Axial Gladiator vs. Traxxas Defender - SCX10 iii and TRX-4 best trail crawler comparison

[@saltysteel3996]

I'm more of a basher so the TRX-4 is the truck for me. Great at crawling but 2nd gear high speed is awesome for bashing around. I used to have I highly modified Slash 4x4 that went over 60mph. I bashed it hard so I was always breaking parts. I am enjoying the slower speeds from crawlers. Breaking parts is a very rare problem now.

[@erebus1964]

"Something better is the enemy of something good" ... It would be boring, if the TRX would have been the state of the art forever. So it is the way of measures and countermeasures that there is always something better or more elaborated following. Doesn't make the TRX bad at all. I still like mine.

[@RCReviewChannel]

TRX-4 really stepped up the game two years ago.

[@runnerbaba]

@@RCReviewChannel we need a review vs. an other TRX-4 model like Bronco/Blazer/G500.

[@fa509si7]

@@RCReviewChannel please do a review on the TRX4 G500, seems like that rig is the forgotten version on your channel.

[@grandmaster-grouch]

"something good; is the enemy of something bad; albeit to say something better is the enemy of something good, does not imply that something bad is better." lol #holdmybeer to be the ultimate state of the art is my vision of grandeur. lol i get board once im dead. cheers

[@poco1905]

Dont forget the trx4 defender the first trx4 and he still of the best crawlers

[@Guy-em4ck]

Awesome video. Wasn’t expecting the Gladiator to win. For me I still prefer the SCX10-2 Cherokee over the Gladiator both functionally and aesthetically. It’s nice having one crawler without portals and extra functions. I’d still go with the Defender if I had the money to blow. Just because the transmission and unlocking diffs are more useful than DIG. Edit: plus the gladiator transmitter situation. Would have to change that on a $520 vehicle

[@RCReviewChannel]

Fair enough! Good analysis.

[@glennjthompson332]

GLADIATOR wins (GOLD first place), TRX-4 DEFENDER (second place SILVER) 3RD place REDCAT GEN8 bronze, wow! that's very exciting rc trial run, it get's better all the time, Muscle and POWER!

[@nicktech007]

Great video!! Love my gladiator out of the box still think it's the most capable rig I've owned. I'm running hobbywing fusion brushless combo. Proline hydrax tires, wheel spacers along with wheel weight and a 4 ch remote for the two speed and dig

[@DavidVodvi]

Differential lock or dig function? For me TRX4. Both cars are visually beautiful, but the TRX4 looks more realistic. In the Czech Republic, the price is practically the same as about $ 700

[@quarans08]

its 450 in the us, for the defender

[@SkodzGaming]

I own a defender, loving it, changed tires just for fun, base battery that come with it is not very good but does the job, I think the defender build quality, body details, portal axles, 2 speed, lockers remote control beat competition by far even to this day in 2022. Axial and Arrma have work to do to catch up to Traxxas. I also own an x maxx, it's a beast.

[@sirmounted8499]

I would probably buy the TRX-4 just for the body, that Defender is sexy.

[@austinhamilton07lbz]

On my scx10iii I shaved down the panhard mount and gained as much steering on a left turn as a right turn

[@RCReviewChannel]

That's our next move.

[@willanderson5088]

Great video. I’d say the trx4 still won being the old dawg and coming that close to a brand new rc. I’d like to see the stock blazer/bronco against it.

[@leetjohnson]

Your bias is showing 🙂

[@scxadventures503]

This seemed more like a draw, rather than one beating the other.

[@Mr450pro]

I own both the Capra and trx 4 sport, so I don’t have a favorite brand, but i would go with trx 4 simply because of turning radius 👌🏻

[@leetjohnson]

Even if it's less capable at crawling?

[@saltysteel3996]

@@leetjohnson The TRX4 isn't less capable. It's actually more capable. Independently locking and unlocking diffs and a 2 speed transmission. The Dig function is very situational. I would actually disconnect the dig link and switch it to the optional 2 speed transmission link up front. That is more fun for me. No one uses factory stock trucks for competition anyways.

[@HilmarLange]

Nice comparison, and very entertaining. Your video doesn't answer the question which one burns longer, but maybe that's not that inportant in crawling. 😁 The Gladiator is the one I would buy at the moment. But wait, the TRX-4 Blazer has the coolest look. Or better choose the SCX-24 Chevy and modify it into a baby fall guy truck? Guess I need to watch some more of your videos to decide. 👍 Greeting from Germany, Hilmar.

