Redcat Marksman 1/8 rc crawler review - Pros, cons and bottom line
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- Опубліковано 30 вер 2024
- Best 1/8 rc crawler Redcat TC8 Marksman test run video, rock crawl, trail crawl and bash session. Turning radius and torque twist test with Hobbywing and Holmes hobbies Redcat TC8 Marksman - snp.link/baa80cea
Hobbywing 1080 - snp.link/bdd23eff
Holmes Hobbies Motor - snp.link/a612e0a8
Wheelbase is 14.5 inches for Marksman and only 12.8 for the TRX4. This does increase the turning circle, but it is still an issue. For the steering issue I ground the C-hub "nubs" flat and used flat counter sunk screws (1mm shorter). This will max out the steering, as even with the Club 5/Husky steering links (which have offset rod ends) the steering link barely touches the front diff pumpkin. I would need to make an angled/curved link to get more clearance. Though, I don't think there is much more steering angle to get with the stock knuckle design and CVDs. The steering servo from the internal BEC is limited to 6v stock (using only 21kg of power), but you can change it to 7.2v with the included programming box to all 25kg of servo power. I also have the Club 5 servo relocation mount and a 35kg water proof coreless servo. If you do buy the Club5 stuff find the kit that includes both the steering links and the relocation mount together, as there is an extra shorter steering link, angled rod ends, and brass bushings you don't get when buying them separate (plus the combo price is better).
I’m glad I waited for your review before purchasing this one. Really appreciate your honest reviews on these trucks.
Love seeing your excitement and teenage like energy when doing these videos. Great job, keep it up.
I was wondering when I d get to see this on your channel.
\m/
Looking forward to you fixing these major issues and then showing us how u did it. Love these longer review vids Francis. The best at what u do for sure! Keep up the great work my friend l!😁👍
Thank you. This took the whole weekend to do so glad it turned out decent.
There would be more to look forward to if the design/engineering/manufacturing "team" at Redcat released a product with a turning radius that didn't disqualify it from purchase. Nobody wants to spend funds to "fix" products out of the box. We want to "improve" things out of the box.
Update: The Club5 steering link and relocation combo kit keeps the body roll more under control as well as the tire lifting. I also swapped in 50w oil into the shocks. That controls the reaction of the shocks a lot, and further controlled body roll. Finally if you want to use aftermarket aluminum beadlock wheels then you will need to also buy extended hexes or extended hubs for them. I used 12mm*12mm brass extended hexes. The stock wheel has a lot of negative offset built in (towards the inside), while most wheels are at zero offset (centered). If you don't use extenders the track width will be narrower and the wheels can rub the springs and body.
It’s a gen 8 with wendigo axles lol I love my gen 8 and my wendigo but I’ll just get a gen 8 chassis and wendigo axles and build my own beast
Respect Redcat for good electronics in this model
First I've seen HH motors in commercial use?
Yeah, great move. Their product manager who spec's their rigs and forms partnerships is doing a great job.
Thumbs up redcat!!
Just an FYI update on steering which was limited by axle Part #RER12615. Redcat modified this part by minimizing the profile and changed the button-head screww to a panhead screw. I wondered why nobody posted an update on this, but I did the same using a dremel and then a philips to bore the screw hole open to accept a panhead screw. When I bought a second Marksman I was going to do the same and noticed it was modified. the steering radius was dramatic for an RC of this size. I did not measure, but did some circle tests and it definitely helped. One thing though is the steering servo needs to have more power to muscle the wheels to the new end point when on the ground.
As far as the torque twist, the shocks come partially filled and allows free play as you demonstrated...I think this was intentional to allow for max articulation while climbing. I pulled off the shock cap, topped them off, and the shocks were surprisingly compliant with excellent feel. Completely changed the vehicle altogether and took less than 10 minutes. This is an easy chasis to work on BTW. The electronics are great and I like the gearing and whine coming from the tranny.
I initially shared your concerns with the body, but after an easy removal of the head piece with one screw, I was able to brush some water based flesh tone paint on the head and the cowboy hat brown for a natural look that is no longer distracting. I turned the head slightly towards looking out the window for a realistic look. Body figures are not my thing, but it looks appropriate now. The upside to the bare bones body is that you can leave it alone to come on and off really easy or add bucket lights to the rear for a custom look. Buckets are provided up front to add LEDs. I like the fake winch...adds a cool look without another wiring accessory. The flat army green color is surprisingly better in person than on film. Overall, this is an awesome rig and the size makes it really fun to drive when you need a change from all the 1/10 SCXiii, TRX4, Gen8, etc. For those sitting on the fence, I'd recommend!
