Mini R/C Cars | The Good & Bad

Mini R/C Cars are awesome! Or are they? Today, we talk about the good and bad of Mini R/C Cars, why they may be right for you, and why they may be wrong.
Cars in video:
Nano sport (2 pack): www.amainhobbies.com/team-ass...
Mini-Z On-road Cars (RWD): www.amainhobbies.com/kyosho-f...
Mini-Z On-road Cars (AWD): www.amainhobbies.com/kyosho-m...
Mini-Z 4X4 Trucks: www.amainhobbies.com/kyosho-m...
SCX24 Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/axial-sc...
FCX24 Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/fms-fcx2...
FCX24 Smasher Monster Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/fms-fcx2...
Cayman Pro Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/furitek-...
Mini-B 2WD Buggy: www.amainhobbies.com/losi-min...
Mini-T 2WD Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/losi-min...
Reflex 14T 4WD Truggy: www.amainhobbies.com/team-ass...
Reflex 14B 4WD Buggy: www.amainhobbies.com/team-ass...
Traxxas Slash Short Course Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/traxxas-...
Arrma Granite 4X2 Boost Monster Truck: www.amainhobbies.com/arrma-gr...
For all of your RC needs visit AMain Hobbies: bit.ly/XcAuJr
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[@DasE30Cuz]

One of my favorite things about small RCs is the ability to tinker on them in informal ways. With my tenth scale ones, I need to dedicate an entire table and a lot more time, which are two things I don't often have.

[@candy5846]

I immediately imagined the half office from Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory

[@Daniyoyo]

Lol and ALOT more money

[@georgivoyvodov1123]

Well, You're absolutely right when saying with another words, that every train has its passengers ;-) My story is bright example for that : When I was younger, healthier and wealthy , My passion were 1:8 and 1:5 scale gasers and Electric monsters. But, after I left my right leg in Afghanistan and got stacked in a wheel chair my scale orientation has been changed significantly : Now I am driving a 1:76 Turbo Racing micro racers, 1:24 & 1:28 scale crawlers and 1:32 & 1:35 scale rock bouncers simply because I can play in my house . So, every scale of RC rigs has it's right place in the right hands at a right situation.

[@HumlsHobbies]

Building a mini crawler course in my house added a whole new level to this hobby for me! I love it!

[@user-ff2mu4fh4v]

The smaller batteries have as much energy density as the larger ones. They store LESS energy, because they're smaller, but it's still the same density.

[@ninthislandrc]

In other words, large or small, they're ALL great...from the Mini-Z, to the Limitless, and even (if you can afford it) the Raminator. 🤙🏼

[@garethjones2125]

I’ve just bought a Mini Z buggy and a Mini Z AWD drift car. Great fun for indoor use, and quite addictive. I already want a RWD car and some upgrades.

[@bongofury3176]

for extreme crawling you get much less damage with 1/18 or 1/24 than you do with 1/10 or 1/8. mainly because of the huge difference in momentum when they fall off the rocks. I have never broken anything on my mini crawlers and I crawl some crazy cliffs whereas I am regularly buying spares for my R1 and TRX6 for instance...

[@aftermathmotomxrc]

More Mass MORE SMASH

[@XtrmTJ97]

I've jumped into the 1/24 crawler world. 13 small crawlers later, I'm loving it!!!

[@mattdixon6396]

Just got my first🤦‍♂️ I can see a new obsession in the making.

[@elvinowe]

13!?

[@XtrmTJ97]

@@elvinowe Deadbolt (x2), JLU, Gladiator, C10, B17 Betty, Bronco, Furitek Scythe, Grave Digger Monster Truck, Injora chassis crawler, Nexx Racing crawler, Deadbolt with a Cliffhanger body, AX24. Yep 13 !!!

[@SnarkyRC]

I would've never bought an SCX24 but I, only paid $25 from Tower. It just collects dust now.

