BEST RTR Crawler?? Vanquish Stance vs Redcat Ascent Fusion TESTED!

A LOT of folks have asked me about this. Redcat Ascent Fusion vs Vanquish Stance. Which is the better buy? Which one has better performance?
Other folks have put these two trucks head-to-head...but they had different tires on them or other issues.
I wanted to do this 100% stock vs stock...but had already given away the stock Ascent Fusion wheels.... Except for the Treal wheels on each truck - these two are 100% stock. Which comes out ahead???
Interested in buying one of them? Please buy with this link, as you pay the same price, but I get a small kickback:
Vanquish Stance: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Redcat Ascent Fusion: www.avantlink.com/click.php?t...
Video timeline:
0:00 Best RC Crawler
1:00 Bench Comparison
1:12 Price
1:30 Electronics
2:48 Overdrive
3:12 Weight
3:49 Clearance
6:06 Link Design
6:36 Durability Issues
8:53 Parts Support
9:26 Appearance
10:33 Indoor Crawling
18:31 Indoor Results
22:47 Garage Tests
27:15 The Winner Is
Vanquish Stance full first test drive: • First Drive! Vanquish...
Redcat Ascent Fusion full first test drive: • FIRST DRIVE! Redcat A...
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[@manchildrc]

Great video Troy. I'd like to see the testing repeated with equal tires. For me and I think most folks tires are the first upgrade. For this test, at the end of the day I don't see how anyone could justify the additional cost of the Vanquish. If a person chose to use manufacturer's replacement or upgrade parts; I would have to assume that the Vanquish would be considerably more to upgrade. Using a third party vendor for upgrades would probably equal out a little more. Kudos to Redcat

[@RoadsideRC]

You make a good point - for many folks the $100 extra is not justified, AND all of the upgrade parts also come with a "Vanquish-tax" higher price. But - both are VERY solid choices!

[@bengonzalez5673]

And Vanquish never seem to have anything in stock. Never ending back order and people are flipping parts off part out kits. Crazy.

[@manchildrc]

@@RoadsideRC I agree both are very solid choices.

[@flat-out]

I'm from Canada and amazing that the Redcat Ascent Fusion is still sold out or out of stock in a lot of RC stores online. Before I wanted to get the Stance VRD and the price itself here in Canada is around $675CAD but I also had in mind pricing out upgrades I want to get for it right away like the HW Fusion SE or Pro, a better servo, new tires, inserts and alloy beadlocks. Just those to start would cost me well over $1000CAD just to kinda equalize similar upgrades already included with the Ascent Fusion not including the carbon frame. Here the Ascent Fusion is around $579CAD. Good value and I see why it's out of stock while the Vanquish is always available. I don't mind spending extra $200 on upgrades to the Ascent Fusion it's still worth it...yeah I know it's still slightly different from the VRD Stance, the Stance has servo on axle, different skid. This is Redcat's first attempt they knocked it out of the park already and will just keep improving. RC snobs out there will still bash them down just like with the Vigilante.

[@nicksimon4016]

​@flat-out I love your take here. I'm new to RC crawlers, and a bit of a snob to be honest when it comes to Redcat, but I look at things through an honest POV. All that said, Redcat knocked it out the park here! This is a competition level ready crawler that performs and will need very little to improve to really be competitive. I like it so much that it's gonna be my next RC and will complement my tracked TRX4 perfectly!

[@javierenriquelopezparra6046]

Great video 👍🏼. Hard to choose between these two.

[@RoadsideRC]

Exactly! Thank you.

[@RC-jt2gx]

Thank you so much for all your great work Troy! My opinion, the Fusion Ascent for looks. Just wish it was available in more than one color. A few further comparisons with the same tire and insert combos on each would be fun and informative. Thanks again! 😊

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback! You can order the Fusion body clear and paint whatever color you want as well.

[@frasurechannel2653]

@@RoadsideRC, I'm a fan of what RedCat has been doing, but a bit disgruntled I can't get clear cab only. I think they are making a big mistake. Myself and many others will be buying elsewhere..

[@hoop2635]

I own both of these as well, and I think the Stance is more capable out of the box. The true 4 link suspension and dual stage foams give it the edge, and I tackled lines that I couldnt pull with the Redcat out of the box, but the brushless control of the Redcat is very nice as well. Cant go wrong with either and both very nice rtrs.

