Traxxas Vs Redcat (Which Has The Best RC Cars?)

Two of the biggest manufacturers of RC cars are Traxxas and Redcat. Their products are all over the market of RC cars but they offer some very different products from one another. 

When choosing which brand is the best, it all comes down to what you want in an RC car. 

Traxxas has been in existence for over 30 years whereas Redcat is a younger company making their appearance in 2005. Traxxas makes some premium RC cars, while Redcat on the other hand focuses on making their cards with cheaper parts for lower-priced RC cars. 

So, which one of these brands has the best RC cars?

Traxxas RC cars are better than Redcat’s when you consider durability and quality, however, Traxxas’ RC vehicles are also more expensive than Redcat’s. 

Either Traxxas or Redcat might have hobby-grade RC vehicles for you depending on what you want in an RC car and what your budget is. Traxxas is known to manufacture higher quality RC cars while Redcat is known to produce more affordable RC cars.

Both brands offer RC vehicles that come with a LiPo battery, charger, and waterproof electronics. However, the cheaper Traxxas or Redcat models might not have a brushless motor or might have a NiMH battery instead of the more powerful LiPo batteries.

Traxxas is a well-known RC company that is said to manufacture the best of the best in the remote-controlled vehicle world. Redcat is a younger company producing a different kind of RC than Traxxas. 

So when it comes to the question, of which one is the best, it all depends on what you want in an RC car. Do you want a more advanced vehicle that is made with higher-quality parts? Then Traxxas is the brand for you. 

It is said that they have the fastest, toughest, and most capable RC models over any other company and they aren’t far off. If you want an RC car for advanced racing and extreme performance Traxxas has you covered. 

You can choose from so many types and models and choose which one is best for you.

Do you want an RC car that will run great while also being cost-efficient? Maybe you’re a beginner RC driver and don’t want to spend loads of money on one. 

Consider Redcat for your RC car brand. They build durable and fast vehicles and offer their customers lower prices. They are also easy to drive for any beginner. 

These cars look cool and are fun to drive. If you are wanting a cheaper and inexpensive option, then Redcat is the way to go especially for a beginner. Like I said before, it all depends on what you want in an RC car, advanced, high-quality RC cars from Traxxas or cost-efficient, well-running RC cars from Redcat. 

The best RC car brand is determined by what you like the best. To see the most popular RC car models just click here. 

Redcat Vs Traxxas Models

Both Traxxas and Redcat are excellent choices for your next RC car. They have similar quality chassis, servo, ESC, aluminum parts, etc. so trying to decide between them can be a bit difficult. So what I want to do in this section is compare some specific Traxxas and Redcat vehicles to try and help you decide which is a better choice for you.

I will share the pros and the cons for each model when comparing them but ultimately you have to make the decision about which of the features on each brand of vehicle you prefer.

Traxxas Slash Vs Redcat Blackout

A popular comparison when talking about Traxxas vs Redcat is the Traxxas Slash and the Redcat Blackout. Both of these RC models are 1/10 scale but the Slash is a short course racing truck while the Blackout is considered a monster truck.

• Both the Traxxas Slash and the Redcat Blackout are electric RC cars (not Nitro) which means you will need to recharge their batteries between each use.
• Both base models of these vehicles have a brushed motor and only a NiMH battery.
• The base Traxxas Slash model costs $75 more than the base Redcat Blackout model.
• The Redcat Blackout XTE has a top speed of 22MPH while the Traxxas Slash has a top speed of 30MPH. (with NiMH battery and brushed motors)
• The Traxxas Slash has much better average reviews being ranked at 4.6 out of 5. The Redcat Blackout was reviewed at 4.2 out of 5.

Overall the Traxxas Slash is a better RC vehicle than the Redcat Blackout. However, you will have to pay a steep premium (50%) to get the Slash instead of the Blackout.

Whichever of these two models you prefer I would recommend springing for the brushless models with LiPo batteries rather than getting the base. The brushless motor and LiPo batteries will perform much better and keep you much happier with your purchase for many years to come.

Traxxas Rustler Vs Redcat Blackout

The Traxxas Rustler is another popular vehicle from Traxxas that is often compared with the Redcat Blackout as well. But what are the differences between the two?

