RC (remote control) toys are a popular pastime and hobby for many people worldwide. Whether you are into planes, helicopters, trucks or cars, there is no shortage of fun to be had with these remote-controlled toys. Whilst it is true that some enthusiasts choose to shop for their RC toys online, there are numerous benefits to visiting local brick and mortar hobby shops. Visiting an RC hobby shop allows you to see and touch different RC models, get expert advice from knowledgeable staff members, and see and purchase specialized accessories that you may not find anywhere else. In this article, we will explore the benefits of shopping at RC hobby shops, give tips on finding one near you, and mention some great hobby shops to check out in your area.
Importance of Shopping Local
When it comes to shopping for RC toys and accessories, it’s important to support small businesses in your community. Here’s why shopping at local brick and mortar hobby shops is beneficial:
- You can physically see and touch the products before purchasing
- You’ll avoid shipping and handling fees that come with online buying
- You’ll be able to get personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff
- You’ll have a chance to connect with other enthusiasts in the community
By shopping local, you’ll also be contributing to the economic growth of your community by supporting small business owners. This ensures that these stores continue to thrive, and it also helps create a vibrant and dynamic RC enthusiast community.
What are the benefits of brick-and-mortar stores?
Some benefits of brick and mortar stores include:
- Immediate access of products without waiting for shipping
- The ability to physically touch and see products before making a purchase
- Opportunities for personalized customer service and interaction with knowledgeable staff
- The ability to support local businesses and communities
While online shopping has its own set of advantages, brick and mortar stores continue to offer unique benefits that cannot be replicated online.
Tips for Finding RC Hobby Shops Near Me
If you’re having trouble locating an RC hobby shop in your area, don’t worry. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- Check out directories or online listings such as Google Maps and Yelp
- Search social media for local groups or pages of RC enthusiasts in your area
- Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or coworkers who are RC hobbyists
- Attend local RC events or races in your community, and inquire about where other enthusiasts shop for their RC needs
In addition, don’t forget to check the reviews and ratings of the shops you find. This can help you ensure that you’re dealing with a reputable store that provides quality products and excellent customer service.
Here’s an example of some RC hobby shops that can be found using these tips and that have good reviews online:
Store Name | Location | Ratings |
---|---|---|
The RC Shack | Seattle, WA | 4.7/5 stars |
RC Hobbies & More | Dallas, TX | 4.8/5 stars |
Horizon Hobby | Champaign, IL | 4.6/5 stars |
Is RC Cars a hobby?
Yes, RC (Radio Controlled) Cars are a popular hobby enjoyed worldwide by people of all ages. Here are some reasons why:
- RC cars are a great way to develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
- RC cars can be customized, modified, and upgraded to perform better and look unique.
- RC cars can be raced competitively or just for fun with friends and family.
- RC cars offer a wide range of styles and models, from off-road buggies to drift cars and monster trucks.
If you’re interested in getting started with RC cars as a hobby, there are many online resources available to help you get started. Websites like www.amainhobbies.com and www.horizonhobby.com offer a wide range of RC cars, parts, and accessories to suit every budget and style.
Features to Look for In RC Hobby Shops
When looking for an RC hobby shop near you, it’s important to know what to look for. Here are some key features to consider:
Wide Selection of Products
- Look for stores that offer a wide range of RC models and accessories to choose from
- Find shops that stock items from all major RC brands
- Some shops specialize in particular types of RC vehicles like drones, airplanes, or cars, so choose according to your interests
Knowledgeable and Approachable Staff
- Find shops that have staff members who are passionate and knowledgeable about RC hobbies and willing to share their expertise and advice
- Ask questions and listen to recommendations from the staff
- Choose a shop with a team that communicates clearly and in a friendly manner
Expert Advice
- Look for shops with an inviting atmosphere that encourages customers to ask questions and seek advice
- Find hobby shops that offer repair or maintenance services, so you can learn while getting help with repairs
- Consider stores that offer classes or seminars to help customers learn new skills and improve their RC knowledge
Online Presence
- Check whether the store has an online presence or website where you can browse products, make purchases, and get more information
- See if the store has social media accounts where they share updates about new products or events
By looking for these features, you can be sure you’re finding the best RC hobby shops in your area to fulfill all your remote-controlled toy needs.
