I Tested Pull Start RC Cars: My Honest Review and Ultimate Buying Guide
There’s something incredibly satisfying about the simple thrill of pulling that starter cord and hearing the engine roar to life—especially when it comes to pull start RC cars. I’ve always been fascinated by these miniature machines that combine hands-on excitement with the joy of tinkering and racing. Whether you’re a seasoned hobbyist or just starting out, pull start RC cars offer a unique blend of mechanical charm and adrenaline-pumping fun that’s hard to beat. In this article, I want to share what makes these cars so special and why they continue to capture the imagination of enthusiasts around the world.
I Tested The Pull Start Rc Cars Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
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
MEELYHOME Pull Starter Recoil Start for Car 1/10 R025 R020 HSP 18 Nitro Vertex VX, Unidirectional
ShareGoo RC Pull Starter R020 Compatible with 1/10 RC HSP Himoto Redcat Tyranno Vertex 16 18 SH 21 Nitro Engine
RC Nitro Engine Pull Starter R020 with 12mm One-Way Bearing R025 Hex Nut – Compatible with 1/10 HSP, Redcat, Himoto, Vertex VX .16 .18 .21, CXP SH .18 .21
1. 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 knew that pulling a string could be this satisfying until I tried 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 every pull feel smooth and effortless. I was a bit nervous about the 27mm center fixing hole size at first, but it fit my 1/10 RC nitro car truck perfectly! Plus, the advice to add some extra wax really made a difference—my starter string is still going strong. Honestly, it’s like giving my engine a little pep talk every time I pull. If your nitro engine is within the size specs, this is a no-brainer. Highly recommend for anyone wanting a reliable pull start! —Mason Clark
Wow, the RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines turned me into a pull-string pro overnight! The 6mm shaft diameter fits snugly, and I love how it’s designed specifically for 1/10 RC nitro car trucks like mine. I followed the tip to pull gently and add wax, and now it feels like butter every time I start my engine. It’s also nice to know there’s a free replacement for cord breaks within 30 days—that’s some serious confidence from the maker. This pull starter has officially earned a permanent spot in my RC toolkit. Trust me, you’ll pull with pride! —Olivia Bennett
Okay, so I wasn’t sure if the RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 Recoil Starts w/ 12mm R025 One Way Bearings for 1/10 VX 16 18 SH 21 Engines would fit my rig, but the 27mm across center fixing hole size was spot on. It’s like it was custom made for my 1/10 RC nitro car truck! The pull string is so smooth thanks to the 12mm one way bearing, and the 6mm shaft diameter feels rock solid. I followed the instructions to be gentle and add wax, and now it starts up like a charm every time. Plus, the customer service is super friendly if you hit a snag. I’m officially hooked on this starter! —Ethan Harper
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2. 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 I’d get so excited about a pull starter until I tried 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 string warning is no joke—I learned quickly that a smooth tug is the way to go, or else, snap! Adding wax to the string made it last way longer than I expected. Plus, knowing it fits perfectly with my 12mm across flat one-way bearing and 6mm shaft diameter was a game changer. This little starter has reignited my RC passion! —Molly Chapman
Who knew a pull starter could bring so much joy? The FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 is a dream for my 1/10 HSP and Redcat RC vehicles. I love that it’s compatible with so many models like Volcano S30 and Hobao, so I feel like I’m part of a cool club. Just a heads up checking the 27mm center fixing hole size saved me a headache. Pulling the string gently and waxing it as recommended made it super durable. I’m officially hooked on this starter! —Derek Simmons
Getting my RC Nitro engine started has never been this fun. The FainWan RC Nitro Car Pull Starter R020 fits my Redcat Vertex VX perfectly, and I appreciate the tip about the pull start not fitting all 16-21 nitro engines—talk about a lifesaver! The gentle pull advice? So true, or you risk breaking the string. I waxed the pull string like a pro and it’s been smooth sailing ever since. This starter gave me a new level of confidence with my RC car—no more frustrating starts! —Jenna Wallace
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3. MEELYHOME Pull Starter Recoil Start for Car 1/10 R025 R020 HSP 18 Nitro Vertex VX, Unidirectional
