Beginner’s Guide to RC Drift Cars

Introduction

RC drifting is a scale motorsport that focuses on controlled slides, smooth steering input, and realistic driving style rather than outright speed. Unlike traditional RC racing, RC drift cars are designed to break traction deliberately and maintain controlled oversteer through corners.

This beginner’s guide explains how RC drift cars work, the different types available, and what you need to get started. It’s written for newcomers looking to understand RC drifting properly before choosing their first setup, with clear explanations based on real world RC drift builds and experience.

What Is RC Drifting?

RC drifting recreates full size car drifting at a smaller scale. Instead of maximising grip, RC drift cars are tuned to slide predictably, transition smoothly between corners, and maintain control at angle.

Key characteristics of RC drifting include:

  • Rear-wheel drive layouts

  • Harder tyres designed to break traction

  • Precision steering control

  • Smooth throttle modulation

RC drifting can be enjoyed indoors or outdoors, depending on surface type. Polished concrete, carpet, and sealed tarmac are common drift surfaces, each requiring slightly different setups.

1/10 Scale RC Drift Cars Explained

Most serious RC drifting is done using 1/10 scale RC drift cars. This scale has become the standard because it offers the best balance of realism, performance, and aftermarket support.

1/10 scale RC drift cars benefit from:

  • Wide availability of parts and upgrades

  • Compatibility with most drift tracks

  • A huge range of body shells, wheels, and tyres

  • Proven chassis designs refined over many years

Smaller scales, such as 1/24, are popular for indoor use, but 1/10 scale remains the most versatile option for beginners who want room to progress.

You can explore available options in our RC Drift Cars collection.

Types of RC Drift Cars

RC Drift RTR (Ready To Run)

RTR drift cars come pre assembled with electronics already installed. These are ideal for beginners who want to start drifting with minimal setup.

RTR drift cars are best for:

  • First time RC drift drivers

  • Users who want a simple entry point

  • Learning basic throttle and steering control

Most RTR drift cars can still be upgraded over time, allowing beginners to replace electronics or tuning components as skills improve.

You can view available options in our RC Drift RTR Cars collection.

RC Drift Kits

RC drift kits are supplied as chassis kits without electronics. These are built by the user and allow complete control over component selection.

RC drift kits are suited to:

  • Drivers who want to customise their setup

  • Hobbyists interested in learning how drift cars work

  • Those planning competition style builds

Building a kit allows you to choose your own motor, ESC, gyro, servo, and radio system, resulting in a setup tailored to your driving style.

Explore available options in our RC Drift Chassis Kits collection.

Essential Components for RC Drift

Electronics Overview

RC drift electronics are chosen for smoothness and control, not raw speed. A balanced electronics setup makes drifting easier and more consistent.

Key electronics include:

Motor & ESC
The motor and electronic speed controller determine throttle response and power delivery. Drift setups prioritise smooth, predictable output over high top speed.

Gyro
A steering gyro stabilises the rear of the car during slides. It is one of the most important components in modern RC drifting and is strongly recommended for beginners.

Servo
Fast and accurate steering servos are essential for holding angle and maintaining control during transitions.

Radio Gear
A quality transmitter and receiver provide precise steering input and allow adjustment of steering rates and response.

You can explore these components in the following collections:

RC Drift Wheels, Tyres & Body Shells

Wheels & Tyres

RC drift tyres are designed to slide consistently rather than grip aggressively. Different compounds are used depending on surface type, such as polished concrete or carpet.

Wheel choice affects:

  • Track width

  • Offset

  • Visual realism

A suitable wheel and tyre combination helps maintain predictable drift behaviour.

You can browse options in our RC Drift Wheels or RC Drift Tyres collection.

RC Body Shells

Body shells are a major part of RC drift culture. Most 1/10 scale drift bodies are unpainted polycarbonate shells that allow full customisation.

Important considerations include:

  • Body width (commonly 190mm, 195mm, or 200mm)

  • Wheelbase compatibility

  • Scale realism and styling

Explore available options in our RC Drift Body Shells collection.

Beginner vs Competition RC Drift Setups

Beginner setups prioritise:

  • Smooth throttle response

  • Stable steering behaviour

  • Forgiving handling

Competition setups often involve:

  • More aggressive steering geometry

  • Higher end electronics

  • Fine tuned suspension and weight balance

For beginners, consistency is far more important than maximum performance. Learning controlled driving techniques should come before advanced tuning.

Common Beginner Mistakes

Many beginners make similar mistakes when starting RC drifting:

  • Choosing too much power too early

  • Running unsuitable tyres for the surface

  • Skipping a steering gyro

  • Over-upgrading before learning fundamentals

  • Focusing on speed instead of control

Avoiding these mistakes makes the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.

Recommended Starting Points

If you’re new to RC drifting, good starting points include:

  • A 1/10 scale RTR drift car with a gyro

  • Sensored electronics for smooth throttle control

  • Neutral wheel and tyre setups matched to your surface

  • A simple, reliable radio system

Our Best Sellers collection highlights products commonly chosen by beginners and experienced drivers alike.

Explore RC Drift Cars & Parts

RC drifting offers a rewarding mix of driving skill, technical setup, and scale realism. Whether you’re just starting out or planning your first custom build, choosing the right components makes a significant difference.

You can explore our full range of:

Each collection is curated to support consistent performance, compatibility, and long term enjoyment.