4 Best RTR Crawlers! Base Camp, Ecto, TRX4 Sport & Pioneer!

This is a big one! Axial Base Camp, Element RC Ecto, Traxxas TRX4 Sport and RGT Pioneer EX86110: our four heavy-weight 1/10 crawler-performers go up against our infamous 6-problem test course. Conditions are decidedly damp!
Which rig will prevail? Will any fail? Can any of them manage all six grueling problems? Watch and find out!
Let's test!
--
The Contenders:
TRX4 SPORT - 2.9KG / 6.4LB
Front-mount 21T 550 3-pole, no O/D.
Buy TRX4 Sport: amzn.to/3LgeyJd
BASE CAMP - 2.45 / 5.4LB
Mid-mount 35T 540 3-pole, no O/D.
Buy: amzn.to/3PqHqB3
PIONEER - 2.45 / 5.4LB
Front-mount 45T 540 3-pole, no O/D.
Buy RGT Pioneer: asiate.es/aff?l=159725&i=76070
ECTO - 2.25KG / 5LB
Mid-mount 14T 550 5-pole, 11% overdrive.
Buy Ecto at AsiaTees: asiate.es/aff?l=213315&i=76070
Buy Ecto at Amazon: amzn.to/3LejLS3
The battery used in all rigs: Turnigy 7000mah 50C 3S pack.
--
LINKS:
Our TRX4 Sport playlist: • Traxxas TRX-4 Sport
Our Axial Base Camp review: • Axial's SCX10 III Budg...
Our Element RC Ecto review: • Element RC Ecto Review...
Our RGT Pioneer EX86110 playlist: • RGT Pioneer EX86110
Our Base Camp article: rc-tnt.com/manufacturer/axial...
Our Ecto article: rc-tnt.com/rc-crawler-reviews...
Our Pioneer article: rc-tnt.com/rc-crawler-reviews...
Which RC crawler should you buy?
rc-tnt.com/rc-crawler-reviews...
Traxxas TRX4 Sport page: traxxas.com/products/landing/...
TRX4 Sport Kit page: traxxas.com/products/models/e...
Axial Base Camp page: www.axialracing.com/products/a...
Element RC Ecto page: www.associatedelectrics.com/e...
RGT Pioneer EX86110 page: www.rgt-racing.com/cn_asp/pro...
AFFILIATE LINKS
(Help us keep making videos - thank you!!)
Buy the Ecto here: asiate.es/aff?l=194761&i=76070
Buy the Pioneer here: asiate.es/aff?l=159725&i=76070
--
Chapters:
0:00 About the Test
1:40 Problem 1
4:27 Problem 2
6:13 Problem 3
11:01 Problem 4
14:52 Problem 5
19:26 Problem 6
24:26 Test Debrief
--
Follow us:
Website: rc-tnt.com/
Twitter @rctrailandtech and on Instagram:
/ rctrailandtech
WHERE TO BUY RC STUFF:
Buy kits, models & upgrades here: www.asiatees.com/shop-now?rc_...
Send money directly to people living in extreme poverty (lets combine our resources to help those most in need):
community.givedirectly.org/ca...
#rccrawling, #elementecto, #axialbasecamp, #trx4sport, #rgtex86110

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

This may very well be your best video yet. I found myself genuinely clapping and cheering (or groaning with disappointment) aloud as these trucks went through their paces. Like a little mini-thriller mystery show, right? is it going to make it? is it not? tune in next time for the next exciting episode of "hold my beer and watch this". It's really too bad we're so far apart, because I think it would be hella fun to be there, like a live studio audience, watching you do these demonstrations, and to just hang about, chewing the fat about this or that, or as you might say, "having a little chat", while running trucks over the six problems and/or your rock course, and maybe even trail hiking. Would be an absolute blast.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, brother. Agreed! The internet is pretty awesome though, eh? Shrinks the world a bit.

[@michaeldorich4485]

I really enjoyed your excellent demonstration using these crawlers. Since I know very little about crawling watching this video taught me how to attack different problems. I also learned you have to have patience. Thanks a lot for another informative video.

[@RCTNT]

My absolute pleasure. I find once I get into 'the zone', I don't need patience. Working on the problem becomes a zen thing, almost like breathing. Very calming. It's something like this that's at the core of my love for this hobby, alongside mateship. It's closely related to the two videos I've made so far in my 'Mental Health' playlist. Super relaxing, clears the mind. You get the idea :) Thanks for watching, Michael!

[@michaeldorich4485]

@@RCTNT I agree. I think this type of r/c is relaxing and like fishing. You can escape for a while from the real world.

[@RCTNT]

Ah yes, exactly. Good comparison.

[@666impreza666]

One of your best videos so far. Great info and entertainment. Well done!

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it! Thanks :)

[@HoundStuff]

Nice work on the testing and the video! All of the rigs did great, fun to see.

[@RCTNT]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks :)

[@miger12]

Brilliant video. Love that you compare the trucks on the samme obstacles, on the same day 👍

[@RCTNT]

Thank you! This is the backbone of my channel, really. Fair comparisons. It's a bit of work, but the result is so useful! Cheers 👍

[@dogtownfilms1976]

Dude, this video is great! I loved!

[@crisCR0SSaplsos]

thanks for the great video. planning on picking one up in the coming weeks and this is great to watch!

