Crawler Canyon Quick(re)view: FMS FCX10 K5 Blazer

[@fejwe]

This was such a pleasant surprise. I had to spend most of this video telling myself “I don’t need another rig” repeatedly. But I’ve always wanted a TRX4 with standard dig and now one exists. It also looks great in orange and I love orange.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I'm drawn toward the brown one. No idea why.

[@machinedred]

❤ from no crawler to new crawler,i think this is one to buy 🎉🎉🎉

[@derrickhays3627]

Glad to see your enjoying the other side of crawling you know the "T" word a little more scale a little less comp but still able to crawl a rock, that's where the fun is! Thanks for sharing.

[@CrawlersCampRc]

There are two worlds of crawling. And it makes me happy you are exploring both!! I really like comp crawling but what makes me happy and have the most fun is when I take out a scale truck that has features and options to mess with!! Great review and this truck looks like so much fun! Well done Fms 💯🤜

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I tried to look at this with the eye of someone who

[@CrawlersCampRc]

@@CrawlerCanyon exactly 💯

[@The_RC_Family]

Glad you liked it Mr C I love the look of this thing. Hope it continues to shine

[@Andrew_Red]

I can't wait to see what type of Canyon treatment it will receive. Is a looker for sure😍

[@machinedred]

❤ yes traxxas basic design but thats because its the best way , why re invent the wheel ? This things lighter and cheaper and thats all the improvements we need . Top work fms 🎉

[@RCplamodel]

cool new look, RC with great adventure, always good videos bro👍👍😃

[@mitsuman5555]

You seem delighted sir. Honestly its just nice to see a positive review of something. Lately the brand tribalism and comment section wars have been the worst I've ever seen in R/C.

[@charlieshankles]

Agreed. I hope FMS is like Tesla breaking into the car industry. People love to hate on the new guy. I love some FMS trucks. I got it and love it

[@mfnJOSH]

Sbg and you put up fcx10 videos at the exact same time... we all know whos video is getting clicked on. Canyon gang 4 lyfe

[@McRcFly]

Well sbg shat all over it. For some reason... he was very negative.

[@ZigrePengin]

Pretty sure he got it for free just a bit delayed. Either way SBG is a traxxas shill so a negative review was completely expected to keep daddy traxxas happy so he can keep getting free stuff.

[@SivartCustomRCs]

​@@McRcFly, it isn't a Phoenix...so everything to him is crap

[@McRcFly]

@@SivartCustomRCs he had nothing bad to say about the Traxas max slash.. So.. yeah..

[@billtruett8593]

Take SBG review with a grain of salt. OMG he gave the ascent a good review. He’s a bought man !! $$$

[@mfnJOSH]

End of the day, FMS beat traxxas to releasing an actual TRX-4 v2. Traxxas left the door wide open, and Fms walked in.

[@jimbocreationsbu8203]

nice rig - overall - you get dig and 2 speeds and lockers nice body - for 380 - should be popular

[@ck7777]

This was one of the best reviews I've seen. Just so appreciate how you do these. Thanks!!

[@Glen-jm61]

Just got one a couple of days ago, looked like it had potential. I am happy to see that you like it. I am going to debond the tires and mount them on some Globact steelies that look like the OE wheels. Thanks for the review as always.

[@charlieshankles]

Glad you got this truck and glad you like it. Can't wait to see what you do to it. 🎉

[@garybeckwith9045]

I'm retired and living on a fixed income in Japan so I had to jump through hoops to get this vehicle because FMS doesn't ship this size overseas. I wanted one last 1/10 that was scale for my collection when this popped up on the market. My Japanese crawling friends are mostly scalers and happily spend butt-tons of money on their cars, none of which have the features of this guy. I'm waiting for it to arrive but in the meantime I did a little research on the 1:1 and found out a few things which I won't go into at this point. The key is that bodies for the K5 are REALLY CHEAP! The only problem is FMS is not selling the cap as of this writing. That said, I have a new body coming that I can paint to the scale I want that will be the Blazer. The original will be the C10/20 pickup as FMS is not selling the cap yet. (BTW, Banggood has just started selling this for the overseas market at the the equivalent cost of about $600+/-). Ty.

