Fashion Or Function
RC crawler enthusiasts will tell you that the parts below the cover of an rc rock crawler are the most critical parts of the vehicle. However, looks matter too. Not to mention that most of the parts of the rc crawler are amzingly similar.The components to pay special attention to are:
- Suspension
- Tires
- Rims
- Steering
- Chassis
- Servos
- Battery
- Motor
Yet the body shell is the part that you see the most and it will also be the most expensive thing to change on the vehicle. When selecting the crawler of your choice, take some time and choose the rc rock crawler that has the body shell you really like. There are two different rc rock crawlers that should be at the top of your list for performance and prestige.
Axial AX10 Scorpion
There are three versions of the AX10 that are really great. The AX10 RTC (Ready To Crawl) is ready to go out of the box. Easily remove it from its box, charge it up and go. It will take some time to build the ARTR before you crawl with it. The AX10 RTR has the ability to not only crawl but race also.
I like the AX10 because it sports many standard features that are considered upgrades for other rc rock crawlers. The transmission is 4 wheel drive standard which is a huge plus and not standard for many rc rock crawlers.
AX10 has the 2.2 8 hole beadlock rims which make it an upscake crawler as many crawlers have glued rims rather than beadlocks. The drivetrain is smoother thanks to the full ball bearings that come with the AX10. All models contain the brushless electric motora as the power plant to motor these vehicles over the rocks.
The AX10 RTR and RTC Models
The RTC model is packed with the all new 72-103mm shocks. With the Lexan Upper-Link Plate, you can relocate electronics using the plate which helps lower center-of-gravity.
The RTC tires are the Pro-Line Hammers with Pro-Line Memory Foams. The RTR contains the 27T brushless electric motor while the RTC has the larger 55T motor.
The AX10 RTR and RTC models get true four wheel drive from a differential locker that locks the front and rear differentials. 4WD allows all wheels to maximize traction when crawling.
The AX10 ARTR
Like the RTC the ARTR comes standard with the Pro-Line Hammer with Pro-Line Foams tires for more flexibility when climbing over rocks. The ARTR is equipped with the 55T brushless electric motor.
Which One Is For You?
The RTR is really more for racing on rocks than for crawling. This is one of the reasons for the smaller engine and the Rock Lizard tires instead of the Pro-Lines offered on the other models. If you are strictly buying for crawling but you want the experience of a full build, go with the ARTR. If you want to a total rc rock crawler experience right away, get the RTC. Happy Crawling.