My First real crawler - AX10 RTR

[monkeyracer]

I just got my RTR in the mail today, and I am excited to get it all together and on the rocks. I've been researching crawlers for a while and comparing the different options. I narrowed it down to the AX10 or the Venom Creeper. Both were decently priced and had a good ratio of pro's to con's.

In the AX10 corner, the durability, and aftermarket parts support attracted me, but in the Creeper's corner, the locking diffs caught my attention.

Some of the reasons I chose the AX over the Creep was that for the price, I could have exactly what I wanted out of the AX, but would have to jury-rig things or wait for parts for the Creep. Also, having the locking diffs became less necessary the more I thought about it. If I were going to put in a dig or a two-speed, then maybe, but I won't compete with this really.
So then, what version of the AX should I get? The Kit, the ARTR, or the RTR.

Obviously I chose the RTR, but why?
I knew going in that I wanted to get the grey color pack, and I would need to get electrics for it. I knew what the ARTR and the RTR had in common (Sintered Lockers, etc.) and what they didn't (RTR has plastic links, but has a slipper clutch.) I knew the slipper would be something I'd be interested in, because I'd rather not have to go replacing driveshafts all the time, and I knew the 27 turn probably wouldn't cut it for long, so I'd be getting a 55 turn motor for it too.
To help me decide which version to get, I made a comparison chart between the cost of the ARTR and the RTR for everything I needed to get it the way I wanted. Here's what I came up with:

ARTR - Part - Price (where to buy) - Part Number
AX10 - $229.99 (amainhobbies) - AX90004
Grey Color Pack - $40 (pretty much anywhere) - AXA1432
Grey Beadlock Rings - $22 ($11 x 2 pr) (towerhobbies) - AX8112
Slipper Clutch - $25.49 (amainhobbies) - AX30414
55t motor - $13.50 (towerhobbies) - AX240007
TX/RX combo - $ranges, on ebay for about $15-$20 for a used TQ system
ESC - $ranges, on ebay for around $40 or so for something decent
Soft (White) Springs - $12 ($6 x 2 pr) (towerhobbies) - AX30214
Total - $398, or $336 before shipping (if I kept the orange links and rings)

vs.

RTR - Part - Price (where to buy) - Part Number
AX10 - $234.99 (amainhobbies) - AX90002
Grey Color Pack - $40 (pretty much anywhere) - AXA1432
Hardware Upgrade Pack - $17 (amainhobbies) - AXA1411
Grey Beadlock Rings - $included - AX8112
Slipper Clutch - $included - AX30414
55t motor - $13.50 (towerhobbies) - AX240007
TX/RX combo - $included
ESC - $included
Soft (White) Springs - $12 ($6 x 2 pr) (towerhobbies) - AX30214
Total - $317.49 before shipping

So, even if I found a deal on an esc on ebay, and didn't go with the color packs for the ARTR, I'd be spending about the same, but I'd have orange links.

I plan to cut and lower the body, install the locker and the 14t pinion, as well as make a couple link plates out of lexan to mount the electrics. I'm also going to order a custom saddle pack off cheapbatterypacks.com, but I plan on using 6 sub C cells, rather than the 2/3A cells that a lot of guys run. That should help add a little more weight to the front axle, and allow a longer run-time. I'm installing them so that it shouldn't get in the way of the turning radius or articulation. I'll be star cutting the foams, and adding a breathing hole. I can't decide between drilling the rim or cutting a hole in the tires though.

Eventually, I want to get a new body for it, (the whole reason I want grey links, i'd paint it black and silver) and maybe some new tires (m2's or mashers maybe?) and possibly wheel weights if I deem I need it. I need to practice a little crawling and figure out what I need to upgrade.

As soon as I actually dig into the box (still waiting on other parts in the mail), I'll post some pics.

 

[Positronic]

These are exact reasons I bought the rtr. Except I went with the red colour pack Mine ended up alittle more expensive due to having to import some of the things to Australia (sigh at ems prices) but I would have had the same problem trying to get electronics.