[@exp2tr10t]

Love this! 100% agree on all of this. Later this year, I plan on building a speedway dedicated to 1/18 and smaller for the neighborhood. Main two classes will be the Losi mini's and the Associated 1/28 series. See you at the track.😎

[@iavagabond124]

WPL is also a great starter crawler under $100 and Redcat Volcano and Blackout are great $100-$200 started larger off-road options as well! Both those companies have good aftermarket and replacement parts

[@zonegamma8197]

Great job as always , love AMain nice selection of cars and video biggest advantage is storage space

[@rcdriver]

Great info!

[@88davidw]

Excellent video as always 👍🏼

[@anugroho1174]

Love mini RCs. I have quite a few. The biggest problem for me is that their bounce on suspensions are not as realistic as the bigger ones.

[@GrimJerr]

Love my Mini crawlers but they tend to get forgotten when it warms up and I can get out with my 1/10th crawlers that become the shelf queens when the weather is bad. They are also nice when dragging around a 1/10th and all the extras is too much, but you still want to be able to RC. It's easy to get just as carried away modifying these little gems, as much as the bigger wallet crushers, but that also means there lots to do to make these as personal as any other RC in your collection. So I say yes to the mini's whatever your niche, we can have it both ways.

[@3Y3ECE]

An excellent video! I've been in and out of the rc hobby several times over the last 31 years or so, and, in my experience, small is absolutely the best way to go for beginners. Primarily it's price point, parts availability, and, the real test with somebody, seeing how they work on them. If somebody loves driving RC's but hates working on them, they should probably keep it small! Even affordable 4s bashers (the bigger guys) are much larger to work on, but it's still the same principals as the small ones, just bigger, spendier, and still work. I really like the $100 price point for new RC people. It should get you a decent RTR, and sometimes even an extra battery or the like. There are many companies with solid products at this price point, bigger name brands, and smaller name brands. Smaller name brands give you a cheaper price tag, so you can jump right in to a couple of upgrades that other people have had some troubles with, but, out of the gate. It's a nice way to jump ahead a step in the troubleshooting stages! I'm really growing to love AMain hobbies more and more. Their recommendations and videos are always top-notch, user-friendly, and laid out in a concise, and direct way. I've been buying more and more from you all now, so I appreciate your dedication to the hobby!!

[@truenopanda86]

Love your video’s guys. Good work 🤟

[@ghostinng274]

I'm not too worried about space, but I love mini crawlers. The fact that if it starts to rain and/or you don't want to be outside anymore, you can just bring it inside and do the same kinda stuff without worrying about space.

[@jimcurt99]

I LOVE my Traxxas 1/10 scale (2wd Slashes, 4wd Slash, 4wd Rustlers and a Bandit)- but I have a Losi Chevelle drag car and 2 Mini-T's that are SO much fun! Fast right from the box, easy to fix, easy to upgrade, good value

[@pengy44]

I have an orlandoo hunter 1/32 scale crawler. Just threw it in my back pack on a trip to Utah and had a blast just hiking around and pulling it out while taking breaks.

[@LandenDenham]

I love my carisma gt24, some of the most fun I've had with rc

[@thehobbyist1162]

MY first mini RC Car is the Kyosho Mini Z Buggy and its fantastic especially when the weather is bad.

[@d.p.9567]

Matchbox cars were my first love! All the scales have their fun. Kinda like life. As above so below.

[@markieh04]

I started with the larger scale cars but since went down to the minis. Just like you said, it came down to the environment. We race in my garage so 1/24s are the right size. Plus, I was buying all the cars they were using 😊.

[@Daniyoyo]

To be honest .. my kids and I are enjoying building the indoor dinosaur dirt course for our mini crawlers is ALOT more enjoyable. The concept of having fun indoors and outdoors is what’s makes it for me . Today was 107 degrees outside and we didn’t care , indoor crawl baby !

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Good video Brett. Like button energized. Have a good weekend.

[@RCBOSS1969]

Thank you!

[@VS666]

my trx4m turned into a whole thing, I consider it actually done at this point haha. love the mini rcs

[@malcomlittle251]

Good information. Thanks !