[@RoadsideRC]

Nice! Thanks for the feedback! I expected the Vanquish to do things the Redcat couldn't - but just happened to be the other way around for me.

[@flat-out]

​@@RoadsideRCGreat to know that Troy...I'm so happy proud of Redcat, I've supported them over thr years. I started with the 1/24 Sumo Truggy and crawler with them then the Volcano and Everest 10. That quality wasn't there back then but I stuck with them and I saw improvements. Redcar has variety of rigs from crawlers, drifters, those bouncy cars, Haulers and now mega monster truck in Vigilante.

[@NOTORIOUS_J_RC]

Great review. I had money in hand to grab a Vanquish for about two weeks, and just never made it to the hobby store. During that time, Redcat released the Fusion and as soon as I saw it and the electronics the rtr came with, I did a complete 180 and decided to wait for the Fusion to be available in Canada. No regrets at all, and as I'm fairly new into crawling, I might still end up with a Vanquish in the future.

[@RoadsideRC]

Great! I could see as a person new to crawling how the Redcat could be the no-brainer, smart move!

[@davidbertrand7069]

I run a comp series in Atlanta with a few friends. I got to see several Ascents and Stances this year. For me the Stance wins hands down. I’ve seen them repeatedly make lines the Ascent can’t make.

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Thanks for the feedback. Any clue how many mods were done to each of them? It is rare that folks leave things stock.

[@davidbertrand7069]

@@RoadsideRC one of the Ascents had the DSM chassis on it, along with many other mods and was owned and driven by a very experienced comp driver. It was ok but he was able to easily out do it with a cheap Amazon forward skid build.

[@user-yi3qu9jg8l]

Would also like to see them with the same tires. I imagine the Fusion will improve the most but who knows?! Thanks for the detailed testing.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@wingnutbert9685]

Gotta say, THIS is how tests/comparisons should be done! Stock trucks (I'm sure the wheels weren't too different in weight from each other) and on a course that forces the rigs through the same line by having all but zero options for variance. It's super disappointing when people do a "comparison" but the rigs are customized differently and even worse is when they are run on wide open courses and don't run the exact same line. Outdoor, in the wild, just has too may variables. These ramps look to be about a tire width wider than the trucks so much more accurate apples to apples comparison as they can't wander. Well done! And thank you! It would be interesting to see both rigs go again, but both using the same wheels and the same tires/foams. That would clear any stock tire advantage/disadvantage.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thank you for the kind words - I am glad someone appreciates it! :)

[@TheJohnbarks12]

My ascent fusion is coming in tomorrow I’m so excited 😆

[@TheJohnbarks12]

And my vote is for the ascent fusion for looks lol 😂

[@RoadsideRC]

I hope you like it!

[@mika_models]

My vote goes to Acsent. Much better looking body.👍

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@aricschneider7019]

I bought an Ascent Fusion and changed wheels and tires out of the box and that’s all. Love it!! I didn’t even consider the stance. I bought my son in law an Ascent not Fusion though and we upgraded it a lot and they are both my most favorite vehicles I’ve ever owned.

[@RoadsideRC]

They really are quite good!

[@aricschneider7019]

Years ago I bought a VS 410 kit and has nothing but problems and even went to vanquish and other local RC guys for solutions to no avail and swore against them just for that so that was part of my decision. It ended up being a vanquish problem from the factory where parts were incorrectly packaged but I was fed up.

[@zzr1200guy]

Great video, I always wanted to see a stock vs stock comparison. One thing I did learn about the Redcat is the 1800kv fusion in the ascent is a little different than the 1800kv se you buy from Hobbywing. The one you buy from Hobbywing has more tuning options.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! You are right. Supposedly removing some of the tuning options is what helps keep the cost down. Good news - I haven't had a desire to tune it at all.

[@necrodaemus7523]

Right! I have the retail Fusion SE 1800kv in my scx10.3 and debated swapping them but then changed my mind to avoid the hassle because the only change I made was limiting the reverse power from 100% to 25%. The Ascent’s ESC doesn’t really need any adjustments but that would be the one setting I would like to change on it.

[@davidchiasson4262]

I was very torn between the two and finaly went for the redcat because of the price. I'm new to the hobby so price was a big factor. My local hobby shop was kind to explain me the difference between the 2 trucks. Saying that the plastic from teh vanquish might be better quality than the redcat for longevity but that the redcat had better electronics and control. So far very happy with the fusion! Nice Video

[@RoadsideRC]

Awesome! Glad you are liking it so far!

