Element RC Face-Off! Which Crawls Best?

[@meirdeaph8159]

I love the split screen compair

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, it was a bit of an experiment but it came out alright! Cheers

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

The split screen with dual commentary is great. Thank you for doing this comparison!

[@RCTNT]

Awesome. Have had one against the split and 4 people for it now. I'm still trying to find a good way to show multiple drives in a shorter time. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@vhrte49]

Its pretty hard to believe you only have 5000 subscribers. This is great content and im always excited when a new vid comes out. Queenslander here🇦🇺

[@RCTNT]

Heh, thank you. It just means I'm not doing things quite right to get youtube to show my videos to the right audience. I'm working on it! Cheers

[@scottjlambert]

I didn’t expect such a gap in the score between these two. I like the side by side view for comparison. Nice work!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Scott. I didn't either!

[@Noizy-Boy]

Nice comparison. I built my Ecto from the builders kit. I bought the side trays for the Ecto as well as the longer rear drive shaft and link kit with the high clearance lower links. The rear shocks are laid forward a bit. Using a Holmes Classic Revover and a Castle Sidewinder 4. It is really a pleasure to crawl, plenty of power, and low speed control. Doing away with the trailing arms helps quite a bit. I think the Element is a really underrated machine. Thanks for the review!

[@maxwell5428]

Wouldn’t it just be cheaper to get the sendero and swap the body?

[@Noizy-Boy]

​@Maxwell I would rather build than RTR this way I end up with exactly what I want. Plus the Ecto body is really narrow, so would still need electronics trays

[@RCTNT]

Now that sounds like a nicely set up rig! I bet you enjoy it, yeah! That's great

[@billknepp1965]

@@maxwell5428 with the ectos added wheelbase that may not work out well..?? the HD body is what kept me from getting it.. when I found the unsung trailwalker black edition.. that's exactly the same bones im liking the HD platform and handling switching out for the torque n modulating capabilities of an out runner is definitely going to make this platform shine...

[@muskokamike127]

7:20 PF went off the charts! lol almost ended up off the cliff and on it's way downstream to the ocean ....

[@RCTNT]

Haha it wasn't as bad as it looked at that point, there's more rock. Though that is where someone lost a sporty into the water, last comp. Whoops!

[@panhouska]

Awesome comparison.

[@davidconaway2830]

What a great comparison between the two vehicles. Also, what a great course you have there!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, this was a bit of an experimental video but I think it drove the point home about differences between the two rigs!

[@jr-rcs]

Well as the proud owner of a Sendero HD, thanks to your numerous videos and with your stage 1 mod suggestions, I can confirm that it's an amazing crawler out of the box, as you have been said before, more rock crawler oriented. Maybe one thing to take into account, it's wide body which makes it less good at side stepped climbs etc... But amazing truck... Again, thanks for all your videos... Help me a lot with the final decision.

[@RCTNT]

They're a solid platform, no doubt!

[@VS666]

Great comparison the only thing I would say is maybe put both of the names in the video and then put versus and then that way people can find this video easier

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. It's on the thumbnail, which youtube uses in search results too.

[@scalecrawlnl]

A fun 'comp action' video in an excellent location, cool scenery for a sporty rc endeavour. Sendero looks very smart. Much appreciated, great editing style with the split screen. Thank you kindly. Naturally, a like added onto the score :) Nice photo on IG, podium place 👍

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! This video was a fun little experiment but I think I'll play some more with split screen perspective. Useful for comparisons. ECCF was great, yes! I've got to compile a debrief video. Gonna cover everything in the one vid. Coming soon.

[@russ.t.trombone]

I have both trucks great to see a side by side . The only thing I did was put rear link risers from scale metal supply on the HD to help it on the up hill climb.

[@RCTNT]

That is a worthy mod. Nice!

[@jablanch]

Great review 👍

[@RCTNT]

Glad you liked it, thanks

[@peterjames490]

Yes!! Been waiting for you to do this one! I have the Sendero HD pretty much because of your reviews and LOVE it, But love the look of that Ecto as well..... I know eventually I will have them both, they do seem to multiple eh? Or am I the only one that has that problem? HAHA

[@RCTNT]

Nah you're the only one with that problem. The rest of us only own one crawler.

[@peterjames490]

@@RCTNT 🤣

[@snowypods9812]

I went with the sendero HD, it's more challenging, but I can see plenty of upgrade potential and I prefer the body shape

[@RCTNT]

I find the shape more pleasing too and my Sendero has gotten more use than the Ecto for the same reason. Both have plenty of upgrade potential though - you can't really go wrong with the current Element line-up!

[@jamiebobier4368]

5:25 approx. looks like there is a tire or controller in the water, did you lose something? Either way great video thank you.

[@RCTNT]

Didn't lose anything, this whole place was underwater just a fortnight before this was filmed back in February. Who knows what's in the water!

