Battle of the Portals - TRX-4 vs. Gen 8 vs. CFX-W

High clearance portal axles are used in these three amazing vehicles. Buy here to support RC Review:
Traxxas TRX-4 for $340 - bit.ly/2YAMbet
Redcat Gen 8 for $300 - bit.ly/2XGVEE3
MST CFX-W for $340 - bit.ly/2LJhvEt
Buy your kits and upgrade parts from this Amainhobbies link to support RC Review: snp.link/6640d084
Join the RC Review Facebook Group here: / 302319827122846 for early videos and extra footage.

[@DavidFernandez-sc5ws]

I got the unassembled crawler kit with locking diffs and 2 speed trans. I love it.

[@jerrywatson1958]

I have the TRX4 Defender and I've been loving it for years. Portals remote locking diffs, and two speed tranny. What's not to love. I updated the electronics to SW4 and a Holmes Hobbies Revolver 1800KV. The radio has held up. I really like the "cruise control" for long treks on the trail.

[@montesamapping]

Really interesting and professional as usual !

[@tomandrews5392]

your having a great time testing the RCs out....keep up the great content.....

[@RCReviewChannel]

We're having fun, learning and sharing. That is the goal.

[@rizla1_uk211]

Really enjoy your vids, always informative. Personally, i just love my TRX4 Defender. My other 3 crawlers don't even come close. Keep up the good work.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right? Crazy how such the big beast of a Defender can work so well.

[@Pedro123-s6v]

Probably i gonna buy the cfx w j40 as soon as available... Looks awesome

[@SnarkyRC]

I've had all three of these platforms and my favorite was the CFX-W. It has the best all around performance and build quality imo.

[@Cannabis_Connoisseur]

If a truck ever comes out better than the trx4 for around the same price itll be something for sure. Love my trx4 kit.

[@RCReviewChannel]

TRX-4 kit for sure. Good servo, put some weight in the tires and smoother ESC will make it even better. Maybe a couple brass bits.

[@pwrofgrayskull]

AGREED. Two Defenders and a TRX-4 kit in our family. Hands-down love them more and drive them more than our other trucks. A lot of value and durability in them for basically the same $ as the closest competition.

[@andyb4796]

The Absima Sherpa or Yikong 4102 is a very strong contender

[@andyb4796]

Yikong 4102 Pro. This crawler should be tested, it‘s an insanely good crawler

[@rueagonvyceratops2879]

my portal choice was the traxxas trx 4 sport , and the pass 4 days i have been driving it none stop , because i am loving how good it performs off road.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. We love your choice. Appreciate the share.

[@douglaselliott8298]

I can't believe how much fun I'm having daily with my TRX4-Sport. It's like a super obedient pet that doesn't pee or poop.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Exactly. It's the gift that keeps on giving.

[@pwrofgrayskull]

Such a perfect summary, so true! 🤣😂

[@BlvlWmpower]

I'm definitely getting a sport. I don't want something that will break easily.

[@sprather84]

Great explanation instant new sub 👍🏻💯🤜🤛

[@sprather84]

@@BlvlWmpower yesss my sport is so tufff

[@zkgarage1939]

That Tex has now beat 11 cars. Wow that's insane 😂

[@ace73pq]

Cool! I will add the CFX-W in my collection, one day... I already have too many of the others! LOL :D

[@operation11charlieinc]

GOOD info brother like Always

[@rcadventuresunlimited]

My favorite is the MST CFX, great crawler 👍

[@scottschnars1234]

Traxxas was not the first with portal axles, it was gmade r1

[@christiantomancik4750]

I built a MST CFX-W from the kit-option, and i must say, that it is superior to my TRX4 Sport (bit modded) and Gen8 (steel wheels with Pitbull rubbers else stock) concerning climbing. Zero torque-twist too. However i built it as real crawler, and not a trial vehicle. It is able to climb obstacles in lines, my other vehicles do not manage. Added an axial 55t, 17 tooth pinion, mst-esc (for the longer cables), Duratrax-rubbers on alu-wheels and 90mm Desert Lizard shocks (semi droop). Body is a RC4WD Beast 2 Cabin only.

[@MarcoAurelio-vi2wd]

Christian do you think that's possible to fit mst cfx-w body (J45C) on TRX4 SPORT chassis?

[@christiantomancik4750]

@@MarcoAurelio-vi2wd i think so.

[@tomandrews5392]

I have both portal and non portal rigs they both have there place Axial is light and has great climbing ability the TRX 4 it seems to be great all around ….I did one TRX 4 with lots of brass components own low it climbs better but side hilling has been greatly reduced . TXR 4 Sport builder I have I want the other direction a little brass up front and just a lights rig all thru better side hilling and climbing … Axail on the other hand is short wheel base light rig added a little weight upfront (rethinking that idea)...great video.....