[@RCTNT]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daig1984]

Loving these videos! Just watched the one all the same tyres great job 👏 love the 6 challenges getting to see all the different lines, really cool

[@RCTNT]

Hey great, glad you're getting something out of these :)

[@ottyan1]

Thank you for the most informative and enjoyable channel. My solution for the Pioneers wobbly panhard bar upper mount was to add a bar from pahard bar mouting screw to right side chassis rail. I also lengthened upper mount about 12mm aiming to have same angle on panhard and servo bars. I've had much joy and info from you, thanks for that and have a nice summer/winter!

[@RCTNT]

Ah nice, thanks for the info. That's a logical solution. And you're very welcome. Thank you for watching!

[@Muckin-Fuppet]

Love the Colour scheme on the Trx 4 sport, Really good comparison video. Well done cheers for the helpful info.

[@RCTNT]

No worries, glad you liked it!

[@rc-nilsson]

Thank you so much for this 🙏 Great video 👍

[@ramkaer]

As always awesome. 👍 Thank you. And yes, I would like to try the problems with you someday. Keep up the good work in the meantime. 😎

[@RCTNT]

Thank you!

[@oilrigger269]

Have to say that you by far do the best reviews and test

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly. Glad you found it useful :)

[@naxxas777wilson4]

nice and fair comparison😎

[@RCTNT]

I don't always get it right but this was a good one. Cheers

[@mgscheue]

So nice. I wish I was there, too!

[@RCHOBBIESPR]

Great video

[@RCTNT]

Thanks!

[@madsrcbuggy]

That was nice to watch, as always! I managed to watch the whole thing in one go, which I am happy about. I am partial to the Ecto, but was cool to see all 4 of them do really well, and as always lots of great information you share along the way.

[@RCTNT]

Glad you enjoyed it! (For feedbacks sake, do you have trouble getting through my longer videos? I'd be interested to know. The detail is good to have in but I try not to let them get too long, as I fear they could get boring!) Thanks :)

[@madsrcbuggy]

@@RCTNT Hi Craig. I think with long videos, it's more the problem of the viewer than the creator. I struggle to make my videos short enough also. I think this particular video couldn't have been much shorter. It was really nice to see these four in (almost) realtime, how they fared on the rocks. It was a really good video, I even saw another commenter writing it's your best video so far, I think I agree, it was really structured and well made, without being boring. My problem was I was watching it while having lunch at work, It's difficult for me to find 20 minutes of uninterrupted own time, sadly...

[@RCTNT]

@@madsrcbuggy gotcha. Thanks for the thoughtful reply, that's helpful.

[@michaelkav6345]

Howdy! I love your videos and how you call your test area “problems”. I’m in Florida USA, and it’s awesome watching you, who could almost not be further away from me. I also enjoy the channels from the guys from South Korea. Great videos. If the rest of the world got along like we do in the RC world, our earth would be a much better and happier place to live!! Thanks for the joy you bring us!! Mike in Fl.

[@RCTNT]

Heh, thanks Mike. It's a good hobby.

[@extrahandsdesign]

Wher in Fl. are you? Im Central

[@DaveGlitchHare]

No one lost in my estimation. Good driving as well! Enjoyed the vid as always.

[@RCTNT]

Yes, thank you! It's a win for personal preference here - pick what you like, they're all brilliant!

[@hktcss]

Awesome mate, would honestly like to see you compare these same rigs again on all different terrains and other courses etc no one else does what you do such a great effort and refreshing to watch an unbiased crawl hats off to you mate legendary 🔥

[@RCTNT]

Thank you, I will do something like this again in a nearby comp location in 2023. Got several good comparison videos coming next year. Cheers!

[@hktcss]

@@RCTNT thanks for such a quick response, that’s awesome news mate will be keen to see all this coming up 👌

[@ryand4786]

Great video, I’ve picked up a trx4 sport for my 7 year old son, and a base camp for myself. Both really fun trucks , we have several different brands of truck in our house. It’s fun to feel how different each one drives , compare them and just unwind after work or on a weekend. Such a fun hobby

[@RCTNT]

Ah, that's great. It's a super relaxing hobby, isn't it? One that lends itself well to company and time well spent 😊

[@twain772]

I have watched a couple of your videos now and I like how you don't make music the focal point of your video. I like the technical aspect of course and the testing. You are the third person I know of who has tested tires in the natural environment (I am one of them) which is the way tires should be tested. Great video keep up the good work. You have a new subscriber

[@RCTNT]

Woohoo! Glad it's useful to you. And welcome! I'm currently gathering many sets of tires and planning the biggest test series yet for tires. It'll be good!

[@twain772]

@@RCTNT cant wait. if you're going to do it then do it well, test in loose dirt, rock, packed dirt, and mud

[@RCTNT]

@@twain772 I've been planning this for months! Will try to cover numerous terrain types and situations. Still a few months away but it'll be the biggest and most comprehensive comparison on KZbin, hopefully. Or at least, similar in size to the biggest ones - but with more data! That's the plan. I will do my very best for you guys! Still pulling everything together. So. Many. Wheels to fit to tires!

[@grisslebear]

I 100% agree about the Canyon Trails. Best O.E.M. tires out there. A friend of mine just got a RGT in some trading a few weeks ago & we're both very impressed with it. This was a great test & a wonderful spotlight on your 6 PROBLEMS course.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Brad!