I went with proline flatiron tyres, as I prefer the more scale look. I also have alot of parts still coming in the mail. Sadly one of them is the truck >.<

 

[monkeyracer]

I didn't want to go with the colored color packs becuase it seems kind of cheesy to have lime green or bright blue or red or orange links. I don't really see too many black and silver crawlers out there, so I hope to stand out a little bit. I'm still researching tires, but I'm going to have quite a bit of practice with the rock lizards before I figure out what needs tuning, and what tires I want.

 

[Syd]

I just got my RTR in the mail today, and I am excited to get it all together and on the rocks. I've been researching crawlers for a while and comparing the different options. I narrowed it down to the AX10 or the Venom Creeper. Both were decently priced and had a good ratio of pro's to con's.

In the AX10 corner, the durability, and aftermarket parts support attracted me, but in the Creeper's corner, the locking diffs caught my attention.

Some of the reasons I chose the AX over the Creep was that for the price, I could have exactly what I wanted out of the AX, but would have to jury-rig things or wait for parts for the Creep. Also, having the locking diffs became less necessary the more I thought about it. If I were going to put in a dig or a two-speed, then maybe, but I won't compete with this really.
So then, what version of the AX should I get? The Kit, the ARTR, or the RTR.

Obviously I chose the RTR, but why?
I knew going in that I wanted to get the grey color pack, and I would need to get electrics for it. I knew what the ARTR and the RTR had in common (Sintered Lockers, etc.) and what they didn't (RTR has plastic links, but has a slipper clutch.) I knew the slipper would be something I'd be interested in, because I'd rather not have to go replacing driveshafts all the time, and I knew the 27 turn probably wouldn't cut it for long, so I'd be getting a 55 turn motor for it too.
To help me decide which version to get, I made a comparison chart between the cost of the ARTR and the RTR for everything I needed to get it the way I wanted. Here's what I came up with:

ARTR - Part - Price (where to buy) - Part Number
AX10 - $229.99 (amainhobbies) - AX90004
Grey Color Pack - $40 (pretty much anywhere) - AXA1432
Grey Beadlock Rings - $22 ($11 x 2 pr) (towerhobbies) - AX8112
Slipper Clutch - $25.49 (amainhobbies) - AX30414
55t motor - $13.50 (towerhobbies) - AX240007
TX/RX combo - $ranges, on ebay for about $15-$20 for a used TQ system
ESC - $ranges, on ebay for around $40 or so for something decent
Soft (White) Springs - $6 (towerhobbies) - AX30214
Total - $392, or $330 before shipping (if I kept the orange links and rings)

vs.

RTR - Part - Price (where to buy) - Part Number
AX10 - $234.99 (amainhobbies) - AX90002
Grey Color Pack - $40 (pretty much anywhere) - AXA1432
Hardware Upgrade Pack - $17 (amainhobbies) - AXA1411
Grey Beadlock Rings - $included - AX8112
Slipper Clutch - $included - AX30414
55t motor - $13.50 (towerhobbies) - AX240007
TX/RX combo - $included
ESC - $included
Soft (White) Springs - $6 (towerhobbies) - AX30214
Total - $311.49 before shipping

So, even if I found a deal on an esc on ebay, and didn't go with the color packs for the ARTR, I'd be spending about the same, but I'd have orange links.

I plan to cut and lower the body, install the locker and the 14t pinion, as well as make a couple link plates out of lexan to mount the electrics. I'm also going to order a custom saddle pack off cheapbatterypacks.com, but I plan on using 6 sub C cells, rather than the 2/3A cells that a lot of guys run. That should help add a little more weight to the front axle, and allow a longer run-time. I'm installing them so that it shouldn't get in the way of the turning radius or articulation. I'll be star cutting the foams, and adding a breathing hole. I can't decide between drilling the rim or cutting a hole in the tires though.

Eventually, I want to get a new body for it, (the whole reason I want grey links, i'd paint it black and silver) and maybe some new tires (m2's or mashers maybe?) and possibly wheel weights if I deem I need it. I need to practice a little crawling and figure out what I need to upgrade.

