What's the Best RC Gift you Received (or sent) for Christmas?
RC racing is a truly unique hobby. We all have cars with specialised parts and tools that cater to our specific needs. And let’s be honest, we RC enthusiasts like to think we know everything, so gifting a book or guides might not be the best choice! The RC hobby also isn’t cheap. For racers, staying competitive means keeping up with the latest parts and technology, which can come at a steep cost. This all makes it hard to buy us gifts for our hobby.
So, what makes the perfect gift for an RC enthusiast or racer? - We decided to find out by asking our followers on Reddit and Facebook. The response was very interesting, with plenty of fun and insightful answers to explore.
What Gifts have our Followers had for Christmas?
Surprisingly (and unsurprisingly), most people shared stories about RC models they had received as gifts. Surprisingly, because these weren’t your typical RC gifting cars, they were mostly the high-end models! The Traxxas X-MAXX, for example, was mentioned several times. At around £1000, it’s definitely a gift for a special person!
Many responses were filled with nostalgia, with fans reminiscing about cars from the 80s and 90s. Clearly, the question sparked fond childhood memories of receiving their first RC car or an upgraded race kit.
The only non-kit or car gifts mentioned were batteries, chargers, and even a 3D printer. But, like the cars, these are still pricey options. Perhaps better suited for close family members.
The Perfect Gift Idea for an RC Enthusiast or Racer
Among all the responses, one kit stood out as the most popular and we have to agree that it’s an excellent choice for any RC enthusiast. Enter the Tamiya Grasshopper.
This kit has it all: nostalgia, fun, and accessibility. It’s easy to build, performs brilliantly on any surface, and comes at an affordable price compared to other RC kits. Whether you’re buying for a beginner or a seasoned racer, the Tamiya Grasshopper is a gift that’s sure to impress. Honestly, who wouldn’t love to find one of these under the Christmas tree?
Here are the 5 most popular response to our social media discussions.
1. Tamiya Grasshopper
- A classic kit that appeals to beginners and seasoned RC fans alike.
- Easy to assemble, offering a rewarding building experience and nostalgic value.
2. Axial SCX24
- Compact, versatile, and beginner-friendly.
- Great for indoor and outdoor use, perfect for RC crawling enthusiasts.
3. Batteries and Chargers
- Practical and universally useful for any RC enthusiast.
- High-capacity batteries and quality chargers ensure longer playtimes and are always appreciated.
4. 3D Printer
- Opens the door to creating custom RC parts and accessories.
- Ideal for hobbyists who enjoy adding a personal touch to their models.
5. Scale Accessories (e.g., Winches, Wheels, and Detailing Kits)
- Adds realism to RC crawlers and trucks.
- A great way for enthusiasts to customize and enhance their vehicles.
Affordable and Practical Gift Ideas for RC Enthusiasts or Racers
While I enjoyed hearing about the generous and nostalgic gifts our followers shared, I was hoping for suggestions that would be a bit more budget-friendly and useful, especially for those who aren’t deeply involved in the hobby. With that in mind, here’s a list of gifts I think would be perfect for RC racers or enthusiasts, all without breaking the bank.
Electronic Compressed Air Duster / Blower
In recent years, these mini leaf blowers have become a must-have for RC racers. They’re great for blowing dust, dirt, and carpet fibres out of those tight spaces in your RC car. Much better than trying to use a brush! At around £20, it’s an affordable and practical gift that will definitely be appreciated.
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Parts Boxes
RC cars come with a lot of small parts that need organising. Parts boxes are a fantastic way to keep everything safe and sorted. Even if the person you’re buying for already owns a few, they’ll always welcome more, trust me, they’ll get used!
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Pit Light / Book Light
Working on RC cars often involves dealing with small parts in tight spaces. A free standing light can make the job so much easier, leaving both hands free for the fiddly work. Whether for home use or at the track, this is a gift any RC enthusiast will find incredibly handy.
