IFS is BEST (Fight me) - Element Zuul 2 Review

[@rrrosengren]

i like dependent suspensions.

[@larrylawrence2222]

Your running footage is better than Elements own footage on their YT channel.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@laserbeam1620]

I've said this before! His footage is too good!

[@K11RC]

Are you kidding me… I just bought the ugly utron to start a pre runner build and now this drops!!!???

[@scaleworksRC]

Oh that's a winner right there. The suspension, the paint, the garage.. in the words of Philip J. Fry: "Shut up and take my money!" 😁

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

This has a killer look to the front end, as far as the rear end goes well, I’m still thinking about it. What’s nice about this set up is how diverse we can be with it. IFS is going to give it a nice controlled ride. That’s for sure, whether is stump jumping, mud running or desert prerunning, this set up should be ideal for many styles of off road racing. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its limitations, because IFS certainly does. To me though it’s no more scale than solid axle setups, especially when it comes to handling. Most solid axle rigs in real life handle kinda sloppy and have a less limiting factors especially on the rocks, but this set up might be the best of many worlds of off road. Hats off to team A for getting this version right!

[@makestuffbetter19]

This thing is definitely a game changer!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed!

[@DHFHades]

my comp wagon body just got the copper inner coat for my rust layer...almost looks too good to spray flat grey over...lol

[@shafiqjan1474]

I am an IFS2 fan, got a Utron to try an independent front end since I know the Camburg stuff because I have been looking for front suspension upgrades for my 1:1 truck. I swapped in the trailing arm leftovers from my gatekeeper/ecto bodied kit build and she has been great. Her name is Cutey McCutron now. Nice to see element thought it was a good idea too. This setup has been awesome for trail driving and still crawls on rocks really well. I like it when trickle-down RC economics works. Not sure if I like the Zuul body more than Cutey. 👍🏼

[@Razdawg22]

Say do you have a parts list on the swap to trailing arms on the Utron? I would love to do the same on mone😊

[@shafiqjan1474]

@@Razdawg22 nope, but the instructions for the gatekeeper kit should have the part numbers for what I installed. Remember to get all the swaybar bits too. PS - search element gatekeeper on a main and it's all there

[@zzBloodzz]

Hey bud couple questions for you. Any front diff issues? Front tires toeing in different directions? Front shafts popping out? Sorry been frustrated with mine. 3 Front diffs I went through. I've had a gatekeeper and an ecto both with no issues. Thank you

[@shafiqjan1474]

@TThatMythical Don't be sorry, sounds like yours got more fun time than mine has. I added SSD brass knuckles, better shocks and upgraded inserts, tires (stayed with 4.19") & wheels. I would try Factory Team upgrade diff gears (I put them in my Ecto because she's a fat bottom girl now with more power, baby). Get the shims right for proper engagement & grease it all up. If toe changes something moved, probably something threaded in plastic. There are some upgrades to make IFS2 steering parts better as well.

[@scootmcgrute]

I picked up a Utron and swapped a Samurai body onto it. The IFS has a bit of a learning curve but it's quickly becoming a favorite truck for me!

[@moosejawrc]

IFS is a great available variety in crawling and a new challenge to trail. Innovation is always appreciated! Great Video.

[@360woodierc]

Great banjo and fiddle music. Oh the truck is cool too.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@josephlameris7097]

The way that banjo drops, absolutely slaps!

[@DonnyMcElhiney]

Nice Banjo!

[@patricesavard366]

I'm the one that suggested that exact model to Element RC last year when the Zuul got out 😂. Glad they listened

[@marksaxton4760]

Love the ducks toward the end, very peaceful 😊

[@makestuffbetter19]

Ifs is my Jam! I’m working on a kit for the trx4m! Version just finished! I’m so excited for this platform!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Have fun!

[@jps3903]

I’ve been building a trailrunner ifs/leaf spring rear with an rc4wd xtracab body for like 3 years now…watching this almost makes me want to pick up the pace.

[@Sol-hl2rj]

Like it! Chassis and the cab section looks very good. For an RTR the suspension looks spot on - loads of travel as well! Thanks Matt!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@baldingtowski8074]

Wasn’t sure about the truck at first, but the banjo really sold me on it 🪕

[@scalebuildersguild]

🪕

[@rc-ingaroundamerica8792]

Honestly Element with this ifs2 has me extremely happy with how well it performs on my Utron, plus ive done climbs with m utron that straight axle trucks werent able to do surprisingly, cant wait to see what Element's future trucks are going to bring to the market

[@scalebuildersguild]

That's great to hear!

[@dirtysteve4878]

There is no Dana only Zuul...

[@robertkenney7122]

I IMMEDIATELY went there in my brain lol

[@Schroefdoppie]

😂

[@jacojojo42]

every damn time i hear that!!!

