Gifts for RC Car Lovers

Last Updated on December 8, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

RC cars make for fantastic gifts for the car enthusiast in your life. With so many options available, you can find the perfect RC car gift no matter your budget or skill level. This guide will explore some of the best RC car gift ideas to delight the RC hobbyist in your life.

Top RC Car Gifts

From ready-to-run models to tools to enhance their current collection, here are some of the top RC car gift ideas your favorite enthusiasts will love.

RC Cars

Of course, you can never go wrong gifting an RC enthusiast with a shiny new RC car or truck. Consider what scale and type of vehicle they like to drive. Some top options include:

• Ready-to-Run (RTR) RC Cars – Pre-assembled RTR models make great gifts for novice and intermediate drivers. Just charge the included battery and go! Look for popular models like the Arrma Typhon, Traxxas Slash, Redcat Racing Volcano, or Axial SCX24.
• RC Buggies – Ideal for racing and jumping, 2WD and 4WD buggies like the Team Associated RC10B74 or Arrma Outcast are tons of fun.
• Short Course Trucks – With huge tires and scale looks, short course models like the Team Losi Racing 22S or Arrma Senton are perfect for backyard bashing.
• Rock Crawlers – Slow-crawling rigs like the Axial SCX10 III are ideal for navigating obstacles at low speeds.
• On-Road RC Cars – RC touring and formula cars like the Tamiya TT-02 drift car offer realistic street racing.

Batteries and Chargers

You can never have too many batteries and chargers, so they make excellent gifts. Consider these options:

• Smart Chargers – Upgrade from a basic charger to a smart charger like the Hitec X1 Pro that can charge multiple battery types.
• Multi-Bank Chargers – Charge multiple packs at once with a 4, 6, or 8-bank charger.
• Spare Batteries – Give plenty of backup battery packs so they can stay out driving or racing longer.
• Battery Straps – Help protect their battery investment with straps that secure packs to the chassis.

Tools and Parts

Every RC enthusiast needs a good toolkit. Consider useful tools and spare parts like:

• Hex Drivers – Quality hex drivers are essential for repairs and tuning. Opt for ball-end drivers for easier use at angles.
• Nut Drivers – A nut driver set ensures they have the right sizes. Look for hollow shaft versions to fit over bolts.
• Specialty Tools – Helpful tools include tire irons, body reamers, servo tools, and sway bar pliers.
• Custom Body Clips – Upgrade standard body clips with colorful and custom metal versions.
• Tires – Extra sets of pre-mounted tires make it easy to swap for different conditions.
• Bearings – High-quality ball bearings reduce friction and improve performance.

Electronics and Upgrades

Upgrade their RC with electronics and hop-up parts like:

• Brushless Motors – More power, speed, and efficiency. Choose a sensory motor for smooth throttle response.
• Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) – Get an ESC capable of running a brushless motor. Look for smart ESCs with programming features.
• Servos – Stronger and faster servos improve steering precision and response.
• Receiver Packs – Rechargeable receiver packs provide stable power for electronics.
• Batteries – Lithium polymer packs offer more punch than old NiMH batteries. Get the right connector.
• Metal Parts – Upgrade plastic parts like shock caps, turnbuckles, and hubs to durable aluminum versions.

Accessories

Every RC enthusiast needs a collection of accessories to enhance their hobby. Great gift ideas include:

• RC Car Stand – A wheeled pit stand securely holds their vehicle for maintenance and repairs.
• Tool Box – Give them a place to store all their gear with an RC toolbox or pit bag.
• Transmitter Case – Protect their transmitter with a hard case and carry strap.
• Neck Strap – Neck straps free their hands during long driving sessions.
• Battery Charging Bag – These bags safely contain and charge LiPo battery packs.
• Battery Storage Bag – Safely store and transport spare battery packs.
• RC Car Display Case – Show off their prized RC vehicles with a customized display case.

