How to Choose Your Remote Control Toy

You want to buy an RC toy for yourself, your child, or a grandchild, but you aren't sure what kind of vehicle will give the most pleasure.

As with many purchase opportunities we face, the choices for radio control toys are mountainous. Available models operate in different environments: air, land, water surface, underwater. Just deciding where you'll play is a complicated process. Then you make final selections for specific style of toy by narrowing down the playing activity, before finally zeroing in on the exact toy.

Other consideration, such as lifestyle, where you live, where you'll operate your vehicle, also determines which toy is right for you, and for any other kids your gift plans include.

What fascinates you? What fantasies fill your head? What activities reflect in your biggest dreams for RC playtime?

Always dreamed of driving in races? What type of track or course?

• Racing on asphalt or concrete suggests an obvious choice of a car, truck, or motorcycle, but then you must distinguish between racing electric or nitro. If you go with nitro and live in a close neighborhood you risk angering your neighbors with the noise. Nitro vehicles get loud.
• How bumpy is your course? Consider that when looking at how close the bottom of the model sits to the ground.
• Will you race on a dirt track? Again, you first decide between nitro and electric, but then you must choose a model designed for off-road operation, 4-wheeling, and dusty conditions. Since nitro models have internal combustion motors make sure seals protect the air intake against the dust.
• How about mudding? Maybe you'll create an obstacle course, combining mud with puddles of water? The design must protect both your electric and nitro insides from muck and moisture.
• Want to compete in some hill climbs? Select your RC with a sturdy suspension, considering how much beating the model design can handle.
• Does your desire lead you to the skies? What will you fly? Airplanes, blimps, or helicopters?
• Or get your recreation on the water? What kind of water fun do you want? A racing boat, hydro, hovercraft, or possibly a jet ski.
• Make yours a leisurely trip. Go with a classic modeled mustang, or a Mercedes Mclaren, sightsee in a Cadillac Escalade, take a helicopter ride, perform aerobatics with a bi-plane, jump on a tour boat, or glide quietly on a sailing yacht.

Much depends on the environment where you live? Do you have extreme temperature conditions?

Nitro engines start hard when they're cold, be prepared to warm them up before you run them. Electric motors get hot, research cooling options for those models.

When you select your radio control vehicle the style, and design, of the remote control toy that fits you, or anyone you're gifting to, depends on personal preferences and environmental conditions.

When you take your time, and realize what best suits your lifestyle and operating surroundings before you buy, you guarantee enhanced enjoyment of your RC playtime.