[@scottjlambert]

Thanks!

[@RCTNT]

Scott! Another one! Man, I've gotta work out a way to find when people do this. Huge thanks for your support :)

[@bidibulle6795]

Great testing!! The RGT is surprising, well ok you changed the engine but still, it is really very good for a basic model that can be too expensive. For the help that I asked you 3 days ago between the base camp and the sandero HD, I thank you again for having answered me. After this video and having seen another rc enduro element arrive at the end of the 6 problems, I finally made my choice for an enduro element. They are still a bit cheaper than the Axial, for a lower price in RTR it offers more good quality parts and the finish is better in my opinion. I'm going to take the sandero model HD or Trail (the blue one with 1.55 wheels) to see depending on the available stock, anyway apart from the bodywork and the smaller tires for the trail, the rest is identical! Thank you very much for all your advice and tips. can't wait to see your next video. The Frenchie....

[@RCTNT]

I'm so glad it was helpful! Thanks for letting me know where you're up to with it all, I'm glad you've made a decision :) I forgot completely that I'd swapped the motor on the Pioneer!! Thank you for noting it, I will have to update the description and video. Oops! I think it was a 17T 550 originally, so it would have been a little fast too. Thank you again and enjoy your new rig when it arrives! The Aussie

[@eprc7585]

Great vid as always. Thanks for the thorough and detailed approach amd confirming my suspisions that a TRX4 sport will form the basis for my next project combining that with the MST DC1 disco body...Gonna be epic! 😂

[@RCTNT]

It's a consistent performer, the old Sport. Awesome, glad it was helpful :)

[@fishnrc294]

The Pioneer surprised me. Thank you for your test it was awesome. I felt like I was there & kind of cheering for the Pioneer. I have the Ecto & the TRX Sport truck. I have a brass servo mount in the front & seems to help it. I burned out the stock servo so I had to replace it but had one ready because the people that have them posted lots of stories of the servo going out sometimes first run out. I really enjoy these kind of shoot outs they are very helpful to people getting ready to purchase them. The Basecamp is definitely worth getting so eventually I’ll get one. I’m just about to order a Arrma Mojave EXB & they ain’t cheap! Would be nice to see some more basher or short course type vehicles but ya I love the crawlers & could watch for hours my friend.

[@RCTNT]

Hey, nice one! You're going to enjoy the EXB, that's exciting! I've got a faster bunch of things coming. There's just been so much happening in crawlers that I've wanted to cover them first! Thanks for the encouragement :)

[@fishnrc294]

@@RCTNT Funny thing is like most true RC enthusiasts I started out with all crawlers & I have about 16 RC’s which all but 5 are crawlers & had no interest in basher type but once I got one & found it was a nice alternative & now take both crawlers & basher or short course type trucks also it’s nice to have both. Performance scale Crawlers are my true love though so videos like this are just gold seeing first hand how these RTR’S perform.

[@RCTNT]

@@fishnrc294 I get you. I like a change of pace too - but I come back to crawlers because they're the peaceful, therapeutic type enjoyment that has a longer term value to me. Fast has its place though :)

[@royhopkins6197]

Thanks for the great video ...

[@RCTNT]

My pleasure! It was a lot of work but we ended up with something useful! Thank you for watching!

[@royhopkins6197]

@@RCTNT I know it was a lot of work making the video and I appreciate the hard work you put into it and to be honest I was hoping the rgt would beat the others lol....and I think it could if it had portal axles or a little bit bigger tires

[@RCTNT]

@@royhopkins6197 everyone loves an underdog! It can actually do problem 5 and with different tires it would have had all 6 today! I'm doing the 2021 Bronco TRX4 with all the Traxxas extras soon. You could buy fully 3 Pioneers for one of those and another two for all the Traxxas extras. It's ridiculous how expensive the Traxxas stuff is - and ridiculous how good the Pioneer is for its price!

[@Andy_Yates]

Hats off to ya Craig. You get so much performance from these stock tires. Been working on my parts bin build lately, though it turned out to be more like half parts bin, half new 😂. Trying 4WS with straight axles and 2.2's. Trying out the G8 5.4" tall TSL's with the Proline Power Wagon. I didn't slam the body, trying it with full running boards. I love the look, we'll see if she performs :). For the body, I'm trying the outside patinaed paint, modified the bed to meet drop bed requirements and bobbed it a bit. I used black kydex to form the new drop bed. The textured side looks a lot like bed liner, so I'm hoping it turns out 🤞

[@RCTNT]

Wow, that sounds like such an interesting project! Thanks for the update, that's really cool, Andy!

