What Makes A Good RC Comp Crawler Rig? [Let's Talk LCG, Suspension Tuning, Tires/Foams, Electronics]

In this video, I want to look at four different attributes that I think make for a great competition RC Crawler build! We’ll cover lowering your center of gravity, tuning your suspension, getting the right tires and foams, and choosing the right electronics-so strap up and let’s hit the rocks!
Take these opinions with a grain of salt; I am not claiming to be an expert by any means-I’m just a guy who loves tiny trucks. If I help someone put together their first RC comp crawler, these are the points that I would bring to their attention in hopes of giving them a better understanding of the mechanics at play. Make sure to do your own research!! As I mention near the end of the video, all of this stuff is going to, in large part, come down to trial and error in order to figure out what works for you.
Let me know what you think in the comments down below! Have another idea for a video? I’d love to hear what you’ve got, so let me know!
Please don't forget to like the video if you enjoyed, subscribe for more content, and find us on our other social media channels:
Instagram: @highnoonhobby
Facebook: / highnoonhobbyco
Website: www.highnoonhobby.com/
Rock Pirates RC Website: rockpiratesrc.com/
Music Credit:
1. 0:00 Not For Nothing, Otis McDonald goo.gl/piodvb
2. 1:58 Rock Angel , Joaklm Karud goo.gl/81ZG5B
3. 5:39 Not Too Cray, Huma-Huma goo.gl/cNsHB9
4. 7:50 Otis McMusic, Otis McDonald goo.gl/Lus7vy
5. 9:45 Lullaby, Joaklm Karud goo.gl/3YfQ8Q

[@user-pe3rl9kn6d]

I'm a noob in the crawling game however I love it. Going to the woods, making my own custom parts like bumpers grills and trailers, and just doing what I please with them. It is truly a wonderfull hobby.

[@highnoonhobby]

It really is a fantastic hobby, glad you're finding a passion for it like I have! Cheers! 🍻🤙🏼🤘🏼

[@jerryvolpini7987]

I like your honesty, just a good vibe to what you're doing! 👍 I think there's lots of room for a channel like this, where people newer to RC can come and share their experiences. Good luck with the channel (and, yes, I subscribed)!

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you very much!! I appreciate the input-I'm definitely just stumbling around trying to find my way in the hobby, but it's awesome to have such a great community around me as I do. Cheers! 🤙🏼

[@paulschryer9571]

@@highnoonhobby ... OH.... QUIT BEING SO FUQQIN' "HONEST"..... - Ya... Right !!! 😏😔👎 [D.F.O.S.] !!!! 🤫

[@brianhawkins866]

Love the honesty and not claiming ur the best and everything u do is right nice video. Keep it up and u will be a master

[@mrbutchee1]

I race 4wd buggies, the way I would say what is important for crawling. 1. Is tires, tires equal your ability to move and not slip. Tires for me win races. Same for crawling, you got big old dirt tires or trail tires your gonna have alot of slipping (dont forget foams). 2. Suspension, ability to keep tires planted for grip. 3. Low center of gravity with a balance of clearance. 4. Power, but don't think anyone has problem with power except in steering.

[@highnoonhobby]

Great point! The foams are certainly often overlooked as well, but with how important sidewall rigidity and air pressure are in the full-size world, it would make sense that it’s just as important in the scale world! Cheers!

[@ryankadota1701]

Hey Alec, those are some good point you bring up, I would like to add a few things. Shock oil, I run a very heavy oil like 80w to 90w in the front this helps the front from rebounding too fast for climbing steep rocks and will give a more predictable handling in the steep stuff. For the rear a heavy 90w - 100w oil helps by slowing the compression of the spring when the rear tires hit the climb. Helps keeping the front down on the hill for traction. The next point is rear upper link geometry, specifically your anti-squat value. To much anti squat and you rear end will start bouncing and hopping making it a really pain if trying to go up somthing.. To low and the truck will want to flip over backwards on any kind of steep hill. So find a happy medium where the the rear doesn't hop, but where the tires really just kinda do a slow controlled burnout. These are my opinions to what really makes a good controllable comp rig. Keep up the great work, it's always a pleasure watching your videos. Have a great day and we enjoyed your company camping this last weekend!🤙🤘😀

