12 Best Short Course RC Trucks (2024) – Buyer’s Guide & Reviews

Have you been looking for the best short course RC truck? Then the good news is that you do not need to look any further. We will present the best ones here for your consideration.

Each one produces a top quality performance, is superiorly powerful and is made with ultra durability for much enjoyable usage.

That is why these are the most preferred short course RC trucks among many consumers at this present time.

Top 12 Short Course RC Trucks

#1 Editor’s Pick – ARRMA Senton V3 3S BLX

ARRMA 1/10th Senton V3 3S BLX Brushless Short Course Truck
ARRMA 1/10th Senton V3 3S BLX Brushless Short Course Truck
ARRMA 1/10th Senton V3 3S BLX Brushless Short Course Truck
Rating

Ready to Run

Tough

Adjustable Ride Height

Fast Spektrum 3660 3200kv Brushless Motor

Spektrum S651 metal gear steering servo

50+ mph (80kmh+) on 3s lipo

When you have a strong desire to acquire a top quality short course RC truck, then you need to consider getting the ARRMA Senton V3 BLX Short Course RC Truck. The good news is that all of the electronic parts of this RC truck are waterproof.

If the electronic parts happen to experience getting wet, they will not become damaged. As a result, you will be able to continue to enjoy the usage of this finely crafted short course RC truck with confidence and ultra enjoyment.

This is a powerful four wheel drive RC truck, capable of 50+ mph on 3s Li-PO batteries! That’s seriously fast. The body of this truck is bashable in that it will not easily dent, chip, break or crack.

This demonstrates the fact that you are truly getting a highly durable short course RC truck that can handle a lot of rugged usage and tough races against the short course RC trucks of your buddies.

Many customers like this amazing RC vehicle due to the fact that it is tough, fast and reliable and you can not only race this vehicle, but you can also act as the tuner as mostly everything you need is easily adjustable.

The brushless motor of this vehicle works flawlessly with the production of much powerful torque every time, which most assuredly heightens the sensational vibe of this thrilling RC short course truck.

Check out this awesome video of the truck in action!

Unfortunately, like most hobby-grade RC vehicles, a battery or charger is included and will have to be purchased separately. Please check out everything you need to know about RC batteries.

#2 Best 2WD Short Course Truck – Traxxas Slash 2WD

Traxxas Slash 2WD Short Course RC Truck
Traxxas Slash 2WD Short Course RC Truck
Traxxas Slash 2WD Short Course RC Truck
Rating

1/10th Scale

30+ mph

Waterproof electronics

Super tough

Traxxas has been around for a long time and is very well known in the RC community for making some of the highest quality RC vehicles. The 2WD Slash is no different. You can bang, flip, jump this short course RC truck all day long without worrying about damaging anything.

If you do happen to damage something, part availability is something you won’t have to worry about. Almost every hobby shop that has RC vehicles should have Traxxas parts.

When you experience the power of this amazing 2WD short course RC truck, you will be superbly impressed. This RC short course truck is well constructed and ultra durable.

This is truly an interesting RC vehicle to enjoy due to the various components that are interchangeable that allow you the opportunity to have fun sprucing up the user experience when racing and driving this fun truck.

There is the application of top quality ball bearings that contribute to the flexibility of this high quality vehicle in terms of its agile maneuverability. An impressive feature is that the suspension can be tuned.

This is truly a highly desirable RC truck that offers much interactive enjoyment for those who like to tinker and make improvements to their RC vehicles.

Unfortunately, like most hobby-grade RC vehicles, a batterie nor charger is included and will have to be purchased separately. Please check out everything you need to know about RC batteries.

#3 Best Short Course RC Truck on a Budget – Goolsky RC Truck

Goolsky WLToys 12423 RC Short Course Truck
Goolsky WLToys 12423 RC Short Course Truck
Goolsky WLToys 12423 RC Short Course Truck
Rating

1/12th Scale

50+ km/h

Tough

Li-PO Battery Included (1500mah 7.4V)

When you love to race your short course RC vehicles hard and still want to know that the short course RC vehicle will work after the rugged racing session, then you need to get the Goolsky Wltoys 12423 Short Course RC Truck.

This short course RC truck is definitely designed with much rugged usage in mind.

You will be pleased to note that this truck is highly durable , which means that it does not easily dent, crack, chip or break. This vehicle is worth your money, as you will not have to buy a new RC truck just after a few usages.

You will enjoy the fact that many of the elements of this RC truck are interchangeable for a highly engaging user experience.

