Top 6 RC Car Manufacturers
In the world of RC cars I can think of 6 companies that changed the landscape completely. From the big 2 that you could say started it all. To the newer companies that continue to push the boundaries of RC. If you are an RC car enthusiast, or you are just starting out you will definitely come across these manufacturers at some point. Here they are.
1) Tamiya- An oldie but a goodie. Established in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya. At first it was just a sawmill producing wooden models in 1948. He switched to plastic static model kits in 1960.But in 1976 Tamiya started an RC division, and my world would never be the same. The 1st RC car they released was a Porsche 934 Turbo RSR item# 58001. Since then they have produced all types of RC cars. Hundreds of them, buggies, monster trucks, on road cars, touring cars. You could say they make it all even work trucks of all types. They are definitely a leader in the industry, and one of the oldest companies on this list
2) Kyosho- Established in 1963, but did not make its 1st RC car until 1970. The Dash 1, offered with a choice of 3 bodies, a Porsche 917, Lola t70, and a Mclaren Elve. The Dash used a gas engine manufactured in West Germany. The 1st electric RC car from Kyosho was an off road buggy called Eleck Peanuts. Released in 1978 the Eleck Peanuts was a 1/10 scale electric 2wd buggy. Kyosho utilizes the body and shell of the previously released nitro Peanut 09. Kyosho remains competitive in today's market with many different RC offerings. The Mini Z line is very popular and affordable.
3) Associated Electronics- AKA Team associated started out in 1965 in california. Roger Curtis and Lee Yurada, 2 technicians in an aerophysics lab decided to build slot cars as a side hustle. With the success of the slot cars they expanded in the World of RC cars in 1969.That is when they came out with their 1st RC car. A gas powered ⅛ scale car dubbed the RC1. which soon became one of the top cars on the racing RC circuit. Today with other brands like Reedy, and Element in their stable they are still producing top performing cars with many world championships.
4) Losi- Team Losi, or TLR started out in 1980 making and selling parts for other RC cars.The father son founders Gil Losi Sr, and Jr released their 1st car in 1988. It was a 1/10 scale off road buggy, the JRX2. Today the company is owned by Horizon Hobby. They still produce top quality RC cars of all types.From desert racers to drag cars, you will definitely have fun ,and be near the podium with a TLR.
5) Traxxas- Founded Traxxas in 1986 in McKinney Texas. Traxxas started an entirely new concept in the RC world, RTR (ready to run). An RC car that did not need assembly. Just battery and you're off to the fun. Mike Jenkins the owner and founder of Traxxas is the son of Jim Jenkins the founder of LaTrax another RC company. LaTrax started in 1974 and was a direct influence for Traxxas. Today they produce some of the toughest RTR cars on the market. They are also known for their outstanding customer service.
6) ARRMA- The baby of the top 6 RC companies. Arrma is an RC company that specializes in, on and off road bashers. Founder Jason Dearden, who has worked at a few other RC companies, decided to launch his own brand of RTR cars in 2009. Arrma offers some of the best values in RC. Now they are teamed up with Spektrum for their electronics. So the quality is still getting better and the prices are some of the most competitive on the market. Their cars are known for being fast and tough. Company motto: Don't Just Bash. Blast.
This list is mostly my opinion. I do own cars from all 6 brands, as well as some other companies I did not mention. I have had good and bad experiences with them all. Maybe not bad experiences, more like slight disappointments. But the joy I experience with this hobby is far better than any trouble I may have with a car. Sometimes trouble with a car can be fun. This was just a little info about some top companies in RC cars. You can't go wrong buying from any of them. They are all quality, and if you are like most hobbyists, you will have a blast with your next RC car. Have fun
