If you’ve recently joined the exciting world of RC drift car racing, you’ll know that having the right tools and accessories can make all the difference in your performance. But as a beginner, it can be overwhelming to know where to start and what to invest in. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top five affordable tools and accessories that every beginner RC drift car owner should have. From drift tires to shock oil, these essentials will help you optimize your drift car’s performance without breaking the bank.
Table of Contents
1. Upgrade Tires
When it comes to drifting, having the right tires is crucial. Selecting drift tires that offer excellent traction and durability will greatly enhance your drifting experience. Look for tires with a low-profile design and a deep tread pattern to maximize grip on various surfaces.
Fortunately, there are many affordable drift tire options available in the market. Brands like HPI Racing, Yokomo, and MST offer a wide range of drift tires at reasonable prices. These tires are specifically designed for drifting and offer excellent performance without breaking the bank.
To improve the grip of your drift tires, it’s recommended to use tire glue. Tire glue helps to bond the tire to the wheel, ensuring a secure fit and preventing the tire from slipping during intense drifting sessions. Gluing your drift tires will give you better control and stability, allowing you to perform precise maneuvers with ease.
2. Adjustable Suspension
An adjustable suspension system is a must-have upgrade for any serious RC drift car enthusiast. It allows you to fine-tune the suspension settings to suit your drifting style and track conditions. With an adjustable suspension, you can adjust the ride height, damping, and stiffness to achieve the perfect balance between stability and maneuverability.
Investing in an affordable suspension upgrade kit will significantly improve the performance of your RC drift car. Companies like Tamiya, Yeah Racing, and GPM Racing offer suspension upgrade kits that are specifically designed for drift cars. These kits typically include adjustable shock absorbers, springs, and other necessary components to enhance the suspension’s capabilities.
3. Brushless Motor
Upgrading to a brushless motor is a game-changer when it comes to RC drifting. Brushless motors provide more power, higher rpm, and better overall performance compared to brushed motors. They generate less heat and have a longer lifespan, making them a worthwhile investment for any drift car enthusiast.
The advantages of a brushless motor are numerous. They offer smooth and consistent power delivery, allowing you to maintain control during high-speed drifts. Brushless motors also have a higher torque, enabling your drift car to accelerate quickly and effortlessly. With their increased efficiency, brushless motors provide longer runtimes, allowing you to enjoy extended drifting sessions.
There are several affordable brushless motor options available in the market. Brands like Hobbywing, Castle Creations, and GoolRC offer a range of brushless motors that cater to different skill levels and budgets. Upgrading to a brushless motor will undoubtedly take your RC drift car to the next level.
4. LiPo Batteries
If you want to maximize the performance of your RC drift car, upgrading to LiPo (Lithium Polymer) batteries is a must. LiPo batteries offer higher voltage and better energy density compared to traditional NiMH batteries. This means more power and longer runtimes, allowing you to drift for longer periods without interruption.
In addition to the increased performance, LiPo batteries are also lighter in weight, which helps improve the overall balance of your drift car. They have a higher discharge rate, providing a consistent and reliable power supply to the motor, resulting in smoother acceleration and better control.
Affordable LiPo battery packs are readily available from brands like Gens Ace, Venom, and Zeee. It’s important to choose a battery pack that is compatible with your RC drift car’s voltage requirements and connector type. Upgrading to LiPo batteries will significantly enhance your drifting experience and bring out the full potential of your RC drift car.
5. Drift Gyro
A drift gyro is a valuable accessory that enhances the stability and control of your RC drift car. It uses gyroscope technology to detect yaw movements and automatically adjusts the steering to keep the car in a controlled drift. This can be especially useful for beginners who are still mastering the art of drifting.
Adding a drift gyro to your RC drift car will greatly improve its drifting capabilities. It helps to minimize oversteer and understeer, making it easier to maintain a consistent drift angle. A drift gyro also provides better stability during transitions and reduces the chances of spinning out or losing control.