This vehicle comes to you with a noteworthy and highly reliable brushless motor, which is waterproof for real ultra versatile environment conditions during usage.

You will be pleased with the strong torque in terms of steering for optimal control and performance.

Fortunately batteries and charger are included with this RC short course truck, so you can get right to playing with it!

#4 Best 4WD Short Course Truck – Losi 1/10 Ford Raptor Baja Rey 4WD Brushless

Losi 1/10 Ford Raptor Baja Rey 4WD Brushless
Losi 1/10 Ford Raptor Baja Rey 4WD Brushless
Losi 1/10 Ford Raptor Baja Rey 4WD Brushless
Rating

1/10th scale

Spektrum 3800kv Brushless motor. 50+ mph

Spektrum Smart Firma 130A ESC with IC5 Connector

SR6200 AVC Receiver

S614 Steel Gear Servo

Long Travel 4-link Live Rear Axle and Long Travel Independent A-Arm Front Suspension

Independent front suspension

Roll Cage

 

Losi makes some of the best and highest quality hobby-grade RC vehicles. The 1/10th Ford Raptor Baja Rey 4WD Brushless short course RC truck is no different. This truck is bred with toughness, reliability, speed, and the winning mindset, if racing is your thing.

When you are looking for a great four wheel drive RC truck for short courses that will offer an ultimately thrilling user experience, then it cannot be denied that this is truly the RC vehicle that you need to get. It will seem like you have the reputation of a real racing pro, as this RC short course truck is both powerful and fast.

Many consumers find that the Losi 1/10 Baja Rey 4WD vehicle bypasses many other types of RC vehicles, which makes racing this short course RC truck so much fun. It’s highly capable suspension and live rear axle make this RC handle like the real thing!

Since Losi is a big racing brand and the 1/10 Baja Rey 4WD is such a popular vehicle, you will not find parts availability to be an issue. Most hobby shops will stock spare parts and you will find that lots of Losi parts are interchangeable with different models.

Overall, we recommend this as one of the best short course RC trucks on the market, but because of it’s complicated mechanical systems and price, we would not recommend it to a beginner. This short course RC truck does not come with batteries, please check out everything you need to know about RC batteries.

#5 Best 1/10 RC Truck – Team Associated 1/10 Pro4 SC10 4WD Brushless

Team Associated 1/10 Pro4 SC10 4WD Brushless
Team Associated 1/10 Pro4 SC10 4WD Brushless
Team Associated 1/10 Pro4 SC10 4WD Brushless
Rating

1/10th Scale

3300kV brushless motor. 45+ mph

Waterproof electronics

In such cases that you have been disappointed by the level of frequency of other short course RC trucks, you will not be disappointed anymore when you get the Team Associated 1/10 Pro4 SC10 4WD Brushless short Course RC Truck.

Team Associated is another brand that has been around for some time. They usually associate (ha) themselves with RC racing, but have recently been trying hard to get into casual RC vehicles. And oh boy, do they ever deliver. Speed, toughness, handling, you name it, this short course RC truck has it, and even does it better then some other big brands.

Unfortunately this short course RC truck does not come with batteries or a charger, so those will need to be purchased separately. Please check out everything you need to know about RC batteries.

#6 Best Short Course RC Truck for a Beginner- Arrma Senton V3 Brushed

ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 4X4 V3 Brushed
ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 4X4 V3 Brushed
ARRMA 1/10 SENTON 4X4 V3 Brushed
Rating

1/10th Scale

Tough (V3 Has Stronger Chassis)

30+mph

Waterproof electronics

Fully adjustable ride height

Double wishbone suspension front and rear

3300mAh 8.4V 7-Cell Speedpack Included with charger

 

You might be thinking “This looks exactly like what we have at the number 1 spot”. Yes this short course RC truck is named the same, and looks the same, but this is the brushed version. A less powerful version.

We will always suggest to get a lower power RC vehicle if you are beginner. Not only is it easier on the wallet, but if you crash it into a tree, pole, fence or the neighbors car, the chances of it breaking are significantly less. I would hate for someone to spend their hard earned cash on an expensive, fast short course RC truck and crash and break it within 5 minutes.

If you are a beginner, but feel the need for speed, check out our #1 suggestion, it’s the same truck, but with upgraded electronics and mechanical components.

You will be highly impressed with the Arrma 1/10 Senton 4X4 Mega 550 Brushed RTR Short Course RC Truck due to the fact that it always puts out a splendid performance that is full of evident strength and toughness.

