Will It Crawl? Redcat Gen9 Tested!

This is the second part of our Redcat Gen9 review. Time for the 6-Problem Rock Test!
Buy from Redcat direct: www.redcatracing.com/?ref=Dzc...
(aff. link)
If you missed it, here's Part 1: • Gen9: a New Benchmark ...
Corrections/Notes:
- I made a bit of a mess of the summary in this one, I'm sorry. The car did not finish P2 cleanly and P3 was sketchy. We did get P1, P4, P5 and P6, but the car is not "6-Problem Approved". At least, not yet. I'll make some very minor changes and we'll get it onto the remaining P2 and P3 again to see how it fares soon.
- at 4:30 I said "1 killer hurt". Of course, that is equal to 1kHz (or 1000 hertz). Dunno what I was thinking when I said that but it had little to do with electronics!!
- got my lefts and rights mixed up at times: you want more pre-load in the rear-left than the rear-right, and about half of that in the fronts on the same sides. Body torque-twists to the left, so pre-load will help counter that somewhat. Thankfully, portals help for the most part!
--
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ATees: asiate.es/aff?l=213316&i=76070
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Front axle weights as recommended: amzn.to/47ahPmS
Hardened Steel Drive Shafts: amzn.to/3KBxdyW
Honestly, this is about all you'll need. It's already heavy and this will bias it forward and low. Perfect!
Read Our Article: rc-tnt.com/rc-crawlers/redcat...
Radiolink RC8X Radio System:
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UBEC to give 8.4V to servo on 3S: amzn.to/3Dx418i
ESC Upgrade Options:
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Related Videos to Check Out:
Gen 8 V2 Review Series: • Does the Gen 8 V2 Deli...
Dry Tire Test: • Dry Rock Crawling Tire...
Trails Tire Test: • HUGE Test 11 Tires! Be...
Wet Rock Tire Test: • Best Crawler Tires for...
Gen 8 V2 Upgrades: • Essential RC Crawling ...
Gen 8 V2 More Upgrades: • Gen 8 V2 Upgrade Fail!...
Chapters:
0:00 Redcat Gen9 Review
1:11 Rock Test
18:13 Test Debrief
Articles:
What's the Best RC Car? rc-tnt.com/guides/best-rc-car/
Best RC Crawler? rc-tnt.com/manufacturer/multi...
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#redcatgen9, #gen9, #redcatracing, #rccrawling, #rcreview,

[@Wild_Buggy]

The 6 problem course is my favourite part of every truck ❤

[@RCTNT]

That's very encouraging, thank you

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

mine too!

[@pocketfuloducks1062]

Everyone loves a good, well done test!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, i want them to be useful. More rigs will run it soon.

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

Allright. Just gonna say it: WOW. The performance was definitely better than I had led myself to expect. And it's not nearly as rollover-prone as I thought it would be, given how much it weighs and where the weight is carried. Like you said, this is kind of a weird car. Watching this thing go over the six problems, and what were, to me at least, unexpected difficulties on what should have been relatively easy crawls, was very informative. And, somewhat comfortingly, so very like the real thing in entirely too many ways. Weird as it is, it still did it. Winning! But IH themselves called it when they made it: "International Scout. Anything Less Is Just A Car." You realize of course that because of what you said, now I have to get a set of scale 4.19" tires just for this thing, right? It still won't be "true scale", but I bet it'll be a lot of fun. And based on the short time we've had it and few times it's been driven, I also think it could do with a little bit stiffer springs. not a lot, but a little. I think that would be a definite improvement. Ours has some issues when switching between first and second gear, too. Even when sitting still, sometimes it doesn't want to change. Considering what we bought it for, having a second gear is a nice bonus but it won't see much if any use, so it's a non-issue. I agree with others here who have said to stay with calling these "problems", it works and just feels appropriate. These are problems to be solved, after all. I for one definitely appreciate the consistency of the testing, it makes it a level field for every entry, and it's the same for everybody. Either they can do it or they can't. Congratulations on taking Second Place, that's quite an achievement. Good job, sir. Keep on keeping on with all the good work you're doing.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks Mac :) Stiffer springs in the rear will be a winner, I think. Not too much stiffer, but some will help, yeah. 4.19" tires on this will also be interesting, for sure. This is a rig with some potential for Scale-1 comp entry. I may have to mess about with that some more! Gear shifting: a small, flat file to remove some of the material in the engagement discs of the transmission might help it shift a bit. Just needs a shade more clearance to pop in easier. Or just plenty of use, as I think that should help loosen it up! Cheers

[@WestyCoastHermit]

Very surprising truck! I was not expecting too much from your problems but it proved quite capable. Well done Redcat! Thanks for your in depth look at this beauty!

