Vanquish VRD Stance Review & Test

Axial SCX10 Pro, eat your heart out? Well, maybe. Today, the new Vanquish VRD Stance RTR Class-2 / Performance Scale crawler hits the 6 problems at RC-TNT. Portals, comp foams, premium axles and factory overdrive, oh my!
We also get the straight-axle SCX10 Pro on the bench next to it to see what's different. Is this thing any good? On paper, absolutely! But what about on the rocks? Only one way to find out...
Let's test!
Buy here: amzn.to/3UNLn5B
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IMPORTANT NOTE: @brianmassey7563 just pointed out to me that these 4.75" tires are not correctly sized. I just measured them and yes, they're 5.07"!! Thanks Brian, good catch!
So, we're going to have to test this rig again on comp-legal tires. I guess it'll have to get its own video, but it's a point worth making. I don't know what happened but these tires are faulty - they're meant to be comp legal, according to the 4.75" label, but this is clearly not the case. I've emailed Vanquish about it, so, I'll get back to you!
A later edit: now I've thought about it, we're talking a difference of 5mm at most, and that's before the foams compress a bit and the rubber wears down a bit, so it ends up being about right. Others have told me their VTX2s end up being 4.75" or so once they've been used for 8 or 10 sessions. I'm going to chill out about this one.
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Manufacturer: www.vanquishproducts.com/vrd-...
Also check out our SCX10 Pro review: • Axial SCX10 Pro: How's...
More about Axial's Wyatt Mellon: www.axialadventure.com/axi-bl...
From Vanquish's website:
Specifications
1/10th Scale
Front Axle Ratio 5.25:1
Rear Axle Ratio 6.25:1
Pinion 15T 32P
Spur 56T 32P
Overall Width Hex to Hex - 200mm (7.87”)
Wheelbase - 322mm (12.67”)
RTR weight (without battery): 4.95lbs (2.2kg)
Overall Front Ratio 57.8:1
Overall Rear Ratio 73.4:1
Final Overdrive 24%
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[@brianmassey7563]

Those tires are NOT 4.75" no matter what's printed on the side. Test it again with tires that are really 4.75". I love my VRD Carbon, but those tires are a cheap attempt at cheating the rules.

[@RCTNT]

Oh really? I'll go measure now. That's weird! Thanks for the tip Edit. 5.07"!? What?? What are they doing? Edit2. I brought this up in my local club and someone made the point that Rock Beasts and others also can be a bit bigger when new. After the tires are worn-in (8 or 10 crawl sessions, for example), the total diameter is around 4.75-4.8", which is within the limit allowed by the rules. The other thing I was reminded of was that the rules do state that if a tire has the size printed on the side-wall, then that's the size it is for the comp purposes. In this case, 5.07" = 4.75" as far as the letter of the law goes. Sounds weird, but now I've thought about it, we're talking a difference of 5mm at most, and that's before the foams compress a bit and the rubber wears down a bit, so it ends up being about right. I'm going to chill out about this one.

[@lgrc6120]

Take it court... Take em for everything 🤣 I found it an interesting point and great reply

[@meirdeaph]

😅❤wildly deep super intelligent thoughts on that

[@brianmassey7563]

@@RCTNT It's not a huge deal, but a blatant attempt to skate the rules by the company that made them. They even joke about it now. And I suppose the rules would work both ways since in Class3 you have to use a tire larger than 4.75", and that tire, even though larger could not be used.

[@RCTNT]

Is that so? They joke about it? I'm disappointed. Honestly I think it's unwise to do this, as it'll bring resentment and arguing into some clubs which just isn't necessary. Let your product stand on its merits without little deceptions. Yeah, it's just toy trucks and not serious, but the time, effort and money that many folks put into the hobby and comps makes it somewhat more serious than just toy trucks. And for those of us that are making decisions on rules when speccing cars at comps, it becomes another point for resentment: go with the rules and allow the oversize clown tires and other competitors think its an unfair advantage (because it is), or deny the entrants with these tires and they'll get upset because the rules say 4.75 on sidewall = acceptable. I wish Vanquish hadn't done it. Anyway, life goes on.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

I would surely watch tire test, but don't do this to yourself Craig. Just enjoy the hobby and run the channel like you enjoy making those videos, instead of slowly turning this into serious choir and family sacrifice. You don't owe us anything. We just enjoy watching. Good luck with any decision you make.

