SCX10ii vs Ascender vs Trailfinder 2

We outline the main differences between these most popular scale R/C crawling platforms. Which one suits your needs?

[@tommyr95]

Thanks, John, and good review. One thing to point out is the chassis mounted servo on the TF2 is on the "wrong" side of the car., unless you're in Japan, the UK, or Australia. :) Many people don't notice or care, but given the target consumer for such a scale rig, it's a pretty big oversight on the part of RC4WD. Love the rig otherwise, though.

[@chrisrausch4594]

I really enjoy your insights into the different rigs, keep up the excellent work. Now if you'll excuse me, there are toys to play with...

[@HolmesHobbies]

yes, we think it is almost time to play with toys now too!

[@jiffywaxjesus1951]

thanks man, you convinced me. SCX10 2 IT IS!!!!

[@aussiedigger1441]

Stainless steel pinion & ring gear on Ascender would solve the weak geartrain. I'm making a plate to avoid rocks hitting rear diff output shaft on my Ascender. Great vid.

[@EdGrant]

Excellent review John!

[@CarmineRC]

I still like the Ascender best, it's an emotional thing I'm sure! After all, if a Hobby isn't enjoyable, what's the point? 😉 Someday, I'm gonna be able to afford one.

[@HolmesHobbies]

It's all about having fun! We do really enjoy the Ascender, it's a great rig even with the low ratio axles.

[@stanfordbrownlee1528]

VERY HELPFUL THANKS

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

True....on the Trailfinder. But getting flex out of a leaf-spring truck is all the fun. There are several methods from Shooter-shackles and Z-box's...to the O-ring modification and the Chino-modification. You also have the Motor-drop conversion that's explained in my one of videos but Josh from Mid-life RC did a great tutorial on the whole conversion. With just these simple mods my Trailfinder can keep pace with some really well built Axial.

[@mikeshobbiesandrandomstuff]

i put the three and four link kit on my tf2 with 100mm shocks front and back just use the g2 shock hoop in front. sooo much articulation.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

mikes hobbie's and random stuff Most of us are dedicated to staying true to the truck and keeping the leaf spring....it also keeps the truck separated from the "plastics" of this rc hobby. Nothing wrong with 4-links....but everything else has them. I get well over 3 inches of flex.

[@mikeshobbiesandrandomstuff]

i put the link kit on mine because i wanted to build it like a 1-1 truck my friend use to have. we use to go trailing with it and drive right by the guys with big expensive trucks that got stuck in places the yota would just bounce right threw. tough little truck it was. i believe it was a 1980.

[@tomlucasrccrawlers9108]

+mikes hobbie's and random stuff Cool. Most of the guys I know are dedicated to staying true to the truck and keeping the leaf spring....it also keeps the truck separated from the "plastics" of this rc hobby. Nothing wrong with 4-links....but everything else has them. I get well over 3 inches of flex with just the O-ring modification and moving the springs around. Nathan , my buddy gets over 3.5 to 4 inches with O-ring mod and the Chino-modification...... ...no expensive Shooter-shackles or Z-box's or 4-link conversion.

[@johnrobholmes]

We could compare modified rigs until the cows come home! A modded rig is only limited by the skill of the builder and driver. So in this vid, we consider the vehicles in complete stock form.

[@HighhScore]

So what are harmonics? How would they affect the pinion and ring? I have mine tilted upwards to gain clearance over rocks and to have an optimum driveshaft angle. Now I’m worried about these harmonics you mentioned.

[@HolmesHobbies]

vibrations in the driveshafts. Don't worry about it too much if you are just crawling around.

[@renoscalerc7163]

They’ll be fine !! 😂 great video !

[@capitaldeerc2206]

Great Channel Had To Sub

[@HolmesHobbies]

Thanks!

[@mentalwhitekid6962]

Vaterra Ascender: *exists John: YEET!!!

[@RedSoxboston]

Mr. Holmes what puller motor do u recommend for the scx102 ?

[@HolmesHobbies]

I run a Puller 540 3500kv in one of my 10ii's. Really fun, but would probably run the 2700 next time.

[@RedSoxboston]

Kool thank u.

