That's a very intriguing truck. It's almost worth the purchase just to be able to play around with the tank turn. If this truck had the RGT Rescuer body, I'd throw all the money at Yikong and figure out the budget later. I'm not a huge fan of the G-Wagon though, so I get to keep my money for another day. It handled your problems pretty well for what it's designed to do. A thumbs up for Yikong! Thanks and Take Care!
That was a fun and interesting shakedown. It’s definitely going to be a very capable trail rig, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I enjoyed the video, thank you!👊🏼😃
Heh, I don't think it'd do too well with bigger tires, as wheel clearance will become an issue. For what this is, it's a fun trail truck with a few tricks up its sleeve. No shame in that!
Remember if it has portals, it is only 65mm underbelly, both from smaller portals and small tires (115mm for 2.2). You can't expect it to match a TRX4 with 80mm underbelly, It's not a comp truck, just a Class 1 capable to enjoy some harsh terrain (check videos from RC Play Ground, and YUN-RC too who, though not comp level, did a comparision with a TRX4 out of the box on a interesting terrain).
Agreed. This is why I said if you expect Class 1 performance you'll be pleasantly surprised. That's definitely the level of performance this will deliver. It's a good model. Cheers
The beast is so topp heavy.I sometimes only open the rear diff too prevent rear roll overs. I think with a lighter shell this truck can be way more competitive.
Well that was a pleasant surprise! With all the cool "gimmicks" I wasn´t giving two cents for its pure crawler capabilities, let alone with one hand tied behind the back in the shape of 2nd gear engaged! I was thinking throughtout the video, given the extense 6-problem database, maybe it's time to designate a control tire for rigs that are almost there but not sure if the tires are holding them back... [or pushing them beyond the truck's capabilities]?
Ooh that's an interesting idea! I also have been meaning to make a section on my website for 6 Problem contenders, so their abilities can be compared. Been very busy but that's on the to-do list!
It almost seemed as if both rear tires were under power during the tank turns...was that just me? I'd like to see you explore the disc brake thing. Can we put them on the front axle at all? I really enjoy your vids. I own 2 of the 1/8th scale Yikongs and they are great scale trail rigs
You saw correctly. The rear diff is open when using tank turn, so both sides are powered. However, it works thanks to the open diff, while still allowing the wheels to turn as needed on higher traction surface like rocks. I'd love to see a stronger disc brake engagement. Can't get em onto the front axle like this, given how they wouldn't fit next to the knuckles. But you don't need them up front as the traditional motor braking is well sufficient. Cheers
@@RCTNT I guess what I meant was, shouldn't the inside tire be locked by the brake, while the outside tire is rotating? If that''s true both wheels should not be turning when "tank turn" is engaged. It could just be how it appeared though. My thoughts on the discs in the front were more for stability control akin to what modern cars have. Not for crawlers, but more so go-fast stuff which I know nothing about, lol.
@brianmassey7563 yes, I understood you 👍 The inside tire is braked when tank turn is engaged. It doesn't grip super strongly, but it's enough to give resistance that assists the tight turn. I'm also excited at the idea of traction control for faster stuff, absolutely. I know how I'd design it, too. I figure, if I'm having these thoughts, others have probably considered it too!
Nice car, nice reviews (both videos)! For a capable trail truck I’d rather have the choice of RWD/4WD than the rear disc setup. Really nice axle design, looks very good! I’ve tested original Hyrax once, and that’s it - sold and never again, don’t understand the praise for this thread - too much siping going on so it’s really only useful under specific conditions where we usually are not driving in - bad weather.. And now they come as clones as standard for two of my latest trucks 😫. I bet this Yikong had fared better with other good all round tires.. Take care!
Haha, well put! I appreciate your nuanced examination of Hyrax, you're quite right. But like brass skids and tin plate diff bash guards, not everything the factories make for crawlers is a good idea. Sometimes things are popular because they're popular and are better avoided. I understand the transmission in the FCX10 can be modified for RWD/4WD rather than DIG/4WD. FWD on any crawler is utterly pointless and shouldn't be listed as a feature. It's just a side effect of a DIG! Cheers
@@RCTNT Yep! Agree on that. Yikong should better had put their RWD/4WD gearbox in it instead. If I could choose, I find the rear disk brake much more useful over DIG. Other manufacturers would have too, except they have left the brilliant idea of what a differential actually do.. 🥸. Nahh could we please have a lockable center diff also? 😁. Try Traxxas Stampede 4WD with the optional center diff! It’s a whole other car! It steers and handles like a crossover between a buggy and a monster truck. Turn in becomes ridiculously good! Cheers!
