Is it SERIOUSLY only $289?

RedCat surprised us all and plopped a full comp truck on us. It comes in two different versions, features a steel flat-rail chassis with aluminum shock towers, dual spring shocks, adjustable underdrive, and a plethora of other details for as little as $289. Is it any good though? Watch me drive it and deliver a real-time commentary.
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I shoot all my videos on the Sony a7c and a6500 in 4K, with Sigma 16mm, Tamron 28-70 and 55-210mm f1.4 lenses and the DJI Ronin RS3

[@scalebuildersguild]

Forgot to mention, that right under where RedCat put the ESC, is a nice spot for a servo winch. Standard arrangement like many other comp chassis designs. Good on them to not forget that! Will you get one of these?

[@beng.6417]

would a small battery fit in there if you were to go with a Fusion?

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@beng.6417 Absolutely! Most competitors run really low mAh batteries and swap between each course run.

[@demi9725]

Looks like you were at Rattlesnake point haha, that rock face at 6:47 was a dead give away, we were just there crawling our rigs this weekend. Awesome video as always, much love. Probably will get one if my LHS gets one in stock later on this month

[@RandomRCTV]

Couple of observations. 1 the noise from the esc has kept both rattlesnakes and humans away from you. 2. We had a beautiful day in England yesterday as well

[@scalebuildersguild]

Ha! It was very loud and it was a great day!

[@rc.remedy]

Ah, that sweet shrieking sound through the trees love it!

[@Bot_Brad]

Best RTR for 2023!! I love this truck take my money again RedCat.

[@spenn2007]

Really impressive, Redcat has been providing quality with fair pricing for quite some time now.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed!

[@chrismeyer5740]

The Red body is my favorite because the paint finish is a perfect metallic candy apple Red. Both have a semi deep truck bed too which I added a fire Extinguisher. My first immediate modifications are Brass Portal cover, black bedrock wheels with Proline tires.Future mod will be better ESC for Drag Brake performance. Very proud of Redcat, my best truck.

[@Casitascrawlers]

I’ve got the Red one coming sometime this week I also have the $80 Hobbywing 2/1 version & metal beadlocks & J Concepts Rapture tires. It’s funny you mentioned the people factor I love when I get to one of my Crawling spots & there’s no one the whole time 😂 👍

[@scalebuildersguild]

Enjoy it! Yes, there were WAY too many people there, but I should have known since it was a beautiful autumn day!

[@mrrockfink1745]

Great video, camera work, narration, and very informative on the little redcat beast!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@floridasfamilyrcchannel1412]

That's a great review I had a redcat as a first let me even see if I like trailing or crawling rc truck . I'm a on a budget dad so couldn't justify a lot of money on something for a hobby when my real jeep always needs something lol . But it truly got me into the hobby and this helps the people who really want to keep up with the big brand crawlers but this i believe is a awesome addition to there fleet I want one now.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Totally agree! Thanks for watching!

[@BlindGuyRc]

I foe sure feel redcat is for sure getting better every release. I think the base is there with this New esc and motor. Some vp rims, maybe maybe not better tires. I think the tires may do better with some weight. Same with the suspension. But all in all. For the price. It's a winner.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed!

[@Friskee62]

I will for sure be getting one of these rigs...

[@DrGorillafist]

Love this format of driving impressions right out of the box! Sometimes unboxing and detail reviews can get redundant channel to channel IMO...also helps that I love our Halton Hills trails, and recognized each rock and spot, so it was super relatable! In your opinion, has Redcat done enough to make this a better option than an Axial Base Camp as the go-to entry point crawler/trail truck? What would balance the scales?

[@scalebuildersguild]

It’s such a great spot! Thanks for watching! I think the comparisons have to be made to other flat rail chassis trucks that are designed for either competition or extreme crawling. It’s just not a fair comparison otherwise!

