UPGRADED Redcat Ascent 18! Installing All of The Brass Redcat Upgrades & More!

In this video I install all of the brass upgrades available from Redcat Racing for the new Ascent 18! This truck is great out of the box, but lets see how good it can get with some bolt on upgrades! In addition to the Redcat parts, I also experiment with motors and upgrade the wheels & tires. The results are surprising!
Order the Ascent 18 here: www.redcatracing.com/products...
Redcat upgrades: www.redcatracing.com/collecti...
Redcat racing parts:
Brass portal covers
Brass portal boxes
Brass steering link
Brass diff cover (front), aluminum rear
Brass linkage all around
Brass servo mount
Brass wheel hexes
Brass skid plate
Steel transmission gears
Wheels: amzn.to/3Ix9Yoi
Motor: www.kenonhobby.com/PN-Racing-...
LGRP Servo: littleguyracingparts.com/prod...
LGRP tires: littleguyracingparts.com/coll...
Use cod CAPE10 to save 10% on LGRP parts
Cape Crawlers Merch: capecrawlers-shop.fourthwall....
Affiliate links:
Tower Hobbies:
Horizon Hobbies:alnk.to/aLFxP5n
Amain Hobbies:
FairRC: shrsl.com/3w3co
Discount codes
5% off RCAWD: rcawd.com/?ref=E5EBF8Fu - discount code CapeCrawlers
$10 off any order $100 of accessories: www.fmshobby.com/capecrawlers - discount code Capecrawlers
5% off any Injora products: www.injora.com - code Capecrawlers05
10% off any Little Guy Racing Parts products:
littleguyracingparts.com/ - code CAPE10
10% off any Flubberstufferz products: flubberstufferz.myshopify.com/ - code Flub10CC
10% off any Cow RC products: cowrc.com/ - code CAPECRAWLERS
Email me with suggestions or collaboration inquiries: [e-mail]
Follow us on Instagram @capecrawlers!
Timestamps
Upgrades: 0:39
Build overview: 6:09
Performance tests: 10:31
Indoor course runs: 12:31
Rock crawling: 16:46
Final thoughts: 24:02

[@CapeCrawlers]

Timestamps Upgrades: 0:39 Build overview: 6:09 Performance tests: 10:31 Indoor course runs: 12:31 Rock crawling: 16:46 Final thoughts: 24:02

[@ThenpcDaniel]

Can you try out the 6x6 conversion kit for the Trx4m?

[@schtinerbock4570]

Loved hearing your son talking and playing in the background. Reminded me of when my kids were small. Enjoy these days.

[@CapeCrawlers]

It's always more fun when joins!

[@tonsoffun49]

Finally, someone acknowledges how expensive some of the Redcat branded upgrades are. I am hoping Injora/Treal release more aggressively prices parts.

[@RabbiJesus]

It was the intent of this design.

[@Bucky5068]

I ordered one and then I saw how expensive the upgrades are I was like dayum!! May return to sender and just get an axial.

[@tonsoffun49]

@@Bucky5068 yeah, I was going to order one for the kid and one for myself so we can have something smaller to mess around with at home. Holding off for the moment.

[@BillsWorkbench]

The first step is admitting you have crawler hobby. EVERYONE repeat after me I have a crawler hobby.

[@XtrmTJ97]

I have asked myself on more than one occasion... How many RC'S are too many RC'S?😮

[@hunteryearwood9761]

It's more like an addiction 🎉

[@izaiahsaenz379]

U mean addiction don't lie lol

[@calebprescott9822]

Put some grip tape on the RTI to prevent the rigs from slipping. Just a tip.

[@miguelcandelaria460]

I will patiently wait for the aftermarket to catch up on this one. The OEM upgrades are cost prohibitive compared to typical prices from companies like Injora for example. I mean $70 for brass portal case! Sorry but that's just nuts. JS🤷

[@hecticaperture]

Although yes its impossible to keep them stock, it feels like out of the box it comes with such value, that it feels worth to get to start tinkering with it. im sure tons of cheap aftermarket will happen soon

[@matinmorin]

I haven't started a build yet although the fms k5 blazer has me hooked,the short wheel base as I upgraded tires n wheels 10 mm brass extension and 60 weight oil in shocks was bonus plus I'm adding metal bumpers winch and rear spear tire and gas can will keep it planted.with sticky tires large treads...I was really impressed from stock to upgrades was a huge improvement win win.great job nice work

[@MrsRabbit8]

I think some dual rate foams and keeping the plastic upper links would have given you better sidehill. Looks awesome! You upgraded it almost exactly as I'm planning mine. Thank you for the video, I'm going crazy waiting on the mailman!

