comparison best rc crawlers

Comparison: The Best RC Crawlers

The RC crawlers are slightly slow RC vehicles, which are designed for obstacle clearance and rough terrain on which other cars cannot move. In the last few years, the RC crawler has become one of the most popular in the world of RC auto-modeling. If you are new in the world of radio-controlled crawlers, this article will surely help you. Do you want to know which RC crawlers to buy? Don’t worry; we will help you.

There are many aspects that you must consider before buying the best RC crawlers. In this article, we will review 8 best RC crawlers and also guide how to buy the best RC crawlers by using some important points.

Our Recommendation

If you do not want to read the full review of all products and want to know what is the best RC crawler for you. Team Associated Element RC 1/10 Enduro 4×4 Trail Truck best crawler in this list because it provides good performance and also durable for different whether or rough places. It also has a strong motor and also provides good battery timing. So this is the reason it is the best option on this list.

1. Team Associated Element RC 1/10 Enduro 4×4 Trailwalker

If you are looking for a crawler that is strong as well as provides excellent performance, then Team Associate Element RC 1/10 Enduro 4×4 Trail Truck is the best option for you. You can easily use this crawler at the snow, water crossings, mud, sand, ice, rocks, grass, and log piles due to its 12mm wheel hexes. The BTA steering and aluminum steering plates provide good angles while using this crawler.

It comes with Reedy Power 5-slot 16-turn brushed crawler motor, which produces sufficient torque and smooth power delivery on rocky places. The 90 mm aluminum attached shocks maintain the vehicle balanced on the oil & rough terrain. The 3-channel radio and receiver come with a Reedy Power Metal system, which is very useful for using this truck for a long-range. The water-resistant truck is specially designed for crawling on rough and muddy surfaces. The Stealth(R) X is capable of changing the rear-drive ratio individually on three different levels.

Pros
  • Pre Assembled
  • Extremely Durable
  • Easy to use
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Top heavy with factory body and cage

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2. Traxxas TRX-4 Ford Bronco 1/10 Trail and Scale Crawler

The Traxxas TRX-4 is one of the favorite choices of electric off-road experts. Its spectacular level of detail feature makes this model best in terms of design and by being able to traverse the most extreme terrains. It comes with Innovative portal axles that provide enormous ground clearance and virtually eliminate chassis torque twist, which is very useful while using this crawler at the irregular path.

The XL-5 HV ESC & powerful 21T Titan 550 motor increase the versatility and ability of this model. It is also a Waterproof crawler, which means you can drive this crawler in the most adverse conditions. Its Ford Bronco body with chrome bumpers makes this model very strong as compared to its previous models. It has heavy wheels, side mirrors, wipers, grill, which enhance its beauty.

Pros
  • Waterproof
  • Portal Axles
  • Strong
  • Lockable Diffs
Cons
  • Top Heavy

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3. RC4WD Gelande II LWB RTR w/D110 Body Set

This brand new RC4WD Gelande II LWB RTR w/D110 Body Set crawler is an incredible option to enjoy magnificent details of remote fun. It is a remote control unit that will provide amazing performance. The RC4WD is built with quality materials and Cast Metal Axles, which provide great power while using.

The RC4WD comes with a 540 crawler brushed Motor and twister High Torque Metal Gear Digital Servo, which increases its power. The Super Grip Dirt grabber tires are made for rough grounds and rocky surfaces. It comes with a 6-Cell 3000MAH Battery, which is very useful for running this crawler for a long time. This crawler is also waterproof so you can use this in any worst condition or environment.

Pros
  • Realistic Scale Design
  • Alloy Axle Housing
  • Battery Included
  • Waterproof
Cons
  • Small Steering Angle

When you use the link above to shop for one of the products, we receive a small commission from the sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this site going, and does not affect the price you would pay usually in any way whatsoever.


4. Axial SCX10 II Ford F-100 4WD RC Rock Crawler

This Axial crawler is specially designed for difficult terrain; this remote-controlled crawler is a waterproof 4 × 4 model capable of driving in all weathers. Its strong Wheelbase allows it to run on every type of surface. The steel c-channel frame rail chassis & water-resistant 35T motor makes its body strong and durable.