[@TrokaRC]

Could not agree more.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks guys. I'll do it because I want to, which is pretty much this whole channel! I don't have to make videos at all, but I'm having fun. The tires are a project, but I'm going to work it out. Just had to sit on it for a while until I could picture how to pull it off. I appreciate the sentiment, thank you.

[@user-yi3qu9jg8l]

I also second(third?) what they say, very much look forward to your tires tests but we will wait as long as needed to so you can have a life besides rc. Very much appreciate your hard work and thoughtful insights.

[@RCTNT]

Look at this guy with a life besides RC, what even is that?! In all seriousness tho, thank you. You're a positive and supportive bunch, RC people. It will be my pleasure to make this thing happen. Eventually!

[@WestyCoastHermit]

That was a very impressive run. I can't remember seeing a truck handle your problems so easily. Wow!

[@RCTNT]

Wasn't it just! What a rig!

[@brentlykins7281]

Wow 😯 that destroyed the 6 problems….as an of the box rig…..SAY WHAT!?!?! Absolutely 👍🏻 love your channel and PLEASE don’t change from the unbiased, straight forward opinions, and information on RCs. I like watching for those reasons which others have mentioned. Some, no names needed, are sooo brand loyal. I get it they get funds etc but honest info is what I think the majority of us are after. Thank you sir.

[@RCTNT]

My pleasure, will do. Thanks for watching my videos!

[@kenklosson5503]

I was hoping you would review either the VRD carbon or the stance. I really love the 6 problems, they don’t lie if a rig can’t pass them there’s something that needs looking at. Not that it’s bad just there are challenges to overcome. I’m pleased the Stance did as well as it did, I want one and was on the fence between the VRD Carbon kit and the Stance. Nice to know I’m not going to miss much if anything other than the enjoyment of building the kit if I go with the Stance. Thanks for all of your reviews and testing. It’s a real treat when I get notified you have new content up.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly. I might need to look at the kit too, now I know about it. Sounds like it'll be more expensive, more effort, and more better. How much better? Well, we're going to need tougher problems here to find that our!

[@stu.c13]

Well having seen a few of your reviews I know that completing problem 1 on that line is not something that a box stock rig will usually accomplish. Completing the first 5 problems that easy was just impressive. Looks like vanquish have made a cracking rig. Great review

[@RCTNT]

I'm a fan, now, for sure

[@roblowrie1969]

Very nice!! The 6 Problems, changed to the 6 No Problems!! 🤗

[@RCTNT]

You're not wrong!

[@user-yi3qu9jg8l]

That was pretty amazing, don’t remember another rig having that easy a time right out of the box. Think you are also the only reviewer I saw to mention the brass tubes in the Stance. Great review as always!

[@RCTNT]

They've really got this thing dialed in, it's most impressive. Thanks 👍

[@allscalerc]

Excellent video as always! 👍👍👍

[@AL-ud2is]

Very impressive but after this vid I watched your Gmade bom vid on the same course and that made it look even easier unless the course was easier back then that just shows how good a performer the Bom is

[@RCTNT]

Isn't the BOM TC just an epic truck! The course hasn't changed - that's why it's so useful after all these vehicles. If only those cast diff gears weren't so weak. But the gmade is just beautifully balanced, it's one of the greats 👍

[@doubledome2076]

It made the problems-no problems!!- Priceless‼️👍👍🦾🦾🤘🤘

[@RCTNT]

It was really something!

[@dagkirk]

Thank you for reviewing.....been waiting for this video from you. That truck ate up your problems, quite impressive. Keep up the good work!

[@RCTNT]

We're gonna need some harder problems at this rate, yeah!