I saw the steering on the Marksman on your video, and saw what the problem was. The set link hits on the screw, robbing it from better steering. So after I removed it I decided to grind down the little chunky square plastic, and that will give you something like 3mm of more steering on both side...muck better than Stock👍 you can replace screw with a shorter flat head
I really like mine. I did a custom light kit and did some detail painting on the body. Really made it look sharp. I will be shaving that steering block and replacing the screw with a flat head screw for a better turning radius. It performs really good. I’m enjoying it a lot! Redcat built strong performer!
I bought this rig. I saw the potential. For steering, connect the link on the outer most hole on the servo horn, that resulted a slight improvement on turning radius. Next mod was changing to aluminum shock towers front and rear, aluminum shock tower braces and aluminum front and rear bumper mounts. All those combined part changes added significant rigidity to the chassis, which translated to reduced flex of the steering components. Torque steer is almost completely gone.
Changed the shocks to Yeah Racing Desert Lizard shocks with dual internal springs. Experimented with the tuning until I found a good combo. This resulted in better performance on the rocks and much more flex of the suspension while keeping the tires on the ground.
Cost for above mods was $165.
As for aesthetic mods, I added two LED light bars. One on the hood in front of the windshield, and a smaller one on the front bumper where the winch was. Great light output for night crawler.
Iv had nothing but problems with redcat customer service and ill never buy another redcat
I love the “markers” bic lighters lol.
Kids' lighters were handy
I’m confused how it could be the same as a 328mm truck. Redcat says it comes stock set to 367mm. And you have one more set of holes to stretch it out with.
Looking for a crawler/bouncer. Trying to narrow to these items: Axial Capra or Bomber, Carisma Coyote 2.1, Cross RC Emo or Demon or SU-4C or JT4, TRX4 sport, Enduro Ecto or Gatekeeper. Want something under around $400 but may slowly upgrade later. What’s your suggestion and comparisons outta the box, parts availability and upgradability? And straight buying outta the box. Weigh in please
Thank you for the honest review. I just got mine & it’s still in the box. Solid review & test. So even though it had flaws as do all new trail runner / rock climbers it still performed super good. So what is the fix for better steering. New servo? Also I have a flysky controller would that help in any way? I’m impressed with the way it performed on the rocks.
Servo won't do anything on this unfortunately. The knuckle is hitting a bolt on the axle. There's no way to shave anything either to increase travel.
The only fix unfortunately is to return it get your dry back, or spend another $200 Hun & lots of time installing Ar60 axles!! This is the 1 only reason I wouldnt own this rig or ever buy the XR247 axles again!! otherwise fantastic truck
@@ConditionZero76 You know you can shave the C hubs down where the knuckle hits and get a lot more steering? You just throw a set screw or flat head in there and it works. Pretty simple mod and doesn't make it any weaker.
Bad geometry causes torque twist. Gearing helps.
Great Video just got a friend into RC Rock Crawlers I told him you can't beat the Marksman especially on sale for $284.99 ! --2-18-2024 super deal got a 2s 5000 battery and he is haveing a blast he got it and loves it! Now in one week he has a Capra 1/10 by Axial which I recommended now we have added another RC Rock Crawler in the AZ community LOL--again Great Video
i actually just did the same!!! i wanted to get into crawlers saw this one on sale and immediatly grabbed it. Arrives tomorrow and i cant wait to drive it
One of my favourite Rc channels. Subscribed 👍
thank you
Bet my Redcat Everest 10 will out crawl that!!
Wow it’s crazy that steering can ruin it for everything else for me but that reminds me so much of the less than admirable steering on the Gen7 that it’s a deal breaker personally unfortunately because I love the rest sad the shocks are easy to fix
Thanks Francis i got a gen 8 and I think that is the last time I will buy redcat. I had to do so many mods just to make it decent
Right on! Thanks for the share.
Look up a 66-73 jeepster commando. You will see where that body ques come from.
thank you
Exactly why I want to build one for my dad to match his 72 commando crawler
love the electronics, i actually think they should make a 1/10th scale with better steering of this
It’s called a redcat gen 8 but honestly just buy the wendigo and replace the brushless system with a brushed and swap the pinion to about a 13t and your golden
The fact they aren’t sending you all your RC’s for free yet makes me upset. This guys give more RC information than anyone I know
That is ok since I want to stay objective. Most companies who send free rc cars to reviewers expect positive reviews only!
@@RCReviewChannel very true lol
I couldn't bring myself to spend $440 on this. Seemed to lack detail, features, etc... But they're on sale right now for $329, and at that price I couldn't pass it up. I'll do some shock upgrades and a brushless, and just run it.