[@christopherdonnelly6255]

Fall Guy. Awesome.

[@kevingoodrich3050]

Nice video .... I would suggest you get with someone for a day or two and learn how to use the dig. It works great for down hills straighting the front in very tight situations. The most valuable mod you can make to any rig. I would get the SCX 10 stretch the wheelbase to about 13.5 with jato rod ends or make custom links. Lighten it up and replace the body with a G6.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thanks 👍

[@hotelhero4193]

Lovely video, thank you. I would be adding the scx10 iii to the collection, its a stunning truck, but at the current price point the traxxas is still the winner. The lack of unlocking differentials and the tiny tooth difference between high/low gear is very disappointing from axial considering its years after the trx release

[@RCReviewChannel]

Totally agree!! And the fact that they only used a 3 channel radio is quite bad on a 4-channel car.

[@runnerbaba]

Please review versus the TRX-4 G500/Bronco/Blazer. These TRX-4 Models perform better!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yup. They should be pretty even. The Sport is the performance king.

[@MRPB54]

@@RCReviewChannel thats what me and my son run Trx4 sport with 2 speed trans

[@RCCarTech]

I will not buy another RC car. I will not buy another RC car. I will not buy another RC car. :-) Very informative video, as usual. If you could only have one of the two (and had to keep it stock), which would you get?

[@giuseppegambino790]

Jeep gladiator

[@RCCarTech]

@@giuseppegambino790 I definitely want to get one (I have the Defender).

[@tobydyes]

You can use it for climbing you put the rear wheels in neutral and the front tires grab you and pull you up

[@martinsrc8752]

Trx 4 still unbeatable :)

[@RCReviewChannel]

So many variations of it.

[@martinsrc8752]

@@RCReviewChannel Exactly. Unlocking diffs and gearbox. That makes it a winner in my opinion.

[@didjterminator808]

Even though the Galdiator won this round - I would like to see the performance increase it gets when all of the teething issues it has (bad left turn, stock tires, etc...) have been fixed (maybe you could then see how it compares to the fully modified TRX-4 too). on a side note - could you make a video where you go through and test which 550 size motors can fit into which crawlers? I know you can easily fit the hobbywing fusion into the SCX-10-3 gladiator and an element RC chassis but can it also fit into an old SCX-10-2? and if it can't, how you can modify it so it does. love your videos!

[@RCReviewChannel]

True!! We're very inspired now to mod our Gladiator. The baseline performance is very good indeed.

[@boldrbangr9834]

Nice job! I have a Gladiator & a TRX4 & both are excellent rigs, but I just love the Gladiator. I have to like the way a rig looks & for me that trumps ultimate performance.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yup, it looks better.

[@sitlos.]

The trx4 6x6 still looks the coolest imo. Lol

[@mickd8188]

Perfect comment mate... to say the wrangler lost and the Gladiator won is only looking at one aspect of the comparisons, the 10iii with its super scale details, an interior, a scale motor cover, programmable electronics, dig, beadlocks etc all seemed to be ignored for an irrelevant tug of war and stock climbing abilities. Cheers 👍

[@saltysteel3996]

TRX4 K5 Blazer is the best looking truck I've ever seen.

[@half8rc.134]

How about plastic and gear thickness and strength test.

[@blakevanklooster8869]

I know I’m a little late but you held both the Scx10 iii gladiator and wrangler back in the race as the have a 2 speed transmission but you left the dig option in so just saying it does have an option for second gear just have to use the dig servo for the transmission or upgrade to a 4 Chanel radio with another servo for the transmission

[@gregkeezee5969]

I would love to see a good review on the new PROLINE BIG BORE SCALER SHOCKS on that gladiator or any truck...#RCreview

[@ziggyzbeak]

compair the others without the tire like the bronco or the k5 even the sport

[@jeremymiller2340]

Good video brother, that is a nice machine wow, very impressive indeed, feel like I'm cheating on my trx4s 🤣

[@fenrisgaming8982]

I disabled the dig on mine and put the servo on the two speed because I bought mine more as a trail truck than a crawler.

[@lsswaptheworld9092]

Looks like that was a fun day. I'll probably get an scx10iii wrangler.

