Vanquish H10 Optic Trail Rig vs Rock!

[@YoShImUrA53]

The little doggo was so excited. Loved seeing her all happy and eager to play. Glad to see she's doing amazing now. I'm always puzzled with all the "not-higher-end" rigs from Vanquish. On paper they look amazing, like the Phoenix, this H10, etc. But somehow when put through the problems they always struggle. I'm more surprised as with their purely competition models there's no doubt they know how to make the geometries work. I think your face after testing it was telling a similar story. Since the Phoenix came out I feel we've been chasing around how to make these work and the only thing really in common is the VFD transmission. But then again, that doesn´t seem to be the real issue [apparently, at least]. Is it maybe the engineering behind the geometries, that tends to be consistent? Then, once you see the VFD Carbon it all seems to work, so I'm back at square one. Would love to hear your take on this, maybe on a future video. Be well, Craig!

[@RCTNT]

I've had time to think about it now. Broadly, there are two approaches to designing something like this. If you consider how the Gatekeeper looked when I held it up, you'll easily appreciate what I'm about to say: you can go for ultimate clearance with big lift and long travel, or you can go for ultimate balance with low centre of gravity, shorter shocks, everything tucked low to hug the ground. Terrain will dictate how that turns out for you, either way. Problem 5 especially shows how well the 'low' approach works for the Phoenix and H10 Optic here - the Gatekeeper and other taller rigs struggle on problem 5 in particular. For a trail oriented rig, I think low-slung designs are logical and appropriate. It just means you pay a price for crawling where clearance is required, and that's why I have my 6 problems here!

[@VS666]

Great analysis. Axial Wraith was my first vehicle of this style and it taught me a lot about trying to do two things with one car and how compromises work. I’d rather have a dedicated crawler and a trail truck but that’s just me I understand not everyone has that luxury. Vanquish makes some great stuff, some of the best I’d argue but this is a pass for me. Would be a great first truck though. Definitely budget/beginner minded

[@RCTNT]

Agreed.

[@CasperRc81]

Long wheelbase. I don’t think “our tests” deems a rig incapable. In Arizona USA we have lots of flat climbing lines. I like your 6problems it’s fun to watch. Wonder how the stance tires would fair on this h10. Also on my scx10iii early bronco and 4ws Capra I take the lower links off. Take them off at the skid and thread the rod off the link end at the axle leaving the skid side link end on. Then go to my vise and put a slight Bend in them oh idk 12mm from the end of the threads. Giving me the hi clearance. It helps a lot IMO especially those thicker lower links and gives me a little more straightened pinion angle. As far as crawler canyon I appreciate his education and tests but I don’t agree with his stand on rtr. Yes be nice if all rtr’s were kits. But someone like me who’s built a fair amount and is a mechanic by trade I appreciate the rtr’s. My appreciation is driving and modding as I go along. I don’t find that the one bad experience with a company like proline everything they have is junk. Or no forgiveness is in sight. I’m not a spektrum fan but the spektrum stuff I have works and their rtr servos yeah they fail but no more or less then the next company. And I finally lost the front on my 4ws Capra after a year. So that’s a bit of my struggle with him. I find the axials 2 in 1’s great with hobbywing program card pinion down to an 11t and a good 5slot man there butter smooth. Sintered metal I understand is softer but even the old sintered ax10 gears would go away for me after a couple years. And when you take vanquish’s tight mold tolerances I can imagine there not in for the long haul. People give RGT, FMS, whole s array of companies a pass for rtr’s only and they buy them without the complaint of a kit. So why is vanquish any different or axial for having one kit. I don’t care to piece meal Every component to make one car. Or maybe traxxas cause you get one kind of metal material kit or rtr. Most all Of my rtr’s have been disassembled at one point or another. I did it a few times and still have my rockpirate intercepter scx10ii base build nice car. The reality is reality and kits probably don’t sustain an Rc company nor will it probably ever with the novel mindset of our born in generation “build it not bought”. Nor would one with the same complaint over it running their own business expect to flourish financially. VP only ever sold parts to an existing platform now look at them. I’m 43 love the hobby and done it for so long kits are what ever. It’s the whole ford vs chevy vs dodge to me. Show me another company that stacks up to the stance stock rtr? They know dual stage foams compounds rails maybe I don’t want 38% over drive. Idk I bet you could pinion down on that stance with a injora five slot brush or HH hobby from Amazon and it would be stellar. I run into this mentality of someone who is competitive highly competitive and a sintered gear makes the same rotation as a machines gear. Is that few ounces in wait going to make a difference to the average user or non comp competive user? Not all of us dodge cones or climb the same obstacle over and over or care to build every we touch. I like this rig seen it in the wild they are sharp looking. Thanks for sharing. You have a beautiful property. No hate here just sharing an opinion.

