Welcome to Horizon Hobby, your one-stop-shop for finding the perfect radio control model for the 2020 Holiday Season! Our website has around 25,000 items to pick from… making it nearly impossible for someone like yourself to navigate and select the perfect gift for someone special. As a result, we have selected the Top 5 Gifts from our catalog of products. These five items are…
Radio Control (RC) cars, trucks, boats, planes, and helicopters provide safe family fun. They encapsulate various aspects of S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) plus engage people of all ages in an interactive and rewarding discipline. The products featured below are in no specific order, so be sure to shop all five items to find the best gift this season!
One key consideration we want to point out for the products below; It’s a good practice to open and charge the model’s battery BEFORE you wrap/give the gift. This is a huge time saver and gives the recipient the ability to use their new gift immediately should they desire.
Now let’s get to the fun stuff: Shopping for new RC model!
(Note that product availability and pricing mentioned below are subject to change as this article is specifically tailored to the 2020 Holiday shopping season).
The HobbyZone Mini AeroScout makes learning to fly an RC (Radio Controlled) airplane easy and fun! It’s the perfect “mini” trainer, conveniently sized so that it can be flown inside a large gymnasium in addition to outdoors at soccer/sports fields, large parks, and in other suitable areas. It features a "pusher" power configuration for improved safety plus better propeller and motor protection. This electric motor is efficient enough to deliver long flight times of 10+ minutes, yet powerful enough to propel the plane into aerobatic maneuvers including loops, rolls, and more! The pilot can take off and land on smooth surfaces using the included landing gear, or easily hand launch then land on grass, dirt, or clay. The airframe itself is build using durable EPP foam that makes it the most durable HobbyZone airplane yet. The Mini AeroScout arrives 100% complete and can be assembled/flying in just a few minutes. It includes an interference-free 2.4GHz controller/transmitter, an efficient 800mAH LiPo battery, and a convenient USB charger so there's nothing extra to buy or provide. As with any Horizon Hobby product, the Mini AeroScout is supported by a full line of replacement/spare parts available online or at any Horizon Hobby retailer. There are no special licenses or certifications required to pilot the Mini AeroScout as it weights under the 250-gram weight limit (no FAA registration required). This gift is perfect for anyone aviation enthusiast… or simply someone looking to reach the stars!
- Kyle’s Mini AeroScout Holiday Pro-Tip: Looking to extend the fun? Purchase an additional battery or two (SPMX8001S30). They are only $10.99 each and greatly increase the enjoyment of this model!
The SCX24™ Deadbolt™ 4WD was the first Axial® off-roader in 1/24 scale. At less than 8" long, it's the perfect rig to take along on your hiking, camping, and other outdoor and indoor adventures.
Available in two different color schemes (olive green or red), the 1/24th scale Deadbolt is designed to mimic full-scale competition rock crawlers with its realistic narrow-stance body. The exterior features a realistic driver figure, a molded roll cage, and two functional LED lights in the front bumper in addition to the mock light bar on the roof. The SCX24 Deadbolt is guaranteed to stay locked on any surface you may encounter thanks to officially licensed KMC XD229 Machete Crawl wheels and Nitto Trail Grappler M/T tires. Under the easy-access hinged body, you will find a full ball-bearing supported 4WD drivetrain, an 88-turn electric motor, coil-over shocks, steel axles, steel C-channel chassis frame rails, worm gear driven differentials, and a 3-link front/4-link rear suspension. All of these features make the Axial SCX24 Deadbolt the ultimate mini-scale crawler platform!
Adding even more to its beginner appeal, the SCX24 Deadbolt comes 100% complete and ready to run (assembled and finished vehicle). Everything required for action is in the box including a 3-channel 2.4GHz radio system, a 350mAh 2S 7.4V LiPo battery, a USB LiPo battery charger, and four AA cells for the transmitter. Finally, the entire Axial brand is supported by a massive backing of brand-loyal customers. This means that replacement parts (should you require any) can be found worldwide both online and in-store. In addition to this, there are countless upgrade/option parts that are available for the SCX24 platform produced directly by Axial or manufactured by dozens of aftermarket companies! This gift is perfect for the young of age (or the young of heart) and is an excellent gateway into the world or RC as it’s slow “torquey” speed is easy to control… and hard to crash!
- Kyle’s SCX24 Holiday Pro-Tip: You may want to order an SCX24 for yourself! This 1/24th scale platform is super-affordable family fun and available in body other variants. Be sure to check out both the 1967 Chevrolet C10 (AXI00001) and the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL CRC (AXI00002) versions!
The Blade 70 S is the perfect indoor ultra-micro helicopter for beginner pilots looking to enter the exciting world of radio controlled heli flight! The small size of the 70 S makes flying indoors comfortable, and a lot of fun!
Designed for beginners, the 70 S features a lightweight durable design that is equipped with SAFE Technology. This software provides renowned self-leveling and bank angle limits that make this heli extremely easy to fly, perfect for those getting a feel for flying a helicopter and learning orientation maneuvers. The electronics are contained by an extremely durable composite plastic frame and the blades themselves will “fold” in the event of an impact, making bumps and crashes stress-free. The intimidation-free fixed pitch rotor blades and flybarless head design features a low parts count, making maintenance simpler. Plus, a direct-drive tail motor and carbon fiber tail boom keep the heli firmly locked-in. The canopy is a vivid black/yellow design that is easy to see and allows the LED battery indicator light to easily shine through, providing real-time battery telemetry!
