Back after a long time - Trying to decide on a new crawler

[bwm8142]

Hey everyone, I used to be an active member here quite a few years ago when I got into rc crawling as a kid. I had an Axial scx10 build that I gave away years ago to a young family member as I had lost interest in crawling. I started thinking about it a lot lately and want to get back into crawling, but at a lower price point this time. I am having a hard time deciding between the Redcat Ascent 1/18 and the Capra 1/18 with 4WS. Both look like awesome options, but I am stuck in the middle. I would appreciate relatively easy access to parts online in Canada for either rig as I live rurally. I mainly will be crawling around the river by my house and taking the crawler out on camping trips in the west country. Maybe there is another option I am missing? What would you guys pick? Looking to spend an upper limit of $450 all in to be running.

 

[MAGNUMB]

Any reason you are going for 18th scale?

You looking just for a rock crawler or also want it to be a trail rig? @ $450 you have a lot of options

 

[bwm8142]

Any reason you are going for 18th scale?

You looking just for a rock crawler or also want it to be a trail rig? @ $450 you have a lot of options

Mainly started looking at 1/18th scale for the money aspect, but I also like the ability to bring it around with me easily in a backpack if I want. I do remember being bored with my 10th scale once I had upgraded it a lot because it seemed to just climb everything around me so easily. I am thinking 18th might provide a little more variability and challenge.

I am mainly looking for a crawler, would prefer rtr this time around instead of piecing it together.

 

[MAGNUMB]

1/18 would offer more of a challenge, but a 1/10 with smaller class 1 tires might also provide that. I run smaller tires just for that reason on my 1/10 rigs as i want the challenge and don't want something that just rolls over everything.

I don't have much experience with those crawlers, other than i here everyone who has the Ascent seems to really enjoy it. Either one would probably be fine and might just want to go with what looks better.

Maybe someone else can jump in.

These are also pretty nice for the price:

HPI:

HPI Venture18 Flux Brushless 1985 Toyota Hilux SR5 1/18 RTR 4WD [HPI160802]

1/18 Scale Crawling Fun! The Venture18 Flux Brushless 1985 Toyota Hilux SR5 Scale Crawler from HPI is a compact 1/18th scale crawler that delivers... HPI160802

www.amainhobbies.com

This one is a small 1/10 rig:

https://rgt-racing.com/en/show/118/58.html

FTX:

FTX Ruffneck 1/10 Brushless 4WD Trail RTR - Orange

FTX Ruffneck 1/10 Brushless 4WD Trail RTR - Orange

ftx-rc.com

 

[bwm8142]

1/18 would offer more of a challenge, but a 1/10 with smaller class 1 tires might also provide that. I run smaller tires just for that reason on my 1/10 rigs as i want the challenge and don't want something that just rolls over everything.

I don't have much experience with those crawlers, other than i here everyone who has the Ascent seems to really enjoy it. Either one would probably be fine and might just want to go with what looks better.

Maybe someone else can jump in.

These are also pretty nice for the price:

HPI:

HPI Venture18 Flux Brushless 1985 Toyota Hilux SR5 1/18 RTR 4WD [HPI160802]

1/18 Scale Crawling Fun! The Venture18 Flux Brushless 1985 Toyota Hilux SR5 Scale Crawler from HPI is a compact 1/18th scale crawler that delivers... HPI160802

www.amainhobbies.com

This one is a small 1/10 rig:

https://rgt-racing.com/en/show/118/58.html

FTX:

FTX Ruffneck 1/10 Brushless 4WD Trail RTR - Orange

FTX Ruffneck 1/10 Brushless 4WD Trail RTR - Orange

ftx-rc.com

Thanks for the suggestions, certainly gives me something to think about in terms of options out there and what to consider. I am leaning towards going with the one I like the looks of better as well.

 

[high plains drifter]

If you're set on 1/18 then I would strongly consider the Traxxas TRX-4M. It's proven to be a solid performing rig with a great deal of aftermarket support as well as original replacement parts availability.

As suggested too with a 1/10 scale rig, you can pick up some smaller/ scale tires in a 1.5 / 1.7 size as many people do with the TF2 rig for a more challenging approach. TF2 is also a fairly small rig compared to most other 1/10 scale rigs.

 

[truublue]

HPI Venture is great value for the money, and they just announced a nice-looking suite of upgrade parts a few days ago.

Option Parts for #160801 - HPI Racing

www.hpiracing.com

Only consideration there is sometimes it's a bit difficult to actually get a hold of HPI parts, especially if you find yourself needing an OEM replacement a few years down the line.

I'd give a +1 on the Redcat but mostly for the aftermarket options, out of the box it is very capable but can have durability issues (mine had a broken servo mount within 10 minutes of my first run).

Since you mentioned you'd prefer not to build up something, I'd probably go with the 4WS UTB18, it has the most functionality and versatility out of the box from what I've seen. Despite the name it's a little on the larger side, so in-between 1/10 and 1/18; which would likely make it pretty capable compared to other 18th-scale options but still more challenging than a larger 1/10.

