Redcat Gen 8 V2 RC Crawler: Trail Test!

[@RCTNT]

Make sure you catch the single best upgrade for this rig: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM

[@jstro-hobbytech]

I hope you would like to take part in a podcast at some point. I have cool spin on them. It's a spin on a common idea haha. You will have fun and be challenged sir. Hehe. I'll email sometime and see what you think. I look up to you and think we'd have a blast. Haha

[@RCTNT]

Thank you. I've been planning a podcast for about 6 months with a friend. We've been working on getting to it but it's taken time for schedules to align! Hopefully we'll get started in the near future. Feel free to email, sure. I'll consider joining you for an episode once I have more info. Email is good. Thanks.

[@jstro-hobbytech]

@@RCTNT it won't be until the spring probably. Your spring not mine haha

[@jstro-hobbytech]

@@RCTNT I have a cool buggy put together. An integy top with mostly injora everything else. I keep putting prototypes together so I can get used to putting them together and the nuances of how weight should be distributed. I ordered some cool stuff for an underwater uav for first person. It's going to be my project over the winter. I'm going to build the body our of petg I think.

[@RCTNT]

Wow, that's a project!

[@adam22es]

I hoping you would make up my mind on which one to get. Lol I just ordered both Trx4 bronco and gen8. I can sleep better now, thanks!

[@RCTNT]

Heh awesome, they're both great trucks! Hey you might get something out of the next video I post, it'll drop Thursday night my time this week. The Gen 8 V2 tests 11 different tires on the trail. It's a good one! Cheers :)

[@SonoranScaleStudios]

Fantastic vid my friend! I added the 1080 esc with great results, have a few videos on our channel with the 1080 installed on the Gen 8. Keep the content coming!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, I'll check it out :)

[@teamsargentrc6399]

Put in a smaller pinion switch the drag to 100% & you won't need a new esc. 13t is amazing pinion. It has a huge 17t. Not saying esc 1080 wouldn't help that is Obvious. Lol. Love your channel. Really informative.🤜🤛👊👍

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. A motor swap did the trick! (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM) I like the pinion as it is because the top speed for trail fun is good. I might drop to 16T possibly, but 13T would be too slow. Need some boogie as well as low speed control! Tomorrow's 11-tire trail test video with the Gen 8 will also show that a smaller pinion may have been a bad thing - really needed that speed to drag the test trailer up the hill!! Anyway thanks for the thoughts on this one. It's a great rig, eh :)

[@teamsargentrc6399]

@@RCTNT Holmes you win. Lol. 😂. That's awesome. Great Job 👍

[@bygun5329]

looks so cool in green!🤩 but still ‚lovemytrx4‘

[@RCTNT]

You're totally right, the green is just stunning. I love my TRX rigs too but I am really looking forward to seeing how much more capable this platform can be beyond a promising start at stock. We'll find out together soon enough!

[@jooonsRC]

How would this be better than a trx4?

[@RCTNT]

Value for money comes to mind, at least in Australia! Otherwise the TRX has it beat for capability. They're both incredibly durable, that's for sure.

[@jooonsRC]

@@RCTNT I'm using a rgt ex86100 v2, really enjoying it alot, but I would enjoy it more if I could unlock the diffs now and then

[@RCTNT]

@@jooonsRC fair call. I'd feel that way too! I'm putting the video together right now for the RGT Rescuer EX86190. It isn't hugely capable compared to a TRX4 on the tough stuff but man is it fun to drive! That video will drop in about a week I reckon. Cheers :)

[@jooonsRC]

@@RCTNT will be waiting to see that in action buddy

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

That 17T motor is really what lets this rig down. Everything else in this thing works pretty well. Swapping to a Holmes 21T 3-pole, without changing anything else, gives it a PERFECT drag brake, great low speed throttle response, and much much better power curve. It works absolutely perfectly with the stock ESC this truck comes with. I can't recommend that single upgrade enough. Crawling, trailing, whatever. That's the one change this truck is really crying out for.