[@brianlynch4801]

Thanks for review. Probably gonna be my next buy.

[@fejwe]

I just watched the (not to name names) Snail Filters Tilled review and it’s laughably clear he knows what side his bread is buttered on. Thank you once again for your actual honest, considered reviews. For some reason I have a deep sense memory of a 70s show called High Mountain Rangers, and the brown one makes think of that show.

[@andrewrichey7374]

I’ll be watching for the next one, sure appreciate you sharing. Love your testing grounds, well until next time peace and chicken grease 😁😁👋👋😎

[@Glowingtomato]

Nice review. I've only ran 3 5000mah packs through mine and I'm loving it so far. Having to put on the back shell was annoying but besides that everything is working fine. I love having the locking diffs, adjustable drag brake, and the two speed. It's handled trailing around and some crawling well in my experience.

[@Team_ReVolt]

Very nice car with a nice body ☺ Over here in Europe, they start from 500€...🙄

[@Br0rB]

Finally! Been waiting for this. Be very interesting to see how it does. :D

[@The_RC_Family]

Me too, looking forward to hearing Mr C's take on it!

[@nicholasstephey8475]

Yea. I’m rooting for it.

[@chrispearce9224]

ShakerMT...big thanx from the Canyoneros. Just a huge contributor to the Canyon.

[@jaymeparker27]

FMS did a great job on this blazer. Great review!

[@billtruett8593]

The more I look into the FMS FCX10 the more I like it….. durability and longevity is kinda what I want to see. We already know it’s a great platform that’s been around for 8 years. Like everything though we all know we’re going to have to put some work and money into everything.

[@ninebolts]

Something that gets missed by US reviewers is Price when comparing with the TRX-4. The TRX-4 in the UK is £550-600 depending on spec. The TRX-4 Blazer is £570 in the UK and the FCX-10 in the UK is £400 but you can already get it cheaper and of course it's $399 shipped tot he UK if you go direct which works out at about £315.. So in the rest of the world the price difference is a lot larger than in the US.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

It gets missed because we genuinely have no idea how much things cost over there. We know it costs a fortune to ship things over there, so we just assume everything is expensive.

[@Camocrawler2868]

Im with you Mr Canyon on the brown one, just seems intriguing to me. If the axles are identical to trx4 axles could you bolt up aftermarket parts that fit trx4 axles?

[@2Geek2bChic]

This truck has some very nice features that the competitors need to take note of. Having all those channels and functionality on the radio is a huge convenience and makes it the best RTR radio in my opinion. A full light kit with magnetic connection included is a significant savings (and convenience) compared to Traxxas. Is there another RTR truck out there with Dig a 2 speed and locking diffs?.... because I can't think of one. Having said all that, there are a couple of issues with the body. As you mentioned, the wheelbase is longer than it should be causing some of the dimensions to be wrong. The most noticeable flaw is the double rear window when you put the cap on......... the Blazer was an open cab with the cap off. I guess this could be fixed by cutting it out and maybe adding an interior but....... it really just shouldn't be there and the truck looks better with the cap on because of that. Honestly that is really the only major flaw I see in this truck especially for the money. As you mentioned it would be nice to see how it compares to Traxxas durability. Is this truck a permanent member of The Canyon? 🤓

[@Rombo-86]

9:48 I saw something positive. The c hubs looks more like grc g2 hubs. Because the c hub doesn’t look like it goes all the way down under the portals 👌

[@Steve_J81]

When removing the body start with the front and use your pointer fingers on the latches while pushing on the bottom of the grill with your thumbs. The rear is pretty much the same but with your thumbs on or around the tail lights. I'm slightly surprised you didn't say anything about the high clearance c-hubs/portal boxes, they are very GRC reminiscent.

[@thekracken4572]

I like like it!!! As a side note I wouldn't mind seeing a Traxxas prue rock crawler.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I keep saying I want to see Traxxas blow everyone's minds and release a straight axle.

[@andrewrichey7374]

Right on I will buy another FCX 10 K5 Blazer all the functions work smoothly, I have the 79 bronco TRX4 .

