Contemplating an AX10 after my SCX10 was overwhelmed.

[johnnyluv]

Back in July, I went on a trail run/climb with a couple of friends. We all had SCX10's, and mine was a short wheelbase, with 1.9" Pro-Line TSL SX Super Swamper tires. It was all good, going up the trail, until we reached this huge rock field at the end of this mountain lake.

My little shorty Baja failed, due to being undersized for such big rocks. Thing is, it was an awesome place, and I thought it'd be neat to return someday with a 2.2" crawler, or perhaps a Wraith, as long as it had larger wheels and more clearance.

I'm thinking the AX10 would be best, because of it's trail/crawling capabilities. I don't see too many rolling AX10 chassis available, so I may have to wait and get an RTR at Christmas, but I'd rather get a roller, since I already have sufficient electronics to put one together.

 

[gottorque]

My advice to you would be to simply mod your current scx10 over buying a whole new truck. Stretch the WB, get some larger 1.9 tires and move the battery forward if it isn't already. Crawling large rocks with 1.9s is all about line choice. With a few choice mods and some driver skill, an scx10 is incredibly capable

 

[johnnyluv]

Thanks for the advice and the response, man. I won't argue the SCX10's capabilities. I've got two: One short wb and one long wb (Jeep Wrangler), and they both do great on most of the mountain trails I take them on. However, I think I'd like to keep them the way they are, as good looking scale trucks.

The "rock basher" aspect of the AX10 appeals to me, I think. I'm still mulling it around, though, and haven't written off getting a Wraith, either. I've also considered that with an AX10, I could eventually convert it to a Wroncho, if I'm not mistaken. I still have a new set of SCX10 frame rails left over, from when I built my STRC short wheelbase chassis. ;-)

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[jaymann]

Take one of your scx 10 and make a 2.2 wroncho out of it.

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[johnnyluv]

Well, a new pair of AR60 axles are about 1/2 the price of a full RTR AX10 Deadbolt (if not more, especially after Tower Hobbies discount). I'm seeing the ability to derive more benefit and enjoyment from getting a whole AX10 truck, then modding one of my SCX10's.

Has anyone checked out John Schultz's blog on converting a Deadbolt (AX10) to a Monster Truck? Looks pretty cool! I'm just about sold on having a dedicated 2.2" rock basher, monster truck, or whatever else setup might be made of it. I only just got into the RC hobby in the past couple of years, so I'm mostly just dabbling around, learning what I like and don't like. A year ago, I was turning my nose up at 2.2 crawlers like the AX10 and Wraith, but now they're becoming more appealing, especially after gaining experience on diverse terrain.

 

[MeanTT]

I have an SCX10 and AX10 deadbolt. My SCX runs 2.2s, the mud truck conversion plates to lower the CG and I have .850 SLM hubs to make it as wide as possible.


I can tell you that the SCX10 is more fun to drive because it is harder to drive and it is also much more scale. The AX10 is much much better at crawling around and getting around. It is wider, more stable, and just works better. The SCX10 is not quite dialed in, but the top heavy nature will always make it a less capable crawler.

 

[johnnyluv]

I have an SCX10 and AX10 deadbolt. My SCX runs 2.2s, the mud truck conversion plates to lower the CG and I have .850 SLM hubs to make it as wide as possible.


I can tell you that the SCX10 is more fun to drive because it is harder to drive and it is also much more scale. The AX10 is much much better at crawling around and getting around. It is wider, more stable, and just works better. The SCX10 is not quite dialed in, but the top heavy nature will always make it a less capable crawler.

That thing looks cool! I've been watching quite a few videos and reading quite a few threads, and am more certain the AX10 Deadbolt will be a fun addition to my RC collection. However, room has to be made for it, so I'm going to sell my Traxxas MJ Son-uva Digger and some other stuff. What I plan on doing, is getting a clear Ridgecrest body, because I think it looks better on it than the Deadbolt body, especially with a custom paint job.

 

[MeanTT]

That thing looks cool! I've been watching quite a few videos and reading quite a few threads, and am more certain the AX10 Deadbolt will be a fun addition to my RC collection. However, room has to be made for it, so I'm going to sell my Traxxas MJ Son-uva Digger and some other stuff. What I plan on doing, is getting a clear Ridgecrest body, because I think it looks better on it than the Deadbolt body, especially with a custom paint job.

You will like it. I run a Mamba Monster 2 with the 2200 kv brushless motor. Even though it's sensor less, it crawls great. I run 3s on her and it's really all the speed I need. The only issue with the ax10 is that without frame rails, you can't mod it as much. My deadbolt body is stock and my mods are limited to links, power, wheels and tires. It doesn't need anything special to be unstoppable.

 

[johnnyluv]

Well, CKRC Hobbies' current moving sale helped me make up my mind. I sprung for the Wraith Spawn kit!
After a good deal of research, I determined the Spawn kit was a better overall deal. The AX10 Deadbolt RTR had too many undesirable items, which I would have had to spend time reselling, and would've caused me to spend more money customizing to suit my interests. Plus, there is a stronger aftermarket for the Wraith.