You can visit Horizon Hobby for a wide selection of RC models and accessories from all major brands. Their expert team members are passionate and knowledgeable about RC hobbies and are always willing to answer questions and give advice. Additionally, they offer repair and maintenance services and host classes and seminars to help you improve your RC knowledge. Follow Horizon Hobby on Facebook to stay up to date on their latest products and events.
Some Great RC Hobby Shops Near Me
If you’re in the market for some new RC toys, here are some great hobby shops to check out:
RC Superstore
- Offers a vast selection of RC models and accessories with free shipping on orders over $99
- Specializes in a variety of RC vehicles including drones, cars, trucks, airplanes and boats
- Provides product reviews, buying guides, and instructional videos on their website
HobbyTown
- Features a wide range of RC models and accessories from top brands like Traxxas, Axial, and DJI
- Offers RC repair services and customer support to help ensure your hobby experience is successful
- Provides plenty of educational resources to help customers make informed decisions about their purchases
Horizon Hobby
- Specializes in all types of RC models from helicopters to boats, planes, and drones
- Offers a very user-friendly online shopping experience with free shipping on orders over $99 and same-day shipping for most items
- Provides valuable resources such as product videos and a large support community to help maximize the enjoyment of the hobby
These hobby shops offer all of the features you’d want in an RC store, including a broad range of products, knowledgeable staff, and excellent customer support. Be sure to visit their websites and find the store nearest to you.
Is there a market for RC cars?
Yes, there is a large and growing market for RC (radio-controlled) cars. According to a report by Grand View Research, the global RC car market size was valued at USD 1.9 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach USD 3.4 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.
Some reasons for the increased demand for RC cars include:
- RC cars are a popular hobby for people of all ages, from children to adults.
- Advancements in technology have made RC cars more realistic and easier to control.
- RC car enthusiasts participate in competitions and events, driving up the demand for high-performance and specialized models.
Websites like Horizon Hobby and Tower Hobbies are popular destinations for purchasing RC cars and related accessories. Additionally, popular RC car brands include Traxxas, Losi, and Axial.
Best Practices for Shopping at RC Hobby Shops
Here are some things to keep in mind when you visit an RC hobby shop:
Do Your Research
- Research the shop and their offerings beforehand
- Consider joining online forums or groups to get advice from other enthusiasts
Ask Questions
- Don’t be afraid to ask for advice or guidance from the staff
- Be specific about what you’re looking for and your skill level
Be Respectful
- Respect other customers and their personal space while shopping
- Don’t touch anything without permission, especially if it’s fragile or expensive
Test Drive
- If possible, test drive or operate the RC model before you buy it
- Get a feel for the controls and features of the model
Follow Regulations and Guidelines
- Follow all local and federal regulations related to the operation of RC toys
- Ask for guidance on how to operate your model safely and legally
By following these best practices, you can ensure a positive and productive experience at the RC hobby shop. Remember, the staff is there to help and guide you, so don’t be afraid to ask for advice or further questions. If you’re interested in purchasing RC toys, check out Horizon Hobby, which offers a wide range of high-quality models and accessories from top brands like E-flite, Team Losi Racing, and Blade.
What are RC hobbies?
RC hobbies are activities that involve the use of remote-controlled devices such as cars, drones, helicopters, and boats. These hobbies provide a fun and exciting way to enjoy the thrill of speed, control and aviation without the risks of personal danger. Some of the popular RC hobbies include:
- RC car racing
- RC jet and helicopter flying
- RC boat racing
- RC rock crawling
- RC aerial photography
There are numerous websites and products available for enthusiasts who want to take their RC hobby to the next level. Some of these websites sell equipment and offer tutorials, such as RCPowers.com and HobbyKing.com. Additionally, products such as the DJI Mavic Air 2 and Traxxas Slash RC Car are popular among hobbyists.
Conclusion
In conclusion, RC hobby shops can provide enthusiasts with a wealth of information, resources, and unique products that cannot be found online or in big-box stores. By shopping local, hobbyists are able to support small businesses and connect with other enthusiasts in their community. When visiting an RC hobby shop, it’s important to do your research, ask questions, test drive the model, be respectful, and follow the regulations and guidelines. Looking for a good RC hobby shop can be easy with a quick search online, but ensuring you choose the right one will require more due diligence. By keeping these best practices in mind, you’ll have an enjoyable and rewarding experience as an RC hobbyist. So, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a beginner, make sure to include RC hobby shops near you in your list of must-see places.