[@RCTNT]

Funny you should say that... (and well said, I must agree!) kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT I have to admit, after I posted this, and before you replied here, I re-watched that video and realized you said the exact same thing. I must have been channeling my inner Craig!

[@RCTNT]

haha great minds and all that. Just means you're thinking critically and creatively - being a hobbyist, basically! Nice.

[@KEVLAR_RC7275]

Running a 13t crawlmaster sport in mine now backed up with the 1080 and fs-gt5...so buttery smooth.

[@RCTNT]

I bet it is. Nice combo!

[@windwrightmage]

Probably my favorite GEN8 video I have seen so far. I currently own the TRX4 Defender and I just ordered this I think I am going to put the hobbywing fusion pro brushless system in it and see what it does.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! The brushless system will really make up for the single speed gearbox. It'll solve drag brake shortcomings, low and high speed control, improve battery life. Honestly even the SE 1800kv would be a winner in this car. Have fun with it!

[@crawling86]

I got 2) 21 tune hobby Holmes moters love them🙏 and a 13 turn! . Wish I would have got the scout gen8 instead of romo hobby......

[@RCTNT]

Very good! I've got a Holmes 13 turn 550 5-pole that's super smooth. I put that in my BRX01, it's buttery smooth and has just the right mix of torque and power :)

[@MrRui33333]

hello,.. in your opinion between this redcat gen.8v2 and the axial base camp ,.. what will be the best base ??? much of its performance,..very smooth and good quality in general., or if there is a better or identical model in the same price range 400 to 450 euros,... thanks!

[@RCTNT]

Gee that's a tough one. If they had the same wheels and tires, I suspect the Base Camp would win. But they are similar. I have a 4-way comparison of a few more rigs to consider here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqSpm6Csh8Zlg8U Soon, I'll have the Element Bushido and the Gen 9 both on the rocks. Both rigs are here now and ready to film. Finally!! Cheers

[@mansini1000hk]

Nice movie. 🙂 sorry but i think that the dragbake is set at 50% not 100% look again at the esc or try moving the jumper over to that you think i 50%.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! It's at 100%. I go over it in detail in this follow up experiment: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM Cheers

[@jstro-hobbytech]

You have my favorite crawler you buggar haha

[@alantaylor353]

I wish these were easier to get hold of in Scotland... I'm not sure about buying from the US on Ebay..

[@RCTNT]

I understand shipping and taxes are a challenge to your location. Out of curiosity, is asiatees shipping a realistic option to Scotland?

[@fbfan49]

I've swapped the esc and made a huge difference on the "jump"

[@RCTNT]

I bet it did, nice one. I'm still using the stock ESC but found changing the motor made a very measurable difference: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

ALSO! on the subject of that slow steering servo? if you're looking for that true scale experience, it's perfect. Anyone who's ever driven an IH vehicle in real life will tell you, the stock steering is SLOW, and the power steering is more of a "power assist" than actual power steering. SLOW SLOW SLOW. Pretty much makes the stock steering on this perfect to me.

[@RCTNT]

Wonderful perspective! Thanks

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT returning to this subject after more than a year, it's even closer to my heart now than it was the first time I watched it. In the many intervening months since I first commented on this video, my oldest son has purchased a 1974 Scout II that he's fixing up, and in fact he just got home from driving that Scout II to the 32nd annual Scout Nationals in Springfield, Ohio last weekend. Funny how the world turns, eh?