Yes any of the Traxxas cars of that era really need a centre diff. It's why I rate the MT10 Rival so highly. It achieves what I think the Stampede 4x4 vxl set out to be.
Great vid and loving all the content and reviews on the website as well. Considering getting a first RC rig and very interested in this particular one for trail/scale as an alternative to the more expensive TRX4 lineup, one question has me hung up tho. When it comes to the Yikong, is it possible to get replacement parts/compatible parts or is it one of those deals that if it breaks it then becomes a paperweight? Once again, thanks so much for the content!👍
Thank you! I'm glad to have been useful! Ok, with this Yikong, as with many others including Traxxas and co., when you have some breakages, the repairs are universal: servos, motor, ESC, radio issues, etc. Even wheels, tires, links and drive shafts are not usually an issue for after-market options, even for unusual configurations. Your main concern with this kind of car is if the axles break. Snap a shaft or joint, or the diff locker mechanism breaks somehow. You have a couple of choices in such a case: try to find a replacement part from the manufacturer (it'll be hit and miss with Yikong, but I suspect a message to your place of purchase would probably yield good results if it was while the model is still being made); or, you can jerry-rig a solution yourself without new parts. Here's an example of that second situation: I recently modified my Cross RC EMO X3, which is a big, heavy, 1/8 scale crawler. While I was refitting new axles and brass and power system etc., I damaged the diff lock engagement mechanism for the rear axle. It was nearly impossible not to damage it due to poor design (IMO). I don't want to buy a new part and it's not something I can make myself. So, I compromised; I usually want the front axle locked full-time on any crawler and it's the rear that I like to be able to unlock on the trails and on certain crawling obstacles. So, I moved the intact front shifter piece to the rear axle and then used a spacer to full-time lock that front diff. I disconnected the servo for the front locker, and then put the rear back together. All is well, I'm happy, and I don't miss that unlockable front. Winning! There are usually a few ways to deal with breakages. Again, it's the axles that will be the main problem if there's a breakage there. And honestly, in the worst case you can source different axles from another vehicle to address a serious failure. Sometimes I'll even mix and match axles on a rig even when they're not broken. It's one way to get an overdrive/underdrive setup when different axle gears aren't available. I did this exact thing for the RGT Challenger, actually. That also gave me a rear remotely lockable diff, it was a good upgrade! Hope that gives you a bit more insight to help you make an informed decision. The radio system and electronics in this car are good enough, though cheap, and I expect you'll be happy with it. Just don't expect a hugely capable crawler compared to other 1/10 vehicles (I've got this rig on the 6-problem course in a follow-up vid, linked in the Description, if you're curious about crawling performance). Cheers!
@@RCTNT Thank You Craig for the excellent guidance and the shot of inspiration, you've made smiles here! This will be the start of the journey into RC I'd say🤓
Nice one. Enjoy it! Do keep in mind it's a cheaper car, so things may not be up to the Traxxas or Axial standard. But that said, I think it will give you hours of enjoyment. I'd suggest a 2S battery, maybe a 2200mah up to 5000mah tops. Smaller is better for weight - having 2x 2500mah 2s batteries can be better than 1x 5000mah 2s due to the lower weight the vehicle needs to carry. Better center of gravity, better performance, less stress on the car. In any case, it's an impressive rig and the value is pretty much unbeatable. Enjoy!
This compares or better then trx???? Ive had my eyes on one for awhil but proce steep this seems to he the one hoping they restock sold out fast as i shoudve known for a good rc at good price 😊
Definitely no, the TRX4 is a superior vehicle. You might consider the Cross RC EMO AT4 or JT4, or the RGT Rescuer. They're both comparable. I've got videos, tests and mods for both the AT4 and the Rescuer on my channel here, and an article for each on rc-tnt.com. The TRX4 is the gold standard, though the Traxxas electronics leave a lot to be desired. The Cross RC EMO AT4 kit would be my pick if I could only have one. Get the electronics right first to, and enjoy a durable vehicle that's very capable (I have an EMO AT4 VS TRX4 BRONCO rock video on the channel here, too. See the Truck vs Truck playlist for that). Cheers
Thanks, that'd be great! I'm in Melbourne though. I'm pretty sure you're up north, yeah? Thanks either way! I miss live streams but I just can't do it currently. Health and time restraints preclude it, and a bunch else! Looking forward to it again in future though, for sure.