[@mickd8188]

I can appreciate the drive with the beetle attack..Man I stopped at a public toilet in Rural Qld the other day and the bull ants were everywhere. That was a challenge, trying not to hose yourself or get bit, while swapping feet..😂 The transmission in the stance is the original Vfd before the Phoenix without the scale tunnel shroud. The Vrd Carbon kit came out a couple of months prior to RTR and has fatter links, lightened machined gears and motor plate, more overdrive, carbon rails and a few other goodies. I got a deal from OZRC It cost me just under $900. We definitely pay to play.. Cheers mate 👍🇦🇺

[@RCTNT]

Thank you for that info! That's really good to know. And that's a great bull ant story, lol. We have numerous large bull ant nests on the property. Your description was pretty funny!

[@thefluxman24]

Thx for your video it was very helpful

[@RCTNT]

I'm glad to hear it 🙏

[@pandacrawler6x6]

A Awesome "RTR" for more serius/pro Crawler! Unfortunately Vanquish don't direct shell in U.E. 😢 Very Cool Review and nice Info Share my Friend 🐼👌🏻

[@RCTNT]

Thanks! 👍

[@pandacrawler6x6]

You are Welcome my Friend 🐼👌🏻

[@CrossKeysCrawlers]

I love mine.....gonna say it ....2024 RTR of the year !!!!

[@RCTNT]

For this class of vehicle, it's incredible what you get. Really helps lower the barrier to comp participation!

[@pwrofgrayskull]

That was quite impressive!! No comparison to other rigs I’ve seen you run on your course. WOW.

[@RCTNT]

Only my Capra UTB18 comes close, and that's with the latest round of mods and my own chassis. Video coming soonish. But for out of the box? Blimey Charlie, this thing amazed me alright!

[@UserUser14880]

I still have a original losi night crawler and it still amazes me. My friemds spend $500 on theirs and i smoke em on the course. Nice vid i like the depth of the vids.

[@RCTNT]

They were very good rigs. Ahead of their time. Glad you're enjoying it, and this video! Thanks

[@allenr6134]

This less expensive version would also be a nice kit. Waiting to see your video of this and the Pro with those Vanquish tires seems like they are good performers! !

[@RCTNT]

I'm looking forward to doing that too!

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

It turns out, the 6 problems were more of just the 6 speed bumps. That was completely flawless.

[@RCTNT]

Epic, wasn't it!

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

@@RCTNT It really was! I haven't been watching your channel for too long, but I know that was the easiest I've seen anything do the 6 problems thus far.

[@RCTNT]

It's on par with my comp rigs. Nothing out of the box can touch it!

[@Mr.NiceGuy80]

@@RCTNT what "out of the box" model do you think would come closest? RTR and kit.

[@rohananstey9003]

Nice review mate👌 The new cars from vanquish and axial are pushing the edge in performance rite out box👍

[@RCTNT]

Aren't they just! You're making the VS4-10 look good at comps, too! I'm going to get a Rock Pirates chassis under it and see if I can push it a bit. Your runs with it last comp were inspiring!

[@BangForYourBuckRc]

Wow! all 6 problems in great time too!👍

[@RCTNT]

Boom!

[@christophermears7738]

The kit version of this truck came out first it's called the vrd carbon.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, I'm up to date with the range now! Appreciate it.

[@Goferris]

From what I understand, the Overdrive was a last minute change, hence the manual being incorrect.

[@RCTNT]

Oh yes? Interesting!

[@offroad1911]

I’ve taken the Phoenix portal and the Fordyce and built them on the Rock Pirates Interceptor chassis and they are awesome crawlers.

[@RCTNT]

I've heard a few of you guys say this now. I might need to look into getting one of those chassis kits!

[@scaleworksRC]

Wow, I was pretty dead set on an Axial for my next crawler, but this thing is pretty darn amazing! Nice! Problems solved!😁

[@RCTNT]

They're both great options. But this was amazing, yes.

[@TheLilhulk1111]

I feel that 20% overdrive is way better. That way you can still sidehill.