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[MeanTT]

Best of luck! And we need Pics!! Don't go brushed. Go with brushless sensored set ups, but be aware that a castle system or tekin will give you the slow speed control you need; others won't. You also will want a transmitter with exponential control so you can add greater control for the slow stuff. That's how I have mine set up and my SCX 10 loves it. The deadbolt is more of a basher and I bought it with the mamba max set up. I get more realism out of watching the Scx 10 suspension flex, but more capability and stability with the AX10 deadbolt.

 

[Postclanker]

You can buy whatever...but brushless doesn't like the water...might be a factor for you when deciding. I thought, I'll never run it in water...boy was I wrong

 

[johnnyluv]

Brushless can be waterproofed, or made to be highly water resistant, at least. I've got a sensored brushless setup on one of my SCX10's, which I'll probably use on the Wraith. I treated it for water exposure, using CorrosionX and it's done pretty well.

Just to make it clear, I decided against the AX10.


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[Postclanker]

No matter how hard I tried, brushless always acted funny when it got wet for me...never liked the lack of low end either...I know, Tekin is supposed to be better, meh...brushed is more maintenance but far superior in performance IMHO

 

[johnnyluv]

It does come down to personal preference, especially considering how some choose to drive their rigs. Even John Holmes has stated that he usually comes back to his Crawlmaster 13T (brushed). It's got such a strong reputation that I'll at least have to get one and try it, sometime.

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[fyrstormer]

I love my Wraith and it handles all the rocks I have to drive it over, but the AX10 is still the best dedicated crawler Axial currently offers.

Yes, I run mine brushed too. I have a Tekin Pro Hand-Wound 30T motor connected to a RC4WD AX2 2-speed gearbox (which would also fit in the AX10, as I recall). I have it geared for 11mph in high gear (roughly the speed of the stock RTR Wraith), and in low gear it has enough torque to tear vines out by the roots when they get wrapped around the axles.

 

[RMNixon]

johnnyluv - I've got a first gen AX10 Scorpion, the one that used the SCX10 axles. I've had it since it first came out and I've beat on it for years. The old first gen AX10s can be had pretty cheap used and quite a few people prefer the old, narrow axles over the AR60s on the new AX10. Parts are still made, and the aftermarket is still huge. Just a thought, since you've already got the electronics...

 

[johnnyluv]

I love my Wraith and it handles all the rocks I have to drive it over, but the AX10 is still the best dedicated crawler Axial currently offers.

Yes, I run mine brushed too. I have a Tekin Pro Hand-Wound 30T motor connected to a RC4WD AX2 2-speed gearbox (which would also fit in the AX10, as I recall). I have it geared for 11mph in high gear (roughly the speed of the stock RTR Wraith), and in low gear it has enough torque to tear vines out by the roots when they get wrapped around the axles.

Sounds like a strong setup!

Harley once stated that if he were to have just one RC, it'd be a Wraith, and I've read similar remarks from others, so I think my choice in ordering a Wraith kit will be justified when the time comes.
It was a tough choice, though, and who knows if I might not, at some point, get an AX10.

johnnyluv - I've got a first gen AX10 Scorpion, the one that used the SCX10 axles. I've had it since it first came out and I've beat on it for years. The old first gen AX10s can be had pretty cheap used and quite a few people prefer the old, narrow axles over the AR60s on the new AX10. Parts are still made, and the aftermarket is still huge. Just a thought, since you've already got the electronics...

I already ordered the Wraith! [emoji16] When I thought about what I wanted to do, the Wraith made more sense. I'm going to yank the sensorless brushless outrunner out of my SCX10 Jeep Wrangler, and set it aside for the Wraith, which will be a better application for it, for awhile, at least.

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[fyrstormer]

Sounds like a strong setup!

Harley once stated that if he were to have just one RC, it'd be a Wraith, and I've read similar remarks from others, so I think my choice in ordering a Wraith kit will be justified when the time comes.
It was a tough choice, though, and who knows if I might not, at some point, get an AX10.

Oh yeah, it's a strong setup. Steel beef-tubes inside the axles, hardened diff gears, LockedUpRC's F.I. spools, MIP center driveshafts, RC4WD front CVDs, STRC aluminum steering knuckles and rear axle extenders, Boca ceramic bearings, Vanquish SLW hubs, titanium steering and suspension links, STRC aluminum shock bodies, a titanium-gear servo with a clamping servo horn, extra screws to hold the roof in place more securely, and R35-compound Ripsaw tires. It weighs about 7.5lbs with a 2S LiPo installed, and I can nosedive it off a rock about 2 feet in the air and then run it submerged through a creek and it doesn't care.

The Wraith is better for crashing (crawling and bashing combined). The AX10 can still beat it at pure crawling, though.

 

[RMNixon]

I already ordered the Wraith! [emoji16] When I thought about what I wanted to do, the Wraith made more sense. I'm going to yank the sensorless brushless outrunner out of my SCX10 Jeep Wrangler, and set it aside for the Wraith, which will be a better application for it, for awhile, at least.

My bad, don't know how I missed that, but you did clearly say you decided on the Wraith. Sorry!

 

[RMNixon]

MeanTT - Love your SCX10!