Axial UTB18 rc rock crawler tested and reviewed

Axial UTB18 unboxing, test and review. Upgrades and mods discussed
Axial UTB18 - alnk.to/caZP6WA
Traxxas TRX4m - www.amainhobbi...

[@MauzyrockRC]

I removed the shock perches and that lowered the stance some. I also added the furitek combo. Amazing! cheers

[@RCReviewChannel]

Removed the shock perches. Wil try that asap.

[@CrawlerRuth]

Scale means nothing anymore. RC size needs to be based on the wheelbase.

[@RCReviewChannel]

It is still our best measure of the size of our RC's. Some folks stray a little bit to the next size designation. But labeling 3-4 sizes off is not good for anyone.

[@blastarrow5938]

wheelbase, motor size and tire size is all that matters. And hardware to a degree. As each scale gets bigger the hardware usually gets a size or two bigger.

[@joepiper6064]

If you sypher the numbers on the wheel base it is 1/14 scale

[@kregadeth5562]

I begrudgingly agree

[@Djkommode]

@@blastarrow5938 you do know cars and trucks have all kinds of sized hardware. Let’s not make it complicated scale chassis wheel base and bodies.

[@troywilliams3535]

I went brushless with mine and I put the intercoastal Pro-Line tires on it I live on a farm I put new shocks and run it through the fields with a great big smile on my face make it yours it's a fun platform

[@mikerainey3847]

It's been a surprisingly fun crawler for me. Put the furitek stinger system in it and took the springs off of the stock shocks. Whole different breed of crawler now. Also I put a switch on the lights. You're right nice lights but annoying to be on all the time

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very, very good!!! I have that Stinger too and the furitek chassis. I know I'll end up with 4w steer. Did you change the shock oil or left it?

[@mikerainey3847]

Also I changed out the wheels to 1.9's with JConcepts tusks and flubber stuffers. It really is planted now...

[@RCReviewChannel]

oooooh, now we're talking

[@SteadfastRC]

I suspect the only reason they labeled this 1/18 is because they were panicking and trying to take some market share from the trx4m

[@kennethrobinson9008]

I have to disagree. HH is over 500m to Traxxas 50m annually. And it takes time to design and package a product. I'm still puzzled about the scale nomenclature.

[@SteadfastRC]

@Kenneth Robinson a large portion of horizion is aircraft and boats too. If we are talking just ground vehicles Traxxas is for sure a major consideration for them.

[@blastarrow5938]

Nah, it's just because it's between their "1/10" (more like 1/9) and "1/24" (more like 1/20) stuff. It's really more like 1/14th scale (maybe even bigger) and the Traxxas is closer to 1/19th.

[@kennethrobinson9008]

@@SteadfastRC True. HH scale proportions align with the actual buggies in this category. The RC world has manipulated sizing for appearance & design for so long it has skewed the scale of the 1:1 vehicles represented.

[@kennethrobinson9008]

@@blastarrow5938 Right. And that doesn't account for tire and wheel sizing most of the time.

[@BEACH-RC]

When I saw the marketing I was not interested in an 18th scale. Then I saw one in person and saw the real size I thought $250 wasn't too bad. I purchased one. Yes it sits too high (removed the springs), RTR electronic are weak (added a 1080 & Flysky rx), and added 1.9" tires with significant weight in front. Haven't even had it out on the rocks yet and I can tell it is much better than when it was in stock form. Next; brushless, 4ws, servo upgrade, & steering links. I think I'm going to like this.

[@RCReviewChannel]

That's exactly my point. It's a good car to build on and customize but they may have harmed themselves by labeling this $250 a 1/18 since none/few sit in that category. For its actual size though, it's a fair.

[@JDuke-uw3fk]

I just compared it to an Ultra4 chassis and it's technically 1/15.5 scale. However, I would assume that Axial deliberately called it 18th scale because it's filling the space that was once occupied by the Losi Mini Crawler. I think they were hoping to revive that market segment. I bought one a year ago and just got another recently. One is set up as a hardcore comp mini. The other is a rock bouncer, crawl/bash combo. Both are insanely fun and when set up right (with minimal budget) can do ALL 10th scale lines for scale rigs, and at least 90% of 10th scale lines for comp rigs.