[@comeandtakeit5709]

Very helpful video. I’m thinking of entering into this hobby with my son and I’ve been on the fence with what platform to start with.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gladiator_805]

Well the gladiator body fit the trx4

[@npc5569]

Do you Think maybe you could do a gladiator 3 and trx4 sport video comparison?

[@thrillbilly2474]

My first hobby grade RC was a Traxxas so I understand the strong following with them. Over the years I’ve switched to Axial mostly for the aftermarket/customization support. Hard to argue the SCX10 isn’t the most modular platform out there. Even thoughi run Axial I’m not a fan of the scx10.3s BUT when it comes down to it, it’s a trail/crawl rig and the Axial looked ALOT more stable on the rocks than the Traxxas hands down.

[@desertbadgerrc3360]

One of your best videos to date! 👊🦡🤘

[@RCReviewChannel]

Ha! Appreciate that comment!!!

[@DronemanJoeRc]

I just got the Gladiator and several times during this video I noticed when you was talking about the gladiator you was pointing to the defender and vice verse. Like at the end you said the Gladiator won and your camera pointed over to the defender. other than that nice video.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Point taken.

[@RCOffRoad76]

Don't like look of all these modern jeep bodied RC's but Do like the look of that Gladiator though...maybe it's the extra length makes it look better, do think putting a TRX Bronco/blazer up against it would of been fairer though

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, it's a jeep but unique enough. That rack really completes it.

[@bigt1576]

Dat tug of war looked like a RC ballerina lmfao......XD

[@chrisjames5823]

Not sure what this proves. But always fun to watch!

[@ramo0901]

Another great video. Thanks for what you do here.

[@danialirfan8847]

For me i'll make an combination rig to the competitor. Like Trx4 chassis/transmission, using the Ar45 axle & gladiator originally wheelbase 😂😂

[@NaterTater182]

Gotta put the TRX-4 in crawl mode in the ESC.

[@RCReviewChannel]

It's in crawler mode for sure. The other mode is unusable for rocks.

[@quarans08]

was the trx-4 in crawl mode?

[@rcaddict7638]

I would like to build a trx4 but my next build is gonna be a scx10 raw builders kit

[@americanbigfoot7881]

I’m a fan of Axial and Traxxas and I will admit I’m a huge fan of the scx10.2 but not so much the scx10.3 but very surprised as it looks like it is the new king! I think traxxas spent too much time worrying about the top speed and cruise control features while axial focused more on trail/climbing like the dig function and the long wheelbase helps with climbing and descending. Just imagine the scx10.3 on better tires! For racing I like Traxxas (slash etc) But for trails and crawling I think Axial is better, that’s just what they’ve focused on mostly

[@bryanmendoza2770]

can you possibly compare it with the gs02 komodo pickup please....

[@carwatchingjdm8624]

Im thinking about getting the gladiator

[@RCReviewChannel]

A bit expensive but it's a looker and performer.

[@sitlos.]

Love the vids but not sure this was a fair fight. The defender is a trail crawler and the gladiator is a rock crawler. It should do better on the rocks. Also 1 1/2 inches in wheel base and not as top heavy makes a massive difference. The bronco or the Chevy would be closer fight probably and they are even trail crawlers also. The sport would be the equivalent in all honesty, Just with the Traxxas body on it! The fact that the defender is close actually says more positive about the defender then the other way around. Just a thought. Have a good day and stay safe. Keep them vids a rolling. 😁👍. The gladiator does look a lot nicer tho I will say that. Sharp looking. More like the 6x6. Kinda sleek even.

[@RCReviewChannel]

For sure. They're both trail crawlers though. Both doing their best to be scale. But both are very capable for sure. The Bronco does a little better than the Defender and the Sport does A LOT better than the Defender. Same chassis, just different weights on the body.

[@sitlos.]

@@RCReviewChannel yes and no. They list the axial as a rock crawler! Interesting yes. Lol

[@sitlos.]

I don’t think they are trying to match against the defender. Think they wanted to match against the sport maybe?

[@nexus7138]

You are sounding a little confused. But perfectly valid opinion in my eyes, just i don't agree at all with it. Opinions ;). Next time Axial should put on the next scx10 iii version the label "trail and park crawler".

[@sitlos.]

@@nexus7138 what sounds confusing? Maybe I can better explain it for ya?

[@jaredharris1970]

I’m torn between both I saw a used trx 4 on eBay for 325 come with the battery and transmitter whats the first thing I should check out on a used trx 4 ?