[@RCTNT]

I think we broadly agree here. And I do make the plea for kits on RGT videos, and others. The reason you hear a lot on vanquish videos is probably that they've got from being a kit company to an RTR company, for the most part. If tamiya did the same, you'd hear it there too. People get used to a thing being a certain way, I think. In VP's case, the quality was very high, too. It's a difficult thing to balance expectations with business reality. I'm trying to take a nuanced approach here because I appreciate both sides. You make fair points there, thanks for taking the time.

[@Cobbaru2008]

I agree we need a kit most definitely😁

[@espettorc2583]

Brother, you have the best KZbin channel that talks about radio control cars. Crawler's!! Bring the tests, tell the truth. There is no "tass stuck" with any brand. Congratulations! You provide an excellent service to the world of Hobby!

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly!

[@francotarantino982]

I can’t afford RC anymore. It’s ridiculous how expensive it is. So I watch you guys. I live vicariously.

[@RCTNT]

Aye, it adds up. Cheaper than booze though and if you buy a crawler on FB marketplace for a few hundred and take care of it, it'll serve you well and economically. RC can be done cheaper, if you're careful. For everything else, yes, there's us jokers on KZbin 🙃

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

20:06 I get so much joy out of drifting on both wheels in the corner while mtbing. Imagine how much fun it would be drifting on all four paws 🐾 😁

[@RCTNT]

She was going full tilt with no plan on where to go after entry. I think she held it pretty amazingly well!

[@doodlepugg]

Haha your dog is gorgeous 😂 you done well to remain on point with her play bowing haha! I think this thing would make a fantastic formula offroad base - something with mad mud paddles and tons of punch.

[@RCTNT]

Yes, agreed! That's more like where this thing would excel.

[@alfoard7709]

Biggest highlight doggo interruption lol

[@RCTNT]

Heh, with the surgeries and stuff I haven't had much chance to drive around her yet! Gonna start doing this daily for a while to desensitize her to RC cars now. Today was *hard* work!! (Also, I was quite surprised to see the youtube videos about this car. Now I've got mine published, I've just had a look at some of the others in search: The BEST Trail Buggy Ever! The Most Capable Trail Buggy! etc. Was not my experience today. Interesting.)

[@alfoard7709]

@@RCTNT I was surprised at how it went on the problems. I thought it would walk all over them based on other videos that have been done.

[@RCTNT]

I haven't seen any videos of it crawling yet but yes, I expected the same

[@derrickhays3627]

Glad your enjoying Crawler Canyon been watching him a long time and for the same reason I watch you, honesty integrity and great info! Love the dog thanks for sharing.

[@RCTNT]

No worries. We might do a live chat together at some point, that'd be cool.

[@ares333x2]

Sits right in the middle of a Ryft and a Capra. For me... Buggies are my favorite "scale" vehicles. I have 2 lexan trail trucks, Ecto and a trx4. And 15+ variations of buggies from custom all metal cage/ axles 4ws, to cheap injora caged, Rock rey kit, bomber, moa, etc. I will definitely buy this...... As soon as they make it a kit!!! 😊😂

[@RCTNT]

It's understandable. These are gonna be great!

[@HeavyHaulagePilbara]

Cheers mate.

