FMS ATLAS 6X6 Crawler - The Most Underrated RTR Crawler?! Unboxing, Review, Crawling & More!!

Today I am reviewing and testing the FMS Atlas 6X6 RTR crawler! This thing is a beast! We test its crawling abilities and the waterproof claim by fully submerging it! After scooping this rig up during Black Friday deals, I was immediately impressed by its capability and durability. Could this be the most underrated RTR crawler under $160?! Check out the video to see it in action!
Get your Atlas here and save $10 off any order $50 or more: www.fmshobby.c... - discount code Capecrawlers
Trailer & Hitch: www.etsy.com/s...
EBL Batteries: www.eblofficia...
Affiliate links:
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10% off the FMS FCX24 Power Wagon: www.fmshobby.c... - code Capecrawler10%
Amain Hobbies:
5% off any Injora products: www.injora.com - code Capecrawlers05
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[@CapeCrawlers]

Timestamps Unboxing and overview of key features: 1:15 Crawling footage and driving impressions: 8:43 Waterproof: Is it submersible? 14:36 Final thoughts on the Atlas: 16:00

[@tomzy6778]

Where are the discounts ?

[@tomunexplained7743]

I like how Axle is like this mythical character in most of your videos. Like boss man in the background. My son is very close to Axle's age I think and we just got into these little crawlers. Great family fun in these things!!! Thanks for all the info I'm probably going to have to order a hitch and trailer that is too cool!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

LOL yes, he is the little boss that sits in the mythical corner office at Cape Crawlers HQ! There's nothing better than sharing the hobby with the kids. Love it!

[@bucktheminibronco]

Dang this is a cool truck. I have the Axial SCX24 Bronco and i watched your build video to see what parts would be good. Love your videos and builds you do!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! Have fun with the bronco!

[@keithlaurich7831]

For anyone asking about upgrades, the cr18 power package is literally bolt in power. I have an fcx24 transmission as well with weighted treals and it is definitely a beast.

[@CapeCrawlers]

This is good to know. It needs more power I feel! I’ll try the Cr18p setup!

[@jdsrcs8061]

No other company packed their products as well as FMS. I got my atlas a few years ago. I like it over all. I swapped the electronics from my Panda 1/18 power wagon. The new esc gave it more power. I removed the front bumper to improve the approach angle. It's unfortunate that the aftermarket hasn't really supported it. Yea I know that some scx24 can be modified to work stand alone parts would be nice. 👍👍👍

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agree with the packaging! I wish there were more bolt ons available for it as well. It's got so much potential!

[@perronified]

Your videos keep getting better and better! I really enjoyed your close shots and detailed commentary, especially near the water. You have a great channel!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thank you, I appreciate that! I try to learn from feedback and improve the channel as I go.

[@Highoctanenerd]

We just got the Atlas 6x6 around Christmas time, and it's quickly becoming our favorite rig as well. My son loves it, and it's surprisingly capable on our indoor course. I might add some weight to the wheels, and if/when the motor dies I'll be looking for something more powerful, but otherwise it's fantastic out of the box.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Totally agree!

[@greggrube2948]

Awesome rig for 100 bucks. Would be cool to mount a flatbed on it. Great video Adam 👍

[@CapeCrawlers]

Money well spent! I do like those flatbed conversions.

[@Clint3571]

I would like to see how much better it could do with no hitch and no bumpers. One downside I see is that you could not go much bigger with the tires because the rears would run into each other. Thanks for this review. Very fun looking toy.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Man it could climb near vertical without the bumpers and hitch I bet! Good point about the tires, you are pretty much stuck with it as is although I do know some folks make a big tire kit for it that allows for taller tires.

[@shannaconda3434]

Those tires remind me of the old stomper truck tires from the 70s and 80s. I miss those things. They weren't RC, but they were fun as hell to just turn on and see what they could do.

[@keithbutler6361]

I like the look of this little truck , I think with some paint and weathering you could have a great truck to display and take out on a trail , great video again , stay safe mate ...

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching! It would be cool to do a rusted, vintage paint on it!