[@spoiler42ify]

Aren't the Bronco or Blazer better than the defender box stock? Between those and Gladiator, which to pick?

[@lowrevsrc]

Are you going to do a video on the steering fix ?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes! I have the 'before' footage now.

[@lowrevsrc]

@@RCReviewChannel when will you be doing the “after” ?

[@danielgomez9613]

I dont know if I should get the new trx4 2021 bronco or this axial gladiator!!! Helpppppp

[@thomascastle5742]

Lol the scx10 3 has a 2 speed aswell just factory isn't engaged

[@DoubleClutchProductions]

Is this spot up be De Anza?

[@imthebigeggy2]

You should do the scx10 ii vs trx4

[@donniethompson7485]

Does the Defender have same platform as bronco?

[@hoganater487]

Did you ever figure out how to fix the servo arm from hitting the panhard mount on the scx10 iii? Is there any aftermarket that fixes this issue? Trying to figure out how to fix mine so I get full turning radius. Thanks!

[@nomore25]

Is the trx4 defender true scale of real defender? I think it is larger than 1:10

[@RCReviewChannel]

Looks a hair big

[@LowsHand]

Nicely Done mate!

[@jeffadkins4927]

Hey guys ID like to add a request for a review. Ive been looking at the super cheap brushless esc and motor combos on amazon. You know the sub 50 dollar ones. ID love to see an honest review and testing of one

[@RCReviewChannel]

Noted! We're not very inspired though by Amazon, noname gear. They usually work decent but nothing special.

[@mickd8188]

For $50...? Is it sensored and what kV ? Sounds more like something you'd put in a 2wd slash or rustler. Cheers👍

[@jeffadkins4927]

I see both sensored and sensorless on there and thet start at 3300kv

[@hpez71]

i’m more likely scx10, looked smooth when climbing and more realistic.

[@Gambit-jo4rw]

awesome review for gladiator!!

[@jollyhotdog2016]

I just bought the defender but i kinda regret it after watching this lol just like the look of the gladiator better in stock

[@saltysteel3996]

Should have got the Blazer or Bronco TRX4. They look so amazing.

[@charlieburger2124]

This is not related to the video but I just got a trx4 sport and I’m using a 3s 2200 50c battery. Will 50c cause my truck to overheat? Should I get a 30c or 20c?

[@MRPB54]

You should have no issues at all since by gearing and motor type they aint made for speed

[@charlieburger2124]

@@MRPB54 thank you

[@williamwright4162]

The C rating of a lipo has to do with the amount of current the battery can discharge. The 50c can discharge at a higher rate than the 20c. Since crawlers don’t draw a lot of amps, a lower c battery works just fine. Higher c ratings are more necessary in high draw applications like high powered bashers or race vehicles. That said a 50c battery will work just fine. A higher C rating won’t make a vehicle run hotter

[@davidrainey968]

your's is the only Gladiator review I've seen where the dig servo did not burn out in the first hour. Any problems with the dig servo?

[@RCReviewChannel]

ah yes, it burned up. We didn't talk about it since we discussed it a bit on our last video.

[@davidrainey968]

@@RCReviewChannel my bad ... missed it. apologies.

[@jasonhahn7840]

Anyone know why a trx4 would turn while backing up? I recently went from a normal controller to a 4 channel controller and new transmitter on the chassis. Since then the trx4 turns while backing but is straight while driving. Please help!!!

[@saltysteel3996]

That is strange. Ever figure it out?

[@egm092478]

Don't like that heavy defender body at all , i would have use the sport. And I don't care about one beating the other cause most people are going to modify them anyways. Love my trx4 but next for me is the Capra 1.9.

[@Vato_Loco_rc]

Wow the gladiator might actually be real competition for the trx4,doesnt do half bad at all

[@RCReviewChannel]

We are happy to see it do well!

[@sitlos.]

The trx4 sport would kill it and so would the 6x6. The longer wheel base of the gladiator does help it against the top heavy defender. The defender is a trail crawler. The gladiator is suppose to be a rock crawler, that’s how they label it anyhow. Not really a fair fight. Lol.

[@Vato_Loco_rc]

@@sitlos. but still the gladiator really went above and beyond today i was impressed

[@Nerm78]

How does your modified scx10 ii stand up to the Gladiator?