[@user-jh6kp7gn1g]

Appreciate your review you're always spot on 💯💪🏿🤟🏿🤟🏿

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

Omg, the dog @ 16:35 had me LOLing. Annoying as dog may have been to you filming, I appreciate the reality and of course, bonus entertainment. You rock, keep it up!

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly. We had a good day and it was a training opportunity. She was good by the 6th problem, haha

[@FlyingPigmyHippo]

Thanks for a fair, unbiased review. The comparison on the same course as all of the other rigs you have tested is a helpful benchmark.

[@RCTNT]

That's the hope, yeah! Thanks 😊

[@hyperc5249]

I agree with everything you said except on the foams. I found them to be a bit too firm for my liking. I absolutely love the tires. I did my review last week, and it crawled pretty well on less high side rock terrain. I did get hung up twice on my course as well. Bigger tires and high clearance links will go a long way on this rig. Kind of a jack of all trades rig vs. a pure crawler for sure. Your puppy is huge now. What a character.

[@RCTNT]

She is a character eh! Yeah bigger tires will help. I like the foams as they are, I wouldn't go softer. But I get why you would. Personal preference and all. Cheers

[@The_RC_Family]

Thank you Craig this feels like a balanced honest review. Mr Canyon would approve

[@RCTNT]

Did my best! Thank you :)

[@dagkirk]

0:15 11:25 Awe, what a good doggie. Great review as always brutha, glad to see things are going well. Keep it up!!

[@RCTNT]

Haha yes she's a sweetie pie

[@jayess397]

I bought my Optic because I like Red Dot buggies. Didn't watch any reviews, didn't even know what trans it had (glad it wasnt the VFD Twin). I've been very happy with it. I enjoy your videos, but that course depresses me. I want to dump soil round it and plant tiny trees lol.

[@RCTNT]

Yeah, you're right about that. I've kept it temporary because I've been expecting to move for several years already! When I eventually do, I've got plans to make something so much better. Enjoy your Optic, it's a solid little goer :)

[@Casitascrawlers]

Seems like it’s out of its element being long & low I bet it’s very good on solid steep rock faces & ledges where it can use it’s wheelbase to get its front wheels up & over. I have a Capra 4 wheel steer & stock it would perform better on those rocks I’d like to see it out on steep rock face type terrain. It looks awesome.

[@RCTNT]

Agreed, yes. There will be terrain that favours it's wheelbase

[@john_Lau_rc_adventure]

I love all the info in this video!! Thank you

[@rcarty419]

It’s a bomber Capra. I mean the axles look Awsome and so does body. If you have time the kits are great. The rtr are great to just buy and run….it does creat a bin full of crap motors escs and tires. Then steering gear for brass, links and the like follow…I like just custom building but buying a rtr to canabalize is a decent start sometimes too!! 😂 Breakover gonna be an issue lol!! Make it a bouncer!!

[@RCTNT]

I think that'll do the trick yeah!

[@AnyAssumptionBanter]

love the dodgy dog going right for your shins... hah. also like where there is talk about other yt rc'ers. didn't know his real name till now! oh no... was it to remain anon? great vid. i'm not sure we needed another axle length and seems to be a weird #.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, it was a good day out. I got Troy's name from other comments on his channel at various times. All good.

[@AnyAssumptionBanter]

@@RCTNT if you know, you know, and doing the thing. Thank you for the engagement.

[@roblowrie1969]

When you put this next to the Gatekeeper, you can see exactly why this struggled on the 6 problems. This would do so well in the areas I run my cars in, but we have no distributor for Vanquish in the UK, I believe?! The only thing that puzzled me, was why aren't there any lenses in the headlights?! Just a clear lens, or blank it off, as I think it looks a bit odd! 🤷🏻‍♂️ It's a great looking car, and if I had the money, I'd definitely go for a Vanquish car, at some point. I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for the lottery tomorrow! 🤞🏻

[@RCTNT]

Empty headlights are not uncommon at Tuff Truck day events. Covers get smashed. But then I looked at our local event websites and they're all running headlights, so who knows? This will be a solid runner. Just not a super crawler. And that's okay 👌

[@tiborbeetles1882]

Schumacher racing just picked up Vanquish UK distribution, however the RRPs are very high. The Optic is listed at £595.99! Still cheaper to import from the US or Asia unless the UK retailers start stocking and discounting the RRP.

