Redcat Gen8 - Pros and Cons

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[@papachill]

cant wait the comparison video !! $300 is really really good price for everything u get, honestly

[@kelynsdad1023]

Very cool .... this may just be my first venture into crawling .

[@RCReviewChannel]

It looks like the waters are safe with this one.

[@voodoo608]

Thanks for the honest review! Unlike other channels that just praise the "specs" without real world testing and feedback. Great job!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. We really want to bring a certain level of honesty and openness to RC. Not everything is awesome and personal preference. Some things are better than others and some products warrant improvement. That's how we move this category forward and get new people into RC'ing.

[@Rare_Brad]

Very solid and honest review. Thanks for pointing out some front suspension issues I haven't seen anybody else mention.

[@dwaynebaker8733]

You are an excellent reviewer by the way, i love your no bullshit reviews and content👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

After a few good beers, the BS and bad jokes start. :)

[@dwaynebaker8733]

@@RCReviewChannel lol

[@josephmorelli3191]

Beautiful truck!

[@voodoostroker]

Another excellent honest review my friend. My bronco cant get here fast enough.

[@RCReviewChannel]

The Bronco is one smooth operator.

[@jeremynaufal6661]

Best Review out there. Sharp . Detailed. Wow

[@RCReviewChannel]

Gracie!

[@stpbasss3773]

And thank you for showing the cvd binding when the steering is all the way, I see other channels make it steer even more and they never show it driving or hit the throttle because it doesn't work. My trx4 sport and my scx10ii both did the same thing though.

[@RevolutionX]

Very nice and straightforward review! The chassis shift that you see under compression is because of the 3-link panhard setup in the front. It's normal, and the difference is really how much it shifts vs the other trucks. These R/C car suspensions exaggerate the shift a lot more than real cars due to the extreme suspension travel.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you!!

[@chrisdraudt3713]

90% of my RC trucks are used hiking with my wife 2-4 times/week. I won't buy/build a truck unless it has portals. Not for competition, just want a truck that gets through the trails. I'd pay a premium for a crawler that wasn't so darn noisy, glad you made mention of the sound level (at $300 I'll deal with the noise)

[@stpbasss3773]

It's just the stock electronics because I got the kit version and put a 55t axial motor and dynamite ESC and it is super quiet, my trx4 sport is way louder.

[@noeysfastrc3291]

Great overview of the Redcat Gen 8. Can’t wait on the running and comparison video 👍

[@bigchungus-oj8zz]

Amazing review! Only one yet to point out the negatives. Very much appreciated how honest and thorough your reviews are. #1.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We try to respect the product and company but dig deeper and find weaknesses as well as strengths.

[@cesco_rc]

Great honest review as ever. FYI. On Thingiverse Redcat is offering already a lot of free 3D print files. There are several options available for other battery setups.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you! That will be a great option for cosmetic/personalization options for this Gen 8! Can't wait to see the interiors and goodies! Redcat Engineering Team is going to be very active releasing 3d print files to attract enthusiasts. So what are the 3D Printer options? How much is a decent one and what does it take to run it? How much does it cost to print per small item (in ink)? How much to have it printed at a third party house? Very curious now about this whole discipline.

[@cesco_rc]

@@RCReviewChannelsomething like a Creality Ender is available on Banggood, Amazon or AliExpress for around 160 dollar. Personally I have a Original Prusa MK2S. I wanted a workhorse. I print a lot of RC parts. The Prusa is more expansive but it just works flawless always. Cost wise. Something like a battery tray can be printed for around 2-3 dollar.

[@vincevargas7892]

Nice detailed review. A lot of useful info👍 Going to get one of these for sure. Sweet looking rig, great value.

[@james-dt4ei]

They need to make a fifth scale nitro crawler that would be awesome impressive, real, and what the crawler community needs.

[@mojaveadv7135]

The front suspension issue is a downside of running a 3 link with a panhard bar. That's what makes a triangulated 4 link so nice.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you for that. We'll dive into it. Does it affect the driving experience at all?

