Deadbolt vs Base Camp: I Spent the Saving on Wheel & Tires

We know the new SCX10 II Deadbolt is good. Last time, it came close to finishing all 6 problems, but couldn't quite get there. Problems 1 to 5 were done but 6 remained out of reach.
We compared the cost of the Deadbolt to the Axial SCX10 III Base Camp, which is USD$50 more - going by Axial's website prices. The Base Camp has some decent running gear and looks better on paper than the Deadbolt, with:
- portal axles
- a better radio transmitter
- arguably better tires
- metal links and shock bodies, and
- licensed bumpers.
That looks like better value, given it's only $50 more than the Deadbolt! BUT, what if we were to carefully spend the difference on making the Deadbolt a little better to answer the question: is the Deadbolt better than the Base Camp when you spend the same total amount? Only one way to find out:
Let's test!
--
In this video:
Honour Tiger Dog 1.9" Tires: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_De4...
INJORA Beadlock Wheels: s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dmc...
Our SCX10 II Deadbolt review: • Deadbolt vs Base Camp:...
Buy SCX10 II Deadbolt: amzn.to/3RdxiNj
Our SCX10 III Base Camp review: • Axial's SCX10 III Budg...
Buy Base Camp: amzn.to/3PqHqB3
Atees Upgrades for SCX10: www.asiatees.com/ask?descript...
--
Chapters:
0:00 Deadbolt Upgrades
0:25 Cheap Tires Rock
1:40 A Tire Spoiler
2:07 Deadbolt Take 2
3:07 Tire Observation
4:01 Battery of Choice
4:25 6-Problem Test
9:52 Test Debrief
--
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#rccrawling, #rcreview, #axialdeadbolt, #scx10ii, #deadboltupgrades,

[@danweiss1371]

You know I have got a lot of my RC education from your informative videos. Has helped me in my personal life. As I am also disable which is lead to depression. But RC rock crawling ! And getting involved with the group of good guys. Has helped me immensely. I felt like sharing this information because depression is real. And getting involved in something outside of my normal life has been life-saving for me.

[@RCTNT]

On ya, Dan. Good to hear from you. Keep fighting, bloke. I believe in you.

[@mgscheue]

Activities like this can make a huge difference. I'm glad things are going well for you.

[@Br0rB]

Another great video, mate. Always excited to see a new six problem video. And I think it's great that you're able to show cheaper stuff that really works, and that you don't automatically go to the most expensive, over the top solution, like so many do. Not everyone can go out and spend 100 bucks on a set of tires, and another 100+ on some name brand wheels.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks and agreed. I've been thinking more on how to get maximum bang for buck in this big comp next year, too. The yellow comp rig I showed is also a 'bitsa' - doing things cheaply but then throwing a bunch of practice and testing behind it definitely does yield results! Thanks for taking the time to comment and I hope to bring you more interesting and useful stuff on the subject soon. Cheers :)

[@michaeldorich4485]

This was a great demonstration. Having watched some of your other videos, the Honcho did problems one through five much more easily than a lot of crawlers you've tested. Problem six wasn't a big challenge. The body design, no bumpers and tall tires seem to help a lot. Finding inexpensive high performing r/c products is a huge plus. Thanks for sharing.

[@RCTNT]

You bet! The deadbolt is an underrated platform. More to come with it, I think. Got something in mind for it that could really be interesting, will not spill the beans yet though!)

[@doubledome2076]

I never cared for crawlers, as I love my bashing & speed, but I saw the 6 problems once, and now I have to see them every time. That's the way it is with tnt - no matter the content / vehicle... it's all made interesting and done with gorgeous landscape shots/ beach shots, etc.. easy to watch and listen to due to great execution!! 👍👍🦾🦾

[@RCTNT]

You're very kind, thanks :)

[@Nordlicht05]

I did learn the fun slow side of RC a little while ago with a tank and last year a crawler.

[@theplayerguy4505]

I love crawlers cuz they last a long time and don't break after every other run had my deadbolt going on two years now haven't had one break motor still good been though hell and back got a new motor for the day it blows

[@RCTNT]

Longevity is great with crawlers. Grab a rig, go driving, come home and it's very likely ready to go again next time. Quite a different experience to bashers!