[@RCReviewChannel]

10 ii does very, very well. It's a great platform ready for many directions. Not a great scaler though since it's so light. Best with a light body.

[@sewstarentertainment5512]

The real winner is the defender because it is a better crawler

[@karenmontoya7466]

Facts

[@crispyduck4922]

not gonna lie, trx4 is overkill but I still wanna have it.

[@trentwolff7761]

Do you think that the gladiator or trx4 is a better platform to mod to hell

[@CasperRc81]

Before chopping my defender body dramatically that’s the most stable of seen it hopping up and down 🤣🤣

[@DirtyRC101]

Does the scx10 have a small fan on it´s esc?

[@RCReviewChannel]

No. Not needed anyway.

[@saltysteel3996]

It's just a very whiny motor.

[@adenpeaster4806]

I would say it was a tie but good vid

[@raptor3291]

they look funny as they try to pull each other lol!

[@RCReviewChannel]

crazy huh?

[@alexandergomez4193]

I go for axial I have not watched it ima about to

[@AlyToppo1]

The defender has an disadvantage because of the heavy body

[@aguilarsergio4323]

Wow!!! Axial #1

[@ziggyzbeak]

axial copy of trxxas got it fight after 3 years lol

[@GlitchPG3D]

If you had the rustler it would win

[@RCAdventurePalopo]

👍👍

[@Skurwensyn_z_Rivii]

Axial better 👍

[@GyuHobbyRC]

I enjoyed a great video let's be friends. 😀😀 우리 친구 해요!!!!!

[@grandmaster-grouch]

the defender defends. go figure

[@tinycrawlers801]

💪

[@Retro8itmods]

Would have been better using the sport TRx4, you know the weight is offset with the defender. Defender isn’t the best at climbing because of the body

[@mrniceguy2496]

who is a fan of traxxas

[@RCReviewChannel]

trx-4 has earned a lot of fans.

[@mooniedizzel6443]

Not me.

[@Charlesbjtown]

RIP brushed motors....

[@mikep.9338]

👍🏾👍🏾

[@andyb4796]

First thing, take that spare tire off the Defender. Absolutely ruins its climbing abilities.

[@coloradorccrawler6863]

Im just here to see axial playing catch up traxxas wins again

[@RCReviewChannel]

@deezomaxima What's your setup btw? Did you change the motor/esc?

[@slick1523]

wow im early

[@RCReviewChannel]

Early is good!

[@grandmaster-grouch]

last time I said that my kid was born 9 months later.. lol

[@slop604]

I like how the trx4 is better at everything except what it’s meant to do lmao

[@saltysteel3996]

TRX4 is the best crawler on the market out of the box. The Defender is the worst body to have one it, especially with that spare tire on the back. The Axial having to force me to choose between dig function or 2 speed transmission function kills the deal. TRX4 with independent locking and unlocking diffs with the 2 speed transmission is more useful and more fun.

[@조정식-w5p]

이건 무거운 놈이 이김

[@timbogema5673]

Face on Face Off Face on Face Off LOL

[@kevinmasters7189]

Of course the scx iii is gonna beat the trx4 in most categories. Axial took the trx4 and said "we gotta make it better than this."

[@saltysteel3996]

Funny how TRX4s are beating the Axial trucks in most competitions.

[@bananaman7646]

@@saltysteel3996 also funny how most professional competition trucks in tournaments mostly use scx10 ii or iii platforms

[@Adampage69]

mask on young child outside thats weird

[@kennethrobinson9008]

Wow! Really. Stay safe and great video.

[@rickwhitman6435]

5th

[@RCReviewChannel]

caller number 5 wins

[@rickwhitman6435]

@@RCReviewChannel what did I win.lol

[@RCReviewChannel]

@@rickwhitman6435 a virtual high five!

[@rickwhitman6435]

@@RCReviewChannel sweet right back at ya

[@creelus3983]

You didn't even hook up the two speed in the gladiator. Not a cool review.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Box stock challenge fyi. To hook up the 2-speed, I’d need to buy many parts and take the tranny apart.

[@blakesmith5227]

that was such a one sided review I disliked your vid

[@RCReviewChannel]

Sorry to hear. Which side was it leaning towards in your view?

[@blakesmith5227]

@@RCReviewChannel the defender clearly won the challenge and lots of other people thought the same

[@rccustomtvbuilder5094]

sir! notice me haha