Flawed & I Love It: Element Knightrunner!

It's the Knightrunner! I've been looking forward to doing this one! Element RC adds another rig to the versatile and capable Enduro 1/10 platform. This time, we get a tricked-out body with some familiar but unlicensed lines and IFS to complete the scale get-up.
We know its handling at speed will be better for the IFS, but the big question for this RC rock crawler is: can it actually crawl? Well, yes. And also no. And 'it depends'. Watch this video to get the low-down on its drawbacks and how that makes for a winning vehicle!
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Get yours here: asiate.es/aff?l=194762&i=76070
Other videos mentioned in this video:
Best Budget Big-Name Rig: • Best Budget RTR Rock C...
Wet Tire Test: • Best Crawler Tires for...
Element RC Gatekeeper Review: • Element Gatekeeper Rev...
Element RC Sendero HD Review: • Element Sendero HD Rev...
Cross RC EMO AT4 vs TRX4 Bronco: • Clash of Titans: Cross...
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Chapters:
0:00 Element Knightrunner Review
1:10 Element Enduro Platform
2:03 Knightrunner Can't Crawl?
2:48 Knightrunner Components
4:25 It's a Trailrunner
5:04 Knightrunner Issues
6:26 Knightrunner Body
8:12 Damage Report
9:38 IFS Stability
11:30 Knightrunner on the Trail
12:51 Knightrunner Wiring
14:18 Knightrunner Rock Crawling
18:15 Knightrunner Side-Hilling
18:44 Sendero HD or Knightrunner?
19:51 Knightrunner Improvements
20:46 Closing Thoughts
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#rccrawling, #rcreview, #knightrunner --
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[@DB-qm4jx]

Thank you for being truthful about your gripes. Those are the same issues I had with the truck. Everyone talks about how great it is but they neglect to mention all the things that they missed out on that other trucks in the same class have. It just doesn’t really make any sense. The interior sure maybe we could 3-D print that on our own but the rest of it like a clip Louis body or hitting clips it just doesn’t make sense nowadays. Great review and please always keep up the honesty

[@YoShImUrA53]

I forgot to say this too in my comments. It goes a long way that after going through all of the internet reviews, here it's the first time that I've been told about this very annoying feature.

[@Andy_Yates]

This is a pretty cool truck! I imagine a lot of people will buy this on looks alone and fun with it around the campsite. I never noticed until this video that it came with anything smaller than 1.9" wheels. I picked up my Sendero HD at the hobby shop today but didn't get a chance to play yet. I was building a ramp for my other RC's but I should have time this weekend to give it a spin! I also picked up body posts to raise like it you did and thankfully the steering linkage all seems snug. I'll give it a once over anyway just to make sure everything is good to go. Thanks again for all your tips, learning quite a bit just watching your driving style over those rocks 👍

[@RCTNT]

That's really cool to hear. Thanks Andy, enjoy!

[@mrcavy254]

Man. I'm glad I stumbled across your channel. Great content and great quality. Your channel deserves to have way more subs!!!! Keep up the great work bud.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly and good to have you here!

[@simeonbrown3712]

Man what nostalgia, been 20 years since I've been to the H'Bridge down hill tracks. What a hidden gem. Could be worth looking around plenty river gorge, they have build heaps of trails out that way. Over 80km last time I looked. Keep up the great content.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! And yep that's not bad. I've ridden mtb through a lot of it in recent years. You're on the money, I should think about finding some good spots (I mean, it's hard to beat the northern-most part where we've held comps before, right under the cafe on the bend in South Morang)!

[@burksthepenguin]

Man, seeing this with a decent interior and arches etc like you say... that'd be one pretty scaler!

[@EmileMenard]

i think it would be cool to see a video of you showing your 1/1 truck!

[@RCTNT]

😄 There's some driving and in-cab footage here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4mVZnWjaa2qiNE And under the hood and in the back here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqHco3iXq66Jb9U Not exactly Top Gear-level coverage, but it's a start!

