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10 Best Remote-Control Rock Crawlers Reviewed in 2024

last updated Jun 19, 2019

There is something really entertaining about being able to drive a scaled-down version of a vehicle as you take it for a spin on the pavement and even on grassy terrain. Now, imagine the fun for you and your child if one of those scaled-down versions is a remote-control rock crawler? These miniaturized monster vehicles with large, super-grip wheels can navigate over any terrain effectively putting to shame your kid’s regular old remote-control car or off-road ride-on toy.
If you don’t believe us, why don’t check out the 10 best remote-control rock crawlers in 2019 that we have prepared for you? Just be ready to click the “buy now” button as we can guarantee you and your child will love every one of them.

In a Hurry? The test winner after 26 hrs of research

icon
Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric
88.8/100 our score
Durability
95
Brand
92
Design
85
Effectiveness
83
Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric
Why is it better?

Waterproof electronics ensure durability

High ratings and positive reviews

Comes in two different colors: red and blue

Can handle diverse terrain with its high-quality specs

Fully assembled and ready to run once batteries are inserted

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric
Test Winner: Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric
Amazon Link
Researched Sources
23
Researched Sources
Hours Researching
26
Hours Researching
Products Evaluated
17
Products Evaluated
Last Updated:
By Justina Fuller:

For this update, we added 3 new products for our child to enjoy. We made sure that we had a variety of different RC crawlers on our top ten list so that there was something for your child to enjoy. We also made sure that every car on our top ten list were still the highest rated cars that the market had to offer for 2019. For any other additional information, you may need be sure to check out our FAQ.

Sorting Options
Durability Brand Design Effectiveness By Default
Rank
PictureProduct
Name
Rating
Shops
#1
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Durability
95 %
Brand
92 %
Design
85 %
Effectiveness
83 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#2
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.5
Durability
95 %
Brand
90 %
Design
85 %
Effectiveness
84 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
$19.99
#3
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.5
Durability
95 %
Brand
90 %
Design
85 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#4
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.5
Durability
95 %
Brand
90 %
Design
85 %
Effectiveness
80 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#5
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Durability
90 %
Brand
86 %
Design
82 %
Effectiveness
77 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#6
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.5
Durability
90 %
Brand
85 %
Design
80 %
Effectiveness
75 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#7
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.5
Durability
90 %
Brand
85 %
Design
80 %
Effectiveness
75 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#8
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.5
Durability
90 %
Brand
85 %
Design
80 %
Effectiveness
75 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#9
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81.5
Durability
90 %
Brand
82 %
Design
80 %
Effectiveness
74 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link
#10
The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80.5
Durability
85 %
Brand
81 %
Design
82 %
Effectiveness
74 %
Price Comparison Last Updated (14.11.24)
Amazon Link

10 Best RC Rock Crawlers Reviewed

1. Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.8
Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric
Amazon Link
Durability
95
Brand
92
Design
85
Effectiveness
83
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Waterproof electronics ensure durability

High ratings and positive reviews

Comes in two different colors: red and blue

Can handle diverse terrain with its high-quality specs

Fully assembled and ready to run once batteries are inserted

Some plastic parts are not as durable as the other materials used

Batteries required for use are not included

With a ground clearance that is more than 3.5 inches high, a wheelbase that is more than 12.5 inches wide, and one of the industry’s most trusted motors for off-road rock crawler vehicles, the Everest-10 from Redcat Racing can be likened to a real monster in the real world, more than capable of navigating across, over, and around any obstacle-strewn on its way. Featuring an electric brushed 45A fully waterproofed motor that provides power to its 4 wheel drive system, the Everest-10 is a monster to beat. The fully independent suspension helps make sure that at least one of the tires are in constant contact with the ground while the reliable motor helps ensure power is driven to this wheel. The shock absorbers on the Everest 10 are oil filled and aluminum capped ensuring optimum dissipation of even the minutest vibrations to keep the sensitive electronics in full optimal operation. Adding to the superb maneuverability of the Everest 10 is the ball bearings that have been fully integrated into all of the tires of the monster vehicle. Both front and rear suspension systems are designed with multi-link architecture which further adds to the superb navigation of the Everest 10.