[@johnlujan8706]

Just got this yesterday, and I agree that it's in need of upgrades.

[@fishnrc294]

I’ve switched out almost everything & the electronics are next. I have Club 5 upgrades including metal body panels & back light. I have 1.9 metal beadlocks & J Concepts 4.1 tires. I’ve got it sitting a bit lower but will probably replace the shocks. There’s already metal axles & parts to make it 4 wheel steer.

[@scottyh72]

It's geared too high, too narrow, and the tires need support. Mine has a DIY brushless system, wider hexes, modified link geo, lower ride height, and DIY no foams. Also installed rear steer. Now it's a beast.

[@rcjoe406]

Mine sat for awhile after xmass saw all the things u did right away ..I recently put a 1060esc with a spectrum stl2 i had laying around its perfect now slow crawl greatness oh all I did was tape the holes on the stock tires gave nice sidewall support nothing eles and its a little beast follows 1/10 scale 500 dollar rigs lol

[@harald_hans]

I love mine very much but I removed the Furitek because I have to much "cogging" - I tried everything and every combination in the app but I am not satisfied - put back the original motor and a HW 1080 - perfect ! Now the rig has also enough power for two 8,4V servos (yes - there will be a 4WS convertion) 😉

[@TheShopMiniRC]

Thank you for agreeing that this thing is no where near 1/18. It’s actually a 1/13.8 when based off the 1/10 version measurements.

[@thebackyardairgunner8776]

Ya i'm with ya on the 1/14 list scale cause it sure isn't 1/18 haha

[@fishnrc294]

Remember your taking it on 1:10 scale lines. If you took it on the same type terrain as a 1:18 or abit larger it would go over it like nothing.

[@michaeldorich4485]

This is a very good review. The crawleris more like an 11th scale.

[@rcwreck-creation]

Before you compare to other vehicles in the same scale, you have to know size differences between the actual 1:1 vehicles? Maybe the smaller vehicles are out of scale? Is the length & width an 18th of the 1:1 vehicle? This is how you find real scale, not by comparing 3 different vehicles. Scale is not a specific size or wheelbase to be compared across all vehicles. Another easy way to explain it is Scale is a fraction of whatever the 100% is.

[@snakehips12345]

If you use the 1/10th Capra's wheelbase, a full sized Capra would have a 125" (10 x 12.5") wheelbase. Divide that by the 9" wheelbase on the UTB18 here (125" / 9"), and you get a 1/13.89th scale vehicle. Or a 1/14th scale.

[@rcwreck-creation]

@@snakehips12345 that’s a way better way to do it, than comparing to other vehicles. Thank you. 👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Sure I understand that for sure. Not a lot of 1:1 capras out there though and this one is just way off the charts

[@snakehips12345]

I've got a burning question; Would you rather pack this UTB18 or the UTB10 in a backpack on your mtb? I've noticed that you're a mountain biker as well, kinda  (eMTB joke) but I've really been eyeing-up this UTB18 because I think it's the perfect balance between size and capability and can fit in a backpack. But should I just get the UTB10 instead? Or would it be a pita packing it around? Dumb question, I know, but I’m just looking for your thoughts  Thanks!

[@RCReviewChannel]

UTB18 for sure!!!! With the right tuning, this can be really capable. And it's only 2 lbs so it can be protected in a small pack where I can do some real trail riding!!!

[@davidscott6164]

The 18 for sure, I saw a UTB18 based custom build a few weeks ago that was nearly as capable as a 10, but still consistent lighter, I've only gotten into 24s so far but I kinda want to build up one of these too. With the 10s, there's no way I would lug that around with me, the size just as much as the weight would be an issue

[@BABYPOP028]

New video camera Francis? Looks good 👍🏻

[@RCReviewChannel]

same ole, same ole. It does well sometimes depending on lighting

[@jerryvolpini7987]

A bit behind with this review? ! If you look at the Losi Mini Rock crawler, scale is almost identical and that was released as 1/18 scale. The truck has its flaws but great bones! I think this will really shine with a bit of work!