[@oldironsfury]

Price and chassis setup This truck by far busted a lot of competitors skulls ,awesome video ! Great looking truck . What would really knock it out the park would be a bobbed and tucked scout body with a hobby wing esc call it the (new axe version ) 😉

[@just-in-time6069]

Glad see people coming around on red cat and see there make attempts to get better my first was gen 8 and have all the other brands and hand it to my son and it's still holding up only broken gear in portal when I first own it and it been a trooper since it runs Holmes motor high end brush and 1080 witch all crawlers runs Holmes and castle esc in the others that are mine kids have the more budget but they slowly been turn brushless they kinda like trail driving more they also have 3s cars for bashing next realize u have 40 + vehicles and maybe two have stock motor or esc it a addiction and as recovering addict since I don't own cycles and cars like I once did by hundreds also getting older body is all ready broken up I think little more about get hurt keep up great work and have a wonderful day.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I think they've made a lot of improvements and glad to hear yours is still holding up! Thanks for watching and have a great day too!

[@jdsrcs8061]

Great vid!!! I'm glad you got the red one!!! I'm getting mine this week!!!🤘🤘🤘

[@scalebuildersguild]

Enjoy!

[@BlueDually4x4]

Great review. Redcat is really going after a lot of segments in the hobby this year.

[@scalebuildersguild]

It sure is! Thanks for watching!

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Looks like a really nice truck and at a good price, hopefully it's something that helps get more people into crawling and trail trucks... I still think a Vanquish Phoenix or an Element is most likely to be my next addition on that side of the hobby...

[@scalebuildersguild]

I think this is a great starter and it's a fantastic price. You can't really compare this with the Phoenix or Element!

[@junkyard2447]

I can’t wait to get back into RC next year! This things awesome

[@vincevargas7892]

Great rig for me since I only have trail trucks but now this is a game changer for the beginners getting into this style of crawling. Most like to fit their own electronics & set them up to their liking. I need one for sure💯

[@scalebuildersguild]

Good choice!

[@Bushwackerinpa]

even at 300. You could change out every single electric piece, the wheels and tires and body and you still be cheaper than almost any LCG build.

[@bobbyc167]

@scalebuildersguild great video, and that looked like a wonderful day for getting out and doing some crawling! I gotta say, I really appreciate your reviews like this, really going over the pros and cons, as well as the run footage demonstrating those pros and cons. I have seen some other videos on this rig, but they have a tendency to edit and just show successful climbs and only positive comments. Keep up the awesome work!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks so much!

[@BANTAM53]

Badass little truck for the buck!!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed!

[@gatorrcgames]

Good video man! Redcat did a good job with this truck.

[@Yavul85]

Really enjoyed the review, Nice to grt first hand review of how it actually performs rather than a bench review. Very tempted to purchase one for the Wife to try the hobby and at this price point very worth it seems.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bobzilla9p0]

The Hobby Wing 1040 has jumpers that allow you some basic drag brake settings right on the ESC.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes, and that’s what this has. Basically either on or off. Not nearly enough!

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

I'm really liking this out of the box! Sad my local hobby store isn't carrying Redcat anymore, as I would've love to have given them the business. Guess I'm going to to have to hit up the internet. For the money this is a great way to start!

[@scalebuildersguild]

It's definitely great for beginners or people that are willing to make some upgrades!

[@thomasblair7996]

I think for a rtr it is gonna be hard to beat,of course most people are gonna upgrade at this price

[@brianbutton1591]

First time seeing someone run the red one. I think I like the red one more and I believe it’s more class one compliant over the blue one. What all needs to be done to make it a class 1 just the 4.19 tires right ? Where the blue one needs bumpers and a body to be class 1 if I’m seeing it right on the videos. Thank you for this video…

[@scalebuildersguild]

Tire coverage is going to be an issue, but otherwise, yep! Thanks for watching!

[@scalecrawlnl]

Thank you! A fun video format, sure do like like the 'live from the trail' SBG review experience. Wonderful scenery to boot and a fair and square conclusion, garnered from real driving. New truck looks good too being out there on a nice, autumnal run. Greatly appreciated, cheers 😊✌

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks for watching!

[@barceloni1984]

Not a bad rig. Slap a 1080 in it and some cheap metal beadlocks and you're set.

[@TyJoe_N_MattyMoe]

What "cheap" beadlocks would you get? That aren't Amazons, RC4WD, or SSD.