[@RCTNT]

@tiborbeetles1882 crikey, I paid £526 for mine direct from vanquish and thought it was steep. 600 is nuts

[@tiborbeetles1882]

@@RCTNT Yeah hopefully the UK retailers can knock a bit off, they are approx £520 to import for us as well

[@themountain59]

No offense but the gatekeeper was a dud from the start.

[@bernardrc1137]

Your lovely dog was making me laugh. She was on one, lol 😇🤣🤣, as for car , thinks its a very nice jack of all trades, master of none, 😉👍

[@RCTNT]

That's about it, yeah. Similar to the phoenix portal, unmodified, though a 2-speed transmission would be handy for trail use. Or brushless, I guess. But then you need steel gears. Hmm.

[@LumpkinMumfins1]

Idk if I’m in the minority here or not, but love the dog content mixed with the crawling content 🤙 As for the H10 Optic, it’s just not for me. There are many other rigs I’d rather have for “trailing” (the recent RGT Intruder and the ifs Zuul come to mind if I want an RTR), and many others I’d rather have for crawling. I’m sure it’s gonna make plenty of people happy (which is what hobbies are about), but it’s just not for me 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for helping me learn something today! 🤟🤙

[@muskokamike127]

16:40 I'm dyin here with the dancin dog in the background omg that's hilarious......

[@RCTNT]

Filming this one took twice as long as usual. I've cut about as much footage as I left in!!

[@SCRedneckRC-Productions]

Why in the world would you make a trail truck patterned like a rock buggy? Seems over priced and underperforming

[@Kodijakk]

That's what I thought too...

[@DEENRC]

My capra would rip this into tiny pieces..

[@themountain59]

​@@DEENRCI rather dobt that when it's still stock😎

[@DEENRC]

@@themountain59 👍not really a crawler though..looks nice.

[@RCTNT]

There's objectively no competition as far as crawling goes, yeah. The Capra is a brilliant crawler.

[@James-bristol]

Great video full of info

[@PlacervilleRick]

As a fellow Vizsla owner, I totally understand.. 🙂

[@RCTNT]

Haha yes, the energy is real.

[@alans4281]

Thanks for posting an honest review, as usual. Those gears are not surviving a mild upgrade of the fusion pro according to the videos I watch. I really wanted to like this one but it seems to be a money maker at the cost of brands good name. Fancy new axles that look great but don’t appear to perform as good as they look. I don’t have hands on experience training dogs ( puppies) . I do believe there is a short time frame for the puppy so suggest you spend time researching training soon as it looks like a handful or time boom.

[@RCTNT]

The problem with sintered gears is they don't take more power well, yes. They're appropriate to the power system the car ships with, at least. This isn't my first vizsla and yes, I spend 60-90 minutes a day on training. But she's only just started being around running rc cars, this was the first session ever. By problem 6 she'd gotten the idea 👍 She's a sweet dog.

[@jord001]

The pup made me chuckle, her spring action is definitely good. The truck is more of a trail and a bit of rock type vehicle

[@RCTNT]

Evidently! It'll be a good trail runner, yeah.

[@billknepp1965]

watching this made me really respect my redcat gen8... lol. for everything this car has thats built for actual crawling in mind...

[@RCTNT]

Similarly capable vehicles in very different packaging, yeah

[@muskokamike127]

13:46 don't bash the doggo, he adds to the vids! haha.....

[@RCTNT]

Yeah she's a good addition 😁

[@markcole6475]

I just got my Optic H10 the other day also……tried it box stock and seemed average in most elements ….like a jack of all trades but a master at nothing…..I think depending on what your primary use would be , it could easily be made to perform…. I’m gonna use mine for Crawling purposes….ill change to a fusion pro, add some weight to the front when items become available and probably some better rims…..and of course a better steering servo.

