New Top Dog? Lockers, 2-Speed & Gorgeous: Cross RC EMO AT4!

[@billknepp1965]

man that paint looks so good...

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Bill, came up alright, didn't it!

[@BlackSeaRC]

Great video Craig! It seems like you chose a very similar set-up to me (FlySky GT5 with Hobbywing 1060). I know it is fairly cheap choices but they seem to do the job very well. I kept the stock motor (to see how it performs for now) and used the Cross-RC steering and gearshift/diff-lock servos (again, I may upgrade later). I also decided to install the upgraded independent front and rear diff-locking as I liked the idea to control both differentials to suit the driving conditions. You can see that in my AT4V kit build videos. By the way, I notice you have solid links on the mini-servos. There is a servo protector kit V2.0 that replaces the solid links with springs to help prevent damage to the servos if you don't have the end points set up perfectly. I added quite a few upgrade parts to my AT4V. This included CNC metal parts and brass parts. I'm sure this would further improve your AT4's performance around your course. Another thing to mention is that the AT4V pickup has raised side under-protection in comparison with the AT4 so better clearance over obstacles. Unlike your AT4, I didn't have much grease in my axles so if anyone is building a kit I'd recommend to check that and the gearbox before building the kit. I know you've already checked my videos but if any of your viewers are interested to see the brand new EMO AT4V pickup truck kit then I invite them to visit my channel, BlackSeaRC, and check out the unboxing, ancillary parts, plus full step-by-step kit build videos. Best wishes from the Black Sea!

[@skidog7440]

Sweet paint job! Very 70's early 80's to match the hybrid Chevy/Ford body. Surprised on it's capabilities, the big names should be looking over their shoulders. I'll just add another to the list now......😜

[@RCTNT]

Definitely. I'll report back on longevity after I've run this for some hours, but this is looking like my new "grab & go" rig. Really liking it. Needs better bearings and waterproofing for the radio but otherwise, look out TRX-4 & pals!

[@bernardrc1137]

Nice truck,,never heard of cross rc before ,Nice vid too,,Nice garden ,bro,,,so nice to have a big garden,,but I suppose people are used to that in Aussie land,,over here in pom land,😅🤣it a privilege to have big garden, especially in London,,so I feel very privileged to have 200ft by 50ft garden bro😊😁😁👍

[@RCTNT]

Heh thanks. No, I'm supremely lucky to be here, it is more space than most people have. We pay for that by being far from most things - even the school run to get my lad to class each week ends up being about 250km total (there and home twice a day, 5 days a week, it adds up fast). In the 10km to school there's not a single traffic light! So that's the nature of being away from things - I'm grateful every day to be here.

[@bernardrc1137]

@@RCTNT My good friend Simon Pavey,is from Aussie,,pro Dakar racer, used to ride with,him on occasions he taught me some wicked off road skills,,🤪🤪,obviously he used make me look like I couldn't ride off road,,in fact like I couldn't ride at all 😅😅😅👍,,,,oh they still selling off water in Aussie,,daming everywhere up,to grow cotton drying out all the natural green brush,,,,and how is that natural water bowl doing,,,wish someone would let rest of world know what government in Aussie is doing with its water 🤔👍

[@RCTNT]

@@bernardrc1137 it's a bit messed up, yeah. There's plenty of good going on of course but the water and land crookedness, the increasingly rapid land degradation from monoculture farming, the epic bush access and fires mismanagement and the (understandable) addiction to mining exports and fossil fuels is frustrating.

[@uhnogood]

Just got a JT4 kit, I like the color choice you did, I picked up the spaz candy golden rootbeer paint cant wait to see how it turns out.

[@RCTNT]

That is going to pop, the JT4 is so nice. I nearly, neeeaaaarly got that instead of the AT4, but went with this one only for the easier comparison to the TRX4. The JT4 and AT4 are very similar, aside from the extra body weight in the little bus, I think (?) - in any case, you've bought something really special and I know you're gonna love it. Nice one :D

[@uhnogood]

@@RCTNT Yes it seems to be good quality and for the features it has the price is great, cant wait to get it going.