[@jps99]

I love my Gen 8 with the portal axles. I think it's a lot of crawler for 269.

[@ReadySetRC]

The TRX-4 is just a solid truck. Going to be hard to knock that rig off of the top of the portal hill. Great video as always👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right? When simplified, it is an amazing performer.

[@mangoboyz4209]

Thanks for sharing

[@RandomRCTV]

Don't forget that going downhill is as important as going up. How do they fair going down slopes ?

[@PhilHenzig]

While I can see the total advantage of the Portals I read about and hear guys in my area that are breaking them to often. If your day gets cut short and you have to keep fixing them to me that is a deal breaker. Never mind the money for parts waiting for them , etc. The summer is so short in the Midwest I'll stick to the stock ones and I and my wife love our Redcat Gen 7's. We did the things you suggested to them in your review and they are proving to be great fun performers for us as a lot of us starting this year for the first time just want to enjoy the fun of the crawling hobby and replace things as needed. Love your reviews and look forward to more from you in the future!

[@RCReviewChannel]

The Gen8 portals break. The TrX4 portals are crazy strong

[@PhilHenzig]

@@RCReviewChannel The Trx4 guys have also broke a few here!

[@Ziggy8750]

PhilHenzig I beat the piss out of my trx4 sport 4-8 hrs a week with a mambaX/2850kv slate for a year and broke nothing. Currently maining a 10ii but probably going back to a trx4

[@marcochavanne]

@@PhilHenzig might just be bad operators

[@RevolutionX]

Technically.. CFX-W chassis was released before both of the other 2. Only thing that came later is the body/rtr. The chassis was out even before the TRX4 defender.

[@RCReviewChannel]

yeah, it's aged a bit. Also price is a bit dated too

[@rstmadmike]

I crawl rock faces at a water fall and I don't use portals because of straight up climbs, I have a scx10 II

[@667Gurba]

Guess portals are only a plus when the extra ground clearens is needed?

[@timomies4513]

Good video.

[@SteadfastRC]

I don't have a trx to compare to my gen 8 but I would think that with the same tires ect. the gen 8 would be the better dirt hill climber do to the greater wheel speed?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Possibly, if the body is lightened up to a different one.

[@henkiepda]

hello! and for you which is better? thanks

[@RCModelling4U]

I've got an SCX10ii, modded TRX4 Defender chassis (locked Sport diffs, Killerbody LC70), and a CFX-w 313mm (hardbody Landcruiser). The CFX is the best to run, the best quality, and the best engineering. The TRX has cost me a fortune in replacing electronics, motor, servo, and broken drivetrain parts. The SCX is the Reely Free version, it was the cheapest, has been abused constantly, and has never broken anything.

[@sjoormen1]

TRX4 rocks. And longer I own it more I like its looks. Ieven bought proline body for it, but I like original more.

[@davexmonikerx4758]

I’d like to see the shoot out done again, with the same wheels and tires on each truck.(and possible electronics) As all three are available in a chassis kit form. That would be the true test of the chassis.

[@chrisdraudt3713]

Would love to see you do a review of the Gmade R1 (it has portals & it's like 10 years old) Always enjoy your vids!

[@RCReviewChannel]

We'll see if one comes our way. We usually focus on new releases these days do to limited time

[@elcoqui6673]

YOUR BLUNTNESS IS SECOND TO NONE !!! 👍👍👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

momma always said be honest. But be respectful too. :)

[@BillBorrmann]

Fair, I have a Redcat Gen 8.

[@kellerluizdossantos7776]

Nice vídeo

[@henrikcsuri]

Is that a 4.19 or 4.75 KM3 on the Gen8?

[@MarcoAurelio-vi2wd]

Anybody here think that's possible to fit mst cfx-w body (J45C) on TRX4 SPORT chassis?

[@3drc653]

I have not tried any red cat yet, Anyone think it hangs with the TRX4 or SCX10?

[@traxrc]

I have the Gen 8, SCX10, and a Sport and I think that once you get rid of that awful International scout body on the gen 8 it can compete with the other two. Ie got a Proline Jeep Rubicon JK body for our gen 8 and it is sooooo much better. Feel free to check out my gen 8, I have plenty of videos on it.

[@RCVOODOO]

I have all three of those rigs. Watch some videos. You'll see the redcat right there

[@77dxr]

Is it possible to know if the MST JP1 body fits in the TRX4 Sport? Seems to me that it would be a great body for the Traxxas.

