Best RC Rock Crawler Reviews
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Summer is a great time to find a new hobby! This year at Dronethusiast, we’re trying a little “RC Rock Crawling”?
Remote control rock crawling provides a unique challenge to the remote control vehicle enthusiast. Instead of attempting to maximize raw speed or performance, RC rock crawler racing requires tactical manipulation of difficult terrain to pull ahead of the competition.
It’s no wonder remote control rock crawlers have been popular with experienced racers for years. But as the RC market expands, we see more and more beginners wanting to get involved with the sport as well. That’s why we at Dronethusiast have compiled this guide to the best RC rock crawlers of 2021.
RC Rock Crawler Table of Contents
- Altair Power Pro 4×4 Rock Crawler
- Traxxas TRX-4 Defender
- Axial Wraith
- Redcat Racing Everest-10
- VATERRA Ascender
- Team Losi Nightcrawler 2.0
- What Is RC Rock Crawling?
- Everything To Know About RC Jeep Rock Crawling
- RC Rock Crawler FAQ
Our Pick for the Best RC Rock Crawlers
If you’re a beginner who wants to get involved with RC rock crawling, you’ll probably choose to start with a “Ready to Run” (RTR) vehicle that doesn’t require much assembly or the purchase of additional parts. Here are the 5 best RC rock crawlers that are ready to drive as soon as you buy them.
#1. Altair Power Pro 4×4 Rock Crawler – Editor’s Choice!
See the best price on Amazon.com or get Fast & Free Shipping from Altairaerial.com
If you’re looking for a Ready to Run (RTR) durable rock crawler that can withstand any obstacle you put in its way, the Power Pro 4×4 is a great option for you. This is one of the best RC rock crawlers because it is equipped with a 4-wheel independent suspension system so each wheel can adjust to obstacles on their own. This makes it easy for any adventurous soul to ride through some of the most difficult terrains.
Not only that, the Power Pro is extremely easy to use and offers a range of around 250 feet! With the Dual Expansion upgrade you can enjoy driving this rock crawler for up to 30 minutes. This is a great amount of time for doing some exploring and offroading. Also, this truck is made by Altair Aerial where they are known for their outstanding customer service. If you do run into any troubles with your Power Pro RC Rock Crawler, you can count on some American-based customer service to help you through any issues and get you back to driving this outstanding RC rock crawler. There are multiple sites online that recommend the Power Pro, we like to see that because it reassures us that we chose a great all terrain rc truck, check it out here and on youtube here.
Power Pro 4×4 RC Rock Crawler Specs:
- • Includes vehicle, 2.4GHZ radio controller, LiPo battery and charger
- • 4 wheel drive
- • 1:10 scale size
- • 2 speed modes
- • Double Motor
Pros:
- • Extremely durable
- • Easy to Use – Even for beginners
- • Comes ready-to-run (RTR)
Cons:
- • Somewhat short battery life if you don’t get the dual expansion
#2. Traxxas TRX-4 Defender
Read reviews and shop for the Original TRX-4 Defender
On the other hand, let’s say you wanted something MORE expensive. Maybe the MOST expensive and MOST powerful radio controlled rock crawler on the market. For that, you’re looking at the mighty Traxxas TRX-4 Defender.
This mighty RC jeep for rock crawling includes portal axles which provide huge ground clearance, in-depth and super-precise controls aimed at experienced rock crawling racers, a powerful 21T Titan 550 motor, and waterproof electronics. Plus it looks great – a striking red jeep model with functional accessories and even a spare tire!
The Wraith costs over 350 dollars, which is very reasonable for a high quality RC rock racer. But if you’re interested in a more recreational option at an affordable price, consider the Redcat Racing Everest-10. This RC crawling monster truck is highly durable and features aggressive beadlock rock crawling tires, four aluminum Capped oil filled shocks, and complete ball bearings throughout.
This rock crawler also comes with absolutely everything you need to start crawling, including a controller and battery. All you need is AAs for the remote control!
Traxxas TRX-4 Defender RC Rock Crawler Specifications:
• Includes vehicle, 4-channel TQi radio, and #6533 receiver
• 4 wheel drive
• 2-speed transmission
• All new oil-filled coil-over GTS shocks
• 21T Titan 550 motor
• XL-5 HV ESC
• 1/10 scale size
Pros:
• Most powerful RC rock crawler of 2021
• Super durable
• Super precise controls
Cons:
• Battery not included
• NOT recommended for beginners
#3. Axial Wraith
Read reviews and shop for the Original Axial Wraith
The Axial Wraith is a very popular rock racer which also works as “trail rig” (meaning that it can be used for recreational use on nature trails.) It’s compatible with many aftermarket upgrades, and many RC rock crawling enthusiasts choose to stiffen the shocks for better speed or replace the motor for better crawling.