[@hellorc7678]

Love the paint job. Clever thumbnail too. Nice video

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! It wasn't easy finding the right word with EMO in it that worked and kept it short!

[@teamsargentrc6399]

Them power hobby tr4 mini servos are champ. I use them in tons of imputation because strong long lasting & affordable & really Waterproof. We run stiffer on front logicly because tire roll when steering for front so you have better contact with tred & less side roll... I personally never understood the rear just for a tad bit more reach.lol... Beautiful paint job & overall build is just a Gorgeous job mate. Great Show 🤜🤛🤙👍!!!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks :) Stiffer rear springs aren't so much for reach as for keeping the rear suspended on steep ascents. You don't want it to squat down too much. Weight wants to be transferred forward as much as possible to help clear the obstacle. That's my comp experience talking. In real life we live near the biggest mountain range in the country (not saying much, 2km max altitude), but there are many precarious goat tracks and near vertical ascents and descents; quite treacherous. I wouldn't take a fully loaded 4x4 up there without rear suspension in particular being sufficiently strong that I didn't get much sag from the gvm. Upgrading my rear coils a few mm diameter on the 80 and the 100 has meant the vehicles down squat down under full load, which gives me the handling I'd prefer for the really steep and sketchy stuff. Don't know how well this translates between full size and hobby scales, but that's my understanding. Could be wrong, of course - and your explanation makes sense, too - but slightly soft front and moderately hard rear is my general preference!

[@teamsargentrc6399]

@@RCTNT & for rear you don't want to run over flat either, I do run side by side & full size & full size 100% firm rear & soft front, the rear you explained very well & soft front help pull up & hold & the firmer rear contributes proper forward force, although side by side has dule advantages sometimes firmer front lately & a hair softer rear 60%front/40%rear, also helps in a smig of OD & we all know how that helps pull up & down keeping rear planted better. I would love to be able to meet your huge brain... lol. Your very intelligent & intellectual...

[@RCTNT]

Lol, flattery will get you everywhere, haha. In all seriousness, the idea of going softer in the rear just for the OD advantage, that's big-brain time for real. One of my comp rigs, the 2.2 Sporty, has smaller rear wheels for the same advantage (it wasn't my idea, but I was impressed when I heard of it). I like how you think. You really can go far down the rabbit hole with tuning, eh? It's interesting stuff.

[@teamsargentrc6399]

@@RCTNT Same.. I'm trying really hard to get a rc park & store off the ground grand opening in spring May of 2022 & I am running short on workable weather here in US Michigan our winter is coming in fast & this winter being trapped indoors for some time I hope I can do more then just fun run videos & get more Rc shop talk & theories... & what's in my stable & why... hmmm 🤔... You are Greatly appreciate rc TNT & looking forward to continue watching & learning through your channel! (Praying for big blessings your way & that you & yours along with your channel continues to grow into everything you want out of it! Amen brother.) I tell people all the time we are parents of 10 children under 1 roof & it's tough, YHWH has blessed us with all we could ever want for. "As In we want for nothing" Hard work & seeking YHWH, can do it for anyone!

[@stevemdelacruz5602]

Love the flip flop paint job .thats what it reminds me of

[@LargeeeScaleLife]

I love those little power hobby servos in my opinion they’re one of the best bang for the buck you can get even at a higher price. I’ll run them in all kinds of trucks have very very good luck out of them

[@RCTNT]

Agreed!

[@mikealexis]

That bad boy looks sweet...

[@276rclife6]

Dude what a truck..shit that paint job is sick!! You done a really good job with this one..I really love the look of the body..it looks alot like the early to mid 80s Ford Bronco. I'm really surprised how good it run the course..those have to be some really good tires. Can't wait to see what else you do with this project. Looking forward to the next tire comparison..

[@RCTNT]

Thanks brother, it's a pretty sweet little machine eh! I'm looking forward to the next tire update, too - we have a lot to get through! Cheers

[@crawling86]

Yes sir this one , Dang this is a kit with a body that is awesome!