[@mojaveadv7135]

@@RCReviewChannel Yes and no, you usually only notice when the suspension is at its upper and lowermost position in the suspension cycle. At crawl speeds, it usually isn't a factor on the front. For the rear, it can cause the rig to track differently than the front axle. However, with some seat time drivers usually compensate for the quirks.

[@TerraQuestRC]

Mojave ADV your correct, a panhard helps to prevent the body roll, something that you actually need on a vehicle that will see street time. It does hinder articulation when off road, but from a scaling point you would have a similar setup. Going 4 link will give you additional articulation but adds body roll back in.

[@redline6871]

I was messing with mine today. Checking for grease I add marine grease in my crawlers and they were not as dry as I expected. With the bump steering moving the pan hard bar that is connected to the axle that is. Mine was to the back of the axle I moved it to the front and it helped out a lot. There is still some bump steer but a lot better. I'm going to keep playing with it a bit to see if I can eliminate it altogether. Oh, foam I put Crawler innovations in the stock tires not bad. We will see how they work in the following days.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Really appreciate the share

[@stevengorum5486]

I love the Gen 8 !!!!!!😄 I like the blue though....I bought a 1973 scout II back in 1978 it had 26,000 miles on it..I bought it from Jack Ross Lincoln Mercury in Scottsdale Arizona....And it was blue in color and I just loved that truck.... I think the Scout looks more realistic.... Then the comparison truck.....😬 I love your videos ❤️😘 ❤️

[@stevengorum5486]

I love your channel 😍.... You are so knowledge able.... But for $300 the red cat kicks butt 😬😄

[@hybrid32494]

Great video!! Now i know that im def not getting this. The steering issue really did it, along with the low adjustability remote.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yup. We just don't want folks to buy. We want to steer them in the right direction. :)

[@villagranvicent]

Very professional videos, congrats!

[@heihachimishima8578]

Love your reviews! Very informative and fair! Definitely subscribed. Keep up the good work

[@nemesis8664]

The Trx-4 is still the king but at least Redcat did the homework with the Gen 8. The Gen 7 was a bit "poor" in my opinion. This one looks a lot better, hope it runs better as well. Excellent review, sir!

[@C-130-Hercules]

45-47 Degrees of steering not percentage.

[@ronaldvargasmontero9404]

Great review , hi from Costa Rica 🇨🇷

[@ROCKRATADVENTURETEAM]

Thanks for the review.

[@TerraQuestRC]

so far no one seems to remember or wants to compare the Gen 8 steering or articulation issues to that of the Vaterra trail rigs. I have a K10 and I get all those same issues, yet its hardly ever noticeable on the trail or rock crawling. Like the TRX-4, I think most of the negatives being pointed out here and on other channels are being a bit too critical this early. The TRX-4 probably had some of the worst initial reviews, yet turned out to be a very capable right out of the box, and many of the presumed durability issues never really came to fruition, with the exception of the electronic, and on electronics I have yet to see any rtr actually have great setups.

[@RazorRC]

Excellent analysis! The non-proportional throttle response is probably due to the radio. The low-end Flysky radios (which is what the Gen8 comes with) have very poor throttle linearity. My guess is that if you hook up a decent radio to that it will fix the problem.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes! Definitely going to check that out with another radio and report back.

[@c9f2p1r2]

Really nice review as always. Thank you.

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

I love my Jenny. Beautiful orange. I wanna order a blue body too

[@LittleBigKid707b]

Wildman George Totally agree on the orange body. Except, I'd rather order a clear scout body and paint it myself. Have you seen some of the paint work Gen 8 owners have done on the Redcat facebook page? Just beautiful!!

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

LittleBigKid707b yeah I’m in a red cat group.

[@stinky3shoes491]

I bet you could create a awesome crawler!!! Great vid bro

[@stpbasss3773]

The body moving to the left is because the panhard link is too long and it forces it over I tried putting shorter ends on it and it just put the sway to the other side. I thought that's what bump steer is lol.

