I just ordered one fully aware it needs some upgrades out of the box but that's why I like it, it's a the perfect price for me to buy and slowly upgrade and customize to what I like and want. If I spent $600 right away I wouldn't be able to upgrade anything for awhile
Love my ascent. Yes it’s cheap, as all redcat are. But ask yourself as you should with any rig you pick up. Is it enjoyable. Do you have fun with it. That is all that should matter no matter how much you spend
It's enjoyable till it's not, the Ascent is the only truck in my fleet that from the factory has had major failures (link broken, and axle come apart); neither of these happened after a high fall or anything crazy. I recommend any truck that makes a person happy, but the point of the video; as stated; is to provide another view when making a purchase. I hope your Ascent brings you years of joy!! 🍻🍻
Good review. I've not seen a Vanquish VRD or the RTR that isn't $1000.00 after people mod them too. It's part of the hobby. The TRX4 sport stock tires are good, but anything from the big 3 of tires (Proline, JConcepts, Duratrax ) are better, and even the Injora S3 compound budget tires are better IMO. TRX4 sport is not a LCG style chassis and heavy steel c_channel with limited shock placement due to how they did their shock towers, and not a comp style body (so there is that added cost as well) & (it is a good truck though not bashing it; it is just not an lcg comp style truck). Finally the Ascent just has a lot of hpe right now because it is new. TIme will tell how good it really is. I have one and I'm a team driver for UGRC Labs and I'm finishing a Gen8/9 based (8 trans, 9 axles) Predator in a budget fashion (Brushed HH Crawlmaster Sport 550 13t and HW1080). Then I am going to compare it with the Ascent mostly stock (Injora green soft inserts, brass rings up front on generic beadlocks with Injora S3 kraken Claw tires on both). After that doing free(battery and ESC relocating) to cheap home brew mods (cut my own shock towers already out of 3mm aluminum plate) and looking at angling the skid up 4-5 degrees (or more if possible) in the rear. I am waiting on UGRC to get a carbon chassis on the market for the Ascent (no confirmation yet sorry guys but I believe he was testing an Ascent).
Thank you for the feedback! I will say that my vrd stance is still stock (minus the upgraded link kit lol). My carbon isn’t much over 800 as it sits unless we’re including the radio 😂. Points taken on the rest and we could have a constructive conversation for days about it which could be a good time!! 😂🍻
Great review and some good points. I'd argue that just about every RTR is going to need significant upgrades to be remotely competitive. What I like is the option to buy the kit and upgrade as your budget allows. Would I buy one? Not sure. The TRX-4 Sport is probably a better choice with great shocks, ok electronics and better tires BUT it will eventually need the same upgrades to be competitive. Well thought out and love your approach to this, great overview of the Ascent! 👍
The price point on a Straight axle RTR Pheonix is 380, which is more comparable to the $300 price of the Ascent. Just like the Price point of the TRX4 Sport at just under $400. However there will be a this vs that video to compare the two once some parts show up for both trucks. 🍻🍻
Two of my friends that run compilation fight about who's trucks better. they win back and forth 1 one week the other the next week .the one got a red cat did the motor mod tire mods and put springs on it adjusted everything had $500 in it and dominated the other ones g speed build he had $1500 in it for three comps in a row talking about pissed .the one rubs it in so he doesn't get talked to much by the other one .i sit back and laugh.im thinking about getting one and having my bubby set it . I've never did crawling i was a go fast racer .but $500 and possibly pissing my other buddy off priceless 😂
I bought a Trx4 sport used for $200, swapped it onto a $60 injora lcg chassis, fusion se 1800, and a $60 flash hobby servo. It's a bona-fide line killer.
You're not lying, that thing is absolutely a line killer!! My buddy has an injora chassis on his trx4 (or what's left lol) and it does the same thing... just destroys lines with ease.. 🍻🍻
I remember when I first stated mountain biking I had a entry level bike that allowed me to enter the sport it had a good frame so I was able to upgrade it the way I wanted it to be. This is no different I’m sure some one could say the same about the bike but that’s kind of missing the point a beginner is going to see things way different & what they might think is good may not be but they are out enjoying it non the less & if they decide to get more into the sport they can upgrade & see the benefits. Element has trucks like the $299 SE & Ultron these are very good trucks but come with features like plastic links & not so good electronics but even in that form they are still fun my SE keeps up with much more expensive trucks. I added a Fusion SE & metal beadlocks & tires & that’s it but eventually I’ll replace the plastic links that that make it not worth it well it depends for me I don’t even think about it I just upgrade the basics first I’m not even thinking is it worth it but I guess to me it is.