• The Traxxas Rustler has a top speed of 35MPH while the Redcat Blackouthas a top speed of 22MPH (when equipped with brushed motors and NiMH batteries)
• The Redcat Racing Blackout XTE is $50 cheaper than the base model Traxxas Rustler.
• The Traxxas Ruster is rated 4.6 out of 5 stars while the Redcat Blackout is rated 4.2 out of 5 stars.
• Both base models include a NiMH battery and brushed motor.
• Both of these models are electric (battery-powered)

Both the Traxxas Rustler and the Redcat Blackout are excellent RC vehicles. If you are just getting into the RC hobby then these are both great choices. The Traxxas Rustler will cost you 30% more than the Blackout XTE but with a 35MPH top speed instead of the 22MPH you get with the Blackout I feel it is worth the premium cost.

The Traxxas Rustler is considered a Stadium Truck while the Blackout XTE is considered a Monster Truck. Both models are approximately the same size while the Traxxas Rustler is half the weight of the Blackout XTE.

That likely explains the massive difference in top speed between these two vehicles.

Does Traxxas Have The Best RC Cars? 

Traxxas made its debut back in 1986 with an electric-powered truck and buggy models. From there they released a radio-controlled boat and went on to manufacture monster trucks as well as helicopters. 

The company makes electric and nitro-powered radio-controlled (RC) cars. They sell off-road and on-road vehicles (that can handle virtually any type of terrain) and take pride in their well-designed products.  They also make some of the fastest RC cars available anywhere with the Traxxas XO-1 (that goes over 100mph).

So if you want a high-speed RC car Traxxas has you covered!

Traxxas boasts that they want to “make it easy for anyone to get started in radio control”. So whether you are buying a Traxxas model for your kid or yourself they are an excellent choice.

But are Traxxas cars the “best”?

Traxxas has the best RC cars if you want an advanced, high-quality vehicle that runs fast. Traxxas RC cars offer optimal performance that advanced RC car drivers enjoy. Their cars are durable and easy to control.

The Traxxas remote control vehicles can handle mud, water, snow, and just about anything else that you can throw at it. It will provide you with the necessary traction to handle any of these conditions and is a great choice for your next RC car.

On their website, Traxxas states, “Traxxas has been engineering and building the world’s fastest and most innovative Ready-To-Race® radio-controlled performance machines since 1986. Traxxas models are fully assembled with powerful, feature-rich radio systems and are Ready-To-Drive® in just minutes, including the 100mph Traxxas XO-1 supercar. 

Traxxas performance, durability, and world-class customer support all come together to deliver an award-winning radio-controlled experience that’s designed to last for years of fun.”

Traxxas makes many types of RC cars as well as accessories for them. The Traxxas brand makes some higher quality vehicles meaning they are more expensive than their rival Redcat. 

Even though some of their models cost a pretty penny, some are actually relatively cheap. The Traxxas Stampede is a good choice for a monster truck that comes in 2wd or 4wd. The 4wd version is more costly. 

If you are wanting a high-end advanced racing machine, then Traxxas has great options for you.

Does Redcat Have The Best RC Cars? 

Redcat was founded in 2005 and manufactures fast and affordable RC cars. Their remote-controlled cars are gas, nitro, and electric-powered. 

Redcat prides itself on making great RC cars that are also affordable. They boast about their core values which are customer satisfaction, honesty, integrity, and service excellence, while also telling their customers that they can buy and drive with confidence.

Redcat has the best RC cars if you want a cost-efficient, beginner vehicle that is fast and runs well. Redcat RC cars are also durable and easy to control which is why they are a good choice for beginner RC car drivers.

On their website, Redcat states, “Redcat Racing has become the premier name for Fast- Affordable – Fun ready to run, gas, nitro, and electric powered remote controlled surface vehicles. All Redcat Racing vehicles come fully assembled and ready to run right out of the box making it simple for anyone to get started in the R/C hobby. 

Redcat Racing has a complete line of parts and accessories as well as a wide selection of vehicle sizes ranging from 1/24 scale to 1/5 scale, ensuring that there is a Fast-Affordable-Fun vehicle for everyone.” 

Redcat cars come in all kinds, one being the Blackout XTE. This off-roader is great because of its low-cost and good performance. It is also extremely durable. 

The Blackout XTE is easy to control on a course and if you’re looking for your first RC car, this is recommended as an excellent choice. Although Redcat does make some premium models, they are focused more on the mid-range sector. 

If you are looking for a cost-efficient, beginner RC vehicle Redcat is a good option for you.

Final Thoughts

Traxxas vs Redcat, which one has the best RC cars? Well, it all comes down to what you want in an RC car. 

If you want something more high-end and expensive, providing advanced racing, then Traxxas cars are the best ones for you. If you want something low-cost and made well while being easy to control for beginners then Redcat cars are the best ones for you. 

No matter which you choose, have fun driving your RC car and winning a whole lot of races.