[@MrCveedub]

44:58 haha awesome! I'm surprised you liked like it.

[@JC-Nor-Cal]

A definite viable option to the TRX-4. I like what I see. Wish I could go back in time a few years and cancel my Traxxas order. Oh well. No sour grapes.

[@LumpkinMumfins1]

I wouldn’t be running to replace the Tx/Rx. I’d be changing wheels and possibly tires, then enjoying it as-is until parts break 👌👌

[@CrawlerCanyon]

The TX may well be a winning. And if a rumor I heard turns out to be true, there's an RX-only that will ease changing the powertrain.

[@Steve_J81]

First thing I did to my FCX10 was disable the stupid indicators ( if they weren't automatic they would be fine ) made the taillights come on with the markers and made the reverse lights work properly.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I barely notice the blinkers, honestly. But full-time taillights would be preferable to brake lights for me, at least.

[@isidrogonzales5289]

How did you disable them?

[@andrewrichey7374]

Don’t know if you figure it out yet but the light wire plug on the body unplug and plug it in the empty spot between all the other plugs there is one empty spot then you’ll have tail lights on always with headlights. I’ve only got to get out once with mine just been super cold And rainy here in Michigan

[@charlieshankles]

FMS puts really good micro servo's in their small stuff

[@The_Craw1space]

There's another new trail crawler out by Yikong 4106 Pro that has trail turn assist. It's not full dig but just locks the inner wheel in the direction you turn... Just like the new 1:1 full size Ford Bronco. It seems like it is quite a good trail rig. Not sure about how it does on hard core rock crawling but definitely a cool idea. It also has 2 speed tranny, portal axles, locking diffs and other fun features. If you get a chance, you might just look into it and see what you think about possibly testing it in the canyon. Happy trailing! See ya tomorrow

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Yikong does not exist in the US. Import only, and every time I've looked, it's been $$$$$-- in the $700 neighborhood. So unless the get US distribution, it is HIGHLY unlikely.

[@The_Craw1space]

@@CrawlerCanyon I see. I didn't realize they were that much $$$$ in the US. The review I saw was from RC TNT in Australia and I guess they're only like $380 over there. Still worth checking out the design and maybe you could Frankenstein your own! Hahahaha. Have a good day and I'll see ya tonight

[@HorslONE]

I ordered the brown one but it still takes six weeks until release in Germany

[@andrewrichey7374]

I just know I love mine, and the customer support is excellent FMS there was a little mishap I ordered the black one they emailed me said it was on its way and it said the black, when I got it and pulled it out of the box it was brown and yellow oh I was kind of mad at first, I emailed them before I heard back I found you could buy the body complete assemble. So I went ahead and ordered the black body $109 then I heard back from them pretty quickly they sent the body and refunded my money. I will always stand with FMS for sure

[@JTrc970]

When I get me a brand new rig, it will definitely be a fcx10, as my first brand new 10th scale over the trx4 or trx4 high country

[@Bonitacreekrc2]

In my redcat ascent once I put in the 3 gear gold dig box,servo and radiolink rc 4 v3,it is your favorite,I think right? Rebuild shocks with traxxas seals. fusks,fimonda greens, the blue 6 spoke injora rims.meus nylon portal axles,maybe brass portal covers.what is your next suggestion to fix some of my trucks shortcomings.i have not ordered anything yet.

[@Gibsonlife573]

I'm pretty sure it has adjustable drag brake too

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Yep, right on the controller.

[@FaithSaraG]

Yes, you can plug an ESC into channel 2. Nip off the wires, slap a Fusion SE in there and you're done. It's just an overweight receiver then.

[@DJ.1001]

there is no CH2 on the ESC/receiver combo

[@knappsterk7414]

I wanna see a full on full crawler build on this truck

[@SivartCustomRCs]

If you take it out of crawl mode the break lights will work and then the backup lights should work

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Take it out of crawl mode!?! 🤨 BREAK THE DIP SWITCH OFF

[@SivartCustomRCs]

@@CrawlerCanyon set it to drive/break/reverse...as opposed to drive/reverse

[@chrispearce9224]

Susan!?!?!? You Ok little lady?