[@RCTNT]

Went alright, didn't it!

[@cowboycam2240]

I like that you call them problems. Another point that differentiates your channel from others. This on top of having being entertaining and informative. Thanks for the content.

[@RCTNT]

Heh thank you. It's serious business, this RC testing!

[@cowboycam2240]

I would like to get into the hobby more but for now I will get my fix via your great video. Also, nice pup.

[@RCTNT]

No hurry and thank you 😊

[@MrCveedub]

1:19 lol the first time I saw your videos I was so confused by the "problems" but now I know exactly what you're talking about

[@RCTNT]

No problem!

[@Andy_Yates]

Good test with surprising result! It seems it nearly failed 1, 2 and 3 due to its higher CG whereas 4 and 6 test other aspects primarily. Nice to see you having a fun time with this one ✌

[@RCTNT]

Ah yes thanks Andy. I fumbled the results a bit but left everything in because you can get the idea of this thing from watching. It's an odd rig but has buckets of potential. Got some more tweaks and comparisons to make with this thing yet!

[@mgscheue]

I remember someone chiding me in a meeting because I mentioned some problems and called them that. "They're not problems, they're opportunities!" Glad I don't work there any more. I think "problem" is perfect. Keep calling them that.

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, no problem. I mean, thanks, 6 problems!

[@Noizy-Boy]

Congratulations on second place! Well done!

[@RCTNT]

Thanks, it was a close thing. There's footage from it, see my ECCF video from early April, with the "2 rigs survived!" thumbnail, if you're interested. Was a great event.

[@Noizy-Boy]

@@RCTNT I watch ALL your videos! 😃

[@RCTNT]

That's awesome to hear, thanks!

[@Djkommode]

Whoa good timing

[@rc-nilsson]

Always nice to see your tests 👌

[@muskokamike127]

13:56 great shot of the articulation on the front axle......

[@RCTNT]

Flexes up pretty nicely doesn't it

[@muskokamike127]

@@RCTNT yeah it looks to be a well thought out rig right out of the box. You also nailed it with the spring settings. Softer springs allow the axles to flex like that, stiffer wouldn't, when you cranked up the rear it made a world of difference.

[@RCTNT]

Didn't it just!

[@mauriciodelvalle4648]

Great video I was waiting for this review....❤

[@RCTNT]

Sorry to keep you waiting! Thanks for watching my videos, I don't take you for granted. Glad you got something out of this one!

[@billknepp1965]

genuinely surprised me.. had some quirks but still walked the two most difficult problems with little effort.. still think if I add another vehicle to my collection it's gonna be the deadbolt though.. I'm not sure why but after seeing it on the six problems.. it's left me wanting to add it as I have nothing from arma yet..

[@RCTNT]

It's an interesting model, this! I'm going to do the Element Sendero SE next - that thing is more like the Deadbolt than anything else currently, I think. It'll be interesting to see how that goes, too. But the Gen9 here was a pleasant surprise, eh!

[@Ginga_Ninja_RC]

It’s painfully obvious from the footage that those tires were not good, though, probably an improvement over the stock Gen8 rubber. With some proline G8 rubber (4.75 Krawlers) there’d be a world of difference. Especially if paired with some heavy front portal covers. I’ve run Gen8s and most other brands for a long time and they need weight low and forward to counter the weight of the body.

[@RCTNT]

I agree on weight but I'm not sure on tires yet. I'll include these in my upcoming tire test and we'll see!

[@elduderinolebowski5411]

@@RCTNT Having had mine for about a year now, I think the tires themselves are actually pretty decent. They're not Canyon Trails, but they're way better than the Gen8 tires. I think what lets them down is the inserts (they're a little too firm for the tire compound/carcass), and the rear springs (they're a little too soft). Fix those two issues (or get tires/inserts that do it for you) and you're golden. I put a set of RC4WD Goodyear Wrangler Duratrac 4.75" tires and my own homebrewed inserts on all four corners and that solved any potential traction or handling issues for me.

[@RCTNT]

@elduderinolebowski5411 ah, very good. I still owe this truck an upgrade and test video. Haven't gotten to it yet but it's on the list! ...the very long list

[@localsonly-ju6fc]

So what season is it in between the southern hemisphere and the northern hemisphere?