On its own, the Wraith provides a ton of control in tricky terrain and allows for highly precise inputs. It also has great tires and a super durable frame made of high strength composite materials.
Axial Wraith RC Rock Crawler Specifications:
• Includes vehicle, body, 2.4GHz radio, motor, ESC, and realistic driver figure
• 4 wheel drive
• Ripsaw 2.2 tires
• AR60 OCP-Axle tubes
• 1/10 scale size
Pros:
• Highly durable
• Easy to upgrade
• Great tires
• Precise controls
Cons:
• Battery not included
#4. Redcat Racing Everest-10
Read reviews and shop for the Original Everest-10 Rock Crawler
The Wraith costs over 350 dollars, which is very reasonable for a high quality RC rock racer. But if you’re interested in a more recreational option at an affordable price, consider the Redcat Racing Everest-10. This RC crawling monster truck is highly durable and features aggressive beadlock rock crawling tires, four aluminum Capped oil filled shocks, and complete ball bearings throughout.
This rock crawler also comes with absolutely everything you need to start crawling, including a controller and battery. All you need is AAs for the remote control! Searching for RC Trucks rather than these crawlers? Check out our Best Electric RC Truck Reviews article to catch up on all the details you need to know prior to purchasing.
Redcat Racing Everest-10 RC Rock Crawler Specifications:
• Includes vehicle, 2.4GHz radio transmitter, 2.7V NiMH battery, and battery charger
• 4 wheel drive
• True beadlock wheels
• Locked solid Redcat axle tubes
• 1/10 scale size
Pros:
• Great price
• Battery and charger included
• Very durable
Cons:
• Not as powerful as other racing models without upgrades
#5. VATERRA Ascender
Read reviews and shop for the Original Ascender
This is just a gorgeous model. This VATERRA RC rock crawler has been officially licensed by Chevrolet and is a nearly-perfect scale replica of the 1972 Chevrolet K10 Pickup Ascender. It’s clear just by looking at it that some great attention to detail has been paid to every aspect of this RC car for rock crawling.
Beyond that, it has very good all-around specs, although it’s aimed a bit more at recreational rock crawling and less at serious racers. It’s also quite durable, with waterproof servo, receiver, and ESC that allow it to travel easily through wet conditions.
VATERRA Ascender RC Rock Crawler Specifications:
• Includes vehicle and Spektrum DX2E 2.4GHz radio system
• 4 wheel drive
• Licensed Super Swamper tires with functional spare
• Oil-filled injection-molded shocks
• 1/10 scale size
Pros:
• Looks great
• Easy to add aesthetic customizations
• Good all-around specs
Cons:
• Battery not included
• Difficult to upgrade internal parts
#6. Team Losi Nightcrawler 2.0
Read reviews and shop for the Original Losi Nightcrawler 2.0
The Team Losi Nightcrawler 2.0 is a very solid dedicated rock crawler that comes at a decent price – not quite as cheap as the Redcat, but cheaper than most other models on this list. It doesn’t have a lot of additional features, but it has good solid shocks, axels, and transmission, with an emphasis on precise controls.
Most notably, the Nightcrawler 2.0 also has an exoskeleton frame. This makes it very durable and also gives it a unique, stylish look that’s hard to beat!
Searching for something on the smaller side for your kids? We have a great trucks for kids article that explains which monster trucsk are the best rc trucks for kids.
Team Losi Nightcrawler 2.0 RC Rock Crawler Specifications:
• Includes vehicle and Spektrum STX2 Radio TX transmitter
• 4 wheel drive
• 4″ adjustable shocks
• 4-link suspension for added control
• 1/10 scale size
Pros:
• Exoskeleton provides additional protection from the elements
• Extremely precise controls
• Reasonable price
Cons:
• Battery not included
• Cheap 2-channel radio controller
What Is RC Rock Crawling?
Remote control rock crawling is the most popular off-road form of the radio controlled racing hobby. It’s something you can enjoy on your own, but is more often part of a competitive, organized event.
The most common form of the RC rock crawling event is a race in which competitors attempt to achieve the fastest time while driving over difficult terrain. As the name “rock crawling” implies, the vehicles used in this sport are much slower than other RC racing vehicles, but they’re more equipped for driving over challenging terrain and nigh-impossible barriers. There are different aspects to rock racing with different rules, but they all combine elements of offroad speed with dangerous obstacles like rocks and mud. Often, hitting certain obstacles results in a time penalty.