[@danseto1745]

I like your comment of Jesus Christ that light is bright. I've never heard you swear during a review. You are very entertaining. I now want that light bar.

[@NutjobGTO]

Do you have any 1/12 size trucks with a Bronco-equivalent bodies? So we can plunk down 1/18, 1/12, and in between there's _this thing_

[@NutjobGTO]

@@EMTBReview well yes, but I meant like... Put them next to each other. In a picture. Here is Truck in 1/18. Here is Same Truck in 1/12. And here is New Product To Judge And Discuss Between The Two.

[@kennethrobinson9008]

Excited to see what you think about the Capra UTB18 after a few modification. My setup rivals most of my rigs in performance. What's in a name? After you kill a few lines im sure you will agree.

[@RCReviewChannel]

I think it's got that potential. It'll be a carry-on cheater rig!

[@jps3903]

They erred simply because a 1/12 scale at $250 is not that bad. However, were I an uneducated consumer who didn’t personally lay eyes on it there is no way I would pay $250. That marketing team needs to rethink what they are doing. It’s a borderline idiotic mistake on their part.

[@RCReviewChannel]

They harmed their company and the consumer base in one fell swoop. To keep up with Traxxas perhaps??

[@jeffnewhart491]

Its way closer to 12th! But a scx24 is about 20th. I thought model car companies were bad with being off scale... Rc stuff is just like yeah its whatever is popular right now. Don't worry about actual measuring. And call it 18th but make it just ever so slightly cheaper to build than a 10th rig...

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. I don think many will not buy this since they think it's tiny for the money

[@troywilliams3535]

Have you ever bought a 1/10 summit from Traxxas lol this one's got Fox stickers on it so it's safe rather its 1/18 or 1/10 I like it great job by the way I watch your videos a lot so let me just say thank you

[@fishnrc294]

You have to check out the Treal & Club 5 upgrades. You won’t even recognize it.

[@BrothrBob]

Francis, You can keep it, lol

[@doesunlee212]

It's 18th scale from the real vehicle not toy size!

[@theoalbert897]

Not even gonna watch this cause it's a simple answer the trxm is almost the same size as the scx24 so I would have to say the axial is on par to what 18th scale should be, also it looks right next to wpl 18th scale crawlers so it's on traxxas lol

[@MalcolmSmith-jw6pn]

Looks like it’s more comparable to the 1/12 mn series of crawlers.

[@randall4411]

They should of stayed with the scx24 size . They have aftermarket support and a community .

[@scottyh72]

This a much better product. 24's are toys.

[@Djkommode]

My big hands are not 1/24 friendly lmao

[@randall4411]

@dj kommode mine either ...I run them in the living room & in the garden outside occasionally. I like big bashers.

[@ttzombie]

NO - Axial did not make a mistake. AXIAL UTB18 is PERFECT along with the previous AXIAL CAPRA and the new AXIAL AX24. THESE ARE THE COOLEST !!!!!!

[@gripking131313]

If you guys ever see a real life 1-1 rock racer they dwarf your standard SUV in every way.

[@RCReviewChannel]

True. But this this is still way off as 1/18

[@jpokorny2268]

The lights are 18000

[@RCReviewChannel]

What's that mean? Blinder lights for sure.

[@chainsaw7887]

Axial got it right. The trx4m should be 1/24.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Haha, if the Capra scale is right then every rc scale in existence is wrong :)

[@TheShopMiniRC]

Not even close. The TRX4M is actually 1/18. Math is math and the math says the UTB18 is a 13.8 when scaled from the 1/10 and the TRX4M defender is a 1/19 and the TRX4M bronco is a 1/18. The axial scx24s are all basically 1/22. (Except the gladdy, which is actually 1/24) It should have been the UTB14.

[@redndeyes]

Love ours. Running 3s hw1080 and a buch of other mods of course. Stock it's mediocre at best. All in all perfect size for me aside from 10th scale. 1 servo lasted 30min tops 😆 aftermarket is holding the hobby together. Stock esc is garbage.

[@RCReviewChannel]

much appreciated!!! Are you on the stock motor?

[@iron9973]

i would call it 1/12 or 1/14 , too big to be 1/18

[@kregadeth5562]

First?