5 Best Upgrades And Mods For The Redcat Ascent Lcg: Can We Make This $299 Rtr Handle Comp Lines?

[@RCReviewChannel]

1/10 scale Redcat Ascent - www.redcatracing.com/collections/rc-rock-crawlers-rc-scalers-rc-trail-trucks/products/everestascent?ref=zaimy1XfSrwou Redcat Ascent Blue - alnk.to/goZkwQn Redcat Ascent Red - alnk.to/4MzjN1e Buy the mini 1/18 Ascent here for $99.99 - www.redcatracing.com/products/redcat-ascent-18-crawler-1-18-rock-crawler?ref=zaimy1XfSrwou

[@RCReviewChannel]

As the big brands rehash their crawlers with the 10th or the 15th body or tire variation, it is refreshing to see a company offer a product that targets what the market is looking for. And they charge a lot less money than the others do. I only hope that they made enough supply the demand for this release.

[@Sam-ci6sl]

Quickly becoming a redcat fan, you have the best rc chanel so of naturally I'm a huge fan, I look for you reviews first 👍

[@Nicks_Hobbies_Channel]

Awesome news about this Redcat. BTW, FYI, and others interested. I successfully removed 3 sets of glued tires (Traxxas TRX4 Canyon) using a heat gun.

[@stlrider4714]

We bought the Red one. We are putting in the Hobbywing SE (may swap in the pro, we'll see), brass Gen 9 carriers, brass wheels, and jconcepts tires..my 10 y/o daughter will be looking to be competitive with her new Redcat Ascent..her Gen 9 has brought home a few trophies, so she's looking to be a contender again!! Her Modo, "Send IT like a Beast and Drive Like a Girl!!"

[@RCReviewChannel]

Fusion SE is perfect for this budget rig and leaves room for metal beadlocks

[@Adubbs87]

That is so awesome your daughter is into the hobby with you! My little girl loves RC like her daddy! Unfortunately, I had to sell my collection of 20 years, but I do it all again in a heartbeat because I have full custody of my little girl now.!one day when things calm down, we will be able to get more cars and trucks. Families everything and that’s so awesome you have your daughter involved! Happy holidays.

[@madanotsob]

My 10 year old daughter wants a crawler. Knowing that she might not be into it long term the cost of the rig is important. I'm getting her the blue one and doing your upgrades. I'll happily drive it if she doesn't want it.

[@928RENTALS]

adding the 20% underdrive was also free and super helpful!

[@Toaster808]

Great seeing you at Scale Challenge this past weekend.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah buddy. So, so, good!!! Good to meet you as well.

[@RickyD1968]

Looks like an Awesome crawler for little money !!! Good Job Redcat !!!!

[@OGPAPERBOY77]

Just ordered the Red one on Amazon it was sold out everywhere else. Thank you Francis!

[@vincevargas7892]

What's cool about your review is that you have experience with higher end belly draggers and can set up the Ascent to perform. Most other reviews don't give it the proper add ons & just think that's it when it comes out of the box. If it had badass electronics & wheels the price point would be much higher.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yea, cool that I have a true lcg belly dragger

[@vincevargas7892]

Excellent video of this rig. I'm getting one for sure. Was torn between what body I wanted. But sold on the Blue after watching your videos

[@RCReviewChannel]

Same, man. I would have gotten the Red body but I'm glad I have this one because of the half-cab looks and performance.

[@josephperito4015]

I think the best Motor swap would be that Hobbywing Fusion SE 1800 or 1200kv 2 in 1 esc motor as it's not bad and it can allow the battery to move up to that front plate.

[@alvintarrer6914]

Good stuff,keep up the good work,injoyed it 👍☕️☕️✌️

[@ethang2731]

Dang Francis i dont need a 6th crawler but if i do it'll be definitely the new red cat ascent. After seeing you drive it in person i was impressed with how well it did stock

[@RCReviewChannel]

Haha! The one I drove didn't have the wheel weights mod and servo mod. It's a beast now.

[@ethang2731]

@@RCReviewChannel what shock wt oil do you usually run in your crawlers

[@vincevargas7892]

Also with the half cab, maybe you should explain how the rear stays attached. People were asking on the Redcat Facebook page but no one has really explained it. . Great video... going to set mine up like yours😅👊 maybe some Club 5 Brass Hex Extenders for the Gen 8...they are not to wide but it may help👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will do

[@jeremylagdao-332]

Redcat vs Vanqish vs Ecto? Comparison please Uncle

[@SpinRush]

Wish I could be a fly on the wall at Vanquish. We shall see tonight when the Scale News Update drops! Will Harley praise it? Tune in tonight!

