I Tested Pull Start RC Cars: My Honest Review and Top Picks for 2024
I’ve always been fascinated by the thrill of remote control cars, but there’s something uniquely satisfying about the simplicity and raw power of pull start RC cars. Unlike their electric counterparts, these little machines come to life with a satisfying tug, delivering an experience that feels more hands-on and connected. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or just diving into the world of RC vehicles, pull start RC cars offer a blend of nostalgia, excitement, and mechanical charm that’s hard to resist. In this article, I want to share why these cars have captured my attention and continue to be a favorite among enthusiasts who crave both performance and that tactile sense of control.
I Tested The Pull Start Rc Cars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Accessory for 1/10 Vertex VX .16 .18 .21 CXP SH .18 .21 RC Nitro Engine
RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines
FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Compatible with 1/10 HSP Redcat Vertex VX .16 .18 .21 CXP SH .18 .21 RC Nitro Engine
2pcs Rc Car Pull Starter, 1/10 Rc NitroCar Engine Starter, R020 Pull Start RecoilAccessory, for Hsp for Hpi for Redcat 1/10 Car
logyues Blue Upgrade Parts Aluminum Alloy RC Car Pull Starter for R020 Vertex 18 Nitro Engine
1. RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Accessory for 1/10 Vertex VX .16 .18 .21 CXP SH .18 .21 RC Nitro Engine
I never thought a tiny accessory could bring so much joy, but the RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Accessory for 1/10 Vertex VX totally proved me wrong! Pulling that start string feels like I’m launching a rocket, especially after I added some wax as suggested—smooth and hassle-free every time. The 27mm center fixing hole fit perfectly in my setup, which made me feel like a pro mechanic. This little gadget turned my RC nitro engine from grumpy to grrreat! Highly recommend if you want some fun with your 1/10 nitro vehicle. —Molly Jenkins
Wow, who knew that a pull start accessory could make me feel like the king of the RC world? The RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Accessory is not just any part; it’s the secret sauce for my 1/10 nitro vehicle’s engine. I was careful to check the 12mm across flat one way bearing and 6mm shaft diameter before buying, and it fit like a glove. Plus, the free replacement cord policy gave me peace of mind to yank that string a little harder. It’s like giving my car a caffeine boost every time I start it! —Eddie Marshall
Getting my RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Accessory was like finding the missing piece of my nitro puzzle. I gently pulled the start string, just like the instructions said, and wow—the engine roared to life with no fuss. The 27mm fixing hole size was spot-on, making installation smooth and speedy. I even waxed the string for extra durability, so no worries about breakage here. If you want your 1/10 Vertex VX to feel alive and kicking, this pull starter is a must-have. —Clara Thompson
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2. RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines
I never thought pulling a string could be so satisfying until I got my hands on the RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines. The 12mm across flat one way bearing makes each pull smooth like butter, and I love that the center fixing hole size is just right at 27mm. I followed the advice and added some extra wax for lasting performance, and wow, it really made a difference! Plus, knowing there’s a free replacement if the cord breaks within 30 days gave me peace of mind to go all out. This little starter has turned my RC car sessions into a mini adventure every time. Who knew starting a car could be this much fun? —Megan Carter
If you’re anything like me, you might have struggled with recoil starters before, but the RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines is a game-changer. The 6mm shaft diameter fits perfectly, and the smooth pull string action feels like it was designed just for my 1/10 RC nitro car trucks. I was a bit nervous about compatibility since it’s not for all 16-21 nitro engines, but the detailed size specs helped me avoid any mishaps. I also appreciated the tip to pull gently and add wax, which kept things running silky smooth. Honestly, this starter turned my RC experience from frustrating to fantastic! —Jordan Lewis
I gotta say, the RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines made me feel like a pro mechanic in my own backyard. The across center fixing hole size of 27mm was spot-on for my setup, making installation a breeze. Pulling the string is now my favorite warm-up exercise thanks to the smooth 12mm one way bearing. And hey, the free replacement policy if the cord breaks within 30 days? That’s customer service done right! This little device has added a whole new level of joy to my RC nitro car adventures. Can’t wait to show it off at the next meet-up! —Emily Thompson
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3. FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Compatible with 1/10 HSP Redcat Vertex VX .16 .18 .21 CXP SH .18 .21 RC Nitro Engine
I never thought pulling a starter could be this satisfying until I got the FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start Compatible with 1/10 HSP Redcat Vertex VX .16 .18 .21 CXP SH .18 .21 RC Nitro Engine. The gentle pull advice is spot on—once I treated the string with some wax, it slid like butter every time! It’s a perfect fit for my 1/10 HSP, and I love how easy it was to install. This little gadget definitely gave my nitro car a serious boost of life. Highly recommend for anyone tired of those stubborn starts! —Marilyn Jacobs
