After years of ready, the predecessor to the Redcat Gen8 has lastly arrived. As the proud proprietor of three Gen8/Gen8 P.A.C.Ok. rigs, I used to be thrilled to seek out out that Redcat was shifting its focus again to path vans with the discharge of the Gen9 International Scout 800A. And I used to be ecstatic after they shipped a pre-release mannequin my approach for evaluation.
So, how does this new path truck stack as much as its predecessors (and the competitors)? Let’s discover out.
What’s New?
At first look, the Gen9 might look like a Gen8 AXE with a brand new paint job, however there’s extra to it than meets the attention. The Redcat Gen9 is sporting a brand new Scout mannequin physique in comparison with its predecessor. The Scout 800A is a bit smaller than the Scout II, which allowed Redcat to make some modifications to the entrance and rear bumper setups and enhance on the already-impressive strategy angle efficiency of the Gen8.
While the physique is new, that’s not the one up to date function on this rig. Under the hood (and below the chassis), the Gen9 includes a two-speed transmission, V3 portal axles, new tires, wheels, and a brand new physique mounting system, to call a number of. If you’ve owned a Gen8 Scout or P.A.C.Ok. there are many crossover elements between the generations of Redcat crawler, making it a well-known machine for Redcat followers. Still, you’ll discover loads of “newness” on this machine to make it a worthwhile buy.
The Body
Redcat has actually raised its recreation in physique design and building, thanks partially (or in entire) to their R/C lowrider lineup. The Gen9 International Scout 800A physique is a multi-part piece that gives an in depth inside and exterior with loads of room for personalization and creativity. The open-cage design permits for a wonderful view of the Scout 800A’s inside, which options goodies like a steering wheel, shift levers, door handles, and pedals. The solely different path rig that packs in that degree of scale element is the SCX10 III Early Ford Bronco.
Scale goodies are additionally discovered on the outside of the Gen9; nevertheless, their sturdiness leaves a bit to be desired. Side mirrors and door handles assist add visible curiosity to the skin of the Scout 800A physique, however relying on how exhausting you drive, they might not final lengthy. One facet mirror broke off throughout transport, and I destroyed the opposite after a rollover. I additionally misplaced a door deal with throughout a flip. Thankfully, Redcat features a few further elements in case you want them.
There are two physique shade choices for the Gen9, an impressive Metallic Blue and a shocking Graphite. No matter which you decide, you’re getting an attention grabbing machine. Redcat additionally consists of two decal sheets with quite a lot of stickers making it straightforward to place your individual spin on this rig, proper out of the field. You’ll additionally discover a redesigned physique mounting system on this rig, making it easy to get to the internals of this rig. Two swivel latches maintain the entrance of the physique in place, and releasing them permits the physique to be tipped towards the rear and pulled up and off the chassis. It’s a pleasant setup that I discover extra handy than the hook-and-loop mounting technique on the Gen8.
The Chassis
At first look, it’s exhausting to identify the variations between the Gen9 and the Gen8 chassis. Both function a “filled-out” setup with full fenders and sideboards, and the motor and transmission are in the identical spot. Looking nearer, you’ll spot the shift servo for the two-speed transmission and the rock gentle ports set on prime of each inside fender. Even more durable to identify are the changes made to the portal axles to enhance sturdiness, monitoring, and steering efficiency.
Although these updates aren’t visually spectacular, they impression the general driving expertise of the Gen9 Scout. It’s additionally price mentioning the burden of this truck, which is spectacular for a ready-to-run (RTR) mannequin. It’s heavy. Quite heavy, however the weight distribution is respectable, and I didn’t expertise many rollovers as a consequence of top-heaviness. Rollovers as a consequence of pace…properly, that’s one other story.
The largest efficiency change between this mannequin and its predecessor is the two-speed transmission. First (low) gear is on-par with the usual gearing of the Gen8. Second (WHOAAAA) gear is simply…enjoyable. If you wish to begin operating for train, toss a 3S LiPo into the Gen9, put it in second gear, and go. You’ll have a near-impossible time catching up with this rig at that pace. While not helpful for technical crawling, the power to shift to a better gear is nice should you’re an avid path fanatic (or wish to let free every now and then).
The Wheels & Tires
Another distinction between the Gen8 and the Gen9 is the tire alternative. The Redcat staff opted to make use of a 1.9″ model of the Interco Super Swamper SS M16, the identical tire discovered on their 1/8-scale TC8 Marksman. I like this transformation and have discovered this new tire to have unbelievable traction and chew, each whereas crawling and throughout regular path use. The wheels additionally obtained an replace, that includes a pretend outer beadlock ring for added scale ornament.
The Radio (Transmitter and Receiver)
The Gen9 includes a new transmitter design that gives 4 management channels to your path rig. Only three channels are lively out of the field, however you possibly can simply add a fourth and have the power to regulate it with out a lot further setup. In inventory configuration, the third channel controls the two-speed transmission servo. The auxiliary channel buttons are straightforward to seek out and use and illuminate when activated, so you possibly can simply inform what gear you’re in.
I discovered this transmitter snug throughout use, not too heavy, and not too gentle. The steering wheel is simply shut sufficient to thumb-steer, however chances are you’ll wish to add a thumb-steer stick should you’re critical about one-handed driving.
Crawling and Trail Performance
For nearly as good as this truck seems to be, you be taught to get pleasure from it as soon as it hits the path. The climate throughout my check of the Gen9 Scout 800A ran the gamut between chilly and snowy to chill and nonetheless snowy. Yes, there was loads of snow on the bottom after I reviewed this rig, however that didn’t matter, because it took every thing in stride. Overall efficiency is similar to the Gen8, so there wasn’t a lot of a studying curve regarding how the car would react in sure conditions.
The first new function I needed to check out was the two-speed transmission. Running a 3S LiPo, first gear lent itself to easy, low-speed crawling. Kicking issues up a notch, second gear was simply loopy. Despite its weight, this rig can transfer. Running full throttle over ice and snow made for some fascinating, white-knuckle moments, which all performed out properly. There had been a number of cases the place full-speed slides shortly became acrobatic tumbles, however the rig made it via largely unscathed.
When the path led me towards rocks, I had the right alternative to check out the crawling efficiency of the Gen9. The 1.9″ Interco SS M16 tires don’t have as deep a tread because the earlier mannequin, making them simpler to pack with snow and slush. Presented with lowered traction, this rig nonetheless made its approach up and over obstacles with relative ease. I can solely think about drier situations being even higher for this machine.
What’s the Verdict?
Putting apart my love for the Scout and Redcat’s crawler lineup, that is a formidable machine at a formidable worth. For $399.99, you get a succesful crawler and path truck that features options present in fashions with increased worth factors. While not excellent, this can be a nice 1/10-scale rig for getting exterior and driving. Take it the yard, or trek onto the path for an journey; irrespective of the event, you’re sure to have enjoyable.
If you’re keen on scale element, the Gen9 affords loads of room for personalization. Whether you utilize the included decal sheet or select to provide you with your graphics, there’s no scarcity of the way to personalize this path truck and make it seem much more lifelike than it already is. Solid efficiency meets beautiful visuals. I’d name {that a} win-win.
Learn extra concerning the Redcat Gen9 International Scout 800A at redcatracing.com.
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