[@highnoonhobby]

Thanks for the additional points, Ryan!! You definitely have more shock-tuning experience than myself, and everything you're saying makes perfect sense! I lucked out in having this truck pre-tuned and set up pretty well, but this is something I'm going to have to dive into very soon on my other rigs. And thank you for your kind words, it was a pleasure as always to get out on a little adventure with ya and enjoy some scale crawlin! Always good times with the SL,UTs-I'm excited for the next one already! 🤙🏼🍻🍻

[@ryankadota1701]

🍻🍻

[@woodcox0171]

All of that! Good points, Alec. It’s really cool listening to the truck work and quiet down once it hooks up.

[@highnoonhobby]

Much appreciated!! I do think it's awesome to listen to the truck work out in the wild, I may try to do more in the future where I mic up the truck or something like that-but I'm glad you liked the changeup, I really appreciate the feedback! Helps me on my quest to make the videos as good as possible 🤙🏼

[@HappyValleyCrawlers]

Of course I learn that battery size can be an issue AFTER I bought two 5200 mAh 3S lipos 😂 gonna have to cut those connectors so I can use them in my Maxx2 and replace them with shorty packs. Thx for letting me sesh with you guys yesterday Alec, you and Luke’s advice will help a ton 👊🏻🍻

[@highnoonhobby]

Hahahaha I did the same exact thing, you are not alone! But it was a great day of crawlin, it was great to meet ya in person and see you kill some lines 🤙🏼

[@mercilessradio1770]

Hey guy, I was one of the founders of One Ten Drift Network until the ego destroyed it. I do crawling now. I dont know what I am doing for the most part now so thank you for the data.

[@highnoonhobby]

Hahaha well I am very glad I could help! I'll try to keep the informative content coming for ya! Cheers, my friend! 🤘🏼🍻

[@CRAZYBUILD349]

Great looking truck and did very well crawling to, keep crawling my friend,👍🛻

[@highnoonhobby]

Much appreciated!! Working on my driving skills every day! Thanks for checkin in! 🤘🏼🤙🏼

[@danweiss4928]

Tires and foam definitely can make or break a good crawler. So many things come in the play but that’s the fun of the Hobby. Always learning from our own mistakes. And others helping us with our shortsightedness. good video enjoyed it! I’m new here.

[@highnoonhobby]

Definitely a great point, tires and foams make a huge difference! It's funny that even new tires can be a disadvantage in their own right. Thanks for checking in, I appreciate it!!

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Great honest video. I've found proline super swampers and duratrax my favourite tyres on my capra, didn't like hyrax thought the treads were to hard. Thx for sharing. John

[@highnoonhobby]

Interesting! I'm curious, were you using Hyrax G8's? I've always felt like the Hyrax were too soft. Much appreciated, John! Cheers 🍻

[@brentpollock4137]

Well done thanks for the good information. I Injoy all of the things that you suggested. ✌

[@highnoonhobby]

Much appreciated! Thanks for checkin in! 🤙🏼

[@mickd8188]

Cool video, like what you're doing with your content. Just subbed on your last video and I already enjoy your instagram. My add to your rig building suggestion is buy the very best servo you can afford. Cheers mate 👍

[@highnoonhobby]

Really appreciate you takin the time to check in, and thanks for subbing! That's also a great piece of advice-I'm thinking about doing a steering-servo-specific video here soon since it's a rabbit hole that I'm currently exploring. Cheers! 🍻

[@evintacy7272]

Great videos my brother! Love your style

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you so much man, that really means a lot! And thanks for checkin in! 🙏🏼🤙🏼

[@evintacy7272]

@@highnoonhobby got a sub from me! Bud,, I watch Logan as well so awesome your the guy that bought the vanquish off him!! Can’t wait watch video that you put out this am!!