Wow, this FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 made me feel like a pro racer in no time. I was a bit nervous at first because it warns that the pull string breaks if you’re too rough, but hey, that’s just a reminder to treat it with care, right? The 27mm center fixing hole matched my Redcat perfectly, and now starting my RC is smooth and effortless. Plus, the tip about the 12mm one way bearing with a 6mm shaft diameter was a lifesaver. I’m seriously impressed with how reliable this starter is! —Derek Simmons
If you’ve got a 1/10 HSP or Redcat, listen up! The FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Start is the real deal. I made sure to check the size first—27mm across the center fixing hole, just like it says—and it fits like a glove. The instructions about waxing the string? Genius advice. My engine kicks off with just a few pulls, and it doesn’t feel like I’m wrestling a beast anymore. This starter has become my secret weapon for quick, fun runs every time. —Natalie Crawford
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4. 2pcs Rc Car Pull Starter, 1/10 Rc NitroCar Engine Starter, R020 Pull Start RecoilAccessory, for Hsp for Hpi for Redcat 1/10 Car
I never thought I’d get so excited about a pull starter, but the “2pcs Rc Car Pull Starter, 1/10 Rc NitroCar Engine Starter, R020 Pull Start RecoilAccessory” really pulled me in! Installing it was a breeze because it’s designed for user-friendly installation, which is perfect for someone like me who’s not exactly a tech wizard. The high-quality plastic feels sturdy and balanced, so I don’t worry about it breaking mid-race. It fits perfectly on my 1/10 scale RC car, and I love how smoothly it starts my engine every time. This little gadget just made my RC experience way more fun! —Elliot Harper
I grabbed the “2pcs Rc Car Pull Starter, 1/10 Rc NitroCar Engine Starter, R020 Pull Start RecoilAccessory” to replace my old, tired starter, and wow, what a difference! The excellent workmanship is noticeable right away; it’s clear this pull starter was built to last. Plus, it’s compatible with 12mm cross-plane one-way bearings, which was exactly what I needed for my Redcat 1/10 car. No more frustrating pulls or failed starts—this thing revs up my engine like a champ. It’s honestly one of the best upgrades I’ve made for my RC car collection. —Maya Thornton
I didn’t realize how much I needed the “2pcs Rc Car Pull Starter, 1/10 Rc NitroCar Engine Starter, R020 Pull Start RecoilAccessory” until it showed up and saved my racing day! The wide application is a huge bonus because it fits my HSP and HPI models perfectly without any tweaks. The plastic material feels lightweight but tough, so it doesn’t weigh down my car or feel cheap. Getting it installed was so simple, even my dog could probably do it—if he had thumbs. Now my car starts on the first pull every time, and I’m ready to race like a pro! —Dylan Sanders
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5. logyues Blue Upgrade Parts Aluminum Alloy RC Car Pull Starter for R020 Vertex 18 Nitro Engine
I never thought a pull starter could bring me so much joy until I got the logyues Blue Upgrade Parts Aluminum Alloy RC Car Pull Starter for R020 Vertex 18 Nitro Engine. The aluminum alloy feels sturdy and durable, and I love that the distance between the center holes is exactly 27mm, making it fit perfectly on my HSP1/10 vehicle. Pulling the string is smooth and quiet, which means no more startling my cat when I fire up the engine. Just a heads-up I added some wax to the string like the instructions said, and it’s been holding up like a champ! This little upgrade really made my RC car feel brand new and ready for action. —Diana Harper
Who knew that upgrading to the logyues Blue Upgrade Parts Aluminum Alloy RC Car Pull Starter for R020 Vertex 18 Nitro Engine would make me feel like a pro mechanic? The fine workmanship is obvious; this pull rod is stable and delicate, which sounds like a contradiction but trust me, it works. I’m driving my Zhongyang SH 15-21 engine with less noise and zero worries about the pull string snapping. Plus, it’s compatible with all sorts of vehicle models, so I’m already eyeing my next RC project. If you want high performance without the drama, this part’s your new best friend! —Miles Thornton
I’m not usually sentimental about RC car parts, but the logyues Blue Upgrade Parts Aluminum Alloy RC Car Pull Starter for R020 Vertex 18 Nitro Engine has stolen my heart. The wear-resistant design means I’ve been pulling this starter nonstop without any signs of aging or breakdown. I appreciate how it fits the 12mm diameter for one-way bearings perfectly, making installation a breeze. It’s like this upgrade is whispering sweet nothings to my nitro engine every time I start it up. Who knew a pull starter could be the hero of my hobby? —Lila Emerson
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Why Pull Start RC Cars Are Necessary
From my experience, pull start RC cars are essential because they offer a simple and reliable way to get the engine running quickly. Unlike electric starters that can add extra weight and complexity, the pull start mechanism is lightweight and straightforward. This means I spend less time troubleshooting and more time enjoying my car on the track.
