Rock Crawler Reviews
It’s not all about function when it comes to your RC truck. I’m a firm believer that style is just as important, and the Axial RC Truck 1/24 SCX24 2019 Jeep Wrangler 4WD Rock Crawler has an awesome rugged design that closely resembles the real thing – albeit in a 1/24 scale!
This model has been designed for ages 14 and above and arrives ready to run so you can get going straight away.
It features realistic LED lights, 3-link front and 4-link rear suspension for easy handling, with a steel frame to add strength.
Being 4WD, you have the option to tackle bumpy off-road terrains as well as smoother surfaces, while it’s also got great rock crawling abilities! The water-resistant electronics ensure rainy days won’t ruin the fun, and it can also navigate muddy or wet terrains.
This Axial rock crawler comes with just one battery included, with a run time of around 30 minutes. If you want to drive for longer, you’ll likely want a different battery. To charge the battery, you’ll need to remove the body which can be a little fiddly.
In a 1/24 scale, this rock crawler is pretty small. If you’re after something more imposing, you might prefer a different model.
When it comes to both quality and design, however, this rock crawler simply can’t be beaten.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:24
- Charge Time
- 1 hour
- Body Material
- plastic
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
It’s not all about function when it comes to your RC truck. I’m a firm believer that style is just as important, and the Axial RC Truck 1/24 SCX24 2019 Jeep Wrangler 4WD Rock Crawler has an awesome rugged design that closely resembles the real thing – albeit in a 1/24 scale!
This model has been designed for ages 14 and above and arrives ready to run so you can get going straight away.
It features realistic LED lights, 3-link front and 4-link rear suspension for easy handling, with a steel frame to add strength.
Being 4WD, you have the option to tackle bumpy off-road terrains as well as smoother surfaces, while it’s also got great rock crawling abilities! The water-resistant electronics ensure rainy days won’t ruin the fun, and it can also navigate muddy or wet terrains.
This Axial rock crawler comes with just one battery included, with a run time of around 30 minutes. If you want to drive for longer, you’ll likely want a different battery. To charge the battery, you’ll need to remove the body which can be a little fiddly.
In a 1/24 scale, this rock crawler is pretty small. If you’re after something more imposing, you might prefer a different model.
When it comes to both quality and design, however, this rock crawler simply can’t be beaten.
Pros
- Upgradable parts are easy to source
- Very good build quality enables it to withstand tougher terrains
- Battery life is very good, at over 30 minutes
Cons
- In a 1/24 scale, this rock crawler is very small
- Loosening the battery is fiddly
- Comes with just one battery included whereas other models have 2
A more imposing model than the Axial RC, the DANCHEE RidgeRock 4WD Electric Rock Crawler is available in a 1/10 scale and is equipped with features that make navigating tough terrains and obstacles a breeze.
Perhaps the best thing about this rock crawler is the battery life. There’s a 1500 mAh rechargeable battery and charger included. I’d describe anything over 40 minutes as a good battery life. The included battery offers you over an hour of run time.
This DANCHEE rock crawler offers versatile steering options so you have full control in any environment. You can easily switch between the front wheel, rear wheel and all 4 wheel steering modes with the touch of a button.
Whether you’re scaling rocks or zooming around your neighborhood, you’ll be able to maintain total control.
It has a low center of gravity that makes it fun to drive, yet keeps it stable. Preventing rolls is easy even at the very top speeds. Throttle control is also smooth and precise.
It’s suitable for beginners, although more experienced drivers will also love it. There are countless user-friendly features, including adjustable suspension and a high-torque motor that makes it fun yet smooth to drive.
To say I was impressed with this rock crawler would be an understatement. It offers very good value for money, and the capacity for upgrades will appeal to more experienced hobbyists as well as beginners.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:10
- Body Material
- plastic
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
A more imposing model than the Axial RC, the DANCHEE RidgeRock 4WD Electric Rock Crawler is available in a 1/10 scale and is equipped with features that make navigating tough terrains and obstacles a breeze.