[@RCTNT]

It comes in RTR form too, but then you miss the custom paint job :)

[@splintergg]

I've seen previous reviews on Cross RC trucks and comments were made on how much slop was in the drive line, do you notice that in your model? Nice paint job👍

[@RCTNT]

Slight movement in each wheel, up to 1/4 turn, but nothing noteworthy. It's a good point in comparison to the TRX4 though, now you mention it - that has nearly no slop. I'd call a quarter turn acceptable, generally. Certainly it didn't stop it outperforming most everything else to date!

[@YoShImUrA53]

What a performer! I will say this, though, I am not a fan of the body lines (mainly due to the thick pillars, which make it look very toy-grade-ish). But the performance is really good. I wonder how much is it due to the heavy wheels. It'd be interesting to know how the other rigs perform with this wheel package and/or put some regular plastic wheels on the EMO, to see how it affects the performance. Otherwise, I now have to decide whether I want to get a Gmade GS02F Buffalo, an Element Builder's Kit V2, or this... They are all compelling in their own ways!

[@RCTNT]

Heh yes, I was wondering about the wheels myself. I am planning on putting the Bronco and this on the original course with both their own OEM tires and weighted beadlock wheels, then swapping them between trucks. The Bronco wheels are also heavy, weighted beadlocks - not much point in comparing with the stock traxxas stuff for this kind of test, since most folks will upgrade to similar anyway. It'll be interesting to see.

[@RCTNT]

I'd grab the Cross, from those 3, for general use. However, it is similar to the TRX-4. That feels suspiciously like Yoshi's easy mode, though being a kit redeems it somewhat. I don't think you'll be able to end up with this one! Haha, maybe I'm wrong, but the Element is leading in your decision right now and the Gmade and Cross are close seconds, correct? :)

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT Haha! funny how we've come to know each other's tastes from just a series of comments! Actually, I am leaning towards the Buffalo, currently, because I love how complex the build seems and it looks like a great performer on (tops) 3S. I am not into hardcore crawling, as I am not a fan of the LCG or cut and shrunk bodies these RCs usually have. But a close second is the Element, for sure, as a lightewight yet very capable platform. I've always had the EMO at the back of my mind as a comprehensive kit, especially for the amount of "gimmicks" it has. And now a solid performer, too, yet too similar to the TRX4 for my own good... hmm... But just to smash the whole argument into smithereens, I will positively get the RC4WD TF2 LWB first, with the '87 Hilux SR5 Xtra Cab body... and RTR! As much as I'd rather have a kit, but they haven't made it available as such... And not because I've gone easy mode sourcing all the parts and buying them as such, but because it'll already be fitted with all the accesories that I wanted for my own version of Marty McFly's truck, that I've been yearning for since I saw them released, and separately most of these are not even available anymore. Oh, did I tell you I -eventually- want to get a Gladiator too, just for the novelty of the LWB and the dig? I wonder if I'll be able to get those before they are discontinued, lol!

[@RCTNT]

Ah yes you did mention those others! The RC4WD gear all sounds perfect, I'd do that first too, honestly. Scale driving is best driving. The Gladiator will be around for a good while yet, I suspect! No hurry on that front!

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT Agreed on scale driving! I really enjoyed driving the Bruiser clone on Saturday (before my rear axle went bust on the RnP, sigh)... even on the silly monster truck tires, trying to go up and down hills it had no business going through (although being surprisingly capable!), having to be so careful not to roll it and damage the body, was a total treat!

[@RS-sv3bl]

Amazing performance

[@RCTNT]

It's such a great platform. Cross RC is killing it currently.

[@calpdal1]

Great review!! I like th comparison with Tex-4 in the little square beside. I also gain trust when you talk about the benefits of open differential and the advantages to just look the front. My experience is that a lot of people don’t really know how to use them. Just look how common and popular the tax-4 sport are… I mean why? How ever, thumbs up 👍🏻 and keep up the great work

[@RCTNT]

Haha thank you! My C1 comp rig is built on a trx4 chassis mainly because I can legally unlock the rear for when I want to turn better on some gates. I think it's a great benefit, yes! Glad you enjoyed this one - I have a few other vehicles with remote lockers on the channel, like the RGT Rescuer and the 6x6 Zetros. One of my favourite modern features :) Oh yes, I also have some more cross rc cars coming soon. EmoX, XT4 and PG4A, so that'll be good! Cheers

[@Blundo76]

Nice video, it looks like a Bronco with a Blazer grill.