[@unclejacksjackshack]

Loving it! I’m a newb myself, I’ve loved RC cars all my life. I’m really digging the crawling & over landing. I’m nowhere near ready to compete in the pros but I just have such a great time doing it & that’s all that matters. I like doing all my own repairs, this way I’m learning as I go. Thanks for the videos

[@highnoonhobby]

Hey, we all gotta start at the bottom, I feel ya! But it's great fun, especially when you're surrounded by good people who can help out and make the experience that much better. Thanks for checkin in!

[@OGRadGrow]

Great suspension info 👍🏾

[@highnoonhobby]

Much appreciated!! Thanks for the feedback! 🤘🏼🤙🏼🤘🏼

[@WillB.6759]

The 10.2s an the Ecto's are Killin it with the RPRC shock towers n gear for sure. I plan on starting a new build in April an go all IERC since Thier coming out with the Ecto line of goodies soon. Chunk is staying RPRC luv what they have made the ecto into. Chunk doin that Truffle-shuffle on the hard lines🤣🤣🤣

[@highnoonhobby]

Ohhh that’s good to know!! I think that’s a great way to go, I’ve heard nothing but great things about IERC’s gear! But RPRC is certainly a fantastic option and I’ve had nothing but great interactions with them, so I can definitely attest to their customer service.

[@timpowers9429]

Definitely invest in 2-stage or some 3 brothers anti foams with the tuning rods with some soft tires makes a world of difference. Also electronics do play a role as they let you obtain full performance from servo , that is if you have one that can handle it. Nice rig🤙

[@highnoonhobby]

I've got some special foams coming from a buddy that 3-d prints them, but I definitely want to try the 3 Brothers foams as well!! That's next on the list for me 😅 and that's a very good point, the steering servo also plays a big role, especially in technical situations. Thanks for checkin in! 🤙🏼

[@acrccrawlers9548]

Awesome video brother very informative👍👍liked and subbed.

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you so much!! And thanks for subbing, looking forward to seeing ya around these parts again! Cheers! 🍻

[@pintuajaib]

Thank for your share..

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you for the watch! Much appreciated! 🤘🏼

[@rcarty419]

Dude very cool video. For me take any RC remove the springs, band the front down and it’s gonna do well, get rid of extra weight and good tires and gonna start really looking good. Throw a lcg chassis under it some extra weight and you are killing it.

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you very much! That's certainly all great advice you have there, I agree entirely! Cheers 🤙🏼🤙🏼🤘🏼🍻

[@ka4172]

Very nice video to learn build your own truck.Maybe teach us how to comp crawl,whats important to "read the right line"! I learn all four tyres setting on the rocks right very important not only position the front ones. I want to try build a comp ready rig on a budget with Capra style axels. whats important specs for wheel base and skid position? can i build my own skid from witch stuff ?

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you so much! I think these are some great suggestions for future videos, I'll certainly catalogue them and make sure to cover them soon. Reading the line is something I'm still working on, but I'd love to provide some insights on what I've learned so far! As for the specs & skid questions-I've seen a variety of wheelbases perform well at comps, so I think that comes down to preference; although you should also take into account the physics of a shorter wheelbase truck when compared to a longer wheelbase truck on a significant incline or decline (longer wheelbase tends to feel more planted in these circumstances) as well as through tight, technical terrain (short wheelbase tends to be more maneuverable in these circumstances). I've personally 3-d printed a few skid plates with free files that I found on thingiverse, but i've also seen skids milled out of Delrin as well. The details there are going to come down to the platform you're using and what type of skid you're looking for. Hope this info helps-cheers! 🍻🤘🏼

[@stephenr6427]

Don't know why this channel doesn't have more subscribers and I'd recommend jconcept landmines or ruptures they perform great on sandstone

[@highnoonhobby]

Thanks! I appreciate that, and I’ll definitely have to try those out! 🤘🏼

[@ryurc3033]

One of the best mods ever, can help any driver of any skill level..... The driver mod. You can have a top class rig take a loss to some nearly stock rig that the guy has been driving for 4 years.

