Rlaarlo RC Cars

Rlaarlo models compared

These are the Rlaarlo cars we sell, with the manufacturer's own figures. Claimed top speeds assume a full battery, the fastest gearing and a smooth surface, so treat them as a ceiling rather than what you'll see on grass. Prices are correct as we write this but can change; the product page always shows the current price.

Many Rlaarlo listings are on pre-order. Pre-order items are marked as such and show an expected date on the product page; in-stock cars are dispatched from the UK.

Alloy, carbon and standard versions

Rlaarlo sell several of their cars in more than one build, and the names can be confusing. Alloy (or metal) versions use an aluminium chassis plate: heavier, very hard to bend, and the better choice for jumping and bashing. Carbon versions use a carbon fibre chassis and parts: lighter and stiffer, which suits on-road speed and racing, but carbon can crack or delaminate after a hard hit where aluminium would just scuff. The standard AM-X12 already uses carbon-reinforced parts, so its Carbon version is about trim and a carry case rather than a different car.

Rollers and rolling chassis are the car without some or all of the electronics. They are for people who already own a motor, ESC, servo and radio, or who want to choose their own. If you just want to drive, buy an RTR.

Which Rlaarlo should you buy?

• First hobby car on a budget: the brushed XDKJ-001 1/14 buggy. Two batteries in the box, 60 km/h is plenty, and brushed cars are gentler to learn on.
• Best all-rounder: the X12S or XTS-P12. Both are 3S brushless 1/12 cars at about £150, with metal drivetrains. Pick the rally car for tarmac and gravel, the buggy for grass.
• Cheapest brushless: the AM-X12 on 2S. It is quick enough out of the box and takes a 3S pack later.
• Monster truck for jumps: the Omni Terminator alloy. Bigger than the 1/12 cars, with a centre diff and gyro. The ROG1 is the smaller, cheaper alternative.
• Speed and smooth tarmac: the AK-787. It is an on-road car with low ground clearance, so keep it off grass.

Rlaarlo vs MJX

The two brands get compared a lot, and they overlap at 1/14. MJX Hyper Go cars are mostly 1/14 and 1/16, with lots of plastic and very low prices, which makes them the better pick if you want the cheapest brushless car going. Rlaarlo cost a little more and put that money into aluminium and carbon chassis, metal drivetrains and 3S power at 1/12. If you plan to bash hard, the extra metal is worth it. Our MJX Hyper Go buying guide covers that side in detail.

Spares and batteries

We stock Rlaarlo parts in the UK, from suspension arms and drive shafts to motors and bodies, so a broken part does not mean waiting weeks for a parcel from abroad. Every Rlaarlo we sell is brushless apart from the XDKJ-001 and XDKJ-005; if you are unsure what that means in practice, read brushed vs brushless. Most of the range runs on LiPo packs, and a spare battery plus a proper balance charger is the first thing most owners buy: see RC car batteries and chargers.