[@guest6423]

Great info, Francis! I do like these trucks, but probably wouldn't get one unless they do a straight-axle version. I just do not like portals... unless the truck is a Unimog. And I don't know if you've said so, but the bodies look to be based on Datsun 520 and 521 models.

[@Kuya_D_Z3]

Interesting. I've been holding off for a while but would love a lcg rig that is budget friendly. Although I want a little speed added into it ie up to 10-20 tops and capable of crawling

[@RCReviewChannel]

If you want speed as well, the solution is brushless power and gearing. The Hobbywing Fusion Pro and the Holmes Puller Pro motors do a good job at modulating and offering high speed. Otherwise, 2-speed transmission is needed and this model does not offer that.

[@TheAtomicAceGarage]

Another great video! I’m curious why you haven’t installed the included transfercase gears to underdrive the rear?

[@RCReviewChannel]

I haven't installed since I forgot! But, I can definitely do another video since I have all the baseline testing for comparison.

[@hondafreak8613]

Could you flip the shocks 180° to get heavy side down for better CG

[@RCReviewChannel]

Can do that but the effect just not noticeable

[@DaddyDog]

Subscribed, and I just bought this with the red scale body and bought the dovetailed body and bumpers so I can run it both ways. Can you say where you were in the Sierras? Looks like Shaver lake area.

[@bouncingnoise]

Saying hi from Munich Germany, really love your content and your style of looking at things from a neutral perspective, thanks for the great work, keep it up! The Ascend looks amazing, sadly I haven’t found a German shop yet where it’s at least announced. I’m coming back to our hobby after a few years break, and I’m thinking about buying a new rig in addition to my Wraith and Gelande 2. I’d love to know your thoughts of the Ascend in comparison to a Ecto, about performance out of the box, and the aftermarket situation of both vehicles. Because we all know, the purchase will just be the starting point for a custom rig 😅

[@RCReviewChannel]

Hello Munich!!!!!!! Redcat has yet to build up its distribution network in Germany and Europe. I think their latest products are going to give them the demand and capital to sell in Europe.

[@bouncingnoise]

@@RCReviewChannel Thanks for answering 😊 I see, you skipped my other questions, guess it’s for keeping it diplomatically neutral in public 😅

[@frankie2499]

I would relocate the esc and put a small battery up front...big performance boost!

[@RCReviewChannel]

That is a good idea

[@raymonde.tanneratomic-rc9370]

Nicely explained and full of info

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad you liked it. I tried my best to digest and summarize the info

[@TrinitySnow-t2t]

Did you remove the front internal spring in the shocks

[@ryanbrockmiller1648]

I preordered mine and A main had a coupon so I ended up getting it for 275.00 shipped. that is a pretty good deal. I plan on upgrading to a fusion system and I have a set of 1.9 XOR with beadlocks I am going to run.

[@RCReviewChannel]

What's the coupon code??? ::)

[@ryanbrockmiller1648]

I am pretty sure it was OCT2023. It just came up at the top of the A main page when I viewed the ascent. so I decided to just order right then and there. lol it was 25 off a order of 250 or higher.@@RCReviewChannel

[@philthyco1]

@@ryanbrockmiller1648 So you mean $275 plus tax right?

[@ryanbrockmiller1648]

@@philthyco1 I am in Oregon so it was just 274.99 all together.

[@philthyco1]

@@ryanbrockmiller1648 Nice..Tax in cali is nuts! Lol

[@joeldavila3185]

Great video and links. I like your reviews. Which do you recommend scout Ben 8 or this on in the video?

[@johnnyhotshoe1292]

Interesting rig for sure!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Interesting, evolutionary, or maybe even revolutionary.

[@MrDan1713]

Can you flip the shocks like your g-speed?

[@RCReviewChannel]

I can for sure. Hard to notice a difference though.

[@MrDan1713]

I've had better luck keeping oil in the shocks if I flip them. lol@@RCReviewChannel

[@westfalia1977]

On the mini t springs, are those the front set of springs? I almost picked the set up but wasn't sure if they needed to be the front or rear set.

[@efhatch2134]

What wheels are on the ascent in this video ?

[@steverolfeca]

Dude! I love the way those wheels look, but $164 Canadian, plus another 100 for the matching brass rings, BEFORE shipping? I can get the Fusion for a lot less than that, with all its other upgrades.

[@CDBlair213]

Have you removed the internal springs in the shocks? What about flipping the front link mounts for extra caster?

[@robgoffroad]

What's the comp group in that area called? I'm spending the winter in the Reno area and couldn't find any RC crawler groups on FB or google. And if you're willing to disclose, where is that comp spot?

[@dc9808]

Hpw does the final built version compare to the redcat ascent fusion version?