@@RCTNT I live in avenel but been in Melbourne having hyperbaric chamber treatment weekdays but definitely be cool to meet up sometime im so keen to let another rc enthusiast drive the tb7 stay cool mate🤟
☺️ She's doing much better since the second surgery, thank you. Nice not being in pain constantly anymore. Back to doggy concerns of what to chew, where to run, and how to sniff all the things!
Rgt rescuer, did better, but you where in 2nd gear, but then, it has some unique features, tank turn,what's that 🤔? ,i think,s the trx4 days are numbered, bro,with all these cheaper versions ,some even better than the trx4 🤔😉👍
Very well done, Craig!
Thanks 🙏
I know it's just a trail truck, but some of those spots were pretty impressive 👌 Nice one as usual! 👍
Thanks! It did well. Cheers
That's a very intriguing truck. It's almost worth the purchase just to be able to play around with the tank turn. If this truck had the RGT Rescuer body, I'd throw all the money at Yikong and figure out the budget later. I'm not a huge fan of the G-Wagon though, so I get to keep my money for another day.
It handled your problems pretty well for what it's designed to do. A thumbs up for Yikong!
Thanks and Take Care!
Yeah, I think it's an excellent start. Excited for the future of the brand.
That was a fun and interesting shakedown. It’s definitely going to be a very capable trail rig, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that! I enjoyed the video, thank you!👊🏼😃
For sure, this is a good Bang For Your Buck RC, no doubt :)
Love that wildlife clip at the end!
What a cool truck too
I'm grateful to live here, always ☺️
Would love to see it attempt the six problems again with some little larger/better tires. Fun truck!
Heh, I don't think it'd do too well with bigger tires, as wheel clearance will become an issue. For what this is, it's a fun trail truck with a few tricks up its sleeve. No shame in that!
@@RCTNT Fair enough, was hoping there was a bit of room for bigger tires, but you are right, nothing wrong with a fun trail truck.
Yeah! I thought so. It's a ripper, for what it is.
Great Vídeo my Friend!!!!
Cool Review as usual and very usefull to!
💪🏻🤩🥰😍👌🏻
Thks for the share my Friend 🐼👍🏻
Thank you 👍
You're welcome my Friend!!!
💪🏻🐼👍🏻 Cheers!
Remember if it has portals, it is only 65mm underbelly, both from smaller portals and small tires (115mm for 2.2). You can't expect it to match a TRX4 with 80mm underbelly, It's not a comp truck, just a Class 1 capable to enjoy some harsh terrain (check videos from RC Play Ground, and YUN-RC too who, though not comp level, did a comparision with a TRX4 out of the box on a interesting terrain).
Agreed. This is why I said if you expect Class 1 performance you'll be pleasantly surprised. That's definitely the level of performance this will deliver. It's a good model. Cheers
Can you make some more vids on the yuikong perhaps with some brass on the front axle?
Yep, I've got an upgrade video planned for it! Won't be until May, but it's coming 👍
The beast is so topp heavy.I sometimes only open the rear diff too prevent rear roll overs. I think with a lighter shell this truck can be way more competitive.
It'll never be a competitive crawler by any stretch, but center of gravity is certainly a big part of the equation!
@@RCTNT I mean more "competitive" than my friends other Trail Trucks on our runs .😄
Oh right! I got you. Yes, everything's relative!
I hope you can review the redcat ascend fusion soon😊
You bet. It's on the way.
Well that was a pleasant surprise! With all the cool "gimmicks" I wasn´t giving two cents for its pure crawler capabilities, let alone with one hand tied behind the back in the shape of 2nd gear engaged!
I was thinking throughtout the video, given the extense 6-problem database, maybe it's time to designate a control tire for rigs that are almost there but not sure if the tires are holding them back... [or pushing them beyond the truck's capabilities]?
Ooh that's an interesting idea!
I also have been meaning to make a section on my website for 6 Problem contenders, so their abilities can be compared. Been very busy but that's on the to-do list!
