RC toys are popular gifts, and there are many hobbyists who once get into it – can’t get enough. If you haven’t had the chance to try one, you might be looking at all the different models online and thinking about whether you should go for an RC car or an RC Monster Jam. Personally, I recommend RC monster trucks for beginners, as they’re the most exciting and versatile type. They can be fun for the whole family, and a great way to bond. For kids, they can be educational as well, as they help develop hand-eye coordination, and provide a chance to learn about the technology and electronics used to make and operate them.
Getting Started
When making any purchase, it’s only normal to consider the price first. RC monster trucks come in a broad range of prices, so setting a budget for yourself can come a long way. From entry-level, affordable monster trucks to advanced RC Monster Jam trucks, there’s a choice for everyone.
Once you’ve decided on the budget, you have to consider how durable the monster truck you’re looking at is. Since you’ll probably drive it over multiple types of terrain, you’ll want something that can withstand everything you put it through. Some models come with front and rear bumpers that protect them against crushes.
Next, you have to consider the battery. Most RC monster trucks come with their own battery, and their run time will depend on the type of battery. If you’re interested in using them for 10-15 minutes at a time, a NiMh battery will be good enough. Otherwise, you should consider a lithium-ion battery. However, lithium-ion batteries are more expensive, and you have to be mindful of how you charge and store them.
Best RC Monster Trucks
The Traxxas Stampede
One of the best RC monster trucks available. It comes with a lot of features, including waterproof electronics allowing you to use it in any environment, including mud, snow and water. The Stampede is ready to race, and all you have to do is insert the battery to start the fun. The package includes a hobby-grade controller that just needs to be turned on, meaning you won’t have to manually search for a radio frequency.
However, the Traxxas Stampede is quite costly, with a price of about $320, so it may not be appealing to those who are on a tighter budget. But, you get what you pay for – a quality monster truck with everything you need to have fun for hours on end.
Altair Power Pro
A relatively new model that comes with a ton of features and is quite powerful. If you’re looking for a monster truck that can do it all, the Power Pro is an ideal choice. It’s very durable and comes with a 4-wheel independent suspension. You can easily glide through obstacles and rocks. Moreover, it can reach speeds of up to 40km/h. You can use it for about 20 minutes exploring untouched trailers or race with friends. It comes ready to run, just like the stampede.
Hosim High-Speed
This is one of the most budget-friendly options. Priced at about $70, you get a decent amount of features. It’s a fast monster truck, allowing you to go off the beaten trail as well as a race truck. Besides being budget-friendly, Hosim offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and offers a 3-month warranty.
Traxxas T-Maxx
As you can see, Traxxas is one of the most popular brands in the world. They provide a huge range of models, and the T-Maxx is one of their high-end models. It comes at a premium price of $550. However, it can reach speeds of 50km/h and its extended chassis provides a great off-roading experience. It comes as a ready-to-drive model, but it has an extensive break-in period and a higher learning curve. Moreover, it doesn’t provide a reverse feature, but you can install one if you need it.
Redcat Racing Electric Volcano
A budget-friendly option that operates on nitro fuel rather than batteries. It comes at a price tag of $150, and features waterproof electronics, allowing you to use it in raid, snow and mud. It’s fast and durable, and it features an adjustable suspension and 4-wheel drive, making it ideal for driving in all types of terrain.
Traxxas Revo
This is a classic RC monster truck from Traxxas, featuring everything you may ever need in an RC truck. It comes at a high price tag of about $550. It includes waterproof electronics, reverse transmission and stability management systems. The Revo is considered a heavy-duty model that’s durable enough to take on even the wildest off-road adventures. It requires quite a bit of maintenance from time to time, and if you’re willing to put the effort into it, you’ll use it for many years to come. However, if you only want to be an occasional user, you might want to consider a different option.