[@ryanavery7705]

Same tire and foam are in both the 7 and 8 both are memory foam. Mine have held up well in Florida as long as you keep them dry.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Our Gen 7 (not pro) is not memory. Maybe memory foam is more water resilient? Does water get in the wheels?

[@ryanavery7705]

Hmm I wonder if the pro tire foams are different. Yes that Could be...The memory foam may be more water resilient. Water does get in unless you have the holes plugged or taped off. Granted I have never let water sit in my tires/foam so I’m not sure how long it takes to effect or deteriorate the foam. Kuddos on the reviews.

[@Mark-qv4bn]

I don't take mine in water. I like the flex body better than the pro. 8+ months hard crawling, one bent front axle, nothing else. Operator error.

[@jogarganera]

Well detailed review.

[@oldironsfury]

Damn right about the magnets, I did three on the front of my Gmade BOM and every time I roll it my daughters laughing at it as the body and rear cage fly off and the chassis tumbles down the climb 🤣 great review as usual ! 👍😁👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

We did it on the Gen 7. Couldn't get past a curb. :)

[@oldironsfury]

RCReview hahaha 👍👍

[@wyurie]

Excellent great honest and real review 👍👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you. We try to achieve some balance.

[@macelius]

47 *degrees, not percent ;). It looks like the links could use some adjustment, the toe looks way out. Maybe the servo could be moved forward or laid down to help that steering link angle. The front track bar def needs be leveled at ride height to address the bad three-link geometry. Good noticing all these things.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very good feedback!

[@chrisdraudt3713]

Yeah, the front suspension moving is a symptom of a 3 link set-up, as it moves along the radius of the panhard bar. All 3 link set-ups do this, TRX4 included, just less noticeable. The more horizontal the panhard the less pronounced this suspension shift will be.

[@ShadeTree_RC]

i hope you do one on the v2 man

[@remkojerphanion4686]

It's a lot of truck for the money, but will it hold up? Good review, thanks.

[@logansportpilotrp8174]

Yeah i think the reason why the front moves to the left when you push down is because of that pan hard bar.

[@ans05]

You're thoughts are exactly the same as mine! I was very excited for this and after getting it unboxed I'm slightly let down. Mine tends to be kinda laggy with controls...the worst is when the throttle is wide open it tends to keep going for about a 1/2 after I let off the throttle. It's ok at slow speed but idk.

[@MrRickTic]

I just bought mine new for $232.00. Is that worth it over the TRX? I work at a Radioshack in Newland NC. We just became a dealer for Redcat so i get amazing Redcat deals. We are also trying to become a Traxxas dealer also.

[@Jbcmastertech]

The mis engineered steering geometry and CV joint binding is the deal breaker for me. Too bad, I was excited about it till I saw that. Seems like it was rushed into production to compete with the TRX 4.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We will find out if it hinders performance at all.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Jbcmastertech Ya...I tend to agree with you....I mean , great effort but most likely rushed into production.

[@RCReviewChannel]

@@tomlucasrccrawlers9108 not sure if it was rushed but it is a first crawler effort from a new engineering team. Version 1.0 perhaps. Great things are coming from this crew!!!! And this issue many not have much consequence anyway... because of the slow speeds involved.

[@Jbcmastertech]

@@RCReviewChannel obviously it does as you showed in the turning radius test compared to the TRX 4

[@RCReviewChannel]

@@Jbcmastertech yes, sorry. This definitely affects it radius and performance. I was thinking about the other problem on 10:36 where the shock hits the frame.

[@nickburkhardt9112]

Francis can you revisit the Redcat gen 8 Scout version 2. I want to buy one but want to see your review first.

[@MrAkatango25]

Save the time and buy a trx4 sport thank me later best on the market by far. Francis will say the same

[@take-care]

The shocks are to long is one reason the front of the car moves driver when you push down. I put shock extensions on my trx-4 an the front was moving like that. No good. Pull the shocks in the front out an cut a 10mm spacer out of rc gas car fuel line. Should fix that issue. An it has a little give vs a plastic spacer. Really enjoy your videos.

