How do they stack up? - RedCat Ascent, SCX10Pro, Vanquish VRD Carbon COMPARED!

I went a little outside my wheelhouse and tested three competition crawler trucks against each other, on a real-world, natural obstacle course. Each truck was as close to each other electronically as I could make them, and each had similar tires in similar compounds. My thanks to ‪@caledoncrawlersrc2216‬ for helping with driving duties.
RedCat Ascent: www.avantlink....
The RedCat was running Vanquish VXT2 tires, Vanquish Wheels, and a Fusion SE 2-1 Motor/ESC Combo: www.avantlink....
Axial SCX10Pro: www.avantlink....
The SCX10Pro was also running Vanquish VXT2 tires, Vanquish Wheels and a Fusion Pro: www.avantlink....
Carbon frame Rails: www.avantlink....
Axle Weights: www.avantlink....
and
www.avantlink....
Vanquish VRD Carbon: www.avantlink....
BFG Krawler T/A Tires: www.avantlink....
BambuLabs X1 Carbon: shareasale.com...
BambuLabs P1P on Sale: shareasale.com...
BambuLabs P1S: shareasale.com...
P1S Combo with AMS: shareasale.com...
Our merch is super cool: teespring.com/...
#whatsonthebench
#coehauler
#ilearnedsomethingtoday
#scalebuildersguild
Fall 2023 Stickers are SOLD OUT!
► Follow us on Instagram! / scalebuildersguild
► Follow us on Facebook! / scalebuildersguild
► Join our forum!
www.scalebuilde...
► Merch available here:
teespring.com/...
I shoot all my videos on the Sony a7c and a6500 in 4K, with Sigma 16mm, Tamron 28-70 and 55-210mm f1.4 lenses and the Zhiyun Crane V2.

[@NaturallyRC]

I think the obvious title would have been, "How do they stack up?" 😉

[@scalebuildersguild]

An excellent idea!

[@caledoncrawlersrc2216]

Why do you think theyre stacked in that order lol?

[@NaturallyRC]

Oh, I was under the impression you had all crashed that way trying to summit the infamous Quarry side trail. It wouldn't surprise me.😁 @@caledoncrawlersrc2216

[@akoshorvath-risko5838]

Well now I got to know what it was before!

[@johngookinsable]

DEVILS VISIBLE PANTY LINE? dude im dying over here lol

[@Spor777]

The devils deviated septum 😂. Excellent video as always. Great terrain and driving.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@BlueDually4x4]

I think for the Redcat to do as well being an RTR compared to the Vanquish which is not even a roller for so much less, really says a lot for how far they have come as a company. New shocks and a little weight and you are still way under the VRD and still have a capable truck.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Don’t forget the RedCat had $350 in wheels/hubs/tires/foams and a Fusion SE.

[@dieseldabz7104]

For the money it's a great starting point to have fun and then fully customize later down the road. You don't always need the most expensive and prettiest thing on the trail to get the job done but some always think you do.

[@BlueDually4x4]

@@scalebuildersguild And the VRD also needed those parts too, as well as a radio and servo.

[@scalebuildersguild]

​​⁠no that’s not the point I’m making. I’m just letting you know it wasn’t exactly “stock”, and if I compared it to when it was, just two simple changes drastically improved it’s performance!

[@poorboytrucking1]

You totally missed the devil's ball sack line

[@brandola100]

This was well done for somebody that doesnt do comparison vids. Love the voice over instead of the live action ones. Love ya. Mean it.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I actually had to do the voice over, because we were laughing and talking so much! Glad you liked the video!

[@dezfan]

Nice comparison. The Ascent did much better than I expected against these two heavy weights. 😎

[@adamleblanc8720]

This video is amazing! The filming, driving, and commentary is perfect. Even the reactions while driving is enjoyable.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@freedomtobefred8233]

The Ascent needs brass weights in the front like the rest and remove the inner springs from the rear and or the front.

