Element Sendero HD Review: This Was Tough!

Element Enduro Sendero HD RTR RC Crawler came with some problems out of the box. A full round of driving later and the problems were addressed - but then we had to hit the rocks a second time round! This tough review has taken half a week to put together and now, it's finally here!
Hail to the king, RC gang, this is the new top dog in RTR RC Crawler land. The Sendero HD well and truly impressed on the rocks - I can't wait to see how it will do with some mods and upgrades for even more capability!
Find our write-up on this amazing RTR on our website: rc-tnt.com/rc-crawler-reviews...
Get your Element RC Sendero HD here: www.asiatees.com/display?Elem...
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Chapters:
0:00 Intro Take Two!
0:52 Problem 1
2:35 Unboxing
3:17 Problem 2
3:48 Radio Transmitter
4:33 Problem 3
7:19 Body & Tires
8:37 Problem 4
9:33 Shocks, Cabling, Electronics
10:25 Problem 5
11:28 Design, Geometry, Suspension
12:43 Problem 6
15:15 Winch Potential
15:58 Value as Crawler
16:20 RC Crawling Performance
16:58 Related Videos
18:04 I Really Like It
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Don't miss the next video in the series! Sendero HD RTR vs C2 Performance Scale competition rig. It will be closer than you may think! • Element Sendero HD Cra...
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/ rctrailandtech
#senderohd, #rccrawlers, #elementsendero, #elementrc
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[@RCTNT]

Make sure you catch the next video in this series, the Sendero HD on the 10-gate course against the C2 Comp Rig. Results were closer than you might think! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5WZZauva9F_e7s

[@zdattonejones6709]

Thanks brother

[@zdattonejones6709]

I'll be watching

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Love the idea behind the stock vs simple mod - great for a beginner not sure what to buy and not spend money on the wrong parts. Keep it up amazing

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Haydn!

[@2011rubicon]

I’ve watched a few videos now, like the channel and keep it up. Based on your review of the enduro I went and purchased one today! Also a carisma f150. A little disappointed in the f150 but I do plan to build it up. The Enduro is exactly the way I wanted a crawler / trail RC to be! So smooth and that steering is tight!! Thanks for the review.

[@RCTNT]

My friend, that is super encouraging to read! Thanks for the message! (Tonight I've been preparing for a Stage 1 Fixes for the Sendero HD, that video will be ready in the next week - still going with experiments and then will film for results). You're going to love the Sendero; enjoy!

[@2011rubicon]

@@RCTNT and just bought a 2nd enduro that has been modified

[@RCTNT]

@@2011rubicon oh dear, the rot's set in now! You realise there's no cure for this, right? It's a great hobby, I know you're having fun. If you post a video with your rigs I'll definitely check it out!

[@jjm2948]

Watch crawler canyon vids on the carisma. Carisma always outperform the enduro sad to say

[@RCTNT]

I wouldn't be sad about whichever one does better. Both have their strengths. Certainly, the Sendero HD vs the SCA-1E Coyote 2.1 here, both stock, is no contest. Sendero wins handily. Clearly, different terrain, surfaces and obstacles will impact results in any comparison. I'm just thrilled to have so much choice these days! What a time to be into RC!

[@idlehandshobby]

Great video and enjoying your content. , keep it up! I am really stoked on my HD, it is my first 1/10 RC and soo much fun.

[@RCTNT]

Hey, thanks! And that's awesome to read, you've made a great choice for a rock crawler. (Stage 1 mods and fixes video drops in 9 hours from now - you might find it helpful!) Cheers :)

[@666impreza666]

Best review channel by far. Thanks for all the work. I wish your efforts get compensated in short time as the content is really great. I am ordering this truck today to join my TRX4 sport. The Sendero HD will go the scale path and the traxxas will take the trial path…

[@RCTNT]

You're very kind, thank you! Nice choice on the truck, too. It's a pearler alright!

