New to RC Rock Crawlers? Discover the Top Models for Beginners

So, the market is flooded with all these good-looking, powerful, and incredibly-built RC rock crawlers, and they all promise to be the best. Obviously, this makes it that much harder to choose the right one for your needs. 

Buyers’ guides can only do so much to reduce your options. The best way to do this is to go through my list of best RC rock crawlers for beginners. Don’t get me wrong; I am not refuting the important role a buyers’ guide plays in the buying process; I’m simply saying that this article offers a list of specific recommendations of the top RC rock crawler models for beginners. 

With that in mind, here are the best RC rock crawlers for newbies:

Top Pick: Altair Power Pro Rock Crawler

This is my top pick for several reasons. For starters, it is an RTR (Ready to Run), so if you are very new to rock crawling, this unit is perfect for you. It’s ready to use; you simply have to take it out of the box. 

Further, it is durable and can easily withstand multiple objects, even huge boulders. The Power Pro 4 by 4 also sports a 4-wheel suspension setup allowing every wheel to independently adjust to the obstacles autonomously. This feature eases the driving process regardless of the terrain. 

Something else I love about this RC crawler is that it is highly user-friendly, which is a big deal considering it is built for beginners. Also, its range is 250 feet which is vastly generous. The Dual Expansion feature of this magnificent beast offers up to 30 minutes of run time. While it might sound like little time, it’s a lot when traversing even terrain and off-roading. 

Besides, this unit is manufactured by one of the best RC rock crawlers brands, Altair Aerial. They not only produce quality products but also have impeccable customer service. Therefore, if you have any issues, you can always contact them and trust they will help. 

Features 

• 1/10 scale size
• Four-wheel drive 
• Dual motor
• Two-speed modes

What I Like

• It is a Ready to Run RC rock crawlers 
• It is user-friendly, hence perfect for beginners
• It has a durable construction. 
• Independent 4-wheel drive system 

What I Don’t Like 

• The battery life is rather short without dual expansion. 

The package includes a LiPo battery, a 2.4GHz radio controller, and a charger.

Best Value: Redcat Everest 10 Rock Crawler 

Are you into boulder crunching and rock stomping? If so, then this is the best option for such terrain. Besides the Altair, few vehicles can compete with this electric rock crawlers. This supremely dexterous aluminum model offers the required stability for traversing the toughest terrain without being overweight. 

Explicitly built for beginner rock crawlers, it has water-resistant electronics to ensure you cover all sorts of terrain. Additionally, the brushed electric engine, in tandem with the 4-wheel system, guarantees you get the most from this rock-crawling rig. 

The aluminum-capped shocks and the ball bearings offer you decent ground clearance, over 80 mm, and a 320mm wheelbase. Its size stands at 1/10 scale, perfect for all terrain. On top of that, this car is completely assembled. Therefore, it’s Ready to Run straight out of the box. 

Features 

• 1/10 scale
• Waterproof electronics 
• Tunable suspension
• Changeable ride height 

What I Like 

• It is fully assembled and ready to run
• It comes with bead lock tires.
• Perfect for driving through all terrain
• It has water-resistant components.

What I Don’t Like 

• The servo system is problematic. 

The package includes 2.4GHz radio control, battery and charger. 

Best Performance: Axial SCX24 1/24 Deadbolt RTR Rock Crawler 

Here is yet another monster RC rock crawlers for a well-known manufacturer. The SCX24 rock crawler is an exceptional option, and most enthusiasts recommend it, and with good reason. The deadbolt rock crawler is the ideal blend of value, reliability, and power. 

While it is an RTR rock crawler, it does require a bit of easy assembly. Fortunately, it gives room for customization with its limitless upgrade options and modular build. It is explicitly built to handle tough terrain with the potent motor and increased torque. Besides, this power is sufficient to drive through rocks, pebbles and boulders, which I’ve come to appreciate. 

So, if you’re on the market for a well-constructed, durable and incredibly versatile RC rock crawler that you can use outdoors and indoors, this is the one to go for. 

Features 

• Water-roof electronics
• 1/24 scale 
• 4-link rear and 3-link front suspension systems
• The cartridge bearings are sealed.

What I Like 

• Excellent build 
• Can climb virtually anything
• It is affordable
• It is perfect for outdoor and indoor use. 

What I Don’t Like 

• The charger and battery could be better. 

The package includes a LiPo battery, 4GHz radio transmitter and LiPo charger. 

Best Budget: DANCHEE Ridge-Rock RTR Rock Crawler

The DANCHEE rock crawler offers excellent performance and is built to be as durable as it can be for a beginner-friendly option. Even though your skills as a rock crawler driver might not be that good, you’ll be mesmerized by how this car easily traverses pebbles, logs and huge rocks. 

It is a great rock crawler for beginners on a budget and offers just as great a driving experience as the top-of-the-line expensive models. For a value-for-your-money option and lots of fun, the DANCHEE rock crawler is a great pick!

Features 

• Aluminum-capped shocks
• Dual-brushed electric engines 
• 1/10 scale 
• 2.4GHz pistol grasp radio with 3 channels 

What I Like 

• Durable build
• Affordable
• It is extremely user-friendly
• Waterproof electric components 

What I Don’t Like 

• Some parts feel flimsy.

The package includes 4GHz radio, 1500mAh Li-on battery, and USB charger. 

Traxxas TRX-4 Rock Crawler 

Let’s be honest; this review wouldn’t be complete without a RC crawler from Traxxas. Thanks to their durable, highly usable, and recommended products, they are one of the best brands. 

They say the devil is in the details, and this manufacturer made sure not to leave anything sub-par or incomplete on the Ford Bronco rock crawler. With the powerful 550 engine, sturdy shaft drivetrain, and entirely functional link suspension setup, what more could you ask for? These are some reasons this is one of the most popular rock crawlers on the market. 

While it is perfect for beginners, it doesn’t have to stop being useful once you’ve improved your skills. The TRX-4 has multiple amazing accessories and features, so you can still use it even at an intermediate level. 

It has superior good looks and impressive features, and it comes with the quality clients have come to expect from this manufacturer. 

Features 

• Quality Ford Bronco build. 
• XL-5 HV ESC 
• Waterproof electronics
• 1/10 scale 

What I Like 

• Numerous aftermarket upgrade options 
• It is easy to use and setup
• Incredible detailing
• It comes ready to run.

What I Don’t Like 

• The package doesn’t include a charger or a battery.

In Conclusion

Finding the top and most reliable rock crawlers might be overwhelming, but this comprehensive review has narrowed down the list from a couple of thousand to five. Make sure you consider your budget; don’t go broke looking for an RC crawler. 

Fortunately, the rock crawlers here are perfect for use on any terrain, so whichever your choice, you will climb those rocks and boulders like a pro!