[@jims8531]

Another great video, thanks. Love your rock course. Ever thought of doing a video on building a crawler course? Would love to see that.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I could do a building video, I hadn't thought of that. I'm hoping to build a bigger course after we move, though that might be a year or two away yet. I'll definitely document that though, it'll be a big job! Meanwhile, copy what you like from here. It isn't pretty, but it is functional! Cheers

[@kevinperry5458]

It would be great to be able to crawl with you!!! Thanks again for all your time and effort 👊😁

[@RCTNT]

You got it, thanks for watching my stuff :)

[@AlexOlmosRCBuilder]

Having 3 out of the 4 (minus the RGT), I would have to say the Ecto is hands down a winner. Alternatively, you can purchase an Element Gatekeeper kit (with upgraded shocks and plastics, essentially the Gatekeeper and Ecto are the same platform the only difference is the power wagon truck and a buggy body) for about $200 bucks shipped from Amain, PLUS a Flysky GT3 radio/receiver for $45 shipped from Amazon, a Creep Body for $35 from Amain and which ever motor/ESC/Servo combo from Amain or Amazon and you'll be relatively near the cost of the Stock Ecto for $399 (staying with brushed motor electronics) BUT with better electronics and slow speed control. THE only caveat to this route would be the tires/wheels, that's extra BUT lets be honest, you will ALWAYS end up swapping out the tires ASAP for better performance VS the other 2 (Base/TRX), you'll still probably want to swap electronics and tires. The difference is your starting at a base price of $389 (Base Camp) or $369 (TRX-4 Sport) VS ~$360-$420 (depending what brushed system you go with and tires) and a custom painted body for the Ecto. Dollar for dollar, it's hard to beat the combo I mentioned and performance. You might say, well its RTR vs RTR, I would still go with an Ecto. Its honestly an underrated rig that not many people give it credit due to its banana looking body and rear trailing arm suspension (you get a lot of articulation as the sway bar breaks in). The more Crawling you get into, the Ecto is truly a rock crawler inspired rig. I love my TRX-4 but A LOT of money had to be invested in the truck to get it to perform and is not nearly as capable as my Ecto. The Base Camp just got released and very capable as well but I'm starting to go down the same rabbit hole as the TRX-4 with having to purchase many parts to make it as capable as the TRX-4. In the end, neither truck is bad and ACTUALLY any one of them are good starter trucks BUT knowing what I know now. The Element Ecto would have been my first pick, whether it was the RTR Ecto or building the Gatekeeper Kit to an Ecto. ONE last piece of information, IF you already have rock crawlers and have extra tires/servos/ESC/motors, pick up a Gatekeeper Kit with a Creep body, trust me you will not be disappointed for $250 and having one hella capable rig. Keep on crawling and 2-Speed Baby (make nitro great again) lol P.S. Keep up the awesome videos

[@RCTNT]

What a great write up! Thanks Alex! I like your thinking here, it makes sense. You've given me something more to consider - I hadn't thought about the sway bar breaking in. You saw a difference over time, by the sound of it? I'll have to play around with it some more before I go making changes, I think. Interesting!

[@AlexOlmosRCBuilder]

@@RCTNT Yes, at first I was a bit skeptical by having a rear sway war due to the rigidity once assembled but sure enough after a handful of crawls, I started noticing it was starting to give more flex and now its just buttery smooth!!! (On that note, speaking about the sway bar, you can actually tighten or loosen the bar depending how much pressure is applied on the bar, seemed pretty silly to me BUT that's actually another point of adjustment.) Once I realized the benefit of a rear sway in place with the trailing arm suspension, the way the rear wheel flexes is actually better than a 4-link rear end, to a degree. If you pick up the crawler in front of you and place the truck facing forward and you staring at the rear end, pick up either rear wheel and watch how the other wheel stays on the same line of axis on the Element ecto/gatekeeper VS a 4-link rear end, when you do that as well you can see the other wheel floating actually dips in (and that dip is what sometimes causes you to roller over or not have as good side hilling capabilities.) Now the only pit fall of the trailing arm is the amount of flex you can get out of the axle with the sway bar because a traditional 4-link gives just a bit more of flex but the trailing arm give you a lot more suspension travel. Let me know, if you see it and what are your thoughts. I thought it was a pretty interesting to see that type of articulation when comparing the trailing arms vs 4-link rear ends.

[@RCTNT]

@@AlexOlmosRCBuilder once again I must thank you for this observation. It slipped past me. I'm considering using some of this in a video - and if I do, are you OK with me giving you credit for it on screen, or would you prefer to remain unmentioned? Credit where it's due, you write and explain things really well! Thanks :)

[@billknepp1965]

I like seeing all these trucks n surprisingly the basecamp is the only one ID consider buying... I won't though.. the Sendero is on my list n I will at some point have it.. there is another that's been brought to my attention very recently n its also a must add to collection as well mainly for it's true to scale looks n hard body.. n thats the rochobby 1941 scaler military jeep.. It looks quite capable too.. your vids are just a joy to watch.. seeing you enjoy the crawling is awesome.. especially when a vehicle genuinely surprises you like a few of these did especially here at the end!!!!

[@RCTNT]

Fun is key, yes! I've got the 1:12 FMS Willy's Jeep here to do, but not the 1:6 yet. The scale bits are compelling!

[@brandontimblin]

Nice great comparison between the rigs and nice seeing all stock I have 2 of the four the trx sport and the ecto 👌👍👊

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! It was fun to make this one, they are all pretty amazing machines!

[@timpowers9429]

Great vid, thanks for posting. They all are seem very capable but, if you could only pick one which would it be :)💥💯🤙

[@RCTNT]

I guess the point of the video is to show they're all great rigs, which means you can go with personal preference. The TRX4 Sport Kit would be the one for me here. The Base Camp a close second. Personal preference - the Base Camp actually has better electronics than the Traxxas RTR, but I personally love the look of the Sport body - from the kit at least. Actually, if the Sport was the RTR, I'd take the Base Camp. But really you'd be doing well with at of them. And that is awesome to be able to say!