The Maxxis Trepador tires offer reliable grip power on any surface. It is capable of reaching a remarkable speed. It has a TTX300 radio system, which is very useful while using this crawler in large places or grounds, and its autonomy is also good, but it serves a very good quality/price ratio. The Axial brand built the new AR44 High-Pinion axles that have a more powerful gear ratio than that of its previous models.

Pros
  • Great Articulation
  • Aggressive Steering Angle
  • Low Center of Gravity
  • Lightweight
Cons
  • None

When you use the link above to shop for one of the products, we receive a small commission from the sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this site going, and does not affect the price you would pay usually in any way whatsoever.


5. Redcat Racing Orange Gen8 Scout II Scale Rock Crawler

The Redcat Racing Gen8 Scout II Rock Crawler is a strong and powerful crawler that you can use on any type of terrains. The Redcat Racing crawler is available in two different colors so you can choose according to your requirement. It provides excellent efficiency and comes with compact C-channel frame rails and Portal axles or divorced transfer case. 

This crawler is pre-assembled and ready for the drive; you can easily adjust its wheelbase for optimum performance. The LED lights are present on its body and bumpers. You are also able to change the base of the wheel for height rides. The waterproof 17T 550 brushed motors make this crawler durable for every condition or whether.

Pros
  • Great Suspension
  • LED lights included
  • Adjustable Ride Height
  • Large 550 Size Motor
Cons
  • Build Quality

When you use the link above to shop for one of the products, we receive a small commission from the sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this site going, and does not affect the price you would pay usually in any way whatsoever.


6. RC4WD Marlin Crawlers Trail Finder 2 1/10 4WD RTR Electric Rock Crawler

The Marlin Crawler is one of the best leaf equipped crawlers. The lower gearing and softness of this crawler in the power band has been helpful for off-camber rocks, particularly while the truck starts to get tied up on tight rocks. The bulletproof transfer case and metal components make this crawler most powerful in this list. The 3 channel radio and powerful battery make this the best option for both beginners and experts.

Its four-wheel drive allows it to move with ease, and it can overcome many obstacles, from feet to small steps through pieces of wood or pebbles. You can use this truck in any type of rough terrain and ride fast and well in grass, mud, cobblestones, and even small shallow puddles. It is, therefore, ideal for the garden and enjoying the great outdoors. 

Pros
  • Realistic Scale Crawler
  • Looks better the more it gets beat up
  • Huge aftermarket parts support
  • Class 1 Ready
Cons
  • Not Waterproof
  • Low articulation

7. Axial SCX10 III

The Axial SCX10 III Jeep is a very famous jeep that comes with a V8 strong engine. The SCX10 III utilizes portal axles to enhance performance by growing ground clearance and reducing torque torsion. The compact battery tray supports a regular full-size LiPo or NiMH package.

The Axial jeep uses 3-channel control; you can also change kits by 2 different ways to get good speed. The SCX10III Jeep wheelbase is interchangeable with optional connections that allow you to pick your desired wheelbase. Its front chassis was designed to reduce bump steer while the 4-link rear is used to lower torque twist. In its interior design, you can choose from three different hat styles.

Pros
  • Good Ground Clearance
  • Lots of articulation
  • Strong
  • Overdrive capable
Cons
  • High center of gravity

When you use the link above to shop for one of the products, we receive a small commission from the sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep this site going, and does not affect the price you would pay usually in any way whatsoever.


8. HPI Venture Toyota FJ Cruiser

This HPI VENTURE TOYOTA FJ CRUISERis also the best option for those people who are looking for the best crawler for different surfaces. The venture Toyota chassis has been built to crawl from the ground up, with high ground clearance, long suspension ride, wide wheels, and low gear with full-time AWD transmission.

The Multi-stage adjustable oil-filled coil-over shocks have a regular 60 mm ride height, with a gap of 32 mm below the axles. The HPI Racing includes a 7.2v 2000mAh NiMh Battery, with charger and international adaptors. It comes with headlights and indicators, and molded plastic items such as the signature chunky wing-mirrors, bumpers, towing eyes and roof rack.

