Vanquish VS4-10 Phoenix Full Review - build, test run and pros and cons of the scale rc crawler

[@falconaz]

What I appreciate is the running video comparisons on the same terrain. Harley and SBG don't do that and their video and opinions suffer because of it. Your work is more valuable to me. Always well done.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thank you very much.

[@beesod6412]

This rig is like my dream rig and the fact that it's at an attainable price means I can actually buy one and slowly upgrade it over time into my dream crawler. Big thank you for this review

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on! I think it answers the call for a lot of people looking to to step up from the big brands.

[@kevinperry5458]

The very best reviews online 👌, thanks for all your time and effort 🙏

[@zachhartson4819]

In my experience I find that overdrive only helps a little bit on the climbs... not nearly as much as I originally thought it would. So once upon a time when I broke my 30% overdrive gears in the portal up front, I replaced them by re-installing the stock 0% OD portal gears. What surprised me after the change and going from 30% to 0% overdrive was how much my steering was adversely affected. My rigs ability to turn sharp was gone! 🤔 I didn't realize until then just how much overdrive actually helps with a crawler's STEERING instead! When the front wheels spin faster they naturally create a much tighter turning radius. 😯🤗

[@carrollnorwood5133]

More people in the world need to be calm like you

[@GrimJerr]

On the 2022 List of builds, at the top actually. I still have to build the Ultra I bought to build in July for my B-day. ha ha. Went on a quest with another RC (shhh RYFT) build and ended up cloning it, and just now I am closing in on completing the resurrected RTR as a Portal Crawler. As for the Phoenix, I am excited by the Technical achievement of Shift on the Fly Overdrive, and Dig. Definitely be running the Predator Trencher, Not sure where I am going with Motor & ESC. Likely to stay with REEF's for my Steering and Winch Servos. Thx for the review, you always add good insight and I like your observations. Keep on Keeping On !

[@RCReviewChannel]

Some good plans in there!!!

[@mgscheue]

This was really interesting. I especially like the comparisons between the different vehicles, with different options and configurations. I think your thoughts on overdrive make sense, too. I'm a physics teacher, and I like the way you think about these things and describe them. A nice, experimental, scientific approach.

[@kevinperry5458]

I have often wondered what this guy does for a living, he is very analytical . I enjoy his breakdown process

[@mgscheue]

@@kevinperry5458 Me, too. I ialways imagine some sort of Silicon Valley high tech work.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Hey thanks for the compliments. I was a software engineer in Silicon Valley and built my own start-up. An then now I'm a mountain bike reviewer/manager for a leading bike website

[@mgscheue]

@@RCReviewChannel Oh, so cool! I'm a physics person, myself, and spent years writing software, so I recognize the type. :) Sounds like a very fun life.

[@thecardoski]

Think I am going to get this, looks great. Never had a crawler, only bashers , be nice to have something that isn't constantly broken. Been fun watching all your videos.

[@theclaxton]

Great content as always! I'd love to see more Phoenix based videos, details on mods and setups, how to get the most from the phoenix. I'd also like to see more flat rail content with details of those builds. Maybe even a flat rail Phoenix!

[@davew1285]

Informative video. Thx. I would like to see a comparison video between a standard Phoenix and an upgraded version with VP machined axles. For me.a Vanquish has to have machined hardware, so it would be interesting to see if the budget molded plastic performs as well.

[@alexaoo]

That Yellow truck looks soo cool 👌👌👌

[@79Blazer]

I had just purchased my second TRX4 when the Phoenix came out, I ordered the Phoenix

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good choice.

[@revhangzero4002]

Another great review! I haven't crawled in a while but all the good driving in this review made me want to get back out there!

[@glennjthompson332]

Neil's is Fantastic with his mods, it's well worth paying for the best hill climbing experience, this (Phoenix) crawler can beat (Axial) in a shootout, could be something!😃

[@RCReviewChannel]

For sure. Neil is good and getting better with each project.

[@BroncoSteven69]

Did you ever do a parts breakdown on what he used?