[@kenmetz1118]

I'm with you on the bed looks but if you google FJ45 long bed truck they're pretty odd looking. Odd in a different way but the full-size always looked like two different teams designed each piece without seeing the others work. I was on the fence until the banjo kicked in!

[@kenmetz1118]

And the long panning shot of the ducks...

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@bmg321wtf]

I'm thinking mid 90's ranger cab with fiberglass flared baja bedsides and fiberglass baja raptor nose

[@harlyquin]

i like it, it looks like a small hammer rey, if they make a non rtr version i might get one

[@EdibleOutdoors]

I have been waiting for something like this for a long time. I have wanted a light duty bouncer/basher to jump off roots on the trail.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Enjoy!

[@charlieshankles]

I have really been wanting an ifs truck. This may be the one

[@scalebuildersguild]

Enjoy!

[@bimmerben76]

I’ve always had a soft spot for IFS. I admire the added challenge in driving an IFS truck through straight axle obstacles. And then there’s that sexy IFS flex. 💕

[@canuckchuck8836]

I installed IFS2 on my Gatekeeper and it looks really cool going over the rocks. I like IFS and I honestly do not see the big deal of IFS vs. straight axle. They are different and equally fun.

[@caledoncrawlersrc2216]

Love my IFS2, really fun to drive, and lots of suspension travel!

[@MegaTraxxas]

I'd like to have a rig with independent suspension, but those aren't so common

[@arni7810]

Awesome!! It also has adjustable front and rear suspension shocks..it can be lowered if desired!!!!😮😮😮😮

[@bimmaboy]

Great review! Nice truck with some really well thought differences from all the other competitors

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@maine_rc_guy420]

This platform indeed makes an awesome prerunner i built one using the red knightwalker body and stuck a brushless setup in it it will hit about 18 mph with the gearing i have it handles great but the tiny sliver of plastic around the Ball joints is a failure point broken 2 so far

[@MrBen1471]

Great front suspension. I like it .its to long body but it s beautiful truck👍👍👍

[@meirdeaph]

I think its super cool looking 💯🤸‍♂️👍

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Great trail truck, perfectly suited for IFS and trailing arm suspensions. I will never understand why AE/Element shocks don't get more attention. 👍👍

[@pwrofgrayskull]

Thanks for the great review and excellent banjo!! Nope, I’m unfortunately just not interested in IFS. I’ve owned a few 1:1 IFS as well as a few 1:1 solid axles…even with modifications the IFS rigs got spanked up and down in off road situations by the non-modded solid axles. Just no comparison in my experience. These real world experiences cause me to only be interested in solid axle rigs for my tiny trucks. 🤷‍♂️ With that said, I think it’s really cool that there are options from Element for those who dig IFS!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you like the banjo! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffshultz3462]

I have trailrunner. IFS is good but the IFS2 looks definitely more compact. Which is good.

[@gatorrcgames]

Good review video. Your running videos are awesome!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you like them!

[@PaulSchryer]

(11:07) ...Gotta love the Banjo music !!! 😆👍

[@MegaTraxxas]

Yeah, it looks great from the front side, but definitely needs some upgrades for the rear part😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

Maybe it should do some squats and deadlifts 😂

[@Mattwiistand]

Im glad they did this, i did it with my gatekeeper the second ifs2 was available. Its not as capable but its soo fun to watch and drive

[@jameskauffman8405]

I have three trucks with ifs and changed them all over to IFS2 style. I like them.

[@just-in-time6069]

If u don't like banjo your not human such up beat instrument also I love anything that can be played plus play little guitar myself great tools to relax or beat on when frustrated better then someone or something kids things but keep up great work and have wonderful day.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Well said! 🪕 🎸

[@RCRitterFPV]

I did IFS2 on my gatekeeper... a lot of fun.

[@RCRitterFPV]

yup... I think I need one of these.. the Gatekeeper cage is a bit heavy... and I really can't resist the KC lights...

[@electronsmove]

liked the RC duck boats "forgot to put my glasses on" is a good cold open

[@arthopfer]

Gatekeeper, ecto, zuul. Can’t wait for the new stay puff crawler.

[@christophevertz4608]

I love IFS on my Pajero/ Montero build. Thinking of getting the V2 for mine, would be an superb upgrade after nearly 3 year of hittin the trails hard with V1.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it!

[@BlindGuyRc]

I do like that. At first I thought pre runner extended cab toyota. Now.... I dont know. Square body chev could he cool to. To many ideas. Over the next year, I plan to do a pre runner so... we will see. Also want to do a comp style rig. But.... not sure what chassis. To many things. Very good review and run man. Top notch 😎

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks man! 🤠🪕

[@markcole6475]

I turned my nightrunner to a prerunner with the rear trail arm set up….added a brushless sensored system with a 4100kv motor….super fun and handles pretty good……it’ll crawl also….obviously not as good as a designated crawler but good enough..😅

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sounds great! Thanks for watching!