Pros
  • Durable
  • Excellent Build Quality
  • Light included
Cons
  • High center of gravity

Buying Guide: How to Buy the Best RC crawler

Here in this buying guide, we will tell you how to buy the best RC crawler and tell you some important points that you must consider before buying any RC crawler.

Types of RC crawlers

When you are looking for a remote control crawler, you must select a type that suits your needs. It is important to select the crawler according to your requirements. There are two major types of crawlers.

Large crawlers: The large crawlers knock down almost anything that gets in their way depending on the size scale; this quality is shared with real models. The large crawler is not fast, but they have excellent suspension and large tires.

Small crawlers: A small radio control device is ideal for road and flat terrain since its small wheels do not make it easy for you to travel through steep or very complex terrain.

Battery

There are two types of battery, nickel (Ni-Mh) or lithium-polymer (Li-Po). Nickel ones are quite common and used a lot in beginner trucks, and it is the least expensive option, however, its power declines quickly. The lithium ones are very powerful but a nuisance to store, they will also be more expensive. In the case of the battery, I advise you to go with at least a quality of 2000 mAh.

Tires

The tires depend on where you want to drive your radio controlled crawler; you will find different varieties of tires. The usually most used are large wheels, but in some crawlers, ribs or grooves are also used.

Speed

This will depend on your experience, in the offer there are even trucks up to three speeds, but the ideal is something that you can control without problems, in addition to a higher speed, greater possibility of colliding and ruining the delicate parts of your radio-controlled truck. If you are newbies, something that is not so fast will teach you to be in control; then you can advance in faster models.

Brand

As long as you have the possibility of finding something affordable, I advise you always to go to a manufacturer with a good reputation. The famous brands offer you replacement parts and good customer service.

Kit or RTR?

If you are curious and want to see the entire operation of the radio-controlled truck and even know how the flashing lights are put to work, one to assemble will come from knobs, but if you do not want to complicate yourself, something already ready to start driving is ideal.

2WD or 4WD?

The 2WD option is more usual for beginners; those of this traction are usually cheap crawler models, but not as fast. Those of 4WD, on the contrary, are faster, ideal for experts, and seasoned. They also give greater grip and stability to the radio control device.

FAQ about best RC crawlers

How to clean RC crawlers?

If we want to have our RC crawlers in perfect condition, we must know how we have to clean it. What techniques must always be used to have it flawless? The truth is that the care of a crawler does not require overly elaborate methods, but we are going to tell you some tricks that you can carry out so that your vehicle is always perfect. To do this, when cleaning it, we must differentiate the parts of the crawlers.

Casing: First of all, we will talk about the external structure itself. It is one of the parts that suffer the most since it is the one that faces the outside and tends to get too dirty, mainly mud. The best thing for its maintenance is to rinse it with a little cold water and, when we have removed the most dirt, do the same with hot or warm water.

Chassis: In this case, we must be especially careful, since it is one of the most important parts of the RC crawlers. If we want to clean it well, the idea is to use an air compressor. This will remove most of the fat and dirt. A good trick is to use alcohol, which helps to dissolve the mud more easily.

A mixture of soap and water never fails, but yes, before carrying out any of these actions, it is convenient that we make sure, in advance, that all the parts that the vehicle presents are completely waterproof. Finally, to clean the transmitter, the best thing we can do is use a damp cloth, but not too wet, to avoid damage.

What is the best 1/10 scale RC crawler?

All the RC crawlers tested here are 1/10 Scale, so out of them the best 1/10 scale RC crawler would be a tie between the Traxxas TRX-4 and the Element RC Enduro.

What is the most realistic RC crawler?

It is well-known in the industry that RC4WD always makes the most realistic RC crawlers straight out of the box.

Who makes the best crawler?

The manufacturers that make the best RC crawlers are Traxxas, Axial and Element RC.

I hope you like this best RC crawler review; if you like this article, and then also share with those friends who are planning to buy a new RC crawler.

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