[@darcorc7227]

Awesome review! I love the atlas 6x6, it was my second mini crawler I’ve owned. Just a fyi, a bearing kit and a new esc (scx24 esc) makes it run much smoother and more control. Unfortunately I burnt my motor out from using it too much for towing. But with a bit of tweaking you can make a aftermarket scx24 motor work.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for the info! I am very curious about motor upgrades as I have a bunch of SCX24 motors lying around. What did you have to do to get the scx24 motor to fit?

[@damindecker5456]

Your front diff is most likely stripped too g

[@carlreeves9762]

The FMS Atlas 6x6 was my first RC and it's all some!!! I love this rig

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's great isn't it? Super fun.

[@PolyDuff]

Great review! Thanks a lot! The transmitter is also very similar to the transmitter provided with the Losi Mini-B buggy. I really like small transmitters.

[@robertlawrence6606]

Thanks for the great vid, can always trust you to get to the details! Ive had my eye on this truck forever and just picked up one @ MotionRC as well as a Toyota Hilux for $79.99 each! I couldnt believe it.

[@TrevorParkJones]

Oh man that thing looks like a whole lot of fun! I've looked at the Apache Chevy 6x6 from Fair Rc a few times, it looks like it would be fun too. You got a screaming deal on that, good score! Thanks for another great video Adam, take care!!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

$99 well spent I feel! The Cheyenne 6x6 has a bigger motor and oil filled shocks I believe. It would be nice to rob some of those parts for the atlas

[@Sparroh]

The axle test, 😂 that’s now a standard, believe it! I’m getting one.

[@jasons8573]

I have one of those also. Another 6x6 you might want to check out is the Panda Hobby Tetra. Smooth, quiet, and oil filled shocks...

[@CapeCrawlers]

I will keep an eye out for some deals in those. Maybe make a hybrid!

[@HenryCalderonJr]

I love my atlas too! Just got mine for Christmas too! And I also have the FMS FJ Toyota

[@CapeCrawlers]

I love the looks of the FJ! FMS does a great job with their stuff.

[@HenryCalderonJr]

Yes I do too!

[@mr.dillpickle]

Awesome video! You should definitely start a build! I do think you should leave this one stock for Axel, though. Instead, get an FMS Apache 6x6 and start a build on it! It has much better potential in my opinion. You could easily swap FCX portals to either of these. The axles on the Apache 6x6 are almost a non portal version of the FCX axles, so no need to upgrade them. I really like mine, although I haven't ran it in a while. I'm doing a semi build on mine, using the Revel Peterbilt 359 body. On mine, the transmission gears stripped out pretty easy. Just something to watch out for.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Good idea! Especially since Axel doesn’t want me to touch the atlas!

[@mr.dillpickle]

@@CapeCrawlers For sure, it would be awesome! How are you liking the MOFO SMP Pancake?

[@darkseiddoom]

Great video! I've been wondering why I haven't seen more vids on this! I've had one for a couple years and it's a monster. I've modded mine more and more and weighed it down so I can drive it upstream in water. Such a blast 😀. You guys should do a video on the Tetra Panda if you haven't, that thing is also an rtr monster!

[@CapeCrawlers]

We love this thing. The panda looks great! I like the upgraded features it has. Thanks for watching!

[@JollyPirateAhoy]

Ever since I've been messing with my panda hobby 6x6 I've been looking at the FMS version. The panda hobby I've had issue finding any sort of upgrades for it. I've been thinking about using FMS parts for it

[@CapeCrawlers]

Someone else in the comments said a very similar thing: combining the Atlas and Panda to get the best of both!

[@JollyPirateAhoy]

@@CapeCrawlers I'm fairly impressed with the panda for the cost of it. I originally ordered it for my oldest but found myself playing with it more than my MT24.

[@805crawlers]

Very cool just got done building my ultra24

[@CapeCrawlers]

Awesome! The ultra is amazing!

[@carlreeves9762]

I put in a Furitek motor & ESC, the stock axles are to week for it. So I am putting drive train from the new 6x6 rochobby with metal gears

[@CapeCrawlers]

Ohh thats good info! I did'nt even think of the Rochobby conversion!