[@freshlysearedahi]

@@BroncoSteven69 came here to ask the same question

[@pablocarrillo4848]

Very interesting review, thank you both I ordered mine and hoping my setup will perform as I am expecting

[@customdrums]

Can’t wait I ordered mine today

[@carrollnorwood5133]

Oh yeah and the Phoenix is super awesome best purchase ever

[@noslackadventures8503]

Great review, and the mods to the yellow one aren’t hard to achieve and made a big difference.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah, obvious mods and showed the potential of the vehicle.

[@noslackadventures8503]

I picked one up due to your review, great job enjoy your videos.

[@masynmachien]

Portals: check! Vintage Toyota look: I love it! Affordable price: thank you! Switcheable overdrive: they read my mind! Stock performance: very impressive! 12 hours of building fun: Sold!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on! Cha-ching! Ship it!!!

[@RichieD088]

Fun watching Francis .. ! Very enjoyable , and informative 👍 , ✌

[@205RC]

i really am digging the yellow and black color scheme ... i plan to buy my first vanquish truck soon .. will be talking with you for best motors and stuff

[@RCReviewChannel]

Right on. This is a gem.

[@BlindGuyRc]

Finally just ordered mine.

[@mikehogan27]

Awesome video. Can't wait to see it up against the champion.

[@HoundStuff]

That was pretty epic! Nice to see them running together and making those comparisons. Looks like a great rig for sure.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Very lucky to have them all dialed for the first run of the Phoenix

[@markhinkle3234]

I’d like to see how you set up the Flysky GT5 to work with all of the servo’s. Excellent video! This is a great kit and is a game changer.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Coming soon!

[@edsadventures3575]

Great trucks. Thanks for such a detailed show.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Glad you like it. Wayy too long this video but felt bad about cutting it further.

[@edsadventures3575]

@@RCReviewChannel I enjoy any length. Live would have been great too. Look forward to the next one!

[@edsadventures3575]

@@RCReviewChannel I’m very interested in getting this. Big purchase for me. So it’s awesome to have you go in great details about it. I will be able to purchase it with confidence. Much appreciated!

[@jaybenson2247]

Great review gentleman. Appreciate your insight.

[@ZephyrCalhoon]

Thanks for the informative video! What were the modifications in the yellow rig? Are those dravtech shocks, wheels weights etc?

[@shuster1921]

I Love you Guy's!! Most Excellent Review!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

thank you.

[@rkd350z]

I feel od improves the chance of making over steep climb, but I noticed it improved my downhill, turning and stability during bashing. Fronts pull the rear tires so the rig straightens out and drives straight. Od does drain my batter faster than stock.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Descending... that is interesting. We'll test that.

[@rkd350z]

@@RCReviewChannel going downhill is much easier w 30%od. Rear tires spin slower so it drags and works like a mini dig.

[@derricksazrc3411]

That transmission is definitely a selling point with the dig feature included.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Innovation is cool to see in our hobby.

[@jonthomas8487]

I’m ready to see Josh with Harley Designs put a drag combo in one and run it in RWD to show the transmission durability

[@SonoranScaleStudios]

Looks fantastic!! Very interested in getting one, thanks for the detailed video as always!!

[@RCReviewChannel]

Thanks for watching!

[@JoeCools]

Need to do a detailed build out of the yellow Vanquish what all did you do to it? That rig is sick, yo!

[@1180flowrider]

Hey Francis, Great video right there. Best out there regarding comparison! Just FYI: Your Amain link is not working anymore.

[@danielkonrad1444]

Did you have any issues with your Kit? Wrong parts, or parts, especially bearings, that have a way to loose fit? And spring retainers that didnt screw in properly?

[@Bidle78]

How did you assigned the options,... as the controller you use is the Flyby gs5 right and it only has 1 three switch. So where did you put the dig to have neutral???

[@paulclancy2404]

Quality kit , can tell 👌

[@paulclancy2404]

Might be better than my gen8

[@RCReviewChannel]

possibility

[@TheAmericanUhate]

Ordered one last night on amain for $432 with taxes and shipping. I want to make it as capable as possible on the stock chassis. I love my trx4 but it's too heavy to be capable but it's scale and that's good for what it is

[@RCPropaganda]

def would like to try one in the future

[@RCReviewChannel]

You needs one.

[@foolsquirrel]

Great content as always, Francis! The capability of the truck in stock form or with just a little mods looks really impressive. Are those Q-series LED lights on Neil's truck. They look insanely bright.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Well said! 640 lumens for those lights.

