Buying Guide : Off-road cars
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Off-Road RC electric cars and trucks are by far our most popular type. We stock a huge range of off road vehicles from a number of well known brands.
The great thing about off road RC cars and the advantage they have is that they can be used on a range of different surfaces including both off and on road. Whereas an on road car, can only be used on flat ground. Off-road RC cars are designed to handle rough and uneven surfaces like dirt, gravel, grass, and rocky terrain.
Why should I buy an off-road model?
For those of you who are new to the RC world altogether or possibly looking to get a vehicle for young children an off road truck is a brilliant place to start. They are bigger, can be used in a variety of places and are easier to control.
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Factors to Choose the Right Off-Road RC Car
1. Driving Surface
Pick a car suited for the terrain you’ll use most - buggies or trucks for grass, dirt, gravel, or crawlers for rocks.
2. Experience Level
Beginners should choose easy-to-control, low-maintenance models.
3. Budget
Set a budget and aim for the best durability and features within it.
4. Upgrade Potential
If you want to improve your car later, pick one that supports upgrades.
5. Portability
Think about scale/size and weight if you’ll be carrying your car around often.
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Here are Some Key Features to Consider When Buying an Off-Roar RC Car:
⚙️ Drive System
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Two-Wheel Drive (2WD): Offers a realistic, dynamic driving feel. Popular in drift and on-road cars where controlled oversteer is part of the fun.
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Four-Wheel Drive (4WD): Delivers improved traction and stability across most surfaces - ideal for beginners and great for off-road or all-round use.
⚡ Motor Type
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Brushed Motors: Affordable, easy to maintain, and perfect for newcomers or casual use.
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Brushless Motors: More powerful and efficient. Ideal for hobbyists wanting higher speeds, better performance, and longer-lasting components.
🔋 Battery Life
Most RC cars run for 10-30 minutes per charge, depending on battery capacity, motor type, and driving style. Many models support quick-swap batteries, so you can keep driving with minimal downtime.
🏎️ Speed
Speeds can range from 10mph to over 50mph, depending on the model and setup.
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Beginner-friendly cars tend to cap out around 15–25mph.
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Brushless or performance models can hit 30–50mph or more, suited for open spaces and advanced control.
🛞 Ground Clearance
Higher ground clearance helps your RC car tackle rough terrain, like grass, gravel, and rocks, without getting stuck. Off-road models are designed with raised chassis and bigger wheels for better clearance and smoother off-road driving.
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Where should I start?
Some brilliant models to look at are RCG Racing MT-One 1/16 Monster Truck and RCG Racing Wind Speed/Storm Rider 1/16 Buggies. All 3 of these are beginner-friendly, ready-to-run straight out of the box, and designed to handle off-road terrain with ease.
They offer a great balance of speed, durability, and value - making them ideal first choices for getting into RC. And being such popular cars we ensure we keep most spare parts stocked should you need any for repairs.
Looking for a real buzz?
If speed is what you want something like the RCG Racing MT 1/10 Brushless Monster Truck - Piranha is an excellent choice with speeds reaching up to 40 mph.
Perfect for RC enthusiasts craving high-octane excitement, this monster truck is designed to dominate all terrains with its detailed 4x4 Off Road Truck Bodyshell and robust 4WD system. Ready to race right out of the box, it’s 99% Ready-To-Run, ensuring you can jump straight into the action.
Looking for a crawler instead?
The RCG Racing RC 1/16 Rock Crawler Pro is built to dominate any landscape it faces, from rugged trails and rocky terrains and even indoor spaces. Its sturdy alloy and hard ABS construction, combined with a high-arched chassis, ensures durability and resilience against the toughest off-road challenges, making it the perfect companion for adventurous spirits.
And there’s even a motion-control wristwatch remote, perfect for a fun, intuitive driving experience
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1. What terrain can off-road RC cars handle?
Monster Trucks are designed for dirt, grass, gravel, while crawlers are mostly for rocky ground.
2. Can I use an off-road RC car on-road too?
Yes, off-road models can be used on flat surfaces like tarmac or concrete, but they may feel less responsive than a purpose-built on-road car due to their softer suspension and knobby tyres.
3. Are off-road RC cars waterproof?
Some models are splash-proof, check the product specs before using in wet or muddy conditions.
4. Is 2WD or 4WD better for off-road driving?
4WD offers more grip and is easier to drive on rough terrain, making it the better choice for most beginners. 2WD is still fun but can struggle on loose surfaces.
5. Can I jump my off-road RC car?
Yes, many off-road cars are built to handle jumps, especially monster trucks and buggies with strong suspension. Just make sure to land on smooth ground to avoid damage and be prepared to replace parts if something bends, cracks, or wears out over time.
6. What scale is best for off-road RC cars?
1/10 and 1/16 scale cars strike a good balance between size, durability, and portability. Larger scales offer more ground clearance but take up more space and cost more.
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At RC Geeks, we offer top-quality RC products with expert advice and reliable service to help you get the most from your hobby. Shopping with us means peace of mind and support every step of the way, from purchase to play.
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✅ UK-based customer service
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🚚 Fast, tracked delivery
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🛠️ Expert tech support
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🏁 Exclusive RCG Racing models
- 💰 Competitive prices on all RC products
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