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Durability

Providing a sturdy backbone to all of the Everest 10’s advanced technologies is an aluminum chassis that affords it excellent lightweight properties but with the strength and durability of steel

Brand

It won’t really matter where you’re going to drive the Everest 10 since, like its namesake, no other object in the world will ever be enough to prevent the monster truck from accomplishing its inherent goal – to lord the roads and off-road terrain, regardless of how difficult it may seem.

Design

The Everest-10 rock crawler is known for its extreme durability and its capacity to handle all types of terrain. The waterproof electronics expand the possibilities of when and where your child can use this rock crawler. Rock crawlers are exciting toys to use as your kid uses a remote controller and experiments with all different movements and outcomes

Effectiveness

The Everest-10 is extra entertaining as it can climb over seemingly challenging obstacles. Learning to operate the remote controller, hand-eye coordination skills develop and improve. If your kid gets very immersed by the experience of using this rock crawler, playing might enhance their imagination and creativity as they pretend what it would actually be like to drive the vehicle if it were life-sized. Through experience and observation, your kid might even begin to gain a deeper understanding of certain laws of physics that govern life on Earth, such as gravity. In our society today, where kids spend more time indoors staring at screens, this rock crawler provides the incentive for kids to get outdoors and have fun in nature.

2. Double E 4WD Dual Motors

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
88.5
Double E 4WD Dual Motors
Amazon Link
Durability
95
Brand
90
Design
85
Effectiveness
84
best offer for today
Amazon Link
$19.99

1 AA rechargeable battery included

4 wheel drive designed for off-roading

Independent suspension

260 feet control range

The screw holding the battery casing can break with excessive force

Construction not as durable as similar models

The Double E RC Crawler supports 4 wheel drive and two, that's right TWO motors! This 1:12 scale model monster truck is one beast of a buggy! Dual motors positioned at the front and rear of the car give massive power and torque to this tiny machine, enabling it to move across any terrain with little effort.

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Durability

Despite being one of the most powerful vehicles on this list, this rock crawler is surprisingly easy to use. It comes fully assembled out of the box with an integrated antenna. It even includes a rechargeable 6 volt, 800 mAh battery pack powerful enough to provide your racer with up to 40 minutes of run time between charges.

Brand

The 4-point independent suspension system works in tandem with the massive motors, providing shock absorption that will protect the vehicle’s fragile electronic innards from vibration and shrapnel as it tears through the grass and even gravel with ease. It even allows for full four-direction control to give your kid the realistic feel of being behind the wheel. !

Design

This truck isn’t just another pretty face, though it does boast a highly detailed and realistic design based on real monster trucks. Being a 1:12th scale model, this beast of a machine towers over its 1:18th scale competitors at almost 8 inches high and nearly 18 inches long! This all translates to more drive for your dollar

Effectiveness

The 260 feet transmitting range also gives your child a huge playing field to work with, you’ll be able to match in astonishment as they flip this crawler up and down the rockiest surfaces from the safety of your lawn. The 2.4 GHz radio control system employs anti-interference technology as well, allowing multiple buggies to race simultaneously without any wires getting crossed.

3. Hosim Large Size 1:10 Scale High Speed

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.5
Hosim Large Size 1:10 Scale High Speed
Amazon Link
Durability
95
Brand
90
Design
85
Effectiveness
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Equipped with dual motors

Wheels are heavy-duty and anti-skid

The battery is easy to reach

Equipped with four-wheel drive and four-wheel direction control

Durability could be better

The Hosim high-speed remote-control rock climber provides double the fun as it is equipped with double motors. The dual motors make it possible for this car to reach up to 30 miles per hour. It can travel in any direction as it has four-wheel drive and four-wheel direction control.

