Why are so many leaving the hobby?
09-05-2008, 08:26 AM
#211
The question we have to ask is what is in decline? Are new "race" kit sales down? Are RTR sales down, is racing down? What about the new electric air craft and the ease of getting started in planes. You can fly a plane in your front yard, something impossible just 10years ago. You know park flyers are up.
I don't think the RC hobby is in decline I think its focus has shifted. There are super cool cars that are coming out that have been poo-pooed by "racers". Cars from the HPI 5B to the Traxxas slash are not called race cars, and where (at least in the beginning dismissed) by the racing community.
I don't think that RC is in any kind of decline, the RC Racing car market just has more competition then before. I do know one thing, some classes are out of control and if that is not fixed for the most part rc car racing will go the same way as slot cars did in the 70's. It got to be just too much for most people.
I don't think the RC hobby is in decline I think its focus has shifted. There are super cool cars that are coming out that have been poo-pooed by "racers". Cars from the HPI 5B to the Traxxas slash are not called race cars, and where (at least in the beginning dismissed) by the racing community.
I don't think that RC is in any kind of decline, the RC Racing car market just has more competition then before. I do know one thing, some classes are out of control and if that is not fixed for the most part rc car racing will go the same way as slot cars did in the 70's. It got to be just too much for most people.
I have to agree on this one. I too feel that the RC biz is doing fine. Sure the hobby shops are not doing so hot. Sure tracks are closing like never before. However, in my opinion the industry as a whole is still turning big bucks. I bet if there was a study done on RC internet sales compared to Store Front sales we would see that people are spending huge bucks, they are just going so on-line.
I think that when we see our local shops close and our favorite tracks crumble, it tends to give us the feeling that things are bad. However, I bet if you look in the right places, things are still on the up.
Does this mean the hobby is on the right path? Well, I guess to answer that I would be starting up that same old argument that we see pop up every couple months about buying local, and bla bla nobody listens, bla, bla, bla.
So, whatever.
09-05-2008, 08:57 AM
#212
I have to agree on this one. I too feel that the RC biz is doing fine. Sure the hobby shops are not doing so hot. Sure tracks are closing like never before. However, in my opinion the industry as a whole is still turning big bucks. I bet if there was a study done on RC internet sales compared to Store Front sales we would see that people are spending huge bucks, they are just going so on-line.
I think that when we see our local shops close and our favorite tracks crumble, it tends to give us the feeling that things are bad. However, I bet if you look in the right places, things are still on the up.
Does this mean the hobby is on the right path? Well, I guess to answer that I would be starting up that same old argument that we see pop up every couple months about buying local, and bla bla nobody listens, bla, bla, bla.
So, whatever.
I think that when we see our local shops close and our favorite tracks crumble, it tends to give us the feeling that things are bad. However, I bet if you look in the right places, things are still on the up.
Does this mean the hobby is on the right path? Well, I guess to answer that I would be starting up that same old argument that we see pop up every couple months about buying local, and bla bla nobody listens, bla, bla, bla.
So, whatever.
09-05-2008, 09:30 AM
#213
I got out of t/c racing then rc racing in general last September. Last race I took 3rd in a spec class.
There are several reasons for me leaving RC:
1. touring cars - the tire issue. you need a quiver of tires and inserts for every track and temperature range. 4 tires, inserts and rims X every temperature compound and insert combination can get very expensive. for exampel at the tamiya nationals the tires are only good for one run. burn of 75 bucks on toy car tires that only last 5 minutes! I have better things to do with my money! further, other than tamiya the cars dont look like real cars. they look like dayglow jellly beans.
2. The expense to convert to brushless and lipo systems and a new charger. There really is no such a thing as a "stock" brushless motor. they are all much faster than stock brushed.
3. Attitude of rc racers. I also ride mt. bikes, these guys are a tougher, healthier and freindler bunch of guys.
4. the long drive to a decent track. 100 mile to Camarillo, 50 miles to Tamiya, and Tamiys is gone.
