Comparison Sulong Toys Off-Road Metal Crawler Nova 1:16 vs Sulong Toys Off-Road Crawler Speed King 1:14

The scale allows you to estimate the overall dimensions of the model — it describes the ratio of its dimensions to the dimensions of a full-size machine of a similar type (see below). For example, the length and width of a full-sized buggy average about 4 m and 2 m, respectively; this means that for a radio-controlled model on a scale of 1:10, these parameters will be 10 times smaller — about 40 cm and 20 cm (plus or minus).

Miniature scales are considered to be 1:24 or less ( 1:28 and 1:32), while in the largest scales it reaches 1:6( 1:5) — such models are not much smaller than children's cars (however, they are not intended to replace them). A small size is considered optimal for use in residential areas, a large one — in open areas. Most road models (see 'Type') are available in 1:10 scale, SUVs in 1:8, and larger scales are found in advanced internal combustion engine models (see 'Engine'). The most common scale options are 1:14, 1:16 and 1:18, which are found in both the low-cost and high-end segments.

- Stunts. Cars of this class are designed for driving and performing various tricks, mainly related to acrobatic performances, jumping and overcoming obstacles. They are characterized by being an off-road type (usually a “monster” or truggy, see below), a powerful engine, high ground clearance, large wheels and reinforced suspension.

— Short course. Short-course models are off-road vehicles (buggies, truggies, “monsters”, see below), specialized for cross-country speed racing. They offer good crash and jump protection, a rugged design, a rigid body that covers most of the sensitive parts, and shock absorbers designed to withstand heavy loads.

— Drift. Drifting competitions on radio-controlled models involve passing an asphalt track at maximum speed with the constant use of a controlled drift. Based on this, drift cars must have rear-wheel drive, a locking rear differential, and tires with a shallow pattern that are stiffer than most other models. It is worth noting that their appearance can much more accurately replicate real cars than in the case of ring models.

- Ring. A variety of road-type models (see below), designed for passing on flat roads with a hard surface (like asphalt) for a while. A distinctive feature of most of these cars is the smooth, “sleek” shape of the body to ensure aerodynamics (or to...simulate it if the maximum speed is low).

Let us note that professional models intended for competitions and serious car racing usually have one of the specializations listed above. If the class is not specified, the machine most likely belongs to the entry-level and has a purely entertainment purpose (although such models can also have quite advanced characteristics).

— Full. As the name implies, in such models, traction from the engine is transmitted to all 4 wheels. The main advantage of this scheme is its high cross-country ability: the machine keeps well on difficult terrain, and even getting stuck with a pair of wheels in the air is not critical for it. Also, four-wheel drive can be used for drifting (see "Appointment (class)"), although it loses a little in this role to the rear one; however, a lesser tendency to drift can be an advantage. Its main disadvantage is the rather high cost associated with the difficulties in production. In addition, 4WD vehicles tend to be less fuel efficient than "single wheel drive" vehicles.

— Rear. Models with power transmission from the engine to the rear pair of wheels. This scheme is quite unstable and requires careful control at high speeds — if you turn too sharply, the car easily goes into a skid. On the other hand, it is precisely because of the instability that this option is considered optimal for drift racing, and the design of the rear-wheel drive is very simple, reliable and inexpensive. As a result, most non-4WD RC models use it.

— Front. The front-wheel drive has a high degree of stability: you can only send the car into a skid intentionally (and then you need to try hard), and the withdrawal from it is extremely simple. At the same time, stability is not always a...n advantage — for example, in drifting, it only creates additional problems. In addition, the design of such models is quite complex due to the need to combine the drive from the engines and steering on the same pair of wheels; as a result, in terms of price, reliability and ease of maintenance, they lose to rear-wheel drive. Therefore, front-wheel drive is not widely used in radio-controlled cars.

— Protection against moisture. The presence of protection in the design of the machine, which prevents moisture from entering the sensitive elements of the structure and the corresponding unpleasant consequences (short circuits, corrosion, water hammer, etc.). This feature is practically mandatory for outdoor models, especially off-road types with internal combustion engines (see above). However, the specific degree of such protection differs significantly in different cases: one model can be designed, for example, for a maximum of splashes from wet asphalt or light rain, while the other will calmly survive driving through a puddle “hood-deep”. Therefore, this point should be clarified according to the official data of the manufacturer.

