Ultimate RC Truck Comparison Guide: Sizes, Specs, and Specialized Models Demystified
Remote control (RC) trucks deliver thrilling off-road adventures, competitive racing, and technical crawling—but navigating scale sizes, performance parameters, and specialized types is critical for matching your rig to terrain and driving style. This updated RC truck comparison dissects key specifications, expands scale data, and pits monster trucks against short course, stadium, trail, and trophy trucks using real-world specs from HPI, Traxxas, ARRMA, and budget brands like Haiboxing.
Core RC Truck Parameters
RC trucks (primarily 1/10 competition-grade off-road platforms) are engineered around structural rigidity, power efficiency, and suspension responsiveness. Below is a breakdown using representative models:
- Scale: Ratio to full-size vehicle (e.g., 1/10 = 10× smaller) .
- Chassis Type: Monocoque (on-road speed) vs. ladder frame (off-road durability) .
- Drive System: 2WD (simplicity) vs. 4WD (traction) vs. 6×6 (extreme crawling) .
- Motor: Brushed (low-cost) vs. brushless (high-RPM) + KV rating (e.g., 2000KV for torque, 4000KV+ for speed) .
- Suspension: Oil-filled shocks (adjustable damping) vs. friction shocks (budget) .
- Battery: LiPo voltage (2S–8S) and capacity (mAh) dictate runtime and power .
- Ground Clearance: Critical for off-road; ≥3″ for rock crawling, ≥2″ for bashing.
Here is the detailed configuration of the Jetwood Hyper Go 1/16 Fast Brushless RC Car (Model: JC16EP)
| Scale | 1/16 |
| Motor | 2845 Brushless (4200KV) |
| ESC | 45A Waterproof (IPX5) |
| Top Speed | 28 mph (2S) → 42 mph (3S) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD, Metal Differentials |
| Suspension | Oil-filled Shocks |
| Battery | 2S LiPo (Included), 3S-Compatible |
| Transmitter | 2.4GHz 3CH (400+ ft range) |
| Unique Feature | Transparent DIY Shell + Stickers |
For technical terrain, prioritize 4WD, low-KV motors, and locking differentials (e.g., Traxxas TRX-4). For speed runs, choose high-KV brushless systems (e.g., Castle Creations 2200KV) and aerodynamic bodies.
RC Truck Scale & Size Comparison
Scale isn’t just about length—it affects speed, stability, and terrain capability.
| Scale | Avg. Length | Weight | Top Speed | Best For | Example Models |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/24 | 5–7″ (13–18 cm) | 0.5–1 lb | 10–15 mph | Indoor crawling, desks | Axial AX24 |
| 1/18 | 10–14″ (25–36 cm) | 2–4 lbs | 20–30 mph | Backyards, light trails | Haiboxing 18859E |
| 1/16 | 12–17″ (30–43 cm) | 3–5 lbs | 30–40 mph | Park bashing, gravel | HYPER GO H16BM |
| 1/14 | 15–20″ (38–51 cm) | 4–6 lbs | 25–35 mph | Mixed terrain, beginners | BEZGAR TB141 |
| 1/12 | 15–20″ (38–51 cm) | 5–8 lbs | 35–45 mph | Track racing, jumps | Team Associated RC10T6.3 |
| 1/10 | 17–23″ (43–58 cm) | 5–8 lbs | 30–50 mph | All-terrain versatility | Traxxas Slash 4X4 |
| 1/8 | 24–29″ (61–74 cm) | 8–15 lbs | 45–60 mph | Off-road racing, big air | ARRMA Kraton 6S |
| 1/5 | 36–46″ (91–117 cm) | 20–40 lbs | 50–70+ mph | Gas-powered stunts, fields | Traxxas X-Maxx |
RC truck comparison chart
Tips:
- 1/10 Dominance: Balances portability, part support, and capability; 60% of hobby-grade sales.
- 1/12 & 1/18 Gaps: 1/12 excels in track precision (e.g., carpet racing), while 1/18 dominates budget bashing (e.g., $100 Haiboxing) .
- Scale ≠ Exact Size: A 1/10 monster truck (e.g., Traxxas Maxx, 549mm) is longer than a 1/10 stadium truck (445mm) due to body design.
Specialized RC Truck Comparisons: More Details
RC Monster Truck Comparison
Built for massive jumps and rough terrain, monster trucks feature oversized tires, high ground clearance, and reinforced chassis.
| Model | Scale | Motor | Top Speed | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HPI Savage X 4.6 | 1/8 | Nitro 4.6cc | 44 mph | Legendary durability |
| ARRMA Kraton 6S | 1/8 | 2050KV Brushless | 50 mph | Best value for air control |
| HYPER GO H16BM | 1/16 | 4200KV Brushless | 42 mph | 3S LiPo compatibility |
RC Monster Truck Comparison chart
- Beginners: HPI Jumpshot V2 (forgiving, low-cost repairs) .
