HEXMODS RC Cars: The Modern Successor to XMODS
HEXMODS are small customisable RC tuner cars, presented as a third generation after the original XMODS and sold through mainstream retail. They use a universal reconfigurable chassis that you build and modify with a single included tool, interchangeable tyre sets (soft treads for grip, hard slicks for speed, and treadless drift tyres), and claimed speeds of up to about 18 mph. Some sets include flexible track barriers to build circuits, figure eights and drift layouts at home.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Key features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Chassis | Universal, reconfigurable |
| Tyres | Soft tread, hard slick and drift sets |
| Speed | Up to about 18 mph claimed |
| Tools | Single screw/nut driver tool included |
| Track | Some sets include about 20 ft of flexible barriers |
From the HEXMODS site and retail listings, checked October 2026; we haven’t tested them.
From XMODS to HEXMODS
XMODS were RadioShack’s customisable 1/28 cars from 2003 to 2010, loved for their upgrade culture. HEXMODS take the same idea of building and tuning your own small car and bring it to a new generation, with modern radios and a track-building element. The original series is covered in XMODS RC cars.
Building and modifying
- Assemble the chassis with the included tool.
- Choose drive and handling settings as the instructions allow.
- Pick tyres for your surface: soft for grip, slick for speed, drift for sliding.
- Fit a body and accessories for your style.
- Test on your track and adjust.
Building a track
Use the flexible barriers to create hairpins, straights, figure eights and drift circles on a smooth floor. Hard floors suit slick and drift tyres; carpet may need treaded tyres. Small cars like these need only a small room. Scale sizes are compared in how big is a 1/18 scale RC car.
Who it suits
HEXMODS suit kids and teens who like building and customising, and adults nostalgic for XMODS. They’re toy-grade compared with hobby brands, but the build-and-tune element teaches mechanical basics and makes them more engaging than a simple RTR toy.
Tips
- Keep small parts in a tray during builds.
- Charge batteries under supervision.
- Clean hair and dust from axles after indoor use.
- Race with friends on a shared track.
Buying
Check which set you’re buying: car only, car with track, or multi-car sets. Look for availability of spare tyres, bodies and batteries. Compare price with other small hobby cars if repairability matters to you.
Drifting with HEXMODS
With the treadless drift tyres fitted, HEXMODS slide on smooth floors like tiles, wood or polished concrete. Use gentle throttle to start a slide and steering to hold it. A circle or figure-eight track with the flexible barriers is the easiest way to practise. Drift tracks and layouts are discussed further in our drift track guide, and the same techniques work on bigger cars later.
Spare parts and upgrades
Check what spare tyres, bodies and batteries are sold for your set. Because the chassis is modular, replacing broken parts is usually simple. Older XMODS parts are a different system, so don’t assume they interchange.
Battery care
Charge after the car cools, don’t leave it charging unattended, and store it partly charged if unused for weeks.
Building and rebuilding the car with friends, then racing on a shared track, is where HEXMODS shine as a social toy.
Store the car and track pieces together so sets stay complete.
FAQ
What are HEXMODS?
Customisable small RC tuner cars, a modern successor to XMODS.
How fast are HEXMODS?
Up to about 18 mph claimed.
Can they drift?
Yes, with the included drift tyres on smooth floors.
Are they hobby-grade?
They’re toy-grade with hobby-style customisation.
More on this topic: the complete RC Helicopters guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