[@RCTNT]

Oh cool! Old stuff is the best. Trust he had a great trip! I'm looking forward to pulling the Gen 9 out of its box here next week too :)

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT I really want a Gen9, I just can't justify the cost right now. Too many other farm things that require attention. bleh. It would be a great addition though, and it is on my must-have-soon list. I've been eyeballing that since it was announced. Now that I think about it, though... I dunno, my wife's been asking me what I want for Father's Day... maybe I should tell her I want that. Seeing as my wife's Gen8 matches the Scout II my oldest son has (looks like he needs a Gen8 too!), the Gen9 would match the Scout 800A that *I* have. While he's only had his Scout II for about a little under a year now, we've had that 800A since Spring of 1999. it's severely beat up, but it's all there and it's mechanically sound. Super excited to see it when you unbox, review, and test the Gen9 on the six problems. It looks like it's got improved geometry and mechanicals over the Gen8, so maybe it will do better? Can't wait to see. I've always liked the looks of the 80/800/A/B over the Scout II. This is going to be great!

[@RCTNT]

Haha you're making me want to do it asap!

[@apackadayrc7707]

Judging by how good that body looks it hasent been driven hardly atall

[@RCTNT]

It had a couple of hours run time when the review was done, yep. The idea is to work with the rigs from stock and then as I find issues I'll address them in future videos (such as yesterday's drag brake video) then we'll do more testing. This seems like the most productive way to use the trucks so everyone watching gets to take advantage of the improvements and experiments I'm doing with them as we go. Cheers :)

[@sammygonzalez7627]

I had this same problem with mine, but a quick fix with a 1080 ESC from hobbywing or a better Radio

[@RCTNT]

Funnily enough the 1080 just didn't help - I did the testing on a later video, you can find it in my Gen8. V2 playlist. Turned out just replacing the motor with a Holmes 21T 550 did the trick!

[@jstro-hobbytech]

What have you created!!!

[@jstro-hobbytech]

Your pleasant pondering is soothing to the soul my friend

[@ClassicSteelRC]

Excellent review! I'm glad I ran across your channel and I just subscribed! How did the 1080 workout for you? I'm having the same jerkiness problem with GEN8 V1 and I was wondering what the best way to fix it would be without breaking the bank.

[@RCTNT]

Have I got just the video for you! Check out the Gen 8 V2 playlist on my channel and look for the drag brake upgrade video. It's a $20 fix, you don't need to replace the ESC :) Welcome to the channel! Edit, here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM

[@ClassicSteelRC]

@@RCTNT Thanks for getting back to me and for the link. I'll check it out when I get a chance. Have a good one!

[@RCTNT]

@@ClassicSteelRC awesome, hope it helps!

[@ClassicSteelRC]

@@RCTNT Yep, it definitely helps. Thanks again. 🙂🤜

[@ClassicSteelRC]

@@RCTNT Hello again, my main issue has been the throttle response being to jerky as opposed to being calm and composed. I was wondering if the throttle response smoothened up with the Holmes Hobby motor installed. A couple of my friends have suggested getting the 1080 but nobody has suggested just a motor upgrade instead.

[@reddeerrebelrc6674]

Everyone here who has bought one has sold it after a few runs. Junk

[@RCTNT]

They have their issues but everything is addressable. For sure they're durable, that's one thing we've found here!

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

Gen9 next ?

[@philipmazzuca2269]

Any go brushless on this unit? What would you use??

[@RCTNT]

Hobbywing Fusion SE 1800 would be my pick!

[@DT21870]

That Scout 2 body looks so good. Do you know if this would this mount onto a TRX 4 chassis?

[@RCTNT]

I don't know but I bet it could be done, sure.

[@rcromariccrawling9332]

I m jealous of you this model it's expensive in france

[@RCTNT]

I suspect we both pay more than one might in the USA! Here in Australia I've found reasonable deals from local hobby stores via ebay when they have a decent sale.

[@brownriceprod]

so i got use to 24th and such coming with a battery when it says "ready to run",,, this does not even though it says RTR, which is bs. that being said, any suggestions for good battery and charger for an expected long-term enthusiast?

