The Ascender Bronco has gone the way of the dodo

[johnnyluv]

Looks like that recent holiday sale was intended to finally clear out all retail stock of the old Bronco, because Horizon now shows it as "This item is no longer available", and Amain shows "Discontinued Online". Sad to see it go, but it never seemed to be a big hit. I wanted one ever since it came out, but felt uncomfortable with the price. Other models got my attention and $$, as time went by, and even when it was reduced over this summer, I continued to overlook it, all up until this big sale came along.
Earlier this year, I had scored a clear Bronco body kit from an Amazon 3rd party seller for $68, the cheapest I'd seen them, so I was still reluctant to buy the RTR, but now I'm glad I did, seeing that this was the final draw. It sort of reminds me of how I had wanted an Axial AX10 Deadbolt, and wished that I'd gotten one before they disappeared. Didn't want a repeat of that experience.
I was planning on opening the new Bronco on Christmas morning, but now I'm contemplating preserving it in its original packaging. Of course, I've never been one to have keepsakes of that sort.

[Yeti.stealth]

Sad to see the Bronco go but excited about what new models we may see in the future.

[Natedog]

Originally Posted by Yeti.stealth

Sad to see the Bronco go but excited about what new models we may see in the future.

Yep and I bought an RTR blue Bronco body this summer because I've always loved this body.

[4kids crawlin]

I'm hoping that the clear 68 Ford vaterra body will go on sale so I can get a few more.

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[svt923]

RIP Ascender Bronco.

You were a great truck to drive though your short wheelbase was not for everyone.

May a new super short wheelbase truck carry on your legacy.

[kincer]

I really like it's short wheelbase, it's a great rig, as said some don't care for it but I like it.

[smog]

Glad I ended up buying one. The price was so good my wallet was practically screaming at me to be opened up. Given the direction things have been going I had a feeling the end might be coming for it. Now I need to score a clear body for it before they are all gone

[Browneye]

That completely sucks. If they don't come out with something other than a green suburban the whole kibosh is going dodo.

And zero for product announcements. Just zilch.

[JatoTheRipper]

Sad news. I believe that was Rich that swears the Ascender isn't dead, but it's hard to believe otherwise.

[johnnyluv]

Originally Posted by JatoTheRipper

Sad news. I believe that was Rich that swears the Ascender isn't dead, but it's hard to believe otherwise.

Maybe it was just that the Ford Bronco license expired, and since it wasn't a big seller, it wasn't profitable enough to renew the license. Just speculating. They did just release the Suburban, so that's a good sign. When you think about it, though, with the economy so seemingly fragile, and the scale market having been flooded over the past year, some models, if not entire model lines, are bound to get discontinued at some point.

[smog]

I noticed Horizon has a new website. Axial, Redcat, Vaterra, ECX and all are now on one website under a drop down menu. Seeing the whole Horizon lineup in one place is a bit eye opening. Still holding out the Ascender gets some much deserved attention once things settle over there.

[Ranch Ranger]

Amazon is still showing them in stock.

[DLRC]

A number of hobby shops still have them too. On ebay, I just ordered one from a shop in NJ that is currently including a 4000mah 2s Dynamite shorty battery to go with it for $330, and ebay has $15 off right now. They are still showing 10 left now. I've been following the forum on and off and made the decision to finally pick one up. Always liked the look, and that price with the battery was enough of a push. I have a 2wd Slash VXL and XL-5 Stampede 4x4, but this is my first capable off road RC. Looking forward to going on hikes with it.

[johnnyluv]

Originally Posted by DLRC

A number of hobby shops still have them too. On ebay, I just ordered one from a shop in NJ that is currently including a 4000mah 2s Dynamite shorty battery to go with it for $330, and ebay has $15 off right now. They are still showing 10 left now. I've been following the forum on and off and made the decision to finally pick one up. Always liked the look, and that price with the battery was enough of a push. I have a 2wd Slash VXL and XL-5 Stampede 4x4, but this is my first capable off road RC. Looking forward to going on hikes with it.

A very capable, scale 4x4 it is. Really cool that you chose the Bronco for hiking, especially with all the choices available. It's a unique model, and one that probably should've gotten more love.


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[Rich Trujillo]

Originally Posted by johnnyluv

Maybe it was just that the Ford Bronco license expired, and since it wasn't a big seller, it wasn't profitable enough to renew the license. Just speculating. They did just release the Suburban, so that's a good sign. When you think about it, though, with the economy so seemingly fragile, and the scale market having been flooded over the past year, some models, if not entire model lines, are bound to get discontinued at some point.

Yup the license is set to expire and the short wheelbase rigs just don't move. Do not expect a short wheelbase replacement. The good news is that if you really want a short wheelbase, you can adjust the Ascenders wheelbase



Rich

[Rich Trujillo]

BTW We are almost out of Clear Bronco bodies VTR230047 . Since we still have sell off time for the remaining stock, there will not be anymore reductions...so if you're waiting for blow out prices, i wouldn't. There are even fewer of the painted bodies remaining VTR230046.

Figured i'd let any "collectors" or Bronco fans know.

Rich

[Browneye]

This ebay seller near me has a few vaterra 'kits' for sale for sub-$200. Looks like a parts kit. I wonder how this came to be...
I'm tempted to pick one up...I'm sure they won't last long.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vaterra-Asc...n-5m:rk:1:pf:0

NIB bronco stock body clear with decal set - $59 shipped:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vaterra-Bod...WWq:rk:27:pf:0

[Itali83]

I’ve been eyeing those for a while. Just don’t have the money to spare. Vaterra should take notes and make these kits for sale.

Ben

[Browneye]

I always have some mad money for a steal-deal or to fix something. Bought some stuff over the holidays to make upgrades, even a HH crawlmaster expert 27T - I'm going to try gearing down see how it does - got a 88t spur and some smaller pinions.

I really think I'm moving toward Axial. Just replace the junk parts with aftermarket - stuff is easy to get and cheaper. Pains me to say it.

[Itali83]

My big thing is I’m done with the axles. So buying that “builders kit” doesn’t give me a complete powertrian I want. Love my new build with a*ial based axles.

Ben