There seems to be a never-ending debate when it comes to radio control vehicles: should you get a crawler or a basher? This post is all about key differences between RC crawler vs basher.
Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it can be tough to decide which is right for you. In this article, we’ll take a look at the key differences between crawlers and bashers, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
Bashers, as the name suggests, are built for bashing around. They’re fast, powerful, and agile, making them perfect for stunts and tricks.
Crawlers are different; they’re designed for traversing rough terrain and are look like real life vehicles. They’re slow and steady, but they can handle just about any rugged terrain and are used in rock crawling competition courses.
So which should you choose? If you want a vehicle that can hit big jumps and perform stunts, then a basher is the way to go. If you want something that can take on any terrain and obstacle courses without breaking a sweat, then go with a crawler.
Everything About RC Crawling
Crawling in the RC world is a relatively new concept. It involves using your RC vehicle to navigate tough and/or technical terrain. This can include rocks, logs, steep inclines/declines, mud, sand, etc. The goal is to make it through the obstacle course without breaking your rig or getting stuck.
RC crawlers are built for slow speeds and difficult terrain. They have high torque motors and low gear ratios. This combination allows them to crawl over obstacles that would stop a basher in its tracks.
Crawlers also have longer wheelbases than bashers. This gives them more stability and prevents them from flipping over as easily. The downside is that crawlers are less maneuverable than bashers and can be more difficult to control.
Skills such as throttle control, gearing, and body positioning are essential for successfully crawling. It can take some time to master these skills, but it is very rewarding to make it through that tough section of the trail finally.
Several competitions have been created specifically for RC crawlers. These events are a great way to test your skills and see how your rig stacks up against the competition.
Popular RC Crawlers
Most RC crawlers will cost you between $200 and $500. The most popular brands in the Crawler space today are Axial, Traxxas, and Losi.
Some trending crawlers today are Axial Capra Unlimited 4WD Crawler, Traxxas TRX-4, 1:10 Redcat Racing Everest Gen7 Pro Rock Crawler and the 1:24 Axial SCX24 Deadbolt RC Rock Crawler, to name a few.
Getting Started With RC Crawling
If you’re new to the world of RC crawling, there are a few things you should know before getting started.
It’s important to understand the different types of crawlers and which one is right for you. There are two main types of crawlers: ready-to-run (RTR) and kit.
RTR crawlers are ready to run out of the box. They come with everything you need to get started, including the battery, charger, radio, and body. Kits require you to assemble the crawler yourself and add your own electronics.
If you’re new to the hobby, we recommend starting with an RTR crawler. They’re easier to use and require less setup.
Once you’ve decided on the type of crawler you want, it’s time to start shopping around. There are a lot of great crawlers on the market, so it’s essential to do your research and find the one that’s right for you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for a crawler:
- Budget: How much are you willing to spend on a crawler?
- Use: What do you plan on using your crawler for? Obstacle courses, trail crawling, or both?
- Terrain: What type of terrain do you plan on crawling? Rocks, sand, mud, etc.?
- Scale: What size crawler do you want?
Practicing With Your RC Crawler
Once you’ve got your crawler, it’s time to start practicing. If you’re new to the hobby, we recommend starting on easy terrain and gradually working your way up. This will help you get a feel for the crawler and learn how to control it.
Some tips for practicing with your crawler:
- Start on easy terrain: Beginners should start on flatter, smooth surfaces. This will help you get a feel for the crawler and how it handles. As you become more comfortable, you can move on to tougher terrain.
- Take your time: Don’t try to rush through an obstacle. Take your time and be methodical. This will help you avoid mistakes and keep your crawler from getting damaged.
- Learn the controls: Take some time to learn the different controls on your crawler. This includes the throttle, steering, gears, and more. The better you know the controls, the easier it will be to navigate obstacles.
Some advanced crawlers can even turn both the front and rear wheels to help traverse through tough terrain. So, make sure you read the directions and learn what features your new RC crawler has to offer.
Now Let’s Discuss RC Bashing
Bashing can best be described as free style driving or driving your RC vehicle fast an hard where ever you are driving that day. Bashing can be done with any RC car but is most commonly associated with Monster Trucks and Short Course Trucks. You can think of bashing like an all out jam session where you are full throttle most of the time.
Most bashers build their cars to be as tough as possible, adding extra protection to the undercarriage and using upgraded suspension components. This allows them to take on the roughest terrain without breaking their car.
What is a basher RC?
A basher RC is an off-road RC car that is built to withstand rough terrain and hard, full throttle driving.
You can bash your car or truck around anywhere that is safe and away from crowds and people. Look for a safe (and legal) spot where you can open up the throttle and get your RC vehicle dirty. Bashing can be hard on the car/truck, so it is important to make sure that your vehicle is tough enough to handle the abuse.
I recommend upgrading to metal suspension A arms, caster blocks, and maybe installing a roll cage.
You can also take your bashers to the local race track and hit big jumps. Driving on a race track is a great way to test the limits of the car and see how it performs when hitting jumps and crashing hard.
You can bash your RC car or truck at the track as long as there aren’t other drivers around. If there are a few people driving with you, make sure to communicate with them while you are driving your vehicle. It may even be a good idea to wait until you have the track to yourself before you start a good bash session on the track.
How to Select a Good RC Basher (For Beginners)
When it comes to RC bashers, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure you’re getting a good one. Here are a few tips:
Durability
Bashers are known for being tough and durable, so you’ll want to make sure that the car you select can stand up to a little abuse. Look for cars that have been built with tough materials, such as aluminum or strong plastics.
The Traxxas Slash or Rustler is a great choice!
Ease of Drive
You don’t want to spend hours putting your car together or reading through the manual. Look for a ready to roll truck that is made for bashing and does not require much assembly.
Ground Clearance
This is important because you want to be able to clear obstacles without damaging your car. Look for trucks that have a high ground clearance and that are equipped with suspension systems that can handle tall grass, dirt piles, and sticks.
Easy To Find Spare Parts
Bashers are known for breaking things, so it’s important to ensure you can easily find and purchase replacement parts. Look for popular RC car brands that have parts available on Amazon. Amazon Prime is your best friend if you are going to be doing a lot of bashing or racing!
Popular RC Basher Brands and Model
Some of the most popular RC basher brands are Traxxas, Arrma, Losi and Redcat. These companies make various models, but some of the most popular ones include the Traxxas Slash, Arrma Kraton and the Losi Tenacity.
These cars are all built tough and can take a beating, making them ideal for bashers. They also come with transmitters and are ready-to-roll!
I have beat my own slash up time after time. It (almost) always gets back up and keeps running.
Final Thoughts
Both RC crawlers and bashers have their own unique benefits that make them stand out among other RC vehicles. If you’re looking for a slow and steady ride that can conquer any terrain, then a crawler is definitely the way to go. However, if you’re more interested in speed and agility, then a basher might be a better option.
No matter the RC vehicle you choose, you’re sure to have a blast! So get out there and start exploring the world of RC today. Who knows, you might just find your new favorite hobby.