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

Great video cool information

[@MrROTD]

I love these mini RCS ever since Zipzaps and Xmods were even better for modding them, I have an Ecx micro short course truck I whip it out at work sometimes if its not too busy.

[@severalothers]

I have four 1/24 scale crawlers and love them. They are easy to pack away in the camper when my wife and I head up to the mountains.

[@thegarf5677]

Can I have your wife’s phone number?

[@UnrivaledPiercer]

I own a Losi 5ive-T 1/5th scale, and I'm considering picking up an SCX24. It just goes to show there really is no "wrong" answer here.

[@jarivanzetten6460]

I have both i have a traxxas slash as my go to basher and a trx4m as a mini indoor fun car and i build a little crawler track in my backyard to also play with it outside

[@Johnnyeatsitall]

The Losi mini T looks so awesome 😊

[@blainesworld6404]

Fun fact if you don't have a lot of space u can get a lot of minis. I have a bunch of mini zs and losi mini t and mini b cars. Also love the losi jrx and lrxt

[@Porscheontop]

My favorite rc ever is the losi mini b

[@mikes062]

I’ve got an scx24, mini t, 1/16 slash and a proboat jet jam and plan to get a trx4m when I can I get a Chevy body on it and they’re great but unless I had to sell a bunch I still like the bigger stuff more! They’re all fun in their own right though!

[@thefightingplumber]

My advise, get one in all sizes. I have the SCX24, MT28, MERV, Hoss, Sledge, a Blade heli and a Nitro. Never a dull day!

[@djSpinege]

it's crazy how over priced everything in the hobby is but it sure is fun.

[@Nuggets-mw5bc]

Yeah I agree it's fun to do but you need a little bigger budget compared to other hobbys.

[@206beastman]

Love my brushless losi mini b does about 45mph and fits in my back pack

[@danieljackson443]

Honestly wpl is hands down the best hard bodys, many many upgrades available and with what they're starting to come out with now for the prices these bigger companies better watch out

[@mikeupton5406]

Ordered my first mini Friday. An Atlas.

[@user-ff2mu4fh4v]

also about the durability of the small scale RCs, they're actually much more durable BECAUSE they're smaller. Less overall mass and larger proportional components make them tougher than the large scale rc cars. If you've ever driven 1/10 and larger, you know how fragile they are. A wrong turn and you could be breaking anything. Saying that they have tiny components is like saying a hot wheels 1/64 car is less durable than a full size 1:1 car because it's smaller.

[@boiledtea479]

one thing about the charging prozes is yes, its a whole lot easier to just plug it into the usb wire, but ive almost blown up two lipos using it before (nothing happened dw) so i 100% recommend getting a real proper safety charger if the tiny car is something for you

[@jjm2948]

Only one I really like is the Trek Rage…like a mini traxxas sledge. Super fast and handles great with durability. Full size transmitter as well

[@LARANUD]

I agree

[@johnlong5899]

Mini 1/24 hard body replicas our favorite plastic model kits of the 1960's and 70's would be awesome. Something to build a shelf display with. Put em in the $100 range and the industry would be on to something if they aren't already with mini 1/24 indoor crawlers.

[@keepingitonehundred]

Love me some Minis (1/16/ + 1/18) and Micros (1/24)😉! Only part I hate are all the different lipo sizes and shapes 🤣

[@chrisjames5823]

Bought 6 of em They are in a tote in my garage. Untouched for over a year.

[@SnarkyRC]

Yep. My SCX24 just collects dust.

[@xKmotx]

Very well thought out and explained. Mini's are not for me though.

[@fromthebackofmymind]

I want a mini jeep gladiator. The scale bed might fit a can of beer.

[@madmikecustomrcrockcrawlers]

Awesome video, black sheep scalers road squad. RC Curtis garage.

[@fortrangerscouts]

Now I want the reflex models now :)

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Yes! Those are my favorites. Our retail store used to have a try-me track inside with two shop-owned 14B buggies for anyone to use and they were so much fun! -Brett

[@workingclassperson2124]

Any size! More the better. RC=FUN

[@adamrodgers2377]

We have 3 Axial SXC24's and 3 FCX24's so whenever the weather sucks and can't get out 1/10 Scale Crawlers out.

