Radio control toys such as cars, trucks, boats, and planes – and, of course, drones – have been a favorite form of indoor and outdoor play for decades now.
Over five decades, to be exact.
As the RC hobby site, RC Roundup relates for us,
“[T]he first remote-controlled car ever created was the nitro-powered Ferrari 250LM. It was invented by an Italian electronics company known as Elettronica Giocattoli in 1966. A year later, RC cars started being commercially produced by Mardave, a British company based in Leicester.”
But it was the 70s that saw the real birth of commercially available RC racing cars with 1/8 scale vehicles powered by two-piston nitro engines using a special blend of oils including nitrogen, methanol, and lubricant.
Then came the trucks…
RC Stadium Trucks, Short Course Trucks, Monster Trucks… And Rock Crawlers
When you step into the realm of RC trucks, you should know upfront that the participants are quite avid in their passion for the hobby. And they are emphatically serious about the types and distinctions of RC trucks.
To the casual observer, RC trucks might seem to be simply minor variations of the same thing.
Nay, nay!
In fact, depending on whom you talk to, there are up to five distinct types or categories of RC trucks. Informally, these can be labeled as Stadium Trucks, Short Course Trucks, Monster Trucks, Truggies, and Rock Crawlers.
Rock crawling is a sport in the RC hobby realm that uses very slow and low-geared radio control trucks with large tires, a high center of gravity, and motors that provide a high degree of torque.
The purpose of a rock crawler is not to win races but to “crawl” over obstacles that other types of RC cars and trucks cannot manage.
Finding the Best RC Rock Crawler Out There
Anytime fans and “experts” weigh in on the best of anything, opinions differ, and results vary.
This is true for the “best” RC Rock Crawler candidate.
So, we are going to highlight a few of the best to whet your rock crawling appetite!
SCX24 2019 Jeep Wrangler RC Crawler – The Top Mini RC Rock Crawler
Indoors or out, the 1/24 scale Axial® SCX24™ Jeep® Wrangler JLU CRC 4WD is fully capable of rugged RC adventures. At home, in the park, or even in your own backyard, the SCX24® Wrangler can handle it.
With water-resistant electronics that are safe from the elements, you are free to tackle any outdoor trail with holes, twigs, rocks, and even small puddles. And the powerful, full-time 4WD and rugged front and rear suspension let you power your way over big obstacles.
Danchee Ridgerock 4X4 Rock Crawler – The Top Introductory RC Rock Crawler
Rocks and hills have met their match with the Danchee Ridgerock 4X4 4WD Four Wheel Steering Brushed 1/10th Scale Rock Crawler. This impressively designed “Ready to Run”, or RTR, radio control truck looks and feels like a true crawler.
And what really sets this machine apart from the rest is its front and rear multi-link suspension, front and rear transmission, and the two high-torque electric brushed motors, which allow for multi-select four-wheel steering.
With a simple touch of a button, you can switch between steering modes for front-wheel steering, rear-wheel steering, four-wheel steering, or four-wheel crab steering. And you can easily access each mode while driving, right from the transmitter.
Wendigo 4WD Rock Racer – The Top High-Speed RC Rock Crawler/Racer
The agile Wendigo 4WD Rock Racer, like all rock racers, is a “hybrid” machine. Built for racing, it is also an admirable rock crawler in its own right.
Built for high-speed racing action on challenging, off-road terrain, the fast and rugged Redcat Wendigo 1/10 brushless electric rock racer was designed to look and handle like a full-scale rock racer.
Similar to rock crawling, rock racing involves a wider range of obstacles, and the drivers compete for the fastest winning time. And since rock racing demands so much more from the vehicles, these rock racer trucks must be both capable and rugged.
And to add to the rock crawling excitement, rock racers are also faster than typical rock crawlers.
Why RC Rock Crawlers Demand So Much Attention
Most rock crawlers have brushless electric motors which allow them to reach top speeds in a short period of time, although those speeds are not that fast. Most can attain a top speed that is a little faster than walking speed.
In addition, these specialized RC trucks are well-balanced and light and possess incredible traction and torque, enabling them to go up and over obstacles. In fact, some RC rock crawlers can climb at almost 90-degree angles.
You will also find that most radio control rock crawlers are produced in a 1/10th scale. That’s because larger versions tend to make the sport too easy and, consequently, less challenging and fun.
And it has to be fun, right?
At Fundemonium, in addition to some of the best radio control trucks available today, we also stock a wide variety of other RC toys such as boats, tanks, planes, and more. In fact, you can find something for every age, skill level, and budget.
Fundemonium is Your RC Hobby Store Location for the Best in RC Rock Crawlers
When it comes to finding great RC cars, trucks, rock crawlers, and other radio control vehicles, you won’t do better than Fundemonium.
However, we are much more than simply an RC car store. And, unlike most RC hobby shops, we carry a full range of RC vehicles, boats, tanks, planes, and other fun RC toys; we can repair them for you, too.
And, if you bash your RC rock crawler, or have a problem with your RC car, for example, simply bring it into the Fundemonium RC car repair center.
As we have said here elsewhere, at Fundemonium, we have the parts and accessories that you need to keep your prized RC car or truck moving. And, if we don’t stock the model or part that you want or need, we will go out of our way to get it for you!
Fundemonium is much more than just a toy, game, and RC car store – we are a full-fledged, family fun experience. This simply means that we are a fun place where families and hobby enthusiasts of all ages can meet and play. And when it comes to RC cars and trucks, we do more than just stock and sell them.
For example, if you’re looking for a fun place to host kids party’s In Rohnert Park, we offer you and your child custom parties, including a Radio Control Racing theme party. This can be a great way to introduce your child to RC cars’ fun and exciting world.
We do our best to quickly respond to inquiries about RC trucks and cars (and other fun radio control products!) through our website, but you can also find an answer to your question by calling us.
If you’d like to speak directly with one of our Fundemoniacs during our business hours, you can call us at (707) 540-0701.
Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you soon!
