Is a Kmart RC car worth buying?

Kmart RC car

We all love Kmart. You can get awesome stuff there, and RC Cars are no different surely? Well.. yes and no. I'm going to do something unusual and link you to some of the Kmart offerings, and then we can discuss them.

Kmart has a flagship RC car which they claim is 'hobby grade'. As you can see from the reviews, people love it. But is it hobby grade? and, why is it important?

 Hobby grade vs toy grade

Toy-grade RC cars are typically manufactured with a focus on design coupled with reducing production costs. Whereas a hobby-grade car has separate electronic components that are individually replaceable if they fail, toy-grade cars are typically made with cheaper components that are harder to find as spare parts, and a single electronic circuit board is integrated into the design of the vehicle.  Performance is generally much less than hobby-grade cars.  Stock toy-grade cars are equipped with weaker motors and are powered by alkaline or NiCad batteries, which means their top speed is usually only 3–7 mph (4.8–11.3 km/h).

Most toy-grade cars are primarily marketed toward children, and young children at that. I would suggest that if your child is younger than 5 or 6, toy grade KMART RC cars are awesome. If you brake a toy grade car though... that's it, it's broken. If you can't repair it with super glue, then the chances are its off to landfill.

So what if your little tacker is older than 5, or is just really technically minded and loves to let things rip, crash and bash?! In those instances, I'd suggest that a KMART RC car is a poor choice to spend your money on. They won't last and your little nipper will be bored very quickly.

What is the alternative?

Christmas is coming, and Santa has been given the unmistakable impression that an RC Car that can be chucked in a back - pack, will zing along and jump, handle offroad antics and is tough, is on the list.

You want to invest wisely, so you are looking for something that is tough, can be repaired, customized and upgraded but won't cost the earth.

Here at Techtonic Hobbies, we have heaps that fit that criteria. What about the WL Models 144001? Yep, its a terrible name for sure, but it is an absolute cracker! Its small, fast and durable. And have a look under the hood:

See all those separate components, they can all be replaced individually if something goes wrong with it. It has an alloy (metal) chassis, Alloy suspension shock towers and shock absorber bodies. no plastic here. This thing is built to last, and its just $199.95. Buy well, buy once.

Why don't you come in and see us here at Techtonic Hobbies or visit our website and see what we have to offer?

Happy RC-ing everyone!

Greg