[@justinluczak5611]

Would you do straight axel or portal now? I’m thinking of getting the straight axel rtr pheonix

[@Mrrootsfull]

I would love to see a video on how to program all those servo’s on a Flysky GT5

[@aalmuhairi]

I would really love to see list of moods on yellow one with links to it.

[@liammcilwaine6804]

Hey Francis, what is the exact setup on the yellow one ? I’m looking at buying some ottsix wheels for my phoenix portal and would love to know what Neil has used exactly. Thanks very much

[@scottishdouglas4214]

What motor and ESC is the yellow one running .... Great review I picked one up 2 days ago just happened to check vanquish's site

[@AnthonyGonzalez-lw1ek]

What amazing machines and great details on information, Neal what’s that color ?

[@smcarmel]

Best crawler motor for this thing? I was thinking the fusion Pro?

[@RC4X4]

Did you guys use normal size servos all around to clear the body? I saw maybe that Low Profile servos need to be used with the interior.

[@dudeonther1978]

Great video. The cherry on top would have been if you had the origin present. Nice work

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

Would still love a list or links to the components used on the two rigs. I’m an RTR guy 😂

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will do for sure.

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

@@RCReviewChannel thank you and, as I’ve said a few times before, love the videos with you and your son. Hope to bond over this hobby with my own!

[@TheCraigwallace736]

Can we get a crawler reveiw of this vs toyzuki v2 on wich is best. That would be great.

[@donb4138]

Great video. I was thinking about getting one but I have a highly modified Ultra and just can’t justify it. My ultra is very similar to the yellow one as far as electronics and it has the dig in it as well. It is very heavy down low.

[@RC4X4]

The trucks great and great review. On the bodyies, does it come with black decals for trim or did you guys paint that?

[@mickd8188]

All included 👍

[@Rc-Adventurers]

Can see Neil’s mods and set up closer?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will do on another video

[@MrSneakyGunz]

@Rc Review or Anyone? What would you recommend for motor/esc if money is not a factor? The VERY best? Brushed and/or brushless that fits this vehicle. I just backordered one at AmainHobbies. I'd like to install the most powerful, quiet brushless option that will fit. Unfortunately I don't have a local hobby store. Closest is a couple hours by car. Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

[@Furadi]

We've found that super big OD doesn't actually help in climbs due to weight transfer. Rear tires are doing most of the work.

[@juanortiz681]

15 to 25 is a sweet spot for most rigs like in my trx 4 im running the ud in the rear and that is enough for sidehill and steep climbs but hey every rig is diffrent

[@mikebird8290]

GREAT VIDEO OF A AMAZING LOOKING TRUCK. LOVING THE PRICE POINT. THANKS FOR POSTING SIR 🇬🇧🇺🇸🕊️✌️👍

[@RCReviewChannel]

You bet. Not easy to make this one since there was so much to share. But we tried.

[@BroncoSteven69]

What headlights is he running in the yellow one? They are insane.

[@RCReviewChannel]

They are Vanquish $100 ones. Visible in daylight!!!

[@BroncoSteven69]

How did he mount them?

[@EugeneRCDrezgalovo48rus]

Awesome video 👍

[@duncanellico1398]

Hi What led lights are used on the yellow Phoenix thank you just ordered mine today after watching your vid today thank you guys great vid !!!!!

[@zaxpage9003]

i am curious about the shocks leaking, i have the pro kit and i realize it takes some kind of vodoo magic to keep oil in them. i thought about flipping them upside down. any ideas?

[@mickd8188]

Don't overfill and green slime the o'rings, personally I use 60wt oil and mine have been perfect.... Cheers 👍

[@fabianrengelink2662]

Will a hobbywing fusion 2300kV fit on the vanquish phoenix?

[@gregoryduvall4758]

Which ottsix dual stage foams are you using in the yellow truck?

[@neilmandude]

Yellow and blues

[@gregoryduvall4758]

Halo foams?

[@troysawyers9781]

Do you have a parts list/part numbers for the yellow ones modifications?

[@JGrav-ko1ey]

Just got my transmission together. I have almost 3mm play in the drag Axel for the rear 😳 how much is in yours? Maby take Axel apart and chim it up?