[@RCFIEND24]

Yes yes and yes

[@CrawlersCampRc]

This was very awesome!! Enjoyed watching them being compared and hope to see more of these in future 💯

[@scalebuildersguild]

Definitely. Thanks for watching!

[@redroosterazrc]

Great vid and comparison! Although I would have assumed the "Devil's Buttcrack" would have been followed by the "Devil's Taint" which tests break-over angle, and lastly the "Devil's Scrotum" where you just have to drive "balls out." 😁😜

[@hbrc3867]

🤣 yes but I think you forgot one, that fallen tree... you know the devils wood

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@2superblus]

The title should have been "Redcat, Vanquish, and Axial take crawl the Devils body!" Great video Matt.

[@Bradkozakandfriends1830]

I’ve been wanting to do an LCG build and these are 3 of the trucks I’ve been comparing for pros and cons. This video is exactly what I needed. Great video. Love that you’re always pushing yourself to do new things. Really enjoy all your stuff. Thank you very much Matt.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad I could help! Which truck did you decide on?

[@Bradkozakandfriends1830]

@@scalebuildersguild I didn’t yet except eliminating the axial. Probably the Vanquish because I’d most likely keep everything that comes with it. Yet the Redcat

[@Bradkozakandfriends1830]

Yet it sounds like the Redcat really only needs different shocks. So……

[@SouthsideRC]

The Redcat is so impressive. I’m not really into the comp scene. But, for that price, I’d pick it up.

[@dave-iq3dq]

We are going to need a detailed map of the course with names of all the obstacles 😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@doughboy0379]

I agree

[@JohnSmith-os7zm]

You must Love Satan. Why not Salvation Road? Jesus is the way Trail?

[@KBRC81]

I’m loving my Ascent. Little tuning the stock shocks, Injora wheels, Proline tires, and a Fusion SE really woke it up! Edit..BTW pull those rear inner springs, and throw a set of Mini T springs all around 👌🏻

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you're enjoying it!

[@bobbyc167]

Awesome video. The side by side on all three, really helps give an idea of which one might be the best fit, depending on one’s own driving style. Looked like a really nice day to be out running tiny trucks!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you liked the video! Yes, it was a gorgeous day... nice to get out before it snows!

[@WingnutsRC]

Dude, that orange and blue paint job is awesome. I would love to have that on one of my rigs But for the first time I found myself not even paying attention to the cars as much as the amazing rocks and lines that you have there dude that location is perfect!!! and I love the names you gave all of the different lines😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!

[@WingnutsRC]

@@scalebuildersguild absolutely! It was really cool because there’s a local guy that has a blue and orange lifted V8 ranger so as soon as I saw that I immediately thought of his 😂 super cool truck 👍🏻👍🏻

[@hmfic4297]

ITS A FORD F***ING RANGER!!!! 😂 ( that's why I watched the video)

[@arthopfer]

Man all the obstacles must have been named by the waterboy. Little trucks are the deble Bobby. 🤣🤣

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@dieseldabz7104]

Some folks really just love to bash Redcat but for the money you get great bang for buck factor imo. In stock form it is just not in same league as a Vanquish® but those cost usually 2x them and more depending how you choose to build it.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Totally agree!

[@FoyeTroute]

Devilishly good video! No surprises on the VFD Carbon. The Redcat did a lot better than I expected. Kinda surprised the SCX10 ii Pro didn't do better.

[@scalecrawlnl]

Thank you very much, that was a lot of fun! The running/test video out and about, accompanied by your great voice-over is a brilliant format. Channeling your own, Sir David Attenborough of "Today on RCs In The Wild''. May I add, really enjoyed the fact you were out on the trail with a friend, very cool. Hope to see more and naturally, many thanks 😊👍

[@scalebuildersguild]

It was really nice to be out there with a friend for once! Glad you liked the video, thanks for watching!

