The 21 best rock crawler brands
Axial, Redcat Racing and Cheerwing lead our ranking of 21 rock crawler brands. Compare what each brand makes, visit its official site, or shop it online.
Rock Crawler brands, ranked
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1
Axial
Scale-focused crawlers with Toyota, Jeep and similar bodies, built around detailed trim and strong articulation.
Top products: SCX10 III Jeep CJ-7· SCX30 Toyota Tacoma· AX24 XC-1
Website: axialracing.com |Brands like Axial
Popularity 10.0/10
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2
Redcat Racing
Brushless crawlers from small Ascent 1/18 models up to large 1/6 Vertex machines for big-terrain driving.
Top products: Ascent-18· Vertex-6· Everest-10
Website: redcatracing.com |Brands like Redcat Racing
Popularity 6.6/10
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3
Cheerwing
Cheerwing offers radio control cars, including rock crawlers and remote control cars, along with R/C drones, helicopters and boats. The brand works with factories to keep prices affordable and has no minimum purchase requirement. Spare parts, battery chargers and motors are sold for hobbyists who repair or upgrade their models.
Website: cheerwing.com |Brands like Cheerwing
Popularity 4.5/10
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4
Team Associated
Element Enduro SE is a ready-to-run trail truck with a simple layout, so basic upkeep needs only hand tools.
Top products: Element Enduro SE
Website: associatedelectrics.com |Brands like Team Associated
Popularity 3.9/10
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5
Traxxas
Ready-to-run TRX-4 crawlers with metal-geared drivetrains and licensed Ford or Chevy bodies at mid-range prices.
Top products: TRX-4· TRX-4M High Trail Edition
Website: traxxas.com |Brands like Traxxas
Popularity 3.6/10
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6
Maisto
Maisto is dedicated to making accurate and beautiful models of vehicles. They are passionate about the miniature models they make of the various automobiles for their customers. People who like to collect the multiple models of different brands of cars can find their haven on the company website. Maisto is always crafting the goods with great care and attention to detail. Every model has been made after extensive research of the actual vehicle. They have excellent skills of craftsmanship.
Website: maisto.com |Brands like Maisto
Popularity 3.1/10
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7
JJRC
JJRC focuses on producing and selling toys and pledges to give the most excellent goods to every kid and family to bring them happiness and joy. Their principal interests include remote control, simulation, and instructional toys in various sizes, shapes, and colors. They test each product under stringent quality control methods from R&D to production to ensure that it is safe and trustworthy for your children.
Website: jjrc.com |Brands like JJRC
Popularity 3.0/10
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8
HPI
HPI produces a wide variety of Radio Controlled automobiles, trucks, and buggies. They create their radio control systems to ensure they are the best on the market today. All of their items are intended for ease of use, and they aim to make it as simple as possible for you to begin this exciting pastime. Monster trucks, drift cars, on-road touring vehicle kits, and off-road buggies and trucks are all available.
Website: hpiracing.com |Brands like HPI
Popularity 2.6/10
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9
Tamiya
Build-it-yourself kits with a sturdy metal chassis, suited to hobbyists who enjoy assembling and tuning from scratch.
Website: tamiyausa.com |Brands like Tamiya
Popularity 2.4/10
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10
RC4WD
Trail Finder rigs come as ready-to-run builds or kits, with a strong aftermarket parts catalog behind them.
Top products: Trail Finder 2· TF2 Leafer
Website: store.rc4wd.com |Brands like RC4WD
Popularity 2.0/10
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11
Kyosho
Japanese-made ReadySet crawlers such as the KC10 Land Cruiser, with licensed body styles and solid detailing.
Top products: KC10 Toyota Land Cruiser 60
Website: rc.kyosho.com |Brands like Kyosho
Popularity 2.0/10
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12
MJX
Budget 1/12 crawlers with sensored brushless motors that suit newer drivers.
Top products: HYPER GO H12Y+
Website: mjxrc.net |Brands like MJX
Popularity 1.6/10
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13
Losi
Compact 1/18 Mini-Rock Crawler fits tight spaces, while the 1/10 Nightcrawler drives four-wheel rock courses.
