Horizon Hobby and Traxxas: A Look at Ownership and Competition in the RC Industry
Remote control (RC) vehicles have been a popular hobby for many years, attracting enthusiasts of all ages. The RC market is highly competitive, with several brands vying for the top spot. Traxxas is one such brand that has risen to prominence in the RC community with its durable and high-performance vehicles. Horizon Hobby, on the other hand, is a well-established brand in the RC industry, owning several other popular brands like Losi and ECX. With both brands being popular and successful in their own right, a question that has popped up in recent years is whether Horizon Hobby owns Traxxas. In this article, we’ll explore the history and current status of both brands to understand if there is any truth to this rumor.
The History of Horizon Hobby
Horizon Hobby was founded in 1985 and has been a go-to source for many RC enthusiasts since then. Here are some notable things to know about Horizon Hobby:
- Started as a mail-order company
- One of the largest distributors of RC vehicles and equipment in the US
- Owns several other popular brands, including:
- Losi
- ECX
- Pro Boat
- And more
- Website: https://www.horizonhobby.com/
Horizon Hobby has established itself as a leader in the RC industry, with a strong focus on providing high-quality products and accessories. By acquiring other popular brands, Horizon Hobby has diversified its offerings and is able to cater to a wide variety of customers. The company has a robust web presence, making it easy for customers to browse through their extensive range of products, read reviews, and place orders. Overall, Horizon Hobby has a strong reputation among the RC community, and its continued growth is a testament to its success.
Who founded Horizon Hobby?
Horizon Hobby was founded in 1985, by Rick Stephens, originally under the name of R. E. Stephens Tool (REST). In 1995, the company was renamed to Horizon Hobby and since then has become a leading distributor of radio control hobbies and accessories.
Today, Horizon Hobby offers a wide range of products including remote-controlled cars, airplanes, helicopters, boats, and drones. They also offer additional accessories, tools, and support for hobbyists.
For more information on Horizon Hobby and their products, visit their website at www.horizonhobby.com.
Overview of Traxxas
Traxxas is a popular RC brand that has been in business since 1986. The company specializes in manufacturing and selling high-performance remote control vehicles, including trucks, cars, boats, and helicopters. Here are some interesting things to know about Traxxas:
- Known for producing models with high speeds and powerful engines
- Frequently dominates RC races, particularly in the off-road truck categories
- Launched a line of drones in recent years
- Offers a “Buy Now, Pay Later” financing option for customers
- Website: traxxas.com
Traxxas has established itself as a premier RC brand, offering models that are renowned for their exceptional speed and power. Its products have been particularly successful in competitive off-road truck racing, where Traxxas vehicles are a common sight at events around the world. Besides its line of RC vehicles, Traxxas has also expanded into the drone market, launching a range of drones that offer impressive performance and features. The company’s website is user-friendly and provides extensive information on products, replacement parts, and accessories, including a helpful comparison chart to help customers choose the right model for their needs.
Here is a table comparing Horizon Hobby and Traxxas:
| Horizon Hobby | Traxxas |
|---|---|
| Founded in 1985 | Founded in 1986 |
| Distributes RC vehicles and equipment | Specializes in manufacturing and selling high-performance RC vehicles |
| Owns several other popular brands | Has a wide range of products and accessories |
| Website: horizonhobby.com | Website: traxxas.com |
Is Traxxas the best RC brand?
Traxxas is a well-respected and reputable brand in the RC industry. However, determining whether it is the best brand depends on individual preferences and needs. Here are some points to consider:
- Traxxas offers a wide range of high-quality RC products, including cars, trucks, boats, and drones.
- The brand is known for its innovation and technology, including its patented brushless motor systems.
- Traxxas has a strong online presence, with a user-friendly website that features extensive product information, customer reviews, and support resources.
Ultimately, choosing the best RC brand depends on factors such as budget, intended use, and personal preferences. It is important to research and compare different brands and products before making a purchase.
