Collecting or purchasing Traxxas RC cars is a hobby enjoyed by individuals across all demographics. These cars are an interactive collectible that has continuously evolved with advancements in technology.
If you’re considering enhancing your hobby by getting a Traxxas RC car, there are several factors to keep in mind. While toy-grade RC cars are more affordable, they lack the versatility of hobby-grade RC cars.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through ten important things to consider before buying your next Traxxas RC car, so you can choose the right model for your needs.
What Is Your Budget?
Whether it’s your first remote-controlled car or your tenth, it’s important to think about your budget. High-end models, like those from Traxxas, can be more expensive. Much like deciding to invest in a new smartphone or gaming console, it’s crucial to set your spending limit upfront.
Once you know how much you’re willing to spend, you can quickly filter your options to only include models within your price range. This will save you time and help you avoid the frustration of falling in love with a Traxxas RC car, only to realize it’s beyond your budget.
If you’re working with a smaller budget, you can focus on more affordable Traxxas options, such as the Latrax models.
On the other hand, if budget isn’t a concern, then performance becomes the top priority. This gives you the freedom to choose the best Traxxas RC cars or even high-performance drifting RC cars, depending on your preferences!
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Choose Your Brand
When buying an RC car or truck, it’s always a good idea to choose a reputable brand that guarantees a high-quality experience.
Traxxas is a leading brand in the RC car industry—for good reason. They consistently produce durable cars, investing heavily in research and development to offer innovative models.
One advantage of choosing Traxxas is the accessibility of parts. Whether shopping at a local store or online retailers like Amazon, Amain Hobbies, or RC Planet, you can easily find parts and accessories without searching endlessly for hard-to-find components.
We provide reviews on some of the most popular Traxxas RC models, such as the Traxxas Maxx, and the best-selling Stampede 2WD RTR 1/10.
Consider Who You’re Buying For
If you’re purchasing a Traxxas RC car as a gift for someone else, it’s important to think about their experience level. If you’re buying for yourself, it’s easier to know which model suits your needs.
However, if the RC car is for someone else, consider whether it’s their first model or an addition to an existing collection. If they already have a collection, it’s often best to pick a model similar to what they already own, especially if they have a preference for RTR (Ready-to-Run) or kit setups.
For example, if you’re buying for a child, the Latrax Prerunner is a great entry-level Traxxas RC car. The Traxxas Slash 2WD is also an excellent choice for beginners.
On the other hand, if your recipient is a more experienced high school student, they may dream of owning a Traxxas Maxx or X-Maxx. If they prefer a fast model with a low center of gravity, the Traxxas E-Revo might be a perfect fit.
Ready-to-Run vs Kit
Once you’ve set your budget and picked your brand, the next major decision is whether to go for a ready-to-run (RTR) or a kit car.
RTR cars come fully assembled and are ready to use right out of the box, while kits arrive as individual parts that you need to put together. Both have their advantages, but RTR cars are typically preferred by beginners or those new to the RC car hobby.
On the other hand, kits are ideal if you have the time, skills, and patience to build the car yourself. If you’re leaning toward an RTR Traxxas car, we’ve compiled a list of the five most powerful models in a detailed article.
Just because you’ve chosen an RTR model doesn’t mean you can’t modify it. In fact, most RTR cars can be upgraded with new parts!
Power Source
The majority of RC cars are powered by either an electric battery or a nitro engine.
Electric RC cars are becoming increasingly popular due to their sustainability, lower maintenance, and better racing experience. They also offer excellent performance and speed potential and are easier to build and modify.
Nitro-powered cars, however, provide a more authentic driving experience, complete with the sound and smell of a real vehicle. They’re a great option if you’re looking to expand your Traxxas collection with something a bit different.
Although your choice of power source isn’t a final decision for your RC car, it’s something to keep in mind when narrowing down your options.
Choosing Your RC Car Model
Before settling on a specific RC car, it’s important to do as much research as possible.
Our website offers helpful guides and comparison articles. If affordability is a key factor, we’ve reviewed the Traxxas Slash 2WD XL-5 in detail.
We also have articles on the fastest Traxxas RC trucks and recommendations for the best models for drifting.
Can It Be Upgraded?
One of the main reasons people love RC cars is their ability to be upgraded.
If you want to keep your collection small, it’s wise to choose models that can be easily upgraded. Nitro-powered RC cars, in particular, often have plenty of upgrade options to make them unique.
In fact, almost every Traxxas RC car can be upgraded. The only question is the availability of the parts. The more popular the model, the easier it is to find parts for upgrades.
For example, the Traxxas Slash 2WD, Stampede 2WD, and Grave Digger all share the same platform, making it easier to find parts for any of these models.
Consider Maintenance
Your Traxxas RC car will endure a lot of use, and any RC enthusiast knows that maintenance is an essential part of the hobby.
It’s important to familiarize yourself with your RC car’s setup. Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to bigger, more expensive problems later on.
You’ll need to regularly clean and inspect your RC car between uses. During the first few runs, ensure that screws are tightened and components are secure.
When choosing a model, it’s also helpful to check if spare and replacement parts are readily available. This will make future maintenance much easier to handle on your own.
The ultimate guide on how to clean an RC car? 8 easy steps for you!
Consider Where You’ll Be Using Your RC Car
Before choosing a Traxxas RC car, it’s important to think about where and how you plan to use it.
Different terrains can affect your RC car’s performance—some are easier to navigate, while others can increase the wear and tear on your vehicle.
For example, driving on grass generates more friction, while concrete provides minimal resistance, allowing for a smoother ride.
If you plan to take your RC car to sandy areas, be mindful of the maintenance afterward, as sand can often interfere with the car’s mechanics.
A Traxxas XO-1, designed for road use, isn’t the same as a Traxxas X-Maxx or Rustler 4×4 VXL. These models are built for different purposes, and you should use and maintain them accordingly.
Create a Shortlist of RC Cars
Purchasing an RC car is not something you do every day, so it’s a good idea to create a shortlist of models that meet your needs. (You can find full reviews of each Traxxas RC car on our website.)
Use the points from this guide to help narrow down your options. Continue refining your list until you find the perfect RC car for you.
Here are a few popular Traxxas RC cars you might want to consider:
- Check out the Traxxas E-Revo VXL 1/16 .
Here is the Traxxas Slash 2wd XL-5:
Check out Traxxas Maxx:
Check the price of the Traxxas Stampede 2WD:
If you’d like to see more Traxxas RC cars, you can check this article about the best Traxxas RC car to buy in 2021!