It almost seemed as if both rear tires were under power during the tank turns...was that just me? I'd like to see you explore the disc brake thing. Can we put them on the front axle at all? I really enjoy your vids. I own 2 of the 1/8th scale Yikongs and they are great scale trail rigs
You saw correctly. The rear diff is open when using tank turn, so both sides are powered. However, it works thanks to the open diff, while still allowing the wheels to turn as needed on higher traction surface like rocks. I'd love to see a stronger disc brake engagement.
Can't get em onto the front axle like this, given how they wouldn't fit next to the knuckles. But you don't need them up front as the traditional motor braking is well sufficient. Cheers
@@RCTNT I guess what I meant was, shouldn't the inside tire be locked by the brake, while the outside tire is rotating? If that''s true both wheels should not be turning when "tank turn" is engaged. It could just be how it appeared though. My thoughts on the discs in the front were more for stability control akin to what modern cars have. Not for crawlers, but more so go-fast stuff which I know nothing about, lol.
@brianmassey7563 yes, I understood you 👍 The inside tire is braked when tank turn is engaged. It doesn't grip super strongly, but it's enough to give resistance that assists the tight turn.
I'm also excited at the idea of traction control for faster stuff, absolutely. I know how I'd design it, too. I figure, if I'm having these thoughts, others have probably considered it too!
Nice car, nice reviews (both videos)! For a capable trail truck I’d rather have the choice of RWD/4WD than the rear disc setup.
Really nice axle design, looks very good!
I’ve tested original Hyrax once, and that’s it - sold and never again, don’t understand the praise for this thread - too much siping going on so it’s really only useful under specific conditions where we usually are not driving in - bad weather.. And now they come as clones as standard for two of my latest trucks 😫. I bet this Yikong had fared better with other good all round tires.. Take care!
Haha, well put! I appreciate your nuanced examination of Hyrax, you're quite right. But like brass skids and tin plate diff bash guards, not everything the factories make for crawlers is a good idea. Sometimes things are popular because they're popular and are better avoided.
I understand the transmission in the FCX10 can be modified for RWD/4WD rather than DIG/4WD. FWD on any crawler is utterly pointless and shouldn't be listed as a feature. It's just a side effect of a DIG!
Cheers
@@RCTNT Yep! Agree on that. Yikong should better had put their RWD/4WD gearbox in it instead. If I could choose, I find the rear disk brake much more useful over DIG. Other manufacturers would have too, except they have left the brilliant idea of what a differential actually do.. 🥸. Nahh could we please have a lockable center diff also? 😁. Try Traxxas Stampede 4WD with the optional center diff! It’s a whole other car! It steers and handles like a crossover between a buggy and a monster truck. Turn in becomes ridiculously good!
Cheers!
Yes any of the Traxxas cars of that era really need a centre diff. It's why I rate the MT10 Rival so highly. It achieves what I think the Stampede 4x4 vxl set out to be.
Great vid and loving all the content and reviews on the website as well. Considering getting a first RC rig and very interested in this particular one for trail/scale as an alternative to the more expensive TRX4 lineup, one question has me hung up tho. When it comes to the Yikong, is it possible to get replacement parts/compatible parts or is it one of those deals that if it breaks it then becomes a paperweight?
Once again, thanks so much for the content!👍
Thank you! I'm glad to have been useful!
Ok, with this Yikong, as with many others including Traxxas and co., when you have some breakages, the repairs are universal: servos, motor, ESC, radio issues, etc. Even wheels, tires, links and drive shafts are not usually an issue for after-market options, even for unusual configurations.
Your main concern with this kind of car is if the axles break. Snap a shaft or joint, or the diff locker mechanism breaks somehow. You have a couple of choices in such a case: try to find a replacement part from the manufacturer (it'll be hit and miss with Yikong, but I suspect a message to your place of purchase would probably yield good results if it was while the model is still being made); or, you can jerry-rig a solution yourself without new parts.