[@iramirez95020]

Great informative video, straight to the point!

[@napkinbandit5983]

Can you believe you've already gained 10k subs since receiving your award ..so cool man..keep it up..

[@Elisplushies360woodierc]

Wow! This thing is unstoppable.

[@MysticRiverRC]

Great upgrades Adam. My blue one will be here on Thursday, can't hardly wait! Keep it planted.

[@tacotaco17]

Does the whole trx transmission bolt up on the ascent chassis? Could get low range gears that way

[@cardboardcrawlersrc8805]

Thats what i was wondering.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I couldn't get it to line up. The Ascent gearbox is thinner and the bolt pattern is much closer together

[@driven_by_rc]

Can’t wait to get one of these trucks! So impressed with your video and how soon you pumped out this content so quick! Easy to see how you reached 100k followers!

[@greggrube2948]

Awesome video Adam 😁 can't wait to get mine. A rippen we will go !!!!

[@jayjonah2762]

would love to see one of these with a brushless setup. think that would give these that slow control we all love. great video and look forward to the next :D

[@MrFinality69]

Furitek has a setup that binds to the stock controller.

[@chrisduncan4982]

Liked at 15 minutes!!!!! Love the video!

[@joseaponte2829]

Yes I ordered a blue ascent yesterday & a grey body so far. I may have to order some upgrades, I saw the prices kind of hurt my pocket but I like the results you got out the Redcat upgrades can't wait to the same on mine.

[@RCHobbyFarm]

Nice, build I really like the Mofo RC big block motor it is very smooth.

[@vichetdragoncars3186]

Good job

[@Friskee62]

My blue truck should be here in about 3 days...can't wait ta get my hands on it.

[@sheldoniusSRSlider]

wow cool I did the brass links and steering bar in the front aluminum in the rear. I hot glued two AA'S up top on the front and one on each sick the sliders, it handles n crawls way better. batteries were 92 grams total

[@miguelcandelaria460]

The Injora silicone inserts work great with the Black Label tires. You should give them a shot.

[@rcjoe406]

Awesome gains hope they sell that body in clear my trx4m would lov it 😊

[@Havingoneofthosedays-]

Love my redcat! For the money WOW

[@obj5449]

yo how did i see this so soon after upload. love the videos!

[@joedavidjarvis7617]

Mine is supposed to be here tomorrow. My first mod will be cutting those fender flairs off.

[@larrym5606]

Thanks for another the great video. Are you going to remove the springs on this one? I am thinking about it, based on your past recommendations on suspension. I have pretty much decided to run this one stock with the exception of adding some weight to get the 60/40, which I have already done, with weighted front wheels and adding some weights to the front tray with hot glue. running the injora 64 s5 swamp claw tires, which are awesome IMHO. Thanks again look forward to seeing what you do next.

[@chriskryder2994]

I'm amazed at the motor I'll be ordering one tonight . I feel the few issues you experienced is related to rear tire foam as you noted all the weight gets put on the rears fold over and acts like it's unloading. I do wish you would have done the upgrades in phasezas is who knows what parts helped which ones didn't

[@DTW-bx2vy]

If you can not get hardened steel lower range transmission gears yet, you can at least use a set of underdrive gears in both the front & rear portals to reduce the over all gear ratio. It will certainly help with slow speed crawling some for the mean time.

[@matthewheitzman5993]

Come on DAADDDDD missed opportunity @1:00 😂 "you can either dress this thing up OR WEIGH THIS THING DOWN 🤌🏼🤌🏼😂

[@user-im8xo6wp9d]

So I ordered a red and a blue. Threw on some injora 1.0 brass wheels and some injora tires as well. It was already pretty capable I’d say more so then my built up ripper 4m with the wheels and tires it is awesome. I’m holding out on aftermarket before I throw more money at redcat gonna put them through their paces tomorrow.

[@DiamondDog314]

If running the tremor servo, is the mount for it mandatory or? Was there any modifications needed to get it in?

[@1Stunna2323]

Were you able to tighten the wheel nuts all the way down with a 5mm nut driver without the bead lock screws getting in the way?