[@davidyeats6609]

DUDE! That’s a beast. It. An conquer anything 😃. Throw some small modes at first. Go for it 💪😎👊

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's a tank!

[@michaelrobles1040]

The 6x6 Monster Truck would be awesome.

[@VS666]

Picked up a Panda 6x6 for Christmas and having transmitter issues, very delayed. They sent me an updated manual but I still can't figure out how to rebind it. Bad ass little rig though, I love the magnetic body and all the lights. Tires look better on the FMS though

[@CapeCrawlers]

Bummer about the transmitter issue. I hope you get it sorted out!

[@JP-qq2kn]

This truck is on sale for $149 CAD at my local hobby store. So tempted to pick one up.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I would recommend it!

[@SPPTA]

The dually conversion makes it near unstoppable.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I need that in my life

[@AddictRC]

Great video the truck is sick I almost got one Black Friday but waited too long and they where sold out

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’m glad we did. I went back and forth as well and pulled the trigger five minutes before the sale ended

[@farmboyrc]

I got my sleek trailer yesterday and put it together and its awesome! I wish I had gotten the larger one tho.

[@CapeCrawlers]

They’re great right?! I agree, the wider one is the way to go

[@farmboyrc]

@@CapeCrawlers definitely

[@dylangehring4069]

I have this truck stock tires are actually really bad for my indoor surface I swapped them onto my trx4m and can’t do most of my coarse. Could really improve with tires would love to see you modify it!

[@CapeCrawlers]

I've got some goodies for it just havent had the time to install them. I'll get there someday soon!

[@joshsmith3280]

Build it! I've really wanted to get one. Just haven't been able to yet. I'd like to see what could be done with one in your hands. Then I'd definitely be sold on it.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I've gotta convince my son to let me get after it! We'll get there lol

[@joshsmith3280]

@Cape Crawlers Can't wait to see it what it becomes. Just looking at what you've done with all the scx24's, I bet this thing is would be crazy.

[@rhensley05]

Sweet little rig

[@CapeCrawlers]

Definitely is!

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

There is a lot of interest in building these, but not a lot of videos. would be a great one to get on top of.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I'm brainstorming some ideas as we speak!

[@crocsonletsgo9665]

@@CapeCrawlers FMS portal axles are a really fun build for these. I put a 1060 and RCAWD 370 motor in and its a BEAST! I'm trying double barrels later today.

[@jessicajay2484]

very nice video! could you give some specification for upgrade?

[@nunocarneiro464]

New box top 😁👍 It really had to be that # 😂

[@mrGuy959]

It's a cool rig. I pondered for a long time getting one of these or a Panda Hobby Tetra 6x6, and went with the Panda Hobby since it has a 180 motor and oil-filled shocks. The Atlas does look cooler, so I'm thinking about putting the half-cage on and considering the FCX24 two-speed transmission too.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Would the cage bolt right onto the Panda? It looks like it would. The motor and shocks are a big advantage in the Panda.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Just noticed someone commented below that they are switching to the Rochobby 6X6 axles which have metal gears. Unsure if thats a direct swap, but definitely worth looking into!

[@mrGuy959]

Well, the bigger motor meant it pretzeled the drive shaft to the middle axle, but you can make metal SCX24 axles fit with a little modification. The Panda Hobby body hinges at the back and has the battery and ESC under the bed so lots would have to be relocated but it's probably cool and cheap enough to be a fun project 😋.

[@creepyjeep7873]

It’d be cool if they made a half-track option!

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agreed

[@lordharr123456]

Please mod this with furitek motor and gearbox combo they sell on there site and we can see how well it does Brushless!!!!

[@CapeCrawlers]

It would be amazing brushless. I will do it eventually, or I will build another version with the brushless motor!

[@havikhobbies]

I just got one of these yesterday, I don't know if it's faulty or not but I would describe it as woefully underpowered and it seem too be geared way too high! On the first tricky climb I attempted, the motor got too hot to touch! I'm wondering if its binding in the drive train somewhere. Either way I can't drive it until I figure out why it overheated, FMS dropped the ball on this one!

[@jeremyts9032]

How easy is to find spare parts for this today? I'm thinking to buy one.

