Crawler Canyon Quick(re)view: Redcat Everest Ascent (Part 1)

This is the Quickview of the Redcat Ascent RTR LCG rock crawler.
Get a Crawler Canyon tee! www.cafepress....
Some links:
Redcat Ascent bit.ly/40nbC3W
IG: crawlercanyon

[@M14armorer]

After watching all the glowing reviews i bought an Ascent. Before even unboxing it i came across this video. I’m very appreciative of your work & have learned a lot watching your videos. Really appreciate your time & effort man, IMO you’ve got 1 of the best crawling channels on KZbin Thanks!!!

[@dezfan]

I picked one up, raided my parts bin replacing the RTR electronics with a Fusion and Holmes servo. I threw a set of good tires on aluminum beadlock wheels on it, then removed the internal springs and added Mini T springs. It’s surprisingly capable now. Looking forward to part 2 & 3. 😎

[@machinedred]

23:06 😂"im going to be as as fair as possible" he says with a chuckle

[@stoneydrivesrc7420]

Very very informative. Great video I learned so much watching this video. I really appreciate it. Thanks for all your tips. And no not just the tip. All the tips

[@Andy_Yates]

Given your very transparent feelings on Redcat, I think you did a fantastic job on part 1 of this assessment. I would like to see them succeed and be more competitive with the other big names in the crawler arena. More competition pushes the other companies to do better, and of course I sometimes like to root for the underdog. Looking forward to parts 2 and 3

[@DTW-bx2vy]

You are very sure of yourself in which I show support. I support no company, I guess you never read my comment.

[@Andy_Yates]

@@DTW-bx2vy Are you replying to me or Mr Canyon? He replied to your comment about brand loyalty. Wanting to see companies or their designs succeed and supporting them are different things. I don't own a single Redcat RC but I would like them to do better and challenge competition in the industry. They are a disrupter offering affordable options but is this better than comparable options dollar for dollar?

[@meirdeaph]

😂😂Reverse crash on the bench! 😲 ❤

[@BrandonM83]

😂

[@user-yi3qu9jg8l]

Really appreciate what seems to be the only truely thorough and fully honest review on this truck. I haven't watched the next in your series yet but for the price it still seems like a solid purchase.

[@joeymolnar8450]

“HOLY SHIT!” I laughed soooo hard 😂😂😂

[@nicholasstephey8475]

Actually excited for this format. Excited to see part 2 to see if we have the same options on the suspension issues

[@meirdeaph]

Crawler canyon team is way past awesome ❤❤❤

[@BrandonM83]

Indeed 💯🤙😎

[@JPWirt]

Many people coming in the comments here not knowing the ways of the Canyon. We are in for a treat! Once again we applaud your impartiality in testing.

[@thindigital]

Excited to hear your take on this rig, my first was a gen7 (I call her Smashing Pumpkins) and that got me rolling around the woods for $279. Now with a Capra, TRX4 and Phoenix, she's a full time trail rig with a big old defender body piled high with gear. How about a project Amazon $299 RTR kit, with affiliate links, so we can buy a Canyon RTB.kit?

[@jonhowland4985]

I said the same thing. A chassis kit would be great. The first thing I have to do is throw in a 80 motor/esc along with tires, wheels,mini z springs. Be nice not to have to shelve all those items

[@smokingwraith9990]

"It rides very high" ...not exactly how a guy wants to describe his comp rig😂 Thanks for the great review. Shock tune, new tires and electronics, questionable geo, poor gearing ....I'M IN! 😂

[@slam854]

Ranting going on here, but I am new and here to learn so I may form my own opinions. Looking forward to this. Checked in just for battery recommendations.

[@durden.tyler537]

I’m pretty convinced that “Redcat” is Chinese for “inefficacy”, just as “surgical steel” translates to “not made out of wood”. Your last adventure with Redcat is burned into my memory for posterity. The epic launch on flat ground reminiscent of a flailing cat…

[@andrewrichey7374]

I tell you what though it looks like it’s doing pretty doggone good

[@mfnJOSH]

Redcat or not. Ive been eagerly awaiting the next deep dive on an rtr rig!