[@teamsargentrc6399]

Loved the 2in1 video! Great Job as Always. It's definitely a Trail truck way more then crawler for sure.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! As long as you know you're getting a trail rig that can crawl, rather than a crawler that can trail, I think expectations will be about right. And it can be improved, I reckon. Working on that with a video sometime soon!

[@teamsargentrc6399]

@@RCTNT Perfectly Put 🤜🤛 👍!

[@matusknives]

I completely agree that this car is a great candidate for a nice, scale, trail truck and that a missing interior and wheel wells are a missed opportunity. But I also find (from the videos) the suspension to lack plushness and compliance (I am making a comparison to for example BRX01) - what is at least partially probably because of too little sprung weight and surely also suspension tuning. With some suspension tuning and interior this would be a great car. And yes - the body attachment also needs a better solution.

[@RCTNT]

I guess the suspension shortfall is related to element adapting the same platform to so many different types of car. It's still good, overall.

[@matusknives]

@@RCTNT I still can not help but wonder, whether this style of vehicle would be better when build on a chassis with properties more similar to say the new Traction Hobby F150 - which approaches the trailing from the other side - not trying to be a crawler that is centered on trailing, but maybe a basher that can trail fairly well. Just thinking aloud.

[@RCTNT]

@matusknives oh I think most would agree. However element is clearly trying for as much variety as practical from the same basic layout, so any new crawlers in this period will be an Enduro underneath. It is what it is, I guess

[@YoShImUrA53]

Congratulations, Craig! As I was watching this review I felt like you've reached a level with your reviews that is at the same level, and much better than most of the top viewing channels. Now we only need to wait for the algorythm to figure it out, and really start sharing this with more viewers that can appreciate the quality of your content. As for the Knightrunner, I'm totally for it. I do appreciate its shortcomings and I'm full aware of them, but those are also what make it enticing to drive, as a more challenging experience, in my own view, at least. I think I've said this before. I feel like the opportunity that this "not-very-capable-IFS'd-crawler-in-trail-truck-drag" is similar to Toyota's current sports car, the GT86. They offer you a blank canvas to make of it your own experience, opening up not only the aftermarket, but also make the car more interesting to modify and tinker with. Back to the rig, your points are absolutely valid, but I think Element are extremely smart and/or cheeky. Partening with a company like Knight Customs that make the scale accessories that this rig is begging for, opens up for two benefits for each brand: lower cost per unit (manufacturing AND shipping!) for Element by not having the key details that make a scale trail truck scale on par with today's scale rigs, and more sales for Knight Customs. So both companies must be celebrating over this great marketing triumph. They are usually sold out, and when you see them out and about it's rare not to see them with the KC bits. Yet my biggest complain must be that Magnaflow exhaust. It doesn't even have the shape of a tail pipe at the tip. To me, that is more annoying than the lack of inner fenders or interior. I mean, why even bother, then? I'm pretty sure I'd dremel that tailpipe out of it sooner than I'd put a battery pack on it. Lol

[@RCTNT]

Thank you for the encouragement! And yes, drilling out the lazy exhaust pipe isn't a bad idea. I shook my head when I pulled it out of the box originally but forgot to mention it in the video (I do them usually in one take without any scripting, just talking through it as I think of things on camera. I like it this way because it feels more like a friendly chat with you, plus it's certainly much easier for me - as long as the quality is there and I can cut out my ums and ahs!). Good point.

[@Jon-lb6hg]

Love your channel mate! Keep em coming!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, will do!

[@PakRC]

Awesome thanks!

[@RCBushBasherDownUnder]

I have recently become an owner of the Knight Runner and love this rig. still in stock form and enjoy the characteristics they bring. If you increase suspension droop up front for a softer flex the centre clearance suffers unlike maximum droop on a solid axle the diff clearance is not changed. Finding the sweet spot was interesting. It adds to the challenge to picking the right line with those tiny wheels. Off the topic but being a Melbourne viewer where was this recorded. Great looking trail.