[@theplayerguy4505]

@@RCTNT I love them I have the deadbolt ii and the Basecamp and a redcat I'm ordering a new 540 35t injora motor for the Basecamp the stock one just doesn't have enough bump never tried this motor I'm getting but maybe it will have just a little more bump

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Great video as always, sorry to hear re: depression, it can be debilitating. But you seem to be managing it. Be well, great job catch you in the next one. Oh, love axial cars. I'd like to get hold of a ghost wraith, but there hard to find and expensive. John

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Ment axial spawn. Ha

[@RCTNT]

Thanks John. Axial make good things, yes :)

[@bartbbb1046]

Good to see again this kind of content on your channel. The SCX10 II is still a solid platform!

[@RCTNT]

Indeed it is! This kind of content never left, it's just part of the greater RC picture here :) More like it coming again soon! Thanks Bart Bbb!

[@Wild_Buggy]

Love your channel and especially the 6 problems videos 🙂👍

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, I'm glad!

[@roblowrie1969]

It's amazing, how much of a difference a good set of tyres makes, even if they're not expensive branded ones!! I like the Deadbolt more than some of the other body styles Axial do. It's just a bit different, which I like. 👍🏻

[@RCTNT]

I'm a fan too :)

[@fishnrc294]

The chassis looks just like my SCX2 chassis. It’s not just the money the Deadbolt is way better looking & more appealing in general. That chassis is used a lot to build very capable Crawlers. The wheels look great. Loved the video. And also your not alone a lot of RC enthusiasts have used RC almost like a form of therapy after losing interest in everything else. We use it as a get away & much better then a destructive way to deal with life. Crawling in particular helps me clear my mind & shut out any negative thoughts. Good to see you out. I’m serious thinking about getting a Deadbolt add a 20$ Holmes motor & see where that takes ya. Thanks for a great & informative video as usual.

[@RCTNT]

The SCX10 II Deadbolt is great. I had a version 1 as well, some time back now. Competitive at a local level without needing to spend a lot, absolutely! Bang on with the mental health experiences there, I've found that consistently :)

[@jimbo4203]

Not a face book person either but love the deadbolt and the tires and wheels look good on there

[@RCTNT]

They were very good!

[@WestyCoastHermit]

I appreciate this review! I appreciate all your reviews but the timing with this review is very good for me as I'm debating getting a Basecamp or Deadbolt for my son this Christmas. Thank you Craig and I hope you have a great week!

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool, glad it was useful! Thanks Chris!

[@andrewsumner5388]

Great review and demonstration! Really enjoyed it…

[@RCTNT]

Awesome, thanks for letting me know 🙂

[@vjhpac1]

Love your content!! Very informative and educational.

[@RCTNT]

I appreciate that! Thank you

[@mgscheue]

Yay, waking up to a new RC-TNT video!

[@RCTNT]

Heh awesome. Good morning, I'm off to bed.

[@Abracourcix71]

Absolutely love the way you test those rigs to their limits. Also, good job at how you can best their performances and at what cost… I’ve done my mods on my Axial Wraith 1.9 with the same approach. Now it can do some pretty difficult lines.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. More satisfying this way too, isn't it.

[@Abracourcix71]

Yes it is… Taking the time to see how much it is capable out of the box and then slowly working in is a big part of the fun. Don’t stop your good job. I learn so much seeing videos like yours, i’m in rc only becose COVID give me some time to spend at other things and now it’s my first hobby. Thank’s from montreal canada and see you on your next video!

[@RCTNT]

You're not alone there - I've heard similar from others. I'm glad you're into it, this is a brilliant hobby! Cheers

[@canuckchuck8836]

Excellent testing and insight as always! I really think you have the best channel for crawler resources on KZbin. Regarding tire lug density; have you found that larger, wider spaced lugs on the edge and outer sidewall of the tread really helps with hooking up on rocks? From the little experimentation I have done, that appears to be the case but I don't have a lot of empirical data to say for sure. What I found was running larger sidewall lugged directional tires backwards helps to pull the center of the tread onto the obstacle as opposed to pushing it away with the directional tires in the proper orientation. That seemed to work better for me but by no means do I claim this is the best solution ever. Personally, I would like to see a hybrid between an RC4WD Scrambler, a Proline Hyrax and pinned comp tire.

[@RCTNT]

Interesting. I think you'd like the Trencher in predator compound. Trying to limit spoilers ahead of my epic tire test series but that's probably the answer to what you're thinking about. Thank me later. Haven't tested enough to have a useful opinion on reverse direction / side lugs. Generally speaking, big spaces on tread doesn't seem to be as good as lots of small, closer spaced lugs, but it's hard to pin down a definitive answer with so many factors to consider. I like how you're thinking though. For sure you could be onto something there.