RC rock crawlers themselves are slow and squat, but have powerful mechanical components. They usually have solid axles (as opposed to independent suspension) and locked differentials which require full-time four-wheel-drive. Their chassis are made of highly durable materials while the high-traction monster truck tires are usually soft and glued to the wheels.
Everything To Know About RC Jeep Rock Crawling
There are a lot of things you can do with RC jeep rock crawlers like enroll in competitions, make upgrades with custom parts, and more. Rock crawling takes RC racing to the next level by adding an obstacle element where drivers navigate their RC trucks through rocks and other challenging terrain.
If you’re interested in competing with your RC rock crawler, search for competitions happening in your area. It’s a great opportunity for you to put your skills to the ultimate test. Even beginners can try their hand at competing after they learn the basic skills of RC rock crawling. You can improve on your driving and even connect with other hobbyists and make some new friends.
Upgrading and customizing your RC Jeep Rock Crawler is also an exciting part about owning one. You can find parts on most online hobby stores and can update just about anything including the wheels, chassis, and more. If you are new to RC rock crawlers, you should perfect your driving skills and learn everything you can about your vehicle before attempting to customize it.
Size plays a big component when it comes to RC rock crawling as well. You will want a truck that is large enough to easily move through obstacles, but not too big it has trouble navigating itself. For these reasons, the best RC jeep rock crawlers have a 1/10 scale. This is the ideal size to look at for the best rock crawling performance.
Whether you’re an experienced RC driver or just beginning, RC jeep rock crawling is a great activity to try. There are many different models at many different price points, leaving the options endless for you. Be sure to read some reviews on this list for the Best RC Jeep Rock crawlers to find the best one for you.
RC Rock Crawler FAQ
How can I get involved with RC rock crawling for beginners?
First, you need to buy or build your own RC rock crawler. That’s where the reviews above come in.
Then you’ll need to find a place to do some rock crawling of your own. In the US, UK, and Australia (where the sport is most popular) you can often find a local sports complex with an area designed for rock crawling. You may also find local rock crawling groups through Google or Facebook. Failing all this, you can go to an area of rough terrain – such as a nearby park – with a friend and play in an unofficial setting.
Which RC rock crawler is best to buy?
There’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” RC rock crawler. Different customers will want different things in an RC rock crawler, which is why we’ve given you several options to choose from in our reviews above.
Having said that, the Axial Wraith is by far the most popular ready-to-race RC rock crawler for sale, and would be considered the best to buy by most RC rock racers.
Where can you buy RC rock crawlers?
RC rock crawlers can sometimes be found in brick-and-mortar electronics stores, but these days they are most commonly purchased from an online storefront. Amazon is, of course, the most popular option in this area, which is why we’ve provided handy Amazon links to every product listed in the reviews above.
How to build RC rock crawlers?
Very few people build RC rock crawlers entirely from scratch, and we certainly don’t recommend doing so unless you have experience with some form of mechanical engineering. The more common way to build an RC rock crawler is to purchase the parts you want from Amazon, then attaching them with screws and/or soldering as the part instructions suggest.
To build an RC rock crawler, you will need two complete axles with links included, a transmission with motor plate and gear cover, a brushed or brushless speed control, a motor, a servo, a transmitter and receiver set, a battery (typically LiPo or nickel metal hydride), a set of four shocks, four beadlock wheels, and four rock crawling tires.
How to upgrade RC rock crawlers?
Upgrading an RC rock crawler simply involves replacing one part of an existing vehicle with a new and improved part purchased online. The full part list for an RC rock crawler was given in the answer to the previous question. Please note that upgrading a ready-to-race RC rock crawler – despite being a common part of the sport – usually makes it impossible to refund said vehicle and/or voids the warranty.
RC Rock Crawler Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you find a great RC rock crawler and has given you a better understanding of the sport of RC rock crawling. If you’re a beginner who still has some questions about this fun and popular radio controlled racing activity, be sure to ask them in the comments and we’ll reply as soon as we can!
Kennedy Martinez
kennedy@dronethusiast.comKennedy Martinez is a resident writer who joined Dronethusiast at the beginning of 2019. She has years of experience reviewing drones and other tech products. When it comes to flying drones, Kennedy loves the ability to create artistic videos from a unique point of view. Kennedy enjoys researching new drones and other exciting products that are available to consumers which is why she is committed to creating the best buyer's guides for our readers.