[@leehall3181]

I like them both. I usually change out my links. The tire test would be good.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks! Why do you normally change your links? I'm curious - I rarely do that.

[@bengonzalez5673]

I'm intrigued by the stickers on your work table...VIR, Grassroots Motorsports, Bridgestone Potenza, SCCA Track night. Whatever car you own, it's my kind of ride.

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - in my past, I had a lot of fun!

[@bengonzalez5673]

@@RoadsideRC Same here

[@fuse557]

Great vid! I'll stick with my VRD.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@olymorris8686]

informative video Troy thank you for it. i would like to see them both ran on Pro Line Hyrax, boggers,Tsl Super Swampers, pitbulls and and deep woods to compair both the trucks and the tires for crawling there would have to be dirt involved for the boggers and swampers to show their glory but yeah thats what I want lol ;)

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback! I agree - testing with the same tires will really show any differences!

[@RichD]

Great comparisons Troy. Both trucks are deficient in looks compared to the gen8 so tie on looks? 😊 Maybe use the best tires instead of not great tires for round two? No one likes to drive to Cookeville for a bad tire run!

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - the Gen8 wins. Period, end of conversation! :)

[@rohann1983]

The tire test would be interesting to see. :)

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@thomasblair7996]

Great comparison, for redcat to be up there with vanquish and a lower price, I think it says alot,I would definitely go with the fusion no doubt goes to show you that you don't always have to spend the most to get something good!!!

[@RoadsideRC]

You nailed it!

[@SteveSherar]

I'm very glad I bought a redcat fusion.

[@RoadsideRC]

It really is a great truck.

[@trialnterror]

Redcat looks meaner in my opinion! 🔥

[@jdpasl]

Roadside RC is a real RC doctor.

[@RoadsideRC]

Ha! RoadsideRC, Ph.D :)

[@necrodaemus7523]

Redcat Ascent Fusion wins imo. Better electronics, looks better, lower price/cheaper to repair (or completely eliminate the pin issue altogether).

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback - solid thought process to me!

[@albertmelendez7376]

Yes, do the test with the same tires on both trucks IMO out of the box the redcat looks better

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@MrSmith223]

When you say the “lil pin” on the redcat are you referring to that little set screw? One of mine was loctite from the factory to the point I can’t remove and the other one was loose, so I put some blue on it and now it’s good.

[@RoadsideRC]

It is the pin the set screw tightens against.

[@MrSmith223]

@@RoadsideRC thanks!

[@wingnutbert9685]

The thin links are pretty disappointing on that Vanq. (Esp. since they just happen to offer proper size ones. They should have at least gone with proper size plastic to save cost) A cheap fix before even the first run might be to slip some hobby tubing over them. Might not even need to be glued if you get a good match on the tube ID to the link OD. Are the rod ends removable?

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes - the rod ends are removable - so your idea could really help!

[@hockeybc21]

Good video but looks like metal wheels on the Redcat so not all stock ?

[@peterpettit9945]

The very first thing he said on the video was both trucks are stock except for treal wheels on both

[@RoadsideRC]

Addressed at the beginning of the video.

[@Ricky13rc]

I think head to head same tire would be a great comparison

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks!

[@kirbyjeffery4773]

Waiting on the same tire test but as for looks I like the Redcat better

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback. I guess I need to find some good tires...or maybe some bad tires. :)

[@kirbyjeffery4773]

I would go with a dual stage foam and some proline tires or j concepts but I am sure whatever tires you go with will be just fine

[@llsoonerll]

Redcat !

[@peterpettit9945]

Exact same wheels inserts and tires will show truly what is best

[@RoadsideRC]

I agree! I might just need to do this all over again.

[@80377.]

Just wondering, are you gonna make a video to fix the pin falling out on the Redcat

[@RoadsideRC]

It is on my to-do list!

[@80377.]

Thankyou

[@PaperrouteRC]

The Stance

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

The vanquish did better on the incline due to the overall less weight

[@RoadsideRC]

Makes sense to me.

[@user-rl1xj4ie2v]

I do not own either truck but watching the video is the stance has softer tires than the redcat so to me that would give the stance little advantage over the redcat

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Tires make a huge impact.