As soon as I actually dig into the box (still waiting on other parts in the mail), I'll post some pics.

Good that you did all your homework. I did my homework to when I was thinking about gettin my RTR. I've already got about 250 bucks in mine thats in A STRC alumium bent links front an rear along with the top links,threaded set screw, then 4 packs of revo end links (spares cause I'ma break them), then 3 packs of weights from Associated, Axial servo/battery mount, Orion Battery, Robinson Racing 10t pinion along with a 90 & 93t spur an a Losi Grappler body, Integy Type II Threaded Shocks, an STRC skid plate that moves all the bottom links to the inside. Its a really good crawler for my first one. I'm still gettin used to going slow (I've got a Nitro Maxx, Nitro Hpi Mt2, an about a 45-50 mph traxxas rustler) so going slow is pretty nice, I dont break alot of things when going slow"thumbsup" I'm looking to put my AX10 on a X-Trail chassis an scale it all out, but for the time being, I'ma leave it the way it is, an enjoy it. Its a ball of fun. I dont regret gettin in this sport,

Welcome To The Addiction ;-)

Seems like your going the right way towards all the parts your getting,

F.Y.I

Get Axial Threaded Set Screws, an Maybe STRC links an skid plate, An Revo end links.

Very good parts, an all can take one hell of a beating

Just so you know"thumbsup"

Like I said,

Welcome To The Addiction Bro 8)

 

[monkeyracer]

I'm getting the axial hardware upgrade kit which includes the set screws, and rod ends for every single link. With the color pack and the upgrade kit, it makes it the RTR the same as the kit or ARTR version. I might end up fabbing my own skid plate, but that would be further down the road.
I've been researching these since they were first out and there wasn't any aftermarket support. I've been waiting to see if this fizzles out or stays, so far it's been staying, so I've decided to get into the sport.

 

[moabax]

And let the upgrades just keep coming. I've been building and rebuilding mine since the ax10 kit came out. Now i'm into mine around $1800. It adds up quick when you get bit by the bug. Quality parts are not cheap, and cheap parts are not quality. Save your money and go in steps just like you are doing. Great job doing your homework.

p.s. Put some weight in those front tires and you will really see a differance!!!

 

[monkeyracer]

The Hardware Upgrade kit comes with all the links and the threaded set screws, and effectively makes the RTR the same as the other two versions. I may end up making my own skid plate, or modding the stock one to allow inboard mounting the lower links. I've been researching these since before the ax10 was popular, before there was aftermarket support for them. I've been waiting to see if this was just a fad, or if it were staying around for a while. Now that Losi, Venom, etc, are starting to make kits, I figure it's still going strong, and with help from some xmas money, it was time to get into the sport.

I've been looking at weights, and with the heavier battery pack, I'm not sure how much I'll need. The cells I want to make the pack out of are out of stock, so I will just be using a normal stick pack for a while.

 

[KrazyKrawler48]

hey guys i already have a losi mrc and im thinking about getting a rtr like your guys but i need to know if its easy to install the locked front diff and the 14-tooth pinion gear. and im also trying to figure out how much it would cost to buy a artr kit and buy the parts for it. thanks

 

[monkeyracer]

hey guys i already have a losi mrc and im thinking about getting a rtr like your guys but i need to know if its easy to install the locked front diff and the 14-tooth pinion gear. and im also trying to figure out how much it would cost to buy a artr kit and buy the parts for it. thanks

The first post shows a break down of costs between the ARTR and the RTR for the components I got.

The included locker and pinion are really easy to install. I was going to post some pics of mine when I get it all apart. The pinion is very easy, and the locker is an easy medium to install. Axial's site has instructions, as well as plenty of threads here on this forum.

I'm still waiting on a few items to come in; the hardware upgrade kit, a pair of springs, and the 55t motor. I plan to put in the locker and pinion when everything is here, as well as possibly install speed holes in the rims and foams (breather holes in the rims, and holes in the stock foams to make them a little softer.) I've made some upper link plates out of lexan, and I'm putting the esc and rx on the plates to help lower the CoG.