Top products: Nightcrawler· Mini-Rock Crawler
Website: losi.com |Brands like Losi
Popularity 1.5/10
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14
Gmade
Gmade's Spider is a kit-based 1/10 crawler, appealing to builders who like assembling their own chassis.
Top products: GS02F Spider
Website: gmade.net |Brands like Gmade
Popularity 1.4/10
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15
Nikko
Nikko builds radio control cars and trucks, including scale models, buggies, drift cars and off-road trucks. Many of its toys are sold as ready-to-run kits, and the brand has a long history in hobby RC vehicles. Its Pro Trucks line...
Popularity 1.0/10
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16
ARRMA
No matter the age, remote control cars are always fun, and to add to that fun, ARRMA brings hundreds of options of RC Vehicles for the customers. Vehicles have high-speed and tough build, which offers thrilling and joyful times with...
Website: arrma-rc.com |Brands like ARRMA
Popularity 0.9/10
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17
HSP
Originally a model vehicle supplier in China, HSP offers gas-powered and electric radio control cars. Its catalog covers RC buggies, trucks and replacement parts, plus batteries, fuel and accessories. Gas-powered vehicles in the range can be built and tuned by...
Website: hspracing.com |Brands like HSP
Popularity 0.8/10
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18
WLtoys
WLtoys is your one-stop shop for all things WLtoys. Whether you are a beginner or a skilled RC lover, their online store has everything you need. They provide clients with a diverse variety of best and reasonably priced items globally....
Website: wltoys.eu |Brands like WLtoys
Popularity 0.8/10
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19
Rastar
Rastar began making licensed radio control cars modeled on BMW, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz and Lamborghini. Its remote control cars are built as scale replicas for children and hobbyists. Licensed ride-on vehicles and spare parts complete the catalog.
Website: rastar.en.alibaba.com |Brands like Rastar
Popularity 0.8/10
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20
CEN
CEN Racing has been in the line of remote-controlled car racing for over 15 years. Ownership shifted hands in 2015, albeit the company has the same zeal as before. They have kept the product line small and specific with six...
Website: cenracingusa.com |Brands like CEN
Popularity 0.5/10
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21
3RACING
Race car builders and hobby racers rely on 3RACING for remote control car parts and petrol car components. The company began as a retailer in 1988 and later moved into manufacturing tools for race cars. Its lineup includes RC servos...
Website: os.3racing.hk |Brands like 3RACING
Popularity 0.5/10
Official websites and social accounts
| Brand | Website | X / Twitter | YouTube | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Axial | axialracing.com | /axialinc | axialracing | @AxialRC | – |
| Redcat Racing | redcatracing.com | /RedcatRacing | redcatracing | @redcatracing | redcatracing |
| Cheerwing | cheerwing.com | – | – | – | – |
| Team Associated | associatedelectrics.com | /TeamAssociated | teamassociatedrc | @Team_Associated | TeamAssociatedRC |
| Traxxas | traxxas.com | – | – | – | – |
| Maisto | maisto.com | /MaistoToys | maistotoys | @maistotoys | MaistoDesign |
| JJRC | jjrc.com | /pg | jjrc_official | @JJRCTECH | JJRC Official |
| HPI | hpiracing.com | /OfficialHPI | – | @officialhpi | OfficialHPI |
| Tamiya | tamiyausa.com | – | – | – | – |
| RC4WD | store.rc4wd.com | – | – | – | – |
Rock Crawler Buying Guide
Rock crawlers are off-road vehicles designed for navigating rough, rocky terrain. They have specialized suspension systems, high ground clearance, and rugged tires to tackle even the toughest off-road challenges.
If you're in the market for a rock crawler, here's what you need to know before making a purchase:
1. Determine Your Needs and Budget
Before you start shopping for a rock crawler, it's important to determine your needs and budget. Consider the types of terrain you'll be navigating, your level of expertise, and how often you'll be using your rock crawler.