[@dwaynebaker8733]

Hey Adam can you review the new hobbyplus cr18 p unimog?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes! I've got one in the mail as we speak!

[@thewoofworker6840]

I have an Atlas 6x6 and I've found that the design of the pinion gear in each axle is prone to failure. I found that the metal piece that connects to the driveshaft expands the plastic gear and causes major slippage, (especially in the mid axle). I'd love to hear if you have any suggestions as to how to fix that. Loved the video as always. Keep it up!

[@CapeCrawlers]

That's interesting! We haven't experienced that (yet). Assuming no one makes a metal gear set for these, I am not sure what the fix would be unfortunately.

[@DipeshHinduja]

I had the same thing happen on two separate units. Made me sour on FMS in general, though the customer service was good when the first one stripped out in less than a day of use. Didn’t bother trying to repair the second time it happened, the poor low speed control, noise, and touchy reverse throttle didn’t make it feel worth the effort.

[@EastTexasCrawlers]

Thanks man this made my day

[@CapeCrawlers]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rolandomota6852]

🤘metal caterpillar🤘

[@CapeCrawlers]

Haha absolutely!

[@thosebadrcbouncers4254]

The stock drive train SUCKS. Went threw 4 transmissions is like 2 weeks. Never did break anything in the axles but there vary low quality axles. Brass bushing and plastic gears inside. Use fcx24 axles and an Scx24 transmission.. that transforms the whole truck. Love mine to death and it out performs just about anything you put it up against with some good tires

[@RCCrawlerz209]

Not the same company obviously, but looks like it has stock Axial shocks on it. Be interesting to see what upgrades you could do on this rig. 🤔

[@CapeCrawlers]

They do look and feel like Axial shocks! I want to do the big tire kit for sure, maybe dually conversion. But my son is pretty amendment about leaving it alone. I may have to get another one to modify!

[@RCCrawlerz209]

@@CapeCrawlers haha for sure.

[@SYST3M_OVERIDE]

That noise is the servo

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's noisy!

[@will_i_am1179]

You should get a orlandoo hunter

[@CapeCrawlers]

Those are smaller scales right?

[@vdel9036]

I'm about to buy one. The only thing is it does not provide a low speed.😢Do you have any idea to help me solve this issue ? I have in mind to replace the 050 motor by a geared one. No high speed any more but it doesn't matter. I need low speed to run my backyard course. Another idea (but expensive) would be to buy a FCX24 electronic full pack (transmitter + combo rec/esc) and eventually a FCX24 transmission. Waiting for your ideas...😉

[@CapeCrawlers]

The FCX24 electronics are an option. You could do the Furitek brushless conversion. That would be the ultimate in low speed!

[@keithlaurich7831]

Fcx24 trans is an easy swap. I've got a 4 channel turbo racing esc and controller. And the cr18 power package started this really. I ran that till the one speed transmission torn up.

[@rampagepr3524]

Thank you for the video…. Good buy for 100$

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks for watching!

[@mrdeceit8393]

is there an aftermarket parts world for this as I see tires, rims and shocks in my future if I buy it

[@CapeCrawlers]

Not a whole lot which is a bummer. I see some folks doing custom parts on Etsy and Furitek has a motor/transmission upgrade for it. Otherwise not much.

[@SteadfastRC]

Good review, I got to say I don't like those ebl batteries, I have a bunch of them, they're not the correct size compared to a standard aa battery. Especially for vintage transmitters that were designed with alkaline batteries in mind they're very hard to make fit. They're okay as far as capacity but something like the Sanyo eneloop batteries are much better in every way. Also tenergy is pretty good.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Thanks! You are totally right about the size of the EBL's. I find they are a cumbersome fit in the Axial transmitters. AAA size seem to work well, but I struggle with the AA's.

[@SteadfastRC]

@@CapeCrawlers yeah it's a shame because I ordered a bunch of them and now they don't fit most things I need them for, I hope other people don't make the same mistake.