[@andrewrichey7374]

Heck yeah solder that plug on and let’s go crawling I’m here watching 5:20 PM Thursday almost Friday yay😊

[@andrewrichey7374]

I’ll watch for all of it, heck yeah

[@pcoplin]

Bump steer doesn't come from the upper link placement, it can be on either side. Tis comes from building full size Jeeps and Ultra4 cars. It comes from drag link and trackbar not being exact same length and angle. The trackbar controls the axle swing. I've fixed a Gen8 to zero bump steer, although that one was BAAAAD.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

The panhard the upper control the swing. The whole front end is completely out of control if you remove one of the two. They do not operate exclusive of one another. And if someone, say Redcat, puts the chassis mount for both bars on the same side of the chassis, you get the Redcat Ascent. Bump steer ≠ axle swing, but the Ascent has both.

[@teamsargentrc6399]

Just took mine out for the first ride. Didn't even test the stock electronics other than the servo. Didn't even give the stock tires a run. I'll de-clue & test with beadlocks & better foams. I love it, though excited for next run. Oh & put 10% Underdrive before 1st run & some brass in front.

[@barceloni1984]

I'm pretty happy with my $300 gen8 v2. But, it wasn't trying to be a "comp" rig, and I expected that. I knew going in that it is a top-heavy fat pig of a trail truck, and I'm ok with that. Love your honest reviews. Just based off the bench part of this video, I'm convinced that I want the Sendero SE over this. Can't wait to see your sendero SE vs ascent video. 👍

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah that was awesome , Full Driver and reverse cool

[@ant_havok1794]

need to take out those internal springs in the shocks to help it flex

[@keldonator]

As my first 1/10 I really like my Ascent. $265 for the red version (with Amain coupon). $110 for fusion pro 2300kv. $22 for aluminum wheels $35 for tpu inserts and $60 for megalithics. $15 for brass front portal covers. Already had transmitter and receivers. Puts me at $507 underdrive gears and removed rear inner spring. I'm very happy with it. Now that I have a decent trail truck, I'm looking into the VRD.

[@Andrew_Red]

for how RTR the electronics are, it went better than expected to be honest😂. I can't wait for it to get the Canyon's treatment 😁

[@neildaniels5443]

I bet when you upgrade it its gonna be a contender.

[@lastcreations8845]

shocks look internally limited in travel... tires made noise on the bench mat, maybe a compound but a stiff sidewall ? looked soft inserts. SERVO on test bench :) softer spring all the way around. I have had good luck running driver upper linked front. swap front HC links and rear lower links . great trial testing as always ! edit front lower listed at 83mm rear lower 96mm. AND there is a internal spring in the shocks, yikes.

[@Aykutreyes]

I broke the front portal knuckles and U-joints on the second pack. Yes, plural, both sides. $56.88 with $5 coupon for spare parts to repair. The drag brake drifts slowly.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

The drag brake drift I can't figure. It's either the rebadged 1040, the rebadged Dumbo, or some collaboration of the two. Having just finished up Part 2 (I'm actually editing it right now) I think I can tell you why the universals broke. No spoilers.

[@K3NnY_G]

The most amusing thing about this video to me is the people in the comments talkin' like someone put a gun to their head and forced them to buy a Redcat at some point when they were just convinced by them working perfectly fine for some people. I use my gen8 as a winter truck, and it honestly has served perfectly fine for over three years; people just throw brushless in everything and wonder why it breaks. Well that, and skill issue imo. >.>

[@CrawlerCanyon]

From the blurb, "Discover the Everest Ascent Rock Crawler, a culmination of extensive research, customer feedback, and cutting-edge engineering that delivers outstanding performance right out of the box." ...which is where I take issue. I have seen virtually no evidence of any of those claims. The last part of that sentence is what in the olden days would have called "an absolute whopper."