[@DHoppey10]

Which do you prefer? I have some scx24’s now and was looking into the fcx…would you recommend it over the axial?

[@soma_rc]

1/14 LC Racing here for the backyard track.

[@mikehansen9898]

I feel like you missed a couple really great options for smaller scale goodies. Losi 1/16 drag car. (Might not have been out yet) or the WL Toys or MJX brands. I really wish the brick and mortar stores in this country would support those brands.

[@mguarin912]

This guy has to be one of the best brand ambassadors & organization representatives around.

[@SnarkyRC]

His old channel was better.

[@zionjarman3610]

The only thing I have done with minis is stripping diffs but they may just because of it being a glacier and not having many to any upgrades

[@tylernollrc]

Great video I loved it. Did you use my idea of comparing different scales then telling people the best options to get started with. If so thats so cool. If you came up with it on your own then we are thinking on the same wavelength and that's super cool too.

[@SnarkyRC]

I'm not a fan of RCs smaller than 1/10. I do have a SCX24 but, I've only driven it for about 5 minutes. It's just a shelf queen now. Those USB chargers are more of a fire hazard than anything else. I always recommend getting a proper charger for charging Lipos.

[@Matty_mccfly]

My favorite is the mini z I brought mine to work I drove it when my work got very slow on new years.

[@josephreisinger33]

Think sm-all. I have 3 Niko 1/36 scale irider motorcycles. There from the late 80's. It's amazing that they still charge up. The hard part is finding the right place to drive them. It needs to be smooth but have the right texture. When it's good, they are a lot of fun.

[@ryurc3033]

I really really need to be careful. If I get into mini crawlers, I have a pile of about 100 model car hardbodys to pick from. That could be its own problem. I am still waiting for a 1/24 crawler kit for this exact reason

[@ryurc3033]

Fcx smasher would be my first choice,

[@Stewpkiddable]

recently got back into the hobby. got a losi mini T 2.0 brushless. its a great car but as someone who has XXL hands, it makes repairs a nightmare. Now my typhon 6s V5 hit the nail right on the head. big fast and durable. working on 1/8 scale arrma RC cars is a breeze. Losi 1/18 not so much.

[@brayanchojolan6609]

Interesting 🤔

[@burn1gotbeats]

I wish Arrma would make a micro scale 1/32 With custom mods.

[@Clavitz1]

im very surprised you didnt mention the mini TRX4 as an option. I assume there's some issues with it?

[@DanhNguyenster64]

Mini rcs.... the tiny screws that get stripped out so easy 😢 learned the hardway on my 1st rc trx4m changing almost everythung for fun until a screw gets stripped

[@bossfredrich6945]

its nice

[@neab7507]

Do you guys do Tamiya mini 4wd reviews?

[@SnarkyRC]

No unfortunately. I have a huge track in my back room for mini 4wds.

[@mikehawk8961]

I'd just like to say i've owned 3 SCX24's, All three of them have had issues with the USB charger. It might be easy and portable or a simple way to charge your vehicle but i really think at the end of the day it's another purchase for somebody new into the hobby that they shouldn't have to make. (I'm not new to the hobby so i'm understanding of things you'll have to purchase) but with a few batteries being destroyed because of this USB charger, or the USB charger going to crap you'll need another one, or a better one. Alot of this money can be put towards more parts or the parts you want to make the vehicle your own.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Yeah, USB chargers are crap, and because they are way simpler, I'm pretty sure companies cut more corners in manufacturing USB chargers compared to AC chargers.

[@gamercat7004]

I want to find the charger the one that appeared in the orange body.

[@RICHAR22-nt8gw]

The best one is the Amazon ae86 red

[@hughformby3453]

Hi, I was looking to buy my first 1/10 scale drifter. Which on would you suggest for me to get? Thanks, I love this channel.