[@davidconaway2830]

I've built the Pro and the VRD Carbon. The VRD has nearly 1/4" more skid clearance which makes the breakover much better. Both trucks feel planted and sure footed but the VRD is hands down the winner in the breakover category. The VRD also beats my Capra in several categories. All of these trucks are sitting on JConcepts megalithics with Squid 'ncerts....and this is my favorite setup thus far. Great review! Thanks for enduring the bugs to get the best camera angles;-)

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for the info, that's really helpful. I might have to look into the vrd carbon kit, I think. 🙏

[@davidconaway2830]

@@RCTNT I think the VRD is a very nice kit. I believe the gears are a better quality, higher overdrive (37%-----love it or hate it) and thicker bottom links. I purchased the heavy brass weights for the front and actually had to relocate my battery to the rear of the tranny to keep a nice 60/40 weight bias. That also fixed my left to right bias with the battery in the middle........so, win win I suppose. I also installed the stubby motor conversion kit which brings the steering servo down and behind the axle. If you do this, your motor cannot be more than 35mm long. I love the Fusion Pro motor but had to opt for a small revolver instead. I purchased the Holmes 540 Team Spec 1800Kv with the mini V3 ESC.....and it is just lovely. I miss the "pop" in power I had with the fusion pro, so I'm going to play around with the pinion and spur until I find exactly what I'm looking for. Who knows, maybe I have it already;-) Cheers!

[@JUSTHAVEFUNRC]

Does the 10pro suffer from torque twist? I’m on the fence between the two kits. Switchable overdrive and sraight axles seems nice in theory. Like it should climb and side hill like a spider. But then I’ve heard things about the twist. The vrd is taller yet with the weights and motor placement it’s got almost the same if not better cog than the 10 pro. Steering geometry from the f10s is nice as well. I want to build a c2 truck but I’m not sure which way to go.

[@RCTNT]

Ah nice! Yeah with a shorter outrunner you lose torque, but volt up and gear down and you'll get a usable amount back. Sounds like yours is nicely sorted!

[@RCTNT]

I can't recall if torque twist was an issue but certainly I found challenges with break over. Also, in WRCCA Comps at least, the switchable transmission is not allowed, as you can only control throttle and steering. 40% overdrive is too high for my liking, so it would want to be slowed with underdrive diff gears in the front, I guess. Bit of a hassle. Worth it though, if you want to get it sorted right. As to which to choose, I do think the vanquish is better sorted in stock form, but I don't doubt that both can be made into champions.

[@FatherDaughterRC]

Great review of the vanquish stance! It's cool to see it running your problems. I live in Moab Utah and was fortunate enough to actually compete in a local (to me) comp that Wyatt attend! I'm curious about the his scx10 pro spec you mentioned!

[@RCTNT]

Oh wow, that's awesome! I love driving with skilled people. Always come out better for it 🤩 I'll have a video where I build the scx10 pro up to Wyatt spec, probably next month 👍

[@FatherDaughterRC]

@@RCTNT 100% agree. Being around great drivers definitely makes you a better competitor! I stumbled across your channel by accident but I'm glad I did! I'm fairly new to the competition side of RC crawling but I definitely enjoy it. Fortunately my wife and daughter also compete with me which makes it 10 times better, we've been to all the north vs south Utah crawling championship put on by Luke (scumbag RC) and Logan Brown.( West desert Wheeler) I look forward to your video on why it's comp spec. SCX10 pro, I can't remember the servo he was running( I believe it was the best one offered from spectrum at the time) but I know he was running the spectrum 2 in 1. My curiosity to Wyatt's pro is if there was changes other than the electronics used that you're planning on doing, but I'll wait and watch the video!

[@RCTNT]

The electronics are actually the part I don't know much about. I'm looking at the underlying components of the build, actually! I love that your family crawls together. That's amazing. Thanks for the chat 😊

[@lukas430000]

That transmitter looks like bigger version of my tiny turboracing one. The button layout, lcd screen and option to take battery compartment off is exactly same as turboracing.

[@RCTNT]

Oh look at that, it's the Turbo Racing P52! Nice catch!