I like how you say what all the other channels are afraid to say. This Hobby isn't cheap even on entry, and knowing the pitfalls before getting into the hobby, or a new purchase helps the hobby over all, and if vendors can't handle the truth, make a better RTR. That said be prepared to change out the tires and wheels as well as the motor and ESC, and steering servo in EVERY RTR. The last RTR I bought that didn't get upgraded because it needed it (Ok tires and wheels), was actually a Redcat, and an Anomaly in RTR history we won't see again, The Axe. Maybe the only RTR with a decent tire out of the box may be the new Vanquish with Falken branded tire, but I have never run that tire so I am going by hear say. I don't know of any RTR with Metal Beadlocks and they are almost a requirement for tuning CG.
This is a hobby for us; we don't depend on it for main income, and that's likely the primary difference. The main point of this video is to provide an alternative line of thought on "cheap". The old saying "You get what you pay for" is true across every industry, and RC is no different.🍻🍻
Trx4 Sport Kit, Amazon servo, Flysky GT5, 1800 Fusion SE. Done. That being said, I was ready to buy the Ascent when I came across the Fordyce on sale for $399. got that instead,
I used a heat gun to get my tires off, melted the plastic wheel but didn't hurt the tire. They are decent tires but the foams are super soft. I got everything on sale, I got the red ascent for $265, $50 for the SE, $15 for front brass portal covers and $20 for aluminum wheels. So $350 and it's pretty decent, or it was unti I drove it into the river and lost it 😅 I wouldn't buy again, but I'd still recommend it for someone new into the hobby. I have the VRD carbon now and just wow.
I'm having fun doing free modes,shocks, mass reduction, washers for wheel mass. I did get the tires unglued, and they are good. Only bad is ESC. The point is it's ment to be a gateway drug. Redcat did do a very good job glueing those tires on.
I really appreciate this review. I almost bought this Redcat Ascent but because of the glued tires AND the sound of the electronic, I know I would have wanted to change it so… For that reason, I did not pull the trigger. What I did instead was buying even cheaper lol😂: The HB R1001 hehe I will probably be disappointed but at least I will have room to improve on, who knows. Have a good one !
The point of the video was NOT to talk anyone out of buying the Redcat, but rather provide another line of thinking when doing so. The hobby is about having fun, and if you want the Redcat, or any other "cheaper" truck go for it! It may suite what you want to do with it!! 🍻🍻
its a decent truck i was looking at that and then i went for the vrd carbon it had more value to me plus i can build it to how i want to build it but more importantly its a great build you dont have to do much its awesome bone stock ive got the chassis built trying to come up with a paint scheme for the body i want tp try that new radio the MT 12 it might be over kill but itss pretty cheap still wondering what motor esc combo to run as well those fusions seem nice at low speed but great video i like your take on wether to buy it or not and i agree 100%
Yes and no, depends on the truck. This specific truck is getting a lot of attention, and I was asked to do a video with MY thoughts on it for those reasons. There’s almost nothing on this truck that will last long term; with the exception of a few things; the chassis rails being the primary exception. The rest has or will break relatively quickly or… get replaced almost immediately. Name another non Redcat semi big named truck that has the same issues? We truly don’t know of any off the top of our heads.. thanks for the feedback! 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors you made all valid points for sure. For what it is I’m hearing great things. Everyone takes this or an axial and always does the upgrades and mod. I do want one though. Thanks
I'm enjoying my Ascent. I've invested some money in it, but it's been less than what I put into my TRX4 Sport. Surprisingly, the Ascent can navigate lines that the Sport couldn't. However, the sport is definitely more durable.
Here's the mods: Trx4 Sport Savox Servo Rock Pirates shock mounts Brass dif cover Brass Portal covers Brass C-hubs Brass link mounts Brass Front bumper mount Wheels and tires Fusion SE Bowhouse battery tray Redcat Ascent DSM chassis Wheels and tires Afgrc Servo Rear Link riser Treal brass diff cover Treal brass outer portal covers Treal brass steering knuckles Treal brass link mounts Treal aluminum center link mount I think the biggest differences have been the chassis and rear link riser.
Red cat made their money on this rig thats for certain I actually have a friend who swears by his ascent over a built lcg. Its actually hillarious. To each their own but as you say and I've said all along when you have to change out wheels and tires at a minimum its not a 299 rig. The reality like you know its more like a 399 rig the only thing that seperates it really is the lcg style build rtr factor I think people wanted lol little did they now vanquish would release a rtr thats leaps and bounds ahead of this rig.
Sometimes the placebo affect is a real thing!! The Stance is absolutely a game changer, and I really hope that it forces some of the other "big names" to return fire!! This is nothing but good for us consumers!! 🍻🍻 BTW the Stance is here and undergoing testing right meow!