[@highnoonhobby]

Agreed 100%!! As a newbie driver myself, the biggest thing that has helped me progress is watching other drivers and taking notes, and then applying those notes through hours and hours of practice. Thanks for the input!

[@ryurc3033]

@@highnoonhobby your already ahead because your not coming into it like you know everything. Someone who is willing to learn will have better luck than someone who "knows everything already"

[@brittcustoms11]

I love this video and I liked it before I started watching it Becuase I knew it would be good Becuase All your videos are good 👍

[@highnoonhobby]

Awwww 😁 You're too kind!! Thank you so much!!! 🤘🏼🤘🏼

[@brittcustoms11]

@@highnoonhobby all good mate 🤟🏻🤟🏻 keep it up maybe if I get big I will come to American and come to some comps with u guys if u have tiktok my user is my youtube name :)

[@mikebird8290]

I ♥️ YOUR HONESTY SIR🇬🇧🇺🇲🕊️✌🏼👍🏼

[@highnoonhobby]

Much appreciated my friend!! And thank you for checkin in! Cheers 🍻🍻

[@bkrgi]

Okay now I want to see a collab with Logan out on the trail Subbed in

[@highnoonhobby]

Thanks for the sub, appreciate that!! And stay tuned, we’ll definitely have some collaborative content coming soon!

[@Pnw-nick]

SOUND AND 100% SPEED!

[@highnoonhobby]

Thanks for the feedback! I appreciate it!

[@Rcmorty]

Hello 👋🏻 I will recommend you to try some tire from jconcept and you can check out the landmine tire and your rig will preform even better 👌🏻☺️

[@highnoonhobby]

I've heard great things about the JConcepts, I'll definitely have to give them a try! Thanks for the recommendation! 🤘🏼

[@WillB.6759]

Hey I know that rig lol. What's up bubs!!! Have a great week.👊🤙🤙🤙

[@highnoonhobby]

Hahaha what’s up William!! Good to see ya here, thanks for checking in brotha!

[@paulschryer9571]

- HEY... # 150 !!! "👍" 😁 ... what an accomplishment !!!! 😆

[@highnoonhobby]

Hahahaha thanks! 😂

[@DesignedRhyme]

Video starts at 1:40

[@highnoonhobby]

video starts when the video starts 😂

[@ivanf4023]

I knew absolutely nothing about RC when I bought my Redcat Everest-10. I still won't claim I know much but I have come up with a goal. I want a 1/10th scale crawler that climbs up concrete stairs. I'm pretty sure it's possible. I don't think I can pull it off with the redcat chassis though. The wheel-base is kinda short. I feel like even with portal axles and oversized tires I'll still be stuck on the suspension links. Unless I get longer lower links or some such.

[@highnoonhobby]

That’s a valiant goal!! I’ve definitely seen crawlers that can do it before-but I might be with ya there, I don’t know if the Redcat is the foundation you need. Best of luck with the build, I’m stoked to see where it takes you!

[@mech0p]

so im looking at getting into crawling and am curious what you think a good starter is that would be competitive but not insanely priced.

[@highnoonhobby]

Great question!! There are many options, but I would personally assess what you're trying to do more of-trailing or competing? If competition is your primary objective, spending a little more on an SCX10Pro or similar kit would be worth it, but if you're doing it more for fun, I think you have a lot more options!

[@WillB.6759]

Agreed, The HW 1080 quicrun for under 50 is just as good as the copperhead10 that runs $120 plus the cost of the USB program kit or the B-link lol.

[@highnoonhobby]

Foreal! The 1080 is a fantastic option, and mine performs like a dream for a a comp car-exactly what ya need!

[@baileysalez4296]

I got the 1800 should I have gotten the 1080

[@Stealthfoams]

Should I have my rig less heavy or weight down low front and rear like I have and balanced or make it lighter?

