1/10 SCALE VS. MICRO ROCK CRAWLERS
1/10 Scale rock crawling has reigned supreme in recent years. 1/10 scale offers a variety of platforms to build any style of truck you want. But, 1/24 scale micro crawlers are gaining popularity fast.
So which scale RC rock crawler is right for you?
Let's break down a few key differences between common 1/10 scale rock crawlers and 1/24 micro crawlers.
What do they cost?
One of the easiest differences to spot between 1/10 and 1/24 scale crawlers is price.
1/10 Scale crawlers are larger so they carry a heavier price tag. A typical ready-to-run or RTR, 1/10 crawler comes pre-built with almost everything needed to drive, like speed control, brushed or brushless motor, and a radio system. From there, the various kits offer many different options like the Traxxas TRX-4 that comes with its portal axles or Axial's kits that resemble full-size jeep wranglers. The only other items you will need are a battery and battery charger, which will be another cost to keep in mind. For someone who already has 1/10 RC cars or crawlers, this might not be an issue.
How can they be customized?
With a little bit of creativity, you can create a very realistic-looking scale crawler. Scale customization is one of the biggest draws to RC rock crawling. You can customize your rig using a combination of aftermarket parts and custom fabrication. As 1/10 scale crawlers have paved the way, there are thousands of parts and accessories available.
Build by @explorer_rc
Building a detailed scale micro crawler poses more of a challenge. The scale parts and accessories for micro crawlers are not as abundant. Creating certain looks and features on a smaller scale can also be more difficult than on a larger 1/10 scale. This may be a downside or an upside, depending on if you like a challenge and are looking to test your skill.
Build by @glenns.lens
How do they perform?
One of the most important aspects of choosing an RC rock crawler is where you want to drive it. Are you looking for something that gets you outdoors and exploring? If so, 1/10 trail trucks are purpose-built for that. 1/10 Crawlers have a higher ground clearance that gives them the ability to handle a variety of terrain and is better suited for keeping up on walks and hikes.
Micro crawlers are perfect for turning anything into an obstacle. If you see yourself doing most of your crawling at home and around the yard, a micro crawler is ideal. Their small size can turn anything from a desktop to a garden, into a challenging crawling course. If you already have a 1/24 scale crawler, we put together this list of must-have upgrades for ultimate performance.
See the Ultimate Upgrades for the Axial SCX24