- Competitive Bashers: ARRMA Kraton (handles 15ft+ jumps) .
- Showstoppers: Traxxas X-Maxx (gas-like presence, 4″ ground clearance).
RC Short Course Truck (SCT) Comparison
Designed for high-speed oval racing, short course trucks (SCT) prioritize stability with enclosed wheels and low-slung bodies.
| Model | Scale | Motor | Terrain Specialty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Losi Tenacity TT | 1/10 | 3150KV Brushless | Precision cornering |
| DEERC 9201E | 1/10 | 540 Brushed | Entry-level track runs |
| ARRMA Senton V3 | 1/10 | 3200KV Brushless | Dust-sealed bearings |
RC Short Course Truck Comparison Chart
- Key Differentiator: DEERC 9201E includes LED lights and 2 batteries for <$100
- ARRMA Senton: Rubber-sealed bearings for dust resistance; ideal for loose surfaces.
- Losi Tenacity: Aluminum chassis + telemetry for competitive racing .
- Traxxas Slash: Traxxas Link app tunes steering/throttle response mid-race.
RC Stadium Truck Comparison
Stadium trucks blend buggy agility with truck durability, featuring narrow tires and exposed suspensions for responsive handling.
| Model | Scale | Motor | Top Speed | Best Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Team Associated RC10T6.3 | 1/10 | 540 Brushed | 35 mph | Entry-level track racing |
| Losi 22S ST | 1/10 | 4000KV Brushless | 45 mph | Competitive short-course |
| Traxxas Rustler 4X4 VXL | 1/10 | Velineon 3500KV | 60+ mph | High-speed bashing |
RC Stadium Truck Comparison Chart
- Racing: Losi 22S ST (adjustable camber, low-CG chassis) .
- Backyard Fun: Traxxas Rustler (waterproof, 3S-ready).
RC Trail Truck Comparison
Trail trucks emphasize torque over speed, with slow-motion control, articulated suspensions, and waterproof electronics for technical terrain.
| Model | Scale | Drive | Key Features | Crawling Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axial SCX6 | 1/6 | 4WD | Portal axles, 4.75″ clearance | 9.5/10 |
| Traxxas TRX-4 | 1/10 | 4WD | Locking diffs, 2-speed transmission | 9/10 |
| Element Enduro | 1/10 | 4WD | Lightweight, scale realism | 8.5/10 |
RC Trail Truck Comparison Chart
- Axial SCX6: Tackles 50° inclines; 30″ length conquers boulders.
- Traxxas TRX-4: Waterproof electronics wade through streams
RC Trophy Truck Comparison
Trophy trucks mimic Baja 1000 legends with long-travel suspensions, powerful motors, and durable bodies.
| Model | Scale | Motor | Suspension Travel | Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Losi 5IVE-T 2.0 | 1/5 | 26cc Gas | 4.5″ | 50+ mph |
| ARRMA Mojave V2 | 1/7 | 2050KV BLX | 3.75″ | 60+ mph |
| Team Corally Kagama | 1/8 | 6S Brushless | 3.5″ | 55 mph |
RC Trophy Truck Comparison Chart
- Losi 5IVE-T: Gas engine roars like a true desert racer; 40lb weight crushes bumps.
- ARRMA Mojave: Spektrum Firma 1250KV motor hits 60mph on 6S; optimized for jumps.
RC Truck Selection Cheat Sheet
Match your driving goals to the right platform:
| Use Case | Ideal Scale | Truck Type | Critical Specs | Top Pick |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Backyard Bashing | 1/10 | Monster Truck | 4WD, ≥2.5″ clearance | ARRMA Granite 4X4 BLX |
| Competitive Racing | 1/8 or 1/10 | Short Course | Low-CG chassis, sensored motor | Losi Tenacity TT Pro |
| Technical Crawling | 1/10 or 1/6 | Trail Truck | Locking diffs, high torque | Traxxas TRX-4 |
| Desert Running | 1/5 or 1/7 | Trophy Truck | Long suspension travel, 6S+ power | ARRMA Mojave V2 |
RC truck comparisons reveal no universal “best”—only the right tool for your terrain.
Prioritize:
- Scale First: 1/10 for versatility, 1/8 for racing, 1/5 for realism.
- Drive System: 4WD for rocks/sand, 2WD for speed tuning.
- Motor/Battery: Brushed + NiMH for beginners; brushless + LiPo for experts.
- Aftermarket Support: Traxxas/Axial dominate parts ecosystems.
“Choose scale for practicality, motor for personality, and suspension for terrain.” — Wally Armstrong
Ready to conquer? Test-drive scales at local hobby shops—experiencing 1/5 power versus 1/10 agility is revelatory. Then, tweak gearing, tires, and shocks to master your domain.