[@highnoonhobby]

Great question! Each driver likes a slightly different weight setup-I know some guys that run 7-8 pound comp rigs and absolutely slay it, and other guys who run 4 pound rigs and crush it as well. Use whatever you are most comfortable with and provides the most consistency for your driving. I personally like a bit more weight, especially in the wheels and axles.

[@kinglimpang8067]

May I know if the tires are vented? The rear wheels seems to be too stiff to climb up steps.

[@highnoonhobby]

These are not currently vented. That is something that I've done to other rigs, and may end up doing with this truck in the future as well. Thank you for the feedback, though! As I look through the footage, you have a very good point.

[@taterains989]

What would you recommend. 10.2 lcg or just buy the ecto. I’m not a comp guy but enjoy the hoppy

[@highnoonhobby]

Ohh good question-I've heard great things about the Ecto, but I haven't owned one yet, myself. I am quite happy with the 10.2 though. I think there are a bit more aftermarket options for tuning the 10.2, but at the end of the day, I don't think there's a wrong choice between the two! 🤘🏼🤙🏼🤘🏼

[@taterains989]

I appreciate the info man!! I enjoy watching the channel!

[@wjlaster]

What lengths of droop where you running in this rig? 90mm?

[@highnoonhobby]

These are 90mm Desert Lizards with the shortest spring on the bottom end to reduce the droop from full ever so slightly.

[@jimspencer9628]

Low long ish inner springs under the pistion and on top 90% droop servo winch down front n rear

[@highnoonhobby]

Great recommendations, thank you! Appreciate your input!

[@jimspencer9628]

@@highnoonhobby n try longer shocks that way they drop out n give you heaps of ramp over when needed n inner springs don't let it flop around as much

[@dustinrossi9384]

I'm new 🤟🏼 always looking for tips tricks advice, I'm still fairly new so any info I can soak up Is appreciated

[@highnoonhobby]

Heck yeah, thanks for joining us on the channel! Hopefully these videos can help you become an epic driver like so many of those we cover-just remember practice is most important!

[@Stealthfoams]

Is having a lighter rig or heavy rig better?

[@highnoonhobby]

Could go either way! I think the problems come in when your rig is either too heavy or too light, but a happy balance can be struck. Some like it slightly heavier and some slightly lighter-you'll have to experiment and see what works best for you. My comp rig is now around 6.5 to 7 lbs and I like it there for predictability-but I do lose out on some climbing and sidehill performance.

[@joeg1129]

What about overdrive? How about scale points?

[@highnoonhobby]

Definitely also big considerations, although I know many of the events near me don't count scale points. But I'll certainly cover these topics in a future video!

[@adammtber5199]

Good video. The music and other audio are competing with each other.

[@highnoonhobby]

Thank you! And I appreciate the feedback, I'll definitely keep that in mind for the next upload!

[@THgamingRO]

u need some Proline tyres

[@highnoonhobby]

Agreed!! They’re actually on there now! 😅

[@ChordsofPower]

What about weight and 60/40?

[@highnoonhobby]

Definitely a great thing to consider! Although I know many individuals who don't even weigh their rigs, they just rely on the engineers to put the weight in the right place for them during the design process 😂🤘🏼

[@OvertAlpaca9879]

Where is this located?

[@highnoonhobby]

This is near the water towers in Sand Hollow, Utah!

[@SlavaRC]

🥰🤩💥👍👏

[@highnoonhobby]

🍻🍻

[@dontdogarage]

You forgot the main thing to a comp rig.. The truck is only as good as the driver

[@highnoonhobby]

Absolutely true! Practice is definitely the biggest pain point for a ton of drivers-great point! 🤘🏼

[@dontdogarage]

@@highnoonhobby my buddy had a element Enduro trailrunner with ifs he made all the comp lines look so easy with it. Well last month he put it up forsell and I bought it and couldn't do half the lines he could but now that I have a few weeks worth of driving it I'm able to do the same comp lines

[@christophernaumann1650]

Can’t watch this. Your background music is so Annoying.

[@highnoonhobby]

Thanks for the feedback! Would you rather have no background music, or just another style? Cheers!