Rumors of Horizon Hobby’s Acquisition
There have been rumors in the past that Horizon Hobby was interested in acquiring Traxxas, which could potentially have major implications for the RC market. However, these rumors have been repeatedly denied, and there is currently no indication that Horizon Hobby has any plans to acquire Traxxas. Some potential reasons for the rumors include:
- Both companies are major players in the RC market, with a similar focus on high-performance vehicles
- Traxxas has been a major competitor for Horizon Hobby in off-road truck racing events
- Horizon Hobby has previously acquired other RC brands, such as Losi and ECX
It’s worth noting that both Horizon Hobby and Traxxas have a loyal customer base and consistently release new and innovative products. While the two companies may be competitors, they also share a mutual interest in advancing the capabilities and technologies of RC vehicles. Ultimately, whether or not Horizon Hobby acquires Traxxas, consumers can expect to see continued innovation and growth within the RC market.
Did Horizon Hobby buy Losi?
Yes, Horizon Hobby did acquire the Losi brand in 2014. Here are some key details about the acquisition:
- Horizon Hobby is a leading distributor of radio control products.
- Losi is a brand that produces radio-controlled vehicles and accessories.
- Losi is now a subsidiary of Horizon Hobby.
- The acquisition allowed Horizon Hobby to expand its product line and improve its market position.
The Truth About Horizon Hobby and Traxxas
Despite the rumors, Horizon Hobby does not currently own Traxxas. However, both companies are major players in the RC market and have a significant presence among hobbyists and racers. Some key points to keep in mind include:
- Traxxas was founded in 1986 and has since become one of the top RC brands in the world
- Horizon Hobby is a well-established company that has been around since 1985
- Both companies offer a range of high-performance RC vehicles and accessories
- Horizon Hobby owns several other RC brands, including Losi, ECX, and Vaterra
- While the two companies may be competitors, they also share a mutual interest in advancing the capabilities and technologies of RC vehicles
It’s clear that both Horizon Hobby and Traxxas have a lot to offer the RC community, and competition between the two brands is healthy for the industry as a whole. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced RC enthusiast, there are plenty of options available from both companies to suit your needs and preferences.
Why doesn’t Horizon Hobby carry Traxxas?
- Horizon Hobby and Traxxas have a business rivalry, which prevents Horizon Hobby from carrying Traxxas products.
- The companies compete in various areas, such as radio technology and product innovation, which has led to a conflict.
- However, Horizon Hobby offers a wide range of other brands and products, including Arrma, Blade, E-flite, Losi, Pro Boat, Spektrum, and more.
- Customers can explore Horizon Hobby’s website to find high-quality and innovative products from other brands.
Future of Horizon Hobby and Traxxas
While Horizon Hobby does not currently own Traxxas, many people in the RC community wonder about the future relationship between these two major brands. Some potential areas of collaboration or competition between Horizon Hobby and Traxxas include:
- Advancements in RC vehicle technology, such as improved batteries and motors
- The addition of new features and customization options for RC vehicles
- The development of new and exciting RC competitions and events
- Cross-promotion of each other’s products on their respective websites and social media channels
Of course, there’s no way to predict exactly what the future holds for Horizon Hobby and Traxxas. However, given the reputation and expertise of these two brands within the RC community, it’s safe to say that they both have a strong interest in continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible with remote control vehicles. Whether you’re loyal to one brand or enjoy exploring a range of options, it’s an exciting time to be a part of the RC community!
Is Traxxas an American company?
Yes, Traxxas is an American company. It was founded in 1986 in Plano, Texas, and has been manufacturing radio-controlled vehicles for the past 30+ years. Some notable products from Traxxas include the Rustler, Slash, and Stampede. For more information, you can visit the Traxxas website at www.traxxas.com.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Horizon Hobby and Traxxas are two of the most well-known and respected names in the RC industry. While Horizon Hobby does not currently own Traxxas, there is always potential for collaboration or competition between these two brands in the future. Whether you prefer Horizon Hobby’s Losi or ECX brands, Traxxas’ popular Stampede or Slash trucks, or any other RC products out there, it’s clear that there is no shortage of exciting and innovative options on the market. By staying up-to-date on industry news and developments, you can continue to explore the world of RC vehicles and enjoy all the thrills and challenges that come along with remote control racing and hobbying.
