Overwhelmed by Choice?

We get it!

Picking your first RC crawler can be tough. To help you decide, let's start with some questions:

• What do you want to do? Do you envision tackling outdoor trails, competing in events, building realistic scale models, or simply having fun with your kids?

• What's your budget? RC crawlers range from around £80 to thousands of pounds.

Types of RC Crawler

Budget-Friendly Options:

• £80-200: Mini crawlers offer excellent value in this range. Look for models with good reviews and features like four-wheel drive and durable construction.

  • Recommendation: Axial SCX24, FMS FCX24/FCX24M/FCX18, Traxxas TRX-4M, FTX Utah, there are many others.

• £200-400: You can find capable 1/10th scale trail trucks in this category. Consider features like adjustable suspension and a strong motor.

  • Recommendation: Element Enduro SE, Axial SCX10iii Basecamp, FTX Outback Tracker, FMS FCX10 LC80, Traxxas TRX4 Sport, there are many others.

• £400-800: This budget opens up more advanced 1/10th scale trail trucks and competition-ready mini crawlers.

  • Recommendation: Vanquish VS410 Fordyce, Traxxas TRX4 Defender, RC4WD Trail finder 2, Axial Capra 4WS, there are many more.

• £800+: High-end competition crawlers and custom-built scale models fall in this category. In this category you are likely to be building from parts. You would start with something like a GCRC Cayman Chassis and add parts from Treal and Reefs to create a unique build.

Starting Point:

We recommend starting with a mini crawler. They're budget-friendly, easy to handle, and require less space. Once you gain experience, you can explore larger and more complex trucks.

Welcome to the exciting world of RC Crawling!

So, you've got your new RC crawler – awesome! Before you hit the trails, let's get acquainted with your new off-road machine.

First Steps:

1. Unbox and charge: Familiarise yourself with your truck's parts and make sure the battery is fully charged.

2. Find your terrain: Your backyard, a local park, or even a pile of rocks can be your first off-road course.

3. Start crawling: Take it slow and get a feel for the controls. Experiment with different surfaces like grass, dirt, and rocks. Notice how your truck handles inclines and obstacles.

4. Test its limits: See how steep a hill you can climb, or how much your truck can tilt before tipping over. Don't worry about pushing it too hard at first – it's all part of the learning process.

Ready for More?

Once you've got some driving time under your belt, join the fun at your local RC crawler club. You'll meet fellow enthusiasts, learn new techniques, and discover amazing trails. Clubs often organise gatherings and competitions, with categories for all skill levels, including "Ready-to-Run" (RTR) trucks just like yours.

Find a club near you on our clubs page and check out upcoming events on our events page. See you on the trails!"

What upgrades do I need?

Thinking About Upgrades?

It's natural to want to make your RC crawler even better, but with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Here are a few basic principles to keep in mind:

• Less is Often More: A lighter truck is generally more agile and capable off-road.

• Low and Forward: Keeping the weight low and forward helps prevent your truck from tipping over. Imagine a tall stack of blocks versus a wide, low pyramid – the pyramid is much more stable. Try and move componetnts around before adding more weight.

• Weight Distribution: Aim for slightly more weight towards the front of your truck (around 60/40 front/rear). This helps the front tires grip when climbing obstacles, increases climbing ability and stops the truck from flipping over backwards

• Unsprung vs. Sprung Weight: "Unsprung weight" refers to the weight of the parts that move independently of the chassis, like the wheels and axles. Keeping this weight low improves suspension performance. Think of it like wearing lightweight running shoes versus heavy boots – you can move faster and more easily with lighter footwear.

• Rotational Mass: This is the weight of the rotating parts, like your wheels and tires. Lighter wheels and tires allow for better performance and greater run times from your battery.

Where to Go From Here:

These principles provide a good foundation for making upgrade decisions. When you're ready to explore further, consider these factors:

• Your Truck: Different trucks have different strengths and weaknesses. Research upgrades specific to your model and adjust areas where YOU are seeing bad performance when YOU use the truck yourself. How you like your truck to perform is not neccesarily the way others do and copying their ideas doesn't always lead to the best performance.

• Your Terrain: The type of terrain you crawl on will influence your upgrade choices. For example, if you climb lots of rocks, you might prioritise tyres that are better in that terrain.

• Your Crawling Style: Do you prefer slow, technical climbs or fast, aggressive driving? Your upgrades should complement your style.

To get personalised advice, talk to experienced crawlers at your local club, or visit your local hobby shop. They can help you choose the right upgrades to enhance your RC crawling experience.