I was going to stop watching this at 2.25 when you said Traxxas has the best RTR radio. I can't take anything you say seriously after that hearing that comment. But...lets address the elephant in the room. Can you name one RTR motor/esc combo you find worthy of competition? Is there one that has a functional drag brake out of the box? Do any of them have great modulation? Nope. Cross has the best that I've found, but even that got swapped. How about wheels and tires? At the time of the Ascent's release, did any RTR have great tires and wheels out of the box? Element's pinseekers are pretty damn good and the wheels, while plastic, are beadlocks but I'm going to go out on a limb and say most people replace those as well. So, instead of starting with a $600 Traxxas where you need to replace the motor and esc...AND now the battery and charger as well because fuck Traxxas and their proprietary bullshit that you can't use with any other system. Now you're at $900, but I totally see your point here. I'm being sarcastic, I don't at all. Any enthusiast in the RC world is going to change wheels/tires to their favorites right off the bat. They've also got their favorite motor/esc combo waiting to go as well because that's what we do and you can double down on this if it's for competition. I don't know a single soul that runs ANY stock system in a comp truck so please stop with this nonsense. Go ahead and spend $500 on the new Vanquish RTR so you can spend another $400 changing out the motor/esc/servo and probably wheels and tires since not everyone likes the VXT2. You still end up around $900 if you're not buying chinese stuff. Oh, and stop talking about flex like it wins competitions. It doesn't. It's important, but it's not everything. Still, you can fix it cheaply enough. Rock pirates shock towers will cost you $50 shipped. This addresses shock angle and allows for a little more flex. A little. Take the internal springs out of the shocks and replace the stock springs with the Losi Mini T springs (Amazon, $15. I'm liking 50w oil in the shocks so far). Soft in the front, medium in the rear. Now you have your version of proper flex. Hobbywing 1800kv is $80, or the Hobbywing 1080 G2 combo with the 540 30t brushed motor is $60 and is an excellent replacement. Mount the electronics back up front for more forward bias. Pick any $40 set of beadlocks off Amazon and mount the Jconcepts Rupture clones off Amazon for $25. They look EXACTLY the same as the real ones and they perform like 90% of the real ones so that's a win/win. That puts you a little over $500, depending on how prices rise and fall. But why would you spend that much money on a Redcat? You don't have to!! That's the best part of all of this. You don't like what Redcat has to offer? Don't buy it! Why act like you don't play the same game with every crawler you buy? Why sit here and pretend that it's only Redcat that has issues with their products? At least they're trying. At least they had the balls to offer something like this and at a price point that will allow a newer RC enthusiast to get into competitions without breaking the bank. Hell, you can't even build a "comp" truck off Amazon for this price. I just built one and I ended up with almost $800 in the damn thing and it's all chinese stuff off Amazon. So, I have nothing bad to say about Redcat or their Ascent. Sure, it's not perfect. Sure, you need to do some stuff if you want to comp it, but that's the case with any RTR you buy and at least Redcat gives you a solid servo. Now, for the record, I only own this one Redcat. Personally, I've only owned two and that's the Ascent and the Gen 7 Pro. That's what got me hooked on crawling, modifying....all of it. So it's not like I'm a die hard fan boy. You just have to see it for what it is. You're trying to put lipstick on a pig and we all know how that works out.
There's a lot to digest here, but we'll take a stab at it! At 2:25 I did state that Traxxas has the best radio, and meant "one of the best", but I get it I wouldn't take us seriously either. This is for fun, and we enjoy it :). The Traxxas brushed electronics are fine for competition use; are they desired? No, but they do work; taken directly from the Traxxas TRX4 Sport Webpage: "Crawl Mode: 100% FWD, 100% Instant REV, 100% Brake on Neutral". So to answer your question yes it's made out of the box to be effective as a crawler esc. The other stock electronics that would absolutely be competitive are in the new Vanquish Stance RTR, that truck is what the Redcat Ascent aspires to be; but misses the Stance mark. The stock electronics function well enough to be competitive out of the box. The Traxxas TRX4 sport or sport kit - as stated in the video is 370-400 max; not sure where you're getting $600 from? Tires: This WAS touched on in the video at the 9-9:30 range. I was going to continue to response to the rest of your comments as I like to do all comments, but it seems like you don't want a healthy conversation. Almost all of the points you provide here further elaborate why I would NOT buy this truck and would abolustely buy something else like: - Traxxas TRX4 sport - $369.99 - Vanquish pheonix rtr - $479.99 - Element Bushido - $399.99 - Vanquish Stance - $499.99 - Vanquish Fordyce - $459.99 - Axial Scx10.2 - $339.99 At the end of the day as stated in the video you clearly skimmed through and didn't really watch; it IS stated that if you want to buy the truck do it! The hobby is about having fun, and we're just trying to provide a fresh perspective to people. To prevent them from other "reviews" in which state the truck is "God mode" when in reality it's not in any way shape or form in stock mode. Thank you for the feedback, and I hope you have a great day!! 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors ascent 265$, fusion se 65$, alloy wheels 32$, tires $26, mini t springs $12. I am not even gonna count the radio as any real hobbyist has their own ( I would say the same about any rtr) so your saying that a 400$ fusion se equipped truck with alloy beadlocks of your choosing and a good shock setup isn't worth $400? Sorry bud I just can't agree with that. I lol at traxxas trx4....stickered windshields and glued tires, mediocre electronics, all for an extra 200$ over the ascent price and you still gotta do the same stuff to it. Traxxas radios are the most delayed radios in the game (15ms) latency. If that's good to you I would hate to see a bad one.
