What Is Tower Hobbies?

Tower Hobbies is not about erecting towers or skyscraper model collections, although that could be interesting. “Tower Hobbies” is, in fact, a name that is synonymous with remote-controlled (RC) hobbies, RCs, airplanes, drones, model trains, boats, and scale cars. It is not only a brand that has been serving the community for decades, but also an RC hobby in itself. The culture of Hobby Lobby distinguishes it from other stores.

For those who may not be familiar with this part of the hobby world, here’s the short version: this is a Tower Hobbies version of Disneyland. Tower Hobbies is a one-stop shop where you can witness electric RC cars drifting and speeding, RC planes soaring, and miniature boats drifting on water, complete with customization, repair, and modification options that offer endless entertainment.

Tower Hobbies remains a one-stop universe for both enthusiasts who have just set their eyes on their first RC buggy and for professionals who enjoy fine-tuning the servos. Along with the great experiences one can have there, the myriad of options can result in a fair share of confusion, frustration, and a well-crafted challenge.

Let’s tackle this together. Here’s my personal experience, accompanied by a few chuckles, a helpful bundle of information, and a strong foundation of experience.

Tower Hobbies: Overview of Common Topics

Now we are getting into the meat of the matter. While this may be a captivating hobby, some road bumps can hit even the most ardent of RC enthusiasts.

1. Having Too Many Options In Overwhelm

With so many types of models to choose from, RC airplanes to boats to cars, visiting a site or a hobby shop turns into a huge overwhelm. It is similar to ordering coffee in Italy, when all you wanted was “something hot with caffeine”.

Last week, a friend of mine ordered an RC high-speed truck, assuming that it was beginner-friendly. It landed right into his neighbor’s rose bushes, which cost him a good amount.

2. Focusing Split Attention

Transmitters, servos, balance chargers, tiny motors, and glue. All of them need to be in place, ideally, for your mini airplane to work. Some Tower Hobbies kits require a full-fledged engineer to build, which turns away a lot of people.

In my opinion, people tend not to try using them because of the amount of work it seems to require.

3. In a Blink Your Price Balloon’s Out

With so many types of vehicles to choose from, for you, the sky is not the limit. An upgraded motor, new tires, and a new battery, combined with a second car, can create a garage for a mini-fleet, which can be very appealing.

Given the quality of products Tower Hobbies sells, the amount you can spend is endless, and spending it all can add up very quickly.

4. Bliss Ignorance

Drones and RC planes do not fly without consideration of relevant factors and locations. In the US, the FAA has set rules and procedures that must be followed. Many people do not consider this and in the end, pay hefty fines or in the worst case, lose their devices.

5. Break Down, Burn Out, and Fix

Crashed RC cars, Planes, and Boats all have one thing in common. They require permanent structural change. Other issues that require repair include motors, batteries, and other electronics. Be prepared to lose more than one device, as soldering is not initially possible. This is not like having a PS5.

Real-life Solutions and the First Steps to Starting

And now, this is the part the people have been waiting for this entire time. I would like to emphasize this is not merely advice, but solutions I have incorporated and tested for myself, and even for the people close to me.

Step 1: Smart and Smaller is Better

If you are new to the RC world, avoid buying the latest gas-powered RC trucks. Instead, focus on Electric, Ready to Run, as RTR offers the perfect entry point due to its ease of use. For beginners, Tower Hobbies has a range of affordable options. For me, the ARRMA Granite or the Tamiya TT02 kits are not only enjoyable, but they teach a lot.

Step 2: Join a Local RC Group or Club

As much as I appreciate the community forums on the Tower Hobbies website, nothing beats local clubs. People are more than willing to help, whether it’s with transmitter tuning or replacing a burnt-out ESC. These clubs are also a great source of information about the legal flying or racing areas.

I spoke to a fellow at the local airfield, and he managed to help me with a gyro problem on my plane within 5 minutes. YouTube didn’t help, but he sure did.

Step 3: Stick to Electric at First

Electric RC models are much quieter and easier to maintain. And trust me, no one wants to be tuning a gas or nitro carburetor while gas or nitro fumes are choking you. Electric all the way for a starter.

Step 4: Use a Simulator Before Taking Flight

Flight simulators are often bundled with RC controllers, like the one Tower Hobbies does with RealFlight. These simulators really help in saving a lot of money that would otherwise be spent on repairs. These simulators help ease the user in. It’s like training wheels on a bicycle.

Step 5: Keep Spare Parts Handy

Having extra props, a second battery, a charger, and spare tires on hand is crucial. It is only a matter of time before something breaks, and having spares makes all the difference.

Step 6: Planning a Hobby Budget

This isn’t financial advice, it’s mental health advice. Predefine a cap for hobby-related expenses and stick to it. For those who don’t want to miss out on discounts, subscribe to the newsletter of Tower Hobbies, as they offer seasonal sales and coupon codes.

Insights from Experts, Illustrations, And My Views

As a high school student, I became a fan of RC hobbies. My obsession began with an RC car and gradually expanded to include two RC planes, five cars, and a scale model boat. Yes, I said five cars, and yes, I am already bracing myself for the judgment.

One thing I’ve learned:

• You can depend on Tower Hobbies. They’ve been around since the 70s and their customer service is still better than most online retailers I’ve used.
• One of my clients set up an RC-based STEM curriculum with Tower Hobbies for a school. The RC planes were used to teach the fundamentals of physics and engineering to students. The students actually embraced the challenge, which was pretty wonderful.

A friend of mine, Lisa, bought herself a crawler truck as a pickup after a breakup. Having something to tinker with worked wonders for her mental health. These days, she’s busy building custom scale models and selling them on Etsy.

That’s what I cherish in this hobby. It is much more than toys. It encompasses problem-solving, creativity, and emotional fulfillment all CQ’d in a controller and four wheels.

Pros and Cons of Tower Hobbies

To be fair, every hobby store has some pros and cons. Here is my take on Tower Hobbies.

Pros

• Offers an extensive range of top-brand RC vehicles and parts.
• Trusted by hobbyists for 40+ years.
• Offers excellent customer support and a flexible return policy.
• Regular sales and items on clearance.
• Great learning kits for STEM or beginners.

Cons

• Overpriced items (premium quality comes at a cost).
• Overwhelming for total newbies.
• Not every product is suitable for beginners.
• Slow shipping for some areas.
• Overall, the commitment the hobbyist is willing to put in is a much greater value than the cost.

Final Thoughts: Where Should You Start?

If you have made it this far, I presume you are curious or already hooked on this. Regardless, below is what you should do next:

Tower Hobbies offers both fun and focus. In a world where we are overwhelmed with screens, this hobby brings you back to tactile joy. It is rewarding in the way that it nurtures your mind, hones your reflexes, and provides you with something to care about genuinely.

This is the reason Tower Hobbies is still the king.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Tower Hobbies best known for?

They specialize in RC cars, planes, drones, and boats with their parts, kits, and beginner setups.

Are Tower Hobbies good for beginners?

Absolutely. Search for “Ready-To-Run” RTR electric models as they are labelled.

Is Tower Hobbies a brand or a store?

Both. Tower Hobbies is a leading online retailer and carries products from multiple top brands.

How much does it cost to start?

With about $150-250, you can get a decent RC setup. Tools and batteries can be purchased separately.

Do they offer international shipping?

Yes. However, it is important to note that the cost and time for shipping will vary, so always check the details before placing an order.

How can I learn RC flying in a safe way?

Local RC flying clubs are a great place to start, and you can also benefit from using simulators like Real Flight. FAA has some good pointers too: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Remote-control_aircraft