Smaller size / entry level RC crawler?

[Davie]

I'm sure it's been asked before but couldn't find the thread I had in mind, however my little boy has decided (with positive input from me) that he'd like a RC crawler.

He's had an FTX Tracer for two years, amazing thing however during the school holidays he's been busy in full civils mode and has built tracks around the garden for his Bruder tractors and assorted trailers.

So, looking for an entry level (sub £100?) ready to run mine crawler, bug not sure what "mini" equates to in the real world but something about the size of a Bruder Defender D90 and not utterly crap quality would be cool.

Had a look on line and FTX seems to be the popular option or a Kanyon, but the latter seems a bit bigger scale (maybe too big) and a bit more spendy. But equally don't want one of those Matchbox sized micro crawlers.

This really isn't my area of expertise so any personal recommendations / things to avoid?

Cheers

[blueST]

My lad has a Traxxas TRX4m which is sold as 1:18. It's a bit smaller than a Bruder Defender, but not tiny. It's a good size and the quality is good. A bit more expensive than you are looking for. You probably want what they call a trail truck rather than an all out crawler.

The FTX Kanyon is pretty massive even for 1:10, I've seen a few. The Outback is a bit smaller despite being sold as the same scale. All the manufacturers take liberties with the scale they claim for them. If you have a look at the Tomley RC YouTube channel, he reviews a lot of RC crawlers of all sizes and is watchable. Best bet would be to get to a physical shop so you can see them I person

[culwickt24]

If you can stretch your budget slightly I cant recommend the Traxxas TRX4 m enough. Is a very usable size and doesn't require too much maintenence however has plenty of upgrade options if you choose to go down that route.

[cati]

Another vote for looking at tomley he is big on crawlers

Traxxas are expensive and I think you can get much better value

Tomley seems to rate some of the fms stuff but has had some other really good options recently

Defo go brushless

[Davie]

Thanks

I've been down the Tomley / YouTube rabbit hole and sure as fate, budget creep has kicked in. To add a slant, small human has announced he wants (or "he would like") a Defender. Tomley did a feature on a small Range Rover trail truck, but both LWB and SWB Defenders are available too. I'm on the fence about sizes, the mini ones look quite cool for indoor tracks but perhaps a bit too small.

As per usual, too many options and too much overthinking!

[sgrimshaw]

If the Traxxas TRX-4M is a bit over budget,then have a look at FMS vehicles on Modelsport's website.

They do some very nice 1/24 Camel Trophy Land/Range Rovers.

If you google "FMS 1:24 FCX24M" you'll find some links to Youtube reviews etc

[_Neal_]

I've been very impressed with my FTX Outback Mini (1:24) - well made, robust and capable. Feels at that size though it's more of an indoor toy, albeit I'm sure it'd cope with outdoor stuff well too.

[99t]

I was hugely disappointed in my trx-4m but I have a "full fat" trx4 and I was hoping it would be just like a miniature version of it, but it isn't.

Nasty sticky suspension, it leans over badly under power which looks rubbish and standard gearing is neither one thing or the other.

Obviously it is much cheaper than the trx4 but feels it in every way and feels cheaper than it actually is. I'm sure there is better value out there, although it looks good sitting on the shelf.