Why are the clubs shrinking

[RCpullerdude]

I was wondering if anyone has any tips for increasing club memberships? Both, my local club and the national association are really shrinking. I understand that the economy is bad, but it seems like most other parts of R/C, like nitro's, racing, and monster trucks are all thriving, why is pulling shrinking? Does anyone have any idea why, or any idea how to lessen, or even reverse this trend?

[Daveo]

I don't think it is just the clubs. I think that the whole RC hobby is getting smaller. I know that at one of the big hobby shops in the Chicago area slot cars are out selling RC cars 2 to 1. i think we need another T-maxx phenomenon to really get the hobby moving again.

[brushlessdirtyal]

I think it has a lot to do with computers and gaming systems. The younger generation seems to stay in the house now.

[Gt-bone]

Ive been trying my hardest to get as many people hooked as possible. I took mine to work a few times and showed everybody how they work and how much abuse they can handle. It really opened alot of their eyes and one has already got one and a few others are looking as we speak. I think if everybody opened peoples eyes to how fun they are it would help since rc isnt really advertised in any way. It may not be the one all ansewer but I think it would help alot.

[dawudmus]

yeap,, I've notice the same thing, and alot of people are getting out of the Hobby or WAY OF LIFE

[Maxx]

I don't see it. Last year here in Houston there was new growth. Racing here had all but died from poor attitudes from racers and many tracks went under because of it. But this past year, with the help of very supportive and positive people in our hobby, there have been about 3 new clubs and about 7 new tracks open up. Racing has never looked so good here.

From a product stand point, I see no slow down either. All manufacturers have produced many new products and kits, and some innovative ideas.

What you might see, is the American economy finally feeling what I seen coming for years. The dollar has shrunk and markets are weak.
So get out there and keep the money flowing in your area! Support your LHS!

Maxx

[Gt-bone]

I agree with you totally. There has been an increase in popularity here in Lansing, MI as well. I guess we should consider ourselves lucky.

[master_of_desaster]

yeah the whole extream graphics of todays gaming systems are keeping kids inside for sure...i actually take my wheely king out before i go to my t.v. ( i hardly ever play video games anymore) im trying super hard to get my local crawlers together here in central IL and start a course. its tough when im at school and all the kids passing by me on the computer are always dissin me on how im lookin on a rc site. they'er like what you lookin at? ill reply remote control rockcrawling. then theyll look at the screen and just say..."oh" and walk away... that really gets to me.

[crazydave]

I haven't been to the track in many years. It seems to me like hobby grade RCs are gaining a greater notoriety in the mainstream. Lots of toy quality RCs out there trying emulate hobby grade RCs. Speaking from my own point of view, I would guess maybe with more people playing with micro, minis, and crawlers, there's just not as much of a need to leave the house to play, hence the clubs shrinking.

[jonelzoe]

ive benn getting a few of my friends into rc :D

[mibzzer]

I think it has a lot to do with computers and gaming systems. The younger generation seems to stay in the house now.


Ive been trying my hardest to get as many people hooked as possible. I took mine to work a few times and showed everybody how they work and how much abuse they can handle. It really opened alot of their eyes and one has already got one and a few others are looking as we speak. I think if everybody opened peoples eyes to how fun they are it would help since rc isnt really advertised in any way. It may not be the one all ansewer but I think it would help alot.


yeah the whole extream graphics of todays gaming systems are keeping kids inside for sure...i actually take my wheely king out before i go to my t.v. ( i hardly ever play video games anymore) im trying super hard to get my local crawlers together here in central IL and start a course. its tough when im at school and all the kids passing by me on the computer are always dissin me on how im lookin on a rc site. they'er like what you lookin at? ill reply remote control rockcrawling. then theyll look at the screen and just say..."oh" and walk away... that really gets to me.

yeah i wish they would advertise on the tv commercials or on video games but since i havent seen a single rc commercial i guess that the rc companies dont have the money to make commercials......u know what they say you have to spend money to make money!!!

[JasonC]

Get kids into airplanes.

You can't fly a .40 size trainer in the house. :D

Pulling is a very specific market in the world of RC and, from what I've seen, the majority of pullers are from up north.

RC Drag racing is fun, but it's not for everyone. Spending all that time setting up and tuning to run a car for 2-5 seconds per race...it's hard for some folks to justify.