They say that “boys will be boys” and that’s never truer than when a toy grows into a full blown hobby.  RC cars certainly fall into that category.Men are bound to be attracted to these items because, well because they are cars after all!Albeit radio control cars, but they are cars nonetheless.And we all know how wedded your average guy is to anything automotive.

There are two types of RC cars: the toy grade, designed as playthings for kids and the hobby grade which is the choice of adolescent boys and men of all ages.  Obviously both models are controlled using a remote radio control system of varying sophistication and both are largely plastic construction.The main difference between the two types of radio control cars is that the toy grade tends to be a crudely moulded chunk of plastic that resembles the look of a car, while the hobby grade types are detailed miniature models of vehicles assembled much like a real full sized car. In fact, hobby grade RC cars are treated exactly like real cars because they require regular maintenance and use genuine miniature car engines in some cases. It’s probably this complexity in hobby grade RC cars that appeals to men of all ages.

Most simple toy grade RC cars use electric motors, while more detailed model versions can use the same propulsion method, but tend to run on some form of liquid fuel powered engines.Hobbyists will take great care about whether to buy fuel powered or electric powered vehicles. There are pros and cons for both types of engine.  Electric powered RC cars are generally lighter than their fuel powered counterparts, however, fuel powered RC cars are usually faster.   That’s an important consideration as hobby grade radio control cars are also made for racing and that allows men to compete with each other.

Fitted with extra powerful radio control systems that allow remote control from many distances, an RC car designed for racing is a genuinely sleek beast and can reach astonishing scale speeds.  You can also get off-road models with bigger wheels and suspension that are suitable for all terrain racing.RC cars are definitely toys for big boys, but with some reason.   They can be appreciated by grown ups in terms of their mechanical and electronic complexity and with ability to indulge in real races they require the development of a very high degree of skill.   Toys?  Maybe to start out they are, but the RC car rapidly grows into a fascinating, enjoyable and all-consuming lifelong hobby.