More to come...

Side note; since I'm so new, some of my posts aren't showing up, at all, not sure why, they are within the posting rules, so hmm...

@syd - the hardware upgrade pack comes with all the set screws and rod ends to make the RTR basically the same as the ARTR.

 

[KrazyKrawler48]

ok thanks so when you first got the rtr was it a good performer of was not as good as you expected cuz ive herd a lot of people say its not that great of a crawler

 

[monkeyracer]

I haven't actually run it yet. I just got it the other day, and it's cold here in crawlerado. I haven't really been outside with it yet.
Out of the box, it's ok, but I didn't buy it for what it is out of the box. You pretty much need to do all of the mods I listed in the first post just to make it something resembling capable. Good luck with your build.

 

[KrazyKrawler48]

oh ok thank you and im not for sure getting one i was just asking some questions about it and ya im up in north idaho and i havent really taken my losi outside yet it kinda sucks

 

[grimgard]

X2 Thats exactly why I bought the RTR. Mine has had many upgrades and is now a crawling beast!

RTR after many upgrades.....since this picture I cut the foams and instaled axial red springs (super soft) and green springs (med)

I have the novak Roster ESC 55T motor combo in the mail...wanted a brake

 

[KrazyKrawler48]

nice rig was that the ready to run kit or just the ready to run because the just rtr didnt come with metal links or any of the painted green bars

 

[grimgard]

nice rig was that the ready to run kit or just the ready to run because the just rtr didnt come with metal links or any of the painted green bars

There is no RTR kit, There is a Kit (you build) there is a ARTR (comes built with orange links and no electronics) and then there is a RTR (comes built with electronics but has plastic links)

I have the RTR and I added the links myself. You can get the links and hardware upgrade kit from many sites.

Here is a list of all of my upgardes.

Losi Rock Claws tires
Cut foams
6oz lead weight to each front tire
3oz lead weight to each read tire
inverted the front shocks & moved (lowered) them back to the 3rd mounting hole
Locked the front axle (with the included locker)
instaled the 14T pinion gear (included with the RTR)
Axial aluminum links with the required hardwre upgrade pack
Axial super soft springs in the front (red)
Axial medium springs in the rear (green)
TCS battery plates (over the front axle mounts)
Max Amps 6 cell 1600mAh NIMH saddle packs (get 1 hour run time)
Axial XC-1 body
Axial 55T motor
Novak Roster ESC 55T motor combo deal (on order)

The last item I bought because the stock ESC has no brake feature and is not instaled on my RTR yet because it is still in the mail

 

[grimgard]

hey guys i already have a losi mrc and im thinking about getting a rtr like your guys but i need to know if its easy to install the locked front diff and the 14-tooth pinion gear. and im also trying to figure out how much it would cost to buy a artr kit and buy the parts for it. thanks

Just start pricing stuff out. Check tower hobbies and TCS crawler. The best way to get the best price is to do the work your self.

Instaling the locked front diff nad 14T pinion is easy enough and as with anything take your time, read the directions, and test things out.

Getting the gear mesh right on the pinion to the spur is probably the hardest part.

 

[jays0n]

The best bang for your buck is really the ARTR. You get everything locked and even the rear lockouts plus metal links and the shocks already lowered. You get the "better" tires over the Kit and RTR and you get to choose your motor and electronics instead of having to replace the stuff the RTR comes with (because you will).

 

[1SLOW64]

The best bang for your buck is really the ARTR. You get everything locked and even the rear lockouts plus metal links and the shocks already lowered. You get the "better" tires over the Kit and RTR and you get to choose your motor and electronics instead of having to replace the stuff the RTR comes with (because you will).

very good info."thumbsup" I got the RTR and I am starting to replacing alot of
stuff.

 

[KrazyKrawler48]

ok thanks guys sorry i dont know what i ment when i said rtr kit i ment the regular kit

 

[partsjockey]

I Just got my RTR up and running today. I did the 14t Pinion, but I still need to seriously slow this beast down. I'm shopping for a 55t motor as we speak!