[@slickkota]

What size did you make the custom links. For the bigger tires

[@CapeCrawlers]

I ended up using JLU front lower links to stretch it

[@Ethan_newton]

Could you do an upgrade video on it

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes, as long as my son let's me do it lol

[@Ethan_newton]

Yay thanks because I’m thinking of getting the fms atlas 6x6 but I want to know if there’s any good upgrades👍

[@Kaboomboy501]

I watched a other video on this crawler and he said it had so many problems

[@CapeCrawlers]

Ours is still going strong!

[@donaldsneffe]

I have done a ton of mods... donno if links to videos will be deleted here?

[@donaldsneffe]

Playlist Atlas 6x6: kzbin.info/aero/PLYgjhA9mko6p9tFngxW721skYnkTybbyC Cosmetics: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mIasaqWpp7iYnc0 Better ESC: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHvWl4ejqJWJhdk Test, oil shocks, upgrade tires/rims: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6PMdaqJqMl8h8k

[@CapeCrawlers]

I’ll check them out, thank you!

[@damindecker5456]

Front diff goes out after about a week

[@CapeCrawlers]

Our diff has held up but the motor just went. First incident we've had with ours.

[@tricomaspictures7667]

I have one for a month or so, the variator is a garbage without tact or force, the only positive thing is that it really is waterproof, the noise it makes is unbearable, loses strength as soon as a small obstacle is encountered And there is no part for their modification, no axes, no links, I just hope they start making parts to improve their performance.

[@CapeCrawlers]

We're fortunate my son is the primary user so we can enjoy it despite all the shortcomings you pointed out. I also hope more parts become available for it!

[@ryan335]

Can the back come off? I’d love to buy the deal they have going on right now for 2 possibly, but one I’d like to use for other stuff lol

[@CapeCrawlers]

The cage? I think it can. I'd have to look at it. It's a great truck!

[@ryan335]

@@CapeCrawlers Oh ya the cage, my bad lol. And awesome! Been debating on it for making a custom build and maybe another one to leave as is, since there is a duo sale rn lol. But seeing you got it for 99 and they’re on sale for like 145 each, kinda wanna wait 😂

[@turmoil5650]

Dang, now I want one. Awesome footage.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's super fun! Thanks for watching!

[@josephlawrence6873]

I really like my FMS 6x6 Atlus... if I had any real compliment is the esc is extremely loud... other than that it's a very fun rc to have. I got mine on black Friday also.. can't beat $99 compared to $159.99...

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's a steal at $99 I feel. Glad we got one!

[@ThenpcDaniel]

Can you upgrade it?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Minimally. I've modified ours slightly but it's difficult.

[@ericpohlman5131]

Truck-a-pillar.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Accurate!

[@joshheitzenroder365]

Every Rc manufacturer could take a lesson from FMS packaging

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agreed!

[@zachboutin1968]

If ud don't think the servo sucks onto top of all u say you are paid by them

[@CapeCrawlers]

I think all stock servos pretty much suck. I'm still running the stock servo in this though!

[@carlreeves9762]

Atlas 6x6 is very tail heavy

[@user-cg2zg7tz4k]

Super fun truck it’s just way to under powered

[@CapeCrawlers]

Needs the FCX powertrain!

[@damindecker5456]

It is not waterproof I melted the battery wire to my hand going to deep

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yikes!

[@tievox_gsr]

That ESC is way to loud and annoying 😂

[@CapeCrawlers]

I knew someone had to say it 🤣

[@Steinbockhase]

The driving looks very jerky with poor modulation; more or less jumping over the obstacles. Does not seem to be a good slow crawler. Too bad :-(

[@CapeCrawlers]

Slow crawling does need some help. I wish there were more upgrades for it!

[@snorrevonflake]

That must be the worst handling Crawler i have ever seen.

[@nealeware9163]

Where do you shop? My FMS Atlas 6X6 cost me $333.00 AU.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I got this one from Amain hobbies during a Black Friday sale. Fair RC also has good deals on them occasionally

[@nealeware9163]

I don't get it. In the instructions, they tell you to keep it away from moisture yet here you are drowning it and it is still going. They must just say to keep it away from moisture to cover their own asses just in case.

[@CapeCrawlers]

LOL I think you’re right. Covering themselves from a liability standpoint, but also advertising that it’s waterproof

[@john-lenin]

So instead of being a Crawler it’s a Mudder.