As a result, that is why this high quality 4WD RC short course truck has the formidable reputation of being a true favorite amongst hobbyists. It’s electronics are waterproof, it’s body is tough and can take damage. It’s chassis has been reinforced in the V3 version, leading to less breakage and heartache and more fun.

The ARRMA Senton Mega V3 even comes with batteries and charger! That’s right, you don’t have to worry about picking out your own, all you will need is some AA batteries for the receiver and you are good to go!

#7 Losi 1/10 Tenacity TT Pro 4WD

Losi 1/10 Tenacity TT Pro 4WD
Losi 1/10 Tenacity TT Pro 4WD
Losi 1/10 Tenacity TT Pro 4WD
Rating

1/10th Scale

Spektrum 3150Kv Brushless motor, 50+mph

Waterproof electronics

Fully Adjustable Suspension, Sway Bars, Turnbuckles

Fully metal center differential.

When you crave an RC vehicle that seems somewhat interactive, then you need to get the Losi Tenacity TT Pro 1/10 4WD Dessert Brushless RC Truck. This is due to the fact that you can race this fine quality four wheel drive RC truck.

But you can also have the privilege to engage with the vehicle by being somewhat of a mechanic, such as when you have fun adjusting the toe angle, the chamber and other elements according to your desired specifications.

The motor of this finely crafted RC truck is praiseworthy for being brushless–it works with flawless effort and produces a powerful torque every time during usage.

Consequently, this most definitely contributes to the augmented sensational experience when you use this exciting four wheel drive RC vehicle.

If you have noticed that other four wheel drive RC vehicles seem to have a lag in terms of power due to not having a terrific quality four wheel drive system, then it is understandable that this is truly the right RC truck for you due to the fact that it has amazing power, which will be superbly impressive every time you have fun with this cutting edge RC vehicle.

#8 Losi 1/10 22S SCT Brushed RTR Kicker RC Truck

Losi Kicker 1/10 22S 2WD SCT Brushed
Losi Kicker 1/10 22S 2WD SCT Brushed
Losi Kicker 1/10 22S 2WD SCT Brushed
Rating

1/10th Scale

Waterproof electronics

30+mph

Aluminum Front/Rear Chassis Plates for extra toughness

Lots of upgrade parts available

 

In such cases that you sense that you have been duped by the claims that other RC vehicles were tough but then really were not, then you need to get the Losi 1/10 22S SCT Brushed RTR Kicker RC Truck.

You will discover the wonderful reality that this finely constructed four wheel drive RC truck is in no way lagging in power.

You will truly enjoy the powerful output that you experience with this thrilling RC vehicle. The four wheel drive system is well built and provides top grade suspension.

Overall this is one of the best short course RC trucks on the market.

When you like the parts of your RC vehicle to be interchangeable to allow for a more engaging and interactive user experience, then you will have much pleasure with this RC, as it has several interchangeable components.

Also, it is noted that the ball bearings are implemented with top quality design to aid in the agility of this vehicle in terms of maneuverability.

A feature that is impressive is the fact that you can tune the suspension as well as the ride height. 

#9 Redcat Racing Blackout SC 4WD 1/10 RC Truck

Redcat Racing Blackout SC 1/10 4WD
Redcat Racing Blackout SC 1/10 4WD
Redcat Racing Blackout SC 1/10 4WD
Rating

1/10th Scale

30+mph

Fully tunable suspension

Designed tough

Waterproof electronics

Includes batteries and charger

If you are an avid race lover when it comes to rugged races for four wheel drive RC vehicles, then you need to get the Redcat Racing Blackout SC 1/10 4WD.

This top class RC vehicle is up to the challenge of all the rugged racing sessions that you put it through.

You will be pleased to realize that this RC truck has impressive durability, which results in the reality that it does not crack, break, chip or dent easily.

This vehicle is truly worthy of your investment in terms of what you pay for it due to the fact that it will last for a long time.

Also, many of the elements of this RC vehicle tend to be interchangeable, which is why many customers find that this makes the user experience even more engaging and pleasurable.

The motor is powerful and has a brushless design.

You get optimal steering control for a well defined performance every time.

#10 FUNTECH Pioneer Short Course Truck 1/18 4WD

It’s cheap, fun, fast and tough. That’s what the Pioneer does best, cheap fun. While this short course RC truck is a far cry from some of the others we’ve included on this list, we cannot deny that it is a solid pick. It’s small size will help it take less damage, which is perfect for a beginner.

This RC short course truck comes with a 750mah 7.4 Li-PO battery with charger. While this is great, at 750mah, it may not have that long of run time. We’d suggest picking up another, at the same capacity (750mah) or maybe go for something bigger (1000mah+).