— Protection against dirt. Protection to prevent dust and dirt from entering parts that require cleanliness. Similar in many respects to the water protection described above — in particular, it is very important for outdoor use and can vary significantly from model to model.

— Centre differential. The presence in the design of the machine of a differential located between the front and rear pair of wheels and distributing torque from the engine between the front and rear axles. By definition, it is found only in models with all-wheel drive (see above). The main function of this mechanism is similar to cross-axle differe...ntials — it allows the wheels, in this case the front and rear, to rotate at different speeds so that the chassis and tyres do not experience increased loads. A similar need arises, in particular, when cornering at low speed. In addition, the centre differential improves patency: when one of the pairs of wheels slips, it distributes the torque so that most of it falls on the wheels that retain traction.

— Metal main pair. The main pair is called two gears responsible for transmitting torque from the engine to the transmission: one of them is located on the engine shaft, the second — on the transmission shaft. This is one of the most important structural elements of the machine, which is subjected to significant loads during use. The main pairs made of metal are much stronger and more reliable than plastic ones; if you are purchasing a model for riding in difficult conditions (for example, a short course or tricks, see "Purpose (class)"), the presence of such equipment will be very desirable. At the same time, for entertainment purposes, it is rather an excess — after all, metal gears are more expensive than plastic ones.

— Anti-roll bars. The presence in the design of the machine of special devices that prevent the tipping of the structure to one side, in particular during sharp turns: during cornering, the stabilizer distributes the load on the wheels in such a way as to reduce chassis roll. However, this is not the only purpose of these parts — stabilizers of different stiffness are also a tool for distributing the grip balance between the front and rear axles. For example, if the front stabilizer is softer than the rear, the grip of the front axle will be higher, which ensures good steering, but reduces the sensitivity of the control; with a softer rear stabilizer — on the contrary. These points are described in more detail in special sources. It is worth noting that stabilizers are not a 100% guarantee against a coup — however, the likelihood of such an event is significantly reduced if they are present.

— Metal deck chassis. The deck is the basis of the chassis of the machine, the frame on which the engine, transmission and body are placed. The high strength of the deck is important for models that are subjected to significant stress during riding, for example, when used for short corsets (see "Purpose (class)"). Aluminium alloys are often used as a material for metal decks in modern cars — they combine good strength and low weight. However such materials also affect the cost of the model, respectively.

— Opening doors. Opening doors enhance the similarity of radio-controlled cars with real cars. You can put a toy driver behind the wheel of such cars in miniature, and passengers in the passenger compartment. Also, through the doors, access to the interior of the radio-controlled car is provided.

— Light effects. The presence of various lighting effects in the model: headlights, parking lights, flashing beacons (flashing lights), bottom lighting, etc. Such equipment not only makes the machine look like a real car, but also makes it more noticeable to others and reduces the likelihood of unpleasant incidents. At the same time, for advanced models, these moments do not play a key role, so lighting effects are found mainly in inexpensive entertainment cars.

— Sound effects. The presence in the model of various sound effects — for example, a horn, a siren, the sound of a powerful engine, etc.; sometimes there are even built-in melodies. To play sounds, usually, a small speaker is provided. This function is purely for entertainment purposes and is found only in simple and inexpensive models designed for the younger age group.

— Driver. A toy pilot seated behind the wheel of a radio-controlled car. The presence of a pilot allows you to give free rein to your imagination - driving a car from a distance, you can imagine that it is being driven by a little man.

The type of power source used in a machine with an electric motor (see “Motor”).

- AA. Replaceable elements of a standard size, popularly known as “pen-light batteries”. The main advantage of battery-powered cars over battery-powered cars is the ability to quickly replace dead batteries. On the other hand, the power of such power supply is quite modest, so they are found mainly in models for younger people.

- AAA. Such elements are almost completely similar to the AA described above and outwardly differ from them only in their reduced size (which is reflected in their common name - “little finger”).

- Ni-Mh. Specialized batteries made using nickel-metal hydride technology like other batteries ( Li-Pol, Li-Ion, Ni-Cd, LiFePO4, branded) are superior to replacement batteries in capacity and compactness and are better suited for powerful electric motors. Ni-Mh batteries themselves are notable primarily for their ability to withstand high charge and discharge currents without consequences - the first is important given the “gluttony” of electric motors, the second has a positive effect on the charging speed. In addition, such batteries are resistant to low temperatures, do not h...ave a “memory effect”, and are relatively inexpensive. At the same time, they are inferior to Li-Pol elements in terms of capacity (with the same dimensions).