@@thatoneguy2756 We appreciate the feedback and thank you for your service! The only way you're paying $400 dollars for all of that is if you're getting free shipping and no tax (%100 percent military disabled in some states).... right now adding everything you just mentioned to a cart in Amain (like any newcomer to the hobby would do) puts me at "Payment Method ($558.58 USD - includes $40.66 Tax)" which is Vanquish Stance money.... The Stance out of the box will beat the ascent WITH the mods you've listed..... The reality of the situation is if you want a comp truck you're paying for it. 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors when I replied I told myself if you came back with a smart @$$ comment I would block ya, or if you came back with a intelligent response I would subscribe....the prices are accurate, I didn't factor in tax because that changes depending on where u are. If I wanted a comp truck I wouldn't buy any rtr I would scratch build one but thats not what we are talking about in this situation now is it. Congrats on losing a viewer.
@@thatoneguy2756 we do appreciate the feedback! The fact of the matter remains that 150$ +/- 10$ is still putting the Ascent into a territory of the rest of the competition. The points you provided have proven you're just arguing to argue, and that's fine. You can defend a truck that's junk all day, but the fact of the matter is for 550$ give or take 25$ for tax and shipping you're in the territory of the Stance, which again is a truck that is in a whole different league. Can't please them all 🍻🍻
You mention the trx4 are better for the money i disagree as i have seen traxxas truck motors burn out after 2-4 2hour outings so you can add the 2in1 motor price to the traxxas. Plus the steering servo is inferior and has to be replaced thats another 70 to 100$. You also have to add brass to make it a good crawler. So for the money traxxas in my eyes is not worth all the hype
Thanks for the feedback! The biggest difference between Traxxas and Redcat is support, so if that Traxxas does burn up it's MUCH easier to get a replacement. The servo sucks sure we stated that, but stock vs stock we have footage showing the stock TRX4 Sport can hang with the best of them. 🍻🍻
Unfortunately no, this hat was from 5 years ago when I was there lol. Idk how I still have it, but it's rather warm!! I'd love to go back for the x-games, but I have other obligations at this time :(... 🍻🍻
For me the disappointment set in the moment I removed it for the box & turned upside-down only to see made in China!!!! Not that I have anything against Chinese made products but WTF?!!? Oh well it's now cost me $570USD and my 1st Redcat will be my last Redcat 🤑🤑🤑
@@ulisesromero3693 you're correct, America sent most of it's production over seas decades ago for the cheap labor, and materials. The point remains that just because it's not from America doesn't make it bad.. You get what you pay for..🍻🍻
I just ordered one fully aware it needs some upgrades out of the box but that's why I like it, it's a the perfect price for me to buy and slowly upgrade and customize to what I like and want. If I spent $600 right away I wouldn't be able to upgrade anything for awhile
As long as you’re aware and enjoying the truck that’s all that matters! 🍻🍻
I sold my TRX4 Sport , and I lover my Redcat Ascent way better.
It's a very nice car. The price and performance are the best. It is the best in Korea.