[@landonlarsen3163]

Did you also do losi mini t springs in the rear? Love the video thank you

[@motofireman115]

What’s with the Santa Cruz fire department on the red crawler?

[@jonthomas8487]

A good video would be a shootout of this vs the SCX10 Pro with the same body and using the same electronics and tires/wheels.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Maaaan, gotta find a PRO in the group.

[@RickyD1968]

What if you installed hub extenders on the Ascent so it is the same with as the G speed ???

[@kyletripp4842]

Do you have the overdrive in it yet?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Not yet. I should try that now. Is there a video on that? :)

[@kyletripp4842]

No, you're 1 of the few people covering this epic drop!

[@kyletripp4842]

What is the OD in your comp? It seems like your redcat can't even be compared to the comp. OD brushless LCG.... REDCAT stepped up!!

[@BroncoSteven69]

For the motor and esc at the same price I’d go with the fusion se. So smooth and the same price. Why did you stay brushed? Just curious. A local driver bought one and has the se in it. It was amazing this weekend at a local comp. Took 1st place with it. Just had front brass. Pulled the bed. And the fusion.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Fusion SE is the winner for sure. Perfect match for this vehicle.

[@landonlarsen3163]

Can I adjust the stock esc and motor?

[@leecalhoun6863]

Do you happen to know the length of the shocks on the truck? Looking to buy some new shocks but not sure what length the stock ones are.

[@jck9366]

What wheels are those u put on the redcat.

[@raytaff1703]

Will the Losi mini-t 2.0 springs fit with or without changing the cups?

[@flat-out]

I'm glad you're having high regards for this Redcat Ascent for several years I thought you're a Traxxas Axial fanboy. We all win as RC owners when companies like Redcat keep improving and releasing good models. Some people are just ignorant snobs against Redcat Racing. Btw I might consider selling my Gen 8 Axe for this Ascent, maybe gut the Gen 8 Axe electronics and motor and place it in the Ascent, whatcha think?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah, the old Redcats were their stepping stones into the crawler category and it's good to see them learn and offer something that is high quality and unique in this marketplace. And.... the prices are still down-to-earth. Bravo!

[@flat-out]

Absolutely...I wasn't quite impressed with the Gen 9 because I still love my Gen 8 Axe but I like the improved axles on the Gen 9.

[@pbruteforce1]

What wheels are you running on yours?

[@michaelstinson8047]

How much flex do you have now after the mods?

[@raymonde.tanneratomic-rc9370]

Has lots of potential

[@RCReviewChannel]

That's its greatest asset. The base design is solid.

[@backyardr.c.channel4732]

Good stuff man! I was thinking about installing a hobbywing se brushless motor which one do you recommend and why? The 1800kv or 1200kv? I am afraid the 1200kv might not have enough top end.

[@MRT_H]

Is the Ascent 12mm hex for the wheel mount? And Gen 8/9 brass fits as far as portal covers I’m guessing?

[@j2themen07]

What Wheels are on your comp rig in the first 30 seconds of this video? Thank you!

[@jonthomas8487]

Looks like good upgrades for a reasonable cost. I don’t think the 30T motor is much of an upgrade though. A lower turn 5-slot probably would have been a better choice

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah, the Fusion SE is the slam dunk motor for this.

[@jonthomas8487]

@@RCReviewChannel when you did the mini t springs did you remove the internal springs?

[@CamelTrophy-HK]

Lovely video 👍👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rcjoe406]

If there ever was a no brainer this would be it

[@RCReviewChannel]

Hook, line, sinker!!

[@rcjoe406]

@@RCReviewChannel haven't heard that line since die hard 3 awesome 👏 😎 👍

[@2267hotrod]

What rims are them?

[@AgeOrmstad]

Sweet man 👍

[@Yotakong]

Do you know how I can get a first gen Toyota 4Runner crawler 1/10 scale or bigger with portals and front dig?

[@scottashley2130]

Need your recommendation Francis. I was going to add a Zoku Chassis to my Straight Axle VS4-10 Phoenix but have now seen the Ascent. Which route would you go ? I'm in the UK so the Ascent will cost me $370 with shipping and the Zoku $238 shipped. Thankyou in advance for your help.

[@philthyco1]

Nice..Did you try stock servo on 8.4v? They seem good..I live up in the Sierras..I own a little hobby shop up there

[@RCReviewChannel]

8.4v, no. Hard to get an ESC to that voltage level. You lucky to be around the Sierra rocks!!

[@philthyco1]

@@RCReviewChannel Right? But I don't crawl much as people would expect lol.. Doesn't the 1080 do 8.4v @4amp switch mode?