[@jamesdoughty1522]

Keep up the good work man. I really enjoy the content.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks James, I appreciate it

[@kcmullins6179]

Welcome to the Element Enduro fam brother. I love my element rigs I got all of em now. Yesterday I finished the collection lol with the gatekeeper. My favorite is the trail walker it's the same truck as the HD exact same truck basically all it comes down to is the body 99.9% of the time iv seen. The trail walker came with 1.55 rims which are decent they definitely ain't the best wheels but being licensed wheel n tires is actually really nice. I got tons of tires and rims like a ton of tires and rims iv bought over the year since Xmas off of amazon and proline and RC4wD ect lol. I upgraded the rims in the stock tires to RC4wD steel 5 spoke white rims which got some weight on em. But I don't use the stock tires though I haven't in a long time I have the stickers on em and put up in the scale garages 😂. My wife thinks they are pretty cool how I have it set up. She said they look like real trucks n I told her they are real trucks just 1/10 scale lol. Which is the truth anyway lol. But atm I'm building up my trail walker into a mud truck I got the proline 1.9 Interco boggers on it the 5.4" ones which are bad ass they look so realistic on it with the rims I put on em. I put the same RC4wD 5 spoke steel rims in them but instead of the white ones I decided to do the black ones. And I'm using a 80s K10 Chevy pickup that I painted camo so it looks identical almost to the old army truck that used on top gear that they used to travel though the heavy snow ect which is cool lol. I'm using a Tenshock 906 series 3650 small block it's 2400kv and being fed by a Hobbywing Max 10SCT on 3s and 4s at times. It's considerably quick and on 4s almost no cogging. And my HD element Enduro I'm running interco Super swamper TSL SX from proline that are 4.75" tall "120mm" slightly smaller than the 54" boggers not much different honestly. Pretty large aggressive tires that look amazing. And I got the aluminum bead locks on it from Benidct Harry same rims you would find on a 1990 K5 blazer really nice rims. And the motor in it is a big block 4276 2200kv and it's being powered by a castle Mamba X. 4s mainly and all my element Enduro trucks are running 12% overdrive except a couple like the gatekeeper and my 2nd trail walker that I'll be working on this week sometime

[@RCTNT]

Wow! So much detail, I really enjoyed reading about your trucks! I'm liking the Element approach, for sure. Someone had the front IFS model at a comp on the weekend, I had a closer look at it. That's on the shopping list now (sorry, wallet). Anyway, I'm going to read over your comment again now so I can picture each truck some more. That all sounds awesome :D

[@RC-Crawlers]

Love the looks of this sendero! Liked and subscribed!

[@RCTNT]

Woohoo! Good to have you here and glad you enjoyed :) Welcome!

[@dirtyfingersninja]

Great job , picked one up from a buddy for 200. Good review.

[@RCTNT]

Oh nice! I keep coming back to this rig after driving, testing, reviewing others, etc, and every time I do, I realise just how nice it is on the rocks. It's really smooth! You're gonna love it :D

[@thecustomshopinc.6883]

Love the channel. Would like to these rigs on more scale rocks. In the 1:1 world you’d be hard pressed to drive over rocks that huge.

[@RCTNT]

So would I! These rocks at least are good for testing. The bigger stuff is a while from here but I'll try to get a few trucks there soon. Meanwhile, you've seen them on the crazy stuff here so you know they'll do it!

[@thecustomshopinc.6883]

@@RCTNT subbed! 🔥🔥🔥

[@skidog7440]

Kinda late to the party on this one, but great review really enjoyed the back and forth setup. Worst part of following you is my bank account keeps getting smaller!!😄 Keep up the great entertainment, we appreciate it!

[@RCTNT]

Aw man, your wallet is just a microcosm of mine :`) (You'd better not watch the video that releases tonight, then. Fair warning!) Glad you're enjoying it and thanks for the comments!

[@gimiked8685]

Element needs some QC improvement. My gatekeeper had similar problems. Loose screws and needed a once over before I gave it to my son. Overall, it seems a quality rig. Design seems solid, and the parts material looks great. Really love the gatekeeper overall. Can not wait to get some brass to lower the CG. I put 2.2's on it, and it's a little top-heavy. But it just rolls over some of the stuff that gives my trx4 problems. It just doesn't do as well on side slopes. So you gain in some places and lose in others. Can't beat physics.

[@RCTNT]

Nicely put. For what it's worth, since I made this video I've also gotten the Gatekeeper, Knightrunner and Ecto. They've all been great out of the box. Maybe Element learned some lessons from the Sendero HD?