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool, that sounds interesting. I should give my kr some love, it's just been sitting there looking at me while the ssd upgrades I have for it just lie underneath it! Nice to hear from a local! This was filmed at Temple Ridge Reserve, Hurstbridge. Maybe I'll see you round sometime, Greg. Cheers :)

[@RCBushBasherDownUnder]

@@RCTNT I would have to say your collection would be substantially large with a rotation to match. Ha ha. Hurstbridge line was my go to back in the day. We recently had a crawling meet and there was a lovely couple that lives out that way. Never know, might see around. Be great to see you on the trails. Keep the videos coming and the 6 problem course 👍

[@RCTNT]

Ah! I know where you went, youyangs, right? I'm friends with the couple you met - we drive a lot together :) Maybe I'll catch you round sometime!

[@RCBushBasherDownUnder]

@@RCTNT Natasha and Simon. Small world 😂🌎🤣 Very cool Catch ya

[@SuperChunk1775]

Great Vid! I really want to like this truck. I do own one, Not really happy with it, Maybe I am just spoiled. I definitely appreciate your point of views.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I think it could be even better with a few little mods. I'm turning such a video over in my mind now. It can crawl, it just isn't a crawler! I think that should be understood before buying one, but for what it is, yeah, it's pretty alright :)

[@simonj5134]

May not have the articulation of a live axle but the Trailrunner/Knightrunner will usually only need 3 wheels on the ground to go the same places! I noticed at the start there was a climb that others with power and big tyres have done and I did not expect this would. Knew it would grow on you.

[@RCTNT]

It's really not bad. I've been designing an interior and wheel wells in my mind this morning and I might plop it into Fusion if I get a minute.

[@Retrogamer2600]

This is a good vid, very informative and funny

[@Retrogamer2600]

I just ordered one. I’m excited

[@VirtualAzua]

I recently built a truck from a Utron roller. It runs really well, can go anywhere on the trails that my friends trx4s and scx10s can go. Since then I have been wondering if it would be possible to use the IFS2 system on the rear as well. Any thoughts? I can't find any bulls like that online.

[@RCTNT]

For sure you can get IRS happening, with some tinkering. It's easier than doing a front because you don't have to worry about steering. You'd probably want an a Element front IFS diff and then come up with axles to fit, and upper/lower A arms and hub from a faster car that uses them, with the right dimensions. With some effort I reckon it should be quite doable, yeah!

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

Hopefully you can review the element utron soon.. and depends on your review I will buy one or not

[@RCTNT]

Going by previous releases, it'll be available in Australia by late September/early October. Will review as soon as I can get one.

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

@@RCTNT thanks I will wait for it

[@memodelatorre1303]

I'm just getting into RC specifically trail rigs and enjoyed your vid. A couple questions, as of 2022, are there any kits to add interior? Also the bed is very shallow, are there kits to mod or is there a body I can look forward to purchasing with deeper truck bed?

[@RCTNT]

There may be an interior available now, look at knight customs and scalefab, one of them will have something. Bed is very shallow, yep. You could mod it with styrene yourself or else fit some other body, even the RC4WD Mojave 2 Hilux body would probably be made to fit. That's not a bad idea actually. Hmm!

[@modzilla74]

I'd like to see how much better it performs with some 4.2" tires and some weight added to the front end.

[@RCTNT]

I've been looking at the bowhouse rc bits for it as far as weight goes. I do have weighted wheels on 4.19" from my C1 comp truck. Maybe I'll give those a go when we're not underwater here (Australia is getting some hefty rainfall this week)! Thanks for the idea, I'll look into it.

