Anyone who thinks modern radio controlled cars are little more than overpriced children’s toys doesn’t understand how much these miniature vehicles have evolved. There has always been a distinction between toy-grade and hobby-grade RC cars, but those differences are more pronounced now than they’ve ever been.
This is especially true with off-road RCs, where a seemingly limitless selection of battery- and petrol/nitro-powered motors, as well as onboard microcontrollers are able to regulate every aspect of their operation. The fact is, today’s hobby-grade RCs have more in common with semi-autonomous vehicles than they do with childrens’ play things. That’s why anyone who’s interested in the world of off-road RCing needs to know which brand they can trust for the most advanced technologies and best accessories.
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Hobbytech RCs Lead the Pack For Off-Road Driving Excitement
Performance, durability and innovation, these are qualities that go into building premium off-road RC vehicles. And with one of the most attractive vehicle and accessories selections in the RC universe, Hobbytech off-road vehicles are industry leaders in the off-roading space.
They’ve been in the business of engineering, designing and manufacturing off-road RTR (Ready To Run) and ARTR (Almost Ready To Run) RCs for over 25 years. Their iconic 1/8 and 1/10 scale crawlers and buggies are synonymous with performance, workmanship and off-road rigidity.
Hobbytech understands that when it comes to RCing, the difference between an on-road and off-road driving experience is as clear as it would be between driving an XR6 and a 4×4. Speed and aerodynamics simply aren’t as important as ground clearance and the ability to navigate tough terrain. This is why Hobbytech builds its RCs around fundamentals that are essential for all off-road vehicles, regardless of their size:
- Traction, traction and more traction. Traction is the main component in taking on the muddiest, rockiest and gnarliest tracks and terrain. Hobbytech’s response is a lineup of 2WD and 4WD RCs with a selection of transmissions and steering yokes that allow for maximum traction, turning and stability in the harshest driving environments.
- Suspensions built to last. Off-road RCs need suspension components that can absorb impacts and can grapple over obstacles they can’t clear. Hobbytech off-road suspensions are designed to do all of these things convincingly with optimised centres of gravity, premium shock absorbers and hardened and gear and drive pinions that are built to last.
- Rock-solid durability. Hard knocks, failed jumps and exposure to moisture are all a part of off-road RCing. Waterproof and dustproof electronics, a solid selection of skidded carbon fibre and aluminium chassis, and stainless steel links and shafts give Hobbytech RCs the rigid, rock-solid durability they need to withstand even the roughest off-road adventures.
Whether it’s exploring new tracks for the first time or jumping into full-fledged competition on a local club track, hardcore off-road RC enthusiasts trust Hobbytech to lead the pack for the best off-road driving experience possible. And as there’s arguably no bunch of RC’ers who appreciate the off-road driving experience more than Aussies, Hobbytech Australia offers them two radically distinct but equally exciting RC styles to sink their teeth into: rugged crawlers and fast moving buggies.
Hobbytech Crawlers Let Drivers Conquer the Toughest Challenges
As obvious as the difference between on- and off-road RC’ing is, the differences between crawler- and buggy-style off-roaders is just as important. Both are engineered to handle the hard knocks and dirty work that are part and parcel of off-roading but the types of terrain they’re designed to cover, and the ways they’re engineered to traverse them are completely different.
Sure-footed Hobbytech RC crawlers like their CRX1.8, CRX2 and CRX2.1 series cars and trucks are engineered specifically for slow, technical drives that require skill and patience to navigate. Manoeuvrability and exceptional wheel control are the attributes that drivers expect from their crawlers, and Hobbytech leads the way with a host of key features that include:
- Adjustable wheelbases. Not only does being able to adjust an RC’s wheelbase allow them to be tuned to specific tracks and driver capabilities, it also improves their turning radiuses – an especially favourable characteristic when looking at different-length body styles that can be used on Hobbytech chassis.
- Anti-torque transmissions. Hobbytech LCG transmissions feature an anti-torque twist system that’s designed to prevent unwanted tyre-lift under acceleration. Together with the gearbox’s 18% overdrive, this allows the central driveshafts to rotate in opposite directions, ultimately helping keep all wheels on the ground.