[@user-fy5by5xp7n]

Base camp is the king

[@RCTNT]

It's a solid option, to be sure.

[@rafalst]

I would love to see a update version of this adding the deadbolt, the enduro se, and the gen 9

[@RCTNT]

And Zuul, perhaps. I'll have a think. Thanks for the idea.

[@michaelkav6345]

Loved it. New subscriber!

[@RCTNT]

Hey great! Welcome :)

[@monster_hunter190]

you are the best❤

[@ConditionZero76]

Great work as always my friend....they're all very capable platforms but for my comp builds, its axial 3 all day ......

[@RCTNT]

I can understand why! Thanks for dropping by :)

[@ConditionZero76]

@@RCTNT anytime Brother, love your channel and content....

[@RCTNT]

@@ConditionZero76 thanks for the encouragement!

[@paulnorton7444]

Great vid,love what you've done with the six points, you get a better representation of the vehicle. P.s you looked gob smacked pioneer got up point six, i was too🤣😂👍

[@RCTNT]

I was, yeah! Haha thank you for the kind words. Rgt Pioneer is one capable machine. It was a hint of what was to come with the EX861XX family!

[@axellness]

Cool video man. Just got into RC trucks around Christmas and I'm hooked lol.

[@RCTNT]

Ah great, thanks! Enjoy!

[@mitsuman5555]

Big like 👍🏻

[@yuddysandroxander4730]

Nice Video 👍. RGT Pioneer 👍, Good Preformance and Value For Money

[@RCTNT]

Such a great truck isn't it! I'm glad they're still selling it. Not all their rigs stay in production for so long. It's solid!

[@kevinperry5458]

Nice job! But I believe those trucks had a driver mod , great driving 😁💯

[@RCTNT]

What's a driver mod? Performance-enhancing drugs? Heh.

[@radieroslaw]

Great video as usual. As an owner of TRX 4 Sport Kit I have to admit that Pioneer really surprised me.

[@RCTNT]

Crazy for the price, eh

[@RCTNT]

It's quite good isn't it. Out of the box it can't touch anything in this video on more serious rocks, but the value of the Carisma is indeed exceptional. I'm giving serious thought to basing my next Class 1 comp build on that platform, I like it very much :)

[@RCTNT]

Nothing I just read here is surprising, good and bad. Thank you for the info, I'll be looking into these mods soon. Appreciate that!

[@RCTNT]

What size tires have you been using, out of curiosity? And also I'd be interested to know more about the sway bar you're referring to. I don't think I'm familiar with that! Thanks!

[@RCTNT]

Ah nice! I have the Bowhouse low cg skid waiting for a project. Really appreciate the info here, I'll be looking into this stuff next week! Can't run overdrive in class 1 in these parts (RCCA ruleset) but everything else sounds promising. Cheers!

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Thank you Appropriate video

[@roblowrie1969]

That's a great, well balanced and demonstrated test of those 4 trucks. I love my TRX4. Its not highly modified (alloy beadlocks with the stock tyres, new metal front bumper and some metal skid plates) but before I did anything, I cut the tyres to open up the tread. I didn't have either the time of inclination to sipe the tread blocks, but for the type of terrain I run it, cutting the tyres made a big difference. I'm also running hair doughnuts, rather than foams. I think I already know the answer, but if you had the choice of only one of these, which would you choose? 🤔👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

Hm, interesting. I'd have to go with either the TRX4 or the Base Camp, I think. The Ecto is great and the Pioneer is a value king, but both the Traxxas and the Axial are super nice kits. I'm leaning towards the Sport, I think. But if it was the RTR version, I think I'd take the Base Camp!

[@roblowrie1969]

@@RCTNT that does look like a nice truck. 🙂👍🏻

[@rkd350z]

ecto is very capable. it just kills the lines lol loves the other rigs too. im currently converting my rigs to hard bodies.

[@RCTNT]

Very good. I've changed a few to hard body. It's fun - but I'm always glad of having left one lexan for that time you really want performance :)

[@demomicrocrawlerclub]

Thanks for your test videos. Really enjoy them. Useful infos. +1 sub from Demo. Keep up the good work ;)

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Demo, I appreciate that. Thanks for the feedback :)

[@gonzaloguerrero3110]

I really enjoy watching your videos and I would love to join you on ur course 🤠 that would be awesome

[@RCTNT]

But for the tyranny of distance! Thanks :)

[@YoShImUrA53]

Mate, that was, as others have said one of your best videos yet! I'm not even the biggest fan of performance-oriented rigs, and I had a genuine blast! If only you could also make this type of review for the scale-rigs (new scale-oriented problems, maybe?) I did miss your all-time all-star RTR, the Sendero HD in the group. I do get that you didn't want to get two of the same brand, nor too crowded (i.e. longer vid) with another rig, but I was really looking forward to seeing how it coped against the ECTO, and how much of a handicap was the trailing arm rear suspension compared to a bigger body and rear cage in the Sendero. Maybe that's a small addendum content for another time... Maybe even as a baseline for a head-to-head, to see the improvements (before and after, and/or maybe improving both rigs at the same time, starting with the usual, such as weighted wheels, etc.) for whenever you start development of the ECTO? I hope I was able to make it clear enough for you to understand, at least. Terrific video, anyways, even for the high standards we're used to from you.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks yoshi, comments noted and appreciated. I have some upgrades coming for the Ecto, but before that, a few more head to head videos. I'm currently editing the Ecto vs Gatekeeper and next I want to look at Ecto vs Sendero. Definitely worth exploring! I also have 'The Other Guys' coming soon in a 6 problem head to head - the other rigs I didn't include here that aren't full featured. The TRX4, Rescuer and Cross RC EMO AT4 also have their time in the sun coming soon. Lastly, the scale stuff: I'm building the BRX02 soon, on camera. Then it'll have its full review series. And then, finally, the 5-way comparison between BRX01, BRX02, RCrun RUN80, TF2 and TF3. Lots to do!