5. I started enjoying riding bikes much more than sitting on my but all day just to be able to race 2 maybe 3 times for 5 minutes. not to mention beimg exposed to second hand cigarette smoke and toxic tire compounds.
There are several reasons for me leaving RC:
1. touring cars - the tire issue. you need a quiver of tires and inserts for every track and temperature range. 4 tires, inserts and rims X every temperature compound and insert combination can get very expensive. for exampel at the tamiya nationals the tires are only good for one run. burn of 75 bucks on toy car tires that only last 5 minutes! I have better things to do with my money! further, other than tamiya the cars dont look like real cars. they look like dayglow jellly beans.
2. The expense to convert to brushless and lipo systems and a new charger. There really is no such a thing as a "stock" brushless motor. they are all much faster than stock brushed.
3. Attitude of rc racers. I also ride mt. bikes, these guys are a tougher, healthier and freindler bunch of guys.
4. the long drive to a decent track. 100 mile to Camarillo, 50 miles to Tamiya, and Tamiys is gone.
5. I started enjoying riding bikes much more than sitting on my but all day just to be able to race 2 maybe 3 times for 5 minutes. not to mention beimg exposed to second hand cigarette smoke and toxic tire compounds.
09-05-2008, 09:51 AM
#214
I got out of t/c racing then rc racing in general last September. Last race I took 3rd in a spec class.
There are several reasons for me leaving RC:
1. touring cars - the tire issue. you need a quiver of tires and inserts for every track and temperature range. 4 tires, inserts and rims X every temperature compound and insert combination can get very expensive. for exampel at the tamiya nationals the tires are only good for one run. burn of 75 bucks on toy car tires that only last 5 minutes! I have better things to do with my money! further, other than tamiya the cars dont look like real cars. they look like dayglow jellly beans.
2. The expense to convert to brushless and lipo systems and a new charger. There really is no such a thing as a "stock" brushless motor. they are all much faster than stock brushed.
3. Attitude of rc racers. I also ride mt. bikes, these guys are a tougher, healthier and freindler bunch of guys.
4. the long drive to a decent track. 100 mile to Camarillo, 50 miles to Tamiya, and Tamiys is gone.
5. I started enjoying riding bikes much more than sitting on my but all day just to be able to race 2 maybe 3 times for 5 minutes. not to mention beimg exposed to second hand cigarette smoke and toxic tire compounds.
There are several reasons for me leaving RC:
1. touring cars - the tire issue. you need a quiver of tires and inserts for every track and temperature range. 4 tires, inserts and rims X every temperature compound and insert combination can get very expensive. for exampel at the tamiya nationals the tires are only good for one run. burn of 75 bucks on toy car tires that only last 5 minutes! I have better things to do with my money! further, other than tamiya the cars dont look like real cars. they look like dayglow jellly beans.
2. The expense to convert to brushless and lipo systems and a new charger. There really is no such a thing as a "stock" brushless motor. they are all much faster than stock brushed.
3. Attitude of rc racers. I also ride mt. bikes, these guys are a tougher, healthier and freindler bunch of guys.
4. the long drive to a decent track. 100 mile to Camarillo, 50 miles to Tamiya, and Tamiys is gone.
5. I started enjoying riding bikes much more than sitting on my but all day just to be able to race 2 maybe 3 times for 5 minutes. not to mention beimg exposed to second hand cigarette smoke and toxic tire compounds.
09-05-2008, 12:43 PM
#216
I see there are a bunch of hands in the profits in this hobby. From manufacture, to distributor to vendor then to the consumer.
I also know of an effect where prices are increased to the point where people stop buying or complain and the Price is then held. Rather than a set percentage of profit margin.
09-05-2008, 01:09 PM
#217
Good point. I am sure there is a production number difference between 12 scale and say a Tmax. So cost of production is less in mass quantities.