[@aliensuperweapon]

A dedicated trail truck, and it has permanently fixed differentials; do i see that right? My only truck is a trx 4 and i am still new to that hobby - i am wondering if everything else on the market just has fixed diffs… Open diffs are so interesting to drive :o

[@RCTNT]

Quite right, they're always locked. The IFS helps with stability but it's a simpler platform than the TRX4. You may also be interested in the RGT Rescuer EX86190: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ombHho2jlL2lqK8 Cross RC EMO AT4: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6CnpZp5mKl9qsU They both have unlockable diffs, making for interesting driving. I like the BRX01 as well (kzbin.info/www/bejne/f3jZnIiko7p-h6M ), which has locked diffs but is two-speed and the front diff can be disengaged. It's fun to drive.

[@Mrsirvr]

Actually Element also has manual locking and unlocking diff kits now as well.

[@RCTNT]

Is that so? Wow, that's great! Thanks for the tip! Ed. All I could find was SSD's manual front hubs. Who makes the locking kit? Element RC themselves? Thanks

[@barceloni1984]

I love my fire red trailrunner. It's probably my least capable truck, but it sure is good looking. First upgrade I did was the element lexan inner fenders. A few minutes of trimming and couple coats of paint made a world of difference. They should fit on the knightrunner just the same. I agree on the performance of the ifs trucks. They're terrible at crawling, but great for a trail truck. Front suspension is just way too stiff to articulate, any suggestions? Great review 👍👍

[@RCTNT]

Cool changes already, that's great. I can't advise from experience on improving the front, but I do have some Bowhouse RC IFS upgrades sitting here waiting to go in. Just haven't gotten to it yet! I'll make a video when I finally do get it upgraded, but meantime I guess experiment and look to see what others have done online. Glad you're enjoying it, anyway :)

[@barceloni1984]

@@RCTNT I've installed the bowhouse steering rack and bell cranks. Made a slight difference in the flex, mostly eliminated the bump steer tho. Great upgrade for the money. I tried the yellow element springs, but they were too soft for the full size batteries I run. Front would compress, but not return back up. Put a set of hot racing dual rate shocks with success, but they began leaking after the first run, so I went back to the stock ones. Hope you figure it out, or at least find some springs between the element ifs and yellow rates. Thanks 👍👍

[@RCTNT]

That's really helpful, thank you. I'll keep this chat in mind when I return to look at this rig. Cheers

[@toddbertram6556]

Get that solid axle swap done and it would be a decent crawler. 12.8" could be fun after a SAS.

[@RCTNT]

I hear you, but it would defeat the purpose for me. Have other solid axle rigs already. This is something different :) I will work on it later this year to get it as capable as possible with this axle configuration. It's quite a charming little rig. Performance is important, to be sure, but I like how it feels in this form! Cheers for the comment, I don't disagree!

[@TeamKaosNZ]

like your vids, if you had to choose one truck between this one and the TRX-4 Sport which one would it be?

[@RCTNT]

Trx4 sport is an easy choice for its crawling and general flexibility. The KR is lovely and the mods available make for a gorgeous, IFS trail experience. But the Sport is overall much more capable. That said, go with the one you like better. I have numerous videos about both on my channel here. Plenty to do with either vehicle. They're both great rigs.

[@TeamKaosNZ]

@@RCTNT yea been watching them, really good reviews mate. thanks for the feedback, im really on the fence at the moment. Would love to stretch to the TRX-4 with the remote lockable diffs but they are alot more expensive.

[@RCTNT]

No worries and understandable. Hey, check out two more on my channel that might meet what you're after - both have two speed transmission, locking diffs, good capability and the EMO AT4 is even available as a kit, which is a win in my book: RGT Rescuer EX86190 Cross RC EMO AT4

[@TeamKaosNZ]

@@RCTNT Thanks for your advise, ended up going with the TRX-4 Builders kit as it was a Crazy $600 less than the RTR, and picked up a Knight Runner body for it, So best of both worlds! Printing out the moded parts for the KR body as we speak!

