If you are looking for the perfect RC rock crawler for your little one, you have come to the right place. There are many reasons why these types of RC vehicles are perfect for beginners. For starters, they are slower. They also have more maneuverability which makes them easier to control. If you’re still not convinced, there are also many different models to choose from – which means your child can match whichever model they want with their favorite color or design. You don’t have to search any further – here are the best RC rock crawlers for beginners.
Rock crawlers are an exciting, fun, and challenging hobby. They’re great for both indoor and outdoor playtime with the family, exploring the dirt tracks outside your house, or even taking on tough terrain like mountainsides. Rock crawlers are typically trucks with four-wheel drive and good-sized tires that let you climb over off-road obstacles. You’ll find them in all sorts of sizes and capabilities – ready to tackle anything you want!
1. Axial SCX24 1/24 Deadbolt RC Crawler 4WD Truck 8″ RTR
Axial has long been a leader in the RC crawler market. And Axial SCX24 series is the benchmark RC rock crawler that most enthusiasts compare other crawlers with. The Deadbolt is the perfect combination of power, reliability, and value. Already easy to assemble out of the box, this truck offers lots of potential for customization with its modular design and unlimited upgrade options. This truck is designed to tackle rough terrain with its powerful engine and high torque. It’s got enough power to make some fun climbs crawling over rocks and whatever else you throw at it. If you’re looking for a well-built, long-lasting, and versatile RC truck that can be driven both indoors and out, the Axial SCX24 Deadbolt is the one that you want.
Features
- 1/24 scale
- Water-resistant electronics
- Sealed cartridge bearings
- Three-link front and four-link rear suspension
- 4GHz Radio Transmitter
- 350mAh 2S 7. 4V LiPo Battery
- USB LiPo Charger
Pros
- Fun in a small package
- Can climb anything
- Good indoors and outdoors
- Low cost beginner rock crawler
- Good build
Cons
- Small in size
- Battery and charger could be improved
2. Axial SCX10 II Trail Honcho 4WD RC Rock Crawler 1/10 Scale RTR
Axial has always been known for building tough, reliable RC cars and trucks. The Rock Crawler Trail Honcho is no exception. Built with an electric power system, this 1/10 scale crawler will take you on all the adventures your imagination can dream up. The 4WD drivetrain will help you conquer any obstacle that stands in your way while the low-slung frame will let you tackle some of the steepest terrain around. If you’re looking for a good way to get into the RC rock crawling hobby, this is the best bang for your buck rig you can get! Plus, it’s super durable so you can have tons of fun without worrying about breaking it.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Wb8 HD Wildboar driveshafts
- AR44 hi-pinion axle
- Falken wild Peak m/T S30 tires
- TTX200 2.4GHz 2-channel transmitter
- 35T brushed motor
- 4GHz 3-channel receiver
Pros
- Durable
- Lots of bang for your buck.
- Good truck for the price
- Good for beginners
- Huge aftermarket parts
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a battery and charger
3. Axial Capra 1.9 Unlimited 4WD RC Rock Crawler Trail Buggy RTR
The Axial Capra 1.9 Unlimited 4WD RC Rock Crawler Trail Buggy RTR was designed with the hardcore RC enthusiast in mind. It offers an electric, four-wheel drive crawler experience that’s unmatched. The Axial Capra is incredibly capable out of the box and is well-built and strong all around. It comes with a great chassis and transmission, and the motor and electronics are a great start to get into RC crawling. It has a durable design that will last, and with tons of upgrade possibilities, it’s easy to see why this is one of the best sellers.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Ability to switch from 4WD to FWD from the 3-channel transmitter
- WB8 HD Wildboar driveshafts
- Aluminum shocks
Pros
- Capable all-round RTR Crawler
- Fantastic out of the box
- Well built and strong
- Climb anything
Cons
- Requires a battery and charger
- Poor dig servo
4. 1:10 Scale Large Rock RC Crawler – 4WD Hobby Grade IPX5 Waterproof
Looking for a rock crawler that will look great under the Christmas tree? We’ve got you covered – this 1:10 scale RC crawler is perfect for climbing steep inclines and crawling up rocks. It’s also waterproof, so it’s ready to tackle anything you can dish out. If you’re looking for a rugged, high-quality rock crawler that will stand up to a lot of wear and tear, the 1:10 Scale 4WD Rock Crawler is exactly what you need. With a variety of features, this RC crawler is an excellent value that you’ll love for years to come.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4WD
- 2V 6S 1800 mAh NiMh battery and charger
- Two-speed transmission
- IPX5 water-resistant
- Brushed RC550 Motor
Pros
- Fun for all ages
- Great out of the box
- IPX5 waterproof
- Good value
Cons
- Parts take come finding
- A bit top-heavy
5. DANCHEE RidgeRock – 4WD Electric Rock Crawler – 1/10 Scale – RTR
The DANCHEE RidgeRock is a rock crawler that comes with some pretty serious performance and durability. Use it as a beginner crawler and you’ll be amazed at how easily it clambers over obstacles on the trail. But it can also tackle more challenging terrain, like sand, loose rocks, and even logs! This is the ideal first rock crawler for beginners and those who want an introduction to the hobby and don’t want to break the bank on a high-end model. The RidgeRock is a fabulous value for money and will provide hours of fun!