[@barceloni1984]

@@TyJoe_N_MattyMoe I prefer the steel SSD ones if I'm not buying injora beadlocks. I have a few sets of each, and they all perform the same. I do only buy name brand tires. Had a few sets of cheap ones. That's where you'll notice a difference

[@pwrofgrayskull]

Great review on a beautiful day! Thank you. 👍✌️

[@ktse87]

Location looks familiar; we were just at Rattlesnake Point with some crawlers yesterday. Awesome spot to test out a rig.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I was there too! There were WAY too many people for my liking!

[@aaronbryant9908]

Nice video. Love red cat. Looks very capable.

[@scalebuildersguild]

It's a great starter vehicle and can definitely be modified! Not to mention the price! Thanks for watching!

[@sameold77]

I want this red one. Looks great. Wish it has a slightly better ESC with drag brake. Thanks for sharing.

[@buysncharge]

I bet hobbywing has an esc for it for like 25 bucks that would be just right.

[@sameold77]

Of course, but why not just include it and charge a few more dollars. I mean it is a crawler rig and a drag brake is pretty much a requirement for that kind of driving. They must have been really pushing the limit to keep it under that $300 price tag I guess.

[@TheWright1]

I think I’m going to get this for my 5 year old for Christmas. Seems better than the scx10 ii blazer he has now

[@scalebuildersguild]

Good choice!

[@westdesertwheeler]

Great video Matt. Beautiful area and color correction as always

[@scalebuildersguild]

I'll trade locations with you anytime, Logan!

[@bobbymulwee7641]

I bought a set of these wheels and tires and I tried baking them to get the tires off but the wheels get soft and the glue doesn't break lose

[@scalebuildersguild]

Ah bummer!

[@guest6423]

Thanks for taking us to the woods! Great spot. How significant is the performance difference between this and the other mainstream portal-axled crawlers? I don't have a feel for how dramatic the improvement is. Thanks! And that body will look pretty good with some additional wheel well trimming and removing some height from the sides and front valence.

[@scalebuildersguild]

It compares to trucks like the SCX10Pro, or other comp-specific chassis like the line from TGH, Brazin Scale, G-Speed, etc. However, none of those come as RTR's, and will cost significantly more as in every case other than the SCX10Pro, you need to supply your own axles, trans, gearing, shocks, links, etc. Against mainstream crawlers, it's going to be quite competitive. But I rarely do head-to-head style videos, as I don't find them to be very scientific, as it's really hard to replicate the same exact conditions.

[@aja_rc]

Redcat the best car for off road

[@RCFIEND24]

Not bad amigo, not bad.

[@Mortech89]

Lol had a fat laugh now. Checked the video out a d price not bad even for me. Checked what cost and semi in budget and then checked shipping and shipping more that the truck good to say I found the exit button fast. Looking at 12k for me after conversion. Lol

[@scalebuildersguild]

I don't think that your comment was meant for this video.

[@Mortech89]

@@scalebuildersguild HAHAHA no think misunderstanding so I am in South Africa so the conversion rate from Dollar ($) to Rand ( ZAR) is about $1 = R18.88, so with the calculation the RedCat i am looking at just over 5k in currency which is do able, then went to look what shipping will be to me and that is an extra 7K on top op that. Hence the 12K It happens when in a 3rd world country. XD again thanks for the videos.

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@Mortech89sorry to hear that.

[@Thedudeabides803]

Got the blue one for my 9 year old son. But my daughter is 4 and loves using my Capra 4ws so she might get the red😊

[@scalebuildersguild]

Lucky kids!

[@caledoncrawlersrc2216]

I like it, it has potential. As you mentioned in the video i would love to see a raw builders kit in the 189 range. Also i heard they made a bunch of changes to Rattlesnake removing a bunch of rocks where we used to play, is that true? Great video! Send me an invite next time lol

[@luvtocatchem]

Next time you come out to California to hangout with Josh tell him you want to night crawl at the playground with the A-town guys. Bring your best rig. Let’s have some fun.

[@raymondburdine7634]

I would like to see you do a full build on it

[@mkuhnactual]

Looks nice but with how much you'd have to replace I'd love to see this as a kit.

[@scalebuildersguild]

I would make a few upgrades, but it's great for newbies!

[@Moneypit__RC]

🔥 awesome rig.