[@GLM359]

Great review good to see the Red cat done well and liked the obstacle names

[@badgermanderthal6905]

I'm just here for the names of the obstacles. Entertaining as always.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@MyraHodgkiss]

Love that you named the obstacles

[@thomasblair7996]

Great test comparison of all 3,as you said there will always be a variance, overall a great showing of the 3!!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you!

[@racecar021872]

Pulling the inner springs out of the Redcat Ascent shocks make a huge difference in flex. I did it to mine and it will out crawl all of my "scale" crawlers. I did put some brass in the front as well as in the rear and it is really planted now.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Cool! Great to hear!

[@mikes062]

Looks like they stack up

[@jakesciacca2765]

I feel the redcat kept up well seeing how its somewhat out of its league i bet if you added some ront weight and improved/ replaced the shocks it could have scored higher.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Totally agree! For the price, I was suitably impressed.

[@jakesciacca2765]

@@scalebuildersguild I will for sure be picking one up as soon as my local hobby shop gets them in stock

[@Casitascrawlers]

I noticed brass in the front but not on the Redcat so that’s definitely a disadvantage.

[@MrChewie1978]

I noticed that too, it was the only one without any brass. I have one, and have tuned the stock shocks and added brass, also have the Fusion SE 1800kv in it, and can honestly say it is a beast and would have done SO much better with a little brass and shock work. Mine flexes like any other rig, and the brass changed it dramatically.

[@moosejawrc]

Got a Devils Haircut… on my mind! Great video! All 3 have great potential and can fit many different driving styles and personal changes.

[@andrehoff767]

That is the devil’s bollocks of reviews Matt. Great video 🤘

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@backyardr.c.channel4732]

Great video man! I bought the Redcat Ascent it was pretty much a no brainer for my budget! After $200 or so in upgrades it will destroy those other rigs and be right around the same price! Redcat has become my favorite r.c. brand they remind me of what Traxxas was in the beginning. Which was value for your money!

[@scalebuildersguild]

That's great to hear! Enjoy the new truck and thanks for watching!

[@odraciraga]

@sbg You should try the JN80 Performance Parts Piranha chassis and get woow'd 😊 its basicly dominating in this side of the pawn 🤙

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Very solid comparison. Those are the three trucks I wanted to see a "VS" on. Very nice work Matt.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@caledoncrawlersrc2216]

Loved this Video and the 5 inch tires did great! DEVILS BUTTCRACK🤣🤣🤣 please make more of these videos so i can come along more hehe

[@scalebuildersguild]

Definitely! It was a lot of fun!

[@shafiqjan1474]

Gotta say I am a fan of "Devil's Deviated Ceptum" since I've got 1 too. Long live all the "Old Time" hockey players out there👍🏼😩

[@scalebuildersguild]

🏒

[@shafiqjan1474]

@@scalebuildersguild um, duh

[@HoundStuff]

Nice work on the testing and the video! Appreciate the insight and looks like a fun outing.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching! We had a great time filming it!

[@damienhooper1196]

Holy hades, Batman, you drove straight through heck.😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

😈

[@ukvape]

Just love the way he talks

[@modelcarjedi]

The Redcat looks pretty good for a entry level 300 dollar truck. Great video!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed!

[@Casitascrawlers]

Did you have the underdrive that came with the Redcat installed because that is a huge help.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I sure did! I installed it before I even ran it back for the original video!

[@RCandMORE4Fun]

Great video! That was a good comparison and the Redcat was a good contender, especially for its price.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed!

[@brianmassey7563]

I wonder if the results would change if everyone had to use tires there were actually 4.75". Lots of fun watching....love the obstacle names!

[@scalebuildersguild]

I would imagine there would be some differing results! Thanks for watching and glad you got the joke!

[@mikeearls8158]

Love the names of the lines 🤣 I’m claiming the “Devils Bunghole“ for my next challenging line!

