Redcat Kaiju EXT First Look

[@marcgebeloff2036]

With the EXT extended chassis version the platform is getting interesting. I’ve said on other videos, it’s not necessarily an rc I would recommend for a beginner as a 1st or 2nd rig, but for a hobbyist that already has a well rounded collection of blue chip rigs like arrma 3s, kraton, max & x max, the platform is interesting because it combines a lighter weight plastic chassis with a all metal driveline with 3 very nice differentials in the transition and 8th scale 6s electronics. It comes in over $100 under 10th scale rigs like the arrma 3s and Traxxas hoss. There definitely not as bulletproof as a max, big rock, or kraton but if you already have these rigs and want something different with a power to weight ratio that’s a blast to drive once sorted out, these are a good option. I found a few things helpful on these -sway Bars help tremendously on either - + 10 mm factory hex extenders work great if switching the ext belted tires to either taller or lower offset tires. The factory belted tires are terribly unbalanced, at least mine where and there’s not much in a belted light weight alternative. - the center differential needs to be stiffened up with thicker silicone oil. I haven’t yet, but as soon as I clear the bench of a few things I certainly will. So far the backflip low profiles handled mint but once the front lightens under acceleration you can see the need to limit slip on the center diff Thanks for the great review, hopefully this rig gets some more traction once the hoopla over the new max and other new releases is on=ver

[@ReadySetRC]

@Marc Gebeloff Much appreciated and I'm glad you enjoy them👍 Totally agree, this truck is not for the RC'er with one or two RC's. It has so much potential and for this price point you can't go wrong. I do feel this one may have been slightly rushed a bit but nothing that can't be corrected with some minor parts replacement and tuning. My only concern how will this stack up to TA's new Rival MT8. The MT8 is a slightly shorter wheelbase but they packed a lot of goodies for a price tag of $510 US. Time will tell.

[@marcgebeloff2036]

@@ReadySetRC no doubt they where probably trying to get this to market for Xmas and with supply chain issues probably had less then the usual usual time to revise some of the new parts but I agree it’s not as far off as it’s made to be. Since your the second KZbinr I like to mention the mt8 I had to take a look at it. It looks good, I believe the same manufacturer as redcats using for the kaiju line. Specs aren’t complete on the TA site, so I am wondering about a few things like the chassis, you mention it’s shorter wheelbase, so either original kaiju or just slight;y more I guess. When looking at the underside it looks like a hybrid plastic / metal chassis, interesting. I think I like the tower to tower bracing, but curious on weight, especially if that is a metal stamping underneath on the bottom. I have to say I have been shocked at the plastic chassis durability of my arrma 3s, kaiju, max / x max trucks, none of which have T to T or any metal chassis bracing. The motor looks like the og kaiju, and it’s a HW quick run 150 ESC like, kaiju, Hobao etc so electronics are comparable, I assume there using there also using the same diffs as the kaiju with the big steel bushing pieces to keep the spider gears alighted to the housing which I really like. It may have some advantages with the bracing, possibly better battery tray, and what looks like a better motor mount system, but I think they will be close performers. Did I miss anything, I only had the pics and basic feature list from the site? I like the market segment heating up in either case, especially if it puts enough pressure on the main players to stop the recent price increases at bay. Keep up the great content, it’s greatly appreciated

[@ReadySetRC]

@@marcgebeloff2036 Thank you and I appreciate that. I think you hit all the points😊 I'm thinking the T to T is because they are using the stamp metal chassis. Totally agree, I'm glad they did not turnaround and through a $700 price tag on this. Hopefully it takes off and will get these other companies to start adjusting pricing.

[@stormycannon8904]

Love my Kaiju great truck.

[@mikeblankumsee4668]

Your unboxings/reviews are always on point

[@ReadySetRC]

@Mike Blankumsee Thanks man! Much appreciated🤜🤛

[@philthyco1]

Sweet!My Storm Tropper will be here tomorrow!!

[@ReadySetRC]

@PhilthyCo RC Can't wait to see your thoughts👍

[@jknewb6276]

Lol it does kinda remind me of stormtroopers

[@the-original-ghost]

I hope the body holds up better than the original one did.Cracked in half on the first day,but it was the only thing broken from a epic bash session.Arrma and Traxxas better watch out for Redcat who is getting better at a constant rate.I went for a speed run test, hit a small rock and it shot straight into my mailbox post at top speed.$20 worth of broken parts replaced and it was ready to go again.My hat off to the guys at Redcat who are getting it done!