[@Bangbangboom51]

Not sure if you're still alive but if you are. What's your general opinion with Traxxas TRX4 compared to SCX10? which one to buy or better in general? Only $50 trx 4 more expensive.

[@HolmesHobbies]

Still alive, lol! We will be making a vid comparing the two very soon. Short of it- TRX is a great trail rig, SCX10ii is lighter and could be made a bit more capable for competition out of the box.

[@JoseJimenez-bj7ol]

you make motors ford sand drag o drag raicing

[@dennis586]

what do you think of the hpi venture

[@HolmesHobbies]

Never driven one, seems legit though

[@timbogema5387]

well i do not know about you guys ,,, but i enjoy this hobby plus i build plastic model big rigs ,,, but it irks me when someone calls the hobbies i indulge in(Toys) no offense John ,,,, to me they are not toys but works of art ,,,or Tiny Trucks

[@HolmesHobbies]

Scale trucks, works of art, we can certainly agree on that! But when the family asks what we do for a living, the easy answer is that we make motors for toy trucks. But very very capable toy trucks!

[@barajastony0]

I get they're toys but dam to shove it off the table like that. I would hate to wrench for no reason

[@HolmesHobbies]

I knew it would take it, Ascenders are pretty tough.

[@westernsharpie]

anybody ever tell you you look like Chris Kristofferson?

[@HolmesHobbies]

Can't say I've heard that one, lol

[@midliferc1165]

Not much love for the TF-2 in its stock form... But the video does a good job and showing capabilities right out-of-the-box helping somebody who's about to plunk down a good chunk of change and a toy decide on what they want. I'm a trail finder nut,and I have more fun playing with it on the bench then actual drive time. I did quite well against some other vehicles in my first comp.

[@HolmesHobbies]

The trailfinder is indeed a builders rig. Fantastic for modelers that want something more realistic.

[@brianhilligoss]

John you called the single speed option. They just today released the scx10ii rtr. It's using the old 3 gear trans.

[@barharborbasher249]

excellent review John can't wait till 1/8 scale joins the fun . I agreed with everything you mentioned your spot on! As a gear head I started looking into the excessive amount of play in the XL's transmission and discovered that the transmission key pins were way (underside) smaller than the orifices in the slipper shaft & output shafts.. the holes machined out in the shafts are oblong as well... the pins fall out because of how lose the fitment is... Then that brings us to the key pin pocket on the gear... same thing... the pockets are much larger than the pins which causes more lash... ultimately the idler gear gets the brunt of the deflectional lash caused by the poor fitment of the gears on each side of it .. when the motor tells the shaft to turn in one direction or stop and the output shafts want turn in the opposite way you can see how it plays havoc on the idler gear.. I posted a transmission RCC mod thread & a KZbin video showing the obsolence... btw I'll assembly your kits for life for a H.H 2028 💪 I'll be ordering more parts from you soon! I love I've the new H.H 500 12v 👍 Thanks again for one of the most comprehensive break down video over these little guys! I'm gonna pick up a SCX II and keep slow because your exactly right about high pinion set ups.. in the 1 to 1 world they work great for crawling but if they are on a daily driver they then to overheat.. anyways looking forward to your next video👍

[@jesusibarra3608]

Hey John , I was wondering if you could help me out with this hump. I bought a 3500 kv puller pro v2, and I got a mamba x .what motor would you recommended for a sc10 3?

[@dbcooper9401]

this video makes me want to build my tf2 or d90 to destroy the scx10 on rocks. i have an ascender though and my tf2 stock can't touch it on rocks. i recently shortened the wheelbase to WB2 and built the RC4WD blazer body for it along with g-made piggybacks. it looks amazing but isn't as nimble now because of the added weight. didn't one of the main guys who did the ascender just get hired by RC4WD though?

[@feliciano1358]

Thanks for the insight on the scx10 2. I am wondering about building one myself. just got back from Axialfest and it was a blast

[@AlpineWarren]

A fair comparison would be the SCX II with the RC4WD D90 or Cruiser - Not the TF2....

[@HolmesHobbies]

Sounds like a great plan for another comparison! We haven't seen a d90 or cruiser in person, but it will be on the agenda now!

[@SnarkyRC]

My favourite out of these three is the Vaterra Ascender. I still have mine and it's tough as nails.

