RC Car Bodyshell Material Breakdown: Polycarbonate vs Lexan vs ABS

Quick Answer

Polycarbonate and Lexan are essentially the same material—Lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate. ABS is a different plastic that's cheaper and easier to paint, but it's more brittle and prone to cracking under impact. For bashing and off-road use, polycarbonate/Lexan is more durable. For display or light indoor driving, ABS is a budget-friendly option.

When shopping for a new RC car body, you'll see three terms thrown around: polycarbonate, Lexan, and ABS. Many hobbyists think these are three different materials with completely different properties. The truth is simpler and more useful.

Lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate—the same tough, impact-resistant plastic used in many RC bodies. ABS is a separate material, often used in cheaper or toy-grade cars. Understanding the real differences helps you pick the right shell, know how to repair it, and avoid common painting mistakes.

Polycarbonate vs Lexan: Same Material, Different Name

The most common myth is that Lexan and polycarbonate are two different materials. In reality, Lexan is a trademarked brand of polycarbonate resin. When an RC body is labeled 'Lexan', it's still polycarbonate. The name stuck because many top brands use Lexan-branded sheets, so hobbyists equate the brand with quality.

For practical purposes, you can treat polycarbonate and Lexan as identical. Both offer high impact resistance and flexibility, which is why most ready-to-run and performance RC cars come with polycarbonate bodies. They can take hits, flex, and return to shape—ideal for bashing and racing.

When painting, remember that polycarbonate requires special paint designed for the plastic (usually polycarbonate-specific spray paint). Regular model paint won't bond properly and will flake off. This is a common mistake that leads to frustrating paint jobs.

• Check the label: if it says Lexan, it's still polycarbonate, so use polycarbonate-safe paint.
• Polycarbonate bodies are often sold clear so you can paint the inside for a glossy, protected finish.

ABS: The Budget and Display Option

ABS is a different plastic entirely. It's cheaper, more rigid, and easier to paint with standard spray paints. You'll find ABS bodies on many toy-grade or lower-priced RC cars, like the RCG Racing Micro DC 1/43 Drift Car, which uses a hard plastic body for drift play.

The tradeoff is durability. ABS is more brittle than polycarbonate. Under hard impacts or repeated crashes, ABS bodies are more likely to crack or shatter. For indoor drifting or low-speed play, that's often fine—it keeps costs down and still looks good. But for off-road bashing or high-speed racing, polycarbonate is the safer choice.

If you plan to paint an ABS body, use plastic-safe or enamel model paints. You can also use standard spray paints, but avoid solvent-heavy paints that can eat the plastic. Always test on a small area first.

• ABS bodies are great for scale looks and display, but they're not built for hard bashing.
• Use a flexible paint designed for plastics to avoid cracking on ABS.

Repair and Maintenance: What Works for Each Material

Repairing polycarbonate bodies is different from repairing ABS. For polycarbonate, you can use clear tape, shoe goo, or a specialized polycarbonate patch on the inside of the shell. The material is flexible, so rigid repairs like epoxy can crack. For ABS, you can glue with plastic cement or super glue, but the break is often permanent—cracks run, and the shell may need replacement.

A key difference is how each material handles temperature. Polycarbonate can withstand heat from the motor and sunlight better than ABS. ABS can deform or become brittle in extreme heat. If you run a powerful brushless setup, polycarbonate is more forgiving.

When upgrading or replacing a body, check the material. For example, the HPI Racing Venture18 Flux uses a polycarbonate body (though not supplied in our catalog facts, it's a common practice). Knowing your body material helps you choose the right repair method and avoid worsening the damage.

• For polycarbonate, use flexible repair tape or shoe goo from the inside; avoid rigid glues.
• For ABS, use plastic cement or super glue, but be aware the break may be a weak point.

Verdicts on Common Bodyshell Myths

• Myth: Lexan and polycarbonate are different materials: They are the same. Lexan is a brand name for polycarbonate. When in doubt, treat them as identical. Use polycarbonate-safe paint and repair methods for both.
• Myth: ABS is just as durable as polycarbonate: ABS is more brittle and prone to cracking under impact. Polycarbonate flexes and absorbs impacts better. For bashing and off-road, choose polycarbonate. ABS is fine for light indoor use.
• Myth: Any paint works on any RC body: Polycarbonate needs special paint; ABS can take standard plastic paints. Using the wrong paint leads to flaking and a ruined shell. Always check the material and use the appropriate paint type.

Real-Product Examples in Our Store

• RCG Racing Micro DC 1/43 Drift Car - Muscle Black/White: This micro car is suitable for drifting or on-road racing, simply use the included drift tyres for drifting or change to the on-road grippy tyres for racing. This ABS-bodied micro car is designed for low-impact indoor play. It's a good example of where ABS is perfectly fine—drifting on smooth floors doesn't stress the shell like off-road bashing would.
• HPI Racing Venture18 Flux 1985 Toyota Hilux SR5 Brushless - Black: The Venture18 combines a tough formed steel C-channel chassis with a realistic suspension and drivetrain in a compact and highly capable crawler platform. This crawler is built for rugged terrain and features a brushless motor. A polycarbonate body is the right match for this kind of performance—it can handle impacts and rock contact without shattering.

Knowing your body material saves you money and frustration. Polycarbonate (Lexan) is the go-to for performance and durability, while ABS is a budget-friendly option for casual use. Choose based on where you drive, and you'll get the most out of your RC car.