Several affordable drift gyro options are available in the market. Brands like Yeah Racing, MST, and SkyRC offer gyro units that are specifically designed for RC drift cars. By investing in a drift gyro, you’ll be able to perform more precise and controlled drifts, taking your drifting skills to new heights.
6. Aluminum Upgrades
Upgrading certain parts of your RC drift car with aluminum components can greatly enhance its durability and performance. Aluminum upgrades offer increased strength and rigidity, which can withstand the stress and impacts associated with intense drifting. Additionally, they provide better heat dissipation, helping to keep your car’s components cool during extended drift sessions.
Common aluminum upgrades include suspension arms, shock towers, steering components, and chassis braces. These upgrades not only improve the overall strength of your drift car but also reduce flex, resulting in better handling and more responsive steering.
Affordable aluminum parts are available from various brands like Yeah Racing, GPM Racing, and Hot Racing. It’s important to choose aluminum upgrades that are compatible with your specific RC drift car model. By incorporating aluminum upgrades into your drift car, you’ll be able to push its limits and perform more aggressive drifts with confidence.
7. Tools and Maintenance Equipment
To keep your RC drift car in top shape, it’s essential to have the right tools and maintenance equipment. Basic tools like hex wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and scissors are necessary for assembling and disassembling your drift car when making upgrades or repairs.
Investing in an affordable tool kit specifically designed for RC cars will ensure that you have all the essential tools in one convenient package. Tool kits from brands like Tamiya, Hudy, and Dynamite offer a wide array of tools that are specifically designed for RC car maintenance.
In addition to tools, having maintenance equipment such as oil, grease, and cleaning solutions is crucial for keeping your drift car running smoothly. Regularly lubricating moving parts and cleaning debris off your car will prolong its lifespan and maintain optimal performance.
8. Body Kits and Decals
Enhancing the appearance of your RC drift car is an exciting aspect of the hobby. Adding body kits and decals can give your car a unique and personalized look that reflects your style and personality. Body kits are available in various designs and styles, allowing you to choose one that suits your taste.
Affordable body kits and decals can be found from various brands like HPI Racing, Tamiya, and MST. Make sure to select a body kit that is compatible with your RC drift car’s chassis and dimensions. Applying decals and customizing the body of your drift car will undoubtedly make it stand out on the track and impress fellow drift enthusiasts.
9. LED Lights
To add an extra touch of realism to your RC drift car, consider installing LED lights. LED light sets can be easily attached to your car’s body and provide an illuminating effect during night-time drifting or indoor sessions. LED lights not only enhance the visual appeal of your drift car but also allow for better visibility in low-light conditions.
Affordable LED light sets are available from brands like Yeah Racing, GoolRC, and Axial. These sets typically include headlights, taillights, and other auxiliary lights, allowing you to create a realistic lighting setup for your RC drift car. Installing LED lights will make your drift car even more eye-catching and create a captivating visual experience.
10. Spare Parts
As with any RC car, having spare parts on hand is essential for quick repairs and maintenance. Accidents can happen, and certain components may wear out over time, so having spare parts readily available will minimize downtime and keep your RC drift car in action.
Essential spare parts for repairs include suspension arms, shock absorbers, driveshafts, and gears. It’s advisable to stock up on these common spare parts to ensure you can quickly fix any issues that may arise during drift sessions.
Affordable spare part options can be found from brands like Tamiya, Team Associated, and Axial. Investing in spare parts will save you the frustration of being unable to enjoy your drift car due to a broken component and ensure that you can keep drifting without interruption.
In conclusion, upgrading your RC drift car with the right tools and accessories will undoubtedly enhance your drifting experience. From upgrading tires and suspension to investing in a brushless motor and LiPo batteries, these upgrades will improve your car’s performance, handling, and overall durability. Additionally, adding accessories like a drift gyro, aluminum upgrades, LED lights, and body kits will allow you to personalize your car and create a captivating visual experience. By investing in affordable tools and spare parts, you’ll always be prepared for repairs and maintenance, ensuring that your RC drift car remains in optimal condition. So, go ahead and take your RC drifting to the next level with these top 5 affordable tools and accessories. Happy drifting!