[@aaronm2810]

That radio is made by Flysky FYI...

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Pretty sure I mentioned that more than once.

[@CraigSimons]

I just bought one of thes after having a trx4 defender for 7 plus years. Your analysis was spot on. It's a TRX4 inspired refinement. I've had some issues with screws either too tight and easy to strip out or some not snugging down like they were overtightned already and stripped out the plastic. Time will tell if the aftermarket and FMS bring more upgrades and options to the table. I left my TRX4 stock until just a few months ago and building it up was fun with such an established ecosystem. I think I'll handle this new rig as a slow build as both FMS and the aftermarket increase their support. I wonder if we can bind this radio to a different receiver that's not a 2 in 1? I'd love to put a Fusion Pro in it like I have in my TRX 4.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Supposedly, FMS is going to be releasing a receiver that will allow you to swap out the 2-in-1 and run whatever motor you'd like, but I've still not seen it yet.

[@neildaniels5443]

Its a nice looking body, shame bout da "chrome " bumpers , fa an RTR it pretty damn good 👍 its not too noisy, I'm impressed.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Well, this thing is a pretty faithful replica of a '75 K5 Blazer, and those all definitely had chrome bumpers. The wheels are even acceptably close. And yeah-- it is quiet, which will either prove to be good or bad. Supposedly all metal gears, so I'm just guessing not straight-cut.

[@neildaniels5443]

@@CrawlerCanyon yeah I'm just not a fan of plastic chrome on rc cars is all, still a good looking body.

[@davidwatlington3737]

Would love to know if the Fusion can actually be a plug and play with this receiver.

[@kahmed7328]

I love this truck but CH6 is a pain in the behind. Grinds gears like crazy. Constant EPA adjustment needed on CH6z

[@brianmassey7563]

After pointing out some more similarities it does seem to be more of a copy of the TRX4 design. I'm still in favor of it though. You didn't mention really the c-hub/portal carrier design. As long as it holds up, isn't that better than what the TRX4 has stock? Nice review.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I'd call it "TRX-4 refined."

[@ShoddyRC]

Marsher seems intentional to me. Isn’t a marsh just a knockoff swamp?

[@smokingwraith9990]

My brain is too old for all of those channels. I go crawling to escape the confusion of daily life not to seek further frustrarion. In a crawler i think dig is enough for me

[@CrawlerCanyon]

It is a whole lot. In the long term, I would probably move some channels around as I still sitting here right now can't 100% remember which button was the 2-speed.

[@smokingwraith9990]

@CrawlerCanyon I think part of the problem is having many different crawlers with many radios. Sometimes just figuring out which radio a crawler has a bind to takes some time. Perhaps innovation should be a voice prompted radio. I want to simply be able to tell my radio to unlock difs and have it happen. At that point several channels might be welcome

[@DoubleADay]

I would like to see this radio available with a receiver instead of a 2in1

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Rumor is that's coming soon.

[@neildaniels5443]

FMS put in da effort when it comes to bodys, whomever is responsible might be head hunted by another rc company.......not naming names 😊

[@McRcFly]

These trucks are $300 cheaper than the TRX4 in Australia....

[@CrawlerCanyon]

An absolute no-brainer at that much of a price difference. The whole time I just kept thinking that an Element Bushido+ costs $50 more than the FCX10. What a time to be alive.

[@AnyAssumptionBanter]

fms to me is the only one that has done some innovation.. the 2speed in their 24ths while everyone cloned them to a poor extent. now the light setup in this along with installed dig and a decent remote. I can't think of what other brand has tried to change and add new things without doing crap to it and missing too many opportunities (coughascentthenthandeighteenthscalecough) bright and shiney things? sounds like a racoon which are children which we all feel... that and a bowl with all sorts of diff grabby snacks in it; can't avoid it

[@CrawlerCanyon]

While I do think that the FCX10 is far more refinement than innovation, I'm still happy to see it. This is $120 less than the TRX-4 Blazer/Bronco, so if it helps drive any kind of competition we will all benefit.

[@vb9300]

tires look like a Super Swamper SSR, if you dont want them, let me know, ill take them. Body looks good though. I wont say that it looks like a TRX4 knock off.