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

If Im not wrong redcat ascent came from factory with brass om the wheels isn't it?

[@RoadsideRC]

It has small brass portal covers.

[@michaeldorich4485]

Redcat

[@vdel9036]

Body look : i strongly prefer the Stance. If i had to buy an Ascent, the body would be the first thing to be replaced. Same tire test : not as fair as it seems, as the transmission ratio and all the clearences has been choosen for a precise tire diameter : the original one. A good and fair thing to do would be to swap the wheels.😉

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! The small difference in diameter has never been an issue before. I believe you are honestly giving the exact gearing from the engineers too much credit. People rarely keep the stock tires, motor, esc, etc on these trucks - so to think the vehicle is narrowly designed around that exact feature is intriguing. What difference do you think swapping the wheels would make? They are both made by the same company (Treal) and both weight the same amount.

[@vdel9036]

@@RoadsideRC I hardly can figure the OD difference of the tires on the video. The Ascent seems to run on far smaller tires than the Stance, but maybe i'm wrong. On my mini-crawlers, i feel the rig getting less ease on low speeds when running on bigger tires than the original ones. I now have this in mind when i choose another "shoes".😉

[@modzilla74]

Do vanquish still make the Fordyce? Would that be a closer comparison?

[@RoadsideRC]

Did you watch the video? How much closer do you think it gets?

[@modzilla74]

@@RoadsideRC was just a curious question?

[@RoadsideRC]

@@modzilla74 Gotcha! I read that wrong. No, I believe the Fordyce would not perform as well as either of these.

[@MattPecoraro]

Equal tire test for sure.

[@charlieshankles]

Agreed I would do it with a good tire because most people are going to upgrade to a better tire

[@AgeOrmstad]

Realy nice vs..👍 Redcat wins 💪hmm..🤫😎hehe..

[@Andy_Yates]

I think for breakages, you replace those Stance links, and they don't bend or break again. You replace parts on that Ascent axle, and the same issues persist unless they revise the design. I never hear about people breaking their F10 or F9 axles. I've seen people complain about the Ascent panhard mount on my local fb groups. Things you can't fix on the Ascent is the front upper link because it was designed on the wrong side, and the axles. It seems to perform ok in spite of its front end geometry being incorrect 🤷‍♂ <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="1448">24:08</a> unless it's just the audio compression, seems you goosed the throttle on the Stance compared to the Fusion. For the incline, maybe you cut out those attempts but it would have been cool to see the 55* attempted at crawling speed instead of bump / full throttle from the jump. I'd love to see a comparison on rocks with the same tires

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback Andy! Axle: I replaced the pins with parts from my bin. No more breakage after that. Panhard: never broken one. They do offer an aluminum mount if folks are really concerned. Each incline attempt had multiple attempts. I just picked one that was representative. Neither truck would move from a slow crawl. Only way to get either truck to move was to bump them up the incline.

[@Andy_Yates]

@@RoadsideRC Thanks Troy, I know I'm tough on the Ascent. And Vanquish too for still selling wheels with 4-40 fasteners 🤣. Btw I got my first set of Treal wheels and man they are well made. We'll see how their 4 bolt back holds up over time 👍

[@nevrxhale9660]

Switch the tires between the 2 trucks

[@RoadsideRC]

I just might do that!

[@peterpettit9945]

That a great idae

[@trialnterror]

Redcat front axle…. Green locktite on the pins?

[@RoadsideRC]

I use blue on all of my parts.

[@rectown]

I would run some more with the same tires and really see the real winner.Please pick a real tire, Tusk ,Mega, Voodoo v2.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@chiccoka]

I love American using mm suddenly it makes sense

[@RoadsideRC]

I like it as well!

[@arthopfer]

If you’re not going to change anything I’d go with the redcat. If you want to add tweaks and upgrades I’d just start with the VRD carbon and skip the stance.

[@RoadsideRC]

That is logical - but the carbon kit price is waaay up there.

[@arthopfer]

@@RoadsideRC agreed but by the time you upgrade a stance it won’t be far off.

[@PaperrouteRC]

Where is the video for the Red Cat for those parts?

[@RoadsideRC]

I don't have it ready yet.

[@PaperrouteRC]

@@RoadsideRC I’m thinking about getting one. I don’t know which one I like. I’m new to this stuff. They both look like good trucks from your video and other videos that I have seen on both trucks.

