One look at the Exceed MadDrift, and it’s clear that this RC car sits firmly in the “hobbyist” category. While many of the $100 RC cars out there could be fun for adults or kids, the MadDrift is focused on drivers looking for raw speed in clear straightaways, rather than flashy off-road features and forgivable controls. In a word, the 100A 540L 2150KV brushless motor is powerful. Brushless motors inherently offer more raw power and speed, but because of that, they often don’t come in packages that afford you much side-to-side control. The unique low-center-of-gravity body offers great aerodynamics and the resilient oil-filled shock system will amount for a super-smooth ride. If you do lose control with all that speed, there’s a high-impact foam bumper that will help deter some damage to the car.

Further underscoring the MadDrift’s focus on hobbyists, they’ve afforded easy access to the front and rear differentials for adjustments and upgrades. There are two, 7.4V 3300mAh Sky Lipo batteries to support all the power. It comes in a sleek, indie-car-inspired that body that measures 620MM long, 310MM wide and 175MM tall, dimensions that put it at about 1/8th scale. If you have the cash, this is a great full-fledged car (or a project starter), but be sure to note that you have to order the charger separately.

This RC truck that’s modeled to look like the Ford classic pickup is the perfect entry-level truck for the RC hobbyist in your family (AKA the kid who’s tired of those “toy trucks” and wants one that can play with the big boys). With the most powerful, 20-volt battery in its class, this truck can hit flat speeds up to 30 mph (which is scaled from 100mph at the full size), and it does so operating for more than 30 continuous minutes, which is three times longer than the average RC battery. And, to get their feet wet on hobby customization, this 21 x 13 x 12-inch truck can have its parts swapped to fit any application, so your kid will get the chance to learn what it takes to supe up an RC rig. As a bonus, the thing can scale rocky, gravelly roads just like the full-sized Ford, so even though it isn’t targeted as a true off-road car, it’ll handle some all-terrain fun.

You’ll be surprised at just how rugged this RC car is. The high-powered motor with ratcheted-up torque will take the thing as fast as 15 mph and up 45-degree slopes, while also giving it enough oomph to get over those rocky landscapes (hence that “Best Off-Road” distinction up there). Pair that with the four-wheel independent suspensions and ultra-shockproof tires made of PVC-like material and you can be sure this thing won’t get thrown on any surface. The control itself operates at 2.4GHz which avoids interference and allows operation at up to around 250 feet. The battery is 3.7V and 700MAh, and fully charges in 45 minutes, allowing about 15 minutes of high speed operation. And, while it is marketed toward kids, they recommended experienced user supervision of ages 10+.

While the adults get to have most of the fun with remote control cars, kids are not without their own options. The Holy Stone RC cartoon race car doesn’t go off road and it doesn’t come waterproof, but this remote control car for those 18 months and up is the perfect beginner’s model for young children. Featuring two-channel direction with forward, reverse, left and right, there are also honking sounds, as well as music and flashing headlights. Additionally, there’s a removable race car driver that kids can take out and play with separately and then put back when they want to drive around the house. With a simple, two-button design, bright colors and plenty of noises to keep a toddler entertained, the cartoon race car will bring hours of joy. Three AAA batteries are required to power the car and two AA batteries are needed for the remote.