[@evintacy7272]

I watched the red cat guys on this accent ,, and not being that guy but links are said to stay way they are not meant be high clearance made that way for drive shaft! But what the guys said! 😊 I wanted one these but crap ide rather buy vanquish carbon do believe but ! Way higher price range! Idk still want try one these red cats! 😊

[@ShoddyRC]

Love your review format/ style. Part 3 is going to be good!

[@roberttruesdell6151]

Need part 2 first. Or are you an underpants gnome? Step 2 ….. step 3 Profit

[@ShoddyRC]

@@roberttruesdell6151 I accidentally woke my wife up from laughing when I read your response! You do make a good point though, step 2… step 3.

[@ryanalbert5576]

Thanks!

[@nicholasstephey8475]

In one 1. Yes. First time

[@andrewrichey7374]

I love this, sure appreciate you sharing, love the looks of a body except the sides I think they need to be trimmed up a little just seems like they go down too far that’s just me😊

[@derrickhays3627]

Great start to a interesting series all the other reviews I've seen have been glowing! Thanks for the candor forced droop is not my favorite, you will make it better can't wait as always thanks.

[@SivartCustomRCs]

Thanks for your review, i was waiting/hoping you wokld. Others rave about this thing and dont claim much on negatives about it. It does seem to have potential for greatness but at what cost??

[@JW-cn6op]

I opened the box and put a 1800kv Fusion in, and the 20% underdrive.Then you realize how bad the radio is.Removed rear internal springs and need to do the front shocks now.

[@Steve_J81]

I purchased the Ascent with zero intention of running the stock motor, esc and transmitter. After cracking the box the springs were changed (internals removed) a Fusion se 1800kv was swapped in and the wheels/tires were changed.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

So objectively, what would you say this fella costs RTR? As it's borderline unusable out of the box.

[@Steve_J81]

@@CrawlerCanyon Running truck “stock rtr” I agree with Redcats price, properly usable depending on tire choice(price) $500-550. With my purchase I compared the Ascent to a offering from Axial, Traxxas and Element with their flagship offerings and felt even with the upgrades it was a better option because I ended in an amount where those others begin. I don’t have a Sendero SE but also at a price of $299 It’s probably the better buy, especially if you add in a “lcg” chassis.

[@Fortes_RC_Adv]

This new redcat is awesome 👌 Congrats ❤️‍🔥 More 1 subscribe 💪✅️

[@gmummy]

I chose a knock off bruiser kit in stead of this for less $. I know they are not the same at all but for value..

[@2Geek2bChic]

It's definitely not a good sign when you get more sound control than speed control from the ESC! 😂

[@CrawlerCanyon]

The continued distribution of the 1040 ESC in RTRs is the perfect example of "maintaining the bottom line." It is an ESC in that it is functional, and nothing more. It is no exaggeration when I say it is my guess that the motor and ESC combine to cost Redcat $3-5. And that 5 is likely generous. I reckon the whole electronics suite is sub-$20. Something like this comes with absolute garbage for electronics at $299 and we're supposed to be thankful, while the go-fast guys are getting brushless setups in their drifters, drag cars, 2WD buggies, etc... for less money.

[@2Geek2bChic]

@@CrawlerCanyon Ya I agree completely. Not much of a deal when you know you have to replace the electronics just to be runnable.

[@Casitascrawlers]

Your review was painful that sound is like claws on a chalk board. But I had to watch for a little bit but couldn’t stand to watch the entire thing. Reviewing it completely stock is so unflattering. I have the red one & it’s maiden run it had Hobbywing SE1800kv motor/esc metal beadlocks J Concepts Rupture 4.7 tires & did all the free mods others have shown. Shocks everything gone through & adjusted. I had it out with some custom expensive capable crawlers & on its first time out went up lines none of my other crawlers could. It blows my mind because seriously why am I paying so much for that quest for performance when for much less effort & money this one out performs them already & I have more mods coming gotta get some brass in the front.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

This is pretty simple: if all it takes to make your Ascent competent is a complete change in electronics and ban list tires, then you have now experienced the false economy of Redcat firsthand. If this was offered as a kit for $299, would you have bought it? Rhetorical: you already did. Because I got a Phoenix slider last year (no wheels, tires, body, electronics) for $279. Add a Creep cab and that Phoenix is the same price as the Ascent-- because they both need electronics, wheels, and tires. That would be a head-to-head competition you would NOT want to see. Every penny spent on an Ascent just makes it worse-- not in terms of performance, but in terms of performance per dollar. Put even $50 into an Ascent RTR and it's already outclassed by something else.