[@gabrielmoreno4116]

Nice video. Man the cat is a beast. I think I'll be picking one up. I like the under dog /cat approach. Performance is expected from the cost of the others. And It takes away from the wow factor

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it! With good tires and electronics it's very impressive!

[@hmfic4297]

Hahaa, awesome I been crawling with my 79 Bronco trx4 (STOCK) with a little tuning tires an adjusting the springs ( no oil ) and hanging with money rigs they can't believe the Beast hangs with them😂😂

[@RadRaf]

This was a great video.. I understand the point was not a head to head per say but a show and tell. I think they all did great in their own rights, even the redcat. Thanks for highlighting some prros and cons of the current hype cycle models for us! Oh and the names, BRUH! lol, had me dying over here!!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you got the joke!

[@westdesertwheeler]

Did the Waterboys mom name all these obstacles?

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@doughboy0379]

Awesome video, one of the best parts of it were the obstacle names

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you liked it!

[@nuge74]

Great video, was a good pleasure to watch, looked to be a devilish good time!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes it was!😈 Thanks for watching!

[@verpine3534]

This was interesting and provided some good comparisons. Thanks! Semi-related to this face-off - I'm trying to decide between the Vanquish Phoenix (straight or portal)?, the Fordyce, the VRD Carbon, and the Ascent Fusion. Any constrctive advice is welcome.

[@88davidw]

Wow very cool comparison. Excellent video as always 👍🏼

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@Fesser12]

Great comparison. I want that VRD soo bad..haha! Going to be ordering the kit soon and going for a no expense spared build.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Good choice! A nice Christmas gift for yourself!

[@nrvous309]

I wonder for the Redcat would perform on that same obstacle course with a set of VRD shocks🤔?

[@christophermears7738]

I am all about the vrd carbon....can't wait until there back in stock..

[@WarunnerMedia]

These obstacle names are slaying me 😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you like them!

[@rectown]

Glad to see my Vrd, crushed it.Might be my go too, besides my Negitive G.

[@letsgetitrc]

Yes sir the Negative G is the most capable rig I've ever driven hands down so far anyway 💯. It's pricey but the tc models for the traxxas is phenomenal

[@OGRadGrow]

Nice 👍🏾

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Really nice truck and worthwhile upgrade brother! 💪🏼🙌💯 I wish you a blessed and fruitful Happy New Year brother! 🙌🎉🎁🎊🍻🤩

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching and Happy New Year to you and your family as well!

[@htweelz]

It's really all about naming the obstacles. That's what makes a great trail. LOL!

[@rocconufrio9153]

Silvercreek conservation area for the win!

[@MegaTraxxas]

That is an amazing trail, I'd like to get my rigs there as well!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it!

[@aegixxer1]

I was surprised you didn't hit Devil's slipped disc or Devil's bowel movement 😜

[@that_radio_control_guy1911]

Love this type of video. You are a great commentator. You should do a comp and commentate the whole thing. I’d watch that whole video 3h long lol

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@grizzlyworksrc]

I agree with the order with thier current setups. I think some extra weight up front and better shocks on the Redcat might make it a contender for 2nd. With that said I would love to see a price vs performance break down. I'll also be interested to see some long term reviews of the Redcat. I have no doubt the Vanquish and Axial will be great for a long time. I have my doubts about the longevity of the Redcat parts.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Fair enough!

[@micahandamyzastrow4910]

Excellent obstacle names! 😅

[@jebrc]

i seen that they came out with the carbon lcg chassis for the redcat its 99 and i feel the shocks have been made to work well with some slight mods and at the price point i feel its a winner for sure

[@jayb3518]

I may have missed it, but we’re they running the 1800kv or the 1200kv fusion SE’s. If you recall they are both “$69” in Josh’s world. Disappointed we didn’t get to see them “ease” through the impassable “Devils Taint”, known for breaking Sh-- uh, stuff.

[@scalebuildersguild]

1800’s sir! Thanks for watching!