Right out of the box, pilots are presented with an assembled ready-to-fly model. Included with the helicopter you will find an interference-free 2.4GHz transmitter (and transmitter batteries), a USB battery charger, and a 1S 150mAh LiPo battery. Bring RC heli fun indoors with the tough and easy-to-fly 70 S, the perfect gift for anyone cooped-up indoors with a desire to take flight!
- Kyle’s 70 S Holiday Pro-Tip: The 70 S is quite addictive and having an additional battery (or two) keeps the fun going longer! I recommend purchasing at least one additional battery (BLH4210) as they are only $9.99 each.
Conquer anything in your path while enjoying head-turning monster truck looks. Ideal for new RC drivers, the GRANITE VOLTAGE provides an exciting punch and easy handling for an affordable low price! Go from the back yard to the beach, from parking lots to grass fields a with commanding 1/10th scale RC monster truck!
For simplicity and strength, its motor mount, gearbox, battery compartment, and shock towers are all integrated into the molding of a split-line, monocoque-style composite chassis. The included MEGA SRS 3-in-1 unit integrates the GRANITE™ VOLTAGE™ ESC, receiver, and servo control electronics into a compact, durable nylon case, securely mounted onto the chassis. The truck also features a waterproof design, a full ball bearing driveline, a MEGA 20T 540 brushed motor, oil-filled shocks, metal dog-bone driveshafts, all-metal differential gears, a double-wishbone suspension, and durable multi-terrain dBoots® COPPERHEAD™ tires.
Available in three different liveries, the ARRMA GRANITE VOLTAGE MEGA is ready for anything straight out of the box as it arrives assembled with everything needed for day-one fun! It includes a 2.4GHz radio (with AA batteries), a 6-cell 7.2v NiMH battery, plus a wall charger. Bash anywhere with the GRANITE VOLTAGE MEGA Monster Truck, the perfect gift for anyone who has a yard, street, park, or alley nearby (…so literally anyone)!
- Kyle’s GRANITE VOLTAGE Holiday Pro-Tip: Unlock the full potential of the GRANITE VOLTAGE with an upgrade to a lithium battery pack AND quick-charger! Switching to a LiPo battery increases both vehicle power AND the runtime by changing the battery chemistry (which increases the cell voltage and mAh). Plus, when you upgrade to a “quick charger” you substantially decrease the time needed to recharge the battery. I recommend the Spektrum Smart Powerstage Bundle (SPMXPS2). Note that this Spektrum charger will also charge the NiMh battery that is included with the truck and at a much faster rate!
For some, it may be difficult to envision purchasing a radio control boat during the middle of the winter. However, the Sprintjet delivers excitement in a size you can take anywhere, anytime! Due to its impeller design, this jet boat functions in just a few inches of water depth, making it perfect for any lake, stream, or pool (both indoor and out). Additionally, there is no exposed propeller and there is an optional rubber-molded nose, meaning the 9” long Sprintjet can safely be operated around pool inflatables and/or other obstructions that may find themselves in the path of this nimble machine.
The boat itself is waterproof (as if we needed to state the obvious) and features a self-righting hull. This means that you'll never have to worry about being stranded upside down! The boat arrives assembled with a 600Mah LiPo battery that will provide between 9-12 minutes of runtime. Also included is a Spektrum S120 USB-C Smart Charger, which makes recharging the batteries easy, simple, and safe. Plus, the included 2.4GHz radio system offers an interference-free proven connection.
This jet boat has all the performance you're looking for in an attractive package, available in either a blue or silver paint scheme with an aggressive “shark mouth” nose design. The Sprintjet is the perfect gift for pool owners, lake dwellers, or anyone with a passion for watercraft!
- Kyle’s Sprintjet Holiday Pro-Tip: Although nowadays there are hardly any “wear” components on RC Boats, preventative maintenance is still key ensuring reliability and the prolonged lifespan of your model. The Springjet requires the periodic lubrication of the flex shaft (sometimes called a prop-shaft or driveshaft). This is a simple five to ten-minute task that can be accomplished by a beginner, but it does require the application of “Marine” specific grease. I recommend picking up a tube of the Dynamite Marine Grease and a grease gun (DYNE4200). A single tube will last you years (as you only need to lube the shaft on occasion), and you can use this grease around the house for other applications that may require it!
Why Buy from Horizon Hobby?
Based in Champaign, Illinois, Horizon Hobby has been in business for over 35 years. We specialize in hobby-grade radio control models, meaning that our products are repairable, adjustable, upgradeable, and customizable! These same products are developed in-house by experts in the field and backed by a warranty. If you run into any problems with your model, simply reach out to our U.S. based product support team! This group is trained and experienced in troubleshooting your issue via chat/phone/email and will be able to offer any parts, suggestions, or tools needed to service/maintain your model. Note that if you are buying a gift for someone who isn’t experienced or comfortable fixing their new model, we also offer repair services, direct through Horizon Hobby.
Finally, we have a network of local Horizon Hobby retailers based around the country. These privately-owned “retailers” typically stock everything you will need to support your new hobby. They carry genuine Horizon Hobby replacement parts and hop-up parts that will fit your model, all of which will still be backed by the Horizon Hobby warranty. Find your local retailer using this tool: Find a Retailer
Words by Kyle Roberts (Contributor)
Kyle began his adventure into the world of RC back in 2005, where he began his tenure in the surface segment. He is a TLR/Spektrum Team Driver and joined Horizon Hobby in 2017, where he has ventured into the world of flying both RC helicopters and RC planes. Kyle earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing degree from the University of South Florida.