[@Andy_Yates]

Great update since the first video out of the box. Way more composed with these wheels and tires. Overall a significant improvement, plus it did all 6 this time! It can only get better with improved low-speed control. It looks like it's still doing ok with the stock servo though we always like a little more power and speed don't we 🙂 🤙

[@RCTNT]

Why, yes indeed we do!

[@michaelkav6345]

I think those new tires are quite nice really. Guess you don’t have to spend a lot to get nice stuff. Thanks!!

[@RCTNT]

That's the plan and hope! More testing needed for the full picture, but on dry rocks these tires are unexpectedly amazing, yeah!

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

Well that was a bit of a surprise. Is it just me, or was that the smoothest handling of problems 3 and 4 we've seen yet? Impressive. For being "cheap" tires, those made a more substantial difference than I expected. The overall geometry of the Deadbolt is such that it just seemed like a simple tire change wouldn't be enough to alter the outcome that much. Happily, I couldn't be more wrong. With those tires, that chassis is not the limitation one might expect it to be. Very pleasant surprise. Poised, balanced, planted. That's a solid platform. Thanks for sharing! We've all learned something important here.

[@RCTNT]

Very smooth on #4 in particular, yes! The SCX10.2 chassis has always been a performer and the deadbolt is a popular weapon of choice for low-maintenance performance on the rocks. Lovely and lightweight. I'm a fan :)

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT I think I've watched this video five times in a row now. It's just lovely watching how smooth it is on problems 3 and 4 once the line is right. Coming in from the side on 3, it just crawls right on around the side of the rock and up without any slip. And I don't think any other rigs, not even the comp truck, have been able to cross those ridges on 4 without having to get up some speed and make a hop. That's something, watching it do that.

[@RCTNT]

It really is. Between you and me I'm considering a class 1 build based on getting the deadbolt here up to spec and getting as many scale points as I can, then relying on its performance to win. Got some thinking to do there!

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT oh man, I'd like to see that. Could be a real sleeper. Is there already an available hardbody kit for this chassis, or would you have to kit bash something together for it?

[@RCTNT]

Class 1 doesn't have to be hard body. In RCCA ruleset you get -4 for hard body, but then additional points for opening doors, hood, etc. It adds up to a hard body often making sense for those scale points, which come off each course attempt score, but not necessarily. I'll go into all this on my Road to Nationals series as I prepare to enter 6 classes in late March next year. We'll all learn some stuff I expect!

[@RCinOC]

I put the pro-line cliff hangar body on my base camp. With different tires and it’s amazing. Also, the deadbolt and base camp have a different wheel base. I then added rock pirate sliders, shock towers lowered the cog and its like a comp crawler. If you put those tires and cliff hangar body on the base camp. I bet you would even have a better result. Also, base camp has metal transmission and aluminum shocks. The deadbolt have plastic gears and shocks. Just fyi. A few things got left out.

[@RCTNT]

Ah thanks, I did miss those. Appreciate it. Yours sounds pretty sweet! It's a great value for money rig, isn't it :)

[@RCinOC]

@@RCTNT it really is. Basically, just need to ditch the body. I’m currently building the scx10 ii raw builders kit. It was on sale at horizon. I also plan on purchasing the rtr deadbolt as a loaner for friends and family. I really like the blue one. My local hobby store sells it for $309.00. Just picked up the Vanquish Phoniex RtR. Can’t wait to tey that one out. I’m addicted lol. I do enjoy your videos. I’m a big fan of the hobby wing fusion pro. Such a great value, as well. Keep up the good work.

[@RCTNT]

Ah yes, the Fusion is great. Have used them in all their forms since released, and the axe before that. Brilliant.

[@junelopez9520]

You nailed it hmmm I might have to get the Deadbolt instead

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! It's surprisingly good value

[@jstro-hobbytech]

I just got a really good deal on the deadbolt. 230cad less than the basecamp. I have so many upgrades too haha I have no rc channel and have tons of tires haha. Im gonna build a little park on my property after i get out of a 3 month inpatient program for ptsd this spring. The way i figure it, at worse ill make some friends who aren't aware of the hobby and have my own little park. Im gonna have about 28 rcs and hope to sell about 10 at cost or a loss so i can buy some of the ones i cant justify buying otherwise haha. I plan to give a few away too.

