Your RC Hobby Doesn’t Need to Cost an Arm and a Leg
Some people invest thousands of dollars in their remote control hobby, purchasing the most expensive cars, boats and drones and getting all the latest 
bells and whistles. This isn’t the typical remote control hobbyist, however. Most people can make RC hobbies a part of their life without having to spend an arm and a leg. Unless you’re racing remote control vehicles at a competitive level, there are lots of inexpensive options for any budget.
Go With RTR
RTR stands for Ready To Run. This means you'll be able to try out your remote control car, boat, or airplane right out of the box. You won't have to invest in any additional components, you won't have to do a lot of significant assembly, and you'll be able to try out RC vehicles without committing to multiple purchases of a long list of components. While these vehicles may not win on an RC track, they are great "startups" to give you a feel for the hobby and allow you to have some fun. If you're interested in RC cars or trucks for the pure joy of tooling around a parking lot or learning a few simple tricks, RTRs may be all you'll ever need. At our hobby shop in Ithaca, we carry a complete line of RTR remote control vehicles for all ages.
Don’t Invest All at Once
Even if you're ready to move into the world of RC racing, you don't have to spend a fortune upfront. When you're ready to do some upgrades, consider which items are most important to you and invest in them first. Better tires may make all the difference without having to also invest in a more powerful motor. Or a new motor may be the key to better speed and control without having to completely overhaul the tires and electronics system. Some people believe you have to do "all or nothing," but at our hobby shop in Tompkins County, we can walk you through a variety of options and help you decide which you may want now and what can wait until later while still improving your overall performance.
Talk to Our RC Experts
Sticking with the core elements of a good RC vehicle rather than being seduced by lots of unnecessary extras can really keep the cost of RC hobbies down. Talk to the experts at our Ithaca hobby shop to get a feel for what you need and what you don't. If you're into driving RC dune buggies on the beach, you'll want to look for specific features. For flat racing, there are certain things you'll want your RC vehicle to have but others that aren't needed.
One of the costliest mistakes made by new RC hobbyists is listening to too many people or listening to people who have their own agenda. Don't listen to your buddies who have been racing RC for ten years if you're just getting into the game. They'll probably suggest a long list of "must-haves" that aren't appropriate or needed for a newer RC owner. Visit Wink's Hobbies, our hobby shop in Ithaca, and our expert staff will guide you toward affordable RC options to get you started on a rewarding hobby that doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
