When it comes to remote control (RC) vehicles, there are all sorts of options. Whether it's RC tanks, planes, boats, or cars, there's almost too many from which to pick. Below, we're going to take a look at what the best RC tank options are of 2018. We'll also discuss what to look for in an RC tank and how to compare models to one another.
Frequently Asked Questions About RC Tanks
When it comes to RC tanks, many people have questions about what to look for. If you're not familiar with the RC tank market, it can be pretty daunting to sift through the many, many options available on the internet and elsewhere. Some of the most frequently asked questions about RC tanks are below, and for each tank on our list, we've answered all of them (and more!).
1. Does it shoot? How far?
Many RC tanks fire actual projectiles. While cheaper tanks sometimes come with their own darts or special projectiles, midrange tanks typically fire airsoft BBs. It's important to pay attention to ads and marketing information — if a tank doesn't heavily feature the fact that it shoots, it probably does not have that feature.
2. Does it have sound or smoke effects?
Most RC tanks have sound effects, but some offerings also have optional oil-based smoke effects designed to simulate tactical smoke, exhaust, or both.
3. What kind of batteries does it take? Are they included?
Have you ever gone to set up a new toy, discovered it needed batteries, and then found yourself out of them? If you want to avoid that scenario, you should be sure to pay attention to whether or not the RC tank you are looking at comes with batteries. Most provide batteries for the vehicle, but not the remote.
4. How many vehicles can you use at one time?
This is only really a problem for low-range tanks, but sometimes signals for RC vehicles can interfere with one another. Midrange and above tanks use a 2.4 GHz radio system by default that allows for multiple RC tanks to be run in the same area simultaneously, without interference. However, tanks without this feature can be susceptible to interference.
5. Where can you buy an RC tank?
You can find RC tanks in toy stores, toy sections in department stores, hobby/specialty shops, and, of course, on numerous websites on the internet.
6. What's the typical price range?
As with most RC vehicles, there is massive variation among prices. You can spend $50, or nearly $3,000, depending. The lower range is typical of tanks intended for young children, while the upper range is strictly for ultrarealistic tanks designed for adult collectors.
What Makes One RC Tank Better than Another, Anyway?
Plain and simple, features, durability, and price are the difference. With RC tanks, you should get your money's worth. A good RC tank can be fairly expensive, so you don't want to waste your money on something with limited features, or that is going to break down regularly. We used a combination of experience, user reviews and forums across many websites, and manufacturing information, as well as price, to determine which tanks made this list.
RC Tank Choices
Below, we've selected our favorite models of RC tank on the market today.
Features:
- 2.4 GHz radio control, 80-foot range, more than 20 tanks can run simultaneously
- 1/16 scale replica
- Turret raises 30 degrees and turns approximately 320 degrees
- Batteries: Included for both tank and remote. The tank can use several different batteries, while remote requires 8 AAs
- Working cannon: Yes, and has a 25-meter range. Comes with BBs included
- Working smoke function and comes with smoke fluid included
- This tank is a great model of the German King Tiger.
- The main turret works, firing BBs up to 25 meters.
- The tank comes with metal drive wheels and can handle grass, gravel, or other uneven road surfaces well.
- According to the manufacturer, it can also manage a 35-degree gradient.
- Many users complain of durability issues, particularly with the right tread.
- Some report other issues with basic quality control, and repairs can be expensive.
Features:
- 27 MHz radio controller, 60-foot range
- 1/16 scale
- The turret cannot raise, it does turn left and right
- Batteries: Included for both tank and remote. Tank requires a 7.2V 800mAh Ni-MH battery, the remote requires a 9v battery
- Working cannon: Yes, but only fires one meter. Comes with special projectiles, does not fire BBs
- Unlike most offerings on this list, the body is made of plastic, which cuts down on weight (and realism) and increases engine life
- For the price, it's hard to go wrong with this tank.
- Reviewers love this tank as a purchase for younger RC collectors.
- It does come with fewer features.
- The plastic body, while good for the engine, does not stand up as well in various environments.
- Running this tank offroad can shorten its life drastically.
Features:
- 2.4 GHz, 80-foot range, numerous tanks can operate simultaneously
- 1/16 scale replica of the M1A2 Main Battle Tank
- Turret moves 30 degrees up and down, can rotate approximately 320 degrees
- Batteries: 7.4V/1800mah internal battery included, six additional AA batteries for the vehicle and four AA batteries for the remote are not included
- Working cannon: The HengLong M1A2 Abrams features a main gun that fires airsoft BBs up to 30 meters
- There is a cheaper version of this tank available that does not use metal treads or suspension arms
- 10-15 feet. It also uses realistic sound effects and can create smoke.