Here's an example of that second situation: I recently modified my Cross RC EMO X3, which is a big, heavy, 1/8 scale crawler. While I was refitting new axles and brass and power system etc., I damaged the diff lock engagement mechanism for the rear axle. It was nearly impossible not to damage it due to poor design (IMO). I don't want to buy a new part and it's not something I can make myself. So, I compromised; I usually want the front axle locked full-time on any crawler and it's the rear that I like to be able to unlock on the trails and on certain crawling obstacles. So, I moved the intact front shifter piece to the rear axle and then used a spacer to full-time lock that front diff. I disconnected the servo for the front locker, and then put the rear back together. All is well, I'm happy, and I don't miss that unlockable front. Winning!
There are usually a few ways to deal with breakages. Again, it's the axles that will be the main problem if there's a breakage there. And honestly, in the worst case you can source different axles from another vehicle to address a serious failure. Sometimes I'll even mix and match axles on a rig even when they're not broken. It's one way to get an overdrive/underdrive setup when different axle gears aren't available. I did this exact thing for the RGT Challenger, actually. That also gave me a rear remotely lockable diff, it was a good upgrade!
Hope that gives you a bit more insight to help you make an informed decision. The radio system and electronics in this car are good enough, though cheap, and I expect you'll be happy with it. Just don't expect a hugely capable crawler compared to other 1/10 vehicles (I've got this rig on the 6-problem course in a follow-up vid, linked in the Description, if you're curious about crawling performance). Cheers!
@@RCTNT Thank You Craig for the excellent guidance and the shot of inspiration, you've made smiles here! This will be the start of the journey into RC I'd say🤓
Nice one. Enjoy it! Do keep in mind it's a cheaper car, so things may not be up to the Traxxas or Axial standard. But that said, I think it will give you hours of enjoyment. I'd suggest a 2S battery, maybe a 2200mah up to 5000mah tops. Smaller is better for weight - having 2x 2500mah 2s batteries can be better than 1x 5000mah 2s due to the lower weight the vehicle needs to carry. Better center of gravity, better performance, less stress on the car.
In any case, it's an impressive rig and the value is pretty much unbeatable. Enjoy!
This compares or better then trx???? Ive had my eyes on one for awhil but proce steep this seems to he the one hoping they restock sold out fast as i shoudve known for a good rc at good price 😊
Definitely no, the TRX4 is a superior vehicle.
You might consider the Cross RC EMO AT4 or JT4, or the RGT Rescuer. They're both comparable. I've got videos, tests and mods for both the AT4 and the Rescuer on my channel here, and an article for each on rc-tnt.com.
The TRX4 is the gold standard, though the Traxxas electronics leave a lot to be desired. The Cross RC EMO AT4 kit would be my pick if I could only have one. Get the electronics right first to, and enjoy a durable vehicle that's very capable (I have an EMO AT4 VS TRX4 BRONCO rock video on the channel here, too. See the Truck vs Truck playlist for that). Cheers
Roos 😊
Such strange creatures aren't they
Sliders might help it a bit I'd so love you to drive my tb7 so offers there if you ever want to! Thinking 💬 about doing any lives soon? Cheers mate 🤟
Thanks, that'd be great! I'm in Melbourne though. I'm pretty sure you're up north, yeah? Thanks either way!
I miss live streams but I just can't do it currently. Health and time restraints preclude it, and a bunch else! Looking forward to it again in future though, for sure.
@@RCTNT I live in avenel but been in Melbourne having hyperbaric chamber treatment weekdays but definitely be cool to meet up sometime im so keen to let another rc enthusiast drive the tb7 stay cool mate🤟
Oh right, I see. Hope things improve for you.
And sure, we could meet to for a car swap and drive sometime, that'd be cool.
don't call it the "problem" 😂😂😂it's obstacles 😅
thank you for good vids 🎉🎉
It's the RC-TNT 6-Problem Course! If you don't like it, consider that Problem 7 😋
0:14 no, the big question isn't how's it crawl, the big question is: how's your doggo?
☺️ She's doing much better since the second surgery, thank you. Nice not being in pain constantly anymore. Back to doggy concerns of what to chew, where to run, and how to sniff all the things!
@@RCTNT aw, that's great news......
Rgt rescuer, did better, but you where in 2nd gear, but then, it has some unique features, tank turn,what's that 🤔? ,i think,s the trx4 days are numbered, bro,with all these cheaper versions ,some even better than the trx4 🤔😉👍
in some time the trx must react to newest models 😂
Rescuer is a more capable crawler, no doubt. Large tires play a big part in that. This thing did alright too for what it is!
👋😁👍
🙏☺️👊