[@madsrcbuggy]

Ha ha, this is great! I was cheering on the Ecto all along and of course it dominated. I'm guessing the Sendero has a second purpose that doesn't help it on the rocks, and also isn't something I care much about: It looks realistic, like a real pick-up truck. And of course the whole story behind this, the Ecto is more made for performance and all that. I really enjoy these shootout videos, I like how you did the splitscreen, and you put a little graphic to which video we'd hear the audio (talk) from.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! It was a bit of an experiment, this one, but I'm happy with how it came out :)

[@bapasrcadventures3619]

Very helpful test. Very good video.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you!

[@fishnrc294]

Thank you for the test I have both the HD is almost stock I did put a 1080 in it metal beadlocks & the Ecto I’m just using the chassis for a custom build with Proline 66 Chevy cab & Rock Pirates Hardline bed & shock towers it has a Fusion Pro in it also & Reefs servo it’s probably one of my best Crawlers. I do like the HD a lot it’s very capable & there’s lots of upgrades. Did you ever get a Axial Baseline? I’m thinking of getting one I have the TRX Sport already but seems like it can be upgraded to be a very good Crawler as well. I think these courses should be used more especially in a comparison shootout. Hoping you get the Gen 9 as well it’s also on my Radar.

[@RCTNT]

I do have the Base Camp. Here's the initial review: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m4S3mWZsetNgrq8 Also have it head to head with the Deadbolt, and then later my 4-way RTR head to head video that's currently featured on my channel home page. Great rig, very capable. I'll grab the Gen 9 as soon as it's available in Australia, you bet. Your Ecto sounds epic. I don't doubt it's amazing to drive!

[@roblowrie1969]

I wasn't expecting the difference to be so marked over the second course, seeing how close it was on the first!! I still like the look of the Sendero though. 😉

[@RCTNT]

Same here on both counts :)

[@pandacrawler6x6]

Great Vs! I love the Ecto! Great spot

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! It is a brilliant spot.

[@pandacrawler6x6]

@@RCTNT Yes, Indeed! Love the natural "courses"

[@RCTNT]

Me too :)

[@pandacrawler6x6]

@@RCTNT

[@360woodierc]

Great showdown.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks :)

[@YoShImUrA53]

These are my favorite kind of content. Great edit! Super clear to see the differences and in a more time-compressed manner. A bit bummed that the Sendero was so far behind, especially on the second course. Do you have an idea if this difference is more noticeable because of the body type, or the links vs trailing arms?

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! I think the Sendero struggled with its shorter rear links, relative to the Ecto. Overall wheelbase is similar, but that little bit extra on the Ecto in the rear seemed to make a decent difference. Trailing arms could be part of the equation too, I'm not yet sure. I was surprised how different they were though. I thought they'd be closer!

[@YoShImUrA53]

@@RCTNT interesting! I would've thought the same, that they'd feel quite similar. Thanks for the details 😊

[@after9527]

I think the Ecto's longer wheelbase really made the difference on course 2. I liked the courses you laid out but wish you could have had some more ground level shots so we could really see what the crawlers were doing, similar to the way you film your 6 problem course.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for the feedback. It's challenging trying to film solo and with limited footing at this location I don't know I could deliver on the request. I do have the 6 problems at home here with both rigs, so there's that as a backup. Sorry I couldn't show more of that here.

[@muskokamike127]

@@RCTNT what? you don't want to hang off the edge of a 9M cliff to get a shot? WELL I NEVER!!! lol Beautiful location, except for the drop off hahahah

[@RCTNT]

Some terrain can be challenging, yeah! I do enjoy the use of my legs so try not to risk myself for better shots! Usually.

[@WoodsUnknown]

Do you have a preference for radios or do you just use what ever comes with the rigs?

[@RCTNT]

I use what comes with the rigs for reviews and such, but my favourite radios are the Flysky GT5, Sanwa MT4 and Spektrum DX5 Rugged. For general use and value, the GT5 is hard to beat. I'm going to check out the Flysky Nobel too - maybe even do a radio round up sometime.

[@WoodsUnknown]

@@RCTNT what are your thoughts on radiolink

[@RCTNT]

Never used one so far, sorry. Can't offer any kind of informed opinion there!

[@billknepp1965]

I was genuinely surprised the differences between them.. but I'm upgrading mine in ways that not many HD platforms may ever see.. I've installed the V3 snubnose revolver n copperhead 10 ESC it's getting the bumper mounts from the se as well as the se inner fenders front and rear... as they fit perfectly.. if you move the rear shock tower's and frame brace forward 1 hole n doubt with the rectos length that's possible.. SSD brass knuckles.. Faulken wildpeaks on the way going on silver OEM beadlocks keeping the rotational mass light thinking this is going to be awesome.. prolly going to up the overdrive with steel gears at some point in the future if I can find. a local club n comp.. I think I want to try that with this rig as it's my only crawler fully pimped out n comp worthy...

[@RCTNT]

For sure! Do it, that'll be super fun and make all your upgrades all the more worth it :) Sounds like a beast now!