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

Most of us share the same opinion of Redcat. However, I got this rig and I'm enjoying it. I bought it online from a shop I never used before and they didn't even charge me taxes so I got it for $299 on the dot 😂. For the price, it's a blast. Doesn't element have their front upper link on the same side? Suspension geometry is not my strong point lol

[@BobBitchen100]

I appreciate your honest review. I'm never buying one, or any RTR for that matter lol. Its funny how every other "popular" KZbin RC SHILL has sung praises out the side of their necks over this new hot garbage. I'm curious how much they get paid to hype junk?!

[@aaronwaterman6982]

Almost all the people that gave it high marks also get paid big by axial or vanquish..hell they even get their own stickers in the box!

[@jacobdavis2378]

I purchased one to put in my fleet, I changed the stock foams in the tires for Amazon dual stages and bead locks and they seemed to do better, my next task is adding brass rings in the front and a fusion SE, I have high hopes for the little truck, I think the 35kg servo will be fine for a while but that pulse width gets annoying. The rock here in NC is seemingly what that trepadorish looking tires like

[@andrewrichey7374]

Yeah right on ready to replace😅😅

[@Roxstarzify]

Id like to see this get upgraded and improved! Im a big Redcat fan and I think it did just okay at the Canyon in RTR form.

[@drowildcat2960]

Thumbs up video only for the Canyon support not for red cat I can't get behind them after how long they have been around red cat should be a lot better company by now they need to learn what r&d is how I feel watching this video seems pretty clear it's the same joke of a Rc that red cats always been. Steer clear everyone ! 🎉 Honestly this is the only video out of all the ones you've put out which is a lot I couldn't watch all the way through sad so much time is going to be invested into this trash can engineered mess that some call a rig

[@roberttruesdell6151]

Man talk about a Debbie Downer! Someone has Redcat blues lol. With that said bought it knowing I would be replacing all electronics and wheels tires. And adding Brass to the axles. I don’t think in 20 years I have ever driven an RC car bone stock.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

So they got you then. You've acknowledged prior to purchase that there's no reason to keep the electronics, wheels, or tires-- so you paid $299 for a kit. That's the same price as a TRX-4 Sport Kit, which will give you significantly more performance out of the box, and will upgrade to a level that the Redcat simply cannot touch. And Traxxas actually knows how to do suspension geometry, so that's just a bonus.

[@roberttruesdell6151]

@@CrawlerCanyon1) I already have a TRX4 sport. 2) it’s a different kind of truck. 3) I’m already on record asking Redcat to offer an actual Kit. I’d rather put it together and supply my own electronics and wheels and tires. 4) I replace all the electronics in every RTR as they all suck. So I don’t consider any of that in the purchase per say. This would be a better deal if they offered a build kit for like $200 though. And I think would be an instant success. With all that said. It’s cheaper than a VRD or SCX10 Pro and those you have to supply all that I just replaced anyway. So to me the Redcat is actually Cheaper.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

@@roberttruesdell6151 you're well into the false economy now, whether you see it or not. You can't spend Redcat's bad engineering away. By the time the money is spent to correct the out-of-the-box issues, you're past the cost of buying something more capable. The Ascent as a $299 kit (which is what it is, in essence) is NOT economical.

