WPL RC Philippines: The King of Budget RC Trucks in 2026
If you walk into any RC meetup in the Philippines and look at the entry-level section, there is a very good chance you will spot a WPL truck crawling over rocks or drifting around a makeshift track. WPL — a Chinese RC brand that gained international fame for its highly detailed, scale-looking trucks at surprisingly low price points — has become the default starting point for thousands of Filipino RC beginners. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about WPL RC in the Philippines: the best models, current prices in pesos, where to buy, popular upgrades, and how the WPL community thrives on local platforms.
What Is WPL RC?
WPL (Weipu Lesi) is a Chinese manufacturer that specialises in 1/16-scale and 1/10-scale RC trucks, crawlers, and drift cars. The brand broke into the global market around 2016–2017 with vehicles that looked like shrunken versions of real military jeeps and farm trucks. What made WPL stand out was not just the appearance — it was the price. At a time when a decent RC car cost at least ₱5,000, WPL models were landing in the Philippines for under ₱2,000.
The vehicles use a leaf-spring suspension on the rear axle (mimicking real truck design), a simple brush motor drivetrain, and 2.4 GHz radio systems. They are not speed demons, but they are charming, modifiable, and cheap enough that beginners can afford to crash one without heartbreak. That combination proved to be a perfect formula for the Filipino market.
Most Popular WPL Models in the Philippines
WPL has released dozens of variants over the years, but a handful of models dominate the Philippine market. Here is a quick overview of each, followed by a price comparison table.
WPL B36 Ural Military Truck
The B36 is arguably WPL's most iconic model. Styled after the Soviet-era Ural military truck, it features a six-wheel drive configuration with portal axles — a feature you would normally find only on much more expensive crawlers. The B36 climbs surprisingly well for a budget truck and its military aesthetic is a huge hit with Filipino hobbyists who enjoy scale realism. It comes in several colour variants including olive green and desert tan.
WPL C24 Military Jeep
The C24 replicates the look of a classic military jeep and runs on a four-wheel drive system. It is lighter and more nimble than the B36, making it a favourite for younger beginners or hobbyists with limited space. The C24 is often recommended as the very first RC truck for Filipino buyers because of its low entry price and simple maintenance.
WPL C34 Off-Road Truck
The C34 splits the difference between the B36's capability and the C24's simplicity. It features a more modern truck body style and improved suspension travel, making it a solid crawler for light trail use. Many Filipinos buy the C34 as a step-up from the C24 when they are ready for a bit more performance without jumping to a premium brand.
WPL D12 Drift Truck
The D12 departs from WPL's off-road roots and enters the drift scene. Styled after a Japanese Kei truck (the iconic mini work trucks seen in JDM culture), the D12 runs on rear-wheel drive and smooth plastic tyres designed for drifting on hard surfaces. In the Philippines, the D12 has become a cult favourite among RC drift enthusiasts who love the quirky truck-style body. It is regularly seen at RC drift events in Metro Manila and Cebu.
WPL RC Price Guide Philippines 2026
Prices vary depending on the seller, bundle inclusions (some include an extra battery or charger), and whether you are buying a standard kit or a version that comes with upgraded parts pre-installed. The table below reflects typical street prices on Shopee and Lazada as of mid-2026.
| Model | Drive Type | Scale | Price Range (₱) |
|---|---|---|---|
| WPL B36 Ural 6×6 | 6WD | 1/16 | ₱1,800 – ₱3,500 |
| WPL C24 Military Jeep | 4WD | 1/16 | ₱1,500 – ₱3,000 |
| WPL C34 Off-Road Truck | 4WD | 1/16 | ₱2,000 – ₱4,000 |
| WPL D12 Drift Kei Truck | RWD | 1/10 | ₱1,800 – ₱3,500 |
| WPL B16 Military Jeep | 4WD | 1/16 | ₱1,400 – ₱2,800 |
Where to Buy WPL RC in the Philippines
One of the great advantages of the WPL brand is how accessible it is across multiple buying channels. You do not need to visit a specialised hobby shop to get your hands on one.
Shopee and Lazada
The vast majority of WPL sales in the Philippines happen through Shopee and Lazada. Search for "WPL RC truck Philippines" or the specific model name and you will find dozens of listings from local sellers and overseas shops with local warehouses. Always check seller ratings and read product reviews before purchasing. Look for listings that include the transmitter, receiver battery, and at least one rechargeable pack — some cheaper listings sell the body and electronics separately.
Divisoria and Quiapo
Divisoria in Manila is a goldmine for cheap RC toys including WPL models. Several stalls and small shops carry WPL trucks, sometimes at prices slightly lower than Shopee because there is no platform fee markup. The trade-off is that you cannot always verify the product is genuine before handing over cash, and returns are more complicated.
RC Hobby Shops
Some dedicated RC hobby shops in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao stock WPL models alongside their premium lineup. Buying from a hobby shop gives you the advantage of speaking to knowledgeable staff who can advise on upgrades and have replacement parts on hand. Check the RCPinas shop directory to find a hobby store near you.