[@RCTNT]

I think suspension and links will be my first change. Then a servo.

[@markcole6475]

@@RCTNT …agree….but I noticed throttle control was a bit touchy on mine ….sometimes hard to strategically crawl without lurching forward or backwards….hence why I prefer the fusion pro…(granted I have one I pulled from another rig sitting around so it’s not costing me anything) I have some purpose bent links for clearance I may try and see if they fit also.

[@RCTNT]

@markcole6475 don't forget you've got expo for the throttle on the radio. Try it on 20% for throttle and see if that helps. I bet it will.

[@markcole6475]

@@RCTNT ah yes, I can try that first…cheers

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I don't mind the dog one bit.

[@RCTNT]

Haha yeah, I embraced her screen-presence in the edit after all that. Came up alright did it :)

[@lorrylemming]

When I saw the photos for this I thought it would be more like the axial wraith or a slower ryft. I think it would be much better with a brushless system and running a little bit faster on difficult trails but not full size rocks.

[@RCTNT]

I think that's the intention, yes. It's a solid car.

[@jacobmacwilliam9351]

Finally, the review I trust 😂 I am actually a little underwhelmed by this vehicle. I thought it would have performed better. Glad I got the GMade Spider over this one!

[@RCTNT]

Oh nice. I've been looking into the spider but I can't get it for reasonable money yet. Did you build yours or was it RTR? Do you know if it still has cast diff gears? I'd love to know!

[@jacobmacwilliam9351]

@@RCTNT I built the kit. Honestly it was a really nice build, but!...still cast gears. They have more of a coating than I've seen before, but still cast. I've been pretty rough on the throttle so far and haven't had an issue. It's better than I expected performance wise.

[@RCTNT]

@jacobmacwilliam9351 very good! Thanks for that. I'll still grab one I think. They look interesting. Cheers

[@M-F-CORGI]

I want to see these axles on a good lcg chassis in a 'PERFORMANCE SCALE" build

[@RCTNT]

Yeah Adam, that'd be good. I'd consider these under a nice Scale-1 rig, even. Hmm.

[@themountain59]

They were not developed for "performance scale" 😎

[@RCTNT]

@@themountain59 using stuff for other purposes than what it was designed can be a satisfying build and rewarding undertaking.

[@themountain59]

@@RCTNT ...and pretty disappointing ...sometimes .

[@RCTNT]

@@themountain59 I mean, I took national first place using a car not designed for it. Modifying things and trying different axle combos is a legitimate part of the hobby. I don't really get why you're so down on it.

[@RiceCrisp320]

Id love to see this as a $275-$350(depending on spec) kit. I have zero interest in any RTR electronics.

[@surfside75]

This is a no go for sure. After watching you walk this course with a stock (except electric) trx6 g63.. I compare everything to that thing😅

[@RCTNT]

Aww. You'll be forever disappointed with everything else, lol. Unstoppable, that thing!

[@surfside75]

@RCTNT yeah true unstoppableis what comes to mind, thanks for commenting. Love watching all your videos. -N now that I'm modifying my g63 into a dedicated rock crawler it's even better🔥

[@RCTNT]

@surfside75 for sure, that's really fun. I've got a line of upgrades for mine too. Haven't got to it yet! Enjoy

[@kurtisprodrive9277]

Be nice to see gmade spider

[@RCTNT]

I agree! Working on it.

[@kurtisprodrive9277]

@@RCTNT awesome love a gmade I have a gom and would like to see a review of the spider to add to my collection

[@RCTNT]

For sure. My only issue is price, currently. They're quite expensive here, so I might need to wait for them to drop a bit!

[@BlackSeaRC]

What's with the decals on the roof panel - already bubbling? I know it doesn't affect the performance in any way but little details like that really annoy me on RTR vehicles. At this price point it should be perfect.

[@mickd8188]

He left the protective sheet on the roof... Craig did remove it at the end of video, The details are all spot on.