[@bcochener]

Element coasting…?? They had a V1 and now a V2 IFS system for their crawlers. Pretty dang innovative.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I don't know if I can hand out much credit to Element for that, as independent suspension has been the standard in RC for what, 40 years? And their first effort still isn't highly regarded.

[@bcochener]

@@CrawlerCanyon “for their crawlers” I realize many other RC platforms have had IFs forever. Putting IFS on a Tacoma, can’t get anymore scale accurate than that. Guess they all need portals…

[@CrawlerCanyon]

@@bcochener still missing leafs in the rear, though. Element licensed Camburg for the front, throw some Camburg on the rear too.

[@bcochener]

@@CrawlerCanyon good thing the Utron is “almost” an FJC then. Just needs the HPI FJC body and it would be spot on. Something about IFS Yotas. -Side note, just watched SBGs FCX10 fail on his test run. He must have gotten the Friday afternoon model…? 😂 be interested to see how yours holds up as well.

[@charlieshankles]

The body clips get easier the more they get used

[@CasperRc81]

I’ve had rtr tires crawl okay with vented wheels. I vented the tires got a little air hiss 🐍 and it helped them in forward drive. Also….are you kidding me “digs”. Actually can steer your front with a locked rear. Also you were climbing the gates my trx4 benefits in the situation with front locked rear unlocked as a cheater dig sucking front end down, or a “geo dig” pinching the sliding and making an impressive turn. Wonder how it works under load unlike my shotty 4ws Capra one. I bought the stupid marksman and forgot about this😂🤦‍♂️, I make the best of it really. I don’t care if it’s a ripoff most our lives are😂. Also you can have the front disconnected while driving the rear a real 2wd rig as a 1:1. I won’t even look at a trx4 now I have enough of them playing their jungly servo games. My little 1/18 jimmy 2spd is very impressive gearing and nobody I mean nobody matches their detail steering wheel turns kidding me Batman! I will have this rig soon. Agree the brown is money the 70’s “UNIT” maybe that can be the name “the unit” Thanks so much sir have a great night!!

[@roberttoro3589]

C'mon MAN!!! ....parts got to right around the corner...Great base to start to finish,in a minute...LMAO..

[@jessjoshwyatt3571]

Trx4 with dig and 150 less. The new high trail is 550

[@CrawlerCanyon]

I'd put this more inline with the "regular" TRX-4 Bronco/Blazer at $500-- which still makes this a pretty good deal, so long as the durability-- and perhaps most importantly-- future parts support is there.

[@AlphaPhaseSleep]

trx super clone❤axial schould care, selling overpriced trucks with no funcionality could backfire😅

[@neildaniels5443]

TRX 4 clone wit a name dat sounds like scx10 😅😊😅

[@TheAmerican1963]

Try "centering" the camera ......... LOL 🙂

[@migueldelacruz453]

i cannot stand these trucks or brand.. i love your reviews your time and input has taught me a lot.. but brother this tuck is just a no go to me.. i feel the way about this truck as you feel about redcat haahaha.. thank you for your content

[@creekcreeperrc7972]

I would truly be shocked, if you are not in some way shape or form losing your damn mind doing this all day everyday. Add talking microscopic details in each video I guarantee you didn't forget anything. Good for you for getting at it but I would lose my mind! How do you do it 🤔 😅

[@brianmorrison2846]

Hello

[@beng.6417]

Not a big fan of the dig and why front wheel drive? I prefer the Trx4 Sport.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

The Sport isn't really comparable here. There is a nice simplicity to the Sport, but there's a lot more scale appeal to the FCX10.

[@josthompson7642]

imo this truck would be a horrible purchase. They dropped the ball on the body, it's very ugly, the windshield is too tall, the door windows are not tall enough, while the traxxas version body is near perfect. The body mount system on this truck is like WTF? Way too complicated and difficult. And SOA on a scale trail truck, what were they thinking? At the end of the day the 100 dollar savings over a real trx4 is not worth it. You also gotta think about parts availability, you can get trx4 parts at every hobby shop in the country. You're not gonna find parts for this truck anywhere except a few select shops and online.