Facebook Buy-and-Sell Groups
The secondhand market for WPL in the Philippines is surprisingly active. Facebook groups dedicated to RC buy and sell regularly feature used WPL trucks — often already upgraded with metal parts — at prices significantly below retail. This is an excellent option if you want more value for your peso, just make sure to ask for videos of the truck running before committing to a purchase.
Popular WPL Upgrades Among Filipino Hobbyists
One of the most compelling things about WPL trucks is how moddable they are. A huge ecosystem of aftermarket parts has grown around these vehicles, most of which are also affordable. Here are the upgrades Filipino WPL owners commonly prioritise:
- Metal axle housings and drive shafts — The stock plastic axles are the first thing to go. Metal replacements dramatically improve durability on rocky trails. Available on Shopee for ₱300–₱800 per set.
- Brushless motor and ESC conversion — Swapping out the stock brushed motor for a brushless system transforms the truck's speed and efficiency. A basic brushless kit costs ₱600–₱1,500 on Shopee.
- Metal steering knuckles and links — Reduces steering slop and prevents the front suspension from folding under load. Essential for serious crawling.
- Lipo battery upgrade — The stock NiMH battery packs are slow to charge and lose capacity quickly. A 2S Lipo pack with a proper charger extends run time and improves power delivery noticeably.
- Body kits and scale accessories — WPL trucks take very well to scale accessories: spare tyre mounts, LED light bars, side mirrors, and custom paint jobs. Many Filipino hobbyists spend as much on aesthetics as on performance upgrades.
- Portal axle upgrades for the C24 — Swapping the C24's standard axles for portal-style units (similar to the B36) gives it significantly more ground clearance for trail use.
WPL vs Other Budget RC Brands in the Philippines
WPL is not the only affordable RC brand available in the Philippines. Competitors like MN Model, Remo Hobby, and JJRC also compete for the budget segment. Here is how WPL stacks up:
- WPL vs MN Model — MN Model trucks are similarly priced and often include metal parts as standard, but the WPL community in the Philippines is much larger, meaning more local upgrade advice and secondhand parts availability.
- WPL vs Remo Hobby — Remo Hobby sits slightly above WPL in price but offers better out-of-the-box durability, particularly for bashing. WPL is the better choice if scale realism and crawling are your priorities.
- WPL vs JJRC — JJRC products are very entry-level toy-grade vehicles. WPL is a step up in terms of hop-up potential and community support.
The WPL Community in the Philippines
WPL's popularity in the Philippines is partly a product phenomenon and partly a community one. Facebook groups dedicated to WPL Philippines have tens of thousands of members sharing builds, trail videos, and upgrade tips. This makes it very easy for a newcomer to get help with a problem or find inspiration for their next modification.
On RCPinas, WPL trucks frequently appear in the marketplace listings — both new and upgraded secondhand units. If you are new to the hobby, create a free RCPinas account to connect with other WPL owners, post questions, and participate in community discussions. The collective knowledge of the local RC community can save you a lot of trial and error when modifying your WPL.
Is WPL RC Worth Buying in 2026?
Absolutely — with the right expectations. WPL trucks are not going to outperform an Axial SCX10 III on a serious trail, and they are not built to withstand aggressive bashing the way a Traxxas Slash would. But they are outstanding value for beginners who want to experience the RC hobby without risking a large sum of money, for veterans who want a fun project truck to mod on a budget, and for anyone who simply appreciates the scale charm of a miniature military truck crawling over rocks in the backyard.
For the price of a single dinner out with the family, you can own a fully functional, genuinely fun RC truck that will keep you occupied for months. In the Philippine context where disposable income for hobbies is limited, that value proposition is hard to beat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy WPL RC trucks in the Philippines?
WPL trucks are widely available on Shopee and Lazada, in Divisoria and Quiapo markets, at some dedicated RC hobby shops, and through Facebook RC buy-and-sell groups. Shopee is the most convenient option with buyer protection and local seller ratings to guide your purchase.
What is the cheapest WPL model available in the Philippines?
The WPL B16 and C24 are typically the most affordable models, starting at around ₱1,400–₱1,500 for basic kits on Shopee. Prices can go higher depending on bundle inclusions such as extra batteries or upgraded parts pre-installed by the seller.
Are WPL RC trucks good for crawling?
Yes, for light-duty crawling on grass, gravel, and mild rock surfaces, WPL trucks perform well — especially the B36 with its 6WD portal axle system. They are not capable of the same technical terrain as premium crawlers like Axial or RC4WD, but for casual backyard and park crawling they are very satisfying.
How long does the battery last on a WPL RC truck?
Stock WPL trucks come with NiMH battery packs that typically provide 20–35 minutes of run time depending on terrain and usage. Upgrading to a 2S Lipo battery can extend this to 30–50 minutes while also improving power delivery.
Can I find WPL spare parts in the Philippines?
Yes. Shopee and Lazada have a wide selection of WPL spare and upgrade parts from local sellers. For less common parts, AliExpress with local warehouse shipping is another option. Many Facebook RC community members also sell spare parts from disassembled or upgraded trucks.