Perhaps the best thing about this rock crawler is the battery life. There’s a 1500 mAh rechargeable battery and charger included. I’d describe anything over 40 minutes as a good battery life. The included battery offers you over an hour of run time.
This DANCHEE rock crawler offers versatile steering options so you have full control in any environment. You can easily switch between the front wheel, rear wheel and all 4 wheel steering modes with the touch of a button.
Whether you’re scaling rocks or zooming around your neighborhood, you’ll be able to maintain total control.
It has a low center of gravity that makes it fun to drive, yet keeps it stable. Preventing rolls is easy even at the very top speeds. Throttle control is also smooth and precise.
It’s suitable for beginners, although more experienced drivers will also love it. There are countless user-friendly features, including adjustable suspension and a high-torque motor that makes it fun yet smooth to drive.
To say I was impressed with this rock crawler would be an understatement. It offers very good value for money, and the capacity for upgrades will appeal to more experienced hobbyists as well as beginners.
Pros
- Can switch between front, rear and all 4 wheel-steering modes for control in any environment
- Battery life is very impressive at over an hour
- Tires are large enough to get over most obstacles
- Parts are easy to upgrade
Cons
- Not particularly fast although it hasn’t been designed for speed
- The tires aren’t that grippy and some users have opted to upgrade them
Provided you handle the DEERC DE45 1:14 RC Rock Crawler with care, this is a little model I’m happy to recommend. Available in a 1/14 scale, it’s a good size, and the lower price tag makes it a great choice for beginners and those dipping their toes into the hobby.
With 4WD, this rock crawler is ideal for those wanting to tackle obstacle courses and rougher terrains. The dual motors allow it to navigate slopes of up to 45 degrees, while also climbing objects both indoors and out. The body is authentic and engaging, with a simulation cockpit and large wheels.
You’ve got two batteries included, each with a run time of around 30 minutes. Note that this is lower than the 45 minutes that DEERC advertise! There’s also a USB charging cable.
If you’re purchasing more than one of these vehicles, there’s no need to worry about interference. The 2.4 GHz remote system offers a stable signal with no jamming function, with a control distance of around 165 ft (50 meters).
The one thing that lets this model down is its durability. It’s not the most sturdy, and I doubt it would withstand top-speed collisions. Having said that, the anti-slip tires and shock absorbers offer good support across unstable surfaces, which makes collisions less likely.
While there is an anti-collision bumper, I wouldn’t rely on this!
Offering very good value for money and beginner-friendly features, this rock crawler is as impressive as other DEERC vehicles I’ve recommended. Just try not to crash it!
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:14
- Run Time
- 90 mins
- Body Material
- metal
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
Provided you handle the DEERC DE45 1:14 RC Rock Crawler with care, this is a little model I’m happy to recommend. Available in a 1/14 scale, it’s a good size, and the lower price tag makes it a great choice for beginners and those dipping their toes into the hobby.
With 4WD, this rock crawler is ideal for those wanting to tackle obstacle courses and rougher terrains. The dual motors allow it to navigate slopes of up to 45 degrees, while also climbing objects both indoors and out. The body is authentic and engaging, with a simulation cockpit and large wheels.
You’ve got two batteries included, each with a run time of around 30 minutes. Note that this is lower than the 45 minutes that DEERC advertise! There’s also a USB charging cable.
If you’re purchasing more than one of these vehicles, there’s no need to worry about interference. The 2.4 GHz remote system offers a stable signal with no jamming function, with a control distance of around 165 ft (50 meters).
The one thing that lets this model down is its durability. It’s not the most sturdy, and I doubt it would withstand top-speed collisions. Having said that, the anti-slip tires and shock absorbers offer good support across unstable surfaces, which makes collisions less likely.
While there is an anti-collision bumper, I wouldn’t rely on this!
