Axial SCX10 iii vs Traxxas TRX-4 Defender - Trail crawl and rock crawl shootout

Which crawler is better on the trail or the rocks? We test the SCX10.3 and the TRX4 defender in scale realism and crawling performance. 2-speed, locking diffs, dig unit are all featured in these vehicles.

[rcmedia]

Awesome video, I bring mine hiking with me everywhere. One month old and over 130 miles now. No issues, bone stock besides servo horn.

[dnafpv]

Looks to me like if they both had the same body that the traxxas would win all performance tests...

[mikel]

after watching many, many, of yours, and others videos. narrowed it to these two crawlers. this video swayed me to the trx-4. but going for the build version. enjoyed your videos, very in formative. also purchased the radiolink 6 channel. from your videos, and the fact it has good long range. plan on fpv, have thousands of feet of creek bed through my property.

[oyeahboii]

Another awesome video! After subscribing to your channel I started slowly moving from my Slash 4x4 to a Defender following most of your upgrade recommendations and tips. Keep it up!

[jasonreed]

Should compare to the bronco not the defender, so they are both the same weight and size???

[railmastercnr]

I’ve spent money and saved money thanks to your reviews Francis! You just saved me $600+ in deciding NOT to get the axial. TRX4 is still king! Love the camera work here.

[dipseyduse]

Francis voice is music to my ears while I am in quarantine

[InvisiMan]

Finally, someone posted a comparison video!! =)


I was hoping the SCX10.3 would perform much better, especially when compared to the Defender, which is the arguably the worst performing (crawler) of the TRX-4's.

[mickd]

Not sure why a lot of people keep asking the scx10iii to be put up against the Trx4 sport? It's pretty obvious which truck will do better... once a basic builders kit or stripped down version of the scx10iii gets released, then it will be a comparison...
I've got a few different brands of crawlers and like them all for different reasons, it's a great time to be in this hobby, so many fantastic trucks that you can't really go wrong with any of them. So many hop up options..
Just buy what you like the look of or suits the performance you desire, combination of both perhaps, .
The "BEST" is always subjective...
Thanks for the footage RC Review.
Cheers 👍

[TheMrZombified]

Why not use the same wheels and tires on both?

[jaybe]

I’m glad I found this video. These were the two trucks I’ve been debating getting.

[syahmihobby]

I like that trx4 defender cause of the movement and suspension look smooth

[RCJEDI]

Great run and test comparison between the two vehicles, keep up the great work guy's and stay safe in these difficult times 🙏

[billderas]

On my Axial SCX10-III, I changed out the kit 14 tooth pinion with one of another brand (Traxxas) having the same tooth count and the drivetrain noise diminished significantly. Noted that the Axial kit pinion with the motor mounted in the 14-t holes gave me no gear lash (play); whereas, the other pinion did have the right amount of lash. Measured the two pinions and found the Axial kit one had a few thousandths more diameter than the other which is a problem when using their motor plate with all the tooth designated holes.

[EazyPCBuilds]

Always liked this channel, great content. Inspired me to start my own :)

[Luis-ehdp]

For the best comparison, it would have to be the same tires and very similar wheelbase and body

[douglasparnell]

To fix the clicking check out Kisun’s rc life . The gears in the transmission are different from one side to the other . It’s hard to explain but Kisun has a great video on the fix .

[marcpoletti]

Same tires and foams on both would reveal which does a better job of each type of task.

[shaunsanford]

This is the video i was waiting for. Awesome job sir.

[RyanRKJ]

Great comparison. I'm glad to see you are pushing the iii to its limits, and not being afraid of putting some scratches on it in the process.