Books and Magazines

Books and magazines help spark ideas and improve RC skills:

• RC Car Books – Books for beginners cover getting started while advanced books detail tuning and racing.
• RC Modeling Magazines – Monthly magazines like RC Car Action feature product reviews, driving tips, and stories.
• DVDs – Instructional DVDs teach how to perform maneuvers like backflips as well as repairs.

Gift Cards

You can’t go wrong with letting them pick their own gift with a gift card to their favorite RC shops:

• Local Hobby Shop – Support local businesses with a gift card to their neighborhood RC car hobby store.
• Online Shops – Major online retailers like AMain Hobbies, Horizon Hobby, and Tower Hobbies offer gift cards.

Buying Guide for RC Car Gifts

With so many RC car gift possibilities, choose the perfect one for your hobbyist with this buying guide:

Know Their Interests

• Bashing – Backyard bashers will appreciate tough trucks and buggies for high-speed jumping and crashes.
• Racing – Hardcore racers will want their favorite track class like touring cars, buggies, short courses, or monster trucks.
• Scale Realism – Scale enthusiasts enjoy crawler rigs and licensed replicas of real vehicles.
• DIY Building – Consider kits for those who love assembling, modifying, and detailing their own rides.

Set a Budget

• $50 or less – Entry-level ready-to-run cars, tool sets, batteries, and accessories.
• $100-$200 – Highend RTR models, transmitters, chargers, Hopkins, tires.
• $500+ – Top racing kits, premium electronics, upgrades, and spare parts.

Consider Skill Level

• Beginner – Easy-to-drive sport trucks and buggies, pre-assembled RTR models.
• Intermediate – Short course trucks, faster brushless power systems, multi-surface tires.
• Advanced – High-end racing kits, aluminum and carbon fiber upgrades, precision electronics.

Safety Gear

Protect them from kicks and crashes:

• Helmet – Scale realism helmets or full-face motorcycle types.
• Goggles – Seal out dust and debris when driving off-road.
• Gloves – Save hands from rocks and rough terrain.

Wrap It Up Nicely

• Custom Box – Use a hobby-grade R/C vehicle box for easy wrapping.
• Batteries Not Included – Gift the batteries separately so they can be charged right before opening.
• Accessorize – Make a complete package with batteries, chargers, tools, and beginner accessories.

FAQs About Gifts for RC Car Lovers

What is a good RC car for a beginner?

Good beginner RC cars include hobby-grade ready-to-run (RTR) models like the Traxxas Rustler, Arrma Granite, and Redcat Lightning. These are pre-assembled with radio gear installed and handle well on multiple surfaces.

What tools does an RC enthusiast need?

Essential tools include hex drivers, nut drivers, specialty wrenches, tire irons, body reamers, soldering irons, servo tools, and basic toolkit items like pliers, scissors, and tweezers.

What parts wear out the fastest on an RC car?

Parts that experience a lot of friction and impacts tend to wear the quickest. This includes the tires, shocks, bearings, drive belts or dog bones, and bulkheads or chubs. Having spares of these on hand is recommended.

What are brushless motors and ESCs?

Brushless motors have increased output, efficiency, and longevity over standard brushed motors. Brushless ESCs can provide adjustable power delivery profiles by hooking up to a PC.

Where can I buy RC car gifts online?

Top online retailers for RC cars and accessories include AMain Hobbies, Horizon Hobby, Tower Hobbies, RC Planet, and RC Superstore. Many local hobby shops also have online stores.

Conclusion

RC cars make exciting gifts that provide hours of fun for hobbyists and enthusiasts. This guide covered many gift ideas spanning ready-to-run cars, tools, upgrades, accessories, and more to delight RC fans.

Knowing their skill level and interests helps narrow down the options. Extra batteries, chargers, tires, and spare parts also make practical gifts to support their hobby. With so many gift possibilities, you’re sure to find the perfect RC car gift!