[@RCTNT]

Good observation, yes, you're right!

[@KOKUSMAKREEL]

Graig, hoe did you made those mini servo's fit as they are smaller than the Cross servo's.? thnx for quick reply kokus

[@RCTNT]

I drilled a hole part way across and dropped a screw onto that instead. May have used a spacer to get the height even, I can't recall. But that was the approach - just a hole!

[@KOKUSMAKREEL]

@@RCTNT working on it as we speak. greats from Amsterdam

[@mattmays9063]

What a capable little rig. Absolutely LOVE that paint job you did! Can't even describe how jealous I am of that look you created! Sidenote: Have you had the oppurtunity to test a Vanquish VS4-10? I'm quite torn between the TRX4 and the VS4-10. SBG and Harley both rave about them, but Harley works for Vanquish and Matt is his buddy. lol. Would love to hear your verdict on it. Btw, you've totally earned my Sub. Hope to see you keep making content and wish you all the success here on youtube.

[@RCTNT]

You're very kind, welcome and thank you very much! I don't have a vanquish rig but I've driven them and with them numerous times. They're not more capable than a lightly modded rig Sport or SCX10, but they're very cool and their entire drive lines will be pretty much bulletproof forever. Purely from a performance viewpoint though, I don't think it quite justifies its price, no. But in durability - what you get out of the box - it's still a reasonable asking price. So, the value is there for a premium rig, but you wouldn't buy it for pure performance reasons. If you like it, go nuts. If you like something else better, buy that, mod it, and invest the left over money (lol there's never left over money, but you get the idea!). My two cents anyway. Good luck!

[@mattmays9063]

@@RCTNT Welp, that settles it. Honestly, I get so much enjoyment out of building and testing hopups I think I'd have more fun sticking to more affordable kits with lots of available options. Thanks so much for you unbiased opinion. Keep pumpin out the content fellow tiny truck enthusiast!

[@RCTNT]

@@mattmays9063 rad, happy to help! It is just my opinion, so as long as you remember some bias is inevitable, I'm glad it was useful. Go forth and mod, my RC friend :)

[@benniullrich2237]

Could you say something about the different between the emo at4 and emo at4v?

[@RCTNT]

I've got upcoming reviews for the EmoX, PG4A and XT4, but I'm not familiar with the AT4V! I'll have to look into it!

[@DUCKxFART]

That paint job is amazing might copy for my Dodge power wagon

[@RCTNT]

Do it! I love it :)

[@vigorousvoices]

Interesting vehicle, I'd love to see it in action in person!

[@RCTNT]

This can be arranged!

[@markcole6475]

That’s actually pretty impressive for the TRX4 because super swampers aren’t that great for crawling …..in my experience I think the Cross has the better tires for rock crawling.

[@RCTNT]

They're not bad, yes. We have tested those tires on our test series last year. They aren't bad at all and yes, better than the Swampers. If you're interested in more data, check out our Wet Tire Test. kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6XNk6J8m7amipI Cheers!

[@chanozoc]

I have a JT4 wich also uses the EMO chassis and it has even better clearance than the AT4. A really great value for money platform.

[@RCTNT]

Does it really? Wow, very nice. I like the JT4, had to think hard about which to get! Brilliant platform isn't it :)

[@vbspeed7571]

Sweet beed locks. Keeps the water out👍🤙🌏

[@RCTNT]

These are vented, actually. Better for crawling (generally speaking) but not ideal for wet adventuring! Tape in the right spots would do the trick as a quick fix though!

[@ryurc3033]

Don't get me wrong, looks plenty decent, I'm sure it's plenty capable, and with a brushed setup it will probably last forever. But I bought a trx4 because I saw one get a castle setup shoved in it, and run on 6s, and jumped at the skate park..... Absolutely no reason for that kind of torture, but the fact the trans will even take that kind of abuse had me sold.