[@CRAZYBUILD349]

great run , love to see a comparison, vrd did it the best, outstanding truck,!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@liamRC5487]

Great film. Great definition

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thank you!

[@SoCalCrawlers]

I have a VRD and Love it!! It does so great, and im very happy with it!! Its solid!! 👌🔥☠️

[@scalebuildersguild]

That's great!

[@discgolferlee]

those obstacle names had me cracking up.... lol "the devil's visible panty line" HAHAHA

[@stabbyjosh7931]

I think there was a clear cut winner. The redcat was disadvantaged in every way. And managed to, for the most part, keep up with kits that cost almost twice as much, plus had axle weights, brass raw 500s, suspension tuned by/for the driver. I'm guess the redcat had the RTR transmitter as well. Redcat wins hands down. And that's got to hurt.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Please keep in mind that the Ascent wasn’t stock either. Had a FusionSE ($79), and about $350 in wheels/tires/weights. Your point is still valid, it performed very well, but for my money, I’d rather pay a bit more and not spend time and money finding an upgrade path! Thanks for watching! I’m glad people are coming to their own conclusions, as this was the point of the video!

[@dhcho4473]

I saw it interesting. Thank you.

[@JThelen1031]

Quite the devilishly difficult course you have there.

[@scalebuildersguild]

😈

[@FredoCares]

I'm the only one here that prefer to run real branded tires? I don't know why, but I always choose real looking one vs rc only designs... Can't stand tires rubbing body either haha. I always do extras steps to avoid that. And for the second time, VRD is ''beau en TABARNACK!''

[@scalebuildersguild]

You're not the only one, no! Competition crawling is all about performance, so the more competition style tires get my vote, however, the Krawler T/A from BFG (on the VRD) is a real branded tire, and pretty darn good too!

[@FredoCares]

@@scalebuildersguild I run Krawlers on my Element enduro Creeper too!

[@RCbodaciuscrawlers]

Love the test!

[@Evan_Moore61]

I can’t get over that VRD Carbon Coyote body. Not just the fact it’s a Ford Ranger, but the paint looks awesome. If you want to sell the body, I’m seriously interested.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for your interest, I’ll be driving with it for awhile!

[@michaelstinson8047]

Great video thanks for doing it

[@scalebuildersguild]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@scaleaddict7688]

Wish you would have given the Redcat some brass weight anywhere. I know the scxpro had the option already but I know that Vanquish didn't come optional with a brass reefs servo, so the picking a chosing which rig gets weight doesn't seem fair especially if this is a review and comparison video. 😅😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

It had SLW hubs, and based on this test, and how well it did, should only show you its potential. I'll follow up once the brass knuckles arrive! Thanks for watching.

[@hmfic4297]

I know you didn't test it do you think the element Echo would have hung with these three? Cuz am itching to pick up a new rig😊

[@scalebuildersguild]

I wouldn’t say it’s really in the same league as these three. Certainly a good truck, but these were built to conquer the rocks.

[@hmfic4297]

​@@scalebuildersguildhuh ok thanks

[@88401469]

What colors did you use to paint the scx10pro? (preferably from the Tamiya palette)

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sorry, those paints were from OnPoint, not Tamiya.

[@RedRoxRc]

Great video. One comment says remove the inner springs from the Redcat shocks. I even heard you mention that briefly. I may remove the inner springs first but was curious what aftermarket shocks might allow the Redcat to perform better. Really enjoyed this video and that environment is amazing. Can’t believe how well they all did considering all that moss on the rocks. Cheers!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Just about any shock will work better than these as stock. SCXPro’s would be a good choice.

[@RedRoxRc]

@@scalebuildersguild thanks 😃👍

[@vikingd3727]

​@@RedRoxRceveryone is taking out inner springs and adding losi mini t springs or going to desert lizard shocks.