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Great to see a AUS channel for RC new subscriber. Looking for first crawler and was on the short list

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool! Welcome, and check my playlists for other crawlers you might be interested in. I've done a lot of work with quite a few crawlers, probably most Australia-available ones at least!

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

@@RCTNT Also on the waiting list for the new Jap inspired 80s style short wheelbase Element Bushido as come from a drift rc hobby.

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

@@RCTNT The rear tray could be covered in some cool scale 4wd plastic parts and spare wheel to cover that 'staining'

[@RCTNT]

Ah nice. That's on my list too!

[@RCTNT]

@@hadynmcloughlin4661 totally, that's a great idea

[@ItzLocker]

Enjoyed

[@RCTNT]

Awesome :)

[@WIMBIRC]

cool video my friend keep it up 👍🚙🎥

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, I'm enjoying the process! Will do.

[@MMRC69]

Nice channel! I subbed!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, hope you find some value here :)

[@Wild_Buggy]

👍👍👍

[@kcriggins1]

Just picked or the sendero. It is fantastic. Have you figured out where the extra roll bar goes on the bed? Love your work.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! You're going to love it. I'm in the middle of my biggest comparison video yet - all filming is done, just compiling it now. The Sendero was part of it (we're testing the rigs against each other with the same premium tires and dual stage foams). I enjoyed driving the Sendero as much as my comp rig, which is really saying something! Haven't looked at the extras on the Sendero yet - only been doing the channel for two months and as you can see, I've been rather busy! I will get to a video series on the included extras with some of these rigs. There is something special and fun included with many of them, so they deserve the attention. Sorry I can't help you today with it though! Thanks for watching, good to have you here :)

[@dominic9279]

Great video and I think the tyres could be a little softer.

[@RCTNT]

Softer could help performance but on the other hand, they've gotta balance longevity too. These did quite well in our tyre test series, overall. I like these tyres :)

[@flowenduro5577]

Really like how informative your videos are. I am 13 and I am looking at buying myself a sendero Hd. Should I run 2s or 3s? And what is the battery tray size? Cheers 👍

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool. Glad you found it helpful! There are two battery trays for this thing. They give both in the box. You can fit pretty much anything, but the Sendero will run best on a smaller battery - that is, not the big 5,000mAh 2S packs that are so common. If you get a 4,000mAh 2S or a 2200mAh 3S pack, you'll be fine. Sendero HD will be just fine on 3S, but 2S will give you 50% more runtime at the cost of speed and perky response. It's a crawler though, so you may be fine with that too :)

[@flowenduro5577]

@@RCTNT cheers, thanks for that

[@bartbbb1046]

Hi, do you think adding the Gatekeeper trailing arm, making teh wheelbase slightly longer would improve how the truck handles?

[@RCTNT]

One way to find out, give it a go! (Personally no, I think it'd make it worse for everything except steep ascents, where the extra wheelbase would assist with lateral stability - as long as clearance wasn't a problem!).

[@bartbbb1046]

@@RCTNT Thanks, that was actually the kind of answering I was expecting. As you have a competitor background. Good to have the answer from someone who has performance in mind. It is just aesthetically, IMO the Trail HD would be nicer with a slightly longer wheelbase. Maybe a few spacer on the link would do the trick

[@RCTNT]

@@bartbbb1046 you're very welcome! I'd encourage you to experiment, for sure. Best way to learn if you have the time and the will :)

[@mxsty8829]

I’m not sure If I should go with the senduro he or the gen 8 v2 what’s your opinion? What I need a car for is to be able to crawl very slow and be able to have a highly capable crawler

[@RCTNT]

Sounds like you want the Sendero then, but both are great rigs. I've got just the video for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZiVh4KcjbmssM0

[@drjeggle]

I have been lookin at the RGT Land Cruiser and this truck. I kinda want something simple, without the diff lockers and 2 gears etc. I guess less is more when things go wrong right? Other than price, how would you say the Sendero compares to the RGT cruiser as far as quality build etc…? Your videos are great! Really enjoy them! So thanks for that!👍🏼✌🏼

[@RCTNT]