[@unclepunch761]

I love the scaleness of IFS. I've never used it, I would totally have one in my fleet if the budget allowed. And, I mean, Ghostbusters

[@ShoddyRC]

I want one of these!

[@kevin_fine]

This truck is cool looking! And the Fine Laser Designs clipless body mounts for the Element Ecto will work for this truck if you want to go clipless!

[@alans4281]

Love the shape of the body . The body clips are laughable in 2024 . As I have not personally driven this particular style of truck solid rear with independent front I can’t have an opinion other than say it “intrigues me”. It might be something I steal the body from for another truck and develop the chassis into a sand basher . There I did it I said the b word. A big fan of the wildlife at the end. Thank you both ( the misses) for your videos.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesn.449]

Would be a fun platform to build an ifs mullet rig.

[@Axial_Andrew]

This man promised us banjo... And he did not disappoint...🤠

[@scalebuildersguild]

🪕

[@PachezZ]

I like the IFS, I like the zuul body, but it looks weird together, a bit too revealing front...

[@danielraymond5380]

That Zuul body looks good with a Harley Designs Fordyce bed cage scaled down to fit. Just FYI. Appreciate all you do.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for the tip and thanks for watching!

[@verpine3534]

I like the realism of IFS. It just makes a truck look much more "real" when driving. I'm not so much of a competitor (read: competition novice) that I'd worry about the effect IFS has on performance, or even notice. I guess I'm one of the folks who strives to get the most out of both scale realism and trail/rock performance, but more willing to sacrifice a bit of performance for scale than t'other wat round.

[@fredhenschel3000]

Such a really good looking truck from the front… 😢

[@jameskauffman8405]

This truck would be a good off-road recovery build. Loved the video.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

this might be the best suspension rc crawler 😊

[@slzbuildz]

I was hoping for the Stealth X F transmission.

[@bigjeep_littlejeep3777]

I’m surprised there aren’t brass lcas

[@ed0c]

I AGREE I LOVE IFS! i think it crawls better too

[@mrchucklesssss]

Excited to see Glad and Rubbermaid coming together for this new release! Pretty neat idea from Element. I do like the IFS setup, just hurts my soul (which I don’t have) to see IFS on the old style body that never had it to begin with. Otherwise, it’s “bussin”. (Don’t know what that means or how to spell it..). Top notch review SBG!

[@JUSTHAVEFUNRC]

As somebody born in 2001. Bussin means something is good. One could consider it a gen z equivalent for the term delectable. Also hopefully this is cheaper than buying a knightwalker and ifs2 and gks. I think that’s where this will shine.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@just.jose.youtube]

Great to see new stuff from Element! These guys don't get enough credit. I think they do a lot for the hobby! Good review Matt, thanks! 👍 Does adding lights to this rig count as working on lexan? It really deserves them! 😁

[@scalebuildersguild]

I'll have to check with Josh 😂

[@woodenshoe788]

I know I keep hammering on Element, and I will again here, I really wish they'd get serious. But what do I know? Maybe they found a niche' that is working out for them.

[@daledavis8093]

I have Enduro Utron with the IFS 2

[@craigpimlott204]

I could see granny Moses from the Beverley hillbillies doing the thump keg Walt’s to the banjo pickin ..👍👍👍

[@scalebuildersguild]

🪕

[@SDIR5678]

This makes me wonder what the trailwalker body on this chassis would look like

[@scalebuildersguild]

Trailwalker body is too short of a wheelbase for this chassis.

[@smokingwraith9990]

Where's the DIG unit Shultz?

[@bamabiker750]

Now, this Element has my attention. I like IFS for all the same reasons you've pointed out. I have the Losi SBR2.0, JDModel Hero F150, a new Traction Hobby F150 Raptor, and a Tamiya CC-01 - all 4WD with IFS and solid rear axles. Also, I'm building a 2WD Scottsdale K10 which, of course, will have IFS.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Very cool! Thanks for sharing!

[@360woodierc]

I came back and watched again for the cool banjo picking.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks 🪕

[@drivingBlindRC]

That would’ve made a nice kit

[@jonthomas8487]

The Keymaster from Element is overdue

[@88davidw]

Excellent review as always 👍🏼

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@RC-jr3th]

I’m sold already, waited for this type of RC! Time to get rid of Axial and Traxxas, body will have to be modded as the bedding is hideous.

[@JUSTHAVEFUNRC]

I’m happy to see this. Instead of buying a Utron and upgrading body, rear suspension and bearings. Or buying an ecto and adding ifs. Or buying a knight walker and adding it all. All I need to do is swap a body. Any word on price though?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Check out the link in the description!

