guide

Our top RC Buggies

Ancuta Lazea

20 June 2025

Whether you're tearing up the garden, carving through gravel, or launching off curbs, RC buggies are the go-to. With rugged off-road capability, fast acceleration and entertaining handling, it’s easy to see why they’re so popular. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at our top 5 RC buggies - perfect for beginners and hobbyists alike.

Our top 5 at a glance

1. RCG Racing Wind Speed 1/16 Buggy

2. RCG Racing Wind Speed 1/16 Brushless Buggy

3. Maverick Phantom XB 1/10 Buggy

4. RCG Racing Storm Rider 1/16 Buggy

5. FTX Outlaw 1/10 Ultra-4 Brushless Buggy

What is an RC Buggy?

RC buggy’s were originally scale models of full-size buggies designed to race across sandy deserts. The classic silhouette is a rakish long-nosed chassis with two narrow ribbed-front-tyres mounted at the front with two wide knobbly tyres mounted at the rear, the later driven by an electric motor hung right out of the back of the chassis, a huge angled rear wing mounted high above it.

The term is now applied to a wider selection of off-road vehicles including four-wheel-drive models (normally identified by matching wide front tyres front and rear).

Why buy one?

Buggies are largely simple and uncomplicated in their design. The drive-train, motor position and resulting weight balance make for entertaining handling, plus their independent suspension and ground clearance allow them to be driven on a wide variety of terrain.

1. RCG Racing Wind Speed 1/16 Buggy

The RCG Racing Wind Speed is a compact yet powerful buggy, ideal for both beginners and hobbyists. This 1/16 scale model features a 4WD drivetrain and is equipped with a 390-type motor, allowing it to reach speeds of over 15mph. It comes ready-to-run, including a 7.4V 2000mAh Li-Ion battery and USB charger, offering up to 30 minutes of runtime. The detailed hard-plastic body, complete with LED headlights, adds to its appeal. Its durable construction and proportional 2.4GHz radio system ensure reliable performance across various terrains.

2. RCG Racing Wind Speed 1/16 Brushless Buggy

A high-speed, brushless version of the popular Wind Speed model, the RCG Racing Wind Speed 1/16 Brushless Buggy is super fast and built for those who want an adrenaline-pumping experience. With its advanced motor, upgraded metal front and rear driveshafts, this RC car reaches speeds up to 30mph with a run time of up to 20 minutes.With its brushless motor and high-speed capability, the Brushless Wind Speed can handle fast-paced races and intense driving with ease.

3. Maverick Phantom XB 1/10 Buggy

The Maverick Phantom XB 1/10 Buggy is a versatile and user-friendly model, ideal for both newcomers and seasoned RC enthusiasts. This ready-to-run (RTR) buggy features a 4WD shaft-driven system powered by a 550 high-torque brushed motor, delivering reliable performance across various terrains. Its waterproof electronic speed controller (ESC) and water-resistant servo enhance durability, allowing for operation in diverse conditions. The package includes a 7.2V 1800mAh NiMH battery and a USB charger, ensuring convenience and extended run times. With independent double-wishbone suspension and oil-filled shock absorbers, the Phantom XB offers excellent handling and stability, making it a solid choice for those seeking a balance between performance and ease of use.

4. RCG Racing Storm Rider 1/16 Buggy

The RCG Racing Storm Rider is a 1/16 scale buggy that shares its chassis and parts with the popular Wind Speed model. It comes ready-to-run, including a 7.4V 2000mAh Li-Ion battery and USB charger, providing up to 30 minutes of runtime. The Storm Rider is capable of speeds up to 15mph, powered by a 390-type motor. It features a detailed hard-plastic body with LED headlights and a removable roof-rack. The 2.4GHz proportional radio system allows for interference-free operation with multiple models. Its durable construction and off-road capabilities make it suitable for hobbyists of all ages.

5. FTX Outlaw 1/10 Ultra-4 Brushless Buggy

The FTX Outlaw 1/10 Ultra‑4 Brushless Buggy RTR is a tough, ready-to-run 4WD off-road RC buggy built for high-speed fun on rough terrain. It features a powerful waterproof 2950 kV brushless motor and a 60 A ESC, paired with a 7.4 V LiPo battery and charger included in the box. The semi-scale tubular roll cage, spare wheel, and aluminium oil-filled shocks give it a rugged, realistic look and excellent handling. With a sturdy chassis, big all-terrain tyres, and a 2.4 GHz radio system, the Outlaw is ideal for anyone looking for durability, speed, and out-of-the-box performance.

Where can I buy an RC buggy?

We stock a wide selection of RC buggies and truggies, browse our full range on our webstore.

If you are contemplating buying a buggy and are new to the world of RC, we suggest reading our battery introduction, the basics of charging, our introduction to the controllers and (if you were considering buying one) what brushless RC cars are.

We offer bundle options on many of our RC cars - perfect for saving money on extras like batteries, chargers, and upgrades. Look out for the “Bundle & Save” options on product pages, or check our Offers section for the latest deals.