Thank you for watching my videos, I appreciate it and I'm glad you've found them helpful. I have a bunch more on the set sendero and also on the RGT Rescuer EX86190 - you'll find them on my Videos page or through search, plus they both have their own playlists. The Sendero is the better rock crawler. The Rescuer is the better trail truck. They're both among my favourite cars and I've had technical issues with neither - both are running perfectly today, though the Rescuer needed trim adjustment on the high/low shifter. I would not count that as an issue, just fine tuning. I've got articles on both on my website, too. Search for either on the search box on the front page and you'll find the articles. They go a bit deeper on details, if that's something you might find helpful. Cheers! rc-tnt.com

[@drjeggle]

@@RCTNT I pruchased the Land Cruiser for myself this past weekend! I do love it! Very cool rig! Only thing I was wondering about is the noise that comes from the drive shafts... Is it normal that they are quite loud? Any little fixes that can be done? I don't mind as it's not that crazy to the point that it's making it not fun to drive. I still love it... :)

[@RCTNT]

@@drjeggle oh cool! Nice one, it's a great rig. The drive shafts aren't going to make a lot of noise, I'd think. More likely it's diff or transmission noise with metal gears moving with each other. You might take the diffs and transmission apart and fill them with lithium/marine grease, that could help, especially if they're dry (they shouldn't be, but things do get missed during assembly at times). Otherwise, I'm not sure what it could be.

[@drjeggle]

@@RCTNT Thanks for the tips! I opened the diffs last night and there was a tiny bit of grease in there so I filled em up good and solid. Sounds a lot better now!

[@RCTNT]

Awesome, glad it was simple :) Enjoy!

[@jakubkasperek9710]

Could you tell me what the tire dimensions are on this model?

[@RCTNT]

They're 4.6" diameter x 1.9" rim size.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Why did you mentioned second esc for servo winch? I think nice powerfull BEC for it would be much better and if possible, could actually serve for both servos to have the main steering one properly powered unlike what it gets from ESC's BEC. Can BEC power 2 servos contol-wise? Power-wise even a 7A would be killer, as you don't really strain both servos during winching i think. Cause you only steer for general direction, while getting stalled or doing positioning tricks like pushing off of rocks is probably very rare, so only the winch servo is under load.

[@RCTNT]

You need an ESC for the winch if it's strong. If you're running a more basic servo winch instead, then yes, just adding a 7A or greater BEC at 7.4v to suit both winch and steering servo would be perfect. There are several ways to do it and what you're suggesting makes good sense :)

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

@@RCTNT omg i butchered spelling in previous comment and got some logic mistakes at the end too. I find myself misstyping on a smartphone a lot, so annoying. Usually i try to and spellcheck before posting. Sorry

[@Bonald1]

Hey Craig, I bought one of these today but I found it has a decent amount of torque twist when driving at speed or on steep inclines. Did you have the same issue and if so, any tips to rectify it?

[@RCTNT]

Hi Paul, I don't think I noticed much in that regard, but it's possible I overlooked it. I haven't used the car much on the trail, opting to focus on crawling with it in particular, given how well it crawls. Best thing to start with is to increase preload on the side it lowers on under forward acceleration. Maybe yours isn't set for that?

[@Bonald1]

@RCTNT thanks buddy. I adjusted the preload on one of the front springs and it helped when climbing a steep incline but now the ride height seems high on that end haha. I'll continue playing with the preloads on the back as well to see if that helps. Thanks mate.

[@RCTNT]

@paulsingh9322 definitely the rear is where you cancel the TT effect, yeah. Tinker a bit 👍

[@Bonald1]

@RCTNT Ah I see, thanks Craig!

[@RCTNT]

Sorry, low on time to reply earlier. Fwiw, I like to keep the front preload neutral, and usually equal unless the springs are poorly matched. Just needs a few turns to stiffen the rear side that's being twisted down under acceleration. That should do the trick hopefully. Cheers

[@tyukikiquinchi7367]

What is the difference between the hd and the old sendero?

[@RCTNT]

Good question! I don't have the old one.

[@tyukikiquinchi7367]

@@RCTNT i guess the name? HAHAH!

[@RCTNT]

@@tyukikiquinchi7367 lol probably a bit more than that! Aside from the obvious in name and body, I'm going to guess the bumpers, obviously the wheels (in colour at least, if not more) and maybe the servo are different... but I've read about both on the manuf website and a bit more around the web and haven't got more of an answer than that, yet! *Shrug* I sure like the HD, at any rate!

