Must-Have RC Rigs Under $350 — 5 Incredible Picks for Every Enthusiast
You don't have to spend $500+ to get something awesome. These five picks deliver incredible performance, quality, and fun at price points that make them seriously hard to pass up. From crawlers and trucks to planes and a short course racer — there's something here for every RC fan.
"To be able to share this hobby with family is one of the coolest things about RC. And everybody does it a different way." — Matt, RC Hobby Pros
1. Axial 1/10 SCX10 III Base Camp 4X4 Rock Crawler Brushed RTR, White — $339.99
SKU: AXI-1375T1 | Brand: Axial | Scale: 1/10
Same legendary SCX10 III Base Camp platform, brand new clean white colorway. This is the crawler that has everything — portal axles for insane ground clearance, solid axle design for maximum articulation, and a scale-realistic body that looks as good as it performs. The white version stands out on the trail and gives you a fresh canvas if you ever want to customize the look. Axial built this thing to crawl, and crawl it does.
Key Features: Portal axles, 4WD RTR, brushed motor, white scale body, waterproof electronics
👉 Shop the SCX10 III Base Camp (White) Now →
2. HobbyZone Carbon Cub S 2 1.3m RTF Basic — $329.99
SKU: HBZ320001 | Brand: HobbyZone | Wingspan: 1.3 meters
Want to fly but not sure where to start? The Carbon Cub S 2 is one of the best trainer airplanes ever made — and it comes 100% Ready-to-Fly right out of the box. SAFE technology provides multiple flight modes that literally prevent you from crashing while you learn, and once you're confident, you can unlock full aerobatic capability. The 1.3m wingspan gives it a beautiful, realistic look in the air. This is the plane that turns "I've always wanted to fly RC" into "I'm a pilot."
If you ever want to get anybody started in the hobby, planes like this are as good or better than anything out there. Don't sleep on HobbyZone — they make some seriously fun planes that even experienced dudes enjoy flying.
Key Features: 1.3m wingspan, SAFE technology, multiple flight modes, RTF (everything included), brushless motor
👉 Shop the Carbon Cub S 2 Now →
3. Axial 1/10 SCX10 III 4WD Rock Crawler Builder's Kit — $269.99
SKU: AXI-2755 | Brand: Axial | Scale: 1/10
For the builders out there — the SCX10 III Builder's Kit puts you in the driver's seat from the very first bolt. Choose your own motor, ESC, body, and electronics to build the exact crawler you want. The SCX10 III platform gives you portal axles, a dig function, and the kind of modularity that makes customization limitless. This is the kit for people who want to understand every piece of their rig and make it truly theirs.
It's great for the dude who's chilling behind the workbench tinkering until four in the morning. Building is half the fun — that's what this hobby is all about.
Key Features: Builder's kit (no electronics), portal axles, DIG function, 4WD, fully customizable
👉 Shop the SCX10 III Builder's Kit Now →
4. ARRMA 1/10 FURY 223S BLX Brushless 2WD Short Course Truck RTR — $249.99
SKU: ARA3521T3 | Brand: ARRMA | Scale: 1/10
Short course trucks are some of the most fun vehicles in all of RC — and the FURY 223S brings ARRMA's signature toughness to the short course game. The 223S brushless system delivers ripping speed, while the 2WD layout gives you that sideways, tail-happy driving style that short course fans live for. The purple colorway looks absolutely sick, and the DSC steering tech keeps you in control even when you're pushing the limits. Affordable, fast, and built to take a beating.
Key Features: 223S brushless, DSC, 2WD RTR, short course body, waterproof electronics
5. ARRMA 1/10 GRANITE MEGA 665 4X4 RTR Brushed Monster Truck — $219.99
SKU: ARA4202V4T1 | Brand: ARRMA | Scale: 1/10
The GRANITE MEGA is where the ARRMA addiction begins. This is one of the best entry-level monster trucks on the planet — a full 4X4 RTR with a MEGA 665 brushed motor that delivers plenty of power for bashing, jumping, and general mayhem. It's tough enough to survive the learning curve, fast enough to keep you grinning, and affordable enough that you won't think twice. This is the truck we recommend to anyone asking "what should I get for my first RC?" — and it never disappoints.
When you're trying to get someone into the hobby, start with something fun and easy. Don't force it — hand them the controller casually and let them discover it. The Granite MEGA is perfect for that. Your goal is for them to ask you the next week: "Hey, can we do that again?" If they ask you that, you did it right.
Key Features: MEGA 665 brushed motor, 4WD RTR, oil-filled shocks, multi-terrain tires, NiMH compatible
All products available at RC Hobby Pros in Katy, TX — or shop online! Have questions? Stop by the store or reach out to us anytime.
