6 Best RC Desert Buggies Review 2023
RC Desert Buggy-the Coolest Gift (2023)
2020 has been a roller-coaster. Families have had to spend most of their time indoors, leading to various adventures, including new games and online trends. In a time where kids are aware of various technological advancements, own a tablet, smartphone, can comfortably control RC machines, and aspire to be more than "babies," — you've to impress when getting teenage car enthusiasts a gift. And what better way to show you understand other than getting that much anticipated RC car? It will get them off the couches for some real, undeniable adventure. Below is a comprehensive comparison of some of the best RC desert buggies for consideration.
Losi Tenacity DB Pro RC Desert Buggy
6 Best RC Desert Buggies – Overview & Rating
Author's Choice  |
1:10 Losi Tenacity DB Pro Desert Buggy
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People's Choice  |
1:7 ARRMA Mojave 6S Desert Truck
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Premium Choice  |
1:5 Losi DBXL-E 2.0 RC Desert Buggy Smart
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BEST DESERT RACER  |
1:7 Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer
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Best with Licensed Body  |
1:10 Losi Ford Raptor Baja Rey RC Desert Truck
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BEST FOR BEGINNERS  |
1:12 FMTStore RC Desert Buggy
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Detailed Overview
Author's Choice
1:10 Losi Tenacity DB Pro Desert Buggy
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The Losi Tenacity DB Pro Desert Buggy is a monster on the trails. It has a solid metal construction and impressive aluminum components that give it a competitive edge in the race. The manufacturers of this desert buggy used advanced technology such as the Spektrum smart Brushless ESC and Firma motor to achieve top-notch acceleration. Besides, its ESC is entirely waterproof, and it's lightweight (6Ibs without battery) to carry it wherever you want. You can also program it and focus on staying in charge. This truck's 118mm tire's compound is medium-soft and very sturdy for both backyard and desert record blasting races.
Pros:
- Embraces top-notch Spektrum technology systems
- Independent front and rear suspension
- Versatile turnbuckles
- Officially Licensed trim schemes
Cons:
- AVC is not really functional
People's Choice
1:7 ARRMA Mojave 6S Desert Truck
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The 19.32 pounds (without battery) ARRMA Mojave 6S is super-fast and can comfortably hit 60+mph. It's expertly designed with impressive waterproof electronics to allow adventure drives-be it in the rain, snow, or wet grass. No submarine, though, as most of the components are only water-resistant. But with the solid aluminum chassis, you still get a deadly edge in competitive desert races. The 13.98* 28.15-inch truck comes with a brushless ESC ready for use. You can, however, alter the settings according to your needs. Available in three body color options for selection.
Pros:
- 2 year limited warranty
- Independent pump-soaking oil-filled shocks
- Heavy-duty design
Cons:
- No battery/charger
Premium Choice
1:5 Losi DBXL-E 2.0 RC Desert Buggy Smart
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The Losi RC Desert Buggy XL comes ready for use. However, you will require the recommended 8s LiPo battery for the transmitter. The 30.5 Ibs (with batteries) truck is adjustable according to personal preference. Its 4mm Chassis is strong enough to handle any environment. From the dirty trails, pavements to rainy and dry environments, you can fully utilize its power. The buggy is easier to clean and maintain compared to others within its range, without compromising quality. It also features advanced technology –Spektrum Firma 4-Pole 780kV Brushless motor, and smart ESC to ensure you reach 50+mph for an adrenaline experience.
Pros:
- Two additional mounting locations for a stable drive train
- MAXXIS creepy crawler tread pattern tires for extra friction
- Optimum lighting with the roof-mounted LED light bar
Cons:
- Requires batteries and charger
Best Desert Racer
1:7 Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer
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If a splashy top-notch sturdy car is what you're looking for, the Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer has amazing specs you might like. At 13.4 lb, this model proudly displays 13.57* 27.32-inch muscles to endure any aggressive, thrilling driving experience. Its pre-glued BFGoodrich KR3 40-inch replicas tires and the heavy-duty front suspension make this desert buggy tough enough to maneuver rough passages-including anything that blocks its tracks to hit 50+mph. The truck is waterproof and duly fixed with high-intensity 204 LED lights. You may opt one of two liveries: the red and black Rigid Industries and the white and orange Fox Racing
Pros:
- Impressive performance for on and off-road experiences
- Comes with functional spares (driveshaft, wheels)
- High-quality traction control ESC for better 30+mph races
Cons:
- Doesn't include a battery and charger
Best with Licensed Body
1:10 Losi Ford Raptor Baja Rey RC Desert Truck
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This 3800Kv brushless power system truck authentically fits for the desert racing environment. It has an independent front suspension and a sturdy rear axle. Together with an adjustable Active Vehicle Control System this allows you to rush through all forms of terrains. So speeding up to 50 mph and getting all adventurous will give you a full-blown outdoor experience. The baggy is one of a kind, with officially licensed Ford Raptor trim schemes: a bonus for racers preferring double-takes. It also has a LED light bar for extra lighting when on dark terrains.