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT Aaaawesome news! Don't forget to put the GS02F platform with the Cross RC and fully equipped TRX4!

[@RCTNT]

@@YoShImUrA53 Nah, it'll go on with The Other Guys (doesn't have unlockable diffs)

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT too bad. I really think it's the ideal rig in between the "lockers" (TRX4 and Emo) and the lightweights (Sendero, RGT, Base Camp...)... But then again, I get that it's a bit in no-man's-land

[@RCTNT]

@@YoShImUrA53 in either case, it's a great little performer, cheap cast gears aside!

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Have you seen the Hobbywing fusion pro 2300kv omg 😎 Riveting video as always Craig. Go the Base Camp 😎👍

[@RCTNT]

Oh! No, hadn't heard of that one. I do have several HW AXE combos from both R1 & R2, and both Fusion sizes in different rigs, but I didn't know about the Pro. Thanks Jeff, I'll check that out for sure. Cheers

[@jeffparryncc1701]

@@RCTNT 😎👍

[@jims8531]

Just rewatching a few of your videos (can’t help myself!) and wondering why you chose the Ecto to represent Element? Based on your review videos of the Sendero HD and the Ecto I would have guessed you preferred the Sendero. (This is just my relative interpretation of your keen-ness for each)

[@RCTNT]

Hey Jim, I based the choices on performance and the Ecto is a better crawler than the Sendero. Not by much, and I like the Sendero better, but the Ecto had to be it for this one!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I keep wondering what would be better for first crawler? Best value, like rgt ex86100 pro - an axial SCX10 II clone - quite old platform, but sweet quality and upgrades. Or something fresher, like Carisma 2.1 chassis or SCX10 III base? Trx sport is also already old, despite new releases of bodies, and carries that worry about new platform release/thus parts support. I got myself like the cheapest EVAR SCX10 I clone (rbr/c from BG) but after seeing 3kg total with only 100g body, and quite low quality, very loose links, I regretted greatly not going for rgt. (both need electronics despite rbr/c being RTR) Now however, I'm kinda worried if SCX10 II is still capable enough platform?

[@RCTNT]

I have the Carisma 2.1 here ready to unbox and review. That's happening soon. The SCX10.2 is a fine platform still. Very able performer, no doubt at all. The struggle is real. Best of luck with your decisions!

[@rabbitsrcs]

I really enjoyed watching this comparison of these crawlers. It was very informative and entertaining. I have a crawler that few have discovered that is a cheap entry level price range, but for the money is very capable and competitive. I don't know if you have heard or ran the Remo Hobby SCX10 2 look a like, but I think it has great potential. I would love to see you review it on your channel if you are interested in doing something different from all the name brand crawlers out there.

[@RCTNT]

It's on its way here as we speak. It'll be on the channel next month if not this one. Thanks for the comment!

[@rabbitsrcs]

@@RCTNT I still have to post the video of the wheels and tire upgrades I put on mine (616g weighted beadlocks and cheapo injora tires)

[@RCTNT]

@@rabbitsrcs 616g!? Blimey! That's some weight!! Is it really that much on each corner or all up? Actually, even all together, +616g is still a big increase. What did you think of the change? I imagine you'd have better traction but also a tougher time of steep climbs... Love to know! Thanks :)

[@rabbitsrcs]

@@RCTNT 616 total weight and they really improved grip and climbing abilities. It has wider axles then the SCX but the truck was so light it would slip tires on a steep climb or bounce until it tipped over. Now the wheels stay planted and actually the tires look somewhat deflated with the weight. I love them. I wish it would let me attach a pic of the truck with them

[@RCTNT]

@@rabbitsrcs I can imagine the difference. That's great, I'm glad you found such a solid improvement for it! I'm looking forward to testing this thing too. I'll do a follow up to the review with fixes and improvements, I expect. Looking forward to it!

[@stevewest7260]

👍👍

[@danweiss4928]

Trying not to trouble you. But if you were to recommend a Holmes 550 motor for my TRX4 defender 2 speed 8 pounds? Currently I am running 550 crawl master Sport 15 turn. It’s tired! I enjoyed the test video! It almost just comes down to a matter of preference. They were all pretty close

[@RCTNT]

My easy recommendation for a cheaper brushed option for your rig is the Holmes 27-turn 550 3-pole Trailmaster Sport with stock gearing. And I didn't state it at the end but you're right - they're all very capable, so buy according to what appeals to you and/or fits the budget and you'll be happy :)

[@zackbutler950]

In your opinion what’s the best crawler platform to start from the trx4/sport, axial base camp or the element ecto?