- Using the tank in mud, snow, or water can shorten the lifespan of certain components.
HengLong 2.4Ghz 1/16 Scale M1A2 Abrams RC Air Soft RC Battle Tank Smoke & Sound
Rating
Despite being a little price, this RC tank is an extremely solid option. There are not many complaints from reviewers about the same issues cropping up which speaks to the durability of this HengLong offering. We're going to give this version of the M1A2 Abrams 4.9 out of 5 stars.
Features:
- 2.4 GHz radio control, 80-foot range, numerous tanks can operate simultaneously
- 1/16 scale replica of the M1A2 Main Battle Tank — right down to functioning headlights and taillights, recoil effects, and more
- Turret moves up, down, and 360 degrees around the tank. In fact, it actually maintains gyroscopic control to keep the barrel steady while the tank is in motion
- Batteries: The pictured option comes with the required P76 battery and charger; however, not all do, and the four AAs required for the remote are not included
- Working cannon: No, this unit does not fire projectiles. However, it is compatible with Tamiya's Battle System, which allows for tank-on-tank combat using infrared signals
- This tank features ultra-realistic recoil, sound, and other features intended for the serious collector
- Every single light and sound is faithfully rendered.
- The tank even moves like a real M1A2.
- The optional Battle System allows for some pretty awesome RC tank combat.
- For the price, this tank features an awful lot of assembly.
- The fact that the barrel does not fire projectiles is also a major drawback.
Features:
- 2.4 GHz radio control, 80-foot range, numerous tanks can operate simultaneously
- 1/16 scale replica of the German Panther Type G
- Turret moves 30 degrees up and down, can rotate approximately 320 degrees
- Batteries: 7.4V/1800mah internal included as well as 8 AA batteries for the controller
- Working cannon: This RC tank features a main gun that fires airsoft BBs up to 25 meters
- It uses oil to create smoke and has realistic sound effects
- This RC tank is very reliable, and reviewers have difficulty finding fault with the HengLong Tiger.
- Like most tanks in this price range, it is able to climb a 35-degree gradient.
- It also comes fully assembled.
- People report that, over time, the tread pins can occasionally fall out.
- Also, it is not waterproof or recommended to be used in the snow or water.
Rating
Because of this RC tank's relatively low price point, reliability, and feature list, we're giving it 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Features:
- 2.4 GHz radio control, 80-foot range, numerous tanks can operate simultaneously
- 1:16 scale full metal replica of German Tiger I
- Turret moves 30 degrees up and down, can rotate 320 degrees
- Batteries: 7.2V 2000mAh battery included, remote takes six AAs which are not included
- Working cannon: This RC tank has an electric cannon that can shoot BBs over 25 meters. It even has an adjustable hop-up, which is used in airsoft guns to put heavy spin on the BB, increasing accuracy
- This tank is fully metal, from the tracks to the drive wheel to the gearbox, and much more durable than other midrange RCtanks
- This tank is great for indoor and outdoor use.
- The all-metal gearbox and driveshaft drastically increase the durability of this tank.
- It also comes fully assembled,
- It comes with a canister of BBs to start.
- The only real downside to the Taigen German Tiger 1 Electric Airsoft RC Tank is the cost.
So Which Tank Is Really the Best?
It's not easy to pick one best overall RC tank for 2018. After all, which features matter most are going to change based on the reason you're buying one. It's probably not smart to buy a young kid an airsoft tank, and most of the midrange tanks are capable of firing BBs with decent range. Meanwhile, the cheapest RC tanks fall apart quickly, and only hardcore collectors are going to be purchasing the most expensive and realistic tanks.
If you're reading this article, chances are you're looking for an impressive RC tank for someone starting or growing an RC collection. With that in mind, our pick for the best overall RC tank of 2018 is the fully metal Taigen German Tiger 1. When it comes to performance and durability, it simply can't be beaten.
An honorable mention goes out to all of the HengLong tanks on this list, as well as many which did not make the list. If money is more of a consideration and your tank won't see use on wet terrain, the HengLong tanks are fantastic for their price point and certainly some of the better options on the market.