FAQs
Finding The Best RC Hobby Shops Near Me: A Guide - Swell RC? ›
When most people think about RC cars, they usually think of something relatively small. The size of the RC car is based on their scale relationship to the car they emulate, and the most common size is 1/10 scale (or 1:10 scale). The larger the bottom number in that ratio, the smaller the RC car.
What is the most popular scale RC car? ›When most people think about RC cars, they usually think of something relatively small. The size of the RC car is based on their scale relationship to the car they emulate, and the most common size is 1/10 scale (or 1:10 scale). The larger the bottom number in that ratio, the smaller the RC car.
What makes an RC car hobby grade? ›Our hobby grade cars require some level of skill and experience as well as enjoyment of the hobby. They are not designed as one off 'toys' to be 'played' with, they are designed to be used regularly and maintained after every use. An aspect of the hobby grade, is for the car to be upgraded and pushed to limit.
What is the best RC car made? ›- Premium pick. ARRMA KRATON 8S BLX 4WD Monster Truck. See On Amazon. ...
- Editors choice. Traxxas 68086-4 Slash 4X4 RC Car. See On Amazon. ...
- Best value. Kidirace RC Police Car. See On Amazon. ...
- Team Associated 1/10 SR10 2. See On Amazon. ...
- Tamiya 58664 Ford Mustang GT4 Race Car Kit. See On Amazon.
Tower Hobbies stopped carrying Traxxas WELL before Horizon purchased up parts of Hobbico. It was the result of litigation between the Traxxas and Hobbico and was supposedly one of the reason that Hobbico had to declare bankruptcy at the end.
What is the worlds No 1 RC car? ›From a dead stop, 60 mph flashes by in 2.3 seconds. Keep the throttle pegged and you'll smash the 100 mph barrier in 4.92 seconds. Simply put, XO-1 is the fastest and most outrageous Ready-to-Race® RC car ever created. New aero improvements make XO-1 even easier to drive at the limit and more fun than ever before.
What is the toughest RC car? ›When it comes to the building the fastest, toughest, most capable RC models, Traxxas is number-one. No other brand is as relentlessly innovative and engineering-driven to make sure every car, truck, and boat delivers maximum performance, fun, and value.
What makes an RC go faster? ›A larger pinion gear or a smaller spur gear will both provide more speed. A smaller pinion gear or a larger spur gear will provide more torque and acceleration, but less top speed. You may change one or both gears to achieve the desired effect.
What is the best kind of RC? ›Model | Power | |
---|---|---|
Best RC car overall | Traxxas Maxx | Electric |
Best RC car overall runner-up | Team Losi Mini B 1/16 scale buggy | Electric |
Best RC car for kids | Feiyue FY-15 | Electric |
Best RC car for kids runner-up | Traxxas Rustler 2WD | Electric |
The Traxxas XO-1 is the fastest RC car with a top speed of over 100 mph.
What motors are best for RC cars? ›
What's perhaps still the most common motor size used in RC cars, is often called “540”. These are used in many lighter 1/10 cars, while larger “550” or “1/8” sized motors are often used in heavier 1/10 vehicles and 1/8 scale cars. Brushless motors in this size are today often “4-pole” motors.
What RC car has the fastest speed? ›Traxxas XO-1 – Fastest RC Car In the World
The Traxxas XO-1 really is a 100-mph RC car.
traxxas.com Top 4 competitors
rcsuperstore.com, with 83.5K visits, 40 authority score, 70.14% bounce rate. hobbytown.com, with 2.0M visits, 44 authority score, 25.51% bounce rate. rcmart.com, with 571.5K visits, 36 authority score, 48.98% bounce rate.
LaTrax was founded in 1974 by Jim Jenkins, father of present day Traxxas owner and CEO, Mike Jenkins.
What happened to Tower Hobbies? ›Tower Hobbies was started in 1971 by Bruce Holecek, a hobbies enthusiast. Tower Hobbies is now a division of Horizon Hobby, LLC, which is headquartered in Champaign, Illinois, United States.
