,ENS March 1, 2025, 11:25 a.m.

Ready to upgrade my RC rig - what's the best 1/10 rc rock crawler available?

Yo crawler fam! Been running a toy-grade POS for months that can't handle anything more challenging than my apartment carpet. Time to step up my game!

Looking for a beast that can tackle the rocky trails at Benson Creek where all the local pros run. Need something that can handle:

Those sketchy rock formations by the creek bed
The mud pit section after it rains
Small water crossings without frying
Maybe some drops (nothing crazy, like 3ft max)

Budget isn't an issue (tax return just hit lol) - just want something that won't embarrass me when I show up to the weekend meetups.

Never had a proper crawler before so I'm lost on what specs actually matter.

Any real advice from people who actually run these things regularly?

spss March 1, 2025, 5:43 p.m.

Welcome to the money pit hobby lol. First actual rig always hits different. Would recommend focusing on ground clearance over brand names honestly

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meeeeen March 1, 2025, 11:12 p.m.

No matter what you buy, rocks always find that one unprotected $80 component. Nature has a sick sense of humor

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qqqq March 2, 2025, 2:26 a.m.

buying local means instant parts availability when (not if) something breaks

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maxig March 2, 2025, 12:55 p.m.

Saved me during competition once. LHS owner literally drove parts to the event for me. Legends exist

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1000 March 2, 2025, 8:07 p.m.

After countless trail rescues, got the AXIAL CAPRA 1.9 Buggy and honestly forgot what walking back to the car feels like. Thing conquers lines my hiking boots struggle with

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kristay March 3, 2025, 6:39 p.m.

High center of gravity is the silent killer on 3-4 foot drops. Look for something with low mounted electronics and battery tray

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wild_wolf_1996 March 4, 2025, 3:01 p.m.

Skip brushless for now. Everybody thinks they need it until they realize subtle throttle control matters way more than speed

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LionXXD March 4, 2025, 9:49 p.m.

Weight distribution matters more than literally anything else. Add brass where needed but don't go crazy with it

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kwinsten March 5, 2025, 1:06 a.m.

chassis twisting kills performance. Look for carbon fiber or reinforced options if budget truly not a concern

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luckysinbad March 7, 2025, 1:13 p.m.

invested in the laeggendary 1:10 scale rc crawler after watching fifty comparison videos. Performed flawlessly until I tried fording that creek. Turns out "waterproof" means "water-resistant if you're lucky"

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198701291987 March 10, 2025, 5:51 p.m.

Buying guides from 2023 still recommending same setups as 2021. Nobody talking about the completely redesigned drivetrains on newer models. Research component specs not brand names

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kis..you March 14, 2025, 4:22 p.m.

If you're doing regular drops, grab something with adjustable droop screws. Tuning suspension travel makes all the difference

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SURVIVANTE March 19, 2025, 10:13 p.m.

the whole "buy once cry once" approach got me through 3 years of crawling without major headaches

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oool March 21, 2025, 12:51 a.m.

unless you're me who "bought once cried twice" after sending it off a cliff accidentally 💸

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deadstyle March 26, 2025, 12:34 p.m.

Weather sealing matters way more than people admit. Watched a $1200 custom build die to a light drizzle while my properly sealed $350 rig kept trucking

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Sega_TRY March 31, 2025, 6:15 p.m.

Keep the stock tires exactly one week. Guaranteed you'll understand exactly what upgrades you need after your first real run. Save the receipt

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dtc April 11, 2025, 11:42 a.m.

Competitive crawler here - lockable diffs more important than motor power when you doing technical stuff. 100% open 100% locked options minimum

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