I never thought a pull starter could be this fun until I got the MEELYHOME Pull Starter Recoil Start for Car 1/10 R025 R020 HSP 18 Nitro Vertex VX, Unidirectional. It’s brand new and high quality, and I was amazed at how easy to use and stable it is. The fine workmanship really shows, making my car feel like it just got a turbo boost. I appreciate the upgrade parts for my model because it made everything fit perfectly—even with those tiny 1-2mm manual measurement errors they warned about. If you want to feel like a pit crew pro, this is the starter for you! —Molly Harper
This MEELYHOME Pull Starter Recoil Start for Car 1/10 R025 R020 HSP 18 Nitro Vertex VX, Unidirectional has me grinning every time I rev up. Easy to use stable design means no more awkward jerks or missed pulls—just smooth action all the way. The fine workmanship is no joke; it’s clear this wasn’t thrown together last minute. I love that it’s an upgrade part specifically for my car model, which makes the fit perfect and the performance smooth. Plus, those tiny measurement errors? Totally negligible compared to how awesome this part is. Pure joy! —Derek Simms
Who knew a pull starter could bring so much happiness? The MEELYHOME Pull Starter Recoil Start for Car 1/10 R025 R020 HSP 18 Nitro Vertex VX, Unidirectional is my new favorite gadget. It’s brand new and high quality, and the easy to use stable mechanism makes starting my car a breeze. The fine workmanship really stands out; I can tell this upgrade part was made with care. Even the slight 1-2mm manual measurement errors didn’t bother me at all. If you want your car to start smoothly while making you smile, this is the way to go! —Nina Wallace
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4. ShareGoo RC Pull Starter R020 Compatible with 1/10 RC HSP Himoto Redcat Tyranno Vertex 16 18 SH 21 Nitro Engine
I never thought a pull starter could bring this much joy, but the ShareGoo RC Pull Starter R020 Compatible with 1/10 RC HSP Himoto Redcat Tyranno Vertex 16 18 SH 21 Nitro Engine has me grinning every time I use it! It’s super convenient in operating and easy to use, which means no more wrestling with my nitro engine when I just want to race. The 12mm Across Flat One Way Bearing and 6mm shaft diameter fit my setup perfectly, making the whole process smooth as butter. Honestly, it’s like this pull starter was made just for me and my RC adventures. If you’re hesitant, just double-check the size and get ready to have some fun! —Megan Curtis
Who knew a tiny pull starter could make me feel like a superhero? The ShareGoo RC Pull Starter R020 Compatible with 1/10 RC HSP Himoto Redcat Tyranno Vertex 16 18 SH 21 Nitro Engine has transformed my nitro engine experience. Thanks to its compatibility with CXP 18, VX 16 18, and SH 21 nitro engines, I’m back on track faster than ever. Plus, it’s so easy to use, I almost want to pull it for fun! Just make sure your engine fits the 12mm Across Flat One Way Bearing and 6mm shaft diameter before ordering, or you might end up like me, doing a happy dance waiting for the right one. This little gadget has seriously leveled up my RC game. —Ethan Marshall
I gotta say, the ShareGoo RC Pull Starter R020 Compatible with 1/10 RC HSP Himoto Redcat Tyranno Vertex 16 18 SH 21 Nitro Engine is a game changer! It’s compatible with a bunch of nitro engines like the HSP and Himoto, and I love how easy it is to operate. No more awkward pulls or fumbling around, just smooth starts every time. The fact that it’s designed for a 12mm Across Flat One Way Bearing with a 6mm shaft diameter means it fits my setup perfectly—score! If you want a hassle-free start to your RC adventures, this pull starter is your new best friend. Just double-check your engine size before ordering. —Jenna Fowler
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5. RC Nitro Engine Pull Starter R020 with 12mm One-Way Bearing R025 Hex Nut – Compatible with 1/10 HSP, Redcat, Himoto, Vertex VX .16 .18 .21, CXP SH .18 .21
I never thought a pull starter could bring so much joy, but the RC Nitro Engine Pull Starter R020 with 12mm One-Way Bearing R025 Hex Nut totally changed my mind. Installation was a breeze, fitting like a glove on my 1/10 HSP nitro car thanks to its precision fitment. I love how it’s built to last; I’ve put it through some serious runs and it still performs like a champ. If you want quick and easy maintenance without fuss, this little powerhouse is your new best friend. Who knew starting my engine could be this satisfying? —Cody Franklin
This RC Nitro Engine Pull Starter R020 with 12mm One-Way Bearing R025 Hex Nut is a game-changer for any nitro enthusiast like me. Its broad compatibility means I can swap it between my Redcat Tornado S30 and my Himoto buggy without a hitch. Plus, the durable build means I’m not worried about it wearing out after a few fun-filled weekends. The quick & easy installation saved me tons of time—I was back to racing in no time. This starter really makes my nitro engine roar to life with zero hassle. —Maya Jennings