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4WD rock crawler
- 4GHz radio
- Aluminum capped oil filled shocks
- 2x High torque brushed electric motors
- 3-channel 2.4GHz pistol grip radio
- RTR Includes
- 4v 1500mAh Li-ion rechargeable battery
- USB charger
Pros
- Excellent first RC crawler for beginners
- Easy to control
- Can’t beat it for the money
- Durable and long-lasting
Cons
- Components feel a bit cheap
6. Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric Rock Crawler with Waterproof Electronics
The Redcat Racing Everest-10 Electric Rock Crawler is a great all-around crawler. This truck has a ton of torque and will make its way up hills with relative ease. This truck is a great beginner’s rig, with plenty of room for customization and upgrades. It has a tough frame that can take a beating and tough electronics that won’t let you down in the middle of a race. The battery life on this rig is good, and replacement parts are easy to come by. This truck goes over anything in its path, so get ready to bash some rocks!
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Aluminum chassis
- Aluminum capped oil filled shocks
- Adjustable ride height
- Tunable suspension
- RC540 brushed motor
- Waterproof crawler
- 4GHz radio system
- 2V 2000mAh NiMH Battery and charger
Pros
- Great beginner’s hobby grade crawler
- Easy to set up
- Will climb over anything
- Plenty of customizations options
Cons
- Slower than other crawlers
7. Traxxas TRX-4 Ford Bronco 1/10 Trail and Scale Crawler
Step up your RC game with the Traxxas TRX-4 Ford Bronco 1/10 Scale Crawler. This 1/10 scale model replicates the dimensions and proportions of its full-size counterpart down to the finest detail. And with a powerful 550 motor, durable steel shaft drivetrain, and fully functional link suspension systems it’s no wonder this is one of the most popular RC crawlers around! The TRX-4 is designed to be an excellent first RC crawler. But it’s not just for beginners! The TRX-4 is loaded with tons of awesome features and accessories so you can experience the thrill of scale RC driving right out of the box. It has great looks, rock crawling capabilities, and all the quality you expect from Traxxas.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- XL-5 HV ESC
- 21T Titan 550 motor
- Waterproof electronics
- Detailed Ford Bronco body
Pros
- Amazing detailing
- Traxxas quality
- Out of the box fun
- Easy to set up
- Plenty of aftermarket upgrades
Cons
- Steering servo could be stronger
- Battery and charger not included
8. Panda Hobby Sport Tetra K1 1/18 RTR Scale 4×4 Rock Crawler
With a top-class RC crawler right out of the box, this Panda Rock Crawler is tough, efficient, and effective. The Panda Hobby Sport Tetra K1 1/18 RTR Scale 4×4 Rock Crawler will have you covered when it comes to crawling over rocks, climbing hillsides, and just having fun. The little crawler has 3-speed control for you to find the perfect one for your terrain. It’s an amazing value for money – well made with long battery life, strong quiet 51t barrage motor, good climbing front weighted wheels that are oil-filled shocks. The molded-painted body also looks great!
Features
- 1/18 scale
- RTR
- 4WD
- 4Ghz remote controller
- 3-speed controls
- LED lights
Pros
- Compares well with the SCX24 series
- Very good out of the box
- A bargain for an entry-level crawler
- Easy to use
- Indoor and outdoor fun
- Better than you may expect
- Good for younger kids
Cons
- Small scale
- Limited upgrade options
9. Redcat Racing Everest GEN7 Sport 1/10 4WD RTR Scale Rock Crawler
The Everest GEN7 Sport is a powerful and responsive RC rock crawler that offers a solid platform that is ready to run right out of the box. It’s better than any other comparable hobby-grade crawler at this price point making it the perfect choice for beginners and intermediate crawlers alike. If you are looking for a hobby-grade RC rock crawler that is lightweight and durable, then the Redcat Racing Everest GEN7 Sport is your best bet
Features
- 1/10 scale
- Ladder frame Chassis
- Solid axle
- Aluminum capped coil-over shocks
- Brushed 550 motor
Pros
- Powerful motor and responsive
- Excellent for kids and adults
- Best value for money
- Good ground clearance
- Good mod options
- Great entry-level RC crawler
Cons
- Invest in upgrades for best performance
- Short battery life
10. Redcat Racing Gen8 V2 International Scout II 1/10 Scale Rock Crawler Scale
This is our favorite RC rock crawler rig for budget-minded people out there. You don’t have to be a beginner to get a lot of fun out of this crawler, and it’s upgrade-friendly for those looking to get more involved. It’s got killer looks, handles well, and will make you want to go do some crawling right now. Beginner or experienced, the Gen8 V2 International Scout II has all the goods to keep you crawling rocks for a long time. Out of the box, it’s capable enough to keep up with those more expensive rigs from other brands. It’s a great crawler for the money.