[@roberttruesdell6151]

@@CrawlerCanyonhow do you figure? The VRD & SCX10 Pro are $430 plus wheels, tires, Body, Servo, Esc, Motor The Ascent is $300 and you don’t have to buy the body

[@CrawlerCanyon]

@@roberttruesdell6151 the Ascent is NOT comparable to the Pro or the VRD. That is a simple fact. The Ascent is not directly comparable to anything other than Redcat. If your goal was to make the Ascent competitive against something like a VRD, well... good luck. You'd spend significantly more for less return. When Redcat is in the conversation, it seems that many people fall into the misconception that inexpensive = better. It just means cheaper.

[@NTX_RC]

Throwing $70-180 at it does put it in the realm of better RTRs but those RTRs have junk electronics as well and would need that $70-180 too.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

But those other RTRs have other things, like proper suspension geometry and sensible shock mounting positions.

[@NTX_RC]

@@CrawlerCanyon true

[@JS-ji5bl]

The Rock pirates shock mount extensions mount on it nicely , the electronics might not be very good but with the right tires it will climb better than alot of others I've seen..

[@FaithSaraG]

I want to see it with just a Fusion SE and some good tires.

[@AnyAssumptionBanter]

Comparing this to a comp build is like a toyota suv trd comparison to a off road buggy to take on the extreme uphill challenge. Just need to compare like items. However, I'd like to see a comparable build to match or better, including being paid for your time to order and put it together including painting a body, and make a 60% margin; will you come in under the price of an RTR.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Well, that would require setting the price of the RTR, and what you want out of that RTR. Some aspects can easily be economized-- wheels, gearbox, even axles. I could undoubtedly do an Amazon build that gets a "bodied roller" for $299, but electronics are gonna tack on $150-200, just like every other build. That's the super SUPER sticky point here: the $299 to Redcat for the Ascent is a poor ROI, because it's basically a bodied slider. That same money can be spent in any number of ways to better effect.

[@AnyAssumptionBanter]

@@CrawlerCanyon The chassis I think is also a sticky point; design, print, redesign and the cost of that including time. Otherwise, how's it compare say to a Basecamp.

[@dieseldabz7104]

100% Agree buddy

[@johnnyreb1544]

RTR=Ready To Replace

[@DTW-bx2vy]

More like "Ready to Ridicual"

[@thewatcher819]

Good shyt!!!

[@rccrawlingaddict207]

You could have done like every other "reviewer" has done.......just cut out all of the failures. So once you replace the motor, esc, tires, wheels and radio, the only thing left to replace will be shocks and servo? I think you can get a kit (traxxas or axial) for the same cost!

[@CrawlerCanyon]

As the Ascent is effectively a kit disguised as an RTR-- all you need to do is replace the electronics, wheels, and tires and it's ready to go! then it offers no competition to a TRX-4 Sport Kit... which is $299, but comes with excellent shocks and tires. I can guaran-damn-tee than fielding a competent Ascent would cost significantly more than a TRX-4 Sport. For the Ascent to be competitive, both on the rocks and in the marketplace, it needed to offer more out of the box.

[@thindigital]

Do you think they started with the price as a design parameter and worked backwards? Why not at least choose better, low gearing? Although it was funny how it attacked you on the bench lil

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Nowadays, it seems like that $299 pricepoint is some kind of magical number-- Element gets there with plastic links and no bearings (oh look, it's 1985 again!) but don't skimp on performance, because they didn't trashcan engineer their rigs. The design and layout of the Ascent is as if it were done by someone who made a sketch after overhearing people talk about rock crawling. From a distance. In a crowded room.

[@thindigital]

@@CrawlerCanyon weird, I replied but it didn't go through, in short: Is it a better bet to get a Basecamp or Ascent and put a fusion in it? Is it possible to build an RTR from Amazon for $299, without a body maybe?

[@CrawlerCanyon]

@@thindigital The Basecamp kit is WAY above the Ascent in terms of quality, materials, and engineering-- and take that from a guy who vocally doesn't like AR45s or ANY of the design of the SCX10 III chassis. As to the other question, I think it's absolutely possible. Maybe a little over if we're factoring in a radio, but a quick calculation could have a roller for under 299-- and let's call it like it is, the Ascent is a slider masquerading as an RTR-- the electronics, wheels, and tires all need to be replaced.