[@sprather84]

Agreed

[@77dxr]

Any chance you can make a test fit? Would make a cool JK8

[@stevenhood3313]

Would like to see all truck ran 100% stock even tires then all of them ran on the same aftermarket tire. Little stuff like you mentioned the shock oil may be causing the torque twist be fixed. Would go a long way in helping make a decision. Thanks.

[@gpaje]

Sure, but who honestly runs them stock? Most people into crawlers are going to mod them in some way or in many ways right off the bat. Stock showdown, it's probably going to go to the TRX-4 anyways.

[@zjbmx6025]

I know it’s been a year since you made this comment. But I agree. How was any of this fair. I understand that the cfx has bad stock tires so they put on stock Trx4 tires. But that’s not fair either. Because the trx4 has aftermarket wheels (which add weight down low) also add a little width (sidehilling and overall stability) and gets hyrax tires(well known for being the best crawler tires) this was such a biased video it’s ridiculous. They should have all been running the same tires. And the same wheels. That would be a proper shootout.

[@dantrivett8435]

I like my mst cfx-w it came as a kit and give me a great time building it. I believe it can be made to be better if you put some time it. I also have a trx-4 k10 it is a great truck but I would have liked building it better. The cfx-w is a lighter truck and yes they all need tires to preform better I suggest pro line tires they make the best selection no matter what type of adventure you are on. Loved your review and I believe you are right on just dont count out the cfx-w it just needs some fine tuning it is more of a builders truck.

[@timomies4513]

I' like trx4 sport but the redcat gen8 is good too.

[@chrislane597]

you said redcat is best value yet print in background was traxxas. whats realy goin on lol

[@RCReviewChannel]

Redcat is the best then. The spoken word is truer than the video editor intern :).

[@shawnsingleton9808]

I have the defender with a different body an 2 scx10ii one stock an highly modified an my defender stock is just a amazing with new shock oil an body

[@richm77]

i have a trx-4 bronco along with an rc4wd trailfinder2 full leaf spring with the blazer body and the trx-4 is more fun at 1/3 the cost of my TF2 ugh.

[@yormmm]

I have a trx4 witch i've modifyed quite alot. I did run the proline wrangler body with 313mm wheelbase. I had to cut the chassie rails off to shorten the whole thing. pull in the front bumper way more then was possable by cutting it up. Then the body was narrower so i had to cut off and put the rock sliders on top of the chassie floor. Performs really well, got movies on it in my channel. Will we see any bigger transformations and modifying cars like that on this channel? :)

[@dezfan]

I love portal axles as well as non portal axles depending on terrain. Love the MST’s body! At $340.00 I’ll pass. As say $249.00, I might consider one.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Exactly, price would have been good two years ago. It's a new day now with competition stepping up.

[@richl4827]

Redcat Gen8 Scout II is a BEAST! Realistic and Solid! With the right tires and upgrades, GEN8 New KING OF THE HILL!

[@graymatter45]

Can you get overdrive gears for the Gen8 yet?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Nope. Really a lack of upgrade support it seems.

[@Baldamaniac]

I cant wait for more upgrades to come out for the gen8 my poor gen 8 desperately needs some good upgrade parts

[@graymatter45]

Yes. Although they are impressive right out of the box

[@uriahjover4980]

Do all crawler trucks have locked diff?

[@traxrc]

pretty much

[@uriahjover4980]

@@traxrc thanks man!

[@thor_4017]

I've heard you can build the original scx10 to open differential if you use hpi wheely king differential gears instead of the locker.

[@andyb4796]

Please try a Yikong 4102 Pro, they are amazing!

[@areadierc2803]

Mst is the oldest design but not as a rtr, love them all though.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Ahhh... makes sense now.

[@matthewneufer1758]

Is this the guy who use to win all the championships from back in in day? He looks and talks like him 😉✌️

[@manmonk6219]

Is the TRX-4 stock model?

[@RCReviewChannel]

yes, stock

[@rcothron]

all three should be ran with hyrax to level the playing ground. I have a sport and a gen8, tires make a huge difference

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, good news is we peformed all tests with identical tires to level the playing field. We used the Traxxas Canyon Trail tires for all.

[@JK-qv8sv]

Traxxas non portal lcg trail truck would be a game changer

[@SnarkyRC]

STRC makes a portal delete kit for the TRX4. Makes it a lot better

[@HL-OOI]

At the end of day it’s man behind the wheel that matters..😁

[@RCReviewChannel]

That is true. But if the same man is driving all three, which one will make him look the best?