Features
- 1/10 scale
- 4-link suspension
- Aluminum threaded shocks,
- Beadlock wheels
- Interco Super Swamper tires
- Adjustable wheelbase, ride height and toe angle
- Tunable suspension
- 17T 550 brushed motor
- Waterproof crawler ESC and steering servo
- 4GHz radio system
Pros
- Good beginner crawler
- Top-notch performance
- Tough build
- Waterproof construction
- Redcat customer service
Cons
- Can be a bit loud
11. RGT RC Crawler 1:24 Scale 4WD Hobby Crawler Cruiser RTR Waterproof
This mighty small-scale RC rock crawler is the perfect addition to any collection. The RGT crawler is designed with entry-level people in mind. With a lightweight, rugged design and durable components, the crawler will provide hours of fun for anyone who enjoys rock crawling. This crawler has excellent battery life and is easy to control with its precise throttle controls. It can crawl up anything you can grip with its tires! The crawler is great, especially considering the price – it’s hard to find an RC crawler with this high quality level at such an affordable price point. This is the perfect gift for any scale crawler enthusiast!
Features
- 1/24 scale
- 4WD
- RTR
- RC050 motor
- Waterproof ESC
- 7V 500Mah Lipo battery
- USB charger
Pros
- Good entry-level crawler
- Solid performance
- A lot of torque
- Decent battery life
- Good value
Cons
- A little top-heavy
RC Rock Crawlers Buying Guide
RC rock crawlers are not just for kids anymore. With advancements in technology, these toys can now be used by grown-ups too. Whether you’re an experienced RC lover or looking to start your first RC journey, this guide will help you make the best decision when buying one. From what type of rig you should choose to the best brands and models, read on to learn everything there is to know about RC rock crawlers.
How to choose a rock crawler with the right balance of performance and accessibility
When you’re looking to buy an RC rock crawler, there are many different choices. With so many options available, how do you know which one is the best for your needs?
The first step is to consider what type of rig you want. There are various types of rigs that offer different performance and accessibility. Some will be easier to operate than others. If you’re new to the world of RCs, then a ready-to-run (RTR) rig would be your best option. It’s perfect for someone who just wants to get out and run without having to worry about building or tweaking anything before they take it out on the trails.
Alternatively, if you have experience with RCs and want more control over your rig, then a kit might be better for you. With this type of rig, the only thing that will need assembling is the
What To Look For In A Quality RC Crawler
RC cars come in a wide range of sizes, prices, and features. It’s important to know exactly what you’re looking for before you buy one.
For example, if you want a model that can handle rougher terrain but isn’t as fast as other models, consider an off-road vehicle. If you don’t need a full-size rig and want something more lightweight, a micro crawler might be the perfect option for you. Alternatively, if you have kids or want a toy that can withstand some abuse from little ones, then an RTR (ready to run) car with rubber tires is your best bet.
No matter what type of RC crawler fits your needs best, it’s important to read reviews from others who have owned the same model before purchasing. Reviews can give you an idea of how well the car lasts over time and whether or not the seller provides support if anything goes wrong after purchasing.
Torque
Torque is arguably the most important performance factor in RC rock crawlers. Low gear ratios will better equip your RC crawler to limb over rocks and other obstacles.
Steering
One of the most important aspects of an RC rock crawler is how it handles. You want a rig that’s responsive, but not too slow to keep up with you on all your adventures. You’ll want to pay attention to the steering mechanism. Some have servo steering, which is faster and more responsive than other options.
Ground Clearance
When you’re driving a rock crawler, there are going to be some situations where you’ll need to push things out of the way. That’s why it’s important for your RC rock crawler to have a decent amount of ground clearance.
It might seem like less clearance is more fun, but it can actually cause damage to the undercarriage and body. Instead, look for an RC rig that has maximum clearance from the ground. This will help prevent any damage from happening as you drive over obstacles.
Tires
Tires with more treads are a better option for gripping rocky terrain. It’s best if they are bead locked to the rim.
Suspension
A rock crawler should be able to traverse both flat ground and uneven surfaces with ease. A flexible suspension can handle rock-filled trails with ease. The suspension system will make or break your driving experience.
Waterproof Electronics
If you’re reading this, chances are you want to buy an RC rock crawler that can take a beating. Well, these bad boys are up for the challenge! Scale rock crawlers are made of durable materials that can survive bumps, scrapes, and other disasters—even water.
Which Brands Are The Best?
The most popular brands with high-quality products include Axial, Redcat and Traxxas among others. When considering which brand you want to buy from, consider what type of rig you’re looking for. Are you looking for a buggy with lots of features? Or something more simple like a scaled-down version?
How Fast is an RC Rock Crawler?
RC rock crawlers by their very nature are not optimized for speed instead they are designed for maximum torque to weight ratio that allows them to climb and crawl over rocks and other terrains. Many RC rock crawlers will match a fast walking speed while others may be much quicker.
The benefits of RC rock crawlers are endless, but the most important bit is having fun. With its ability to climb over boulders, jump over logs, and even obstacles made at home, RC rock crawlers provide hours of entertainment.