[@RCTNT]

I'll answer this with another question: What hand is between your left and your right hand? Answer: There isn't one - you have two hands, there's no middle hand. It's the same with hemispheres. The word means 'half of the sphere', and it's divided into upper (Northern) and lower (Southern) halves. For example, Christmas is hot for us and cold for you, because it's summer here when it's winter up north. Right now, we're in the third month of winter, while you're in the third month of summer. Why is it like this? Well, earth is on a tilt. Picture it doing its lap around the sun, which takes 365.25 days (ie. a year). The lap around the sun is not a pure circle, it's an elipsis, or a bit of an uneven, stretched oval. It's longer than it is wide, too, which is why we have a day each year with the least and also longest amount of daylight (winter and summer solstices). These two factors - an uneven elipsis and the earth being on a tilt - combine to give us the seasons. When the upper half of the planet is passing closer to the sun, it's warmer there because its tilting toward it. At the same time, the lower half is further away, because of that tilt, and so its colder down south. Summer in Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern. Then, then the lower half of the planet is passing closer on the other side of the elipsis (6 months later), it's summer down south and winter up north. Make sense? There's more to cover but this is a good primer. The moon gets its own discussion too, but that might be for another time!

[@muskokamike127]

9;35 I think wheel weights would make all the difference in prob 2. The full interior is making it a little top heavy I think. I betcha the tires would stick like glue with some weights in the wheels.

[@RCTNT]

I'd say you're probably right there, yeah!

[@muskokamike127]

@@RCTNT YOu nailed the issue of added weight later in the video...like when you're going vertical, too much weight would be a detriment as it would tend to pull the vehicle down instead of ON to the rocks. I learned about weight/ traction from driving in snow 2 ft deep....heavier vehicles ALWAYS get better traction. But then, like last Christmas, no amount of weight will help you when it's 6 ft deep lol. "yeah I won't be able to make it over today" lol. (yes the snow was up to the roof of my F150 4 x 4)

[@RCTNT]

Heh right, yes! Weight helps until it doesn't! Can't cheat physics!

[@muskokamike127]

@@RCTNT I really should get into rock crawling. What I'm thinking is find the outer diameter of the wheels then INSIDE the tires slide an appropriate sized steel ring so the weight is inside the tire as opposed to just on the axle. Me and my bright ideas eh? hahaha

[@RCTNT]

That mod is commercially available. It's not a terrible idea and I've seen variations on it, including a handful of ball bearings and wheel speed kept low. But yes. Yes you should :)

[@standforjesus7427]

Put good tires, and a lot of weight down low, and a fusion motor worked out great on mine love the body looks great but it is so heavy

[@RCTNT]

It is a heavy beastie, yeah! Glad you've got yours set up nicely :)

[@jayb3518]

I wonder if the transmission in the G9 is mountable in the marksman at first glance it seems like it will fit, but I suspect that the ratio at the output shaft will be a little off, since the G9 runs portals, and the marksman doesn't. Transfer case gearing between the two appear to be the same... according to the manual on line, but I guess maybe its not that easy or someone would have surely tried it by now.

[@RCTNT]

I bet it's not too difficult. Though simply putting a Fusion SE 1800 into the Marksman would give you low and high speed for less effort and probably similar money to sourcing and installing a 2-speed that isn't designed specifically for it.

[@jayb3518]

@@RCTNT thanks again for the reply, pretty good sale on both right now on redcat site. Back and forth on which to get but thinking probably go with the marksman since most of what I would be doing is driving in the woods and then maybe put a fusion in it and Save the stock electronics for a possible future 10th scale, if I could ever decide on one. Lol. In my opinion you are the first channel I visit for reviews…. Keep up the good content

[@RCTNT]

@jayb3518 thank you! Check out the Cross RC EMO X, it's the same size as the Marksman and arguably better built and a better performer: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pWXOhpWuotF8r68 Though I still love the marksman too and have an upgrade or two still waiting to go into it! I think it's weakest part is the axles where they meet in the diff spool. The metal isn't high enough grade and my front left has rotated already a couple of times - it happened on camera in the rock test video. Torque twist is major, too. I'm working on that now. And of course the stock servo is a giant fail. Other than those three things, all of which can be dealt with, it's a solid and fun rig and it looks great! You'll love it, if you get one, I'm sure. Cheers!

[@jeffparryncc1701]

Have you run an Axial Wraith 1.9 or a 2.2 over the course?😎

[@RCTNT]

I have run 2.2 rigs over the course, but not a wraith. Videos on my channel that have 2.2s on the course: Marksman TC Cross RC EMO X Gatekeeper on 2.2 TRX4 Bronco on lift kit & 2.2s Capra on 5.4" 1.9s (recent Tuff Truck prep) But not the bigger crawlers, no.