[@user-bm8jg8dj2x]

What size black label tires did you use on the Redcat 18 ? The white wheels look great.

[@CapeCrawlers]

They are 64mm I believe

[@mikerainey3847]

The black labels are fantastic with the Injora green silicone inserts. If the build gets a little heavy add foam to the insert slots.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I thought about installing those! I have them right on the bench. I was concerned the green was too stiff though but maybe not?

[@MrsRabbit8]

​@@CapeCrawlershey, random question... do you know the gear ratio of the transmission/gear box? Thank you, much appreciated.

[@edgargonz12]

You can’t possibly use all those upgrades. Let me know if you want to share, in Massachusetts 😂

[@CapeCrawlers]

Send me an email!

[@edgargonz12]

@@CapeCrawlersI sent that email!

[@nickhathaway4617]

You need to put injora 1.3 brass rims and there new cling on tires on it its my favorite combo

[@tomekc1113]

Fun!!

[@GeezerGramps]

I was going to put the brass portal box & cover on mine, cost $70 so I’ll go a different route. Hope Injora jumps on the Ascend-18 bandwagon & starts making brass parts for it.

[@CapeCrawlers]

They're on it! I've been chatting with them via email. I suspect a lineup from them very soon

[@lcwgts1772]

What pinion gear did you happen to use? The PN motor comes with a 11t and stock is 12t. Did you just reuse the stock pinion gear?

[@alanmtb9927]

Hello, you mentioned emax steering servo? I will upgrade Mine, kindly share the link please, thank you!!

[@LightningBuggiesRC]

Hi, Do you think there is a high speed gearing kit that will allow the Redcat Ascent18 to compete with the FMS Smasher V2?

[@shirleylarkan5654]

Please give your opinion on which is best, the Evo Pro or Accent 18? Also do you think its necessary To spend the extra $50 to get the brushless Evo Pro or is the Brushed version good enough?

[@ZaneCatura-qd8ye]

Li need this truck. I literally just bought the truck and a ton of upgrades. lol

[@ZaneCatura-qd8ye]

*I

[@xr70man]

Did you have to mod the servo mount or did the tremors servo fit without issue? Never mind just read through the comments and found the answer😂

[@Shane.of.all.trades]

I've really been on the fence about getting this or a fms fcx24.

[@Shane.of.all.trades]

ORDERED THE RED ONE TODAY!!!!!! I got the chance to mess with my buddy's and im so stoked for this one. I have 2 scx24s and this is a nice addition

[@stephenp4017]

Hey Adam, Steve from Westfield, Massachusetts. I just purchased the Ascent 18 in red and I am new to the hobby. I bought the truck for $100 and spent $200 on parts and still need more 😮 Anyways, I really like the Black Label tires you put on yours and was wondering what the mm. is? I really enjoy watching your videos! You’re very thorough with everything and will be back soon to purchase some swag. After all, we gotta support the people from Massachusetts! Take care

[@jarridbest6295]

Hello! I live on Cape. I’m new to crawlers. This is my first. Can someone please tell me what wheels and tires to get from Inora? I’m overwhelmed by the choices and options. Thanks guys

[@mattfoo1983]

Wonder when the over/under drive gears will be in stock

[@CapeCrawlers]

I think a couple weeks if I remember correctly

[@MrSmith223]

Sorry for this dumb question, but the motor in the link you provided, it is a direct bolt up, no modifications? Just a little confused at the comment @10:00 mark. Just ordered my 1/18 Ascent.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Direct bolt on, no issues and works great!

[@samintrepid]

Did you leave the 11 tooth gear on the PN motor or you install the 12 tooth from the ascent 18 ?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I left the 11t on the M motor. Which is a great observation because that's probably why its such a noticeable difference.

[@josephgianotti5919]

What size is the lug nut wrench I need one purchase one?

[@Friskee62]

Any chance of trying the Swamp Claws on the Ascent? I have both sizes. Thanx...