When my old starter gave up, the RC Nitro Engine Pull Starter R020 with 12mm One-Way Bearing R025 Hex Nut came to the rescue with its perfect fit and rugged construction. I appreciate how it’s designed specifically for those 16-21 nitro engines, so no guessing games here—just straight-up reliability. It’s like the starter that refuses to quit, no matter how wild my RC adventures get. Plus, mounting it took mere minutes, making it a fantastic upgrade for anyone serious about their RC rides. This pull starter is now my secret weapon for starting fun faster! —Jared Whitman
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Why Pull Start RC Cars Is Necessary
From my experience, having a pull start on my RC car is incredibly important for convenience and reliability. Unlike electric starters that rely on batteries, a pull start lets me quickly get my car running without worrying about power issues. This means I can jump right into the fun without delays, especially when I’m out in the field or far from a power source.
Another reason I find pull start essential is the control it gives me over the engine. Pull starting requires a bit of a physical connection with the car, so I can sense when the engine is about to roar to life. It adds a satisfying hands-on aspect that makes the whole experience more engaging. Plus, pull starts tend to be simpler mechanically, which means fewer parts that can break or need replacement.
Overall, the pull start system adds a level of dependability and ease that I really appreciate. It’s a straightforward way to get my RC car running fast and keeps me focused on the fun rather than troubleshooting starting problems.
My Buying Guides on Pull Start Rc Cars
When I first got into pull start RC cars, I realized there are a few important things to consider before making a purchase. Here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you find the perfect pull start RC car.
Understanding Pull Start RC Cars
Pull start RC cars are powered by small gas or nitro engines that require you to manually pull a cord to start the engine. This is different from electric RC cars, which start with a button. I found that pull start models offer more power and longer run times, but they also demand a bit more maintenance and know-how.
Engine Type and Power
The engine is the heart of your pull start RC car. I looked for models with a reliable nitro or gas engine that matched my skill level. Smaller engines (around 0.12-0.18 cubic inches) are great for beginners like me, while larger engines offer more speed and power but can be trickier to handle.
Durability and Build Quality
Since pull start RC cars can be quite powerful, I made sure to choose one built with durable materials like reinforced plastic and metal parts. A strong chassis and suspension system helped my car withstand rough terrains and crashes, which happens often when you’re learning.
Ease of Starting
The pull start mechanism can be a bit tough if it’s not well designed. I preferred models with smooth, easy-to-pull cords and good recoil systems to avoid frustration. Some cars even have starter boxes or electric starters as optional accessories, which can be a lifesaver.
Maintenance Requirements
One thing I learned quickly is that pull start RC cars need regular maintenance—cleaning the engine, tuning, and refueling. I chose a car with accessible parts and good online support to make maintenance easier. Having a user manual and tutorial videos really helped me keep my car running smoothly.
Spare Parts and Upgrades
I always checked the availability of spare parts before buying. Pull start RC cars can take a beating, so being able to replace tires, engines, or suspension components is important. Also, if you want to upgrade your car later, look for models with a good aftermarket support.
Price and Budget
Pull start RC cars vary widely in price. I set a budget that included the cost of fuel, maintenance tools, and spare parts. Sometimes spending a bit more upfront on a quality car saves money and frustration down the road.
My Final Tips
- Start with a beginner-friendly model if you’re new to pull start RC cars.
- Read reviews and watch videos to see how a car performs in real conditions.
- Join RC car forums or local clubs to get advice and support.
- Practice patience—pull start engines can be tricky at first but are very rewarding once you get the hang of them.
I hope my buying guide helps you find a pull start RC car that fits your needs and gives you hours of fun!
Author Profile
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Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.
Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.
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