[@jeffparryncc1701]

@@RCTNT :)

[@AL-ud2is]

I'm a bit confused, at the end you say it did all 6 problems that the gen8 couldn't do but it clearly couldn't do 2-3 and you can't really count 5 either as it only did half the problem 🤷‍♂

[@RCTNT]

Yeah I messed the summary up a bit, I'm sorry! It definitely finished 5 and managed 3 insofar as it got to the top, but 2 was a fail, yes. It seems easy to remember watching it back on video, but in the moment I find it surprisingly hard to remember some days, but don't actually notice it's hard until afterward! In hindsight I should have made a note in the edit, clearing up any confusion like this. I've made a note in the video description now to address this. I might have to start writing things down as I go or something like that. Sorry for the inconsistency, I'll work to do better next time. Thank you for watching!

[@AL-ud2is]

@@RCTNT No worries, still a very enjoyable vid and a good review👍can't be easy driving and thinking of what you're going to say at the same time, had a go at doing these kind of vids with my crawlers but all I do is say "um" and "er" a lot and forget what I was talking about plus I hate the sound of my own voice so I sacked that idea off lol

[@RCTNT]

Haha so true, it gets easier but there's still a lot of CPU going to voice, and ensuring we're in frame, and if the light is still right, and whether I'm driving it well enough... Recalling anything past the last half minute is a miracle!! Thanks for understanding, I got a giggle from how you explained your own experiences! Cheers brother

[@markcole6475]

Nice review! Ive got 2 Gen8 rigs and they were good back in their day but needed a lot of upgrades to be somewhat competitive! Great rigs to start out with (as they were for me) but I’m not a fan of the Gen9 platform so much being the stage of rock crawling I’m into now! I’m selling my Gen8 stuff moving forward! The body on this Gen9 isn’t appealing to me either😢

[@RCTNT]

Can't make them for everyone! But there's heaps of choice in the hobby these days, more than ever before, so it's all good :)

[@markcole6475]

@@RCTNT agree! Don’t get me wrong , it’s not a terrible rig but with all the other manufactures stepping it up a bit , I would thing redcat would also! The Gen8 was a big hit when released….just don’t hear a lot of people boosting about the Gen9

[@philthyco1]

@@markcole6475 Lol..Hater much?

[@RCTNT]

I'd call what he said a reasoned opinion. Haters hate without reason. It's okay to not like something though, we have a lot of choice these days to suit people, after all :)

[@philthyco1]

@@RCTNT I disagree..He said redcat is the only company not stepping up their game..There is no fact in that and that statement is not an option..Redcat stepped up their game with the gen 9 in many ways.. New design portal axles, divorced transfer case, new design wheels and tires, 2 speed transmission and high voltage servo just to name a few.. most people don't understand that the former CEO of axial has been the CEO of Redcats crawler division for many years now

[@dustinclarkston5007]

Them stock tires suck all the way around! Just got this truck and very disappointed in the tires

[@RCTNT]

They're better than the Gen8 v2 tires at least. But yes, there are better out there. It varies quite a bit with RTR tires. Hope you like the rest of the truck tho!

[@LogainTheHumane]

Gen 9 really seems like a waste. Gen 8 looks better and performs slightly better, and is cheaper. The redcat is a severely flawed truck and needs a lot of work and upgrades to get it tuned right. The gen 9 did not fix this, and with the other mentioned downsides, don't buy one. I've spent over 40 hours of building/fixing and around $1.5k on my gen 8. I love it, but it needs more help to work right than any other rc I've ever had.

[@RCTNT]

I need more testing to see but my inclination at this point is to say the Gen9 is technically a better performer than the Gen8 v2. Certainly its better on the trails with the 2 speed, the tires are better, the servo is definitely better and it crawls better. I need more time with it to say more but I gently disagree with you, I think. Sorry you've had a bad run with your Gen8, despite the investment!

[@LogainTheHumane]

@@RCTNT Ahh I see. We don't actually disagree, we're simply comparing apples to oranges. See I like to max out all my rigs on performance. By the time I'm done, not much left is stock. Stronger electronics, brass, high clearance links, new tires and rims, metal bumpers and rock sliders, and I usually gear down as well. But you're comparing stock to stock, not total vehicle potential. On that you are completely right, the gen 9 is an upgrade, and the redcat overall is a decent vehicle. But when you start upgrading power and adding weight, I find the redcat very lacking compared to the trx4, vanquish Phoenix, element Enduro and scx10. Simply because I've had so many parts break that wouldn't have broken on the other vehicles. I've had to completely rebuild and replace many parts due to poor design and poor durability. Where as other similar trucks, with the exact same upgrades are holding up fine on stock parts. But if you're only looking at stock vehicles with weaker motors and less weight, it'd probably be more comparable on reliability.

[@RCTNT]

I got you, sure. Total upgrade potential is something I've explored personally but not so much on the channel yet. Only so much time, so many models to do, etc. I like how you think. Good points there and fair enough, I probably agree with you, yeah.