So would a Gen 8 v2 be a better crawler to buy?
Wow!!! you got it in! (B+) this thing needs work, and also (body clips) are (too-small) for my big fingers,hopefully you change them, not a big deal. Nice unboxing Francis!
The original body clips are wayyy to stiff and cannot be removed without tools.
i love mine. added a "warn" winch and a light kit. made a bikini top out of burlap, thick string and a horse saddle sewing needle. my first crawler and the only other one i want is a trx4 high country square body 1/10 scale. some day lol
Looks like a nice new offering from Redcat . I had a Wendigo so I knew the steering radius would suck. Other than that , looks pretty sold rig. Great video. Always enjoy your content.
Agreed. Good vehicle with one giant shortcoming.
Horrible. My HSP Boxer doesn't torque twist and cock it's wheel like a peeing dog. What a piece of crap.
Can switching the servo improve the steering radius? Also can swapping out the shocks/springs/oil weight lessen the torque twist? Any suggestions? Maybe a servo with a wider steering angle/degree do the trick, or not?
Use a 35kg, 270 degree servo. BUT, u gotta set ur end points! (EPA)
No
I'm definitely buying this!
I'm an rc plane guy but wanted to get into crawlers. I went to my local shop and they had this. I really debated between this and a team associated. I went with the ae crawler but think this is the one that got away haha. I've had some redcat nitro trucks years ago and for the most part the brand has always been good for me. I think redcats biggest issue is consistency. One truck is great and someone else's sucks.
did you consider it is wider than all the other 1/10th scalers so turning radius will be worse already. love your reviews just noticed you don't mention that when talking about it.
Quite like this and the other 1/8th scale rigs. Think there really should be many more. Great size!
Big plus is the electronics as standard on this RC. top marks!
Thank you for the review Francis!
Right on, my pleasure.
Great review on this. Been wondering about it. Fairly mixed it seems...
Looks a very capable truck I don't think they did a great job on the body when you compare it to Axial's Jeep's I also think they could of done a bit better with the steering angle, that's what would stop be buying this but maybe you could modify it to get a better steering angle, I bought the scx10.3 kit and ive put a castle mamba x system with there 2850kv motor ive not long finished building it I painted it black after seeing how nice your one turned out im I also put a 11 tooth pinion in there after watching your review and I got loads better slow speed control I love watching your reviews keep it up my man 👌
thanks bud
I pre-ordered mine when i seen it on my LHS owner's computer. 😁 Anytime now! 👍
Right on!
Great video ! Redcat...has created a vehicle that is capable at a decent price . So nice to see a driver , not an empty vehicle rolling around .
Well said!
An add for the TC8 Marksman showed up in my Facebook feed. Then I find out it’s been out for almost 2 years? Huh? It’s an unlicensed Jeep Jeepster/ Commando body with just enough tweaks to skirt the license. I like the looks. $379.00 is pretty dang inexpensive!
Two years later, it's just not a great option. Doesn't perform well and not a lot of upgrading options for it.
Looks like red cat cheepped out frim the look of the plastics. As well i think it looks funny for some reson
Can u adjust the endpoints on the servo to improve the turning radius?
Excellent review. For the turning circle, it's the diameter, not the circumference.
Ahh right. Diameter!!!
So my rig is not the only one that makes the horrible noise in the tranny smh I greased the diffs those are fine.
The gen8 is already 8th scale! If you compare wheelbase to the Scout II it's 1:7.84.
These are approximations by manufacturers since the 1:1 sizes are all over the map.
Great car, sterring radius is widder CUZ ITS A BIGGER CAR🤷♂️😐 steering linkage being primitive is irrelevant nearly all crawlers uses the same setup so laughable😂😂😂😂 torque twist is cuz is a bigger rc it needs more power yet the car is still light it'll do that torque twist, regardless throw some swat bar if u r going to bash it or just crawl, done. In redcat defense the white head could have been left on purpose for cpainting custom, is a crawler bro, the outer paint helps to mimic reality body scratches just like real size crawlers. For 440 dollars i can see ppl buyin this car it is cheaper that almost any 10th scale crawler. The body is fire though. Scout2.
The steering radius is bad because it has awful geometry and engineering. The steering radius of the TRX6 which is a bigger car is about half the size of this.
@@RCReviewChannel agree but it is a bigger size even the tire diameter is bigger. the trx6 turns tighter is smaller in geometry less wheel resistance more steering angle at the wheel, the trx6 is a beast😂🔥🔥. i think that redcat steering could have been made a little bit better probably a longer steering handle at the wheel hub to allow for a more steering angle, there could have been made better.