[@RCTNT]

They're all great machines. You will be happy with all of those. I can't give you a definitive answer from there because it's personal preference. I have tried to help with the process with this article, at least! rc-tnt.com/manufacturer/multiple/what-is-the-best-rc-rock-crawler/

[@simonpaskins1389]

Nice vid cool to see how the trx4 stacks up to the ecto, but i think the capra 4ws 1.9 rtr would destroy all these rtr cars

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, and yes, it definitely would. Different class of vehicle, isn't it! Love mine 😎

[@simonpaskins1389]

@@RCTNT totally im just about to put a bunch of upgrades in mine from injora

[@reddeerrebelrc6674]

Why no mention of battery? Makes a big difference on some rigs.

[@RCTNT]

Oh sorry, I thought I did mention it in this video. It's the same one I use in all my tests: Turnigy 7000mah 50C 3S pack. All rigs test on this on my channel unless incompatible with 3s. Thanks for mentioning it. I may have edited that out of the final cut but it was unintentional. I'll add this note to the description. You're right, it can make a huge difference! Thanks for catching that.

[@vcsss]

Hey mate. Really loving your content. I’m on the fence between the Sendero and the Ecto. You seemed to enjoy the Sendero in your other videos. How do you think it would have fared in this comparison? Btw, where abouts in Australia are you?

[@RCTNT]

Hi Vincent, thanks for watching my videos, it's great to have to here! I'm just north of Melbourne, around the Plenty Gorge area. I love the Sendero and it's well due for its next upgrade video. In its original review video (kzbin.info/www/bejne/a6Ovdot6r8eKncU) it couldn't do Problems 3 and 6. I bet it could with minor changes. The Ecto already can do all 6 in stock form, so there's your answer on capability. Personally, if I could only have 1, it'd be the Sendero. Just a personal preference, as I like the body better. The Ecto is the superior crawler in stock form. Cheers!

[@vcsss]

@@RCTNT thanks for your reply. That’s basically where I’m at - love the look of the Sendero but the Ecto looks to be the slightly better crawler. Can’t wait to see what you’ve got coming up for the Sendero. Keep pumping out the great content!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, will do! For what it's worth, the Sendero can be made to go very well too. My first round of upgrades made a big difference. It didn't need much in the way of electronics but I think a little low down weight next will help. It's about time I got it on the course again! Cheers

[@meanmachinesrcclub]

Excellent testing! I am quite new to crawling because I thought it would be boring for me! Yet I find myself watching crawling videos and what do you know…it’s exciting as hell😁! Love the Mudmaster too! 😃! Is that the gwg1000? Or 2000? ‘Cause I can’t quite tell

[@RCTNT]

This comment makes me happy! Welcome to rc crawling, it's absolutely awesome. I bounce around in RC a bit, from flying to bashing to track to fpv and so on, but I always return to crawling. It's my RC center 😊 (and it's the 1000-1A3, yes)

[@meanmachinesrcclub]

@@RCTNT For me it has been speed running so far! The problem with that is nobody does it in my country and also, it is extremely cumbersome to go to tracks with all the stuff! So far, I’m at 140 mph, but I am aiming for over 200 mph! So being very focused on that, I did not get to enjoy RCs very much, although I have a bunch of bashers, some rally cars and on road cars… Crawlers I can run in my yard, and it is quite easy to build something to have siome fun! I also have a facebook channel and a youtube channel, very small, but I am trying to put out rc fun out there and share! Excellent comparison as I said, thanks! Right now I own an Absima Sherpa which I upgraded to hell and back and I am learning what works and what doesn’t! I have two new cars on order, an Ecto and a Capra 4WS, can’t wait to get them and see how they stack up!

[@RCTNT]

@meanmachinesrcclub that's great! Glad you're enjoying the journey. Me too 😎

[@meanmachinesrcclub]

@@RCTNT oh, and I did figure out you Gshock from another video! It’s the gwg 1000! Amazibg watch😀

[@RCTNT]

It's the first one I've ever been able to wear every day and not scratch up and break somehow. I think it's about 5 years old at this point and the face is spotless, other than one tiny nick you need to search to see. Reliable, looks good in casual and even formal wear, shrugs off engine bays and muddy crawl days!

[@pauls1816]

Rgt offers a metal panhard mount for the pioneer

[@RCTNT]

Makes sense, good to know. I'll grab one. Thanks Paul!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Gotta argue! That conditions weren't the same for all trucks. So take your lab coat out.... and wipe those rocks dry! 😅😂🤣 Jokes aside, it's interesting actually, as the sun is coming out, rocks getting warmer, drier, tires warm-up, get more sticky, and also you mentioned it rained last night. How much rubber deposit got washed off, how much gets reapplied? How much all this affects the test, dependantly which car is getting first/last on course/each problem?

[@RCTNT]

It's a fair point and I do think of this, but the effort to make such detailed analysis doesn't really produce much better of an outcome. I instead chose to run the cars on the courses in different orders and for the Pioneer in particular, it had several runs at problem 5 both during and after the test. The rock was still too wet, while the other trucks made it up. It wasn't scientific. It was indicative of general performance though, which for our back yard testing purposes here is probably Good Enough!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Definitely good enough, I'm not criticising one bit, just a curiosity comment.