[@BlackSeaRC]

@@mickd8188 Good to know. I do like the look of this product but as Craig says, I'd always prefer a kit because it allows you to better understand your vehicle and to make sure it is totally spot on.

[@mickd8188]

@@BlackSeaRC I would also prefer a kit but, RTR it is, so that's what I got... I'm kind of of ok with it as I've only got Vanquish kits so I'm ok checking out an RTR offering. Looks killer in person. Cheers

[@kirkul1]

hi, greetings, nice review of my favorite car, big favor, can you please let me know the dimmension of the box that comes with the car, trying to order to a different country and agency is asking of the dimmensions of the box, please help me out with that cheers

[@RCTNT]

I'd love to help you but I have disposed of the box already, I'm sorry!

[@ajaxrc]

Do the SCX10 CJ7 next :)

[@RCTNT]

It's straight axled, isn't it? I probably should. Hmm.

[@thepaddychannel]

Problem 7 ; puppy attack 😅 I've been thinking about getting one but at $900AUD shipped, is it worth it 🤔.

[@RCTNT]

Up to you if it's worth it. If you like red dot buggies and you already know how it crawls, maybe it'll still be a good model for your purposes. It'll certainly be durable, I think. I've noticed aussie hobby stores have pre orders for under $800, if that helps.

[@thepaddychannel]

I do have 2 VP crawlers already 🤭, this would be more so used as a trial buggy.. and I'll look into Aussie seller's . Thanks

[@customdrums]

Looks nice but the performance I’ve seen so far is very underwhelming. Too bad. A kit might be better for sure.

[@RCTNT]

A kit won't change its performance on the rocks but I'd still prefer it, too.

[@jrfishes]

For me, this is the least interesting release from Vanquish yet. I don’t like the RTR road they are going down.

[@RCTNT]

They've got a problem of having set high expectations for high standards. Release an RTR similar to everyone else and the perception rates it lower due to the expectation. That could be part of it. I don't mind RTR models but a kit option would be good.

[@jrfishes]

@@RCTNT I don’t enjoy the amount of waste that RTR’s produce. Firstly, they come in enormous boxes that are costly to ship and are over packaged, secondly they have electronics that I have no use for that just get pulled out and upgraded.

[@RCTNT]

Very fair point.

[@themountain59]

It will bring new folks to the hobby. .plain and simple

[@GrimSpeedFPV]

Yeah you can tell this rig is long. Think with little work could be awesome crawler or trail rig.

[@RCTNT]

Might take more than a little work to get it to be awesome on the rocks, but it's ready for a rough and big trail adventure out of the box, I think. Solid little beastie!

[@themountain59]

And again ...the car IS NOT a designated crawler!! What is so difficult to understand about it?

[@RCTNT]

Nothing, we agree. You caught my closing thoughts on the video, right? It still gets tested on my course because all cars get tested on the course. Gives us all a point of relative reference between models out of the box. Hopefully that's useful! Cheers

[@themountain59]

@@RCTNT Yes I know you agree but most commenters on that car do not 🤪

[@RCTNT]

Just because it isn't a dedicated rock crawler doesn't mean we shouldn't evaluate its crawling capability. It's a question many will have about it. That's the purpose of this video. And just because it handled 3 of the 6 doesn't mean it's a bad crawler. It might mean it's an exceptional trail rig. The conclusion is up to you in that regard. My purpose is to provide some evidence on which to build an opinion.

[@alantaylor353]

HOW MUCH.??? 😉

[@RCTNT]

Yeah I didn't mention price because it varies by country. I paid AUD$1010 to get it from vanquish directly, but now I see Aussie shops will sell it for $769 when they have stock. I read in a comment that UK importer will be selling it for £569, which is ludicrously expensive, though with your tariffs and taxes I guess that would account for a chunk of it.

[@standforjesus7427]

Compared to the last releases this is a flop over priced looks like a toy

[@RCTNT]

Oh I disagree. It'll be rugged and durable and looks the part. I think it looks quite premium. Must be a subjective thing.

[@redxdesp]

Man you dribble

[@RCTNT]

Lol