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RC Racer Guide Book
Even though many racers like to think they know it all, a book filled with expert advice or tips is always appreciated. Especially if it comes from someone with a lot of experience in the hobby. This particular book is a great recommendation from accomplished RC racers.
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Mobile Phone Stand
This might not be the first thing you think of, but it’s surprisingly useful. At long race meetings, it’s common to watch videos or catch up on shows while working in the pits. A phone stand lets you prop up your phone next to your car, keeping your hands free to get things done.
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Wrapping It All Up
The responses to our question showed just how generous RC friends and families can be. From nostalgic kits to high-end models, the passion for RC cars is evident. But if you’re looking for something more affordable and practical, I hope this list helps you find the perfect gift for the RC enthusiast or racer in your life.
Next weeks Hot Topic will be:
Who is the RC Racing GOAT?
Help us find the favourite RC racer of all time!
Who has been your favourite racer to watch over the years? Who do you think has set the bar as the greatest of all time in RC racing?
Is it Masami Hirosaka, Brian Kinwald, Marc Rheinard, Atsushi Hara, Ryan Cavalieri, Jared Tebo, Ty Tessmann, Bruno Coelho, David Spashett, Michal Orlowski or someone else?
Drop your pick and what you think are their greatest moments in the comments on our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub.
RC Pit Talk:
Reviewing 25 Years of Tamiya Evolution - The RC Racer
The RC Racer blog has published an excellent article this week, comparing two of Tamiya's flagship TRF touring cars: the TRF414X and the TRF421. With a massive 25 years between their releases, it’s fascinating to see these two iconic models side by side.
One of the most striking differences highlighted is the visual drop in the centre of gravity over the years – a testament to how much the technology and design have advanced.
The article dives into key areas like design and layout evolution, drivetrain and suspension changes, and improvements in materials and flexibility. It's an engaging read for anyone interested in the history and development of RC cars.
Read the full article here: Tamiya TRF414X to TRF421: The Evolution of TRF | The RC Racer
Photo Credit: The RC Racer
Bruno Coelho Departs XRAY After a Decade of Dominance
Bruno Coelho has announced his departure from XRAY, marking the end of a decade-long partnership that brought incredible success. Together, Bruno and XRAY achieved 5 world titles and 7 European titles. Arguably the most successful pairing in RC racing over the past ten years.
Both XRAY and Bruno shared heartfelt posts about the split. Bruno’s message, accompanied by an emotional video, stood out as he revealed how close he was to leaving top-level racing before XRAY signed him as a full-time driver i 2014. The video is a must-watch, featuring unseen footage and highlights from his racing journey.
While Bruno hasn’t officially announced his next move for 2025, he has hinted at exciting plans ahead. His Facebook page now features the header “The future will be SPECIALE.”
We can’t wait to see what’s next for Bruno, as he remains an icon in the RC community and a driver we all want to see continue racing at the top level.
You can watch his video here: https://fb.watch/wOLrycfljQ/
Photo Credit: Bruno Coelho RC
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RC World News:
Sorry there is no RC World News this week
Cool Wall Submissions
UK RC Adventures - Race Splat
Verdict: We don't usually like this angle for submissions, however, the paint lines are clean, the colours look fun, flo-yellow wheels are cool and we love the light up kitchen floor. It so much better than the kitchen work surface. Welcome to the cool wall. Instagram: @uk_rc_adventres
Andy Travis - Tamiya Mercedes SLS AMG GT3 (Pacman)
Verdict: Andy is back with another well presented picture. This time with a colourful Pacman inspired livery. We were very impressed with the painted detailing. Easy pass with this one.
Nathaniel Holt - 12th Scale Marlboro Hyper
Verdict: We have our first 12th scale for the cool wall, and it's new gen body too. There are signs of a little paint bleeding but the presentation is fantastic. It just might be a bit tight racing on that Mini-Z track.
Check out our Cool Wall here: https://www.rcclubhub.co.uk/index.php/rc-pit-post/the-cool-wall
Submit your body designs via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rcclubhub
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ClubHub Steve