[@thindigital]

@@CrawlerCanyon I think these RTRs only exist as an option for complete new people who don't have time or the skills/tools/confidence to build a kit. When I meet people on the trail and they express an interest, I recommend the trx4 sport almost every time. It just takes a beating and the setup is dated with very poor electronics but it works. For the rest of us watching, we've been in the hobby for a while and want performance and quality, and don't mind building to get it. I would really enjoy watching an ICFA(mazon/amain) budget series for $299 (Basecamp) or $370 (trx4 sport). If channel funds don't allow for such extravagance, a build list in the community tab would be awesome. Anyways, I enjoyed your review and look forward to the other parts! For those still reading who want a more rosey take on the Accent, check out RC Girl, she took a walk in the woods with it and went over a log, seemed to have a great time, each to their own and all that 😂

[@andrewrichey7374]

Turtle😊😊

[@aaronwaterman6982]

Redcat is always gonna take a beating from the serious crawler crowd..that said i watched a great driver take this truck and beat the shit out of a crappy driver with at least a 1200 dollar rig..so it is what it is

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Similar arguments in cycling-- "it's not the bike, it's the rider, etc." But I would and will always say: to a point. A guy can put in six hours of wheeltime a day on his stock Ascent, and thery can get pretty good together. Then a guy that wheels twice a month shows up with something capable and runs circles around the first guy. That's my beef with the Redcat Ascent that the devotees seem to be missing: it is a vehicle fraught with fundamental flaws. Almost as if an AI had been asked to design a rock crawler after only being fed sideviews of rock crawlers.

[@AndreMartins-ul7xi]

Brotha can you buy a reedy program card and run that sc480x see what it’s true potential is

[@CrawlerCanyon]

Oh, I have a Reedy program card, complete with all five programmable parameters-- and it effectively makes no difference whatsoever. Rebadged 1060s are not great, rebadged 1040s border on the terrible, but the SC480X retains it's deathgrip on the crown as worst RTR ESC on the market. It is unsalvageable.

[@AndreMartins-ul7xi]

@@CrawlerCanyon 💀hey you know more than me I luckily got a free 1080 quic run for free and decided to see what the hype was about and it did not disappoint

[@gibsonlife573]

West Desert wheeler

[@michaellenheiser3157]

I thought hell hath freezith over….

[@Casitascrawlers]

You didn’t install the 20% underdrive it came with 🤔Big mistake.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

So my fault for not installing it, or Redcat's? Part 1 of this is no wrenching, which I thought I said pretty explicitly.

[@DTW-bx2vy]

The only mistake was you not knowing there is three parts before opening the flap on your face first.

[@mclarenf115]

Can't be worse than a stock CC-02. that should be next.

[@fromfin90]

thing with stock cc02 is you put your own electronics in it

[@mclarenf115]

@@fromfin90 that is true. I figured a way to move the lower links on the front of the axle so there's more clearance. The pan hard Mount is going to be tricky .

[@erwinadriaensen]

21:07 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@erwinadriaensen]

Is everyone who reviewed it up till now on Redcat's payroll 🤔

[@CrawlerCanyon]

(these arrows go in a circle) Want free things: say nice things to get free things -> get free things -> say nice things to get free things -> ...and the cycle continues into perpetuity, so long as the nice things are said.

[@DTW-bx2vy]

In this day & age it is good not to be brand loyal to any company.

[@CrawlerCanyon]

From my ages-ago beginnings in car audio, I have lived by the phrase "nobody makes the best everything." Redcat paraphrases in their way-- "Redcat doesn't make the best anything."

[@themountain59]

Why didnt they offered it without crappy electronics for 160 bucks ....that would have been a revolution....like it is its mediocre at best .😎

[@thindigital]

I asked them about a builders kit, they said unlikely. Like Mr canyon said they slap in $20 of electronics and add $150 to the price tag I guess.