[@wasaker09]

Just when I was about to get a VS4-10 RTR. Is the upgraded ascent more capable than a standard Phoenix?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Most definitely. I think a stock Ascent will outperform a standard Phoenix actually.

[@algar710]

Where is this place you use for your testing RC crawlers🧐

[@Toaster808]

The event he was talking about that they went to was at Donner Ski Ranch. The course was to the right of the actual building there. Everybody had a great time.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Linda Vista Parka and Donner Ski Ranch

[@Crider-ih2ir]

Well great now I need this redcat.. already got 3 others.. Lol think redcats the most of anything I got.

[@harlemNYCrc]

Great Information!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad it was helpful! Worked hard on this one. Had no fun :)

[@robertruiz5417]

Love your videos

[@RCReviewChannel]

i love making em.

[@payneja]

Does anyone know if the ascent runs the gen8 or gen9 axles?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Definitely Gen8/9 axles on this.

[@Traulus83]

I would love the Ascent vs the Axial PRO

[@RCReviewChannel]

I need to find one of em Axial Pros then.

[@ShadeTree_RC]

i think when you gear it down you will like that motor better i had mine in a capra and it was less than impressive but put it in a fms atlas and now i dig it lol

[@jonathanmartin7403]

I don’t understand what you did to add weight to your wheels

[@RCReviewChannel]

Oh, these wheels have a brass beadlock ring. Lead can be added to the brass ring too.

[@jonathanmartin7403]

@@RCReviewChannel thank you very much! I appreciate the quick response

[@OGRadGrow]

Nice 👍🏾

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thanks 💯

[@dennisbuckley9569]

Why would you go with a 1080 / motor combo for $58? Nice Fusion SE is only $12 more. Great review and guidance for upgrades.

[@allmightygreat1892]

Good luck with parts

[@Toaster808]

There's more than enough aftermarket support for Redcat. My Gen 8 probably has more brass stuff than my TRX4. True, you have to look a bit, but the aftermarket is definitely out there.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Replacement parts are complete with Redcat and option parts are available from Day 1 since they kept the axles compatible with Gen 8/9. So yes, your good luck greeting helped!

[@BrianBanks8134]

What springs did you say you used for the shocks

[@donaldcarter1206]

very nice.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thanks a lot

[@Glenn.J]

Can you please make a video of what other lexan body we can fit onto this rig, stock body is crap, looks like a 40$ Amazon toy.

[@RCReviewChannel]

When it comes to bodes, the only real concern is the wheelbase has to match to allow the tires and wheel wells to align. The good news is this Redcat Ascent uses a standard 12.3" wheelbase, thus most bodies out there with a 12.3" wheelbase will fit. Since this doesn't use standard body posts that stick out of the body, One has to get a little more creative with modding body posts or body mounts. But it's not too hard. Here is a list of 12.3" bodies available at Amain: alnk.to/cSGc3jb

[@Glenn.J]

Could you do a video on that? This rig is promising otherwise

[@stephenpopplewell557]

Exactly how much did Redcat pay u to say that this heap and I can personally say that because I went and preordered one and they suck compared to my cheap budget build LCG rig

[@jimiwith2eyes]

I just had a wee look on Amain just to see how much it would cost me to get one....... $289.99 plus $43.50 GST plus $76.99 Shipping = $410.48 USD that's about $700 NZD I've always wondered why American shipping prices are so damn high? $130 for shipping?!!? Yeah nah' I'd like to order one but I have to pass again.....................but wait now I need upgrades!??! they came in at $428.99 plus $63.35 GST Plus $86.99 Shipping = $579.33 USD that's about $981.41 NZD for a grand total of $1,681 NZD Cheap you say? 🤔Bring on the Chinese clones I say!!!! 💥

[@RCReviewChannel]

Jeezuz, that's unfortunate pricing.

[@malcolmlester4585]

you wont pay GST if you keep it under 1000 nzd, plus you can get $25 usd off with an amain discount coupon so will cost you about 350 usd shipped and dont go by a normal conversion rate factor as paypal and to a lesser degree a cc will rip you with a badder rate so will be over 600 nzd landed but not bad at all really.

[@jimiwith2eyes]

@@RCReviewChannel I can get A Carbon Fibre LCG chassis with full metal portal axles & beadlock wheels for under $300 NZD from China & guess what FREE SHIPPING!!!! 💥 p.s that's about $170 USD 🤔 Looks like China wins again 🙃

[@Callmebutturblk]

You have LCG rigs 10 time better than Redcat. I have bad news… by the time you upgrade that with better servo, brushless system and weights…the new total cost is $600…so you can “mo-du-late” lol😂❤🙀