A: We carry a wide selection of hobby-grade Remote Control (RC) cars, trucks, buggies, crawlers, and boats. We also stock replacement parts, upgrades, batteries, chargers, tires, fuel, tools, and accessories from leading brands like Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, Horizon Hobby, and more.

A: We cater to all experience levels! We carry Ready-to-Run (RTR) models—perfect for beginners right out of the box—as well as kit builds for experienced hobbyists looking to assemble and customize their vehicles from scratch.

A: Yes, you can browse our full catalog and make purchases 24/7 on our website at michaelsrchobbies.com for store pickup or delivery.

A: Yes, through our Speed Shop Repair Service, we offer professional setup, repair, diagnostic, and custom build services for RC vehicles.

A: We offer 5–10 minutes of complimentary tech advice and quick troubleshooting. For work left in our service center, our standard labor rate is $60/hr for basic repairs and $100/hr for custom builds and advanced modifications (plus the cost of parts). We also offer quick-tech options like soldering ($6/connection) and ESC calibration ($20). Please allow up to 2 weeks for service repairs. 

A: We stock a vast inventory of factory replacement and aftermarket upgrade parts. If a part for an older model is not in stock, our team can help order compatible parts or source alternative solutions.

A: We are located at 451 E Altamonte Dr Ste 1389, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Our store is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and closed on Sundays. The mall location is on the first floor across from the Show Station. For the easiest entry, park outside the Show Station and walk through to the inside of the Mall

A: Unfortunately, we do not offer a track on-site. We do support a wide variety of tracks and point series throughout central Florida. Check our website track directory for a current list of local tracks. Florida R/C Tracks

A: Returned items must be new, unused, and in their original unopened packaging. Please bring your receipt or order confirmation when returning in-store or contact us online to process a return request. Used products or custom-configured builds cannot be returned. For complete details, see our Shipping, Refunds, and Returns Policy page.

See our Warranty Information Page for complete details.

A: We process standard shipping across the United States. Shipping rates, carrier options, and delivery timelines are calculated at checkout based on your address and package dimensions.

See complete details on our Shipping, Refund, and Return Policy page.

A:

• Brushed Motors: Great for beginners and budget builds. They use internal carbon brushes to deliver smooth power at lower speeds (ideal for scale rock crawlers), but generate more heat and wear down over time.
• Brushless Motors: Highly efficient, virtually maintenance-free, and capable of extreme top speeds. They require a brushless-compatible Electronic Speed Control (ESC) and are standard in high-performance RC vehicles. The recommended battery type is a LiPo battery. 

A:

• NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride): Heavy-duty, simple to charge, and beginner-friendly, but deliver lower speeds and fade as the charge drops.
• LiPo (Lithium Polymer): Lightweight, high-discharge batteries that deliver maximum speed and constant power throughout the run. They require specialized LiPo smart chargers and proper storage maintenance. (See all manufacturers' instructions on use and the charging and storage process.) Always use a LiPo Safety Bag while charging and discharging a LiPo Battery.

A: Toy-grade vehicles (found at standard retail stores) feature non-replaceable parts and basic electronics, meaning they are usually thrown away when broken. Hobby-grade vehicles are fully modular and repairable, feature upgradeable components, use high-performance electronics, and allow you to replace individual broken parts rather than buying a whole new model.

A:

• RTR (Ready-to-Run): Fully assembled out of the box. Most RTRs include the vehicle, transmitter, and receiver, though some require a battery and charger to be purchased separately.
• ARR (Almost-Ready-to-Run) / Bind-N-Fly (BNF): Fully assembled vehicle or aircraft, but you must provide your own battery, charger, and radio transmitter.
• Kit: Unassembled parts out of the box. You build the chassis step-by-step and supply your own electronics, motor, battery, and paint.

A: Most modern hobby-grade vehicles come with water-resistant electronics, meaning they can handle wet grass, shallow puddles, and light rain. However, very few are 100% waterproof. Running in deep water or submersion can damage bearings, screws, drivetrain parts, and receivers. Always dry and oil your vehicle after wet running.

A:

• Run Time: Typically 15 to 45 minutes per charge, depending on battery capacity (mAh), terrain, motor draw, and driving aggressiveness.
• Charge Time: Standard USB chargers take 2 to 4 hours, while high-amp balance/smart chargers can fully charge a LiPo battery in 30 to 45 minutes.

A: Yes! Modern hobby-grade vehicles use 2.4GHz digital radio technology, which automatically binds your controller to your specific receiver channel. Dozens of vehicles can run simultaneously on the same track without signal overlap or interference.

A: Most major brands (Traxxas, Horizon Hobby, ARRMA) cover manufacturing defects on internal electronics or out-of-the-box faults. Because of the nature of the hobby, crash damage, improper use, water damage, or normal wear-and-tear are not covered under warranty. Please see your owner's manual for complete warranty details. We are here to assist with the warranty process, but ultimately it is the manufacturer that approves a potential warranty.

A: Pre-ordering or placing an item on backorder reserves your spot in line for new model releases or restocks. Orders are filled chronologically as stock arrives from distributors.

A: Each hobby-grade model includes an exploded view diagram and a parts list with specific part numbers in its user manual. You can search these part numbers directly on our website or bring your model into the shop, where our team will match the exact replacement or performance upgrade. We strongly recommend saving your owner's manual. Manufacturers frequently release new iterations and updates, so keeping your model's specific documentation on hand ensures you receive the exact compatible parts every time.