Very comprehensive review! Hopefully you'll end up with a solution for this bad steering angle.
Hope so
Hey sorry to bother but do you guys still rest servos on a test setup? Cause I’d really like to see the new hobbystar servos tested. I have the 4309LV and the speed is absolutely there, so I’m inclined to believe it.
Yes. Will check
very good video
will we see new 1/8 crawlers from other companies ?
bigger the better right ?!!
:)
Options are good to have
this redcat has good electronics but that twisting looks bad
should be fixable with heavier shock oil
Thank you for the review. Very helpful!
I swapped thw servo, wheels and tires. This thing is a beast now
Onsell now for 339 do you think at this price is it worth it
"It's not a slam dunk but it's not terrible either" That right there describes Redcat, 80 - 90% complete/perfect products with a really good price attached to makeup for the small shortfall/s that are easily modified/fixed. (Except the Gen8 AXE Edition...that's just flipping crazy value and performance...period!)
Steering sucks out the box even after all their “upgrades.”
Redcrap < vp, SSD, RC4WD, axial, Traxxas, element…
Could a set of Capra axles, stock with a panhard mount work?
We'll check into it. Width should be close. It'll have to be front and rear though to get the gearing right.
Awesome review. I was looking into getting one of these and I’m very glad I watched your review first. Question! What are the ramps you were using? They look awesome! Hopefully you see this. I know the video is a year old.
Thanks for the Videos! Turn radius measurements you gave are Diameter not Circumference lol - you probably already figured that out though 🤣
How would a hobbywing 10bl 120 brushless sensored esc work for crawling? I have a spare one off a buggy I dont use.im new to crawling
If you compare the measurements it about the same size as an Axial Wraith, the original one not the 1.9. So I’m not sure where Redcat came up with it the idea that it’s 1/8 scale.
GREAT HONESTY REVIEW THANKYOU SIR 🇬🇧🇺🇸♥️🕊️👍✌️
Is not just me or does it not really look all that big? 🤔 kinda looks like a 10th scale with 2.2s. Maybe I have to see it in person….. I bet this would make a killer monster truck build 😍
So I went out today & used your radius test after grinding down the area that limits the turning & another channel suggested putting servo horn screw in outer hole. I checked mine & it was in the more inward hole from the factory so I moved it out as suggested. I then tested today & left turn was 82 & right turn was 78 I’m going to test once more to be 100% sure. But clearly turns I’m not sure if better is the term because it’s still not great even for a 1:8 scale but it has improved.I can adjust it to steer a little better but it hits the axle & moves it so I had to back off the steering trim. I think I can get it turning a bit better though.
Good review. You're always honest with your opinions.
But one thing drove me nuts with this video. It was the diameter of the steering circle not the circumference.
I know this is off-topic but I have not found anything in regards to what I like to ask. I put together an Essex builders kit and when I go into reverse it kind of chatters or it jumps I don’t know how you would put it but it doesn’t go back or go into reverse smoothly now what would cause this condition on my others it doesn’t do it do you have any suggestions or fixes
It’s cool that it came with better electronics. I have the hobbywing wp80a and a Holmes hobby 550 crawlmaster in my scx10 iii jlu on 3s.
Yeah, that's the best part of this car.
It's on a wendigo platform wendigo axles so it doesn't surprise me. It acts just like a wendigo make sense wendigo parts. So this is not a new platform
I just need a 1 tenth scale TJ
Just saw I could purchase this for $285. Worth it in 2024?
No. Very poor steering radius and no upgrade support. Odd size
@@RCReviewChannelthanks! Yah I was trying to see if there were any aftermarket parts and couldn’t really find any.
That looks cool you should compare it to the 1/8 scale traction hobby cragsman and founder I have a cragsman and im happy with that
Or the new traction hobby coming out 😉
Is their a new one coming out im in Australia 🇦🇺 you guys over their hear everything b4 us
Im not sure if my link is posting or not as it keeps disappearing on my screen but google traction hobby tank 👍🏻
Very very very in-depth. Thank you for posting.
Best reviews
I wonder if you could get more out of the stirring radius if you put a longer servo horn. If it doesn't start messing with the axles
No chance of that. The steering knuckle hits the axle really early.
That steering is unacceptable. I just don’t understand how they let these flaws make it through
So dissapointing
That steering linking comes on real trucks in that exact configuration.
would i be able to drop in a castle mamba 6s with a 1520 motor in this rig ?
What batteries would recommend to run with it? As well as which charger
Can you do the rock tests again with 2.2 predator hyrax tires on?
Well done vid 💯
Took a bit of effort
It's still worth dealing with a steering mod. Nice driving, btw.