[@ReadySetRC]

@YnotjustBcivil2all So far so good but I haven't ended up on my lid much. Redcat is really improving. Can't wait to see what comes out next.

[@beesod6412]

I like that they included the hair net, "that's what I call it lol" the net works really well on my TA: Rival MT10 , keeping leaves and grass out really well. and as for the body. I think it looks really good, Thank you for showing us all the upgrades!

[@ReadySetRC]

@Bee Sod Thank you👍

[@thomasthetankengine7153]

I agree 💯 the shroud/hair net is a great thing to have come on a rtr 👍

[@mariopuzo4509]

You might get an odd look or two . . Panty hose work 👍 and saves $

[@purplelegorc2170]

That white and black shells 🐚 is 🔥

[@osbaldoiturrino6643]

I like the white one what a beautiful machine very nice 👍👍👍👍👍

[@ReadySetRC]

@osbaldo iturrino You know I've gotten so many mixed response on this body. But I agree it is a cool looking body👍

[@heat305rc]

awesome review my brotha. Got the original Kaiju and never had an issue. great basher. im sure that the EXT will be just as fun 👊🏼👊🏼💯💯💪🏽💪🏽

[@ReadySetRC]

@Heat 305 rc Thank you fam🤜🤛 That OG Kaiju is a fav of mine.

[@JasonPerrinRCVlogs]

Nice purchase man. That white body looks awesome. I like it a lot more than the red.

[@ReadySetRC]

@Jason Perrin R/C Something about that copper does nothing for it.

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Redcats got some kicka#% monsters on their hands! They have really stepped up their game! Great 💯🔥review my friend! Both are great, but the original is where my ❤️’s at!

[@ReadySetRC]

@BANG For Your Buck Rc Reviews Thank you! I had a lot of love for the OG. Got to see how this is going to hold up but they added some surprises that I like.

[@darionbrewer1386]

I like this one 🕐

[@jdpaslRC]

Looks very good.

[@ReadySetRC]

@jdpasl A lot better in person.

[@lenniekroher3740]

Chassis and driveshaft, should be all you need to make the wheelbase longer??

[@ReadySetRC]

@Lennie Kroher To convert your existing Kaiju, yes.

[@lenniekroher3740]

@@ReadySetRC thanks. My original Kaiju is still a shelf queen✌

[@johndombroski5212]

I like the first version but is it better to get the V2 ?

[@ReadySetRC]

@John Dombroski I haven't decided yet. I do feel this was a little rushed compared to the first one but I need to put a few more packs in it to get a better sense. I will say where 4S was enough on the first one this felt like it needed 6S or at least needed to be geared up. Felt sluggish on 4S.

[@S.G54321]

Any thoughts on which you'd rec? I like how both look but simply am leaning more towards the original Kaiju. Think it's more durable? I don't really bash my rc. I was thinking of getting the Kaiju and I can install the steel spur and motor fan. Easy upgrade

[@ReadySetRC]

@MGSW Guzman For me it would be the OG Kaiju between these two. The EXT is more like the truggy in this lineup and I prefer the unpredictableness of the OG Kaiju and it's shorter wheelbase. Durability wise I would say the EXT is going to get the nod because of the adjustments they made with the truck. I've never had an issue with my spur in the OG Kaiju. My issues was the body mounts, front bumper, motor temps and plastic servo arm. Other than that the truck has led up well for me.

[@S.G54321]

@@ReadySetRC I see, and another opinion I'd like from you. I was considering the Arrma Big Rock V3. Out of the Kaiju/EXT Vs Big Rock V3. Which would you rec? For speed, durability, realiability.

[@ReadySetRC]

@@S.G54321 No question BRCC all day! One of the best 3S bashers out there. I own the v2, I think that is what it is 😊that is before the improvements on the latest model. I would suggest that truck before the Kaiju's.

[@S.G54321]

@@ReadySetRC Done. Just ordered the Big Rock 😁. I got some Louise ST Uphill belted mft wheels for them and new shocks for it

[@ConditionZero76]

The tires on the Ext don't look near as aggressive, I guess the body doesn't either tho. was this design made more for on road do you know, or can these tires hang with the original kieju in the dirt offroad? Thanks

[@ReadySetRC]

@HKGuy #1 The first tires are legendary. Some of the best RTR tires out there. These new ones I agree more on-road even though they can run on off-road. Never thought of it like that but I would agree design does seem more for on-road even though they market it for off-road.

