Introduction
Radio control (r/c) is a hobby that can be enjoyed by anyone. From cars and trucks to boats and planes, there are “hobby grade” kits that will satisfy any personality. They even make exotic models like nitro powered motorcycles, 18 wheeler rigs, and even tanks & helicopters! Unlike the vehicles you may find in local department stores, these models are serious, with advanced components and designs. These are models with high-quality, working, mechanical parts. Also, not only are parts replaceable on most models in the event of breakage, there is huge aftermarket support with aluminum and carbon fiber options as well. Children and adults can enjoy this hobby in the same respect, whether it is in your backyard or on a race track, r/c is a hobby that young and old can enjoy; together.
How Do I Get Started?
Consider your budget and your skill level. A simpler, slower vehicle may not be your dream, but it is the best way to get started. Knowing someone who has been in the hobby for a little while can help you get started easier. Feel free to ask any questions you may have before making your purchase. There are many ways to buy an r/c car, but one of the best is to stop into your local hobby shop and see their sales staff. They are usually very knowledgeable in a wide spectrum of vehicles and can help you pick something that is right for you. If you do not have a local hobby shop, there are countless online retailers  to choose from as well.
Electric or Nitro Power?
There are 2 forms of power in today’s r/c kits. They are ELECTRIC and NITRO.
Electric cars use a rechargeable battery pack for power. They typically run for 10-20 minutes on a charge depending on battery capacity and can be recharged in 30 minutes- an hour (again depending on battery capacity). These are good for new comers to the r/c hobby simply because they are quick, quiet, and easier to afford.
Nitro cars are actually powered by a small 2 stroke engine that requires a special glow fuel containing mixtures of nitro methane and methanol. These typically require a bit more upkeep like tuning and cleaning when compared to electric powered vehicles. They typically also go a lot faster than electric and average 35-40mph for most kits. We recommend nitro vehicles for experienced hobbyists.
What Next?
Stop into your local hobby shop. You can talk to the sales person and they can guide you further into getting started and get you the gear you need to get rolling. Stopping in will also familiarize you with the hobby by seeing the products in person and getting a feel for the size of different trucks and you can see some of the replacement and option parts available for some of the vehicles. Another helpful tip is to stop into one of your local department stores and look for copies of RC Driver®, RC Car Action®, or Xtreme R/C Car® magazines. They have helpful tips and articles with ads for all of the newest vehicles and trends of the hobby.

Also, to help get you started, below is a breakdown of the most popular vehicle types in the market today.

Vehicle Categories
2wd Buggy – Race cars built for speed and handling. These are quick cars with ample suspension and medium ground clearance, they get around a track with ease but can take some skill to master.
Stadium Truck – Trucks that are based on the buggies but with a wider stance and bigger tires. These typically are easier to learn on because they use longer shocks, suspension arms, and tires and are therefore more forgiving when it comes to how they handle.
Short Course Truck – These are designed after the real CORR desert style racing trucks and have exploded in popularity over the last couple years. They are 2wd or 4wd. Scales looks, forgiving handling, and unparalleled durability makes this class very attractive to novice and pros alike.
Touring Car – Hands down the r/c for speed freaks. They are the quickest of any class and fairly easy to drive. They sit low and have little suspension, so a nice parking lot is a must.
Monster Truck – Name says it all. These have the most suspension, most ground clearance, and biggest tires of any class. They also typically have the most power and durability, making them a very popular beginner class.
Crawler – Slow speed and steady handling is what this class is all about. Crawlers have MASSIVE amounts of suspension travel and are used just like the full size versions; for extreme rock crawling.
Scaler – For the diehard modeler that loves realism. This class is all about being scaled down versions of their full size counterparts. With realistic frames, bodies, tires, and suspension these trucks capture realism at it’s finest. They tend to be slightly faster, and yet a little less capable than full-out crawlers, but they still perform quite admirably.
Mini’s – All the high tech workings of a 1/8 or 1/10 scale truck shrunken into a 1/18 or 1/24 size. Cheap, durable, and upgradeable, these are a good choice for beginners on a budget.