[@evanschmidt7030]

well if the scx10 2 performs better than the ascender, the scx10 2 must me a damn good truck! and the reason the ascender has low gear ratio is so it crawls amazingly and its not meant for as much speed as the other two. It may be the slowest out of the box, but it will out crawl both trucks

[@reneorozco2195]

This/your shiw is exactly what ive been looking for! Thank you

[@rcdan]

Thanks so much for the great comparison! Really enjoyed watching this video. Thumbs up from me!

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

we've got an AX10 RTR from way back , converted to a 2.2 scx setup, also an scx10 deadbolt rtr, and now an scx10 II kit.... I've been thinking of getting an ascender or something else just for something different, but come March my 6 year old daughter has a birthday and wants a crawler..... I think I'm going to get her the Cherokee SCX10 II RTR.

[@HolmesHobbies]

It is a good choice! The ascender isn't a slouch, but the SCX10ii does perform better out of the box.

[@englandstillhasit]

Excellent video. With the choice available now its crazy. Out of all its the TRX-4 or SCX1Oii. The trx4 wins for crowd pleasing etc. But axial wins for builders truck its obvious they made it for the hobbist. Traxxas has been getting more and more special fit crap to block universal upgrades or upgrades in general that arent traxxas or cost twice as much as they should mayb traxxas gets a cut to not fight them in court lol. Traxxas buisness tricks are making me turn away from them. But they are my favourite brand or was i dont have a fav now im between groups right now lol. Ill probably get the trx4 tho if the kit price is around what it should be. I dont want traxxas elecs at all lol.

[@nealedmondson3191]

English-RC good luckcwith that trx-4 trash. Multiple multiple issues with the trx-4. Portals are snapping, steering servos are failing, shift servos are failing, shift servo cables are freezing up and thats just the beginning.

[@tomkirbygreen]

Great video, fair and informed. Incidentally, what's the best way of getting hold of Holmes Hobbies motors and ESCs if you like in the UK please?

[@brianhilligoss]

Amain and rpp hobby sells them and you probably can order directly from them.

[@kennethlarsson1499]

+brian hilligoss He obviously know that he can buy them from the US, he wants to buy them from the UK or Europe market.

[@johnrobholmes]

Is there a major retailer or distributor you could suggest for contact in the UK? We don't currently have any hobby shops carrying our stuff in your country, but we do ship there direct quite often.

[@R.C.A.D.]

not much love for the Trail finder eh,they are all good trucks,too each there own,I agree with the backlash statement,I also agree with the other people who commented,with a few easy mods,the TF2,can be made very capable,and the backlash,can be compensated with driver skill,too an extant.but as I said before,too each there own.

[@HolmesHobbies]

In comparison, it is really not in the same class as the other two, so it is not a very fair video. For people who are more modeller and not looking for best performance, the TrailFinder is great.

[@R.C.A.D.]

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[@steveh8224]

Any thoughts on the gmade scale crawlers? Im looking to buy one of these but not 100% sure which is the best bang for the buck. Im kinda leaning towards the scx 10 2 kit.

[@HolmesHobbies]

I have no experience with them.

[@electricdeckhead3083]

you would be so cool to work for, also I could say I learnt everything I know from "John Holmes"

[@kristofferrydquist8384]

Thanks, great comparison outlining the differences!

[@michaelandradejr]

lmfao i saw you look at the tf2 an then the scx102 an was like the lighter of the three i should chuck!! my daughter cried when you did that im dieing she has her trucks that she has helped build an is a die hard trail fan to her they are toys she can have on a shelf or trail all day with but keeps asking me why would he push that poor truck off doesnt he know they cost alot of money! lol thanks for the videos man my daughters 6 an going strong this year is gonna be her first scx10 2 we watch your vids an went off that!

[@HolmesHobbies]

mike andrade It was tough to do it and not wince, but I totally chose the lighter rig to shove off. less chance of breaking!

[@brianmoreno3]

so the 10.2 axles can work on the vaterra? would like to know before i do this trade. thanks. and i run a 13t HH torque master in my ascender.

[@HolmesHobbies]

They will not simply bolt up. You will need to make or find the proper length links, and piece together a driveshaft with properly adapted ends and length.