While we wouldn't necessarily agree, we haven't been to Korea since 2008. We're glad you're loving the truck!! 🍻🍻
Love my ascent. Yes it’s cheap, as all redcat are. But ask yourself as you should with any rig you pick up. Is it enjoyable. Do you have fun with it. That is all that should matter no matter how much you spend
It's enjoyable till it's not, the Ascent is the only truck in my fleet that from the factory has had major failures (link broken, and axle come apart); neither of these happened after a high fall or anything crazy. I recommend any truck that makes a person happy, but the point of the video; as stated; is to provide another view when making a purchase. I hope your Ascent brings you years of joy!! 🍻🍻
Good review. I've not seen a Vanquish VRD or the RTR that isn't $1000.00 after people mod them too. It's part of the hobby. The TRX4 sport stock tires are good, but anything from the big 3 of tires (Proline, JConcepts, Duratrax ) are better, and even the Injora S3 compound budget tires are better IMO. TRX4 sport is not a LCG style chassis and heavy steel c_channel with limited shock placement due to how they did their shock towers, and not a comp style body (so there is that added cost as well) & (it is a good truck though not bashing it; it is just not an lcg comp style truck). Finally the Ascent just has a lot of hpe right now because it is new. TIme will tell how good it really is. I have one and I'm a team driver for UGRC Labs and I'm finishing a Gen8/9 based (8 trans, 9 axles) Predator in a budget fashion (Brushed HH Crawlmaster Sport 550 13t and HW1080). Then I am going to compare it with the Ascent mostly stock (Injora green soft inserts, brass rings up front on generic beadlocks with Injora S3 kraken Claw tires on both). After that doing free(battery and ESC relocating) to cheap home brew mods (cut my own shock towers already out of 3mm aluminum plate) and looking at angling the skid up 4-5 degrees (or more if possible) in the rear. I am waiting on UGRC to get a carbon chassis on the market for the Ascent (no confirmation yet sorry guys but I believe he was testing an Ascent).
Thank you for the feedback! I will say that my vrd stance is still stock (minus the upgraded link kit lol). My carbon isn’t much over 800 as it sits unless we’re including the radio 😂.
Points taken on the rest and we could have a constructive conversation for days about it which could be a good time!! 😂🍻
Great review and some good points. I'd argue that just about every RTR is going to need significant upgrades to be remotely competitive. What I like is the option to buy the kit and upgrade as your budget allows. Would I buy one? Not sure. The TRX-4 Sport is probably a better choice with great shocks, ok electronics and better tires BUT it will eventually need the same upgrades to be competitive. Well thought out and love your approach to this, great overview of the Ascent! 👍
Thank you for the feedback!! 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors Subscribed ✌
@@jerryvolpini7987 thank you! 🍻🍻
No mention of the Vanquish Stance VRD RTR? Weird.
The price point on a Straight axle RTR Pheonix is 380, which is more comparable to the $300 price of the Ascent. Just like the Price point of the TRX4 Sport at just under $400. However there will be a this vs that video to compare the two once some parts show up for both trucks. 🍻🍻
Love the video and your honest opinion, but the truth is everyone spends another 2 to 5 plus hundreds of dollars on most anything
By all means spend away 🍻🍻
Two of my friends that run compilation fight about who's trucks better. they win back and forth 1 one week the other the next week .the one got a red cat did the motor mod tire mods and put springs on it adjusted everything had $500 in it and dominated the other ones g speed build he had $1500 in it for three comps in a row talking about pissed .the one rubs it in so he doesn't get talked to much by the other one .i sit back and laugh.im thinking about getting one and having my bubby set it . I've never did crawling i was a go fast racer .but $500 and possibly pissing my other buddy off priceless 😂
That’s awesome!! I love competition, and even more so talking trash. Win lose or draw it’s all about having fun!! 🍻🍻
A awesome and very usefull info and Review share❤
Thks my Friend 🐼👍🏻
Thank you sir!! 🍻🍻
You are Welcome my Friend
I bought a Trx4 sport used for $200, swapped it onto a $60 injora lcg chassis, fusion se 1800, and a $60 flash hobby servo. It's a bona-fide line killer.
You're not lying, that thing is absolutely a line killer!! My buddy has an injora chassis on his trx4 (or what's left lol) and it does the same thing... just destroys lines with ease.. 🍻🍻
very kewl !
I remember when I first stated mountain biking I had a entry level bike that allowed me to enter the sport it had a good frame so I was able to upgrade it the way I wanted it to be. This is no different I’m sure some one could say the same about the bike but that’s kind of missing the point a beginner is going to see things way different & what they might think is good may not be but they are out enjoying it non the less & if they decide to get more into the sport they can upgrade & see the benefits. Element has trucks like the $299 SE & Ultron these are very good trucks but come with features like plastic links & not so good electronics but even in that form they are still fun my SE keeps up with much more expensive trucks. I added a Fusion SE & metal beadlocks & tires & that’s it but eventually I’ll replace the plastic links that that make it not worth it well it depends for me I don’t even think about it I just upgrade the basics first I’m not even thinking is it worth it but I guess to me it is.