[@mikeeklund18]

great video! question,would the hobbywing 1060 for 25 bucks cure the wine and drag brake problems? thankyou very much

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yep, that would probably be just right to cure the issue!

[@mikeeklund18]

awesome thanks for getting back to me alot of youtubers dont i appreciate it@@scalebuildersguild

[@robsadler7094]

Would you get full depth bed points on that body?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I'd have to check the rules again, but just looking at it, it looks pretty close!

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Taking out the internal springs and swapping the external springs for Dlux/Mini T springs, should really improve performance/articulation. A capable performer, for sure, lots of potential in this rig. Well done, Redcat (never thought I'd speak those words! 😂). Great drive video! 🤘

[@artofboost]

Nice video man!!! Are you coming out to the Halloween crawl Sunday in Ancaster?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I don't think so? I don't know anything about it!

[@artofboost]

@@scalebuildersguild oh no way are you on fb I can send you the link it’s another true North event it’s supposed to be pretty good 👍

[@WoolstyRC]

Looks a decent bit of kit this new redcat, my question is if you was to go out and spend your own money would you buy the redcat, the scx10 pro or gather parts and just build a rig and why ? 👊🏼🤙🏼💨💨💨

[@scalebuildersguild]

Well, now that the Vanquish VRD Carbon is out, I’ll be trying that! Check out my newest video!

[@WoolstyRC]

@@scalebuildersguild I said with your own money not a gift from your RC FRIEND (inbetweeners reference) 🤣

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

That's interesting (and kind of sad) that the ESC doesn't have a drag brake. That's an absolute necessity on any crawler. What's odd is that I would have expected this to use the same 1040-based ESC that my Gen 8 and even my Gen7 had that DID include a drag brake option via the jumper on the ESC.

[@scalebuildersguild]

It's got one, but it's so very basic, that it's basically like not having one.

[@DLAdventures2]

great footage!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Thanks!

[@evintacy7272]

I have got to get me one! 😊

[@JMRCDesigns]

I'm honestly just here for the acorn talk. #gonuts 👍

[@beng.6417]

was about to pick up the Element Enduro Zuul but now I don't know......can you do a comparo?

[@scalebuildersguild]

I have the Zuul and drove it on the same day. I honestly don't think you can lump these two into the same category. The drivetrain, layout, body, tire size, intended purpose, are all very different. The Zuul isn't going to be able to conquer the same sort of terrain, turn as sharply, or rock crawl stock vs. stock against the Ascent. The Zuul looks better, has a more interesting scale layout, can be made to look quite scale, but doesn't have portals, 32p gears, etc. I wouldn't compare the two I'm afraid.

[@beng.6417]

@@scalebuildersguild gotcha. You just saved me a $100 bucks. Thanks. Now just got to figure out the shock situation.....🤔

[@jameyharrison7499]

One of the designers said the links are not high clearance and are supposed to go out to the sides.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Really? That doesn’t sound right at all.

[@Team_ReVolt]

Nice first impression vid. Is this available as a kit, without motor and electronics?

[@scalebuildersguild]

No it isn't. I imagine we'll see that a few months from now though.

[@Team_ReVolt]

@@scalebuildersguild thank you sir. I have enough projects running so I 'll wait on that to buy one.

[@rc-daily]

Is there not a qr code you can scan to get the under drive instructions? I cant wait to get one and get it built!

[@scalebuildersguild]

Nope, QR code in the manual takes you to the digital version, no mention of the underdrive there whatsoever.

[@rc-daily]

@@scalebuildersguild ahh that's a real failure imo...

[@my89foxbody1]

Cool video! Where's them stickers!

[@scalebuildersguild]

👏

[@josephlawrence6873]

Is the speed on the truck ok for use as a trail truck?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Absolutely. Just run either 10% or no Under Drive to make sure you're not overly taxing the motor.

[@josephlawrence6873]

@@scalebuildersguild thanks for the information

[@nukedathlonman]

Yea, that ESC is letting things down a little too much, but the package sure is nice for the price. I def see a few things I'd change out (tires, foams, and ESC would be my first mandatory things (as in replace out of the box) - I'd prob run the servo until it burns out (even if it's not the most powerful or fastest thing around), same with the motor....Shocks, dunno I might be willing to play around with different springs and the shock oil. But sure looks like a good starter truck to simply plug a battery in and just go for a drive even with out the mods.