[@RecklesskrawlerRCdrewlandau]

Wow I’ve been waiting for you to get this truck I think you will love the carbon kit with the stubby kit tunes right I have one and I love it it’s point and shoot with it all I did was change over to Trx4 90 mm shocks with 60 wt shock oil and the stock springs and the truck loves it and just the lightest brass of front to give it more hook and I can drive anywhere I point the wheels love it thanks for the review 🎉

[@RCTNT]

Thank you, I'm thinking to do roughly the same with the kit as you've done, yeah! Cheers

[@RecklesskrawlerRCdrewlandau]

@@RCTNT I have some videos they aren’t the best but it shows it crawling here in Arizona where I live it’s beautiful and one of the most beautiful places to crawl as well thanks guys I’m trying to make new videos and see where it goes hope you guys like them !!!!!

[@RCTNT]

I've ridden mountain bikes in AZ. Beautiful country isn't it.

[@bernardrc1137]

Like a hot knife through butter, awesome 👌👌👌

[@RCTNT]

Just so!

[@alans4281]

Thanks for sharing the review . Please continue to have fun , don’t bother to much about a fancy tire test, you already pointed out in this and other videos overall diameter is key. It would seem inserts are becoming the next leap forward ie printed non foam

[@RCTNT]

I'm kinda committed at this point, but I'll make it interesting anyway 😊 and then I think we'll have to get into foam comparisons!

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

I blinked. What happened?

[@RCTNT]

lol, yes. Exactly.

[@Casitascrawlers]

Nice glad you got your hands on one to review I’m still not sure if I’ll get the kit or RTR pretty much all the electronics are going to be replaced but for the price of the kit vs the RTR I think the RTR is a good value. And to me the carbon rails are not that big of a deal definitely good looking but performance wise not that much different compared to the metal rails.

[@RCTNT]

It's hard to say without a side by side test, but I think I'd probably agree, it isn't a huge deal unless you're at the pointy end of competition.

[@matusknives]

Very impressive performance.

[@RCTNT]

What a truck!

[@Andy_Yates]

Wow this walked the problems. It didn't even break a sweat! We have a bug bloom here a couple times a year. The boxelder bug, which is closely connected to boxelder maple trees and other maples. The locals also just call them stink bugs. They are harmless but when they have a bloom or awake from hibernation, they'll coat an area and swarm over houses. If you don't have someone spray, they find their way into houses through window drains or any holes or vents they run across.

[@RCTNT]

Oh charming, an indoor swarm!

[@Andy_Yates]

@@RCTNT haha yeah, not ideal shall we say. It's been fine since we found a good pest control company thankfully. Our first year in this area was a rough learning experience 😬🙃

[@jayb3518]

I've been curious if you would get your hand on one of these... Vanquish has the VRD Carbon Kit, which would be the direct competitor to the scx10 pro kit, and then this was released as an RTR without the carbon, and with electronics. Thanks for the great content

[@RCTNT]

Thank you, I may get hold of the kit for a better comparison. For an RTR I'm pretty happy with this!

[@jrfishes]

The more direct competitor to the SCX Pro kit is the Vanquish VRD Carbon Kit.

[@RCTNT]

Ah thank you. I don't have ready access to vanquish, generally. I ordered this from them directly and paid about 20% of its price again in shipping. I'll look for that kit in Australia, maybe it sells here already. Thanks

[@jrfishes]

@@RCTNT You're very welcome. Great video by the way. You do an excellent job of conveying a no nonsense, unbiased and very informative opinions. Very much enjoy your work.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you kindly

[@michaelchoate2810]

The kit of this was made before the rtr. The kit is the carbon. The same minus the rtr has aluminum rails instead of the carbons carbon fiber.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks for that. There are a couple other differences the kit has too, from others' comments here. It's a great machine, either way!

[@paulm1237]

fairly unsurprising performance for what is essentially a nearly comp-ready crawler. Great video!

[@RCTNT]

My expectations were tempered after the phoenix portal and scx10 pro both struggled a bit on my test course. It just made the shock so much deeper when the stance blew everything out of the water!