Good review as always Frances. I bought a set of these XR247 axles for a build I was doing, as soon as I tested the steering radious I boxed them back up & returned em!! it's really unfortunate because these are nice & beefy axles but with that steering radious it's downright Dreadful & why I wouldn't ever own this rig, I can see these axles in a basher but not a Crawler or Trail truck..... 👍🏼
Yeah it's the unfortunate baggage of converting an existing vehicle for a different purpose.
The 2.2's make most linea 50% easier. I like this rig. The 1080 an HH is a smart set up although I'm sure the stock program isn't the best. Maybe a couple mods to get at least a 45 degree steering angle. Basically a stretched amd widened version of the windego.
2.2s make rocks easier. The make side hill and climbs harder.
No mods can fix the steering for now without new manufactured parts
Good vidéo 👌 👍🇫🇷
thank you
Best upgrade to get more steering angle?
Can trim the plastic knuckles to get more clearance. Really though, pretty bad steering design and the gains are marginal.
So I’ve been testing my Marksmen & I ground down the screws that hinder the steering & after hrs of testing I can say 100% it’s steering way better now. I do realize that a bigger fix will come with time but I’m going to use the same test you did to see how much it has improved but ya it’s so much better now with just a simple fix. The thing is an absolute best & the wide low stance really transfers into good performance . I went to the Pro Line by the Fire event last weekend & took it through the proving grounds & it not only performed awesome it was able to out crawl & climb better then a lot of the 1:10 scale vehicles. One area that was super steep on a rock I watched in amazement as it climbed right up it as the 1:10 scale would fall off. First hand experience & now that I have hrs. On it it’s my favorite.
good share! we'll try it.
RGT and Legendary RC sell a similar model
What are the model names? Where to buy? From bangoods?
My RGT crusher is a beast..100% stick on 3s and hasn't let me down once.
My gen 7 pro and gen 8 were mistake. If I could go back in time I wouldn't have gave redcat a dime.
That RGT Crusher better option than this?
@@northernlightsrc8994 you saying the $320 Banggood RGT Crusher a better option than this thing? I was eying that. What are the bad points of that crusher? No toque twist? Better turning radius? What about parts replacement availability? What about after market upgrade parts?
@@bobbykalifonya57 Redcat imports from Chinese companies and just rebrands..The only rig they built inhouse was the gen 8
It's great ~~~ It's going well ~~
Basically just a Wendigo with different body, wheels and fender wells. I like how it looks though and would totally rock it.
Basically yeah. Repurposed.
I thought if you went that low with a motor that hobby wing ESC would not handle a 3S. Maybe it’s the 1060 I’m thinking of🤷♂️
3s capable for sure!!!
@@RCReviewChannel I just went to the link, it shows motor limit only good down a 16t @ 3s. Or am I reading it wrong.
5 slot motors are rated different. Basically like a 27t 550
Which one do you think is best between the TC8 Marksman and the Double E E101 1/8?
I have both , the double e has amazing detail and is 2 speed . the motor drive line and the esc are junk but work ok . the red cat comes with good motor and electronic s but doesnt have the detail but is a much more capable crawler
One day we will reach 1/1 Scale
1/3 has happened already it weighs like 3300lbs there's a video
@@northernlightsrc8994 :0 amazing
Good review. Would recommend adding time stamps to your review. Really improves watching experience
That is a great idea!!! I'll put that in the description.
Its the reason I sold my everest 10 and I loved it but the 15 point turning drove me nuts..the marksman Sounds like mesh to tight ? A little winey
I'll check the mesh
Thanks for this review, cant wait to have it!
Did you double check that the steering dual rates of the transmitter was set correctly to get the maximum amount of steering?
Absolutely. Slammed that servo so hard that it tilts the whole body. The arm collides with axle very early unfortunately.
Great review.Thinking a sway bar with quick disconnects may help with the torque twist,possibly.And a better servo to adjust the steering angles but the steering links and the front steering knuckles and the CV joints probably need some refining.The body seems it could be modified for a full interior.But for the price In my opinion would be worth it.But that's just my opinion.Thanks for the review,nicely done.
The steering cannot be solved by servo, arm, links, or shaving unfortunately. It's a collision between the knuckle and the axle and there's no fix for now.
@@RCReviewChannel Hopefully that steering issue is resolved at some point.
I called it...they can't ever get it right the first time
Gen 7
Gen 7 pro
Gen 8
Gen 8 v2
Gen 8 axe
Wendigo
Wendogo 2.0 marksman
Marksman v2 TBA
Lol ....lame
Good job it looks like a jeepster