Toy-Grade

Definition: Mass market or toy-grade radio controlled vehicles are those typically sold at Wal-Mart, Target, Toys "R" Us and other retail stores. They usually come pre-assembled, have limited or no extra features and are suitable for children and beginners. Unlike the more feature-rich and expensive hobby-grade RCs, toy-grade RCs are usually sold for $100 or less.

Toy RCs may or may not be scale replicas of actual full-size vehicles. Often toy-grade RCs are more colorful and fanciful or are based on cartoon or movie characters. Compared to hobby-grade RCs, toy-grade RCs are generally not as fast or powerful but they can still be quite entertaining and sometimes challenging to operate.

Higher end toy RCs may come with selectable band frequencies (more than the usual 2 frequency choices) and a few upgradeable or customization options such as new tires, alternate bodies, and sometimes a new motor. Working lights, sounds, spinning rims, action figure drivers, officially licensed styling (Ford, Chrysler, NASCAR, etc.) or other accessories increase the kid-appeal or collectibility for some of these toy-grade radio controlled vehicles.

A few of the major manufacturers of toy RCs include Jada Toys, New Bright, Planet Toys, Spin Master, and Tyco R/C from Mattel.

Also Known As: mass market | basic RCs | cheapies | toy RC vehicles | toy-class | toy rc

Alternate Spellings: toy grade