[@eric1138]

Because the Ascender uses shorty packs, it does not lend itself to 3s operation. This is a disadvantage worth mentioning.

[@nealedmondson3191]

eric1138 ???? What? They make 3s shorties

[@J1776-]

I crawled my associated sc8.2e trophy truck through a mountain and it has about half an inch of clearance get on my level

[@HolmesHobbies]

very careful tire placement and attentive driving, it must have been!

[@justinchan2096]

Hello John, this is one of you great tutorial video that I enjoy very much. In fact, I made the decision to get an Ascender and with your advise to install a CrawlMaster 16T. It results out crawl most of my friend's rigs! Only thing that bother me is… the torque twist shifts the body to the side pretty much, especially when it runs in circle. Is that what you pointed out at @4:00 …? Anyway that I can eliminate that torque twist…?

[@HolmesHobbies]

On the ascender, not much you can do about the body roll besides try to run a lighter body and don't run a lift kit

[@justinchan2096]

@@HolmesHobbies thanks

[@chevy3mac]

Thank you for explaining each one... I am trying to decide which one I would like to buy is. SCX2 or Axial Capra.. how is this two cars little different..can you explain little bit or point it out What I’d the difference? Thank you.

[@gmummy]

Its evident he doesnt like that ascender as he chucked it off the table

[@HolmesHobbies]

It was actually that I knew it wouldn't break, they are stout rigs. We still wheel the piss out the ascender, they are pretty dang fun :D

[@crawlerliferc3938]

friend I have a concern ... the model fit well scx10ii new tires Proline XL flat iron? ...

[@HolmesHobbies]

It will probably need the stock body to be trimmed.

[@theodyjames1030]

Hi...uhmmm just a newb question...im planning to buy an rtr scx10 2...what battery would you recommend? for crawl and trail purposes...

[@crawlervideo]

I think with a 2 speed i can drive on a longer trailride more miles on the battery ,because electric crawler motors have there best torque near idle speed. I only need less /lighter battery for the same long trailwalk.

[@HolmesHobbies]

depends on your gearing and wheelspeed needs. If you want big time wheelies but spend hours walking behind the rig, maybe a 2 speed is a good choice. If you are OK with 15mph top speed, a two speed won't offer much gain. The shift servo will easily eat up any power savings had from slightly more efficient running in 1st gear.

[@crawlervideo]

I make some hikes with my SCX 10 27T brushed it eat up my 5000 mah battery in 2 hours because i need to push the trigger constantly full speed to drive as fast as i walk..My Twin Hammer do near 3 hours on a 2500 battery 17T brushed in second gear near idle speed as fast as i walk .At difficult parts on the trail i have in first gear the same climbing torque as my SCX 10. I like 2 speed boxes for 2S brushed. Maybe its needless with a "excellent" 3S (Holmes Hobbies) set.

[@gatti493]

another great video, i have just bought a full metal chassis , it is designed off the scx10 but i was wondering is it the scx10 mark 1 or mark 2, it has a lot of red ally on it and the frame looks carbon fibre , ive seen a lot of videos on it but never mentioned which scx10 model it is designed off , do you have any idea please ?

[@user-fv3ym1rf4p]

The scx10 2 and the ascender are as good as each other there's no difference in performance. Just a huge difference in price

[@HolmesHobbies]

We would have to disagree based on how they handle in the rocks. The scx10ii platform is more stable and has less torque twist. It also has much less bump steer. All in all, it navigates sections more predictable and controllable. Both are quite fun to drive though! We certainly still take the ascender out a lot.

[@timvanasen6711]

I joined your channel 2 days ago so Josh Harley Designs suggested you, so I'm watching old videos and I like your tutorials and reviews 😎

[@Powerpickle68]

Good review/points made

[@andrewrichey7374]

RC fun for sure, I love it. great tutorial.

[@imemovengeance]

Which SCX 10 2xdid you use? 4 door RUBICON or CHEROKEE?

[@Bagman57]

Ya, but they can get to be really expensive toys quickly.

[@HolmesHobbies]

Oh man, that's the truth!

[@shannonnewman3091]

Thanks for the info .

[@aarondixon7602]

Love the videos!

