My Best Sellers: HobbyTown USA

Monster Trucks and Mini Copters Sell as Fast as They Play

By Brenda Ruggiero
February 2009

The HobbyTown USA franchise, comprising nearly 180 stores across the United States, focuses on customer service and distinctive products for hobbyists. Following are the top-10 best sellers in the franchise as of early 2009, as reported to TDmonthly Magazine by Director of Media Buying Mary Friesen.

E-flite Blade CX 2 Helicopter by HOBBY ZONE

In the world of electric radio-controlled helicopters, the Eflite Blade CX 2 radio-controlled heli stands out not just because of its looks, but because it also offers the latest technology available, such as a 2.4 GHz radio, which lets you fly anywhere without channel interference. This helicopter also features an improved gyro and servo control motors. The Blade CX 2 can be flown by almost anyone with some practice and can easily be flown indoors. It comes with a training gear set and qualifies for free shipping. The Blade CX 2 also comes with an instructional DVD and manual and is backed by solid phone tech support. Parts are widely available. Launch date: 2006. 10/30/2006 (MSRP: $189.99)

RealFlight G4 Flight Simulator by HOBBICO

The RealFlight G4 Flight Simulator offers a near-perfect simulation of radio-controlled flight. It offers improved sights, sounds, and physics. It has remained the number one RC flight simulator for over a decade.
— This simulator is a top seller at HobbyTown USA stores, Mary Friesen, director of media buying for the franchise, told TDmonthly in early 2009. 1/29/2009 (MSRP: $199.99)

HobbyZone Super Cub Ready-to-Fly by HOBBY ZONE

Being big and stable with a 4' wing and a motor that drives the plane over 30 mph, the Super Cub is beyond a toy, yet easy to learn to fly. Flight times are over 20 minutes, and for a limited time Hobby Zone is offering a free second battery and free shipping. The Super Cub is ready-to-fly out of the box and comes with an instructional DVD and manual. It is backed by solid phone tech support, and parts are widely available.
— “I had a lot of people asking for remote-control [(RC)] airplanes,” Manager Char Mcaulay of Toy Town in Casper, Wyo., told TDmonthly.
— David Campbell, owner for 19 years of Amazing Toys in Great Falls, Mont., also received a lot of requests for RC airplanes for the 2006 holidays.
— Toy-store owners say that easy flyers, such as this model, are among their best-selling RC aircraft, because they appeal to a wide range of hobbyists. 10/30/2006 (MSRP: $159.99)

E-Maxx 4WD Electric Monster Truck by TRAXXAS CORP.

The remote-controlled car features a single speed transmission with sealed pivot ball suspension, sealed outer and inner drive shafts, a low-center-of-gravity (CG) chassis design, a transmission skid plate, a dual-servo steering system and much more. Launch date: December 1, 2007. 11/14/2007 (MSRP: $640.00)

Nitro Cars by TRAXXAS CORP.

Nitro Cars by TRAXXAS CORP. Traxxas has a wide range of nitro cars and trucks for any enthusiast. With powerful engines, stylish design, and a rugged build, these cars offer off-road action, speed and a great look, sure to please any fan. Traxxas produces lines of 1:10-scale monster trucks, stadium trucks, 1:10-scale sedans, monster buggies, racing engines and more. With fine detailing and impressive power, these products are the perfect blend of function and looks. Bill Carter, head of marketing for Traxxas, informed TDmonthly, “Traxxas basically created the market for ready-to-race [radio-controlled] (RC) vehicles back in the late 1980s ... Our TRX engines are known to deliver the highest performance for any small block engines available. And when a consumer gets a Traxxas nitro vehicle, the box includes our much acclaimed Nitro Set Up DVD, which walks them through all the steps of breaking in, tuning, and maintaining a nitro engine and vehicle.” 11/2/2006 (MSRP: $200.00)

Traxxas Revo 3.3 4WD Nitro Monster Truck by TRAXXAS CORP.

The Traxxas Revo 3.3 4WD Nitro Monster Truck is the winner of six national championship titles. It offers high revving power and a two-speed transmission that is great for acceleration and top speeds of 45 mph and more.
— Director of Media Buying Mary Friesen of HobbyTown USA told TDmonthly in early 2009 that these trucks are popular sellers at the company’s franchise stores. 1/29/2009 (MSRP: $499.99; Age: All Ages)

Traxxas Nitro Stadium Maxx 2WD by TRAXXAS CORP.

The Traxxas Nitro Stadium Maxx 2WD offers a sleek fastback body, SportTraxx racing tires, and lightweight chrome wheels. It is autoshifting, and delivers high revving acceleration to 40+ mph.
— Mary Friesen, director of media buying for HobbyTown USA, told TDmonthly in January 2009 that this product is among the top sellers at the company’s franchise stores. 1/29/2009 (MSRP: $354.99; Age: All Ages)

Traxxas Jato 3.3 Ready-to-Run Nitro by TRAXXAS CORP.

The Traxxas Jato 3.3 Ready-to-Run Nitro is described as “brutally fast.” Its top speed is over 65 mph, and it goes from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. It is meant for expert drivers. It has aggressive new body graphics, and also includes an integrated wheelie bar.
— This super-fast vehicle sells at super speeds, according to Mary Friesen, director of media buying for HobbyTown USA, who told TDmonthly in January 2009 that it’s one of the franchise’s top-10 best-selling products.
— Ray Lamarre, owner of Hobbytown USA in Manchester, N.H., told TDmonthly in a March 2013 survey that Traxxas RC cars are his best selling outdoor toys. They sell 5-10 each month. 1/29/2009 (MSRP: $399.99; Age: All Ages)

Traxxas Stampede XL-5 Ready-to-Run by TRAXXAS CORP.

The Traxxas Stampede XL-5 Ready-to-Run was named the “best electric monster truck for 2006.” It offers a Titan 12-turn 550 motor that brings it to speeds of over 30 mph. It is a rugged, high-performance truck.
— This ready-to-fly helicopter was on the top 10 best-sellers' list for the HobbyTown USA franchise at the beginning of 2009, according to Director of Media Buying Mary Friesen. 1/29/2009 (MSRP: $179.95; Age: All Ages)

E-Flite Blade 400 3D Ready-to-Fly Electric Helicopter by HOBBY ZONE

The E-Flite Blade 400 3D Ready-to-Fly electric helicopter comes completely assembled and is test-flown at the factory. It is capable of sport flying and 3-D aerobatics right out of the box. It includes a programmable transmitter and factory-installed receiver. It is made for intermediate to advanced heli pilots.
— E-Flite helicopters are among the top-10 best sellers are HobbyTown USA stores, Director of Media Buying Mary Friesen told TDmonthly in early 2009. 1/29/2009 (MSRP: $279.99; Age: 14 to Adult)