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Durability

The vehicle will run for roughly 20 minutes on a single charge.

Brand

The wheels are designed for on and off-road adventures as they are anti-skid and heavy-duty. Reaching the battery to charge it is super easy as you will simply slide the top of the battery compartment off. The remote control is easy to use, so younger children will be able to enjoy this car.

Design

The black and red color scheme gives this car a fierce look that will surely intimidate other drivers.

Effectiveness

The dual motors allow this rock crawler to reach up to 30 miles per hour which is highly impressive. The anti-skid heavy-duty wheels make it easy for your child to drive and control this car on any surface.

4. Maisto Extreme Radio

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
87.5
Maisto Extreme Radio
Amazon Link
Durability
95
Brand
90
Design
85
Effectiveness
80
best offer for today
Amazon Link

All-Wheel-Drive provides stability on different terrain

Approachable and user-friendly for unexperienced RC drivers

Very lightweight

Incorporates three motors

Batteries needed for use are not included

Looking for a Maisto rock crawler for a beginner? Maisto’s Rock Crawler Extreme is the answer. Just look at it as the stripped-to-basics version of the 3XL and the 4WD. The Extreme is nonetheless, powerful, thanks to its triple motors. Two of these drive the Extreme while the other is what provides power to its steering mechanism.

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Durability

The Extreme also comes with a vacuum formed body casing that gives it superior toughness in a lightweight design

Brand

The suspension system is fully articulated to give it exceptional maneuverability considering its price. And if you’re going to trust remote control rock crawler reviews, this is an excellent buy.

Design

This radio controlled rock crawler is an affordable and fun toy for any adventure-seeking kid! It works well indoors or outdoors. Your child can build an obstacle course and test out their rock crawler, as it is durable and stable on different terrain.

Effectiveness

This is truly an excellent option for beginner rock crawler drivers and is made to target kids between the ages of 8 and 15 years old. For a rather cheap and lightweight rock crawler, this RC Extreme maneuvers proficiently. Your child is bound to further develop their hand-eye coordination playing with this beginner rock crawler.

5. Hapinic Two Battery 4WD 2.4Ghz

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
83.8
Hapinic Two Battery 4WD 2.4Ghz
Amazon Link
Durability
90
Brand
86
Design
82
Effectiveness
77
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Rugged and durable components

Rubberized tires for easy replacement

20-30 minute playtime per battery

2 rechargeable AA batteries and charger included

The battery pack is difficult to remove and may require adult assistance

Battery charger does not turn off when full and may overcharge batteries

There is something so intensely entertaining about watching monster trucks roar and smash bigger than life! Now your child can experience a little of that joy at home with the Hapinic RC Off Road Rock Crawler. This monster machine is a 1/18 scale replica based on real monster truck designs and is guaranteed to put your kid in the driver seat! Its 4-Wheel Drive motor is powerful enough to send this rock crawler tearing across all sorts of rough terrain. Dirt can’t hold it back, the grass won’t slow it down, and sand is barely even a blip in its rear-view mirror!

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Durability

The master-quality rubber wheels provide this crawler with superb handling and reinforce anti-skid technology to keep from spinning out. The 2.5 miles per hour top speed gives this little car the get-up and go it needs to take on gravel driveways and roar over bricks!

Brand

This lightweight crawler is built with durability and ease of use in mind. Not only is it powerful enough to handle almost any terrain your child can throw it at (we do not recommend throwing the car), the two button control system is designed so that a child as young as 6 can use it without assistance!

Design

4 point suspension designed just like its full-size counterpart gives this racer the ability to flex and power over almost any obstacle in its path! Best of all the batteries and charger are included so this car makes a perfect gift for your budding racer!

