For someone just getting into R/C Drift, we would only recommend going the RTR route for 2 reasons: If your budget will only allow you spend $400ish to get in, AND you don’t see the available funds increasing in the next month or so to allow you to get a kit and separate electronics. Or you are not serious and don’t want to spend more than around $400 to get a car to drift around.
Other than that, we would strongly recommend getting a kit and better electronics. The electronics that come in the RTR kit are the very basic components to get you going, but nothing you will use to continue your journey into R/C Drift. You will replace ALL of the electronics sooner than you would like to believe. You would have basically spent $200 on electronics you will never use again.
Ok, so you read that and you still feel the RTR route is the path for you.
Ready to Run:
These are the bang for the buck, almost everything inclusive starters:
Please remember, with RTR's they will be giving you entry level components. Some people will want to upgrade right away! But it's hard to beat to the value and instant ready for fun aspect!
Keep in mind that we recommend building your own if you think you have the skills and funding to do so, you will save in the long run. But RTR's are a great option for anyone who's starting out! Most of us grabbed a RTR to join, so it's not a bad choice at all.
Yokomo YD-2-Z RTR READY TO RUN (A90 Body) Includes everything you need to get going, Basic battery/charger included
$329.99
Yokomo RD RTR READY TO RUN (GR86 Body) Includes everything you need to get going, Basic battery/charger included
$329.99
MST RMX 2.5 Ready To Run (Various Body Selections) Brushless Motor/ESC Setup *Battery/charger NOTincluded
$399.99
You will find a lot of “Stuff” for sale out there. Some of the hobby shops that have been around for awhile aren’t in tune with what has changed in the R/C Drift scene in the past few years, so they might try to sell you a AWD “Drift” car. That’s not something you want to pick up. The trend for the past few years has been RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) and they are designed for R/C Drift from the ground up.
Build Your Own
You will need to pick the car, the electronics (motor, esc, servo, gyro and radio system)
Rhino Racing Shark Pre-Assembled Chassis High Level (Fully Upgraded Chassis) *Shocks/diff not included
$1299.99
D-Like LP-86 Entry Level (Not Upgradeable, for fun, not comp)
$149.99
Usukani NGE SE Entry-Mid Level (Carbon and No Frills)
$299.99
Usukani NGE PRO Mid-High Level (Upgraded Version of NGE SE)
$549.99
Here's some popular Electronics Bundles (Radio Not Included)
*You'll still need to add a radio, if you're going with a GOAT setup, you will need a 4pm or 10px remote to correct program your electronics pack.
Electronics:
In this section, you will pick your motor(the power delivery), the esc(electronics speed control), the servo(steering mechanism), and gyro(helps keep the front wheels going the correct direction)
Gyro (Keeps the car moving the direction of movement)
Power HD G1 Gyro 3rd Channel Control End Point Adjustment Aluminum Housing $44.99 *Best Value
Yokomo YG-302 V2 Gyro 3rd Channel Control
$46.99 (Reg $59.99)
Yokomo DP-302 V4 Gyro 3rd Channel Control End Point Adjustment Aluminum Housing $79.99
Futaba GYD470 Gyro 3rd Channel Control Supports S.BUS/2 *Designed for Futaba Servos $89.99
Reve-D Revox Gyro (Black, Red or Purple) 3rd Channel Control End Point Adjustment Preloaded Drift Profiles Aluminum Housing $104.99
Futaba GYD550 Gyro 3rd Channel Control Fully Programmable Supports S.BUS/2 *Designed for Futaba Servos **Must be programmed by 4pm or higher Futaba Remote $129.99 *G.O.A.T.
Best gyro on the market!
Battery (Power Supply for the Car)
Reflex Shorty 3500mah (White Red Purple Blue Green) 4.0mm Bullets Deans Bullet cable included 7.4v 2S Lipo 100C 18.5mm Thick / 136g Lightweight $44.99 *Best Seller
WHATS NEXT? After you get going and you want to upgrade, there are many options. Just a few months ago, we worked with Donut Media again and this time, they dived in! They take a look at cheap and expensive RC Drift cars. They show and use some of the electronics we’ve listed. They even reviewed in. We hope it sheds light on many things before you make your decision.