[@RCTNT]

Ah sweet! That's a winner! Enjoy :D

[@jeffsrcchannel2191]

Yep, definitely needs a Hobbywing 1800 :) (Are you going to do or can you review various shocks? From cheap Desert Lizard type to Proline, G-Made Pro Event shocks, $$$? What's your best/use)

[@RCTNT]

Lol you would say that! Brushless is the way to go generally, but the stock Reedy gear is really quite good. But A Fusion unit would be better, sure. Lol. Edit to match your edit re shocks: I could do in future at some point, but currently I have no plan to do so. I'll keep it in mind. I will say I don't think there'd be a lot in it, aside from travel and ease of adjustment. A cheap 70mm shock that cycles smoothly will perform similarly to an expensive 70mm shock that cycles smoothly. Spring diameter options are always welcome but in world champion level rigs (including on my MOA Pro rig that was driven to national 1st place in 2019 by Dion Voight (he borrowed mine - I didn't manage a place in that event), the shocks are cheap, plastic units that are good because they weigh so little! That's about it! I will note that as soon as speed is involved, everything changes. On crawlers, not really. But if you're going fast, there's a big difference and way more to consider. That's my experience to this point, at any rate. Always open to new data that would further inform my opinion :)

[@jeffsrcchannel2191]

@@RCTNT he he

[@RCTNT]

Updated my reply further, FYI.

[@jeffsrcchannel2191]

@@RCTNT The main reason I asked is that, I can't fix my sticky shocks on the Defender (I tried all the recommendations on YT). So, I'm on the hunt for some nice replacements. The Desert Lizard (with out the reservoir) are looking pretty neat. Thanks for your help :)

[@RCTNT]

@@jeffsrcchannel2191 they're just getting stuck and not compressing when they should? If so, is the geometry right? Any damage to the links, especially the panhard? If they're not aligned you'll get issues. If all is straight, have you stripped them right down, cleaned them totally and then rebuilt? Unless the shafts are badly pitted or something like that, I'd think they'd be good again. But even bad shocks would still work as long as the geometry is still correct. That's the biggest thing I'd be looking at. If you're buying, get the same length and you should be good, I'd think. Good luck with it.

[@MustafarRecRoom]

The reason they didn't finish it better (interior, wheel wells etc) was so you'd have to get some aftermarket accessories. I still think that it looks lightyears better than the licensed Kyosho TRD Pro....that thing looks like a toy.

[@RCTNT]

Ah, now that's an interesting comparison I hadn't thought to make. I have the Kyosho here ready to be unboxed. I may pull out the KR for a body comparison. Though they are different classes of model and even Proline has been distorting bodies for years to make their proportions more suited to purpose. You can't really avoid widening and flattening a body for a fast platform, for example. But yes, that's a good comparison for those who notice the details!

[@MustafarRecRoom]

@@RCTNT Totally agreed about different purpose built vehicles….but I think that those who are looking for a large scale Tacoma-ish ;) RC truck are gonna cross shop the two. I know that I did and ended up with the more realistic looking, less cartoony Knightrunner. But yeah, for a high speed brasher ya gotta go low and wide…

[@RCTNT]

@MustafarRecRoom it is what it is, yeah. Nice to have the choice anyway!

[@Retrogamer2600]

I got one of these, I’d drive fine for a couple days, now it’s randomly stopping and no throttle or turning but the lights stay on. It generally fixes it to unplug the power. And now today it’s acting like it’s getting interference. Little jolts on its own. Any thoughts what could be going on? I’m using the traxxas equivalent battery with the adapter.