Effectiveness

Simply roll the top wheel for left and right motion while pulling the trigger for forward and backward motion. The large transmitter is equipped with anti-interference technology so your child can race alongside their friends and siblings without any concern of signal overlapping. The included rechargeable batteries can not only keep this crawler revving through sand and dirt for up to 30 minutes each but the car only requires one battery to function so you can have the second charging while on standby!

6. NQD 4WD Dual Motors

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.5
NQD 4WD Dual Motors
Amazon Link
Durability
90
Brand
85
Design
80
Effectiveness
75
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Features 4WD

Bionic spine design to be able to twist and turn

Can go over all types of terrain

Made up of nontoxic materials

Can drive in all directions; easy to use

Customers may have to unscrew the battery when requires charging

This rock crawler is great for any child who loves being outside. This car will let your child have two different driving experiences. It features 4WD which is great if your child is using this car on roads or off them. Having 4 wheels will also make your car a little more flexible. This car can go on all types of land as well without any issues.

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Durability

This car is perfect to grow with your child as well. This car can go over all types of land such as sand, grass, small rocks and other types of land as well. It’s great It also comes with protection if your car collides into something. This is great because it will ensure that your child's car will have a longer lifespan so that they’ll be able to enjoy this device longer.

Brand

This car is wonderful. With this car you'll also be able to get a free rechargeable battery all parents will have to do is contact the seller and they’ll get the free battery. This car has a bionic spine which specifically is designed to help make sure your child will have a bunch of fun.

Design

This car will be able to twist and transform ensuring your child will have endless amounts of fun with this. They’ll be able to go over all types of terrain. This car is nontoxic and made up of ABS plastic as well which makes it 100% safe. It also features 4WD and inspired by the hit movie and brand Transformers.

Effectiveness

This is a great way to get your child active and moving. Not only will it enhance your child's physical development skill your child will be moving and exploring with this fun device. If your little one also loves transformers this car is perfect for them as this car can twist and turn, however, they control it. It’s a perfect way for your little one to be running and chasing after all day long.

7. Blexy 30MPH+ 2.4Ghz 4WD Off-Road

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.5
Blexy 30MPH+ 2.4Ghz 4WD Off-Road
Amazon Link
Durability
90
Brand
85
Design
80
Effectiveness
75
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Rechargeable battery and charging cable included

Playtime approximately 30 minutes per charge

4 wheel drive and independent suspension

80-meter transmitting range

Internal gear wheels are made of plastic and may break with excessive force

Does not include a wall charger

Available in blazing blue and racing red, the Blexy RC Off-Road Rock Crawler is the perfect truck to initiate your youngest racer. Equipped with a powerful 4 wheel drive motor that can easily race through everything from sandy beaches to rugged stone paths, the real treat of this climbing car is the easy to use control system. One trigger allows for forward and backward movement, and one wheel, for left and right movement, are the only buttons needed to send this crawler bouncing and skidding at your little one’s lightest touch.

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Durability

Each wheel is equipped with its own independent suspension system which gives it the flexibility it needs to tackle 90-degree vertical climbs while still protecting the delicate electronics inside. The headlights are bright LED lamps which can double your child’s enjoyment as they set up crawler races at their next slumber party!

Brand

This crawler is a one-stop shop as it comes completely assembled and ready to play out of the box. It includes a 6 volt, 700 mAh rechargeable battery for the car itself as well as 3 AA batteries for the controller. While it does lack the traditional wall outlet charger that many crawlers include, stepping away from a proprietary connection means that you will have more freedom when it comes to upgrading or replacing the battery.

Design

The car’s front bumper is designed to reduce crash damage to the body of the vehicle, providing a durable and stable drive for even the roughest of play.

Effectiveness

The included charging card is USB based and can be plugged into any available USB outlet, whether that’s your PC or your even your phone charger. We do recommend plugging in this monster machine at night as it does require 4 hours to fully charge. It will provide a solid 30 minutes of playtime without losing speed or control, just the right amount of time to hold short attention spans.