[@markrepaci5939]

Will this Chassis Work with the Killerbody LC70 Body.?

[@aalmuhairi]

i would love to see the list of mood he did. what shocks he used ?

[@zonegamma8197]

very good review thanks

[@shoky11TV]

Hi there - does Neil have a channel or link?? I'd like to setup my Phoenix identically to his! I'm almost there....just need a few tips from him to complete it :)

[@masonhudson7358]

Can you please review the rancher ridgerock

[@masonhudson7358]

Danchee Ridgerock

[@joweemac]

that was Great :o) Thanks guys!!

[@carlosancinez9116]

Thanks for the awesome content, between the ultra and Phoenix portal which one do you recommend, why would I want to get one over the other? Thanks

[@RCReviewChannel]

Phoenix Portal for sure. More money saved for upgrades!

[@paulclancy2404]

Ok I don't have enough environmental situations to warrant 1000 crawler but man that neutral drop has me drooling 😋

[@RCReviewChannel]

I'm not sure we're supposed to to that but hey.... it can take it and it's serviceable.

[@paulclancy2404]

Dumb question, how do go into neutral and have so many options with 3 way switch , 6% 33% regular ratio and 2wd dig on separate channel and switch 🤔

[@carloseblanco]

I would like to buy this tree led front light. Could you let me know the link?

[@RCDRIVERSTUDIO]

Nice video :) Thank you

[@Rc-Adventurers]

What’s the length and width of the Phoenix battery tray.

[@BroncoSteven69]

What does the yellow one weigh?

[@persuasiv3tv260]

What droop setup is he running?

[@blowback8852]

Sir, can i use the stock Trx4 Servos for the DiG and OD? I have two trx4s, to save cost, i will just upgrade the servos on my two trx4s, and contemplating to install them for the Dig and OD of the Phoenix I’ve ordered. Thanks and more power -from Philippines 🇵🇭 And What pinion gear on the motor was used Sir?

[@rcbears2229]

Nice channel, good info. Very helpful. Question, because I'm very curious. You guys have Indonesian roots?

[@loum7008]

Maybe 33% is too much OD? My TRX4 Sport with overdrive and underdrive is at 26% and I don't see a downside. My neighbor is doing a build with the same electronics. It will be great to check it out!!!

[@robrob1596]

How did Neal mount the shocks exactly!?🤘🇺🇲 and what other cool modifications like that?

[@RCReviewChannel]

We'll do a video on it.

[@johannwitt1854]

@@RCReviewChannel Still would like to see that!

[@Rc-Adventurers]

Need some help with my Phoenix. Currently I’m running a HW 1080 with 13 turn 5 slot brushed motor with 17 tooth pinion. The control is good but there is not much In the way of top speed. Can u give me a brushless system that is under $200? I have never run brushless so I have no idea what KV would be best with what pinion size. Love you honest reviews. Thank you for the help

[@RCReviewChannel]

This is what I have, running just the stock 17t pinion snp.link/d24894a0. So awesome!!! 3s or 4s lipo battery. 4s like this makes it fly snp.link/e9d084c7

[@christophermears7738]

You should really go out and do a build video of these newer rigs that's what a lot of us guys are looking for. We want to see what's inside it before we go and kick out $500. And you're unboxing video in this video didn't really cover it said there's a lot of plastic in the transmission but didn't say if it was the gears or whatnot all that stuff is important. Other than that keep up the good work

[@josecanseca8979]

you said it my best my friend...

[@JGrav-ko1ey]

What Motor/esc in the yellow one?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Castle Mamba X ESC and Holmes Hobbies Puller Pro 3300kv Stubby

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

Ha! Just asked for this!

[@sitlos.]

I think it would be super interesting and also very informative to take that phoenix and a stock trx4 sport (maybe with better electronics) to make things fair and do a head to head. I kinda feel like the sport would do everything this does for a lot cheaper. Might be wrong but I’d be curious to find out. Also the widening kit I wouldn’t say is stock if that’s an option they give u so maybe throw some cheap ones on the trx4 sport also and it probably outperforms the vanquish for less money🤔🤔🤔🤷‍♂️👍

[@sitlos.]

