Top Five Horizon Hobby RCs For Summer 2024

Paul Onorato June 30, 2024 Stories

Arrma Typhon Grom

Don’t let the small size of the Arrma Typhon Grom fool you into thinking that it is not a fast and nimble off-road vehicle. At just under 12-inches in length, the Typhon Grom is able to tear around all types of terrain even if the running area is somewhat compact. Adding to that is the convenience and value offered to beginners and experienced bashers where this buggy comes out of the box ready-to-run with a price tag that won’t put the hurt on your wallet.

Top Five Horizon Hobby RCs For Summer 2024

The Arrma Grom 4WD platform is a rugged platform designed to take on rough terrain. Arrma offers the Grom setup in three configurations including the Granite Grom monster truck, the Mojave Grom desert truck and the Typhon Grom highlighted here. A Spektrum radio system comes as stock equipment including the waterproof metal geared steering servo and power is delivered by a 380 brushed motor that provides plenty of scoot with the paired 2S LiPo battery pack. Other features include independent suspension with oil-filled shocks, metal gear drivetrain, high-quality hex hardware and tough buggy wheels and tires.

SPECS

Completion level: Ready-to-run
Length: 11.64 in.
Width: 7.4 in.
Height: 3.78 in.
Wheelbase: 7.71 in.
Weight: 1.8 lb.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 380 brushed
Radio system: Spektrum
Needed to complete: USB power adapter

ProBoat Recoil 2 V2

Stepping away from dry land and jumping into the water, we selected the ProBoat Recoil 2, 26-inch ready-to-run boat. And when we say ready-to-run, the Recoil 2 does not require you to purchase anything else to get this thing flying around the lake. The deep-V ABS plastic hull makes it very easy to drive and cuts through waves with ease. ProBoat outfitted the Recoil 2 with stainless steel hardware and all aluminum running gear including the propeller where other like boats have plastic props.

A Spektrum 3S 3200mah LiPo battery energizes the powerful Spektrum Firma 2300Kv brushless outrunner motor which makes the Recoil 2 very fast. And if you end up flipping the boat over. Don’t worry, because the hull is designed to be self-righting…a feature not found on many RC boats. Controlling the Recoil 2 is the Spektrum SLT3 3-channel 2.4GHz radio system along with a ProBoat waterproof servo to activate the rudder. There is also the choice of two different liveries.

SPECS

Completion level: Ready-to-run
Length: 26 in.
Beam: 7.96 in.
Height: 5.75 in.
Weight: 3.3 lb.
Drive system: Flex shaft
Motor: 4335-2300Kv brushless outrunner
Radio system: Spektrum
Needed to complete: Nothing

Axial SCX10 III Base Camp RTR

When we were compiling this list a vehicle from Axial was obvious, yet it was difficult to narrow it down to one since there are so many great vehicles offered by Axial. Our pick is the Axial SCX10 III Base Camp RTR since it is the ideal way for people to quickly get started in the off-road trail driving and rock crawling scenes without spending a small fortune. Starting off with this RTR will allow you to get a feel for off-road running and then as you are ready, you can easily modify the Base Camp to suit your needs. Hardcore enthusiast are also drawn to the Base Camp’s ability to be a great base for building up for project builds. There are tons of option and aftermarket parts available because it is based on the SCX10 III chassis.

Axial offers the Base Camp in three configurations including a Builder’s Kit, a RTR version that comes with either a black or blue 1982 Chevy K10 body and the RTR version shown here that comes with either a blue, green or grey pickup body. As soon as it comes out of the box, you will be psyched to see it has a lean and classic design that offers plenty of scale realism. Under the body is the super capable SCX10 II chassis that can conquer the trails with its proven 4WD steel chassis. A single speed transmission equipped with a full set of ball bearings and all metal internal gears is strong and built for durability. Oil filled threaded body shocks support the solid axles while a Dynamite 35-turn brushed motor paired with a Spektrum 40amp ESC powers this rig. There are also licensed components like the Black Rhino wheels and Falken Wildpeak tires that give it scale good looks and performance.

SPECS

ALL-NEW LCXU SINGLE SPEED TRANSMISSION
Completion level: Ready-to-run
Length: 20.75 in.
Width: 9.25 in.
Height: 9.75 in.
Wheelbase: 12.3 in.
Weight: 5 lb.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 35-turn, 540 brushed
Radio system: Spektrum
Needed to complete: 2-3S LiPo battery and compatible battery charger

Arrma Kraton 4S V2

Looking to drop the hammer and experience some crazy high speeds and incredible bash performance? Then the Arrma Kraton 4S V2 is a perfect option for you. This big 4WD monster truck is extremely strong and fitted with a high-power Spektrum brushless system and metal center differential for more punch and traction to achieve awesome acceleration and impressive top speeds. Then to protect this beast from troublesome dirt from fouling its components, Arrma shielded it to the max with wishbone dirt guards, outdrive protectors and taller side guards.

At each corner are vented dBoots Copperhead 2 LP tires, molded of high-quality rubber and have an aggressive, chunky tread pattern. They come mounted for you on nice-looking black split spoke wheels. Handling the chore of turning the tires to match the transmitter’s input is a Spektrum high-torque S662 metal-geared digital servo. Other support gear consists of a Spektrum 3-channel SLT3 2.4GHz transmitter with dual protocol SR315 receiver and Spektrum Firma 120amp B2 waterproof speed control.

SPECS

Spektrum Firma 2400Kv brushless motor matched to an updated, cool-running Spektrum Firma 120A Smart V2 waterproof ESC
Completion level: Ready-to-run
Length: 21.54 in.
Width: 17.72 in.
Height: 8.11 in.
Wheelbase: 13.98 in.
Weight: 9.26 lb.
Drivetrain: 4WD
Motor: 3668-2400Kv brushless
Radio system: Spektrum
Needed to complete: LiPo battery pack w/compatible charger

Losi Promoto-MX Motorcycle

In the top slot for the top five Horizon Hobby RCs for summer 2024 is the Losi Promoto-MX motorcycle. It is a massive 1/5-scale realistic dirt bike that works exceptionally well and easy to drive thanks to innovative mechanical and electronic technologies. Losi sells the motorcycle ready-to-run so that you can start throwing dirt roosts as soon as a battery pack is charged. There are also two version available; one that includes a 5000mAh 2S LiPo battery pack and charger and one without those two items. Adding to all that is its unprecedented realism with narrow frame, rider gear and officially licensed graphics.

One of the key features that makes the Promoto-MX so special and an amazing performer is the 2700Kv brushless motor and steel flywheel. The motor spins the flywheel at 22,000 rpm that creates a gyroscopic force for unmatched stability even on rough off-road terrain. And there is more. The Spektrum MS6X technology receives that input from the transmitter and makes the Promoto-MX to lean, turn and control wheelies with unprecedented balance and finesse. Those are just the highlights of the features with many other things that make this RC vehicle exceptional.

SPECS

Completion level: Ready-to-run
Length: 20.2 in.
Width: 10.8 in.
Height: 17.3 in.
Wheelbase: 13.9 in.
Weight: 123.5 oz.
Drivetrain: 1WD
Motor: 3652-3800Kv brushless
Radio system: Spektrum
Needed to complete: Nothing if you get version that includes battery and charger