[@RCTNT]

Heh I remember watching that years ago, that was Kevin Talbot. Yes, the TRX4 is incredibly tough. The cross rc EMO AT4 may be that tough, but I'm not going to test it like that so unless someone else does, your decision to buy on sheer durability is entirely understandable! Cheers

[@ryurc3033]

@@RCTNT yeah, I don't even take my trx in the water Anymore. I get it. But yeah ol Kev really proved the platform was sold

[@alantaylor353]

I'm starting to look at some alternative brands for my next project & I do like the look of Cross's stuff. I mainly knew of their larger 6x6/8x8 stuff. They're impossible to get locally so I'm going to be ordering from the old You Ess of Ay I think. Subbed & liked & best wishes from Scotland.! 😜 👍 ❤️ 📻 🕹️ 🔋 🚙 🚗 🚓 🚐 🚕

[@BlackSeaRC]

You should take a look at Greens Models, they are the main Cross-RC stockist in UK. It is going to be expensive shipping a big RC box from USA.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks very much and welcome! BSRC beat me to it - cross is carried in some hobby chains. Intl shipping is tough with the extra tax you cop, but local supply will hopefully be the way to go!

[@scaleaddicted]

Nice build! For the whining, take the HW 1080 and put the PWM frequency to MAX, than you will have No whine no more! So i suppose, the whine is coming from the ESC...

[@RCTNT]

It's coming from the motor on account of the PWM the ESC is using, quite right. 1080 at 8k will do the job, that's a good choice! I've got a full programming guide for the 1080 on my site (rc-tnt.com/how-to/hobbywing-wp-1080-brushed-esc/). Thanks for dropping by :)

[@mattmays9063]

My apologies good sir, but I legit cannot get over that paint job you did lol. Have you considered outsourcing your talent for some fans? I'm a decent air brusher and paint sprayer, but I definitely am not good enough to create that type of multi-colored pearl accents you've created. There'd be money involved of course.

[@RCTNT]

Lol thank you, but no, my body work is riddled with mistakes! I'm only using the tamiya rattle cans. I've never touched an airbrush in my life, though I've been meaning to learn. The tamiya cans make you look like a pro, truly!

[@YARCWest]

I stumbled upon this car after your Emo X video and I'm glad that I came back here and you did a review. The AT4 is now right at $400 USD, do you think the Emo X is better? Honestly I should just buy the new Vanquish RTR but I love scale looks.

[@RCTNT]

I drive the AT4 more. I like 1/10 more because it drives better with others. For its size, the AT4 is a better crawler too. However, the Emo X is still a very worthy machine. I think, buy the one you like the look of. If I could only have 1, it'd be the AT4. But I'd have to think about it.

[@YARCWest]

@@RCTNTI appreciate it!

[@YARCWest]

@@RCTNTImpulsively I just pulled the trigger on the AT4 and the Emo X3

[@RCTNT]

Oh nice! The x3 is on my list too. Pretty sweet isn't it! Enjoy

[@YARCWest]

@@RCTNT Hopefully I'll have some grainy footage of it up soon lol

[@aaronhouser3711]

Where do you rank the EMO AT4 two years later?

[@RCTNT]

I don't know about ranking it, but I still use it and I still think it's brilliant. I'd take it over a TRX4 if I could only have one, though it's close. The AT4 is part of the 'new' cross rc approach, and it's an excellent vehicle.

[@NoLimitRC87]

Awesome rig buddy new subscriber here looking forward to watching your other videos 👌

[@RCTNT]

Excellent! Thank you and welcome :)

[@EmileMenard]

Tires are sticky, wheels are heavy, moms spaghetti

[@RCTNT]

Lol

[@RCGaryCrawlerTVOsmogomio]

*Cool*

[@RCTNT]

It's such a nice machine. I've got the EmoX coming soon, along with a few other cross rc models. Am looking forward to reviewing them, seeing how good this one was!

[@RCGaryCrawlerTVOsmogomio]

@@RCTNT *great idea 💡 Buddy*

[@jtmchannel7640]

Cool! seems nice. I'd buy from Cross RC over Traxxas any day. Yes im being that one traxxas hater guy 🤦‍♂️, Nothing against them, just a bit overrated in some areas.