 

[MAGNUMB]

If you want a smaller 1/10 the Bushido or Bushido+ is decent and a real fun truck to run.
Throw some class 1 pro-line Krawlers on for a decent all-around small tire to make it more of a challenge.

The 1/12 also seems decent and a lot of fun.

Also love the MST CMX for a small 1/10, but hard to find kit and parts. Although they don't really break either

Element RC Enduro Bushido Trail Truck 4x4 RTR 1/10 Rock Crawler (Green) [ASC40125]

The Enduro Bushido Trail Truck 4X4 RTR 1/10 Rock Crawler merges the timeless Japanese design of the 1980s with the Enduro platform. Element has... ASC40125

www.amainhobbies.com

Enduro Bushido+ Trail Truck RTR Blue

60years.associatedelectrics.com

Just like the standard Bushido, the Bushido+ is a single-piece prepainted polycarbonate body with clear windows, injection-molded mirrors, grill, wipers, snorkel, bumpers, and rear bed cage. In addition to those great details, the Bushido+ comes equipped with a detailed polycarbonate interior with molded head, injection-molded light buckets, LEDs for the headlights and taillights, along with a polycarbonate faux spare tire and cloth tire cover. It's everything the standard Bushido is, PLUS more!

Element RC Enduro12 Bushido 1/12 4WD RTR Scale Mini Trail Truck [ASC40011C]

Ultra Scale 1/12 Ready-To-Run R/C Rock Crawler The Element RC Enduro12 Bushido 1/12 4WD RTR Scale Mini Trail Truck is a remarkable off-road vehicle... ASC40011C

www.amainhobbies.com

MST CMX 242mm J3 Blue Pre-Painted Body 1/10 4WD High Performance Crawler RTR Car Kit w/ 2.4GHz Radio

MST CMX 242mm J3 Blue Pre-Painted Body 1/10 4WD High Performance Crawler RTR Car Kit w/ 2.4GHz Radio #531506B Description: This is MST CMX 242mm J3 Blue Pre-Painted Body 1/10 4WD High Performance Crawler RTR Car Kit w/ 2.4GHz Radio.

www.rcmart.com

 

[hnoroian]

Another vote for the trx4m, parts should be available. I’m sure there is nothing wrong with the redcat (I have quite a few redcats but not the 1/18), I like all my others. HPI might have some problems sourcing parts. You want a challenge driving?, WPL C series or MN Models.

 

[JimrC]

Since you mentioned you wanted a crawler, I would recommend the Axial 4WS UTB18 for your wants & needs Parts are readily available

 

[VoltSCX]

I would go for the mini Capra. I used to have a 2WS one and I loved that rig, it was great. I wish I didn't part with it, but I just never got into the smaller scale trucks. I never had any problems with it and it was very capable, and I can only imagine how much better the new 4WS one would be.

 

[89Industries]

The Axial Utb18 strikes me as a small 1/10. It still uses 1.55" OD, 12mm hex wheels. I see people using motors meant for these in larger but lightweight 1/10 scale trucks and competition vehicles (me included using a 380 size motor on a smaller 1/10 scale vehicle). Utb18 has a 229mm wheelbase vs the kind of average
313mm 1/10 scale trucks.


The redcat 18 and trx-4m others suggested use smaller wheel hexes and motors(180 size motors). They seem more like bigger scx24 vehicles. It is significantly smaller than the utb18 also. Redcat 18 has a 155mm wheelbase. The trx4m are 156-162mm and the scx24 are 133-155mm depending on which one you get.

It is unfortunate you do not have a hobby shop easily accessible. Seeing these in person side by side and next to the 1/10 trucks you are familiar with would likely help your decision making ability.

 

[Col_Sanders]

They'r really two completely different trucks. The UTB18 is closer to 1/12 scale. They can be built into very capable rigs. Parts should be easily available.

The Ascent 18 looks like a neat little truck, but it is a good bit smaller and it is not going to be as capable. Looks like it has a decent aftermarket. TRX4M is another option in that size and it has a big aftermarket.

No idea of what terrain you have to play on. If you're planning on an indoor course too, I'd probably go with the Ascent, but outdoor only I'd be more inclined to go with the UTB18 or a used 1/10 scale.

 

[bwm8142]

Thanks to everyone who replied in the thread! You guys are as helpful as ever, it has been a long time since I logged into this account. I read through all your replies and checked out some other options but ultimately went with the Capra 4ws 1/18 for a couple of reasons. One was that 4ws just seems so cool, plus they run the steering with full size servos which I like. I also liked that the size is somewhat in between the true 1/18 and 1/10, seems to fit my needs pretty well. Closest hobby shops to me (1 1/2 hours away) also carry loads of axial parts so downtime should be less. Redcat had a lot of aftermarket but looked harder to get close by. TRX4M was very much in the running as well but the Capra seemed more like a true crawler out of the box with little to no mods needed. It should be arriving in a week alongside some extra batteries for it. Looking forward to the snow melting so I can get some time in with it.

 

[ferp420]

ive been building trx4m for a while but all myparts are aftermarket i also just got a ascent18 scout II and im blown away by how nice it is i think they 100%ed this one
hard to compaire the 2 since 1 is scratch built and 1 is rtr and ive never had a trx4m rtr