Redcat RC Monster Truck Shootout
Redcat Racing RC Monster Truck Buyers Guide
Redcat Racing offers several different 1/10 RC monster trucks that are aimed at the those wanting to step up to hobby grade RC vehicles. The distinction of hobby grade RC generally means that parts are readily available so the product can be maintained as needed with replacement parts and even upgraded. In comparison, with a toy grade RC that is sold at the big box stores, if something breaks it would need to be replaced under warranty. If the warranty has expired, than you can attempt to repair the broken parts with glue which may or may not hold up.
All the Redcat Racing 4WD 1/10 RC monster trucks are above average so you really can’t go wrong with any of the options. It’s more of deciding which model is best for you. Redcat offers a 90 day warranty on all the electronics and after 90 days a lifetime electronics replacement program in which you get a considerable discount on the identical replacement item. Redcat also revises the models from time to time to improve any shortcomings, so the products are always getting better. We stock the latest versions in which most come with a LiPo 7.4v battery, metal gears, newer style transmitter and some have updated ESCs.
Now, let’s break down the Redcat 1/10 RC monster truck options -
Dukono 4x4 1/10 RC Monster Truck
Redcat Racing has really delivered the goods with the all new Dukono 1/10 RC monster truck. Fully equipped and ready to run out of the box, the 19T 550 brushed motor brings this 4x4 truck to speeds up to 25 MPH. Nice wide tires and high quality adjustable oil filled shocks ensure that you are in control over a wide variety of surfaces. Along with the truck, you get a nice 2.4 GHz radio, 8.4v NiMH battery and charger. All that is required is four AA alkaline batteries for the radio.
Redcat Dukono Ratings
- Speed = 3
- Handling = 4
- Durability = 3.5
- Electronics = 3.5
- Upgrade Options = 3.5
- TOTAL = 17.5
Recommended upgrades -
- a) The Hexfly HX-N802 charger is a much faster charger than the one that is included with the Dukono.
Summary - We think Redcat Racing did a great job with the Dukano. It’s an ideal beginner hobby grade RC monster truck with it’s slower speeds and a NiMH battery, that takes less supervision than a LiPo battery. The Dukono has a lot of really cool features including quick change battery straps, built-in wheelie bar, adjustable suspension, and an awesome looking body. The only thing to consider is that it is priced $60 higher than the brushed Blackout XTE, but we feel it‘s worth the extra cost since it seems more refined.
Blackout XTE 4x4 1/10 RC Monster Truck
The Redcat Racing Blackout 1/10 scale RC monster truck is equipped with a 550 brushed motor which brings the truck up to speeds of around 25 MPH. Additonally, a 4WD shaft driven drive train provides the necessary traction to maneuver even the toughest obstacles. The Blackout XTE has four oil filled coil over shocks and is a simpler design that uses a lot of common parts front to rear which means fewer replacement parts in comparison to the Volcano. It comes completely ready to run with the radio, 7.4v NiMH battery and charger. All you need is four AA alkaline batteries for the radio.
Redcat Blackout XTE Ratings
- Speed = 3
- Handling = 3.5
- Durability = 3
- Electronics = 3
- Upgrade Options = 3
- TOTAL = 15.5
Recommended upgrades -
- a) The Hexfly 15KG metal gear servo which is much more durable than the stock plastic servo.
- b) The Redcat Racing BS213-044 Servo Saver is needed to use the HEXFLY 15KG servo in the Blackout XTE.
Summary - The Blackout XTE is ideal for those who want to step up to an inexpensive, hobby grade RC vehicle that will be easier to maintain due to it‘s simpler design. Slower speeds might be ideal for those just getting starting into the hobby and the ESC is 2s LiPo battery ready which would offer an increase in performance. Some things to consider is that generally a brushed motor needs to be cleaned from time to time and only a few aluminum parts are available. This same Blackout platform is also available as a short course truck which is called the Blackout SC and shares all the same parts except the body, wheels, tires and rear bumper.