[@RCTNT]

Brilliant. All the best with your wellness and I hope you have great time with crawling and especially with buddies. Social crawls are the best 😊

[@Bradkozakandfriends1830]

Great video. Valuable content. I’d go with the Deadbolt over the Basecamp also.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you! It's hard to beat the deadbolt on value, yeah!

[@mitsuman5555]

Great video. You have to get the new entry-level Element truck that just came out and compare it to this. Not to suggest you haven't thought of that already 😊

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. I've been trying to get that truck, a TRX4M and a Capra UB18 but late January seems to be the earliest any hobby shop will commit to. Working on it!

[@josephlawrence6873]

Really great content in your videos. I just subscribed.. 😀. I been looking to get in to 1/10 scale trail/crawler truck I'm almost 100% sure I'm going to get the deadbolt 1/10th scale

[@RCTNT]

Nice, welcome! Deadbolt is a great first choice, it'll last a long time, has heaps of mods available if you want, and it's super capable. You'll love it!

[@axellness]

You make quality videos. Ever thought of doing one on the Axial UTB18?

[@RCTNT]

Hey, thanks :) ...and, actually, yes! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3u9qqewfNCVeNU

[@peterbennett4948]

In the UK the Base Camp is at lease £90 more expensive than the Deadbolt ! So that's a no brainer the Deadbolt win hands down on cost 🤔

[@RCTNT]

Oh wow, yep, I'd have to agree!

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Great Review Thank you Appropriate video

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Charl

[@Charlvdwalt073]

@@RCTNT Can get a 2nd hand scx10 ii for R4000 new one think nearly R9000 but the importer dont have stock and if you ask them they say they dont know 😶😢😢😢😢😢😢

[@RCTNT]

The used rigs are the best deal anyway, Charl! If it's less than half of new price, that's great! I don't know why but used rigs seem to often have an asking price of similar to new, accounting for mods and such. Used is fine, these things last a good long time, not being fast.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I prefer the deadbolt better and if I were to buy one I’d definitely get the deadbolt over the basecamp because 1, they’re more detailed (I love the international scout 800 body, and 2 they’re just as capable as the basecamp

[@RCTNT]

Hmm. I think it's an understandably difficult decision for many. With the wheels and tires here the deadbolt is a performer, but the base camp does give you portals and metal links, better radio and bumpers. (but I think I'd take the deadbolt of the two as well, yeah)

[@gilmo5994]

Great video! Which rig had better low speed control? You say the deadbolt is a bit to fast? I'm new to changing gearing what would you recommend to use?

[@RCTNT]

The base camp had a lower minimum usable speed, which to my preference, is superior. You can slow a rig down using one or more of these methods: - fit a pinion gear with fewer teeth (that's the gear on the motor that drives the spur gear); - fit a spur gear with more teeth (less commonly done but still often a reasonable option); - run lower volts, such as a 2S instead of a 3S battery; - fit a motor with more turns (35T is stock, so a 45T or even 55T will slow it down while also giving you longer runtime, at the cost of lower power output); - fit a brushless system with a low kv rating, such as the hobbywing axe 1200kv or Fusion 1800kv systems - both of these will give you lower speed but still precise control and plenty of top speed punch when you want it. Gear low for very slow speeds or keep stock gearing to give a decent range of high speed and slow control. Hope that's helpful! Maybe I'll make a video that gives an overview of all this for beginners. Cheers

[@jstro-hobbytech]

My way of thanks for putting up with me haha

[@RCTNT]

Hey hey cool, thanks and welcome :)

[@r.a.wrcfootage5511]

I HAVE NOT SEEN A 4 wheeler crawler do all 6 on your awesome channel 🤔🤔👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿💪🏿💪🏿🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁🏁

[@RCTNT]

Oh yeah? Sweet! Glad it was this one then :)

[@r.a.wrcfootage5511]

@@RCTNT I mean the quad bike crawler

[@RCTNT]

Got a model for me? Happy to look into it.

[@pauldoroff6973]

same stock tires as my wraith 1.9 ,I nibbled some of the lugs for snow, the upgrade tires your using would look better on it and deep woods crawl better, no of road trails by me so its trailblaze your own path

[@RCTNT]

Nice one. Definitely find your own way with this stuff, eh. I've got a set of deep woods mounted here, ready for the next round of testing. They're pretty good too!