Additionally, you'll need to consider your budget. Rock crawlers can range in price from a few thousand dollars to tens of thousands of dollars, so it's important to have a budget in mind upfront.
2. Choose Your Type of Rock Crawler
Rock crawlers come in a variety of different types, each with its own unique features and capabilities.
The most common types of rock crawlers include:
a. Kit-Based Rock Crawlers
Kit-based rock crawlers are delivered unassembled, allowing the owner to build and customize the vehicle themselves. These types of rock crawlers are ideal for those who want to build their own vehicle from scratch and have a high level of technical expertise.
b. Ready-to-Run (RTR) Rock Crawlers
RTR rock crawlers are pre-built and ready to be used out of the box. These vehicles are great for those who want to skip the assembly process and get straight to off-roading. RTR rock crawlers are also a good choice for those who are new to the hobby and want to start with a reliable, fully-equipped vehicle.
c. Competition Rock Crawlers
Competition rock crawlers are designed for serious off-road enthusiasts who want to compete in organized events. These vehicles are designed for maximum performance and feature custom suspension systems, high-performance motors, and specialized tires.
3. Consider the Vehicle's Performance Features
When shopping for a rock crawler, it's important to consider the vehicle's performance features. These features will impact the vehicle's ability to navigate rocky terrain, climb steep inclines, and ford through water.
Some of the most important performance features to consider include:
a. Suspension System
A rock crawler's suspension system is one of its most important performance features. A good suspension system will provide plenty of articulation and damping, allowing the vehicle to navigate even the roughest terrain. Look for a rock crawler with a multi-link suspension system, coil-over shocks, and plenty of ground clearance.
b. Tires
Rock crawlers need specialized tires to navigate rocky terrain. Look for a vehicle with large, aggressive tires with deep treads for maximum grip on rocky surfaces.
c. Motor and Transmission
The vehicle's motor and transmission will determine its power and torque, which are important for climbing steep inclines and hauling heavy loads. Look for a rock crawler with a powerful motor and a transmission designed to handle rough off-road conditions.
d. Axles
The vehicle's axles are responsible for transferring power from the transmission to the wheels. Look for a rock crawler with beefy, heavy-duty axles designed for off-road use.
4. Look for Durability and Quality
Off-roading can be tough on vehicles, so it's important to choose a rock crawler that is built to last. Look for a vehicle with high-quality components, strong materials, and solid construction.
Some of the components to look for include:
a. Frame
The vehicle's frame is its foundation, so it's important to choose a frame that is strong and durable. Look for a rock crawler with a frame made from high-quality steel or aluminum.
b. Body
The vehicle's body should be made from a durable material that can withstand impacts from rocks and other obstacles. Look for a rock crawler with a body made from fiberglass or a similar material that is both lightweight and strong.
c. Electronics
Off-road electronics can take a beating, so it's important to choose components that are durable and reliable. Look for a rock crawler with high-quality electronics, such as waterproof servos and electronic speed controllers.
5. Consider Upgrades and Customization Options
Rock crawlers can be upgraded and customized with a variety of different accessories and add-ons. Consider the vehicle's upgrade and customization options before making a purchase.
Some of the most popular upgrades and customization options include:
a. Lights
Off-road lights can be mounted to the vehicle to provide extra illumination when driving at night or in low-light conditions. Look for a rock crawler with pre-installed light mounting points.
b. Winches
A winch can be mounted to the front or rear of the vehicle to help pull the vehicle out of difficult situations. Look for a rock crawler with a pre-installed winch mounting plate.
c. Roll Cages
A roll cage can be added to the vehicle to provide extra protection for the driver and passengers in the event of a rollover.
6. Consider the Manufacturer's Reputation and Customer Service
Finally, when shopping for a rock crawler, it's important to consider the manufacturer's reputation and customer service. Look for a manufacturer with a strong reputation for building high-quality, reliable vehicles. Additionally, consider the manufacturer's customer service and support options in case you need assistance with your vehicle down the road.
By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to purchasing the perfect rock crawler for your needs and budget. Happy off-roading!