[@zdattonejones6709]

Why is crawling around or over rocks so important?

[@RCTNT]

Ooh, an existential question! I like these, it helps a person know they're still alive. Why is crawling over rocks important? Well, it isn't, but if it isn't, then nothing else matters either. What is life even for? Ask that same question of any hobby, art form, human pursuit... For those who enjoy rock crawling, it is the pursuit of that perfect line, the cleanest drive, the smoothest transitions... For anyone else, it is just a bunch of overgrown children playing with toy cars. And that's okay. Thanks for stopping by :)

[@zdattonejones6709]

Well said

[@RCTNT]

Well asked! It's a really good question.

[@user-mx5jp9rk4x]

I want to know the performance of the vehicle. I want to know more when comparing trx4. It's a car of interest. Subscribe and like.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! In this case you might be interested in these videos: - kzbin.info/www/bejne/rommaIiifNOKgpo (TRX4 vs GS02F vs Sendero HD) And - kzbin.info/www/bejne/onKxmWyHfL2Sj5o (5 rigs tested on the same tires) And - kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYSwlJ-Oft9sbNE (Sendero HD vs Gen 8 V2 vs TRX4 Sport on wet rock)

[@johnbarnicoat9423]

It's just too bad you really don't clearly state what all the "problems" are. Watching each "problem" and trying to figure out what you're getting at.

[@RCTNT]

Fair point, thank you. I've gotten better at it since then (it was only 3 months into youtube when I made this video) and my blog details the problems, but this is helpful feedback. Maybe I'll mention what each problem tests as we begin. Thanks :)

[@johnbarnicoat9423]

@@RCTNT Thanks. Still a good video man. Didn't see the blog so going to that next. Interested because just got this truck and looking for what others have found so far. Planning to watch more of your vids, thanks again.

[@RCTNT]

@@johnbarnicoat9423 oh thanks! And nice choice :) I've got a bunch more videos with the Sendero. Check my playlists on my channel page. There's one for the Sendero - I've used it in a bunch of videos since. It's superb on the rocks. Cheers!

[@RCTNT]

@@johnbarnicoat9423 I think my Sendero article is missing the test course explanation actually. I'll add that in later - on the road today. Here's the info that'll go in: Our Test Course If you’re not familiar with how we test RC rock crawlers, we have a course that challenges any 4x4 RC crawler in many ways: Approach and departure angle: these are challenged on Problems 2 and 3; Side-hill ability: tested on Problems 1, 3 and 5; Breakover (skid clearance): tested on Problems 4 and 6; Suspension articulation and centre of gravity: challenged on problems 2 and 5; and lastly, A punishing ascent on problem 6 tests all of balance, break-over, articulation, tire traction and approach and departure angles. Put together, we have a gnarly, challenging set of problems that challenge all crawlers. If a rig can conquer 3 or more of them, chances are you have a reasonably high-performance rock crawler. There are some machines that can claim all success on all six in stock form - but not many!

[@johnbarnicoat9423]

@@RCTNT Excellent explanation, thank you, and look forward to the addition later.

[@aorchotika]

Quick question/s Is the Ecto a better crawler? Better value?

[@RCTNT]

I'm sure I answered this for you today on another video, somewhere. In short, generally yes, Ecto will outcrawl Sendero. Not always but usually. Sendero is smoother. I might do a head to head while they're both still stock.

[@aorchotika]

@@RCTNT Oops you certainly have! Sorry mate I think I was multi tasking and that never goes well😬. Appreciate the feedback. Really like the look of the Sendero, 80's Nissan Patrol-ish

[@RCTNT]

Haha all good! I know better than to multitask, lol But you've prompted me to consider a comparison. They're still relevant and great rigs. Bushido is in Aus now too so that's another I should look at!

[@aorchotika]

@@RCTNT Hahaha hell yeah I've searched and can't find a shoot out so you'd be the first to cover it I think. I'll Google that name also as that's new to me. Cheers!

[@RCTNT]

Righto, I've gotta get to the gorge today to prep for tomorrow's comp, so I'll take em both and film them on a course or two. Done!