[@RCTNT]

Sorry you're having problems! From easiest to hardest to diagnose and fix: 1. Ensure you have fresh batteries in the radio transmitter. Flat batteries could cause this. If they're rechargeable, top them off and retest, or try with a different set of known-good AAs. 2. Could be an electrical fault with the servo, which is glitching out the rest of the rig. Try disconnecting the servo and see if you have consistent throttle at least. If you do, the servo could be to blame. 3. Could there be water in the radio receiver? Have you been through the wet? Might be that. Take the receiver out of the rig and put it in the middle of a glass of dry rice and let it sit a couple of days. Put it back in the model and test again. 4. Could be a problem with the ESC, specifically, the BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) - the part that sends power to the radio receiver and powers the servo and lights. Do the lights dim or flicker badly when you're trying to get it to run? 5. Maybe the radio transmitter was dropped or took a bad hit that damaged its board. Maybe a signal isn't getting through properly. Try a different radio receiver and transmitter from another model, just to test of the servo and throttle work okay. Bit of a pain but hopefully something there sorts this out. My money is on water damage or a bad servo, but hopefully it's as simple as just your transmitter batteries or something equally easy to fix. Good luck and let me know how you go with it! -Craig

[@Retrogamer2600]

I’ll recharge my remote battery’s, it’s a set of Duracell AAs. I did get caught in a light rain. Drive the car on mildly wet cement and got a few drops on the remote before heading it in my shirt. I’ll see what I can fined. Thanks for the extremely detailed trouble shoot!

[@Retrogamer2600]

No I don’t think the lights dim.

[@RCTNT]

The remote should be okay with a few drops of water, but if you got more than that it could be an issue. Make sure you only recharge NiMH batteries and not Alkalines - make sure those Duracells are rechargeable, basically! (I'm sure you will, but just checking!!). Also, reddit.com/r/rccars could be a helpful place to try posting for help. But do try working through these steps first, you might get it sorted on your own. Best of luck with it!

[@Retrogamer2600]

@@RCTNT I added a short to my channel about it. Now the reverse is acting glitchy, Iv been really careful with this car.

[@Rangeman001]

Cool vid is this near plenty gorge?

[@RCTNT]

Not this video, but I have done a few others there. This was at Temple Ridge Reserve in Hurstbridge :)

[@Rangeman001]

@@RCTNT thanks I'm near plenty gorge and getting my first rc, a yk4082. Is plenty gorge good place to take it? I wouldnt want to get in the way of mtbs lol.

[@RCTNT]

Ah that's an interesting looking rig. I bet it'll be fun. Plenty gorge is great. I love the trail along either way from the other side of the gorge from 2 Beans Farm Cafe. Great area.

[@Apasash]

😉👍💯

[@skeetermcswagger0U812]

Need to lower the tire pressure on that one!!!😉

[@RCTNT]

Lol, yep, slightly softer foams could help.

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT I forgot to mention this too. Not the most common item, being for a 1.55 tire, I'd think?

[@RCTNT]

@@YoShImUrA53 can always just cut some bits out of the existing foams. There are 1.55 foams out there but not as much choice as for 1.9s. Kinda related, I saw exocaged rc did a few videos recently on 3BRC Antifoams. I've printed TPU tires in the past and there was a whole wheel like that on Thingiverse, I recall. I've got the beginning of something similar to Antifoams with TPU but never finished it. Kudos to them for following through. I could finish mine and see if that helps. If I can just find the time!

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT I saw that Exocaged vid as well. Would be great to see your take on them. Maybe even do your own and get more cash for more rigs on the side!

[@RCTNT]

@@YoShImUrA53 heh nah I won't be selling anything. If they work I'll put the printable files on my site tho. They're half done already and I like printing in TPU. If I get round to it I'll make a quick video on it. And I should watch those exo videos I guess. I see them come up in KZbin studio (videos your audience also watched).

[@reddeerrebelrc6674]

All the trucks you test on your " problems" are trail trucks..NOT crawlers.

[@RCTNT]

Cool. And it's nice to be able to see how the trail trucks compare in performance on a consistent test course and I enjoy sharing that with you guys. Hope you find it helpful. Cheers mate