[@RCTNT]

The smaller rigs can ship with batteries because their total watt-hour rating is so low. One reason you don't often see lipo batteries shipped with larger RTR vehicles is to do with global transport limitations on watt-hours of what they're able to carry without additional/different services for flammable goods. So, I use and like these batteries: With XT60 connector: amzn.to/4caeHsT or with Deans/T-connector: amzn.to/4bT1hBH Easily my favorite charger: amzn.to/4bTf5vY Cheers

[@brownriceprod]

@RCTNT great, so they should be allowed to put "ready to run" if it ain't ready to run. If there was global limitations on wheels and they shipped it without wheels would they still say ready to run just add wheels?... lol.

[@brownriceprod]

@RCTNT isn't that charger overkill? It's half the cost of the car and seems to be unnecessarily powered for this esc's battery requirements??...

[@RCTNT]

Without wheels but still assembled would be ARTR. These aren't standards, just a guide. The traditional thing is kit vs RTR. They never used to come with batteries - for the last 30 years in the hobby, I've only seen cars coming with batteries at all in the most recent 5 or 6 years. Re chargers, I took your statement of "long term enthusiast" to heart and tried to set you up with a future proof charger that's exceptionally versatile, useful in home and car/trackside, and with the capacity to allow for future models too. Half the price of the car though? I checked the price before I linked it - it's a 6th the price of the car here in Australia. You must have gotten a spectacular deal on your Gen8 v2! For a more basic option that will still get the job done, try this: amzn.to/3Vy1ep7

[@collinmorris]

Do you plug the vents in your wheels? I was concerned about creek crossings and the foams getting water logged.

[@RCTNT]

Some people do. I do sometimes but usually not. I take them apart and let them dry, afterwards. More work, but I also don't do submarine crossings all that often!

[@MegaRancore]

better to get new rims that are metal, beadlock and they dont let in water give weight and look better. The stock wheels for me where the hex nut goes in all 3 of my wheels stripped on the inside lol

[@RCTNT]

Whoa fair enough! From my later videos you may notice I've done this already, but if you're stripping the plastic wheels on the hex nuts, I've gotta think the wheel nuts weren't done up tightly enough. I could be wrong, but that's been my experience so far.

[@dominic9279]

Nice video mate

[@cheapmod]

the king doesn't compare

[@RCTNT]

Succinctly put. I know both rigs better now and largely agree.

[@sabdhowinarto]

I like this redcat gen8 too.. the body is so authentic redcat..

[@RCTNT]

It's good, yes. I'm a fan!

[@levethane]

The best upgrade is a better (programmable) radio. I threw the cheapy RTR radio out immediately and put a Hitec radio in. Adjustable brake controls means it now stops on steep terrain and the throttle input with expo is infinitely more smooth.

[@RCTNT]

I can see how that helped. I don't mind the GT3 it came with, but I did bind my GT5 instead and also enjoy a bit of expo on the throttle. It needed it. I actually had an even bigger win with one other simple change: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM

[@jeffsrcchannel2191]

The Hobbywing Fusion 1800 is just gold.

[@RCTNT]

Agreed!

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

Redesigned GEN9 with all the bells and whistles, gonna be very exciting!!!

[@RCTNT]

It's going to be great, yep! I'll grab one as soon as they're available.

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

I’ve found You have to tap reverse ever so slightly to activate the brake

[@RCTNT]

That's with the stock ESC, is it? Interesting. With the motor swap we did in a subsequent video, the drag brake was much improved in the same setting. That video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM Your comment makes me wonder whether it would be even stronger with that little tap to activate... I'll have to try that. Thanks for the tip!

[@IowaBudgetRCBashers]

@@RCTNT yes the stock esc. With that tiny tap it’ll hold the truck in whatever position it’s in

[@RCTNT]

@@IowaBudgetRCBashers nice one! Thanks

[@ejb2184]

Increase the throttle trim and it made mine smooth

[@RCTNT]

Glad to found a solution. Mine was trimmed correctly but I've heard from others that they didn't have the same degree of flightiness as mine did. There's some variation in magnets in the motors, I'm guessing. A new $20 can in mine and its a new car. New video on this rig coming this week with another discovery. Catch you then! Cheers

[@BUILTLIGHTWOUNDTIGHT]

Seriously love the 2300kv 2-in-1 system!!!

