Radio-controlled (RC) crawlers have been a source of fun and fascination for hobbyists of all ages for decades. RC crawlers are controlled from a distance using a specialized transmitter, offering an exciting blend of real-world physics and precise maneuverability to tackle challenging offroad terrain. Among the wide variety of RC vehicles available, RC crawlers are unique because you don’t want to drive them fast.
RC crawlers, as the name suggests, are designed to ‘crawl’ over obstacles and rough terrains, mimicking the off-road capabilities of full-sized 4×4 vehicles. Unlike their high-speed counterparts, RC crawlers are all about control and precision. They offer a different kind of challenge, one that requires patience, skill, and a keen understanding of the terrain.
For those looking to venture into the world of RC crawlers, choosing the right model to start with can be a daunting task. This is where the 1/24 SCX24 by Axial RC comes into the picture. This small-scale RC crawler stands out for its affordability, ease of use, and the comprehensive package it offers, making it an excellent choice for beginners. In this blog post, we will delve into why the SCX24 is the perfect choice for your first RC vehicle.
Key Features of the SCX24 For beginners
When it comes to choosing your first RC crawler, several factors come into play. The cost, availability of parts, and completeness of the package are all crucial considerations. The SCX24 by Axial RC ticks all these boxes, making it an ideal choice for beginners. It has everything you need in the box to get crawling.
- the fully assembled and ready-to-roll vehicle
- a LiPo battery
- a charger
- the controller
The SCX24 is an affordable entry into the world of RC crawlers. Unlike some other models in the market, it doesn’t require a hefty initial investment, making it accessible to a wider range of enthusiasts. But don’t let its price tag fool you. Despite its affordability, the SCX24 doesn’t compromise on quality or performance.
One of the standout features of the SCX24 is the robust support from the manufacturer, Axial RC. They offer a wide range of replacement parts, ensuring that you can easily repair or maintain your crawler. You can buy most of the parts on Amazon and take advantage of that 2-day prime delivery. This is a significant advantage, especially for beginners who are still learning the ropes and might encounter a few bumps and crashes along the way.
In addition to the manufacturer’s support, there’s also a thriving market of third-party sellers offering upgrade parts for the SCX24. This means that as you grow more comfortable with your crawler and want to enhance its capabilities, there are plenty of options available. You can customize and upgrade your SCX24 to your heart’s content, making it a model that grows with you.
You can upgrade parts like:
- the motor
- the esc
- the tires
- the suspension and shocks
- the body
We have a great article about upgrading the Axial’s motor and ESC. Check it out if you want to explore high-performance aftermarket motors and ESC components.
Perhaps the most appealing feature for beginners is that the SCX24 comes as a complete package. It includes everything you need to start driving right out of the box: a long-lasting LiPo battery, charger, and controller. This eliminates the need for additional purchases or complicated setups, allowing you to dive straight into the fun of RC crawling.
In the next section, we’ll explore how the small scale of the SCX24 influences its performance and usability, especially for beginners.
What Scale is the SCX24?
The SCX24 is a 1/24 scale crawler. This means it’s a miniature version of a full-sized vehicle, with every dimension scaled down to 1/24th of the original. While this might seem like a mere technical detail, the scale of an RC vehicle has significant implications for its performance, usability, and overall driving experience.
For beginners, the small scale of the SCX24 can be a major advantage. It’s less intimidating than larger models, making it a friendly and controllable choice for new drivers looking for their first crawler. The compact size means it’s easy to handle and control, which can boost confidence and encourage younger drivers to spend more time driving and honing their skills. The last thing you want to do is buy an expensive RC car that is too fast for a young driver.
Benefits Of A Smaller Scale RC Crawler
A major benefit of the SCX24’s small scale is that it naturally guides beginners towards less challenging terrains. While it’s capable of tackling obstacles, its size means it’s not designed to traverse large rocks or logs. This can be a blessing in disguise for beginners. By starting on less intimidating terrains, new drivers can focus on mastering the basics of control and maneuvering before moving on to more challenging landscapes.
The smaller scale also means fewer broken parts. The SCX24 is less likely to sustain damage from high-impact collisions or falls thanks to its lighter weight and smaller size. This not only saves you from frequent repair costs but also ensures a more enjoyable learning experience. After all, it’s much more fun to spend time driving your RC crawler than fixing it! Well, unless you’re like me and like to sit in the garage working and upgrading RC cars.
The 1/24 scale of the SCX24 is a perfect balance for new drivers. It offers enough challenge to keep the hobby exciting while also providing a forgiving learning curve for beginners. In the next section, we’ll delve into the unique experience of driving an RC crawler like the SCX24.
How Does the Axial SCX24 Perform?
Driving an RC crawler like the SCX24 is a unique experience that sets it apart from other types of RC vehicles. The focus is not on speed, but rather on the ability to traverse various terrains and overcome obstacles, much like a real-life off-road vehicle. This shift in focus from speed to control and precision offers a refreshing challenge that can be both engaging and rewarding. The Axial SCX24 is a capable little crawler and is one of my favorite RCs to drive around the house on a rainy day.
