RC Truck Scales Explained — 1/16, 1/10, 1/8, and What They Actually Mean
Walk into any hobby shop and you'll see trucks labeled 1/16 scale, 1/10 scale, 1/8 scale — and if you're new, that means absolutely nothing. I've had 30 years of explaining this to customers, so let me break it down the way I do at the counter.
What "Scale" Actually Means
Scale is just a ratio comparing your RC truck to the real thing. A 1/10 scale truck is one-tenth the size of a real truck. A 1/8 scale is one-eighth — bigger. A 1/16 scale is one-sixteenth — smaller. The bigger the second number, the smaller the truck.
That's it. That's the whole concept. Now here's what actually matters — how each size FEELS to drive and own.
1/16 Scale — The Pocket Rocket
These are the little guys. About 12 inches long, they fit in a backpack. They're great for indoor driving, small backyards, and kids who aren't ready for a bigger truck. The E-flite and HobbyZone lines have some great small-scale options.
Pros: Cheap to buy, cheap to run, easy to transport, great for kids, can drive indoors. Cons: Less stable at speed, shorter battery life, smaller parts can be fiddly to work on, gets lost in tall grass.
1/10 Scale — The Sweet Spot
This is where 90% of people should start and where most of the hobby lives. A 1/10 scale truck is about 20-22 inches long — big enough to be serious, small enough to throw in the car and take anywhere. The parts selection is massive, the aftermarket support is the best of any scale, and the prices are the most competitive.
The ARRMA GRANITE MEGA and GRANITE 4X4 3S BLX are both 1/10 scale. So is the Axial SCX10 III Base Camp. The Losi lineup lives heavily in 1/10 too. If someone asks me "what scale should I get?" the answer is 1/10 unless they have a specific reason to go bigger or smaller.
👉 Shop 1/10 Scale ARRMA Trucks →
1/8 Scale — The Big Boys
Now we're talking. A 1/8 scale truck is about 20-25% bigger than a 1/10. Doesn't sound like much, but the difference in person is dramatic. They're heavier, faster, more powerful, and more expensive. The ARRMA KRATON 6S and NOTORIOUS 6S are 1/8 scale beasts.
Pros: Insane performance, incredible durability (more mass = stronger parts), handles rough terrain better, looks absolutely awesome. Cons: More expensive to buy and maintain, bigger batteries needed, heavier to carry, needs more space to drive.
👉 Shop 1/8 Scale ARRMA Trucks →
1/5 Scale — The Monsters
These are the full-size beasts. 1/5 scale trucks are 3+ feet long and can weigh 30+ pounds. They're essentially small go-karts with remote controls. Most run on gas engines, not electric. These are specialty vehicles for dedicated enthusiasts with big budgets and even bigger backyards.
If you're reading this article as a beginner, 1/5 scale is not where you start. But it's cool to know they exist.
Does Scale Affect Speed?
Not directly, but practically — yes. A 1/8 scale truck will generally be faster than a 1/10 scale truck with comparable electronics because the bigger wheels cover more ground per rotation. But the electronics (motor and ESC) are what really determine speed, not the scale.
A brushless 1/10 truck will smoke a brushed 1/8 truck all day long. Scale determines size, not speed. Electronics determine speed.
My Quick Scale Guide
| Scale | Approx Length | Best For | Budget Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/16 | ~12" | Kids, indoor, travel | $100-$200 |
| 1/10 | ~20" | Everyone — the sweet spot | $200-$500 |
| 1/8 | ~24" | Experienced bashers, performance | $400-$700 |
| 1/5 | ~36" | Dedicated enthusiasts | $800+ |
Not sure what scale is right for your space and budget? Come see them in person at RC Hobby Pros in Katy, TX — seeing the size difference in person makes the decision easy. Or shop online.
