First Crawler

[nogoodname1]

I picked up the 1/18 Temper 4WD Rock Crawler Brushed RTR as my first crawler. The price point has been about the only good thing about the crawler so far. The body does not return to level when on a flat surface. I tested going up a couple of 2x4s at maybe a 30 to 40 degree angle (I would post a picture but I don't have my 30 post in yet) . I only got the Temper up the setup once. The Temper had trouble getting up onto the 2x4s. Is there a better beginners crawler? At this point I am going to try to return the Temper (I believe).

[mikebecher]

The Redcat Everest 10 is a decent beginner crawler for around $140. But by then you've sunk almost $300 into the hobby and you could have drummed up an Axial SCX10 Deadbolt instead. Trust me, this is the path I went down. Luckily those first two were 'for my kids'

If you are enjoying the hobby (or want to considering the limitations of the ECX Temper) then stop the hemorrhaging cash now and get a good hobby-grade crawler. If later you decide it's not your cup of tea, you'll be able to sell it pretty easily.

The RTR Bomber and SCX10 II are on the pricier side but need the fewest upgrades out of the box.

[Smokin' Joe]

Agree on Everest 10 as a decent first crawler. I have one and it has been fun and with upgrades can be very capable. It is not scale if that matters to you, but can be converted to a scale setup fairly cheaply.

One downside to the E10 is it doesn't have a lot of aftermarket support. That being said, you can use a lot of the upgrades intended for other vehicles if you don't mind modifying things a bit to get them to work.

The E10 is far from a perfect vehicle in terms of its crawling ability, but most of it's shortfalls can be corrected fairly cheaply. The one area that is not very cheap to correct is the steering (same issue in AX10 scorpion and SCX10). If you are looking for ultimate shafty crawler performance, it might not be the best choice. If you are looking for a cheap entry point, and don't mind tinkering with things to make upgrades then it is a good choice.

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by mikebecher

The Redcat Everest 10 is a decent beginner crawler for around $140. But by then you've sunk almost $300 into the hobby and you could have drummed up an Axial SCX10 Deadbolt instead. Trust me, this is the path I went down. Luckily those first two were 'for my kids'

If you are enjoying the hobby (or want to considering the limitations of the ECX Temper) then stop the hemorrhaging cash now and get a good hobby-grade crawler. If later you decide it's not your cup of tea, you'll be able to sell it pretty easily.

The RTR Bomber and SCX10 II are on the pricier side but need the fewest upgrades out of the box.

X2, Deadbolt, SCX10 II or Vaterra Ascender are good quality crawlers but will cost more initially.

[nogoodname1]

Thanks for everyone's input.

[chino]

Pick up a used SCX10 on Craigslist for <$250. Your wallet will thank you later.

[sharkattack99]

Originally Posted by chino

Pick up a used SCX10 on Craigslist for <$250. Your wallet will thank you later.

have to be careful when buying used with these trucks, yeah may find one for 250 but not so good or easy on the wallet when you have to sink another 300 in it just to get it running cause the previous own didn't do proper maintenance. now your in more than a brand new one, just something to keep in mind. some get lucky and find a diamond in the rough, lol.

with towerhobbies coupon code can save 36 bucks and get a new deadbolt for 263.99.

[durok]

^^^ This, or a Vaterra Ascender. Also a very good out-of-the box RTR or kit to get. Not quite as many updates out there, but still comparable. Multiple versions available including the nifty new '72 Chevy K10 Pickup with a caged flatbed :

1972 Chevrolet K10 Pickup Ascender: 1/10th RTR (VTR03090): Vaterra