[@CapeCrawlers]

I can try it. I almost put them on to start

[@annasoming]

this is where a good 3d print insert would work great.. or if manufacturers made, a low profile tire so it wouldn't fold under the rim. beyond that, my two takeaways is that its rather quiet (reminds me of the fms escs), and the improvement with the motor. what about an injora purple motor? all the other upgrades i think is flavor. i like mine lite to float over things

[@CapeCrawlers]

I ordered a purple motor to try out. That's my favorite brushed trx4m motor and I am excited to install it in this truck

[@robertom5808]

I want one

[@chinocontreras2772]

Got the same servo in but when I turn on the truck it locks straight to the left n servo gets hot, have tried plugging in servo bunch of different ways and in the different channels need some help

[@jonathanbuttrey77]

Did the LGRP's servo bolt straight in?

[@CapeCrawlers]

Yes it did. Emax and LGRP both fit. Injora would not

[@MrFinality69]

I just picked this little guy up. Does anyone know if an ndsrc servo will fit?

[@billc9635]

Sooooo, you have some extra anodized parts eh? 👀😅. Mine will be here Thursday. Got the 10th scale on the same day you posted the release if the 18 and I just had too have both lol.

[@CapeCrawlers]

They are both great. Really love what Redcat is doing with these models

[@philippegauvin4127]

Hi, can you confirm that the trx4m and ascent 18 pinions are the same?? This would confirm that I can take the brushless motor i have for trx4m so i'll definitely get the ascent 18

[@DTW-bx2vy]

Yes, the 11 tooth mod 4 pitch pinion gear on the TRX4M is exact same as the 11 tooth mod 4 pitch pinion gear on the Ascent 18.

[@flat-out]

Nice but how much will all those upgrades cost if a poor RC guy like me will have to buy them myself?

[@CapeCrawlers]

They would be north of $200 all in. The Redcat upgrades are very expensive. Keep an eye out for what Injora and Treal are up to

[@94DC]

10:11 one black o-ring on the back lower link or missing one?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I lost one of the red ones. It jumped off the bench and vanished lol

[@cgnovice2969]

The body really leaves a lot to be desired compared to the FCX18 and TRX4M

[@user-lq2if2mj7d]

Love your work, thanks. Do we all get a box of upgrades with the purchase of the Redcat Ascent 18 ? I think you just got the parts sweeties and went out of control. Hundred dollar crawler instantly a 500 dollar crawler? Just to fast for a low budget guy, can't see the point. And your upgrades are unseen which teaches us green beans nothing. Love your consistency of indoor courses. Keep up the great work thanks again.

[@Scritz112]

have you found anything on the stock redcat that seems to be a problem? im thinking about getting one but dont really feel like getting mods and i haven't heard of any problems yet

[@CapeCrawlers]

I cooked the servo and broke a rear link pretty quickly. Others seem to be snapping links also. Otherwise it seems solid!

[@Scritz112]

@@CapeCrawlersok thank you

[@matinmorin]

To bad we can't get a tube like partly filled tire with some kind of fluid to add a sponge affect as it can't be water because water move to fast, some kind of liquid that move slowly and gains a low tire grip with out riding on the rim.liquid form tire would be better than a foam sponge

[@mustanglver11]

So I already snapped my rear link and looking to upgrade, getting that through redcat. But as for the servo it asks if I want a servo mount. Do I need one??

[@CapeCrawlers]

The scx24 deadbolt rear links will fit I believe (I did the same thing after my first video). You won’t need a new servo mount

[@mustanglver11]

@@CapeCrawlers thank you for updating. I’m just now getting into RC cars so I got a lot to learn. I have this 1/18th scale, a redcat blackout xte pro, and a traxxas slash 4x4.

[@jameswatt5261]

Out of the box is this better than an evo pro? Appears expensive to fully upgrade!

[@DTW-bx2vy]

The truth will shine threw once the hype dies down. I say the only thing going for the Ascent 18 is the steering radius in all honesty. A Furitek - FX118 Fury Wagon, Furitek - FX118 Katana, Hobby Plus - CR18P Evo, & Hobby Plus - CR18P Evo Pro would certainly out perform the Redcat - Ascent 18 in all honesty, stock for stock or upgraded.

[@jameswatt5261]

I just wish someone would make some more aftermarket parts for the furitek / hobbyplus. Options are very limited.

[@CapeCrawlers]

No, out of the box its not close. I would put it against the FX118 stock for stock though.

[@jordanpacini7817]

I got 58 - 42 also Iv only put brass wheels on it

[@GarrettParsons687]

What batteries do you use?