[@RCTNT]

For sure some of their stuff is overrated, but other traxxas gear is really quite good. They hit it out of the park with the TRX line and the XMAXX addressed so many issues that erevo owners complained about for years! But other stuff shouldn't even be sold, or is vastly overpriced. I'm still a bit salty about how insultingly bad the Mini Slash is. I bought two of them to run with my son and had to throw too much money into them to make them reliable and stable. Frustrating! Every manufacturer has a lemon or two at least in their catalogue. You'll notice I haven't bought a cross rc demon, for example! In any case, the AT4 is exceptionally good. One of the best crawlers in the current crop, easily.

[@jtmchannel7640]

@@RCTNT good points!

[@shoky11TV]

Very nice rig Craig - always loved the scale look of Cross! Didn't know they were also so capable~~ From memory - didn't the TRX4 sport also complete problems 1-6? Or was this considered a 'modded' kit build? As always excellent stuff!! - Your course...your analytical approach, really helps to expose most weaknesses of the current crop :)

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Mark. I'll have to go back and see, but I don't think it did manage all 6. If you're right, it'll be worth including that in the follow up video to this, when I get the Bronco and AT4 onto the test course with same and swapped wheels. Thanks for mentioning that!

[@shoky11TV]

@@RCTNT hey Craig, I went back and checked an earlier video. The TRX4 did indeed complete problems 1-6 😜😜

[@RCTNT]

@@shoky11TV whoa, that's my memory for you. Ok, thanks for that! Gonna have to do a deeper kit comparison then. Thanks for doing that, Mark. I'm better for it. Really appreciate it.

[@Wild_Buggy]

👍👍👍

[@kyleharris922]

Do the trail honcho please

[@RCTNT]

Love to! Been trying to get my hands on one for a while. Still looking. They're getting thin on the ground in new form!

[@RCCinematic]

This the same as the rebel RC Jeep?

[@RCTNT]

I haven't heard of that. It isn't a Jeep for whatever that's worth, and Cross RC have traditionally done their own thing. I'll have a look online for the rebel jeep and let you know if I learn anything interesting! Ed. I've just looked at rebel rc. Nice stuff it looks like, but I don't think it's anything related to this rig.

[@RCCinematic]

@@RCTNT it’s not, cross is trying to compete with Traxxas and Rebel. Rebel is the old CEO of axial. Cheers

[@RCCinematic]

@@RCTNT I like this car but I can’t get over them using one off servos that are always sold out

[@RCTNT]

@@RCCinematic you can use full size servos, I just chose to use a smaller one because it's what I had. Any servo with dimensions 4x3x1" will do, or go smaller like I did and just adapt to fit.

[@RCTNT]

@@RCCinematic gotcha, fair enough. Cross has done their own thing for years and I have a few of their vehicles. This thing is a fun drive, good looker and it performs well - I put it against the TRX4 in another video given how similar they are. I like this thing.

[@dieseldabz7104]

Wish included how much spent total on this build seeing as the bare bones rig is around $240 plus all electronics

[@RCTNT]

It was another hundred or so in extras. I put a list of parts I used in the description, with links. I also have an article with more info about it here: rc-tnt.com/rc-crawler-reviews/cross-rc-emo-at4-1-10-4x4-crawler/

[@Apasash]

😉👍👍👍💯

[@cl-audio322]

Bro, have you seen the Cross XT-4?

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool, no, I haven't! Thanks for that!

[@cl-audio322]

@@RCTNT Looks so cool. Only thing keeping me from getting one is I can't figure out how to get parts support for it, even on Cross RCs site lol.

[@RCTNT]

@@cl-audio322 in my experience the reseller/retailer takes care of you. Just ask for what you need and they make it happen.

[@ron486]

Nice truck. But the body kind of looks like a Ford, front end kind of resembles a Chevy. All that kind of ruins it for me. I know a licensed body brings up the price, but it would have made the truck a lot nicer. TRX 4 Bronco and Chevy for the win.

[@RCTNT]

Yeah, that's understandable. Still, it's a pretty standard body and you can fit whatever you like to it. The AT4/JT4 platform is certainly capable! Thanks for watching, Ron. Appreciate your thoughts here :)