The SCX24 is designed to mimic the capabilities of a full-sized off-road truck or jeep. Its large tires and high ground clearance allow it to navigate over small rocks, sticks, and uneven terrain with ease. The thrill of successfully maneuvering your crawler over a challenging landscape is a joy that every RC enthusiast should experience.
Driving an RC crawler is not about reaching max speeds but rather about understanding the terrain and planning your route. It’s about making calculated decisions on how to approach an obstacle when to accelerate, and when to slow down. This slow, methodical driving style might seem counterintuitive at first, especially if you’re used to high-speed RC vehicles. However, once you get the hang of it, it can be incredibly satisfying.
The SCX24, with its compact size and user-friendly design, is perfect for this kind of driving. It’s small enough to be used in a variety of settings, from your backyard to a local park. And if the weather is bad, you can even set up a mini crawler course indoors. The possibilities are endless!
In the next section, we’ll share some tips for beginners to help you get the most out of your SCX24 driving experience.
Tips For Beginners Driving the Axial SCX24
Crawling offroad with a brand new SCX24, or any RC crawler, is an exciting experience. To help you get started, here are some tips that can enhance your driving experience and help you get the most out of your SCX24.
- Drive Slowly and Methodically: Unlike racing RC cars, crawlers are not about speed. The SCX24 is designed for slow, deliberate movement over obstacles. Take your time, plan your route, and enjoy the process of overcoming each challenge.
- Upgrade Your Tires: The tires that come with the SCX24 are good, but upgrading to high-quality tires can significantly improve your crawler’s performance. Better tires can provide more grip and control, especially on challenging terrains. You don’t need to upgrade the tires, but if you were to pick one thing to hop-up on your rig, I suggest starting with the tires.
- Practice Regularly: Like any skill, driving an RC crawler improves with practice. Spend time each day driving your SCX24. Experiment with different terrains and obstacles to improve your control and maneuvering skills.
- Start with Less Challenging Terrains: While it might be tempting to take on the biggest obstacles right away, start with less challenging terrains. As you become more comfortable with controlling your SCX24, gradually increase the difficulty of your terrain.
- Drive Indoors When Needed: Don’t let bad weather stop you from enjoying your SCX24. Its compact size makes it perfect for indoor driving. Set up a mini crawler course in your living room or garage and keep the fun going, rain or shine!
Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy the journey. RC crawling is a hobby that’s meant to be fun and relaxing. So take your time, enjoy the challenges, and most importantly, have fun with your Axial SCX24!
Frequently Asked Questions For Beginners
Why is the SCX24 a good choice for beginners?
The SCX24 is an excellent choice for beginners due to its affordability, small scale, and the fact that it comes with everything you need to start driving right out of the box. Its small size makes it less intimidating and encourages beginners to start with less challenging terrains, leading to a more enjoyable learning experience.
What makes driving an RC crawler like the SCX24 different from other RC vehicles?
Unlike other RC vehicles that focus on speed, RC crawlers like the SCX24 are about control and precision. They are designed to ‘crawl’ over obstacles and rough terrains, mimicking the off-road capabilities of full-sized 4×4 vehicles. This offers a unique challenge that requires patience, skill, and a keen understanding of the terrain.
What are some tips for driving the SCX24?
Some tips for driving the SCX24 include driving slowly and methodically, upgrading your tires for improved performance, practicing regularly, starting with less challenging terrains, and not hesitating to drive indoors when the weather is bad.
Can I upgrade parts on the SCX24?
Yes, one of the advantages of the SCX24 is the availability of upgrade parts from third-party sellers. This means you can customize and enhance your SCX24 as you become more comfortable with it and want to improve its capabilities.
What comes with the SCX24 package?
The SCX24 comes as a complete package that includes everything you need to start driving: a battery, charger, and controller. This eliminates the need for additional purchases or complicated setups, allowing you to start driving right away.
Final Thoughts
Venturing into the world of RC crawlers is an exciting journey, one filled with challenges, learning, and a whole lot of fun. Choosing the right vehicle to start this journey is crucial, and the 1/24 SCX24 by Axial RC stands out as an excellent choice for beginners.
With its affordable price, comprehensive package, and the support of a wide range of replacement and upgrade parts, the SCX24 offers an accessible entry point into the hobby. Its small scale makes it less intimidating and guides beginners towards less challenging terrains, leading to fewer broken parts and a more enjoyable learning experience.
Driving an RC crawler like the SCX24 is a unique experience, focusing on control and precision rather than speed. With practice and patience, you’ll find yourself tackling obstacles and terrains that you once thought impossible, and the satisfaction of overcoming these challenges is truly rewarding.
Whether you’re driving indoors on a rainy day or exploring the great outdoors, the SCX24 is a versatile and durable companion that grows with you as you delve deeper into the hobby. So if you’re considering taking up RC crawling, the SCX24 is undoubtedly the perfect choice for your first RC vehicle.