- Zero-degree steering knuckles. Hobbytech drive shafts allow a zero-degree Ackerman angle. This makes it possible for both steering wheels to remain parallel at all times, which is a crucial way of achieving maximum steering angles when crawling over massively uneven surfaces.
Hobbytech crawlers also feature adjustable battery holders which, together with their tunable Wolf Shocks, make custom front-to-rear weight and balance ratio combinations a cinch for maximum articulation on the challenging terrain.
Hobbytech Builds Buggies For Fast Moving Adventure
High-flying Hobbytech NXT, BXR and Rogue buggies are on the opposite end of the off-roading RC spectrum. Instead of cautious calculations, RC buggies are engineered to take to tracks, back yards and open spaces with high speed agility.
It means, however, that buggies need to be able to take more abuse than their crawling counterparts. Fortunately, Hobbytech knows precisely what buggies need to withstand even the biggest thrills and spills, so you have properties like:
- Maximum survivability. Hobbytech machines its buggy chassis, motor mounts and front and rear shock towers from lightweight, high strength 6061 aluminium. Aluminium’s combination of strength and stability allows chassis to bend without breaking, making them perfect for hard falls and heavy collisions.
- Robust steering components. Buggies need steering systems that are stiffer, yet respond quicker than their crawler cousins. Hobbytech’s steel-geared Konect-brand steering servos encase precise and lightweight steering components and assemblies in a durable, corrosion resistant housing that won’t flex or snap under heavy usage.
- High strength, reinforced parts. Chassis reinforcement is essential for buggy longevity. That’s why Hobbytech buggies are all equipped with an array of heavily reinforced parts, like front and rear wishbones, differentials, central drive shafts and universal joints.
And because crawlers and buggies typically spend most of their time outdoors, both can comfortably be powered by either LiPo battery or petrol/nitro motors. That allows drivers to choose between either simplicity and power delivery, or torque and drive time according to what’s best for their driving pleasure.
Parts and Accessories That Give Hobbytech RCs the Edge
While the technical capabilities of Hobbytech RTRs and ARTRs are impossible to ignore, the fact is the opportunity to customise an RC is easily one of its greatest payouts. From adapting a vehicle’s suitability to a specific terrain, improving its handling or just giving it a one-of-a-kind look, accessories are high on every RC’ers list. That’s why it’s no surprise that Hobbytech has one of the most extensive parts and accessories rosters of any RC manufacturer.
Some accessories are naturally in higher demand than others though, and Hobbytech has everything enthusiasts need for the ideal enhancement, such as:
- Lexan bodies. Regardless of whether it’s a crawler or a buggy, RC aesthetics matter. That’s why in addition to the durable, highly detailed bodies that most of their RTRs and ARTRs are sold with, Hobbytech also offers one of the widest selections of clear and pre-painted RC accessory bodies on the market to help achieve the perfect look.
- Wheels and tyres. Depending on an RC’s setup and the type of terrain it’s covering, the choice of wheel and tyre combination can make or break the driving experience. Hobbytech offers more than 20 different styles of crawler and buggy wheels and tyres in both 1/8 and 1/10 scale, allowing drivers to switch combo like the pros.
- Stickers and wings. Although Hobbytech’s high-quality vinyl stickers don’t do anything for performance, they also won’t fade, tear, or peel. Their plastic wings, however, are very effective at increasing the downforce and stability on fast moving buggies. Some are even designed to be raised or lowered, making them accessories that can be precisely tuned for the best performance on a given surface.
Hobbytech also offers a full complement of bearings, springs, and other parts to rebuilt, modify, and custom tune their Wolf shocks. It exemplifies their commitment to making the off-road driving experience every bit as adrenaline-boosting as on-road driving.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, even hobby-grade RCing can be more than just recreational, especially when it comes to off-roading. In addition to all the ordinary technical aspects of controlling an RC, off-roading also requires patience and a fair amount of calculation to get the full driving experience. And only one RC manufacturer is committed entirely to producing only off-road vehicles.
Regardless of what they’re looking for, high quality Hobbytech off-road vehicles have everything an off-road RC enthusiast needs to turn any track, trail or trip to the outback into the most exciting course anywhere. It’s a capacity that they’re proud of, and are proud to help RC enthusiasts enjoy to the fullest.