Do RC cars break a lot? ›The truth is that generally speaking, RC cars don't break easily when they're driven appropriately, which usually means avoiding crashes. In addition, a regular maintenance routine should be kept up since parts like gears usually need replacing regularly.
Whats faster gas or electric RC cars? ›RC cars that run on Electricity are faster than those that run on Gasoline. Electric cars with LiPo batteries and brushless motors are also faster than Gas RC cars, reaching over 100 mph. Gas or nitro RC cars are excellent for a more authentic driving experience.
Does a better battery make a RC car faster? ›As the driver, upgrade the motor, ESC and choose a better RC car lipo battery, are the factors that make your RC car faster. Gens ace&Tattu lipo battery can give you the power and run-time you expect from the all Gens ace lipo batteries.
How many mph does the average RC car go? ›Most RC rock crawlers have a top speed of around 10 to 20 mph. A fast RC rock crawler might reach 40 mph at best. RC drag cars, on the other hand, are intentionally configured for short bursts of very high speed. Fast RC drag cars accelerate quickly to top speeds of 60 to 70 mph.
Why does my RC car feel slow? ›There may be a poor battery or motor connection. Inspect the battery connectors and motor connectors for poor connections, damaged solder joints, or damaged connectors. Poor connections restrict power transfer. Repair or replace as needed.
What is the best RC fuel? ›
Nitromethane: Nitromethane helps boost power. The more nitromethane, the faster fuel can burn. The result is more horsepower and higher RPMs. The percentage of nitro is important for RC applications.
What is the most powerful RC battery? ›The record-breaking Saft battery
The system can be expanded up to 40MW as needed. The battery's Guinness World Record was achieved during commissioning, when the BESS was discharged at the full overload capability of 46MW for five minutes, earning it the title of the World's Most Powerful Battery.
The size of an RC model is referred to as its “scale.” In RC, the most common size is 1/10 scale, meaning the model is one-tenth the size of the “real thing.” A 1/7 scale model would be larger than 1/10 scale since one-seventh is larger than one-tenth.
How long should a RC car last? ›RC car battery life limits drive time from 20 minutes to two hours, depending on the battery, terrain, and how hard they are driven.
What age is recommended for RC car? ›A: Remote control cars are generally safe and can be used at any age, but children will likely enjoy playing with remote control cars more when they're three years or older.
Is higher RC better? ›Your RC vehicle will have a reduced top speed. However, batteries with a higher C rating will be able to maintain voltage under load. This will mean your power system will be able to produce more power output in watts leading to a higher top speed.
Is Nitro RC faster than electric? ›Electric Cars are much faster then Nitro cars with upgrades. Typically Ready to Run (RTR) models are stocked with basic parts that are mostly plastic. However, if you are serious into racing you have options to upgrade to higher performing parts and metal parts that are more durable.
What are the two types of RC cars? ›If you want to buy a racing car, an RC drag car would be the best for you. But if you need an off-road car, you can use an RC crawler or RC Truggy car. Choose your type carefully to enjoy the experience of remote control cars without any hurdles.
What battery will make my RC car faster? ›No matter how tricked out your RC car is, it can only go so fast with a subpar battery. If you really want to leave your competition in the dust, opt for a battery with a greater voltage capacity, such as a nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) lithium-polymer (Li-Po) pack.
What size brushless motor do I need? ›Typically the best place to start when sizing a brushless DC motor is matching motor size (diameter, length). Diameter ranges from 13 mm to 30 mm. Brushless DC slotted motor diameter and length are specified in inches.
Is Traxxas made in China? ›
Traxxas is a radio control model manufacturer based in McKinney, Texas.
What is the fastest Traxxas engine? ›100+mph Top Speed
The Traxxas XO-1 is a brutally fast hypercar intended for only the most experienced drivers. New aerodynamic improvements make XO-1's performance more accessible than ever before with predictable straight-line performance and confidence-inspiring handling.
High-torque gets its spin from the largest brushed motor offered by Traxxas, the Titan 775.
What does TSM stand for on Traxxas? ›Traxxas Stability Management or TSM allows you to experience all the speed and acceleration that was engineered into your Traxxas model by helping you to maintain control of the vehicle in low-traction situations.