[@ConditionZero76]

@@ReadySetRC Cool man Thanks for the feedback, I'm interested in one of these but just can't figure out if the Newer Ext differences make it worth buying it over the original kieju, I question why they would do away with those Aggressive tires for more street like tires & also the more realistic truck body for a futuristic race like body (I don't get it )..... my debacle is - Do the Ext upgrades warrent buying it over the original kieju & eventually buying the original kieju tires for it & possibly an upgraded body down the road or should I just buy the original kieju? is the extra length & whatever else they upgraded worth it ya think over the original? Thanks for all your help Brother

[@ReadySetRC]

@@ConditionZero76 At this time I've only took it for one and a quarter rip. The quarter is because the rear upper support broke in the first 2 minutes of driving😆 Right now I would say the original Kaiju is the way to go. Once I put a few more packs in the EXT maybe that will change but I truly like how the original drives and the characteristics. I only driven the EXT on 4S and the the original IMO is best on 4S. Comparing them both on 4S I would give the nod to the original. EXT on 4S just felt under powered. Time will tell but right now original has the edge.

[@ConditionZero76]

@@ReadySetRC Excellent Thanks for all the info & for helping me out, much appreciated!!

[@mikeblankumsee4668]

Nice!

[@ReadySetRC]

@Mike Blankumsee 👍👍

[@dallasdugo4334]

So i see on redcat website that the Kaiju Ext is out of stock kind of makes me wonder if it will be discontinued?

[@ReadySetRC]

@dallasdugo4334 V2🤔

[@longboardguy]

Nice review. Really like that white body I don’t know why it’s just clean looking. And the white and black is like a storm trooper as another commenter mentioned. I think I might grab one of these for some winter parking lot bashing. Is there a spec or dimension for battery tray or can you get us one? Thanks 🍻🇨🇦☃️

[@ReadySetRC]

@longboardguy Thank you! The body is just one of those things😊 Battery tray is five and half inches length and two and a quarter inches width. Single 4S pack should not be an issues unless you run hard packs. 6S with the stock straps with be more of a challenge. Most likely will need to swap out the straps for most 6S packs.

[@longboardguy]

@@ReadySetRC thanks a lot for those dimensions I’ll have to see if my current batteries will fit then! And yes the truck looks great thanks again really enjoy your videos

[@demonking1235]

What 6s batteries do u recommend would fit perfect in the car cuz I needa be ready

[@ReadySetRC]

@demonking 123 To be honest, I never ran this on 6S. The original I ran once on 6S with two Powerhobby 3S 5200mah soft packs. Straps are a little tight. I strongly suggest swapping out the deans connectors.

[@winstonoso5821]

U think the wing will fit the OG kaiju if u modify it or not?

[@ReadySetRC]

@Winston Oso It should fit with no issues. As long as you install the wing mount too.

[@sumdood2035]

Just out of curiosity, did you have hex screws that rusted quickly? The ones on the top of the front spindles and on one of the motor screws came rusted, out of the box, on mine. Kind of disappointing to see my brand new truck with rusted screws. It looks like the one on the top of your motor mount is already starting to rust.

[@ReadySetRC]

@Sum Dood Yeah a little bit of rust and there is different screws underneath the chassis. Feeling is this was a little rushed.

[@sumdood2035]

@@ReadySetRC I agree. Probably due to various complaints about the original Kaiju. But otherwise, so far so good. Got 20 minutes or so out of my first pair of 2S batteries and didn't break anything. They were Brand New cheap chinese batteries (GoldBat), and one of them was WAY far off on the ending balance (3.27 vs 3.39). Time will tell whether it's the battery or the ESC. I guess it's a good thing I bumped the default cutoff up to 3.2v.

[@ConditionZero76]

@@sumdood2035 Gold Bat's are very good batteries I have probably 8 to 10 of them without issue ever 👍🏼

[@sumdood2035]

@@ConditionZero76 Those cells aligned after the second pack, and have been fine. Also having good luck with Zeee.

[@ConditionZero76]

@@sumdood2035 ye zee packs are really good too, another good one while we're at is is Hoovo very good lipos 🤘🏽

[@stormycannon8904]

The hair net is to small and the hooks are to little very hard to attach out in the fields great idea just need’s a bit of adjustment.