[@RCTNT]

Same. I'm installing one into a rig right now, in fact :)

[@philipmazzuca2269]

Best deal at 300$

[@RCTNT]

It's not bad value, eh. Make sure you check out the upgrades we've done on ours, this is a brilliant truck. (I finally have the Gen 9 here in Australia, unboxing and filming tomorrow. Can't wait!)

[@bluddywulf6796]

The axe system and the gt5b totally transforms the gen8 into a beast.

[@RCTNT]

Hobbywing's FOC systems have revolutionised brushless crawling. Love em!

[@eliobakhos8740]

hello i wanna ask this redcat gen8 is good crawler for rocks and for snow and mud ?

[@RCTNT]

For snow and mud you'll want better tires. The ones it comes with aren't great. I have a good video coming soon that'll show some perfect tires for such terrain. The Gen8 v2 is a capable rig and durable. It needs some work to improve its crawling, which we've covered on the channel here, but yes, it's good.

[@eliobakhos8740]

@@RCTNT okay man thanks a lot but what you mean with some improvement like the shocks ?

[@RCTNT]

@eliobakhos8740 if you check out my Gen8 v2 playlist you'll see the journey we've been on with this rig. The shocks are fine though. Make sure you catch the single best upgrade for this rig: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWHKhJacfpedorM

[@eliobakhos8740]

@@RCTNT okay man thanks a lot ❤️❤️

[@eliobakhos8740]

@@RCTNT man i watched now the video you know that i have the same combination the 80A brushed Hobyywing and the same motor 550 HH 27T ! but i bought the crawler today so i didn't try it yet ! hope it will be good

[@beintesaiz08]

I will be having this today. Still debating which battery and charger combo to use. Any suggestions?

[@RCTNT]

Ah that's exciting! You're gonna love it. I tend to buy lipo batteries on price. Crawlers aren't so demanding on high quality cells like faster trucks and other models can be. A 30C 4000mAh 2S and balance charger would be all you'd need, honestly. I've bought many batteries from Hobbyking, but I'm in Australia and it made sense. I haven't bought lipos for several years though, so I'm out of date on where is good to buy. I have many lipos of many sizes but they're in good condition, even those of 10 years age. I run them through a Storage charge every 6 months or so - it's a chore, as I have many - but it keeps them happy! Biggest thing is to get a balance charger that also does Storage charge. Put your batteries on Storage before putting them away and they'll serve you well for a long time. Enjoy your new rig!

[@beintesaiz08]

Thank you so much. When you replied the ups guy just knocked on my door. Right on time. I will do a little bit of research base on your recommendation. Thank you so much. Cheers.

[@RCTNT]

@@beintesaiz08 oh cool! That's awesome! Have fun :)

[@thereviewguy5598]

Lmao until you change your tires out and the stub shaft randomly snaps n half like a pretzel. Dude this is no fucking comparison. It’s all about quality and build control and redcat purposely failed on that to be cheap. How you even gunna make this a video name ? For click bate ? Lol I started watching just to write this comment . Grow up dude

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for the comment. It sounds like you're new here. I don't just make claims without backing them up; testing matters. This video has the Gen 8 V2 come out ahead of the TRX4 Sport: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYSwlJ-Oft9sbNE The shafts hung on just fine for this one, too - and it wasn't an easy day on the trail for it! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4HIZK2PgrmLa9U That said, Traxxas' quality control is ahead of Redcat, there's no question there. Still, my title and thumbnail were asking the question and I think it's a worthy comparison. That's my opinion, but that's OK, this is my channel! Just like you're free to do so on your channel. Cheers.