[@scottlocosa_rc_nz0420]

Are you a Kiwi bro? Also got the ecto (my first 1/10, started with scx24's) the other week and been really impressed with it out the box against my mates more modded rigs(trx4 and sendero)so far...

[@RCTNT]

Hey Scott, I'm Australian. NZ accent is different: I'd say "en zed axe-ent iz diff-rent" but a Kiwi, to my ear at least, would say "in zud ick-sunt uz d'ff-rint" The Ecto is impressive, to be sure. Glad you're enjoying yours!

[@scottlocosa_rc_nz0420]

@@RCTNT Haha awesome man, cheers for the reply

[@Djkommode]

Is the ecto a class 1 rig?

[@RCTNT]

It's class 2, definitely not 1!

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

I really want to get into more of the RGT crawlers, specifically the Rescuer and Tracer but I can not find them unless they are overpriced from a 3rd party seller. RGTs website doesnt allow you the option to buy. The distributor link on their site doesnt do anything lol. Do you know any reputable dealers that sell them? Prefer in the US but will buy from anywhere as long as they are reputable and not over charging lol. Great video as always man!

[@RCTNT]

Hi Harry, I've found mine in Asiatees (from whom I've been buying long before even starting this channel) and from local hobby stores (in Australia). Can't speak to USA market except to say they're also on banggood, sometimes at a decent discount.

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

@@RCTNT Appreciate it. They have a few models on Amazon but not the pioneer, rescuer or tracer. They have some of the lower end models on there. I've gotten a couple off of Amazon.

[@RCTNT]

@@TheRCBuildersPost stock varies, I guess. Hope you manage to find what you're after!

[@tiborvon]

If you had to choose one of these trucks, which would it be ?

[@RCTNT]

Personal preference given performance is similar across the board, but the TRX4 Sport for its pretty body and after market support. I like how it drives. Second choice is split between the Base Camp and Ecto. Pioneer last only because I'm not a fan of the body. For value on a budget, Pioneer number one!

[@tiborvon]

Thank you. i have a TRX4r defender, love it. I have a Axial 6x6, love it. I was wanting to add another crawler in my collection of a different style. I was looking at the Capra type of style. But then one of my friends mentioned the Ecto. So i am now checking out videos of them. The ecto is much cheaper than the Capra or the Capra 4 ws. Thanks for replying so quickly buddy

[@RCTNT]

@@tiborvon you got it! Enjoy the process!

[@tiborvon]

👍👍

[@blackwoei7486]

How about the rgt ex86120 ?

[@RCTNT]

Haven't got one of them but I'll consider it, sure.

[@drxpz25]

How do i swap the pioneer from nimh to lipo?

[@RCTNT]

There are 2 jumpers on the esc. One is for drag brake strength and the other is for LVC (Low Voltage Cutoff). That's the only difference - and LVC simply protects your lipo from over discharge. I think it's the jumper closest to the edge of the esc. I just checked it and it isn't labelled, you'd need to remove it from the plastic housing to see for sure, but just swap the jumper from left to right and you'll have LVC enabled. You could just try one of the jumpers and then see if your drag brake is weaker or not. Then try the other. Once you've identified which one does drag brake, the other one will by the one that does LVC.

[@WickedRC]

Ecto hands down. Just ditch the trailing arms for a traditional 4 link rear and you have a propper crawler.

[@RCTNT]

I was thinking that too, but the sway bar is starting to wear in a bit and I think there might be more performance to be found in the stock layout. More testing needed yet, but it's something I want to question and explore before binning it! It's a great crawler though, you're not wrong!

[@matmac7950]

What about the Capra

[@RCTNT]

My Capra was a kit, so I couldn't really include it in an RTR shootout as easily as I could the Sport, where I converted it back to Traxxas stock parts. But the Capra does all 6. If you're wondering about the Gatekeeper as well, here's a video that covers both of them in this context: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fmW2iIGVfMeFmNE (bottom line, they're both great)

[@willeymunda]

On full turning lock does the tyre rub against the underneath link bar? Also are the electronics waterproof out of then box?

[@RCTNT]

It does rub at full lock, but you could just dial back the steering end point a shade to counter that. There's waterproofing for the receiver, yep. I've got a close up photo of it in my article: rc-tnt.com/manufacturer/axial/axial-base-camp-rtr-crawler/

[@kjflyte5088]

Pioneer they make car stereos.? Lol

[@RCTNT]

Well, this is true! Though hopefully people won't confuse a head unit for a rock crawler. They're probably pretty safe with the name :p

[@soundasleep9739]

I hated lt because he daongadid the trx4 spot

[@RCTNT]

Would love to understand what you mean here. Looks like there's a typo. What did you hate about the video regarding the TRX4 Sport? Thanks

[@ryanmcmuffi6137]

U forgot the truck that is a fraction of the cost but will keep up with or outdo most of these bad boys and that's the gen8 v2 or the gen8 axe edition

[@RCTNT]

Didn't forget it, it just didn't make the cut - on this course anyway. It's not as capable as these, unfortunately! Tough though, and a brilliant rig. Just not as suited to this kind of course, as testing has shown in the past. Still a great little machine though, yeah!

[@ryanmcmuffi6137]

@@RCTNT ah okay

[@creamontop6969]

this is NOT a "toy". 300 to 400 US dollars is food for most people per month.

[@RCTNT]

You're not wrong.