Offering very good value for money and beginner-friendly features, this rock crawler is as impressive as other DEERC vehicles I’ve recommended. Just try not to crash it!
Pros
- Great value for money and one of the most affordable on my list
- A good beginner or entry-level RC truck
- Impressive rock crawling capacities - navigates obstacle courses very well while maintaining ease of control
- Comes with two batteries included so you’ve got one spare
Cons
- Not particularly durable - may not withstand even minor collisions so needs to be handled with care
- Doesn’t go very fast at all but rock crawlers aren’t designed for speed
The Axial RC Truck 1/10 SCX10 III Jeep JT Gladiator Rock Crawler is a 1/10 scale rock crawler that offers an immersive and realistic off-road experience. It has to be said that you pay for this added immersion – as this is one of the most expensive on my list by some margin! It’s powered by a 1200 Kv sensored brushless motor which instantly gives it more power and speed than the brushed models I’ve recommended.
The truck comes fully assembled and ready to run, which makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The attention to detail is very impressive, with a replica V8 engine, realistic transmission housing and a build that adds to the overall authenticity.
One of the stand-out features is its crawling ability, and this is in part due to the portal axles. The ground clearance is decent, while the motor is located at the front of the chassis to provide forward weight. The battery tray near the center improves the balance.
There’s a three-link front and four-link rear suspension that improve overall handling, while there are also two speed options to choose from.
When the sun goes down, LED headlights and rear lights add to the realism.
Another key feature is the Spektrum DX3 3-channel transmitter. This allows you to take advantage of the innovative Spektrum Smart technology.
Note that there is no battery or charger included, so these need to be purchased separately.
The incredibly realistic design is what makes this rock crawler stand out. It delivers an exceptional off-road experience with its attention to detail, realistic features and innovative technology.
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:10
- Body Material
- polycarbonate
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
The Axial RC Truck 1/10 SCX10 III Jeep JT Gladiator Rock Crawler is a 1/10 scale rock crawler that offers an immersive and realistic off-road experience. It has to be said that you pay for this added immersion – as this is one of the most expensive on my list by some margin! It’s powered by a 1200 Kv sensored brushless motor which instantly gives it more power and speed than the brushed models I’ve recommended.
The truck comes fully assembled and ready to run, which makes it a great choice for both beginners and experienced hobbyists. The attention to detail is very impressive, with a replica V8 engine, realistic transmission housing and a build that adds to the overall authenticity.
One of the stand-out features is its crawling ability, and this is in part due to the portal axles. The ground clearance is decent, while the motor is located at the front of the chassis to provide forward weight. The battery tray near the center improves the balance.
There’s a three-link front and four-link rear suspension that improve overall handling, while there are also two speed options to choose from.
When the sun goes down, LED headlights and rear lights add to the realism.
Another key feature is the Spektrum DX3 3-channel transmitter. This allows you to take advantage of the innovative Spektrum Smart technology.
Note that there is no battery or charger included, so these need to be purchased separately.
The incredibly realistic design is what makes this rock crawler stand out. It delivers an exceptional off-road experience with its attention to detail, realistic features and innovative technology.
Pros
- The body is of fantastic quality with a realistic Jeep design
- Excellent crawling capabilities across a range of surfaces
- AR45 portal axles improve performance by increasing the ground clearance - enabling it to tackle larger obstacles
Cons
- Much more expensive than other rock crawlers I have recommended
- Doesn’t come with batteries and a charger included
- Although very expensive, there are still a large number of plastic parts
The Perseids RC Crawler Off Road RC Truck is a 1/12 scale RC rock crawler that provides an exciting off-road experience. The tires have enough grip to navigate a range of terrains, including beaches, mountains, grass, muddy paths and rugged roads!
It has a powerful motor that enables it to scale hills of up to 45 degrees. Unlike others I’ve mentioned, it can also be driven at speed, with a top speed of 12 mph. The small size of this truck means 12 mph feels surprisingly quick! It’s equipped with four shock absorbers that take in small bumps with ease.