8. Distianert 1:12 Scale 4WD RTR

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
82.5
Distianert 1:12 Scale 4WD RTR
Amazon Link
Durability
90
Brand
85
Design
80
Effectiveness
75
best offer for today
Amazon Link

250 feet remote reach

Holds a charge for up to 30 minutes

Heavy-duty wheels

Good suspension system

All-terrain drive with sensitive steering

Some of the pieces are cheaper plastic than the body of the truck and can bend easily out of place after a collision

A lot of RC rock crawlers out there are here for a good time but not a long time. The Distianert holds a longer charge than many of its contemporaries, running for roughly thirty minutes before requiring another battery boost. The remote is easy to use with a sensitive trigger that allows you to accelerate, decelerate, and stop on a dime. The wheels are heavy duty and the suspension system is rigged to be anti-shock thanks to the holly rubber tire and shockproof gaskets. It comes as a 1:12 scale model of a monster truck and features excellent grip.

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Durability

The steering wheel allows you to navigate right or left while the car runs forward and the remote control can reach from up to 250 feet away from the car

Brand

RC cars are a great way for kids to work on motor skills and hand-eye coordination as they play. If you have car enthusiasts, consider getting them a rock crawler so they can take their favorite little speed machine out for a spin whenever and wherever they’d like.

Design

Drive it on the sidewalk, in the park, at the beach, in the yard, or in the house! Thirty-Day money back guarantees and a twelve-month replacement warranty means you can’t go wrong with the Distianert RTR.

Effectiveness

The long battery life is really a top selling point on this one. Nothing’s more frustrating than having to stop in the middle of a good time because the car needs to charge--again. Take the car for a couple of laps instead of just one with the Distianert model.

9. Double E 1:18 Rechargeable

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
81.5
Double E 1:18 Rechargeable
Amazon Link
Durability
90
Brand
82
Design
80
Effectiveness
74
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Rechargeable battery

Features 4WD

Made up of ABS plastic materials

Shock proof

Shell is highly durable

While this car does come with AA rechargeable batteries and a rechargeable connector some customers didn’t like that they couldn’t just change the batteries out.

Made up of ABS plastic material this RC car is perfect for your little one to chase after all day long. Not only will this help keep your child active, but this car also has multiple features your child will enjoy. This car has 4WD and has incredible power for your little one to enjoy hours of fun with. The battery is rechargeable as well. This car will give your child a fun, special experience every time your little one drives.

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Durability

This car is made up of ABS plastic. This makes it completely protective and safe for your child to enjoy. It’s also nontoxic and shockproof as well. This car is great for all ages and all types of land. It’s incredibly powerful and the perfect gift for your child to enjoy for any occasion.

Brand

This rock crawler car is designed with a graffiti car shell. It also comes with 4WD which makes this car a little bit easier for your child to drive and enjoy. It’s incredibly powerful and has a battery of 4.8V 800mAH which has a long-life expectancy.

Design

Each wheel that’s featured on this car is shockproof. The wheels with this car are also stable spring which makes it easier for your child to drive. This car also features four-wheel drive as well.

Effectiveness

This car is a great way for your child to get active and moving. If you’re looking for your child to have fun outside instead of inside on those screens your child will be able to to move along and drive this fun car for hours. It’s a great way for your child to work on their hand-eye coordination and motor skills as well.

10. Exercise 'N Play Off Road Monster Truck

The rating is based on the average rating (1-100) from all the criteria in which we rated this product.
80.5
Exercise 'N Play Off Road Monster Truck
Amazon Link
Durability
85
Brand
81
Design
82
Effectiveness
74
best offer for today
Amazon Link

Comes with two rechargeable batteries

Features 4WD

Shock proof

Easy to use

Car only lasts up to 30 minutes of use

Designed to have a powerful motor this RC crawler device features 4WD for your little one to enjoy. It is made up of other spring bouncy materials which will make your crawler car for your little one to be able to experience different types of the terrain. It does come with a rechargeable battery and will only last up to 20 - 30 minutes. This car does come with an additional battery as well to ensure your child will be able to have constant fun.