Thanks for the feedback! 🍻🍻
I like how you say what all the other channels are afraid to say. This Hobby isn't cheap even on entry, and knowing the pitfalls before getting into the hobby, or a new purchase helps the hobby over all, and if vendors can't handle the truth, make a better RTR. That said be prepared to change out the tires and wheels as well as the motor and ESC, and steering servo in EVERY RTR. The last RTR I bought that didn't get upgraded because it needed it (Ok tires and wheels), was actually a Redcat, and an Anomaly in RTR history we won't see again, The Axe. Maybe the only RTR with a decent tire out of the box may be the new Vanquish with Falken branded tire, but I have never run that tire so I am going by hear say. I don't know of any RTR with Metal Beadlocks and they are almost a requirement for tuning CG.
This is a hobby for us; we don't depend on it for main income, and that's likely the primary difference. The main point of this video is to provide an alternative line of thought on "cheap". The old saying "You get what you pay for" is true across every industry, and RC is no different.🍻🍻
Trx4 Sport Kit, Amazon servo, Flysky GT5, 1800 Fusion SE. Done. That being said, I was ready to buy the Ascent when I came across the Fordyce on sale for $399. got that instead,
Can't go wrong with either of the options you stated, personally I'd choose the Fordyce, but to each their own!! 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors Yup. Love my Fordyce. It's become my favorite even over my Phoenix.
I used a heat gun to get my tires off, melted the plastic wheel but didn't hurt the tire. They are decent tires but the foams are super soft. I got everything on sale, I got the red ascent for $265, $50 for the SE, $15 for front brass portal covers and $20 for aluminum wheels. So $350 and it's pretty decent, or it was unti I drove it into the river and lost it 😅
I wouldn't buy again, but I'd still recommend it for someone new into the hobby. I have the VRD carbon now and just wow.
Yea for 350 that’s all a steal!! Too bad it went bye bye… The difference in the stance and the ascent is wild, the carbon is just that much nicer!! 🍻🍻
I'm having fun doing free modes,shocks, mass reduction, washers for wheel mass. I did get the tires unglued, and they are good. Only bad is ESC. The point is it's ment to be a gateway drug. Redcat did do a very good job glueing those tires on.
What magic did you use to get the tires unglued? Lol. It is certainly a gateway drug we agree. Thanks for the feedback!! 🍻🍻
Bob Smith Industries Un-CURE. Like an entire bottle. And elbow-grease.
@@liquidwhat thank you!! 🍻🍻
I really appreciate this review. I almost bought this Redcat Ascent but because of the glued tires AND the sound of the electronic, I know I would have wanted to change it so… For that reason, I did not pull the trigger.
What I did instead was buying even cheaper lol😂:
The HB R1001 hehe
I will probably be disappointed but at least I will have room to improve on, who knows.
Have a good one !
The point of the video was NOT to talk anyone out of buying the Redcat, but rather provide another line of thinking when doing so. The hobby is about having fun, and if you want the Redcat, or any other "cheaper" truck go for it! It may suite what you want to do with it!! 🍻🍻
its a decent truck i was looking at that and then i went for the vrd carbon it had more value to me plus i can build it to how i want to build it but more importantly its a great build you dont have to do much its awesome bone stock ive got the chassis built trying to come up with a paint scheme for the body i want tp try that new radio the MT 12 it might be over kill but itss pretty cheap still wondering what motor esc combo to run as well those fusions seem nice at low speed but great video i like your take on wether to buy it or not and i agree 100%
Thanks for the feedback, we hope you're getting to drive that VRD because we sure haven't been able to!! The radio is nice, but the noble is better 🍻🍻
not yet its cold up here in new york as well and its not quite finished yet still painting the body @@the-ab-outdoors
Your points against this truck are pretty much points against any entry to mid level truck.
Yes and no, depends on the truck. This specific truck is getting a lot of attention, and I was asked to do a video with MY thoughts on it for those reasons. There’s almost nothing on this truck that will last long term; with the exception of a few things; the chassis rails being the primary exception. The rest has or will break relatively quickly or… get replaced almost immediately. Name another non Redcat semi big named truck that has the same issues? We truly don’t know of any off the top of our heads.. thanks for the feedback! 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors you made all valid points for sure. For what it is I’m hearing great things. Everyone takes this or an axial and always does the upgrades and mod. I do want one though. Thanks
@@the-ab-outdoors just subscribed.
@@ron7836 we hope you enjoy it!!
Thank you for the support!! 🍻🍻
I'm enjoying my Ascent. I've invested some money in it, but it's been less than what I put into my TRX4 Sport. Surprisingly, the Ascent can navigate lines that the Sport couldn't. However, the sport is definitely more durable.
Glad you’re enjoying it!! 🍻🍻 what’s all done to both trucks?
Here's the mods:
Trx4 Sport
Savox Servo
Rock Pirates shock mounts
Brass dif cover
Brass Portal covers
Brass C-hubs
Brass link mounts
Brass Front bumper mount
Wheels and tires
Fusion SE
Bowhouse battery tray
Redcat Ascent
DSM chassis
Wheels and tires
Afgrc Servo
Rear Link riser
Treal brass diff cover
Treal brass outer portal covers
Treal brass steering knuckles
Treal brass link mounts
Treal aluminum center link mount
I think the biggest differences have been the chassis and rear link riser.