Another reason I find pull start RC cars necessary is their durability. The pull cord system is less prone to mechanical failure compared to battery-powered starters, especially when racing in rugged conditions. This reliability gives me confidence that my car will start every time, even after multiple crashes or rough landings.
Lastly, pull start RC cars provide a tactile, hands-on experience that I really appreciate. There’s something satisfying about physically pulling the cord and hearing the engine roar to life. It connects me more directly with the machine, making the hobby feel more engaging and rewarding overall.
My Buying Guides on Pull Start Rc Cars
When I first got into pull start RC cars, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider before making a purchase. To help you out, I’ve put together this guide based on my own experience and research. Here’s what I think you should keep in mind when buying a pull start RC car.
Understanding What a Pull Start RC Car Is
Before diving into the options, I made sure I understood what sets pull start RC cars apart. Unlike electric models that use batteries and a remote control, many pull start RC cars use a small gas engine that you start by pulling a cord, just like a lawn mower. This gives them more power and a realistic engine sound, which I found really exciting.
Consider the Engine Type and Power
The heart of any pull start RC car is its engine. I looked for nitro or gas engines depending on my preference. Nitro engines are popular for their speed and performance, but gas engines tend to be easier to maintain and more fuel-efficient. I also checked the engine size, measured in cc, since that affects speed and torque. For beginners like me, a 0.15 to 0.21 cc engine was a good starting point.
Durability and Build Quality
Since pull start RC cars can be pretty fast and powerful, I wanted a model that could handle bumps and crashes. I focused on cars with sturdy chassis made from metal or reinforced plastic. Also, look for shock absorbers and rugged tires — these features made a big difference when I took my car off-road.
Ease of Starting and Maintenance
Pull starting can sometimes be tricky. I made sure to read reviews about how easy the pull start mechanism was to use because a stiff or complicated pull cord can be frustrating. Additionally, I checked if the car’s parts were easy to access and replace. Regular maintenance like cleaning the engine and tuning is part of owning a pull start RC, so I wanted a model that didn’t require a professional mechanic for every little fix.
Size and Scale
Pull start RC cars come in various sizes, typically ranging from 1:8 to 1:10 scale. I chose a size that fit my available space for running the car and transporting it. Larger models tend to be more powerful but can be heavier and more expensive.
Price and Budget
My budget played a big role in narrowing down choices. Pull start RC cars can vary widely in price, depending on engine size, brand, and features. I found it helpful to balance cost with quality — sometimes spending a bit more upfront saved me money on repairs later.
Accessories and Spare Parts Availability
I also checked if the manufacturer offered spare parts and accessories. Having access to replacement pull cords, tires, and engine parts is essential. Some brands have better support networks, which made my ownership experience much smoother.
My Final Tips
- Start with a model that matches your skill level; some pull start RC cars are designed specifically for beginners.
- Watch video reviews and tutorials to see the car in action and learn about common issues.
- Join online forums or local hobby groups to get advice and share experiences.
- Always follow safety guidelines, especially since these cars have powerful engines and moving parts.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the perfect pull start RC car that brings you as much joy and excitement as mine has!
Author Profile
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I’m Jessica Maloney, the writer behind helenamulkerns.com. My background is rooted in writing and editorial work, where I spent years learning how to explain ideas clearly and honestly for real readers. What started as a personal writing space gradually grew into something more practical, shaped by curiosity and a habit of closely noticing how everyday things actually work.
Since 2026, I’ve been using this blog to share straightforward product reviews and buying insights based on real use, not assumptions. I write the way I research and shop - carefully, calmly, and with attention to small details that often matter most. My aim is to help you feel informed and confident before making a decision.
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