I see there are a bunch of hands in the profits in this hobby. From manufacture, to distributor to vendor then to the consumer.
I also know of an effect where prices are increased to the point where people stop buying or complain and the Price is then held. Rather than a set percentage of profit margin.
I see there are a bunch of hands in the profits in this hobby. From manufacture, to distributor to vendor then to the consumer.
I also know of an effect where prices are increased to the point where people stop buying or complain and the Price is then held. Rather than a set percentage of profit margin.
For club racing, thats all thats needed imho...
There is too much advertising and perception you need the best to do well at racing and that sponsored racers kill the hobby... It shouldnt be like that. A lot of new blood is scared away when they hear the cost of the best this and that.There is a fine balance between introducing new blood into the hobby and seeing them spend too much- this alone I feel is one reason why sedan racing is lacking support in some areas. Its too expensive to compete in.
Sure, tell me im a hypocrite because i'm sponsored. But the fact is, I don't go OTT and insist on getting the latest this and that, I club race. I race to my ability and budget. Further more, I've raced for 13+ years.
Up until now I have been racing with a very much club level car and unmatched cells, the last new motor I got was last year
. I have always done my best to be an approchable face at the track too, no matter how my day has gone. I look around at this hobby and see many different people who race. One guy I keep in touch with over the net who races and asks for my knowledge is deaf, sometimes its just the simple things in life... not blowing your last $ on "toy" car tyres for a hobby
ANY hobby should be something you enjoy doing too. As soon as it becomes a chore thats when its time to take a step back, or quit.
It was the friendly attitude of a club and a basic car that got me racing rc cars when I was 15. The simpler something is, the easier it can be enjoyed.
09-05-2008, 01:25 PM
#218
Damn Hoolahoops! There oughta' be a law!
09-05-2008, 01:57 PM
#219
I'd argue that. The overwhelming point in the previous 6-odd pages of this thread are demanding a speed limited, rule restricted, competitive and fun class that isn't dominated by the new-car-of-the week.
The U.S. Vintage Trans Am class seems to be not only keeping current racers racing, but bringing in brand new racers and pulling old racers out of mothballs.
Seems to be working from my point of view.
The U.S. Vintage Trans Am class seems to be not only keeping current racers racing, but bringing in brand new racers and pulling old racers out of mothballs.
Seems to be working from my point of view.
09-05-2008, 02:32 PM
#220
I started racing onroad and just wanting to run TC and was quickly dissapointed. I guess mostly because if your car looked like a car then it wasnt competitive. VTA changed all of that. The 60's racing theme adds a lot of fun for people. I used my old TC to build a VTA car. After just a few races I was ready to knock the Mohawk off the Serpent and dress it in VTA attire.
I dont think we need more classes to run in because that just dilutes the pool of racers. But if there were to be more classes, a theme and limits should be imposed much like the way the USVTA has developed their class.
09-05-2008, 03:29 PM
#221
My track has suffered just like everyone elses. Our numbers are down and we scramble to keep things going.
In the New England area, all the racers are very friendly and we all help each other. the 4 major carpet tracks (maximus, excitement, madness and 360) keep themselves floating with oval, speed spec / mini cooper, 1/12th and tc.
Personally, I LOVE running tc and 1/12th. It makes me angry when people slam a class because they can't be 'top dog'. This is my one and only complaint because it took me countless hours to get as good as I am now and people walk in the door, buy tons of gear and then quit when they can't be #1 after a month.
It guess that is why spec/cooper classes have gained in popularity because there is less to know in order to be a competitor.
LONG LIVE FOAM TC!
In the New England area, all the racers are very friendly and we all help each other. the 4 major carpet tracks (maximus, excitement, madness and 360) keep themselves floating with oval, speed spec / mini cooper, 1/12th and tc.