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Durability –

The wheels for this car have little spikes on them and are incredibly powerful. This car can also go up to 260 feet as well. It features easy steering and easy for your children to control as well. It also can go over all kinds of terrain for your child to be able to explore as well.

Brand

This car comes with two batteries for your children to enjoy. While this car can only be used for 20-30 minutes this device comes with a spare battery for your child to use so that while one is charging, your child can still enjoy their favorite toy without parents having to stress out about how to keep their little one occupied.

Design

This car is made up of shock resistant materials. It’s incredibly durable and features four-wheel drive to make each type of terrain your child's car goes over a bit smoother. It does have a speed up to 30mph which makes this car a little bit faster than the others that are featured on our top ten list.

Effectiveness

To keep your little one active and healthy, having a remote-control car is a great way for you to provide a healthy, positive lifestyle for your child. This will keep your little one active and moving as they explore different types of terrain with this fun car. This will also enhance your child's fine motor skills as well.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Durability

All of the toys included in our review of the best remote-control rock crawlers are extremely fun to use and incorporate realistic designs that will excite your child. Rock crawlers are remote-controlled vehicles that are designed to “crawl” over rocks and rugged terrain. This type of remote-controlled automobile can handle hills and inclines, and other obstacles other remote-controlled cars such as racing cars can’t typically handle. Sometimes, rock crawlers are even designed to have relatively slow maximum speeds so they can crawl over rough terrain as opposed to ramming into obstacles. The rock crawlers included on this list are recommended for kids between the ages of 6 and 15 years, depending on the model. These school-aged children tend to enjoy adventurous, action-based games and toys, and rock crawlers are an ideal option to satisfy these requirements for fun.

Brand

These rock crawlers are designed like full-sized rock crawlers that people actually ride in. They are aesthetically pleasing, and most kids will find how they look to be awesome--even before seeing how they work. Some of the remote-controlled rock crawlers on this list mimic real-life monster trucks, others look like Jeeps with huge wheels. Regardless of body style, kids are bound to be impressed by the detailing of the rock crawlers we included in this review.

Design

In today’s world, children are spending less and less time outdoors and more time indoors in front of screens. Overall, we are only beginning to understand the consequences of less outside play and an increased amount of time using electronic devices. The traditional education system in the United States places most children in school five days a week, for between 6 and 8 hours each day. Most schools do not incorporate a full hour outdoors with a recess or physical education every single day, and rather let the kids outside a few times a week. Child obesity rates are on the rise due to dietary issues as well as a decline in physical activity for kids across the country. Children are overstimulated with watching TV and playing with smartphones, computers, and video games to the point where some experts assert that they are addicted to screens. Dealing with a screen-addicted child can be a challenging task for parents, but thankfully getting a child a rock crawler can be a great incentive to get them to enjoy an activity that doesn’t involve screen time.

Effectiveness

The remote-controlling function of rock crawlers is similar to remote controls for video games, and kids are still stimulated by the thrill of driving a vehicle. The rock crawlers featured on this list are all durable and designed to crawl over all sorts of terrain and obstacles. Because of this, children will often want to play with their rock crawler outdoors in nature, where they can find fun and challenging rocks, hills, and surfaces to test the abilities of their toy. Even if your child doesn’t have an issue with too much screen time, they can benefit tremendously from spending more time outside. Children experience health benefits such as increased respiratory health with more oxygen intake and increased vitamin D levels from the sun.

Most Important Criteria (According to our experts opinion)
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Durability
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Parents, Did You Know?