[@jonlaird5082]

My first rc drifter was made by mst. They're great entry level and you can get some good rtr's for under $400. I ordered from Asiatees based in China (shipping is high but youget it in 2-3 days). Amain didn't have the 1 I wanted but I got it for close to $300 shipped. Dunno much on it but redcat just released a comp spec rtr and the guys at my local hobby seem to like them alot. They're $400

[@hughformby3453]

@@jonlaird5082 thanks man 👍

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Yeah, like Jon said, MST is the way to get started. Their new RMX 2.5 chassis is sweet and should be available soon: www.amainhobbies.com/mst-rmx-2.5-1-10-2wd-brushed-rtr-drift-car-w-e92-body-light-blue-mxs-531902lb/p1485456 -Brett

[@hughformby3453]

@@AMain_Hobbies Thanks Brett. It looks like a good option. I will check it out.

[@Tutel57]

what’s that protek rc bag called

[@joyanropen7054]

What are your thoughts on how Traxxas is handling the TRX4M, such as the cease and desist order and only allowing hobby shops to receive stock if they sold enough Traxxas batteries?

[@Boogie_the_cat]

I tried to write my thoughts on this but there is some sort of profanity filter in place, so use your imagination. Forcing OEM batteries is the main reason I don't buy Traxxas. That's Apple bullshit they're pulling.

[@youtmeme]

Mini/micros are the best!!!😉😁👍🤙✌ its just too bad it takes a lot to mod them since companies dont help with aftermarket stuff if u want to power up!

[@RCFPVSTL]

The smallest I'll go is wltoys 124019.

[@danielmoriarty751]

I’ve got to call bullshit on this. I got as much into my minis as I do into my full-size drift cars. There’s nothing cheap about minis.

[@stormshadow5555]

Mini's seem like they would be far more popular and common in Japan than the U.S.A. What scale mini is the most popular/common in these two nations with the most aftermarket support and hop up parts? Thanks

[@benthreadgate5190]

Lol, you really can't trust the stock charger for the scx24 to do anything but try and burn the house down...

[@busman2050]

The charger is junk. It quit on my second charge. I bought a different charger for it.

[@krew_slides]

When is the axial scx24 ultimate upgrades part 3 going to come out

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Should we do one? Hmm, might be a good idea -Brett

[@krew_slides]

Yes! I think so, I quite enjoy them. *hopefully I’m speaking for other people too.

[@brandinhernandez3370]

I wonder how come he didn’t mention the TRX 4M by Traxxas

[@brandonparris6148]

What was the red Tacoma shown in the video driving on the desk?

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Was it this Mini-Z? www.amainhobbies.com/kyosho-mx01-miniz-4x4-readyset-w-4runner-body-red-kyo32522mr/p1171460 If not, about what time in the video are you refereeing to? -Brett

[@brandonparris6148]

@@AMain_Hobbies yea it was! Thank you I figured it out once I finished the video

[@thatonebeone]

RC MINI = save more money for BURRITOS🌯🌯🌯🌯

[@jerryguizar7073]

Any tips/tricks for body clips on minis for someone with fat fingers and advanced age?

[@toycoma98]

magnets

[@AMain_Hobbies]

I'll stick a hex driver on the inside of the last bend and pull the clips out that way; doesn't work for installing though. Needle nose pliers may also be helpful pulling them out. These body clips have little rubber tabs for a extra grip: www.amainhobbies.com/axial-scx24-3mm-body-clip-w-tab-10-axi206000/p1056007 They're probably my favorite mini clips to deal with but if you pull too hard the rubber rips out of the clip. Magnets work pretty good too like Dong mentioned, with magnets placed in the chassis on a mount and more on the inside of the body. Little hits can pop the magnets loose so it's not a perfect solution, but the convenience factor is excellent. Checkout the underbody picture of this Cayman Pro for an example: www.amainhobbies.com/furitek-cayman-pro-4x4-1-24-rtr-micro-rock-crawler-ftk-fur-2269/p1466857 This is that mount: www.amainhobbies.com/furitek-1-24-cayman-magnetic-body-mount-ftk-fur-2231/p1453705 -Brett

[@jerryguizar7073]

@@AMain_Hobbies Thanks

[@willyjimmy8881]

Going on a diet will make your fingers less fat.