[@M_F754]

I'm considering getting this truck, although I've got a trx4 and not had it long. I think I will wait a while to see if they release an updated version with newly designed suspension and steering set up. But that price tag is tempting to get one sooner. Hmm.......

[@sammygonzalez7627]

That hole in the battery tray, could it be possible that it's their so that you can stack up some weight plates in it. Looks like they will fit with no problem and you can hold them with the two screws that you see there

[@kokyong2011]

The 3s gear down is likely to prevent overheating the 40amp esc, it being a very entry level esc. The lack of articulation is bcos of the esc too. Think an esc upgrade would give a better, smoother and more articulated drive experience.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Articulation as in steering? The limit is the universal joint. It doesn't allow the wheels to turn when steering is at a steep degree.

[@henkiepda]

Hiii.by everything you say the sport seems better !! good video

[@totalrc32]

My Gen7 with portals and upgraded servo I seriously believe turns as good if not better than my bronco with upgraded servo. Haven't tested but I will now. Thanks for the review and I need that comparison in my life 😅😂

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, please share any info.

[@juantabby4787]

Total Rc just make a video

[@totalrc32]

@@RCReviewChannel my good sir after a couple of test you are absolutely correct. Note I tested trx4 bronco vs gen7 with portals

[@totalrc32]

@@juantabby4787 I honestly don't like doing videos hence the reason I watch a lot of KZbin channels. I do however do my own comparisons between the many rigs I have.

[@juantabby4787]

Total Rc hows about a video comparison between the 2 trucks. Maybe a side by side video.

[@Flyingaceful]

Great review by the way but be nice if you had a dedicated camera man to show what you are looking at. Just a thought. Keep up the good work bro!👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you. Appreciate the feedback very much. Have a lot of GoPros.

[@jordanhowell3870]

its because of the 3 link system

[@bucksrcworld8119]

awesome review and comparison so far!!

[@marcochavanne]

$269.99 on Amazon right now. Couldn’t pass it up

[@papachill]

great review, i knew theres no way to compare this with a TRX4

[@RCReviewChannel]

Oh, it will compare all right. :) Whether it wins or loses.... that's what we'll find out in the next episode.

[@ka4172]

Some broken portal gear in the Gen8 make me skeptical (the only real con i think) very nice review subbed.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, the drivetrain is not robust for hard driving and powerful motors. The steering is sloppy but can be easily fixed. Still a good one.

[@jacksonrichards3558]

Is there an overdrive gear for the Gen8

[@wildmangeorgesrcchannel6916]

Stearing limits don't bother me. I out a better servo on it and a 65t motor. Brushed. It's perfect for me. I drive it down steep banks into the creek and back out again and use the stearing to help me up

[@RenoLaringo]

Having seen it live, I find it to be very "jumpy" for a crawler. Very difficult to make it start smooth.

[@RccarsUK]

Wooop 200th like!😘😘😂😂 Top vid. Great review

[@pfarraldcash6095]

for me two beautiful vehicles but too many gears. I'm still a fan of the classic mid-engined gearbox and no PortalHubs. I think that's just a fad. The great thing about the vehicle are the frame, inner fenders and the link mounting options. the 🔋 location under the hood! Definitely a very interesting comparison 👍

[@TerraQuestRC]

mxx pro I don't think portal axles will be leaving the scene any time soon as far as just having a capable rig for fun... If I were a Seer, I see SORRCA coming with a ruling that portals will only be allowed in Class 3 unless there is a real world production rig that has them, those could be allowed in the Class 1 & 2. ie.. UniMog. No I didn't forget the HUMMV, those are not portal axles.. it does not have axle tubes, it has geared hubs on independent front and rear suspension.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

Still....I'm curious if these tires have a softer rubber compound than the last? Very cool looking tire but if they are hard...what good are they than to bash around the yard. The throttle control comes from the esc....the better the esc , the more throttle-steps it has.