Blackout XTE PRO 4x4 1/10 RC Monster Truck
Fast and powerful, the Redcat Racing Blackout XTE PRO 1/10 scale RC monster truck is equipped with a 3800KV brushless motor which brings the truck up to speeds of around 35 MPH. Additonally, a 4WD shaft driven drive train provides the necessary traction to maneuver even the toughest obstacles. The Blackout XTE has four oil filled coil over shocks and is a simpler design that uses a lot of common parts front to rear which means fewer replacement parts in comparison to the Volcano. It comes completely ready to run with the radio, 7.4v LiPo battery and charger. All you need is four AA alkaline batteries for the radio.
Redcat Blackout XTE PRO Ratings
- Speed = 4
- Handling = 3.5
- Durability = 4
- Electronics = 4
- Upgrade Options = 3
- TOTAL = 18.5
Recommended upgrade -
- a) The Hexfly HX-403 LiPo charger which is 3 times faster than the included charger.
Summary - The Blackout XTE PRO is ideal for those who want to step up to a durable, hobby grade RC vehicle that will be easier to maintain due to it‘s simpler design. This same Blackout platform is also available as a short course truck and a buggy which makes it great for those wanting a few different types of RC 1/10 vehicles with very similar performance. Something to consider is that only a few aluminum parts are available so it is best for those who just want a very solid, fun truck but aren‘t into installing a lot of upgrades.
Volcano EPX PRO 4x4 1/10 RC Monster Truck
The Volcano EPX PRO has been available from Redcat from the beginning and is still really popular. The Redcat Racing Volcano EPX PRO 1/10 scale RC Monster Truck is equipped with a 3300KV brushless motor that can bring the truck to speeds of up to 35 MPH. Additonally, a 4WD shaft driven drive train provides the necessary traction to maneuver offroad obstacles. It’s similar to the Blackout XTE in size with the main difference being that it has eight aluminum body oil filled coil over shocks instead of four like all the other Redcat monster trucks. The Volcano also has a lot of aluminum parts available which makes it ideal for those who are really into blinging out there RC vehicle. It comes completely ready to run with the radio, 7.4v LiPo battery and charger. All you need is four AA alkaline batteries for the radio.
Redcat Volcano EPX PRO Ratings
- Speed = 4
- Handling = 3.5
- Durability = 3.5
- Electronics = 3.5
- Upgrade Options = 4
- TOTAL = 18.5
Recommended upgrades -
- a) The Hexfly 15KG metal gear servo which is much more durable than the stock plastic servo.
- b) The Hexfly HX-403 LiPo charger which is 3 times faster than the stock charger.
Summary - The Volcano EPX PRO is a really good option for those who want a solid monster truck with plenty of upgrade options. Something to consider is that it does have more parts than the Blackout XTE PRO which may result in a little more maintenance and/or replacement parts down the road.
TR-MT10E 4x4 1/10 RC Monster Truck
Team Redcat designed the TR-MT10E 4WD 1/10 RC monster truck to be super strong and durable. Included with the vehicle are reinforced differentials, hardened steel driveshafts, steel spur gear, durable polycarbonate body and LED lights built into the front bumper. The electronics are top notch as well, including a Savox metal gear digital servo, THOR 80A MAX10 3S waterproof ESC and high torque 4400KV brushless motor. The TR-MT10E is ready to run right out of the box, just add your own LiPo battery.
Team Redcat TR-MT10E Ratings
- Speed = 4.5 (on 3s)
- Handling = 4
- Durability = 4.5
- Electronics = 5
- Upgrade Options = 4.5
- TOTAL = 22.5
Summary - Team Redcat is a high-end brand of premium vehicles introduced by Redcat. This TR-MT10E delivers all the goods and is a great deal at $349.99. We like the top speed of 42 MPH using a 3s 11.1v LiPo battery, excellent electronics, durability, tune-able suspension, wheelie bar and plenty of upgrades are available. This is one of the best 1/10 scale RC monster trucks on the market.
Click on the link for a full selection of Redcat Racing RC vehicles - Redcat RC Monster Trucks
Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need further assistance on what to buy. Also, we can put together custom packages and get more Redcat parts than we currently show on our website.