[@VirusinfestedPC]

Great vid

[@rossthercguy554]

I have a ascender

[@matty8272]

Bump steer good sir. The axial has the best geometry from the factory.

[@faznf1]

Nice work SVS

[@1430sl]

what is the best chasis for d90, scx10 or gelande?

[@HolmesHobbies]

tough call. If you are willing to work on the suspension setup, any chassis can be awesome. The Toyzuki is pretty dang nice.

[@1430sl]

Thanks!

[@aleighalynndelellis9527]

love the realism of the rc4wd wish the vaterra an axial came with leaf set up

[@tjohanne]

great video :D

[@PatisserieRoyale]

which brushless motor or brushed would you recommend to install in axial scx 10 2 for about 20mph speed without breaking the drive train?

[@HolmesHobbies]

For 20mph speed you will want brushless. Puller Pro 540 all the way. 3500kv will let you gear to the wheelspeed you want, but still be easy on the ESC and crawl well.

[@charlesyoung8600]

V-HICKLE!!!!!

[@patrickkirwan3696]

Good video, and great to see someone that actually knows what they are talking about. I just watched a promo video for the new HPI Venture truck, and the guy is cringeworthy with his lack of knowledge... I look forward to adding an SCX10 2 to my fleet as soon as they are available.

[@HolmesHobbies]

Thanks for the feedback! Building crawlers since 2002 has given us a lot of opinions, lol! Should be seeing them back on shelves soon. The RTR is a really nice platform overall. TRX-4 is a pretty good choice right now too.

[@patrickkirwan3696]

I have aa Axial SCX10 Honcho (Heavily modded), a Traxxas TRX-4, and an RC4WD Gelande II Cruiser right now as far as my scale stuff goes.

[@Tatertot_Tommy]

Soo, you just gave a comparison of three rigs, one of which you've never operated. How is it that at the end of it you chose as your personal favorite, the one that you've never had any wheel time with? This was a questionable comparison at best. But hey, what ever.

[@HolmesHobbies]

14 years of experience scratch building rigs gives a lot of ability to criticize on looks alone. Might say I'm a professional since my only job for over a decade is designing parts for RC rock crawlers. After wheeling the SCX10ii hard for over a year, the opinion and recommendation is not changed in the least. Less torque twist, better handling on the rocks, very stout driveline.

[@Tatertot_Tommy]

I want your job. (For real)😎

[@logansportpilotrp8174]

Cmon man,show some red cats.

[@tomekbalu1636]

at the end of the film vaterra not deserve such treatment

[@HolmesHobbies]

We agree, it was not fair to the platform! To the credit of the Ascender, nothing was bent or broken by the shove and fall.

[@riff-raff]

just wondering why put a high output brushless motor in the vaterra, which is a crawler, but not install the 2 speed? it seems to me to be completely against what the rig is for. i have a ascender with HH 30 turn in it and i hve never had any problems with the drive train, especially compared to say the Drive shaft problems of the SCX10. personally i think the axial, with its adjustable camber is going to be and ascender killer another point, your talking about the angle of the pumkin of the ascender, again this is a crawler and with the vehicle being used in the fashion it should, the pumkin is actually smaller then the SCX2 therefore you have more clearance. I guess i was hoping for a crawl comparison on these rigs because i think it would be really interesting, but thank you all the same for posting what you have

[@HolmesHobbies]

Our brushless motors are designed for a wide range of speed, so that single speed can offer excellent low speed resolution while having great wheelspeed. Two speed is more to break, higher center of gravity, additional servo, and more slop in the drivetrain. We don't want more wheelspeed, we don't need better startup control, so there is no reason to add second gear!

[@riff-raff]

i havent used your brushless motors only the brushed ones man, which are unbeatable in my opinion, and its a valid point you are making and i really dont know enough to put any other points forward, it was more just a thought, but again, best motors in the business

[@minato4294]

Hey HomelessHobbies. Which rtr should I buy? Which is best?

[@HolmesHobbies]

That is a tough call! If you are a modeler, the TrailFinder2 is a great choice. If you want performance mixed with scale, the scx10ii is currently the best stock form rig.

[@minato4294]

HolmesHobbies thanks :)