[@aorchotika]

Love your channel mate! Brilliant content and very informative. Doing us Aussies proud. Think I'll buy a Deadbolt as they are now 100 less. Cheers

[@RCTNT]

No worries mate, glad you're getting something out of this stuff :) Deadbolt is great, you'll love it.

[@aorchotika]

@@RCTNT Cheers!!

[@idworkhard]

Excellent advice Craig. I'm thinking if I should get those from the link. I just threw a set Trx4 stock Canyon Trail tires on my scx10.2 but haven't tested them...how do you reckon the AliExpress tires compare to the Trx4 Canyon Trails?

[@RCTNT]

They'll be similar in performance on dry rock. Haven't tested on wet rock yet. I'd think the canyon trails would be better all round, but gee, maybe not. It'll be a close thing. Buy on looks and price in this case, I think. You'll be happy with either, I'm confident.

[@goreyboggs]

What camera are you using? Great picture.

[@RCTNT]

Gopro 10 Black (when it's not shutting down from heat after 16 minutes of runtime, that is)

[@reddeerrebelrc6674]

$70 difference in Canada..but I hate the Deadbolt body worse then the Basecamp...but then I don't buy Axial unless I have to.

[@RCTNT]

Fair enough! Nice to have so much choice these days eh!

[@Andrew_Red]

awesome :)

[@RCTNT]

Thanks 😁

[@demonstructie]

Nice mudmaster mate 👀

[@RCTNT]

Lol I guess it is, with those tires!

[@demonstructie]

@@RCTNT I mean the watch dude, I don't know if you're trolling me or thought I was trolling you 😂

[@RCTNT]

@@demonstructie my silly sense of humour first thing in the morning, don't mind me. I like this watch, yeah! Thanks :)

[@dkmgm2011]

Very composed. Little pinion, overdrive and you're set. What's the weight on this rig?

[@RCTNT]

Composed is the word alright. 2.1kg (4.65lb) + 400g (0.9lb) with the wheels here.

[@dkmgm2011]

@@RCTNT wheel, tire and foam seem to coalesce. Fairly low CG and good forward bias with your battery placement. Minor tweeks with minimal money. I'd say that's a budget banger.

[@RCTNT]

I'd say you're right.

[@meatdamilkman]

If you had your choice over the two with both having upgrade tires and wheels what would you pick? I cannot decide lol!

[@RCTNT]

Probably the BC in order to get those ss links, portal axles, the newer transmission, etc. However, I took about 3 minutes to think about this because the straight axles of the DB do appeal and it's hard to give up that body, which is better than the BC body IMO! Good luck with your decision!

[@meatdamilkman]

Lol that is my issue as well, I think ill go Base camp! Thanks so much for the videos! As a complete newbie to the hobby I find your videos are very informative and entertaining!!

[@RCTNT]

That's really good to hear. Thank you :)

[@michelebonomo6901]

Ciao. Scusami, ma è meglio della versione precedente o peggio?

[@RCTNT]

Very similar but the new one has better electronics. Performance wise old and new are similar.

[@TuxStang]

Nice improvement for cheap. if you have access to a 3d printer, might be worth a try of Wraith 1.9 rear bumper's on Thingiverse ...

[@RCTNT]

Hm, I considered it but I think this thing goes better without a rear bumper. You'll see we've got entire 3d printed rigs and trailers here in older videos. I've got a tipper trailer design I've been working on from scratch that's coming along. Really should get back to it actually, it's been a while and the printers have just been gathering dust!

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Go Deadbolt :)

[@RCTNT]

It sure did!

[@Barbariandisks]

The current tire you have on the deadbolt would be for trail runs not for crawl comps

[@RCTNT]

Agreed,. Though, as that's what it comes with, that's what it's tested with. Gotta have a benchmark!

[@rcuintheshed6981]

Where in NSW are you

[@RCTNT]

Just north of Melbourne. The most southern part of Nsw :p

[@rcuintheshed6981]

🤣🤣🤣 good call upper Hunter Valley nsw here

[@RCTNT]

Ah nice. I'm originally from that area.

[@rcuintheshed6981]

Pleasure to meet you Craig I'm Mark we've got some vids you might like to

[@josepharrington8080]

Do you Vent your Tires?

[@RCTNT]

Nope, but the wheels are vented and I definitely let them breathe. Only cover for water running. (When I remember!)