[@CapeCrawlers]

I like the urgenix 900mah, or 450mah for smaller trucks

[@GarrettParsons687]

Thanks I’m looking to get some new ones

[@GarrettParsons687]

For my scx24

[@GoldenBarter]

🎉😮

[@vdel9036]

Have to make a choice.🙄 This Ascent 18 has a good starting price, but if the options are expensive, i'll choose the CR18 Evo Pro in brushless version + brass weights on the front only. Probably both the same price.

[@Shanesmydaddy]

Just get both like I did🤷🏼‍♂️😂 nah but in all seriousness after I ordered the ascent, I noticed the redcat upgrades are kinda pricey. But then again so are the 18 evo pro upgrades (have already spent like $250 on axles and a bunch of other goodies) but it does already come brushless which is a big cost if you are gonna do that down the road with the ascent anyways. When it comes down to it, my ascent will probably just stay semi stock and will probably be my 5 year olds rig.

[@vdel9036]

@@Shanesmydaddy I received my Evo Pro two days ago (brushless version). I have now something to play with. No need for an Ascent 18. 😊 I see Red Cat released the Ascent 1/10 brushless version "fusion" a few days after the standard version. Sorry for those who bought the standard with an expensive option set. 🙄 We can think it's not a good idea to buy now the standard Ascent 18. Better to wait (a few days) they released a future BL ascent 18.

[@Shanesmydaddy]

@@vdel9036 I think if they do a brushless option on the ascent 18, it won’t be out for awhile. Cause it took quite awhile for them to drop the fusion ascent after dropping the regular one. Also brushless setups for trx4m work for them so can always go brushless sooner if you wanted to.

[@malcolmlester4585]

I am in Newzealand and my 99 dollar truck became $210 with International freight and then upgrades..

[@flat-out]

Just a curious survey, how many here think that this Redcat Ascent 18 is fugly? I mentioned it to a UK based RC channel guy"Do U RC" what he thinks of the Ascent 18 he thinks it's fugly...but for me I'll still get one.

[@CapeCrawlers]

I wish they had used the other Ascent body, the slimmer one. I am not a fan of this particular style

[@flat-out]

​@@CapeCrawlersbut can't complain too much for that price I'm sure in a few months there will be 3rd party bodies available or if we nag Redcat a lot like you have some pull for them to send you all those upgrades...why don't you give them a feedback for better bodies.

[@DiamondDog314]

@CapeCrawlers my PN motor just came in, there's not a set screw hole on the pinion, does it just slide on or what?

[@g405t]

Crawling out of bed was the challenge it felt like I lost an hour.....jk

[@goreyboggs]

I hate that we modify everything. It would be cool to just have a stock class. We buy these for 100 bucks and then have thousands into them. It’s very depressing for what you can actually get for $1000.

[@CapeCrawlers]

Truth. I went way overboard with this one though. I think you could put the portal covers/boxes on and a wheel and tire upgrade and it make a huge difference.

[@jeffkd5qdo663]

I feel your pain! We have Holcomb Hobbies in Beaumont TX that has a box stock class as well as the other classes on their new crawler course. Another great video as always Adam!

[@BrunkleDrew]

Every bolt on is over doing it

[@CapeCrawlers]

Agreed: overkill for sure

[@Bonitacreekrc]

redcat is trying to see the low truck price then buy $250 in brass

[@CapeCrawlers]

It is unfortunate how high the prices are on the brass parts.

[@chrisb5986]

$$$ == "better", apparently

[@CapeCrawlers]

Ehh to a point. There is a point of diminishing returns and I think this is at, or slightly above that.

[@Tubesurfer11]

Good video, but please take the damn stickers off, it'll make the chassis look twice as good instantly.. That's the first thing I do, can't stand stickers! Especially when they say Made in China.. Too bad you can't get the front links anywhere, I bet Redcat is making more off these parts than they are on the cars! $2 parts for $30, but we pay it!

[@yiarkungfu]

It's not the bike, it's the rider. If you need a full electrical system upgrade, you should have purchased a different vehicle. If you need to spend $300 - 400 on a $100 truck you should look elsewhere. Also, don't forget that adding weight and/or torque will break smaller plastic and metal parts, which will be hard to find. So far I'm not a fan of the truck.

[@xr70man]

All rtr electronics suck regardless of price or brand. Everyone upgrades rc vehicles that’s more then half the fun. I don’t thing this hobby is for you

[@RabbiJesus]

If EA made RC’s. Micro transactions abound. Hard pass.