Personally, I LOVE running tc and 1/12th. It makes me angry when people slam a class because they can't be 'top dog'. This is my one and only complaint because it took me countless hours to get as good as I am now and people walk in the door, buy tons of gear and then quit when they can't be #1 after a month.
It guess that is why spec/cooper classes have gained in popularity because there is less to know in order to be a competitor.
LONG LIVE FOAM TC!
09-05-2008, 03:52 PM
#222
Tech Legend
iTrader: (51)
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Castle Mamba Max Pro. Feel its power!!!!!!!!!!
Posts: 21,220
Trader Rating: 51 (100%+)
Since everything is so expensive in general is leaves people with alot less disposable cash for toys. First thing that goes is play toys so R/C and what ever hobby people are into are cut back or they just stop doing them.
Really sucks that it is getting to be all work and no money for play for alot of people. Really is too bad.
Really sucks that it is getting to be all work and no money for play for alot of people. Really is too bad.
09-06-2008, 03:39 AM
#224
I'd argue that. The overwhelming point in the previous 6-odd pages of this thread are demanding a speed limited, rule restricted, competitive and fun class that isn't dominated by the new-car-of-the week.
The U.S. Vintage Trans Am class seems to be not only keeping current racers racing, but bringing in brand new racers and pulling old racers out of mothballs.
Seems to be working from my point of view.
The U.S. Vintage Trans Am class seems to be not only keeping current racers racing, but bringing in brand new racers and pulling old racers out of mothballs.
Seems to be working from my point of view.
09-06-2008, 04:18 AM
#225
"I don't think that RC is in any kind of decline, the RC Racing car market just has more competition then before. I do know one thing, some classes are out of control and if that is not fixed for the most part rc car racing will go the same way as slot cars did in the 70's. It got to be just too much for most people."
Quoated this from one of the posters above.
I VERY much agree. RC itself it not on the decline. Its a fun hobby/culture that will last for a long time to come. I just started my steps back into RC Racing. I can say that after a five years lay off from organized racing, with all the technology RC has today, its like starting all over again! So much to learn and so many ways to be fast! I'm cool with that because I love learning and I love challenges. Its good to see that racing enthusiasts are recognizing some of the elements that have caused the decline in RC racing itself. Be it out of control classes, CRAZY high priced racing kits. C'mon,,, 5,6,7, 800 bucks for quality 8th scale roller?...I'm a grown a** man with a well paying job, so I can handle these deals, I want to race competively in the popular 8class, so this is expected. None the less, its just crazy... Thank goodness for those who are recognizing and bringing back door to door spec styled racing. Though not designed by intention when it comes to organized racing, the Slash may be the biggest help in bringing RC racing back to its once popular form. Platforms like this set ways of affordable, fair racing were it comes down to a Driver's skills over his wallet. Vintage TA and other forms of spec racing will do it for on-road. This will no doubt bring new interests and help boost the racing scene.
Quoated this from one of the posters above.
I VERY much agree. RC itself it not on the decline. Its a fun hobby/culture that will last for a long time to come. I just started my steps back into RC Racing. I can say that after a five years lay off from organized racing, with all the technology RC has today, its like starting all over again! So much to learn and so many ways to be fast! I'm cool with that because I love learning and I love challenges. Its good to see that racing enthusiasts are recognizing some of the elements that have caused the decline in RC racing itself. Be it out of control classes, CRAZY high priced racing kits. C'mon,,, 5,6,7, 800 bucks for quality 8th scale roller?...I'm a grown a** man with a well paying job, so I can handle these deals, I want to race competively in the popular 8class, so this is expected. None the less, its just crazy... Thank goodness for those who are recognizing and bringing back door to door spec styled racing. Though not designed by intention when it comes to organized racing, the Slash may be the biggest help in bringing RC racing back to its once popular form. Platforms like this set ways of affordable, fair racing were it comes down to a Driver's skills over his wallet. Vintage TA and other forms of spec racing will do it for on-road. This will no doubt bring new interests and help boost the racing scene.