Red cat made their money on this rig thats for certain I actually have a friend who swears by his ascent over a built lcg. Its actually hillarious. To each their own but as you say and I've said all along when you have to change out wheels and tires at a minimum its not a 299 rig. The reality like you know its more like a 399 rig the only thing that seperates it really is the lcg style build rtr factor I think people wanted lol little did they now vanquish would release a rtr thats leaps and bounds ahead of this rig.
Sometimes the placebo affect is a real thing!! The Stance is absolutely a game changer, and I really hope that it forces some of the other "big names" to return fire!! This is nothing but good for us consumers!! 🍻🍻 BTW the Stance is here and undergoing testing right meow!
I was going to stop watching this at 2.25 when you said Traxxas has the best RTR radio. I can't take anything you say seriously after that hearing that comment. But...lets address the elephant in the room. Can you name one RTR motor/esc combo you find worthy of competition? Is there one that has a functional drag brake out of the box? Do any of them have great modulation? Nope. Cross has the best that I've found, but even that got swapped. How about wheels and tires? At the time of the Ascent's release, did any RTR have great tires and wheels out of the box? Element's pinseekers are pretty damn good and the wheels, while plastic, are beadlocks but I'm going to go out on a limb and say most people replace those as well. So, instead of starting with a $600 Traxxas where you need to replace the motor and esc...AND now the battery and charger as well because fuck Traxxas and their proprietary bullshit that you can't use with any other system. Now you're at $900, but I totally see your point here. I'm being sarcastic, I don't at all.
Any enthusiast in the RC world is going to change wheels/tires to their favorites right off the bat. They've also got their favorite motor/esc combo waiting to go as well because that's what we do and you can double down on this if it's for competition. I don't know a single soul that runs ANY stock system in a comp truck so please stop with this nonsense. Go ahead and spend $500 on the new Vanquish RTR so you can spend another $400 changing out the motor/esc/servo and probably wheels and tires since not everyone likes the VXT2. You still end up around $900 if you're not buying chinese stuff. Oh, and stop talking about flex like it wins competitions. It doesn't. It's important, but it's not everything. Still, you can fix it cheaply enough.
Rock pirates shock towers will cost you $50 shipped. This addresses shock angle and allows for a little more flex. A little. Take the internal springs out of the shocks and replace the stock springs with the Losi Mini T springs (Amazon, $15. I'm liking 50w oil in the shocks so far). Soft in the front, medium in the rear. Now you have your version of proper flex. Hobbywing 1800kv is $80, or the Hobbywing 1080 G2 combo with the 540 30t brushed motor is $60 and is an excellent replacement. Mount the electronics back up front for more forward bias. Pick any $40 set of beadlocks off Amazon and mount the Jconcepts Rupture clones off Amazon for $25. They look EXACTLY the same as the real ones and they perform like 90% of the real ones so that's a win/win. That puts you a little over $500, depending on how prices rise and fall.
But why would you spend that much money on a Redcat? You don't have to!! That's the best part of all of this. You don't like what Redcat has to offer? Don't buy it! Why act like you don't play the same game with every crawler you buy? Why sit here and pretend that it's only Redcat that has issues with their products? At least they're trying. At least they had the balls to offer something like this and at a price point that will allow a newer RC enthusiast to get into competitions without breaking the bank. Hell, you can't even build a "comp" truck off Amazon for this price. I just built one and I ended up with almost $800 in the damn thing and it's all chinese stuff off Amazon. So, I have nothing bad to say about Redcat or their Ascent. Sure, it's not perfect. Sure, you need to do some stuff if you want to comp it, but that's the case with any RTR you buy and at least Redcat gives you a solid servo.
Now, for the record, I only own this one Redcat. Personally, I've only owned two and that's the Ascent and the Gen 7 Pro. That's what got me hooked on crawling, modifying....all of it. So it's not like I'm a die hard fan boy. You just have to see it for what it is. You're trying to put lipstick on a pig and we all know how that works out.
There's a lot to digest here, but we'll take a stab at it!
At 2:25 I did state that Traxxas has the best radio, and meant "one of the best", but I get it I wouldn't take us seriously either. This is for fun, and we enjoy it :).
The Traxxas brushed electronics are fine for competition use; are they desired? No, but they do work; taken directly from the Traxxas TRX4 Sport Webpage: "Crawl Mode: 100% FWD, 100% Instant REV, 100% Brake on Neutral". So to answer your question yes it's made out of the box to be effective as a crawler esc.