[@Jephph13bREW]

Banjo's did not disappoint. Immediately bought a 12 pack of PBR and debated on going down to Georgia. 😅

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂 🪕

[@he6567]

Sealed open diff option and I'd buy it right now

[@kendotek9414]

This makes me want to turn one of these into a desert trophy truck!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it!

[@rikwedgwood1164]

Matt you touted about the esc/rx combo. Unble to find any info on said device. Can you elaborate more on this unit. TIA 🤙

[@scalebuildersguild]

Flysky's been used quite a number of times with this exact setup. Same unit that was in the Utron and the SE if I'm not mistaken. Great unit, despite it being a 2-1.

[@rikwedgwood1164]

@@scalebuildersguild , thx mate. Ill look up those units. Im trying to find the rx protocol to see which flysky will match with it. 🤙

[@paulmcnamara2908]

Love it have several build ideas that this chassis would be perfect for!

[@Mike_and_Life]

That was a LOTTA banjo....

[@andyp6699]

Hi , Matt. Like yourself i don,t like the rear of the truck. Is there another body you could recommend off the shelf. Would look good with a pinched rear end. ( I am allowed to work with lexan so my wife says ) Thanks Andy P.😁

[@scalebuildersguild]

It’s a 12.8” wheelbase, so I’d use that as your starting point! Good luck!

[@EdiFantini]

the ecto !

[@davehughes2687]

Were those scale RC ducks at the end??...😅

[@mikes062]

I feel like past Matt would fight you on that

[@michaelharvey-nb6vw]

I've got a few crawlers, and I got the Utron right away to try the IFS2. I put in the fusion SE 1800 on 3s, and she's a baller. Hate the big body, love the SE transmission, plastic shocks are meh. I like slow crawling the IFS2, it seems fine on my crawler course. I swapped the axles on my gatekeeper kit with my Capra, both of those run fusion pro's. The gatekeeper rear is pretty nice, especially with the wider axles. This kit looks great, super high speed handling for a crawler. If I didn't already have all these parts, I'd totally buy one based on the performance of the individual components they've put together in one kit, with good shocks. Nice body colour, and the scratch effect is neat. Nice review Matt, and great release AE!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@Kil49604]

Dang it, was hoping i only bought 2 truck this week. Looks like it's going to be 3 trucks.

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@OGRadGrow]

I might have to give this IFS truck a chance. Nice 👍🏾

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it! Thanks for watching!

[@RICHSTER2U]

thats a sharp looking trail truck i like it

[@thechaosvlogs6904]

“A little banjo” he said… that was full banjo there.

[@a8ball]

How well did it do on the Devils butcrack?

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@erniecap5037]

Good morning Matt, Always enjoy watching your RC videos. Also cool to see you at the Paris Hobbies RC Event on April 20th. Wondering what your ranking of performance of these 5 RTRs below would be please. Any pros & cons of each that you didn't mention previously would be bonus. Element Ecto vs Zuul vs Zuul 2 vs Vanquish Phoenix straight axle vs Phoenix portal axle. Much appreciated, Ernie, Kobe & Asiah 🤘🏾

[@scalebuildersguild]

Nice to see you too! I like the simplicity of a straight axle truck, so I’d rate them like this: 5. Zuul 4. Ecto 3. Phoenix Portal 2. Zuul2 1. Phoenix Straight Axle. Hope this helps!

[@erniecap5037]

@@scalebuildersguild Yes absolutely helps out Matt. Very much appreciated sir 👌🏾 I definitely know where to focus my efforts as to which RC to *try and pick up next and keep my eyes open for 👀 Cheers

[@NickP_830]

Zuul 2 looks like an awesome platform to build off of but why would they not put their newest style trans in it???

[@scalebuildersguild]

Don't know!

[@eddiedelk5302]

Do the back area have light buckets?

[@scalebuildersguild]

No light buckets in the rear

[@eddiedelk5302]

@@scalebuildersguild could any be made in?

[@mikespanner3096]

Really like the truck overall I definitely would have to do something about the rear of the body!!! Or just replace it with a appropriate pre runner body:-). Going to be building a pre runner out of one of my scx 10 chassis with ifs but it’s going to be 2wd:-). Cool truck overall and great vid👍.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching and good luck with the build!

[@WeirdAlpha]

wait what? Frances has been trying to get ahold of me, and there you go kicking her out! unbelievable.

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂 She's a very loud cat!

[@Bradkozakandfriends1830]

I’d really like to know what the disadvantages are of IFS. I think on full size vehicles they aren’t as strong. Not sure if that is the same w 1/10 scale. It does give more ground clearance. I’d love to try it anyway. Thanks for the great video Matt.

[@scalebuildersguild]

The strength issue I wouldn’t think would be a big deal at this scale. It does offer slightly more ground clearance, but more than anything, allows builders to build accurate models!

[@Nerm78]

I want to throw out my scx10ii prerunner build and start over with one of these!