If siblings or peers are sharing one rock crawler during play time, they will be learning how to share, as well as how not to share. Kids can be possessive with their toys, and some have difficulty giving up the toy they are using for someone else to have a turn with it. By sharing a rock crawler and passing the remote control back and forth, kids will hopefully learn that observing another person playing can be just as exciting as when they are controlling the crawler themselves.

Parents, Did You Know?

The skill of compromising can be developed when playing in groups as children learn to negotiate to share in a way they feel is fair. For example, a child might have just gotten a rock crawler and is very excited to play with it. When his friend asks if he can try it out too, the child might say yes but in 5 minutes. If they agree on that deal, it becomes a compromise.

Other Factors to Consider

Social Development

Playing with remote-controlled toys such as these rock crawlers is fun alone, but can be even more exciting with friends or family members. Most of the rock crawlers on this list feature multi-channel transmitting, which allows for the opportunity for multiples of the same rock crawler to be used in the same area without interfering with each other. Even if your child simply shares the experience of playing with others, it is beneficial in many ways.

Educational Value

Kids of many ages are thrilled to observe the rock crawlers climb over rocks and other terrains and are surprised with the awesome abilities of these toys. Some children engage their imaginations when playing with models or simulations such as a computer or video games. While controlling rock crawlers, an imaginative child may pretend that they are actually driving a life-sized vehicle over life-sized boulders. Nurturing the imaginations of children and teens is important. Put beautifully by Albert Einstein himself, “Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”

Emotional Development

Group play encourages the development of social skills such as communication, sharing, and compromising. If multiple children are playing together with a rock crawler, kids will converse with each other. They might express excitement at something the rock crawler does, or make suggestions to the child who is holding the controller if they have an idea of something to try. This also enhances collaboration, which is an important skill to have through all years of schooling as well as in the professional world. Additionally, a group of children using a rock crawler will inevitably learn more about spoken language and how to best express what they want in a given situation. This also touches on sharing.

Ease of Use

The remote-control rock crawlers we included on this list are functional in terms of power and durability and user-friendly for their targeted age range. Rock crawlers are designed to crawl over rocky terrain, and of course, will inevitably crash and roll. We looked for crawlers with durability in mind. Children can get excited and play rough with remote-controlled toys such as these. A lot of rock crawlers (and toys in general) are made with cheap materials that break easily if they are dropped or crash. These rock crawlers, whether it be the more affordable or the higher-priced options, are durable and resistant to irrevocable damage.

These rock crawlers come with remotes that are designed to be simple enough for kids to operate. Remote-controlled devices can be extremely complex, especially at the competition or hobbyist level. These crawlers have remotes that kids can get the hang of, while further developing sensorimotor skills such as hand-eye coordination.

Fully Assembled and Ready To Use
Remote-controlled rock crawlers can either be built by assembling them with multiple parts or can come fully assembled and ready to use. We selected rock crawlers that come fully assembled and ready to use, as this is the easier option. We acknowledge that most parents aren’t hobbyists or rock crawler aficionados, so we thought it would be best to feature rock crawlers that don’t require any extra tweaking. Some of the crawlers on this list include the batteries or rechargeable battery needed for operation, and others don’t come with them. Aside from plugging in the batteries, the rock crawlers come ready to use right out of the box!

