RC Tanks That Shoot: BB or IR?

Florian Fendt – 2026-08-04 15:37:53

RC King Tiger in camouflage in a cinematic field scene, titled: IR vs BB? — 1/16 RC King Tiger camo 1944 Eastern Front at dusk. Scene digitally created.

Want to battle other models? Take IR: an invisible beam, no ammunition, works in the living room. Want to see what you hit? Take BB: 6 mm pellets, up to 25 metres, outdoors. Torro has both systems in its range; HengLong even builds both into one tank. The only question is how you like to drive.

Key takeaways

BB for target shooting

The BB system fires 6 mm plastic pellets up to 25 metres, and biodegradable ammunition is also available. You can drive the tank anywhere, but it must only be fired outdoors. The models are recommended for ages 14 and over.
IR for battles

The invisible infrared beam targets vehicles of the same series. Battles need no ammunition and work indoors. On Pro Edition models, barrel recoil and muzzle flash accompany every shot.
BB and IR in one model

HengLong combines both systems in a single model. The Torro Pro Edition, by contrast, comes with either BB or IR depending on the variant.

How does the BB firing system work?

The Torro BB versions fire 6 mm plastic pellets up to 25 metres. Biodegradable ammunition is also available, for example as a pack of 5,000. Whether you shoot at cans, paper targets or a backyard course, every hit is visible.

6 mm BB ammunition for RC tanks: 5000-round pack, biodegradable, white — 6 mm BB ammunition, 5000 rounds, biodegradable. Photo: Torro

The BB firing unit sits inside the model and sends the pellets through the gun barrel. The Torro Pro Edition includes BB models, and some variants add cannon smoke when firing; these are grouped under BB with cannon smoke. A BB tank can be driven indoors, but it must only be fired outdoors. Safety glasses are recommended when using the BB firing system, especially for children. The models are recommended for ages 14 and over and available under RC BB Tank.

BB variants with barrel recoil are grouped in the BB models with barrel recoil category.

How does the IR battle system work?

The Torro IR versions send an invisible infrared beam towards a vehicle of the same series. The opposing model detects an infrared hit and responds with a simulated system failure, entirely without ammunition. On the Pro Edition IR models, barrel recoil and muzzle flash accompany every shot.

The IR system has two components. The IR transmitter sends the invisible shot and sits in either the gun barrel or the turret, depending on the model. This is also how the IR versions of the Torro Pro Edition are equipped. On the opposing model, the IR receiver registers the hit and triggers the simulated system failure. The infrared receiver is not included with every model; both vehicles need one for a battle.

Second-generation infrared receiver for RC tanks shown with its packaging — The infrared receiver (2nd gen) registers hits in IR battles; not included with every model. Photo: Torro

Two models of the same series are enough for a battle. Since no pellet is fired, the duel works indoors too. Like all RC tanks with a firing function, the IR models are recommended for ages 14 and over; all variants with the infrared battle system are available under RC IR Tank.

For the combination of IR and cannon smoke, the shop provides the IR models with cannon smoke category.

BB or IR: the head-to-head comparison

Criterion	BB firing system	IR battle system
How it works	6 mm plastic pellets, up to 25 metres	Invisible infrared beam
Ammunition	6 mm BBs, also available biodegradable	None needed
Tank-vs-tank battles	Only with BB+IR combo models	Yes, against vehicles of the same series
Hit detection	Only with BB+IR combo models (via the IR part)	Yes, a hit triggers a simulated system failure
Where to use it	Drive anywhere, firing outdoors only	Indoor-friendly
Barrel recoil & muzzle flash	Standard BB models: no; some Pro Edition BB models offer cannon smoke instead	Pro Edition IR: yes
Recommended age	From age 14	From age 14
Typical use	Target shooting with visible hits	Duels with two or more players

Or both? BB and IR combined

HengLong builds models that combine BB firing and IR battles in one vehicle, including the HengLong Torro Edition BB+IR. The Torro Pro Edition comes with either the BB firing unit or the IR system, depending on the variant. All combo models are available under RC BB+IR Tanks.

Which system is right for you?

You want battles: IR is the right fit. Two models of the same series are enough, the duel needs no ammunition, and infrared works even in the living room. One starter option is the King Tiger grey IR smoke; more models are available under RC IR Tank.
You mostly drive alone: BB lets you shoot cans or targets outdoors with a visible hit from up to 25 metres away. One example is the King Tiger camo 1944 Eastern Front BB smoke; more models are available under RC BB Tank.
You want to keep your options open: A HengLong model with the combined BB+IR system can do both, such as the Tiger I grey BB+IR. More combo models are available under RC BB+IR Tanks.

If you are new to the hobby, RC tanks for beginners will help you choose your first model. LiPo batteries: 5 big errors and usage tips also explains how to care for your batteries properly.

Frequently asked questions about BB and IR tanks

Can an IR tank battle a BB tank?

No: infrared battles work between vehicles of the same series, and a pure BB model cannot take part. If you want both in one model, choose a HengLong tank with the combined BB+IR system.

What happens when a tank is hit in an IR battle?

The IR receiver registers the hit, then the vehicle responds with a simulated system failure. This allows tank battles without any ammunition.

How far does an RC tank with BB firing shoot?

The Torro BB versions fire 6 mm plastic pellets up to 25 metres. Biodegradable ammunition is also available, for example as a pack of 5,000.

What age are RC tanks that shoot suitable for?

All RC tanks with a firing function are recommended for ages 14 and over, whether they use IR or BB. Younger children can join in under adult supervision. Safety glasses are recommended whenever the BB unit is used, especially for children.

Do all shooting RC tanks have barrel recoil and muzzle flash?

No. Barrel recoil and muzzle flash accompany every shot on the IR models of the Torro Pro Edition. Standard BB models do not have these two effects, although some Pro Edition BB models produce cannon smoke instead.

Which is better for kids: IR or BB?

The models are recommended for ages 14 and over. Younger children can join in under adult supervision. IR may be the more practical option: battles need no ammunition and work indoors with an invisible infrared beam. BB tanks must only be fired outdoors.

Models with IR, BB or both systems are available under RC IR Tank, RC BB Tank and RC BB+IR Tanks. As the manufacturer, Torro supplies them directly, ships worldwide and stocks spare parts in its own warehouse.

Your expert

Florian Fendt

Scale models • Historical vehicles • RC tanks

Florian discovered his passion for modelling as a teenager and quickly developed a talent for precise work and attention to detail. Today, he is an experienced model maker at Torro, specialising in historic vehicles. He shares his knowledge and experience to inspire and support modelling enthusiasts worldwide.