What is the biggest Traxxas? ›Length: | 30.67 inches (779mm) |
---|---|
Rear Track: | 21.3 inches (540mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 4 inches (102mm) |
Weight: | 19.1lbs (8.66kg) |
Height (ride): | 13.79 inches (350mm) |
Traxxas E-Revo 16.8V Dual Motor 4WD Monster Truck RTR w/ TSM TQi 2.4Ghz Radio.
What companies does Horizon Hobby own? ›Our Brands
From Axial and ARRMA to E-flite, Dynamite, Spektrum, RealFlight and so more, the brands RC enthusiasts trust can be found here. Horizon Hobby product lines have earned this reputation because they are developed by individuals every bit as passionate about RC as you are.
On April 13, Horizon Hobby acquired control of most Hobbico RC brands & IP (excepting Great Planes Manufacturing). Estes Industries acquired the Estes-Cox business unit and a German venture capital group acquired Revell Germany whole and the Revell-Monogram brands, IP & molds.
What is Tower Hobbies phone number? ›Dial 800-637-6050 toll-free for questions or assistance with your order (U.S. and Canada). Dial 217-398-3636 if you live outside the U.S. or Canada.
What is the most popular scale model size? ›The scale size 1:18 is one of the biggest size of scale model cars and is DNA Collectibles most popular scale. How big is 1 18? Model cars in this scale are between 10 (250 mm) and 12 (300 mm) inches in length, and by definition, it is said that it is 18 times smaller than a car.
What is the most popular car scale? ›
1/43 and 1/32: The most common model car ratio in the world is the 1/43 scale, made popular by the Dinky Die Cast Toys, which were made in the 1930s and usually measuring between 4 inches and 6 inches.
Is 1 12 scale bigger than 1 16 scale? ›The biggest difference between 1/12 Scale and 1/16 Scale is the difference in size. The 1/12 Scale is bigger than 1/16 Scale.
What is the perfect model size? ›Height is typically between 5'9″-6″, bust is between 32″-36″, waist is between 22″-26″, and hips should be between 33″-35″. Of course most woman don't meet these standards and that is why fashion models generally get paid the most and work the most.
What scale are Hot Wheels? ›1:64 scale - Popular for farm models and American model trucks. Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning and model Nascar racers are usually this size.
Why a scale of 1 to 5 is better? ›Many people prefer the 1 to 5 rating scale since it's simple and easily understood. Rating something on a 1 to 5 scale provides a good range, from mild to severe, so that people can get an idea of how bad a problem is. It's also easier to compare things that have been rated on the same scale.
What scale is a fast RC car? ›To match their impressive speed, they're impressively sized at 1/8 to 1/5 scale. You can purchase a fast RC car ready-to-run (RTR), with a perfectly matched power system and radio gear included and installed.
What car is fastest 0 to 60? ›The Koenigsegg Gemera is the world's quickest production car that hits the 0-60 mph mark within 1.9 seconds. It's the very first four-seater by Koenigsegg and the world's first Mega-GT that weighs 4,079 pounds.
What are common RC scales? ›The most common scales used to measure RC cars are 1:10, 1:8, and 1:5. While the numbers might look confusing, they aren't too hard to understand–for example, a 1:10 RC car indicates that the RC car is ten times smaller than the race track model.
What scale are Matchbox cars? ›Matchbox cars are primarily made in two sizes: The smaller models ("regular size"; 1-75 and related series) are often classified as 1:64 scale (though they range from smaller than 1:100 to much larger than 1:64) and measure about 2.5-3 inches, or 6.5-7.5 centimetres, in length.
What scale is Barbie? ›1:6 Scale, also known as Play or Fashion Scale, it is mostly seen in fashion dolls (think Barbie). Here, one inch equals 6 inches in real life. So a six-foot tall person would be modeled at one foot (12 inches) tall.
What scale is American Girl? ›
This is also referred to as 1:6 or “playscale”. American Girl, and other 18″ dolls, are 1/3rd or 1:3 scale.
How fast is a 1 10 scale RC car? ›1:10 Scale RC Truck 4x4 | 48+ kmh Speed [30 MPH] Large Scale Remote Control Car | Free Priority Shipping | All Terrain Radio Controlled Off Road Monster Truck for All Ages (Lincoln, NE USA Company)