Maintenance

Rock crawlers are defined by the sheer power of their motors that are transmitted to their axles that rotate the wheels. As such, in coming up with a considerable list of the 10 best RC toys that can conquer miniature mountains and rocky terrains, we had to look closely at the product’s inherent ability to effortlessly navigate around obstacles, crawl over rocks, and provide raw power than other types of RC vehicles simply cannot provide.
First, the motor must be powerful enough to drive these mini monsters over any terrain. And by any terrain, we mean rocks, grass, sand dunes, mud pits, water puddles, cracked asphalt, and any other terrain you can think of. It must not wimp out on one type of surface while it can conquer another.
Second, the wheels must provide excellent traction and superior grip on any terrain.
Third, the ground clearance or the center of gravity of the mini monster vehicle must be high enough to allow for effortless maneuvering over any obstacle. If it cannot go around an obstacle, it should be able to crawl right over it. This can only happen if the vehicle has enough ground clearance so as not to damage the sensitive circuitry inside its chassis.
Fourth, the suspension system was also evaluated. While these are not really ride-on toys that need excellent suspension and shock-absorbing systems to provide optimum comfort for the rider, these systems must be kept in place so that the sensitive electronics are well-protected against shocks and vibrations generated by the off-road capabilities of the toy.
Fifth, weatherproofing is a necessity. As these remote-control vehicles are miniaturized replicas of off-roaders and all-terrain vehicles, these should also have excellent weatherproofing features whether it is waterproofing or snowproofing or both as well as other forms of weatherproofing technology.
Lastly, the ease of control or operation was an absolute must. If it would take a great deal of effort trying to muscle the car into a particular direction, then what’s the point of having an RC toy if you cannot effectively control it from a distance.

Support

It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing a rock crawler or a real RC speedster. The fact remains: there are many benefits of using an RC vehicle. For those who don’t necessarily believe that these miniatures are more than simple playthings, just check out the following benefits of playing with RC cars and other vehicles.

It’s a great way to bond as a family as everyone can take turns controlling the vehicle or race against each other in a friendly competition.
It helps enhance hand-eye coordination as well as spatial reasoning for the simple fact that one has to have a clear understanding of the placement of the RC vehicle in relation to its surroundings.
It’s a very effective stress management technique because it helps you stay focused on driving the RC vehicle, keeping your mind off stressful situations or events.
It’s a healthy way to socialize, especially if you’re going to join a particular club where you can share your passion for the hobby and learn a thing or two about how you can further enhance your skills.
It’s an excellent way to keep yourself updated with technology especially those models that will require extensive set-ups and management.
It’s a great tool for kids to enhance their make-believe and pretend play abilities as they try to create a story behind every trick or maneuver performed by the RC car.

Frequently Asked Questions

q: Do these rock crawlers come with a transmitter?

a:

Yes. All of the rock crawlers on this list come with the transmitter, or remote-control device needed to operate the crawler. Most transmitters include multiple channels to prevent interference of multiple crawlers in the same area.

q: How long do the rock crawlers run when fully charged?

a:

The run time varies depending on the rock crawler model. Most of these rock crawlers operate for 10 to 30 minutes before needing to be recharged.

q: Are these rock crawlers made for indoor or outdoor use?

a:

While rock crawlers are designed to be used on rough natural terrain outdoors, they can also be used indoors.

q: How long does it take to fully charge a rock crawler?

a:

The charge time varies depending on the rock crawler make and model. The rock crawlers featured on this list vary from 45 minutes to multiple hours.

q: Can I pick what color my rock crawler will be?

a:

For some of the rock crawlers on this list, there is only one color option offered by the manufacturer. Other rock crawlers have two options for the color scheme. Some of the rock crawlers also have removable bodies that can be interchanged with another rock crawler body of the same size, affording you or your child the ability to customize.

q: Are rock crawlers suitable for young children?

a:

The age range specified by the collective list of rock crawlers spans 6 to 15 years. Some parents reviewed the rock crawler they bought for their child and reported that kids as young as 5 can learn to operate the controller. Ultimately it depends on the child. Each rock crawler will specify the suggested age range for that model and will provide any precautions such as choking hazards for young children.

Sources

  1. Terry Dunn, How To Get Into Hobby RC: Driving Rock Crawlers, How-To-Article
  2. Lee Watanabe-Crockett, Why Is Imagination as Important as Knowledge in Education?, Informative Article
  3. Jane E. Brody , Screen Addiction Is Taking a Toll on Children, Blog Article
  4. Press Association, Children spend only half as much time playing outside as their parents did , Informative Article
  5. Allyson Hepp, 5 Health Benefits of Kids Playing Outside , Online Article