[@scalebuildersguild]

Agreed ! I would change a lot too, but it's great for beginners!

[@kjflyte5088]

I'll wait for builders kit.. lmfao

[@adamtebben9512]

Matt in the video you mentioned a quieter ESC, what is the quietest 1/10 ESC you’ve come across so far?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Any of the 2-1's. Virtually silent!

[@adamtebben9512]

@@scalebuildersguild thank you sir! The quieter the better. Cheers!

[@LorenB.]

I have a Crawlmaster Mini v3 paired to the Revolver 2023 540M Team Spec 1800kv. It is nearly dead silent even with an outrunner.

[@clintdyson5765]

I would absolutely have to change the electronics. I have esc noise!!! Almost cant even watch videos because of it.

[@damienhooper1196]

"Nicely done"....another graduate of the George Russell school of positive, self-affirmation...😂

[@scalebuildersguild]

Glad someone caught that. 😂

[@Rulusto]

Personally i can't stand the electric whine, it literally gives me a headache. The first thing i did on my TRX-4 was to change the motor and esc to a Hobbywing Fusion Pro.

[@jgrc73]

XL5 hv is an excellent rtr esc. get yourself a Bluetooth speaker for $20 🤘🏻 or a 1080 for 45 The product I'm worried about in terms of noise is the dirtbike that Gyro sounds super annoying on videos I can't imagine how bad it is in person . I have sound sensitivities also just not to the cheap brushed whine

[@vintagerc9173]

Next to the Element RC crawlers, this is a good value! Although I’m waiting for a RTR Comp crawler.

[@MRR2RO91]

I cant wait to get me one of these !!!! (Second hand). Not looking to buy new honestly, but i like the red one too 👍🏽

[@craigpimlott204]

Too expensive in the uk no stockists so we have to import them here …then when the Hmrc get their mits on import duty they’d be twice the price of a trx4

[@scalebuildersguild]

Sorry to hear that!

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

Curious about the name “Everest”. Does this share a chassis or something else with the original Redcat Everest?

[@scalebuildersguild]

It's called the Ascent.

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

@@scalebuildersguild Redcat calls it the Everest Ascent. 🤷🏼‍♂️🤔

[@scalebuildersguild]

@@thejeepinrealtor5742 Huh! So they do! Weird, I hadn't noticed that until I went to the product page, and looked more closely at the box. Well, despite the weird name, there's no commonality between the two trucks.

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

@@scalebuildersguild that is good to know. Haha. I’ll be getting a red as well.

[@CrawlersCampRc]

Looks like the problem with shocks is spring inside is to stiff. I haven't seen anyone in there reviews mention the different panhard setup. I wonder if the bump steer is fixed?

[@scalebuildersguild]

You're probably right about the springs, it's something I'll look at when I decide to mod this one. I didn't notice, but I didn't give it much thought.

[@Gozer7]

It has a drag brake 0% or 100% in the manual

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes I know, I think you misunderstood what I meant, it has one, but it barely works.

[@steve_beatty]

Would have been nicer with a better brushless in there but it seems the industry standard..."Value added" with cheap systems knowing full well a majority of users will swap it out immediately..

[@kevinp2820]

Hi Matt, Somewhere someone said the body is off of the RedCat Kaiju Monster Truck. Can you confirm? RedCat did good on this one.

[@nicholasstephey8475]

They said it is 10% smaller

[@scalebuildersguild]

Not a direct fit, no. It's probably modeled to look the same, but it's smaller.

[@StraitJacketRC]

You comp be serious. 🤣

[@JoeyTrotter-qi7df]

Usd?

[@scalebuildersguild]

Yes, I only talk about USD here.

[@kevinoxley5898]

Looks cool, but I would probably need $700CA of upgrades to get it decent. Great presentation as usual!

[@scalebuildersguild]

It's a great starter truck for beginners, but for anyone more experienced would want to upgrade!

[@forrestcrabbe]

🤘

[@scalebuildersguild]

🤘

[@steveodeed]

Get some weight down low I bet it'll do great

[@maxv3450]

First!