[@HL-OOI]

Hahaha..that’s personal choice then..can you make some videos on basic crawling methods out in the field? Explaining some of the terms used like departure etc..

[@jesusibarra3608]

Just by looking at description of the video. I'm assuming you're going to go with the trx4... 100 bucks if im wrong

[@RCReviewChannel]

Let's see the $100 first please.

[@jean-francoistaillon8094]

C'est 3 bon Truck.

[@u_t_d_s_h-1_a]

The red car in the middle has food ground clearance though.

[@rcothron]

food?

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I don't see a car !

[@sprather84]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@zeekmx1970]

I had no idea you like Trap.

[@jrduenas3678]

Watching the video, the trucks are taking different lines.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We try the same line on the very first try. Low power too. When they fail, then we have to try all kinds of lines. Such is what you see on the edits with the Gen 8 and the MST.

[@sprather84]

Trx4 sport all day hands down KING OF THE HILL

[@RCReviewChannel]

The betting is line is on! What are the odds right now?

[@sprather84]

@@RCReviewChannel ill let it ride trx4 sport for the win

[@danieldrake7090]

I have 4 Axials and 5 TRX4's. Hardly run the Axials anymore. Got a Gen8 also. Love my TRX4's. Ya just can't beat'em. Would like to see Traxxas make a nonportal crawler just to change it up some.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right? When you're able to compare them all, you realize how well the Traxxas performs.

[@SnarkyRC]

STRC makes a portal delete kit for the TRX4.

[@adamhudson6812]

I think the video overall is great. I don’t doubt your judgement on these trucks but there didn’t seem to be much info given on the MST CFX-W to have viewers really make a educated decision. Nevertheless, I look forward to your videos as they come out!

[@RCReviewChannel]

A full review on the MST is coming out in a couple days. Some observations: - high center of gravity - tires are worthless since too narrow and hard. - drivetrain has a bit of play - axle mounted steering is good. no bump steer - more weight is need up front - a ton of torque twist - cool body and bumper

[@Ziggy8750]

Adam Hudson my buddy has a mst and realistically it will crawl anything. Problem is nobody locally sells parts, and he has broke a couple trans/axle pieces

[@dmvcode3gaming187]

TRX4 hands down

[@RCReviewChannel]

hook, line, sinker.

[@amyniehaus9313]

So like how long have you been on Traxxas's payroll? just curious

[@einaargednochsonn7099]

To do what? Convince the 5k Viewers to Buy an TRX4? C´mon Kid, grow up.

[@showinUPtoCasuals]

Also I have had my mst for 2ishyears.🤣

[@christiantomancik4750]

Hi!

[@showinUPtoCasuals]

Mst came out first.

[@tjsdremodeling5906]

you said that the scout was a better value but on the screen you started that the trx 4 was the winner i have the international i got rid of my trx 4 sport i think the scout is better all the way around your running a isolated test if you do more spots for your tests you would change your opinion like i did i still have the trx 4 bronco but i did get rid of my sport the international crawls way better in my opinion

[@ZennonDamant]

First category, Value, you say Redcat but your video text says Traxxas...

[@RCReviewChannel]

Redcat! Offers more for the money

[@ZennonDamant]

@@RCReviewChannel Yeah figured it was the text that was wrong :)

[@triggerhappyreviews]

My son had saved his money and went to buy a new crawler. He insisted on the Redcat due to the amazing looks. I told him he should get the Traxxas. The redcat plain sucks. Throttle control is terrible and the thing constantly wants to roll over due to the high mounted body. Very disappointed.

[@RCVOODOO]

Traxxas wins servo? lolol Ok. Not even close.

[@voodoostroker]

RC VOODOO Redcat?

[@RCVOODOO]

@@voodoostroker anything besides traxxas servo . Mine lasted one day on a flat trail. Traxxas has the worst stock servo ever!! It's like common knowledge to ditch that servo day one! I'm still using the stock redcat servo and the other rig he has , I don't own, so can't compare that one. I thought the traxxas servo horror stories were exaggerated until I got mine. Total trash..

[@RCReviewChannel]

We know that. But the Redcat and the MST servos are soooo awful and slow. So Traxxas is the king of the duds. The servo on our TRX-4 Sport has been going strong for 6 months. The vehicle is much lighter than the Defender and others and that helped not stress out this servo.

[@RCVOODOO]

@@RCReviewChannel a slow servo is better than one that doesn't work at all. You got lucky if yours lasted more than a one run.👍

[@Blitz0065]

Maybe having a servo that lasts one day is being UNLUCKY (idk) I could be wrong (shrug) LOL