[@jookya2]

try out a set of dlux fab shocks, they're the smoothest buttery shocks i've ever had

[@RedRoxRc]

@@jookya2 yea I’ve been looking at those. I also like the Traxxas big bores. I will say tho, I’ve rebuilt the ascent shocks. And I like them a lot now.

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Great comparison, thanks! All are good rigs but, and I hate to admit it, pretty impressed with the Redcat, lol! All those Devil nanes, lol, not at the Punchbowl by any chance?

[@scalebuildersguild]

HA! Don’t be ashamed in thinking the RedCat did well. It did! But keep in mind, it’s been modified too.

[@Bafcrawler]

I really enjoyed this video, gotta get a set of vanquish tires!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Go for it! They're great!

[@Bafcrawler]

Mr matt, what compound are they?

[@Sp3ktral22]

SBG Sir, can you explain why 'merican mud doesn't stick to vehicles and tires like British mud does?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Well, considering I live in Canada, I can't comment on American mud!

[@Sp3ktral22]

​@@scalebuildersguildNoted!

[@hbrc3867]

Good review and comparison. I think a comparison like this should have similar cost options because that redcat is like half the cost right? I have to say the more I watch and research the more I am leaning towards your advice of getting a vanquish. Thanks for all your videos 👍

[@paulclancy2404]

I see like this if money isn't a concern and you're into crawling go with the vanquish, also supports Josh whom I'm sure is one of the originators

[@timpowers9429]

Also the redcat had wheels and motor so more like $650

[@scalebuildersguild]

The Redcat is significantly cheaper, no doubt! I think you'll like the Vanquish!

[@montana4069]

Great video I've learned a lot

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad I could help!

[@keldonator]

As much as I'd love to compare these myself, my Redcat Ascent went into the river to never return and my vrd carbon is on what feels like the longest backorder ever lol.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Oh no! Hopefully you'll get it soon!

[@shuster1921]

Excellent Video Brother!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@ares333x2]

Well the devil definitely had his day! I'm assuming you had a perform an exorcism on all the rigs when you got home 😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂 Sprinkled them all with holy water!

[@bradlycruse73]

Great video as always! I’d like to see a head to head when you get the Redcat Ascent modified the way the vrd was! The Redcat does amazing after setting up the shocks. I’m just waiting on some brass and I think mine will slay some lines. Are you gonna give the Redcat some upgrades?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Great idea, but the VRD wasn't modified. Came that way as part of the kit!

[@Tom_Wade]

I lost it at the devil’s visible panty line 😂 too bad you didn’t have time to tackle the devil’s herniated disc.

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@toddmiddleton1442]

Excellent video!!! Fun watch. Quite Devilish.

[@scalebuildersguild]

😈

[@jasond1245]

Redcat for the win based on price

[@jdsrcs8061]

Where is the Devil's Anus!?!?!?!🤣🤣🤣 Interesting comparison between the 3 rigs!!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

😂

[@Senditjp247]

Hey bud awesome footage! What wheels and tire combo size,?? u running on the Redcat ascent im loving the look of the the bronze and red ?? And besides that anything u installed on the redcat before doing this comparison video Im debating on getting my first 1/10 scale crawler man for under $300 hard to beat the red car Cheers mate 🍻

[@Senditjp247]

What brand are the wheels and tires

[@scalebuildersguild]

Vanquish for both.

[@thindigital]

Redcat is going in the right direction for sure but if you are getting a cheap RTR to upgrade is it better to go with an Enduro SE, Basecamp, Gatekeeper rtr or the Ascent, not bashing but my money would go with the Basecamp.for the axles or gatekeeper for the stealth x and ok axles.

[@TheLilhulk1111]

You need to this more often

[@scalebuildersguild]

I'll try my best!

[@MRR2RO91]

Didn’t think I’d get to know the devil so well, kind of jealous that he’s got a cottage. And a hotdog cart.

[@scalebuildersguild]

😈 🏠 🌭

[@caledoncrawlersrc2216]

Cant wait!