[@RoadsideRC]

@@PaperrouteRC They both really are quite good!

[@NTX_RC]

I'd rather have vanquish parts than redcat parts

[@apocalypsezombyRC]

Use same tires and wheels on both trucks! That will be the tale of the tape. Redcat has better styling by a mile!

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@annasoming]

watching it carefully, you can see the stance doing what it should be doing.. better weight distribution through their geometry. there is a lot to say about physics. we know cms causes issues, especially the bump steer and not to mention the panhard bar is not properly placed therefore throwing the transfer of weight not that great. And that's just one of them. But here's the thing; most don't fabricate their rigs and when comping, there are so very many different types including rtr stock only so, in essence, its not a big deal. Lastly, what really goats my beard is the price; we are so conditioned to believe these are good prices when we really know they are inflated and the community isn't willing to come together to fix that; neither of these rigs are entry level neither.

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting viewpoints - thanks for sharing!

[@pothole0222]

As far as appearance… I really don’t like either one. I don’t like the “cab only” look of the Redcat, but I also don’t like the cartoonish look of the stance. I’ll give the nod to the Stance though, because the silver version. Looks much better IMO. Tires: yes, please do the comparo again with equal tires. I’ll be honest, I think the Redcat will come out on top of the bench test with equal tires. The Stance’s stock tires are a bit taller than the Ascent’s. If you put the taller tires on the ascent it should increase its overall clearance, at least at the pumpkin and skid. If you put shorter tires on the stance, it should lose a little clearance. With equal tires, I think the Redcat will just barely edge out the Vanquish. I don’t really like the idea of using “poor performing” tires though. I’d like to see a really nice set of tires with good foams/insterts.

[@RoadsideRC]

Thanks for the feedback! My only concern with using really good tires...I think both trucks will climb upside down! :)

[@jasond1245]

Don't if it me or not but the vanquish looks cheaper to me when u have them side by side like that

[@RoadsideRC]

Interesting! I could see that with the carbon chassis, aluminum standoffs, etc.

[@marcoshuerta8661]

Tires is a big deal for most of these challenges. And I think if you saw them in person in the redcat just has the fit and finish

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes! Tires are VERY important. That is why I would consider doing this again with the same tires on both trucks.

[@bengonzalez5673]

I would add $80.00 to the Stance to put the Fusion in and re-do the test.

[@RoadsideRC]

Help me understand - why would you do that? It just widens the price gap between them. The question here is best RTR. If I put $80 more into the Stance, do I also put $180 into the Redcat so the prices match?

[@bengonzalez5673]

@@RoadsideRC Price aside, I'm curious about performance with same equipment

[@ohiovalleyrcdrone]

I think the redcat looks better

[@dantrivett8435]

Weight don't matter without battery

[@RoadsideRC]

Weight changes depending on which battery you choose...

[@TheLilhulk1111]

The redcat is a belly dragger

[@RoadsideRC]

They both have the same clearance under the transmission.

[@shanethornock5965]

There were very poor line choice made. Looks like you have a preference towards the Red Cat, which seems to be an affiliate thing. I one a stance and it out performs the red cat all day.

[@RoadsideRC]

If you are going to come here and call me biased - then cite the specific areas you thought I was wrong. I am happy to have a conversation on a legitimate portion where you think I misjudged something - but will not engage with someone calling me biased without any justification.

[@shanethornock5965]

@RoadsideRC just saying most people who have affiliation with red cat do not give the other rigs a shot. I have run my stance against a few Fusions and they could not keep up.

[@tundrasr5709]

Imo the only cartoony thing about the Stance is the color. The Redcat, on the other hand looks like a chicken leg, meat on one end, bone on the other. For me, the Redcat is ugly as sin without a bed of some kind.

[@RoadsideRC]

That is exactly why I don't judge the looks department! :) Good news - the Redcat does come with the body mounts needed to mount whatever body you want.

[@tundrasr5709]

@RoadsideRC it did perform a lot better against the Stance than I thought it would, and if I didn't already have 8 1/10 scale Crawlers, I'd be happy to own one. I'd just have to print out a bed to throw on it.

[@billyb5057]

good insight into these crawlers mate test seems to reveal they are both good *🥸fully viewed🤖Au🦘☑thumbs up👍👍*

[@RoadsideRC]

Yes they are!