The Backyard – Black Friday Edition AKA I Don’t Need It But I Still Bought It
Greetings all, and Happy Friday — and more importantly, Happy Black Friday!
Every year, my local hobby shop rolls out an in-store–only Black Friday deal that’s just too good to ignore. I always tell myself I’m “just stopping by to look,” but the moment I walk in and see that glorious store-wide discount sign, it’s over. Next thing you know, I’m wandering the aisles like a kid in a candy shop, grabbing parts I don’t need, tools I already have, and maybe a kit I absolutely wasn’t planning on buying… but at 20–30% off, how do you not?
Scroll any Facebook group today and you’ll see it — hobbyists proudly posting screenshots of their hauls like trophy bucks. Chargers, radios, crawlers, bashers, helis… you name it, someone bought it at 40% off and is telling themselves it was “practically free.”
And hey, I get it.
Black Friday isn’t just about deals; it’s about the thrill of maybe catching that one item you’ve been eyeballing all year at a price you can live with. It’s the hobbyist’s version of fishing season opening day. You tell yourself you’re not throwing a line in, but suddenly you’re knee-deep in the river with a tackle box.
If you don’t know what to get (yourself or someone else)… tools. Always tools.
One thing I always preach: essential R/C tools are the ace-in-the-hole gift. When someone says, “I don’t know what to get them,” the answer is simple — good tools.
• A quality 1.5/2.0/2.5mm hex driver set
• Nut driver(s)
• A hobby knife
• A soldering iron or soldering station
• Shock pliers
• A magnetic parts tray
• A decent setup board
• Calipers
• Thread lock and grease
Tools don’t go out of style, don’t require exact fitment, don’t need a specific battery connector, and always get used. Even if the hobbyist already has some, they’ll appreciate having better ones. Tools are the socks-and-underwear of the R/C world — but in a good way.
Black Friday is the Annual “I Don’t Need It… But I Bought It Anyway” Event
Yes, you may wind up buying things you didn’t plan for. Yes, you may tell yourself you’re saving money while spending more than you intended. Yes, your significant other may raise an eyebrow when three packages arrive Monday.
But here’s the truth: Black Friday is part of the hobby’s rhythm. It kicks off winter building. It sparks new projects. It lets long-delayed upgrades finally happen. And even if you walk away empty-handed, scrolling through deals is half the fun.
So whether you bought a shiny new kit, stocked up on consumables, grabbed a fancy servo, or played it safe with some quality tools — enjoy it. You’ve earned it. And hey- try and shop at your local hobby shop if you can!
Until next time, keep it on all 4’s.