[@CoachD386]

Nice side by side, original Kaiju taller with that cab… I’m not fond of that new body either 👍🏾💯

[@ReadySetRC]

@CoachD RC Yeah Coach kinda looks like a cat in the front😆

[@GreatLakesRC]

Cool comparison and unboxing 👍 These are interesting trucks for sure. Will be interested to hear if you think the motor is big enough. Why put a buggy motor into what is essentially a truggy 🤷‍♂️ Other than that I think it looks pretty good 👍

[@ReadySetRC]

@Great Lakes RC True! I was a little shocked when I saw the motor. I took it out on 4S, it was a little underwhelming. I'm thinking gearing up though may be the better way to go.

[@sumdood2035]

They may have opted for that motor as a precaution to the gears everyone was breaking on the original. Although I believe they are all metal now. I do find it interesting that the hobbywing 4068 series is listed as discontinued on their site. The only Hobbywing 4068's i could find were all 2250kv.

[@mariopuzo4509]

Spur gear sounds exactly like the gen 1?

[@ReadySetRC]

@Mario Puzo New one is metal.

[@jknewb6276]

I'm debating on this truck but haven't really seen great reviews on the EXT. Honestly which would you buy the original or the EXT for a steady bash with jumps and speed! BTW great review here my guy, very thorough!! My buddy is getting Redcat models now so I might get back in the hobby.

[@ReadySetRC]

@J&K Newb I'm still putting in time with the EXT. The weather and the rear link issue kind of slowed me down but I will say if you are more in to stunt trucks the original is going to be better. This is more tame on 4S and 6S stock, feels a little more controllable but that is the reason so many people like the original, it's a complete nutball😆 I drive mine on 4S to manage it better and love it on 4S. If I could only have one for me I would chose the original simply because I like shorter wheelbase trucks. I prefer the Tekno MT410, the Outcast and the Outcast 8S to all of the larger counterparts but that's me.

[@mariopuzo4509]

Man.... Hard to say. I never really beat on mine, just drove it up and down the street.. some jumping. No skateparks or anything like that... If u replace the servo and or servo horn, get some aluminum parts like a arms and steering.. This thing would be pretty tank like on 4s. I totally dug the gen. 1. Much more so than this new granite blx i just got. Idk how the new one drives but i never had any issues with needing a sway bar. The old one... Idk man its just mad power, flips easy... The thing is a beast on grass and border line to fast on 4s without upgrades I wouldn't mess with 6s but that's me and im not great at repairs. So ...if ur at all competent when it comes to working on rc's u should Totally get the old one. Hope ur happy with whatever u decide on! Cheers

[@jknewb6276]

@@ReadySetRC that's an awesome explanation/opinion much appreciated buddy I think the OG is the way I'm going then!!

[@jacobsolis4314]

which one is faster, the OG or EXT?

[@ReadySetRC]

@jacob solis That's a hard question. The EXT is much more controllable on 6S than the OG. You can't even keep the front down or even hit top speed with the OG on 6S.

[@sd_rcfanatic157]

Shocks leaks ?

[@ReadySetRC]

@Sd_rcfanatic I had no leaks of any kind.

[@Jwlpwr]

You never drove the Kaiju EXT?

[@ReadySetRC]

@Just Love I have, it's in the long line of videos to be edited. Ran it twice. Second run it broke in the first 3 minutes and off the first jump. I posted it up on IG a few days back. But the first run vid is coming in a week.

[@paulclancy2404]

They shoukd gave us gt5 and just charge little more

[@ReadySetRC]

@Paul Clancy Didn't think about that one but I love that idea!

[@Ohwell423]

Sweet car. Just weird looking to me.

[@ReadySetRC]

@dylan haney I think someone was trying to be cute with the design😆

[@mariopuzo4509]

Like the old one.. that new grill is fugly

[@ReadySetRC]

@Mario Puzo Its' a hit or miss for some folks.

[@LawrenceTimme]

The body looks so bad 😂😂😂

[@ReadySetRC]

@Lawrence Timme Yeah not the most stylish shell😆

[@DeRock401]

Really? I think it’s the only thing that is good about the whole truck.

[@ReadySetRC]

@@DeRock401 😆😆

[@chozen_1309]

The original is definitely way better in the style department!