The other stock electronics that would absolutely be competitive are in the new Vanquish Stance RTR, that truck is what the Redcat Ascent aspires to be; but misses the Stance mark. The stock electronics function well enough to be competitive out of the box.
The Traxxas TRX4 sport or sport kit - as stated in the video is 370-400 max; not sure where you're getting $600 from?
Tires: This WAS touched on in the video at the 9-9:30 range.
I was going to continue to response to the rest of your comments as I like to do all comments, but it seems like you don't want a healthy conversation.
Almost all of the points you provide here further elaborate why I would NOT buy this truck and would abolustely buy something else like:
- Traxxas TRX4 sport - $369.99
- Vanquish pheonix rtr - $479.99
- Element Bushido - $399.99
- Vanquish Stance - $499.99
- Vanquish Fordyce - $459.99
- Axial Scx10.2 - $339.99
At the end of the day as stated in the video you clearly skimmed through and didn't really watch; it IS stated that if you want to buy the truck do it! The hobby is about having fun, and we're just trying to provide a fresh perspective to people. To prevent them from other "reviews" in which state the truck is "God mode" when in reality it's not in any way shape or form in stock mode.
Thank you for the feedback, and I hope you have a great day!! 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors ascent 265$, fusion se 65$, alloy wheels 32$, tires $26, mini t springs $12. I am not even gonna count the radio as any real hobbyist has their own ( I would say the same about any rtr) so your saying that a 400$ fusion se equipped truck with alloy beadlocks of your choosing and a good shock setup isn't worth $400? Sorry bud I just can't agree with that. I lol at traxxas trx4....stickered windshields and glued tires, mediocre electronics, all for an extra 200$ over the ascent price and you still gotta do the same stuff to it. Traxxas radios are the most delayed radios in the game (15ms) latency. If that's good to you I would hate to see a bad one.
@@thatoneguy2756 We appreciate the feedback and thank you for your service! The only way you're paying $400 dollars for all of that is if you're getting free shipping and no tax (%100 percent military disabled in some states).... right now adding everything you just mentioned to a cart in Amain (like any newcomer to the hobby would do) puts me at "Payment Method ($558.58 USD - includes $40.66 Tax)" which is Vanquish Stance money.... The Stance out of the box will beat the ascent WITH the mods you've listed..... The reality of the situation is if you want a comp truck you're paying for it. 🍻🍻
@@the-ab-outdoors when I replied I told myself if you came back with a smart @$$ comment I would block ya, or if you came back with a intelligent response I would subscribe....the prices are accurate, I didn't factor in tax because that changes depending on where u are. If I wanted a comp truck I wouldn't buy any rtr I would scratch build one but thats not what we are talking about in this situation now is it. Congrats on losing a viewer.
@@thatoneguy2756 we do appreciate the feedback! The fact of the matter remains that 150$ +/- 10$ is still putting the Ascent into a territory of the rest of the competition. The points you provided have proven you're just arguing to argue, and that's fine. You can defend a truck that's junk all day, but the fact of the matter is for 550$ give or take 25$ for tax and shipping you're in the territory of the Stance, which again is a truck that is in a whole different league. Can't please them all 🍻🍻
You mention the trx4 are better for the money i disagree as i have seen traxxas truck motors burn out after 2-4 2hour outings so you can add the 2in1 motor price to the traxxas. Plus the steering servo is inferior and has to be replaced thats another 70 to 100$. You also have to add brass to make it a good crawler. So for the money traxxas in my eyes is not worth all the hype
Thanks for the feedback! The biggest difference between Traxxas and Redcat is support, so if that Traxxas does burn up it's MUCH easier to get a replacement. The servo sucks sure we stated that, but stock vs stock we have footage showing the stock TRX4 Sport can hang with the best of them. 🍻🍻
are you gonna be in aspen at the end of the month ???
Unfortunately no, this hat was from 5 years ago when I was there lol. Idk how I still have it, but it's rather warm!! I'd love to go back for the x-games, but I have other obligations at this time :(... 🍻🍻
For me the disappointment set in the moment I removed it for the box & turned upside-down only to see made in China!!!! Not that I have anything against Chinese made products but WTF?!!? Oh well it's now cost me $570USD and my 1st Redcat will be my last Redcat 🤑🤑🤑
This was our first Redcat as well. Probably not the last for the channel, but after this video who knows LOL.... 🍻🍻
What isnt made in China? Lol. Most rc if not all are made in china or taiwan
@@ulisesromero3693 you're correct, America sent most of it's production over seas decades ago for the cheap labor, and materials. The point remains that just because it's not from America doesn't make it bad.. You get what you pay for..🍻🍻