[@jims8531]

Hey Craig, great comparison, like everyone I’m surprised at the size of the margin. In the round up you say of the Ecto the reason it did so much better was because “This thing can climb better”. But what is it about The Ecto that makes it climb better? Is it just the rear suspension? Thanks

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Jim. I think it must be those trailing arms and the slightly longer wheelbase. Other than that these two are very similar rigs!

[@aorchotika]

Both such sick trucks, great comparison vid. What's do you think makes the Ecto a better crawler on steep stuff?

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. I reckon it's those trailing arms, both length and shape. There's not a lot else different otherwise. It's interesting how different they were, eh.

[@aorchotika]

@@RCTNT Ok, interesting considering its kinda one of the few to run those? Very fascinating

[@RCTNT]

It and the Gatekeeper, yep. The RGT Challenger does too. But otherwise, it's not something you see on crawlers. Other vehicles, sure. Interesting that it seems to work so well here, honestly. But, it does!

[@aorchotika]

@@RCTNT Would be good to see Ecto Vs Base Camp on that course

[@RCTNT]

I have a few rigs I should run over this area, it is a great spot for it!

[@michaeldorich4485]

It was an interesting comparison. I guess I'm stating the obvious. It seems the Ecto with the narrow body has proven it has the advantage in the tough terrain. Before watching the video that's what I expected. Is that what you expected? Is there any environment where the Enduro would have the advantage? Would they bee different classes in competition?

[@RCTNT]

It was about what I expected, though I didn't think the Sendero would have as much trouble on that first ascent in the second course as it did. In a comp using WRCCA rules, they'd both have to drive under Performance Scale class and they'd both be whipped by better tech, but the Ecto would have some chance in experienced hands, assuming average competition. Not at high level. For Sendero to compete in Scale-1, you'd need to remove overdrive, put 4.19" tires on it and hide the wiring from top and side view. It would go very well in that class until scale points were applied. If you dressed it up with an interior and stuff, it would be moderately competitive.

[@chanozoc]

Where is this place?

[@RCTNT]

Plenty Gorge, South Morang, VIC Australia. If you're in Melbourne, look for 2 Beans & A Farm Cafe and it's just down the hill from there :)

[@chanozoc]

@@RCTNT my old stomping grounds mate!

[@RCTNT]

It's a great area.

[@antonrennerhag9793]

Really interesting comparison. I did not like the split screen however. I tend to really fokus on how the truck behaves going over the obstacles. And with the split screen it is very difficult to notice all the small differences. Otherwise, great video.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for the feedback. This was an experimental one and not a sign of how future videos will necessarily be. I'm testing how long people watch before clicking away and in the videos where I just show one at a time, they leave after the first car drives once. With split screen they stay twice as long in the last test I did, so I'm looking to see if that's still the case. Appreciate your thoughts.

[@jr-rcs]

I wonder If it would be "redundant" to have them both... Because the new Ecto Black edition have me thinking 😅😅😅👌🏼

[@RCTNT]

Nobody needs more than one crawler. That's why I only have one.

[@jr-rcs]

@@RCTNT you're absolutely right... Right now I only have as my first 1/10 the Injora Rock Buggy (clone Gmade R1) you should try it sometime because at a really cheap price you ended with a capable rock crawler)... And my second rig, my first 'branded crawler " the element sendero... One for really hard terrain and the second one for the rest..... Greetings From Spain (from a Venezuelan guy) my friend and keep enjoying what you do👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼

[@RCTNT]

I have that body/frame on the way. Building a vehicle for our new Tuff Truck class and thought I'd give that a shot after seeing someone run it at ECCF last month. (it's also possible you shouldn't listen to me about just one crawler! I have rather more than one!)

[@jr-rcs]

@RC-TNT jajajaja no way you have more than one JajAja... I remember your video where you show up your collection and make some kind of top 3 on each category JajAja... Imagine doing that with just 1 rig... 😂😂👌🏼👌🏼👌🏼 About the injora... 1000% Recomended, for me came cheaper than my scx24 deadbolt and with 40kg servo, isdt esc70 and some beadlock wheels, good to go and way way more capable that all my first attempt on my earlier days transition from fpv racing quads to crawlers trought 1/16 wpl series... With all the money that I left there I could have bought two rock buggy... But, sometimes to learn and know things, you have to go trought the road and without taking shortcuts.... "It is not the same, knowing the path than walking it"

[@RCTNT]

Haha yes, you do need to make some mistakes before you know what to avoid and where to focus. Honestly I'm still working that out now, even with this growing collection.

[@evintacy7272]

I really like element I use just be axial fan boy and I still am but I am element fan boy equally now! Custom rc gspeed so far is my ♥️🤘🏻🤩💯 but I want try Brazin hi low and currupt carbon works ninja ! But those be later down road got thin heard out ! A lot not using and like pass them on to new rc comers help them get into the hobby around here! 😊

[@RCTNT]

You've got some nice plans! And yeah axial and element are crushing it currently :) Great time to be in the hobby eh!