Monster trucks, rock crawlers, rock racers and bouncers are the simple ingredient for hours of family fun. They’re scale models that might be small in size, but pack a huge punch in getting the blood pumping. The only problem, if you’re new to the whole RC scene, is where to start. With so many types of vehicles, pre-assembled and Ready-to-Run or build-your-own kits, choosing what’s right can be overwhelming. The RC industry has all of us spoilt for choice, but where do we part with our hard-earned cash?
If you’re all about the go-anywhere capability of souped-up SUVs, then look no further than the Axial RC offerings. They reign supreme in the off-road RC arena and have the credentials to back it up. Whether it’s technical rock crawling, or sheer speed over uneven terrain you’re looking for, they’ve got you covered. The company’s success is based on unique designs that also cater to all skill levels and ages. There’s a lot to choose from, even for complete RC novices, to seasoned hobbyists looking for that competitive edge.
Who are Axial?
RC crawlers and trucks have exploded in popularity in recent years, all thanks to the efforts put in by the team at Axial. The company was founded in 2005 as the answer to the missing link in the RC world, trucks that could master just about any terrain. And so, the rock crawler was born. This urged the creation of some legendary RC vehicles, beginning with the AX10 Scorpion in 2007, and culminating in the wide variety of trucks on offer today.
The Scorpion saw innovations that were till then not to be seen anywhere. From strengthened axles, aluminium diff locks, compact and lightweight yet sturdy metal chassis, and long travel shocks, sitting on a set of bespoke bead locks and turning some extra-large rubber. This was the formula that promised unrivalled performance on the turf, and the chance for upgrades as the tech developed.
The work put in here led to one of the company’s most popular models to date, the SCX10. Initially released in 2008 as a builder’s kit, the SCX10 paved the way for what would soon become a recognisable Axial RC trademark – detailed realism in every truck, and the rights from major auto brands to produce life-like scale models of trucks that have gone down in history. And this drew in off-roading fans from all corners of the globe.
What Axial is Known For
Rock Crawlers
Any good rock crawler should be sitting on a capable chassis with the right ground clearance, have long travel suspension to crawl over just about anything, sturdy linkages driven from a decent servo, a torquey motor with the appropriate ESC, and gearing adequate for the terrain and speed. This needs to be in watertight housing since you’ll often be seeing the truck faced with mud and water.
Axial SCX10.2 Deadbolt
The iconic rock crawler and the one that’s seen a lot of copies is the Axial SCX10.2. More affordable RTR versions are offered in the ultra-popular SCX10.2 Deadbolt, with a lot going for it. It ticks all the boxes regarding durability, with reinforced metal chassis and solid one-piece axles, as well as off-roading performance with adjustable gearing ratios, metal gears, oil-filled coilovers, chassis-mounted servos, and water-resistant receiver box. Everything is included, from the brushed motor, to the radio controller, and ESC. Just pop in some batteries and off to trails for some rock crawling fun. What’s more, any parts can be upgraded down the road should you need more performance.
Axial SCX10.3 Basecamp
Building on the success of the SCX10.2 is the recently released RTR or builder’s kit SCX10.3. Unlike other manufacturers, the RTR vehicle isn’t the downgrade over the kit you’d expect it to be but has all the goodies. Along with some interesting body solutions. The Basecamp keeps weight and costs down by going with the basics. A single-speed transmission set lower, improved steel C-channel chassis, metal internal gears, adjustable suspension with metal links, licensed wheels, and tyres, and has the motor, radio, servos, ESC and receiver all in the RTR package. Basic builder kits are even cheaper.
Of course, there are more life-like versions from this platform in the form of the early Ford Bronco and the Jeep JLU Wrangler, with locking rear axles, a two-speed transmission, portal axles for better ground clearance and other upgrades over the Basecamp.
Scale Down or Up
Both models are 1:10 scale and offer a bit more in the way of realism, as well as performance on tougher trails. Smaller scale Axial RC rock crawlers like the 1:24 SCX24 platform (and variants – the SCX24 Chevrolet C10 or Jeep JT Gladiator) still offer the solid off-roading ability, speed, and the option of upgraded parts and bodies. These are also very affordable entry-point to RC crawlers. On the opposite front, both in terms of price and scale is the SCX6 platform, with the massive Trail Honcho doing the honours. This has a multi-link suspension, low and high gearing and a huge brushless motor to get you places other RC crawlers won’t.
Monster Trucks and Buggies
2016 saw the release of the SCX10.2 rock crawler, as well as the acclaimed SMT10 monster truck. The latter is available in raw chassis only builder’s kit or the fully-decked out RTR Gravedigger. Monster trucks are built more for speed, but can still conquer the odd boulder or stump, sitting on huge wheels and jacked-up chassis just like the real thing. And they can take a beating, so fun is guaranteed.
For lighter terrain, and even more speed, look to the well-regarded RBX10 RYFT rock bouncer or the Axial Capra 1.9 4WS buggy, either as buildable platforms or RTR kits. This is the company’s trump card. It doesn’t skimp on quality even in its affordable entry-level offerings but has a huge parts list that offers customisation to the levels RC hobbyists want. This, the unmatched realism and attention to detail lure real off-roaders to the hobby. Trucks, crawlers, and buggies are also available in the scale any hobbyist is comfortable with. And, most importantly, without hurting the back pocket.