Pros:
- Impressive authentic design
- Comes with officially licensed Ford body panels and trim schemes
- Top-notch travel independent front suspension
- Two colors for selection
Cons:
- Doesn't come with the recommended 2S or 3S Hardcase LiPo battery and charger
- Double check the steering after purchase for proper work
Best for Beginners
1:12 FMTStore RC Desert Buggy
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The FMTStore RC Desert Buggy is the best budget for a reason. It comes with a powerful motor, ready to hit a decent 30 MPH, making it suitable for beginner races. It can comfortably take you through uneven trails without much impact, thanks to its independent shockproof system. The gears of this desert buggy are made of full-metal for durability. Its anti-slip rubber wheels ensure you stay on the trail even in sharp corners. Whether racing on the sand, grass, or solid ground, you will find the three-stage differential; this vehicle's high-efficiency rotation gears are useful.
Pros:
- Metal gears for longevity
- Decent quality for the money
- Shockproof system for a smoother ride
Cons:
- Not waterproof
Buyer's Guide
Choosing the best RC car gift can be tedious. We want you to impress your loved ones this Christmas and wouldn't be happy if your investment ended up in the darkest corner of the garage. So we've compiled essential attributes to consider.
What to look for when choosing the best RC desert buggy
Brand
Currently, there are various brands of RC desert buggies. The moment you start checking out the marketplaces, you will be lost for choice. So if you're a first-time shopper, you might want to stick to the popular brands for credibility purposes. Brands such as Traxxas, Losi, ARRMA, and others in this review are all well- proven. They might not be the cheapest, but they offer value.
Spare Parts
Yes, the buggy might seem all set to run when you buy it, but it won't stay put forever. You will need spare parts at some point, and they should be readily available. The good thing about Ready to Run (RTR) versions is that you simply have to unbox and get racing. But the faster they bolt, the higher chances of damages. So plan the budget for those replacements, and ensure you can access them when in need.
Steering
RC Desert Buggies are generally 4WD (four-wheel drive). They provide the convenience to simultaneously steer the front and back wheels, to maneuver through the thick and challenging terrains, in comparison with 2WD.
Style
We all have preferences. So if you're shopping for an outdoor RC car enthusiast, it's advisable to get them a buggy with waterproof features and solid metal gears to pull through all types of environments. Most outdoor racing die-hards confess how mind-blowing it's to survive through the mud.
Pricing
As you purchase the RC buggy, consider the accessories that you need to buy to complete it. As evident in this review, most cars don't come with batteries, charger, or even extra accessories such as tires. And if you want to boost performance, you'll have to upgrade, which also spreads the cost to power sources.
Motor
Do you want a brushed or a brushless motor? A brushed motor is relatively cheap and short-lasting because of the accumulating debris. Brushless motors, on the other hand, are more expensive, but long-lasting.
Important Features to Keep in Mind
Speed
The top world record holder RC car hit an outstanding speed of around 200mph in 2014. It's a clear indication of how fast today's RC cars can be. Although the RC Desert Buggies in this article are battery-powered, most of them can comfortably hit 50-60mph, which is still super-fast considering the moderate budgets. So choose one that can give you loads of fun in the sand, grassland, or clear solid terrains.
Scale
When getting an RC Desert Buggy, you've to consider the size. And it's usually measured in fractions as a comparison to a standard full-size vehicle. For instance, a 1:7 buggy is equivalent to one-seven the height, width, and length of the actual car it's being compared to. So the smaller the scale, the bigger the RC. For example, a 1:7 is bigger than the 1:10, and so forth. Also, the bigger car is also more expensive. So, if you have a low budget, but would like to keep the quality, simply choose a smaller car - for example 1:10 instead of 1:6.
Batteries
The RC cars need power to move. In this case, batteries are essential. The cheapest nickel-metal hydride ones don't last long. So for durability, it's advisable to invest into LiPo batteries. Though expensive, they are lighter and generally hold optimum energy for long races. Also, when choosing a battery, examine the charging system to see if it can accommodate popular RC car plugs or is specific to that specific brand. The battery measurements should be a perfect match to your RC buggy's hole.
Weight
Lightweight buggies make great racing companions. They also tend to be fast, only that you will need to improve your controlling skills for better results.
Control Unit Frequency
Radio signals control RC cars. The standard frequency is 2.4 GHz for modern cars.
Chassis
The base of your RC desert buggy is known as the chassis. It's here that the most weight of your car rests. Some are made from plastic, while others are solid metal. A good chassis should have been durable, with optimal weight distribution.
Summary
RC desert buggies make the best gifts, especially for expert drivers. You get to choose according to design preference and skill specification. They're ready to run out of the box, just some of them need to add extra batteries. When you save up some cash, you can upgrade them with time and let your loved ones enjoy full performance. So what are you waiting for? Make their festivities memorable with a buggy race!
