I kinda want another 1:18 RC, but I can't decide!

[OnwardGuinevere]

So I'm contemplating a second 1:18 scale crawler, something I can continue to mod and tinker with.

I have my FMS Land Cruiser, which has been fun to drive and I like the 2 speed capability. FMS isn't great with mods, but I've been happy the scale-ness of the Land Cruiser and only changed the wheel/tire combo. I likely won't do much more than that.

I find the 1:18 scale is a bit of a sweet spot. Parts are too tiny on my 1:24 scale. I know availability of mod options depends on brand. I'm pretty certain I want another crawler (unless someone can convince me otherwise) as I enjoy nerding out on scale details.

The 3 crawlers I've been interested in is the TRX4M, Redcat Ascent and the HPI Venture.

I adore my TRX4 and all is capabilities, so I'm sure I'd be happy with the TRX4M, plus the mod support seems almost endless with Traxxas. I've also been wanting a Defender body. So, kinda ticks all the boxes.

The Redcat and HPI also interest me. I'm more hesitant with the HPI since it doesn't seem there is as much parts support and I imagine mods could be more difficult (and that's the fun part!). I've seen a lot of folks happy with Redcat, but I don't know much about there parts or mod support either.

Sorry that was lengthy, anywho just wanted some input on these three vehicles or even if you had another idea on a 1:18 that can be a scale vehicle.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

i believe the HPI is the newest, that explains the soft support. I'm sure that will change in time.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

i believe the HPI is the newest, that explains the soft support. I'm sure that will change in time.

HPI is the newest, so that makes sense. I know overall they're probably not as good as as Redcat or Traxxas.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

typically out of those 3 the order would go HPI, traxxas, Redcat. but with crawlers idk. plus from what i hear Redcat has been upping there game recently.

 

[Doom!]

For 1/18 Redcat and Traxxas both have lots of aftermarket goodies, I have both. You can't go wrong with either. Traxxas brand upgrades are more pricey, but Injora and other aftermarket suppliers have lots of good stuff for both brands. I had to get the Defender because I always wanted one but that body is for sure top heavy, so keep that in mind, it does effect performance.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

For 1/18 Redcat and Traxxas both have lots of aftermarket goodies, I have both. You can't go wrong with either. Traxxas brand upgrades are more pricey, but Injora and other aftermarket suppliers have lots of good stuff for both brands. I had to get the Defender because I always wanted one but that body is for sure top heavy, so keep that in mind, it does effect performance.

I agree. The Traxxas upgrades do get pricey (like everything these days), but like you said there's Injora and such to help that. I've had definitely heard that about the Defender body, even on the TRX4s. Like you, I just love the love of that car and always wanted one too.
Maybe next is looking at what additional bodies I can put on either the Traxxas or Redcat. I've been looking, but haven't written anything down. I started a spreadsheet (I love spreadsheets ), maybe that will help.

 

[luke66]

Get a GROM and leave crawling in the past lol

I've got a TRX4m and honestly wouldn't recommend it. I've driven a stock Redcat Ascent18 and it drove much better than my slightly but well modded TRX4m.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

Get a GROM and leave crawling in the past lol

I've got a TRX4m and honestly wouldn't recommend it. I've driven a stock Redcat Ascent18 and it drove much better than my slightly but well modded TRX4m.

For a non-crawling I've was considering the Grom too. I have a basher, but I don't drive it as much these days, she's almost a shelf queen.
I was trying to figure out what bodies I may be able to put on the Grom and if I can make it look more scale, I've seen some cool ideas out there. Good to know about the Ascent 18

 

[Doom!]

The Ascent 18 is a good performer right out of the box. Add a little weight up front and it becomes a great performer for a lot less money than some other brands.
A shot of my trx4m defender and one of my redcat ascent 18's

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

The Ascent 18 is a good performer right out of the box. Add a little weight up front and it becomes a great performer for a lot less money than some other brands.
A shot of my trx4m defender and one of my redcat ascent 18's
View attachment 221636
View attachment 221635

That Defender is . The Redcat Ascent Scout has the same wheelbase as the Defender which would be nice to have two very cool bodies to swap between.
Does your Redcat have two speeds? I'm assuming the whiny ESC (at least on the Scout) could be an easy change to an aftermarket one

 

[CertifiedMike]

That Defender is . The Redcat Ascent Scout has the same wheelbase as the Defender which would be nice to have two very cool bodies to swap between.
Does your Redcat have two speeds? I'm assuming the whiny ESC (at least on the Scout) could be an easy change to an aftermarket one

Thats actually @Doom! thats whining. Give him a totsie pop and he quiets right down.

 

[Doom!]

Single speed on the redcat. The scout is great looking but not quite as stable as the pickup. But still killer.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

Single speed on the redcat. The scout is great looking but not quite as stable as the pickup. But still killer.

View attachment 221644

Yea...that looks good! Glad to know about it having one speed. I wonder how it would do with a brushless setup . The Injora truck body should fit it too, I always liked that one.

 

[Chubaka]

I wonder how it would do with a brushless setup .

Ever see a rat or roach scurry when the light turns on?

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

More research to be done. I'll check out trail trucks in 1:18 scale too, just to be thorough.
The Granite Grom looks cool too (not a scale truck though). I think it would need some heavy mods to make it really awesome.
Decisions decisions...

 

[Doom!]

The Granite Grom is a fun one too. the only thing I've done to that one is add skid plates.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

The Granite Grom is a fun one too. the only thing I've done to that one is add skid plates.

Oh really? That's not bad at all then. I know I've heard of some issues with small rocks kicking up into the chassis causing issues on loose gravel.

 

[Doom!]

Oh really? That's not bad at all then. I know I've heard of some issues with small rocks kicking up into the chassis causing issues on loose gravel.

There is that, I try to run mine in dirt or on pavement, smaller scale stuff requires smaller scale driving. It scoots along pretty quick.

 

[OnwardGuinevere]

There is that, I try to run mine in dirt or on pavement, smaller scale stuff requires smaller scale driving. It scoots along pretty quick.

Yea, that's totally understandable. We just have gravel for miles here. I like the speed part though