- Li-Pol. Specialized batteries made using lithium-polymer technology. For more information on specialized batteries in general, see above (Ni-Mh). Li-Pol technology itself makes it possible to create batteries with high capacity, small size and weight, and without the “memory effect,” however, it is quite expensive.

- Ni-Cd. A relatively old battery manufacturing technology, the predecessor of the Ni-Mh described above. The common features of these technologies are resistance to high charge and discharge currents, low temperatures, and low cost. True, nickel-cadmium batteries are subject to the “memory effect” - a decrease in capacity when charging an incompletely discharged battery; however, this can be corrected by using advanced chargers and following operating instructions. But the clear disadvantage of this option is considered to be environmental unsafety during production and disposal; This is typical for all batteries, but it is most relevant for Ni-Cd cells, so they are used less and less.

— Li-Ion. Batteries made using lithium-ion technology and not belonging to any of the universal standard sizes (like AA). Lithium-ion batteries are practically not subject to the “memory effect”, are easy to use and charge fairly quickly. Their disadvantages include a higher price and less resistance to high and low temperatures.

— LiFePO4. Lithium iron phosphate batteries are actually a modification of lithium-ion batteries (see the corresponding paragraph), developed to eliminate some of the shortcomings of the original technology. They are notable above all for their high reliability and safety: the likelihood of a battery “exploding” when overloaded is reduced to almost zero, and in general LiFePO4 can cope with high peak loads without any problems. In addition, they are quite resistant to cold and maintain operating voltage almost until discharge. The main disadvantage of this type is its slightly smaller capacity.

— Branded battery. This category includes all specialized batteries (see subparagraph “Ni-Mh” above), for which the manufacturer did not indicate the manufacturing technology. We also note that if “ordinary” specialized batteries can be standard and can be used in different models of radio-controlled equipment, then branded batteries often have an original design and are designed only for cars from one manufacturer.

The operating voltage of the battery supplied with the machine. For models for AA and AAA cells (see “Battery Type”), it is not indicated — the specification of these cells assumes a common voltage standard, about 1.5 V. In other cases, battery voltage data does not play a significant role in everyday use, but may be useful , if you need to pick up a charger, a spare battery or a battery to replace a damaged one, but you do not have data on the battery model (see below).

The greatest distance between the remote control and the machine, at which the transmitter of the remote control is still able to guarantee normal controllability of the model. Note that official specifications usually provide data for perfect conditions: full battery charge, no obstacles in the signal path, extraneous interference, etc .; in fact, the range may be somewhat less. However, according to this parameter, it is quite possible to compare different models of radio-controlled cars with each other.

The higher this indicator, the farther you can let go of the machine from the remote control, the less often you have to move to keep control. However, a large range means not only a long range as such — it also speaks of a good signal penetration, its ability to pass through various obstacles.

The type and number of batteries required for the operation of the model control panel.

— AA. Replaceable cells, known in everyday life as "finger-type batteries". They can be produced not only in the form of disposable batteries, but also in the form of rechargeable batteries. In both cases, they are available in a wide range of items that differ in price and quality, which gives freedom of choice; batteries are sold almost everywhere and are inexpensive. The power and capacity of AA elements are relatively small, but in most cases they are quite enough for normal operation of the transmitter for quite a long time. Usually, modern remotes require several of these batteries — usually 2, 4 or 6.

— AAA. Replaceable cells, known as "mini finger" or "little" batteries. From the AA batteries described above, they differ only in their smaller size and, accordingly, in their capacity; the rest are completely similar. They are mainly used in remotes for inexpensive entertainment models: such remotes do not require a lot of energy, but compactness is sometimes crucial.

— PP3. Replaceable batteries of a characteristic rectangular shape, with a pair of contacts on one of the ends. They have a nominal voltage of 9 V. Such elements are quite popular in "entertainment" models designed for children — not least because only one battery is enough for the remote control.

— Accumulator. In this case, a specialized battery is meant, either of an original d...esign, or in a size that is not related to replaceable elements. These power supplies can be far superior to battery packs in terms of power and capacity, but they are not cheap, and such advanced features are rarely needed in fact. Therefore, battery remotes are found mainly among large-scale professional-level models, with increased requirements for the range and reliability of the transmitter on the remote control.