This rock crawler comes with two batteries included, each with a very impressive run time of up to 45 minutes. The radio control distance is 50 meters, about average for this price point.
The best thing about this rock crawler is that it’s very beginner-friendly. The affordable price makes it a good option for those new to the hobby, while the proportional steering ensures it’s very easy to both drive and control.
Like many of the best RC rock crawlers, there are LED front lights that allow you to drive it at night.
Overall, the Perseids RC Crawler is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable RC vehicle that’s capable of handling all sorts of terrain. The powerful motor and 4WD means it’s able to climb steep hills, although it does flip over if you tackle bumps that are too large.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting RC vehicle, this truck is worth considering!
At a glance
- Scale
- 1:16
- Max. Speed
- 20 kph
- Charge Time
- 1 hour
- Run Time
- 30 mins
- Body Material
- ABS
- Drive Type (2WD or 4WD)
- 4WD
The Perseids RC Crawler Off Road RC Truck is a 1/12 scale RC rock crawler that provides an exciting off-road experience. The tires have enough grip to navigate a range of terrains, including beaches, mountains, grass, muddy paths and rugged roads!
It has a powerful motor that enables it to scale hills of up to 45 degrees. Unlike others I’ve mentioned, it can also be driven at speed, with a top speed of 12 mph. The small size of this truck means 12 mph feels surprisingly quick! It’s equipped with four shock absorbers that take in small bumps with ease.
This rock crawler comes with two batteries included, each with a very impressive run time of up to 45 minutes. The radio control distance is 50 meters, about average for this price point.
The best thing about this rock crawler is that it’s very beginner-friendly. The affordable price makes it a good option for those new to the hobby, while the proportional steering ensures it’s very easy to both drive and control.
Like many of the best RC rock crawlers, there are LED front lights that allow you to drive it at night.
Overall, the Perseids RC Crawler is an excellent choice for those looking for an affordable RC vehicle that’s capable of handling all sorts of terrain. The powerful motor and 4WD means it’s able to climb steep hills, although it does flip over if you tackle bumps that are too large.
If you’re looking for a fun and exciting RC vehicle, this truck is worth considering!
Pros
- Good value for money when compared to other RC crawlers
- Lots of fun to drive across most terrains
- Proportional steering makes it easier to drive and control
- Easy to upgrade to improve its performance if needed
Cons
- Cheaply made with lots of plastic parts so may not last a very long time
- Not particularly good at crawling - will flip over if you try to tackle anything too large
Tips for Buying an RC Rock Crawler
- Consider the type of terrain you plan on driving your RC crawler on. Different models are designed for specific terrains, with some doing better on rocks than others!
- The motor power and torque will determine your RC’s rock-climbing ability and overall performance on challenging terrains. Those with high-torque motors have better crawling capabilities
- You should check the suspension. Those with good suspension will allow the wheels to maintain traction even on uneven surfaces. Adjustable shocks will enable you to fine-tune its performance
- Assess the durability and build quality. Those made from robust materials and strong gears will have better durability across tough terrains
- Consider the ease of maintenance and upgrade. Those made by reputable manufacturers will have more upgrade options and spare parts should be easier to source.
FAQs
Can I use my RC rock crawler in wet conditions?
Most RCs are not designed for water submersion or driving through very deep puddles. Some will have water resistance, however, which will allow you to drive through shallow puddles.
Generally, it’s best to avoid driving in wet conditions to prevent damage to the electronics.
How long does the battery last?
This depends on various factors such as the capacity, the motor power, terrain and your driving style. You’re unlikely to get a run time of over 30 minutes, and some may be closer to 15 minutes. Lots of RCs come with a spare battery included, which will double your run time.
Can I modify my RC crawler?
Yes, most RC crawlers can be upgraded or modified to improve their performance.
If this is of interest to you, check the availability of spare parts before you purchase a rock crawler. Spare part availability depends on the brand and specific models.