This RC truck is highly responsive to your command, which is why it is also a great short course RC truck for those who are just starting out when it comes to using a short course RC vehicle.

This is a top quality four wheel drive RC vehicle that puts out a terrific and powerful performance every time. That is the reason why this finely crafted RC vehicle proves to be a real favorite among RC vehicle enthusiasts.

#11 Team Associated RC Short Course Truck

It cannot be denied that the Team Associated 70007 RC10SC6.1 RC Short Course Truck Is a nifty selection of a great RC truck that performs at an optimal level at all times during usage.

This RC vehicle can speed along super fact for the intense thrills that you crave when using your 2WD short course RC truck.

The treads on the tires are impressive in that they are very detailed and are clearly visible.

Consequently, the tires are up to the challenge of handling large amounts of friction and grip extremely well to handle tough racing expeditions without wiping out or crashing.

This means that this vehicle brings to you supreme quality skid resistance, so that you will always have the confidence that your vehicle will be able to stay in the race and that it can handle even slippery surfaces superiorly well.

Due to the fact of this vehicle being equipped with the inclusion of a top class two wheel drive system, it is easy for this RC vehicle to complete all moves that are intense, sharp and difficult.

The remote control of this RC vehicle is noted as functioning quite well based on the premise that it has a great operational frequency at a level of 2.4 GHz. 

#12 Losi 1/18 Mini-T 2.0 Stadium 2WD RC Short Course Truck

You will surely be pleased with your choice of the Losi 1/18 Mini-T 2.0 Stadium 2WD RC Short Course Truck, as it is a truly popular choice when it comes to high precision in all areas of functionality.

Indeed, this RC vehicle is the perfect device to offer your children some new and fun experiences that will prove to be a form of wonderfully thrilling entertainment that they will enjoy for long periods of time.

This vehicle, therefore, proves to be a great intervention for children who possess low attention spans and who become bored easily.

They will have a higher level of engagement when they use this wonderfully amusing RC truck. The remote control is easy to use, which allows for a high level of driving precision.

This RC truck is a splendid option for those who are new to the world of driving RC vehicles.

It is exciting to see this top class 2WD short course RC truck zoom by so fast and win many races, as many consumers find that it is faster than many other short course trucks that are available on the market at this present time.

This is a versatile vehicle, as it functions optimally well both on smooth surfaces as well as rugged terrain. 

Buying Guide: Choosing The Perfect Short Course Truck

Scale

Determining what scale you want in a short course truck is obviously important. If you’re new to racing then get the typically1:10 scale and you can’t go wrong with any on this list.

Budget

So how much does a RC short course truck cost? They go on average for around $200-600 depending on the quality, brand, overall performance. Understanding the price range will help in giving you a range to figure out your budget and to plan accordingly.

Knowing your budget and what you are willing to spend on your truck will be key in determining which one to get. Two wheel drive RC trucks are a lot cheaper than four wheel drive trucks.

You must also take into consideration battery costs in your budget, if you do not already have the correct battery configuration. Check out our post on RC car battery’s to learn more.

Brand/Quality

Another important factor in determining if a truck is right for you is to make sure that it is made with high quality materials and manufactured from a good brand. Not necessarily brand name but a good solid name in the industry that you can trust.

Bigger the budget, the better the quality, usually. Make sure to read reviews and videos on the truck before making a purchase. Some RC trucks will have their pros and cons. It’s important to factor in everything to make sure you get the best short course RC truck in your budget.

You can get good brand/quality new, if you are willing to sacrifice speed and get 2wd instead of 4wd. Or look for used deals on sites like, Kijiji, Facebook marketplace, sometimes you can find new short course RC trucks brand new never used for a good chunk off their original price.

Brand

If you’ve been in the RC hobby for awhile, you probably know most of the top brands, but I’ll list some of the top ones here for those who are newer to the hobby:

  • Traxxas
  • ARRMA
  • Losi
  • Axial
  • Redcat Racing

This does not mean that other brands are not as good, these are the most reputable in the RC hobby scene and have been around for years. All of these brands have some of the best short course RC trucks on the market today.

2WD vs. 4WD

Are you going to be racing with four wheel drive or two wheel drive? This should be an easy question to answer. 4WD will cost a lot more than 2WD but you will have a lot more traction and performance depending on which truck you get.

Conclusion

Understanding how much you want to spend and all the different little nuances of short course trucks is key to choosing which is the best short course RC truck for you.

We hope you have found this guide helpful and we can’t wait to see you on the track.

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