Prove me wrong Francis…. Lol. 😋😉

[@josecanseca8979]

spot on and you'll save $$...

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yup, we'll try it.

[@santiago71280]

Hi, what will be your recommendation? TRX4 bronco 2021 or this vanquish?

[@jasond1245]

Trx4 all day

[@paulclancy2404]

Ya right , I dought trx is as good

[@jasond1245]

@@paulclancy2404 from video sounds like they had some fit and finish problems my trx4 was flawless not mention Its rtr the bronco and Phoenix is 500 for a kit

[@SuperSTEIN24]

This IMO. I have a Trx4 and really like it but I’m getting one of these. Basically everything I would change about my Trx4. Dig and selectable OD is awesome. I’ve got a sport and the body angles are a lot in comparison to this thing. This will be much more nimble. If you want speed tho you need better electronics. Quality is much higher on this rig tho. Not to say the Trx4 isn’t nice, but this thing looks fantastic.

[@jasond1245]

@@SuperSTEIN24 sorry I don't see it 200 dollars more for trx4 or same price as trx4 bronco or 50 dollars more for 2021 version

[@SnarkyRC]

Looks decent as far as portal equipped trucks go

[@A_BLACKMANUSMC]

Are you guys going to a video Phoenix vs TRX4 vs element rc? Please 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@BroncoSteven69]

How much money does he have in the yellow one compared to the blue one? You rock!

[@bensonbenjamin6452]

Its a locked diff right. So will any one the tyres out spin while makig a though turn ?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Yeah, all locked diffs. Yeah tight turns means it pushes a little bit on turns.

[@bensonbenjamin6452]

@@RCReviewChannelfrom which web can I purchase "defender" type of locking axle?

[@latefangs423]

that specific servo horn might be a problem for me,as it is hard for me to get my hand on a vanquish product

[@RCReviewChannel]

One of our vehicles has all Vanquish horns and the other has third party. We'll take photos as it is possible to use third party horns as long as they are flat and low profile.

[@billtrimble4882]

Nice review. I will be getting one, just not sure in my wife will ask me to sell one. Tires, most of the folks getting a Vanquish product have tires, soooooo we can put the stock tires on a shelf queen. When might you review the Anti-foams?

[@RCReviewChannel]

Good choice!

[@rkd350z]

Anti foams were sold out in like 30min... I’m looking to get a set for myself too. I saw exocage rc’s review and gotta try now

[@VetteWay2Fast]

Great looking crawler! What’s your thoughts on the scx6 coming out?

[@RCReviewChannel]

I have it ordered but it is so expensive with nothing new other than it's BIG. Having second thoughts.

[@VetteWay2Fast]

That’s true but I figure the size is going to be very interesting with a more realistic experience, added tire flex and more scale like crawling due to added weight. Saw one at the lhs and gotta admit, thing looks pretty cool. Only criticism would be lack of hardbody with opening hood/doors especially since the esc cover has a scale engine cover. Hopefully some aftermarket bodies hit the market soon

[@davew1285]

Hey Francis - do you think VP will release a the Phoenix with their beautifully machined axles? I know they have the Origin Pro and Ultra available but i much prefer the looks of the Phoenix and really like the twin gearbox. It really floats my boat...

[@RCReviewChannel]

I am not sure. They'll sell compatible axles for sure as upgrades. Does anyone know if the existing machined axles work with the Phoenix Portal?

[@Atomic_dipper]

They just released the machined f10 housings they haven't released any of the knuckles or anything for them yet though

[@BANTAM53]

Like to see these same test on slippery muddy ground.

[@RCReviewChannel]

Fail everything. Problem with slippery stuff is it's hard to baseline and compare to others. It becomes a random wildcard.

[@jonathanfletcher97]

Is Neil running Traxxas big bores on his?

[@neilmandude]

Yeeeeeaaaaaahhh

[@jonathanfletcher97]

@@neilmandude hell yeah 🤘🏼

[@blowback8852]

Can you send the links for the motor and esc combo and recommended three servos. Thank You 😊

[@RCReviewChannel]

Will add In the description

[@blowback8852]

@@RCReviewChannel thank You sir. I will be having my first kit. Will arrive by November. All my crawlers are rtrs from traxxas.