[@RCReviewChannel]

The tires are soft, identical to the ones in the Gen 7. The foam is memory form though so it seems softer and it doesn't return back to its original shape right away.

[@morfeophantasm7435]

@@RCReviewChannel always need to store your rc's with the weight on the chassis and not on the tires .. that'll help preserve the integrity of them ... I really enjoy watching your no b.s. videos btw ... just got a sunset Bronco this week , it's beautiful ; )

[@realonethreesevens3640]

So I've had some issues with mine. How do I get the drivetrain to run smoother? I know it's locked so there is some resistance off the bat but how would you suggest I get the chassis to roll easily to take stress off of the battery?

[@therealaustinbrown2712]

Can't wait to see this against the trx4. I think the trx will do better tho.

[@RCReviewChannel]

On the first round of testing, the TRX-4 had better steering and better drivetrain smoothness

[@therealaustinbrown2712]

@@RCReviewChannel I'm thinking about getting the trx4 sport or the kit. I was thinking about the redcat. Thanks for the great info. I respect your opinion

[@RCReviewChannel]

@@therealaustinbrown2712 TRX-4 Sport is the best that Traxxas makes in terms of performance. We only wish that it was $300 and had a better body. It is a smooth, proven performer with a lot of option parts available. You can run any body and get a ton of upgrades. The Gen 8 is the shiny new kid in town and it has all the right moves. It is a better value at $300 with all the engineering and a sweet body. It's a little rough around a couple edges and no option parts but it looks great enough to recommend. A little more risk but a lot of reward on this one.

[@nathencosgrove877]

Any recommendations on a battery for the red cat gen 8?

[@jordanhowell3870]

axles might need greased i heard some come ungreased

[@DeerPlot]

How do they consider it a rtr and its dosen't come with a battery , or a charger?

[@RCReviewChannel]

For hobby grade rc cars, that is standard definition of RTR. No charger/battery

[@DeerPlot]

@@RCReviewChannel That's pretty lame. I might as well get the gen7 pro that comes with both for cheaper..

[@chengahlang2000]

Do you think the plastic gears would hold up well in the long term under 3S power? I don't want to gear down when running on 3S.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yes, but it’s right at the limit. So any rowdy play can break the axle gears. We only run 3s on ours.

[@dwaynebaker8733]

Awesome review, trx-4 sport for me i think, now we kno why it's such a cheap vehicle.

[@Ed-ty1kr]

Eh. The value is in the chassis kit. $169 and you can pick your electronics, wheels, and body. The things that I end up replacing anyhow. Get a beautifully made Jeep 4door hard body from China, fits very nicely. On which the doors open, and if you are handy enough, you can even make the hood open. Gen 8 motor is in the front, place a simulated LS v8 cooling fan over the motor, some aluminum wheels, and you have built your own rig. Easy peasy. That is where the gen 8 shines. I am not a huge fan of Redcat bodies anyhow, especially when it comes to looking scale.

[@michaelandradejr]

47% over the old axles maybe or it means 47 degrees of steering rather than percentages lol

[@RCReviewChannel]

Degreeeeeees indeed!

[@franciscorios3833]

My trx4 Broncos looks better and performs better.

[@RCReviewChannel]

We’ll have shootout between the two this week

[@RCReviewChannel]

@sleepy jaguar we did the shootout here. Picked the Sport to keep the price closer kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJfZpaODnbWUhZI

[@jeffbearden2059]

Seems to me that this guy is doing nothing but nitpicking the s*** out of it

[@RCReviewChannel]

We try to bring out the Positives and Negatives. There's way too many reviews out there that are ALL positive and that doesn't really help anyone.

[@kirkleaman6863]

Junk!

[@1peanut]

if it has throttle DR you can turn it down to alleviate the touchyness. also the awesome Mod 1 gears make in noisy. worth it.

[@nopeno2350]

So it just sounds like that I was thinking it needed lube or oil or something

[@1peanut]

I want one of these. good price too at $300. I just can't afford it.