the box, charge the battery, and you’re ready to hit the track. It’s that simple. But the convenience is just the start. Let’s closely examine all the reasons why these electric RC cars are a hit.
Wide Selection of Models
The RTR RC car scene is bursting with options galore. It’s like stepping into a candy store, but instead of sugary treats, you have a whole buffet of RC goodness.
We’re talking sleek on-road racers that’ll make you feel like you’re on the Autobahn, high-flying stunt trucks built to perform jaw-dropping flips, and even crawlers that can scale seemingly impossible obstacles.
If you can dream it, chances are there’s an RTR RC vehicle out there with your name on it, such as:
- Losi DBXL-E 2.0 (1/5 scale desert buggy)
- ARRMA Typhon 6S (1/8 scale buggy)
- ARRMA Notorious 6S (1/8 scale stunt truck)
- ARRMA Kraton 8S (1/8 scale speed monster truck)
- Traxxas Stampede (1/10 scale monster truck)
- Traxxas TRX-4 (1/10 scale crawler)
- Kyosho Fazer Mk2 (1/10 scale touring car)
- Team Associated RB10 (1/10 scale buggy)
- Hyper Go 14301 (1/14 scale drift car)
- Losi 1970 Chevelle (1/16 scale no prep drag car)
- Losi Mini-T 2.0 (1/18 scale stadium truck)
- Axial SCX24 (1/24 scale crawler)
- Team Associated SC28 (1/28 scale short course truck)
Honestly, this is just scratching the surface of the RTR universe. Take a stroll through your local hobby shop or hop online, and you’ll find an endless array of RTR RC cars just begging to play.
Effortless Shopping Experience
With RTR cars, shopping for your dream machine is easy as pie. Simply kick back and cruise through many options online, comparing features, reading reviews, and watching video after video to find your first RC car.
RTR cars make comparing specs a piece of cake, too. Each manufacturer ensures it’s all laid out for you: motor type, top speed, suspension setup, chassis material, you name it.
Wondering which car has more power? It’s right there in black and white. Need to know the weight difference between models? Just a quick scroll away.
This makes finding your perfect match a cinch. You can easily compare apples to apples and pick the RTR that ticks all your boxes.
It’s like having your own personal RC expert guiding you to the right choice but without the awkward small talk.
All-in-One Package Deal
When you buy an RTR car, you get the whole shebang in one neat package. No more piecing together a shopping list of parts or worrying if that fancy motor will fit your chosen chassis.
Most RTR RC cars include everything you need to get started, such as:
- The car itself (obviously)
- A transmitter to control it
- A wheel nut wrench
- And even a few extra replacement parts
Some RTR cars even come with a basic charger and battery pack to get you started. But if you want more speed and a longer runtime, investing in a LiPo battery and charger is a great investment.
It’s the RC equivalent of a turnkey solution. Just charge up the battery, read through the quick-start guide, and you’re off to the races (literally).
Consistent Performance
RTR RC cars are all about reliable fun. Straight out of the box, they’re set up and ready to go so that you can hit the track without any fuss. They’re factory-tuned and tested before they ever reach you, which means you can expect them to perform well jump after jump, race after race.
Plus, these cars use standard parts. So, when it’s time to fix them up, finding the right pieces is no problem at all. Forget about searching for rare parts or wondering if they’ll fit. With an RTR car, you spend less time tinkering and more time having fun on the track.
Easy to Upgrade
While RTR cars are ready to race right out of the box, they’re also built for future customization. In fact, many RTR models come with modular designs, so any hobbyist can easily swap out parts without any fuss.
Want a bit more speed? Upgrade the motor or gearing. Looking for better handling? Try new shocks or tires. The great thing is that you can upgrade your ride at your own pace, matching your growing skills and changing interests.
Manufacturers typically offer a variety of hop-up parts specifically made for their models. This means you don’t have to search everywhere for the right upgrades. Everything you need is made to fit your car perfectly, from aluminum chassis components to high-performance electronics.
Best of all, you can start small. Maybe begin with a simple tire change or a new body shell to personalize your look. As you get more comfortable, you can dive into more complex mods, like a new brushless motor and electronic speed control (ESC).
Simple Race Setup
So, you’re itching to get into racing, but the thought of complex setups and endless tuning has you feeling overwhelmed?
No worries! RTR cars are the perfect gateway to the exciting world of RC racing. They’re designed to get you on the grid in a flash, without the need for extensive technical skills.
Many of these types of RC cars come race-ready out of the box. Sure, you might want to make a few minor adjustments to comply with race rules, but compared to kit cars, it’s a walk in the park.
If you do need help, most RTR manufacturers offer detailed setup guides and tuning tips that are simple to understand and follow. So, even if you’re a rookie, you can quickly get your car dialed in and ready to compete.
Ready to Drive Off into the Sunset?
From the effortless shopping experience to the immediate thrill of driving your car right when it arrives, RTR vehicles provide a hassle-free way to dive into the world of RC racing and bashing.
These on and off-road cars perform well out of the box, letting beginners jump right into the action. And their easy-to-upgrade nature keeps the hobby fresh and exciting for years.
So why wait? Pick up an RTR car, and you’ll be racing, bashing, or cruising in no time. The track is calling—your next great RC adventure is just around the corner! Or if you’re still unsure, explore this guide on choosing between RTR and kit RC cars.
FAQs
Are RTR RC cars good for beginners?
Yes, they’re great for beginners! RTR (Ready-To-Run) cars are made easy to use right out of the box, so you don’t have to worry about putting them together or complicated setups. You can start driving and learning to control the car immediately, making them perfect for anyone new to RC cars.
Are RTR cars as fast as kit cars?
RTR cars can be just as fast as kit cars, depending on the model. Kit cars allow for more customization, which might improve speed, but many RTR cars are also very fast.
Take the Traxxas X0-1, for example—it can speed up to 60 MPH in just 2.3 seconds. And if you want to hit 100 MPH? Just add the high-speed gearing, a speed wing, and a couple of powerful batteries to this race car, and then use the Traxxas app to control it all. So yes, RTR cars can definitely keep up when it comes to speed!
What does 4S, 6S, and 8S mean in RTR RC cars?
These terms describe how many battery cells are linked together in one pack, which sets the highest voltage your RC car can handle. Each battery cell has a standard voltage of 3.7V.
- 4S: 4 cells (14.8V)
- 6S: 6 cells (22.2V)
- 8S: 8 cells (29.6V) – This is usually the most powerful option for RC cars.
Higher “S” numbers mean the car can go faster and is more powerful, but it also needs parts that can deal with this high voltage. It’s important to use a battery that fits what your car can handle to make sure it runs well and safely
Where can I buy ready-to-run RC cars?
RTR cars are everywhere! You can find them online at major retailers like Amazon and specialty RC shops like AMain Hobbies, HobbyTown, and rcMart. Or you can swing by your local hobby store to check out their selection in person.
What tools do I need to upgrade my RTR RC cars?
To upgrade your RTR RC cars, you’ll need a few key tools: a set of screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead), hex drivers or Allen wrenches in various sizes (commonly 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, and 3.0mm), and a pair of needle-nose pliers. Also, get a good set of tweezers to handle small parts.