[@christinemallory4567]

who makes the mini sprint 39 sec in ? i need one

[@AMain_Hobbies]

Oh yeah, that's made by 1RC and they're sweet little cars! Unfortunately we don't sell them online, only at our retail store. 1rc-racing.com/ -Brett

[@henrywood5462]

I spent more on the motor and ESC for my 1/10 Senton than my mini T….

[@andymcpandy2128]

I'm surprised you didn't recommend charging bags. Piece of mind for a couple bucks.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

They don't work. Do a quick KZbin search and you'll see visual proof that those bags sell an illusion, which is worse than snake oil. Only thing to contain a lipo fire is a metal locker. Take 5 minutes to research something before assuming it'll protect your house and \ or family. Those bags are everywhere. That doesn't mean they work. None of them work. The only way to prevent a lipo fire is starve it of oxygen, which isn't feasible outside of a lab, so you just can hope to contain the fire in a metal box. Tons of videos exist showing those bags don't work. I almost fell for it, but I'm a penny pincher so I watched some videos to see which bags were cheapest and best. None of them work. The concept is a non-starter. Please refrain from suggesting unsafe activities to others, and worse, suggesting unsafe activities that give the illusion of protection. Disgusting. Are you sure you don't see these bags yourself? Because it's weird you didn't do any research, you don't have personal lipo fire experience, yet you're telling people how to think you're being safe. Sad.

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Oh, and it's "peace" of mind. A piece of mind is a chunk of someone's brain. Maybe that's why you fell for lipo fire bags, your brain is missing a "piece of mind"

[@chicagorc3967]

what is the mini rc @ 41 seconds?

[@mainrc7945]

from where Im from, some parts or upgrades for 1/24 crawlers are priced pretty close to a 1/10 which put me off. The price is not proportionate to the scale 🙄🙄

[@thebackyardairgunner8776]

so at the end of the day just buy both heh

[@williamsaloka9043]

Can race on an actual track in my house. That alone sold me on micro.

[@bobbylefebvre6298]

I have a mini rc

[@IntegraDIY]

Biggest downside to mini RC cars, is that if you want budget $100-$200 you’ll be getting a cheap toy grade chassis, with plastic everywhere. No fancy CNC aluminum, No carbon fiber, No CVD shafts, nothing fancy. If you want something fancy, you’ll have to spend $300-$-400+ for a roller.. then another $200 for motor and ESC.. once you start to dig into the $600 price point, a high end mini or micro isn’t worth it for a lot of people, and 1/10 scale is where it’s at for something small and loaded with go fast bits.

[@DTW-bx2vy]

Guess you never heard of the Furitek - FX118 Fury Wagon 1/18 scale RTR for $199.99. It is certainly not a toy grade rc vehicle.

[@voodstoc]

When did the beard go away? 😮

[@AMain_Hobbies]

About a month ago! Lost too many r/c parts in it. -Brett

[@SnarkyRC]

​@@AMain_Hobbies Bring back the beard. Made your face look strong.

[@neoachemist74]

But, the tiny screws!!!😢

[@thethomasman]

How fast can they go?

[@Boogie_the_cat]

Which "they" are you talking about? Why do people write questions worded in such general terms that ensure they will never get an answer? Also, if you're not prepared to do a Google search for how fast an RC can go, you're not in the right hobby. Nobody's gonna hold your hand, except Traxxas, but that's not a good thing. If you're not ready to do any learning about these cars, prepare to be bent over a barrel by each product purchase, and you'll also be in the unenviable position of having to believe everything the advertising executives tell you, or some random KZbin "influencer" who gets affiliate money from every sucker he ropes into a purchase due to the customer not caring to learn anything themselves. Sad For you.