[@OGRadGrow]

Nice👍🏾

[@booost420]

The over drive is in the portals up front : )

[@RCTNT]

That's right, it's 18% there and 6% in the transmission 👍

[@thedailyride8704]

Have you had a chance to try the Injora Silicone inserts? I just fitted some to my 1.9 Proline FlatIron XL's and 1.9 Proline BFG Mud Terrain's.

[@RCTNT]

I've got them and fitted them to the Injora pin tires. Haven't tested them yet but looking forward to that! You like em?

[@scottoblander9419]

Vanquish released a VRD kit first, the VRD Carbon.

[@RCTNT]

Thank you 👍

[@user-jh6kp7gn1g]

Quick question I want to extend the wheelbase on my vrd what brand of rod ends would work with the threads on the ends of vanquish links ?

[@RCTNT]

I can't suggest brands off the top of my head, but any links with m4 thread should be compatible. The Vanquish Products VRD Stance RTR and VRD Carbon do not specifically list the thread size for the links on their product pages. However, the VRD Stance RTR features include stainless steel links with Incision M4 rod ends, while the VRD Carbon Kit lists stainless steel links with HD Bent rear links and Incision Pro M4 rod ends ](www.vanquishproducts.com/vrd-stance-rtr-green/) and ](www.vanquishproducts.com/vrd-carbon-kit/). This information suggests that the thread size on the links for these models may be compatible with M4 threading, given the mention of M4 rod ends.

[@MrSuridge]

Hi love the video.. who in Australia sells these bc i cant seem to find any, and the one mob that can only has international stock.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks. I'm not sure as I've only bought mine from vanquish directly. I'm sure they're out there though.

[@muskokamike127]

Totally un r/c related but in your opening shot, you'd better get at that peeling paint on your house. You've got some dry rot happening and it'll only get worse if you don't deal with it now. I only bring this up because I was in the biz for years and notice that kind of stuff. Get your son up there with a wire brush to get rid of the peeling paint and you two could make a day of painting the house.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Mike, I'm aware of it. Appreciate the wisdom.

[@muskokamike127]

@@RCTNT aware of it and doing someting about it are two diff things! hahahaha

[@RCTNT]

Yep, agreed.

[@user-ti3uj6lm8e]

Where did you Aquire the VRD Stance from ?

[@RCTNT]

Directly from Vanquish, per the Description

[@josephanthony1277]

These very reliable? I want and can get one in my country but no vanquish spare parts available here lol.

[@RCTNT]

They're every bit as good as any other leading brand. If you think about what you might break, they're typically generic items, especially servo and motor. Having trailed with this thing - something it isn't designed for, being a comp platform - I've found it exceeded expectations in the durability department. I have no financial incentive to recommend it, if that helps - and I heartily recommend it!

[@josephanthony1277]

@@RCTNT thanks very much!

[@keqrou]

Another vanquish product my wallet cant even look at😂. All hokes aside, grwt video man. Very informative as per usual.

[@RCTNT]

They've nailed it with this one, yes. Cheers!

[@tiborbeetles1882]

Try again with the same tyres as the Axial?

[@RCTNT]

You bet, that's going to be one of the next ones with this car.

[@tiborbeetles1882]

@@RCTNT Excellent! I wonder is it the new stance dual stage foams that are making the tyres oversized? Or do they measure that big with the stock foam too 🤔

[@Shnoofrc71]

Wow that thing is slick and now the tracer ay ay ay ???

[@RCTNT]

It isn't here yet, I think Chinese new year has been the delay. I bought it a couple of weeks ago but it hasn't shipped yet.

[@Shnoofrc71]

Aall right I let you off 🤣 cheers anyway nice review again 👍👍

[@RCTNT]

Haha yes, patience glasshoppah

[@Shnoofrc71]

@@RCTNT 🦗❤️

[@simonj5134]

And there you go being a bad influence again!

[@RCTNT]

Heh, you love it

[@kjflyte5088]

Now if ya got better tires your phoenix would be way more capable.

[@RCTNT]

It was better, but not great. I've got a whole series on improving it. But, I think there's one more chapter to open for the phoenix. Working on it soon

[@DEENRC]

You need bigger problems..😂

[@RCTNT]

Looks that way doesn't it!