Review: Redcat Ascent-18
Finally, after much internal wishing and hoping, Redcat released a small-scale R/C rock crawler, the Ascent-18. In what may have been my quickest announcement-to-purchase record yet, I knew I had to have one of these 1/18-scale crawlers the minute, ney, the second it was announced.
Not only is the Ascent-18 a visual doppelganger to its larger cousin, the 1/10-scale Ascent, but it also has serious performance right out of the box. Is it perfect? No, but with a few tweaks, it can get darn close — more on that in a later review. Today, let's look at the Redcat Ascent-18, an excellent crawler with the potential to become a fantastic platform for small-scale rock crawling enthusiasts.
What's Included with the Redcat Ascent-18:
- 1 Redcat Ascent-18 R/C Rock Crawler
- 1 2.4GHz Radio Transmitter
- 1 7.4v, 750mah 2S LiPo battery
- 1 USB 2S LiPo Battery Charger
- 1 Instruction Manual
The Body and Body Details:
As mentioned earlier, the Ascent-18 is a spitting image of the Ascent. The body, wheels, tires, bumpers, and rock sliders on the 1/18-scaler are either scaled-down versions or close enough to pass a 1/10 scale, especially at a glance.
While lightweight, the Ascent-18's polycarbonate body is thick enough to be durable and withstand most rolls and scrapes, whether indoors or outdoors.
Thankfully, Redcat used a body mounting system that doesn't rely on body posts and clips. A front-mounted hook acts as a hinge to let the body flip forward and stay there while accessing the chassis and electronics. When the rear of the body is secured with its twist clip, everything stays intact and snug. At least, that's the plan.
I've had some instances where the pressure on the hook isn't adequate, and the body either pops off or disconnects from the front hook. It's not a big deal, but it can become frustrating.
Aside from that minor hiccup, the body itself looks great. Originally released with three color options (red, blue, and graphite), Redcat has added hot pink as a fourth option. Given how easy it is to remove the body, you could pick a few colors and swap them around on a whim.
But let's face it, Candy Red is the only option to consider. Inject that straight into my veins. (Actually, please don't do that. Thanks!)
The Electronics (Motor, Servos, Battery, Radio, and ESC):
As small-scale RTR crawlers go, the Ascent-18 has some solid specs right out of the box. With its 2-in-1 ESC/receiver combo, you have a compact setup that does what you want without any fiddling.
If I have one minor gripe about the ESC, it's the startup process. Rather than an on/off switch, the ESC on the Ascent-18 uses a push button that must be pressed every time the battery is connected.
I prefer to leave any power switches "on" and power the vehicle up through the battery connection. It's an extra step I'd like to avoid, but it's more a matter of personal preference than anything.
The powerplant is a 180-size brushed motor. While I don't know the turn-rating, it's a solid motor with plenty of wheel speed. I'd give up some of that wheel speed for more torque, but this rig didn't disappoint when put up against obstacles.
Redcat includes a 7.4v, 750mah 2S LiPo battery with the Ascent-18, which gives plenty of power and run-time for a typical small-scale crawling adventure. When it runs out of juice, its USB charger will have you back in action in around an hour.
The Chassis:
Riding on an aluminum flat-rail chassis, the Ascent-18 has a solid platform under it, making it perform wonderfully on various terrain types. The electronics are nestled into their compartments, with the battery and ESC/receiver positioned toward the rear.
This gives the Ascent-18 good balance in stock form, but you have plenty of opportunity to tune that to your liking. Redcat even has a tray/platform at the front of the chassis that could be used to mount weight or reposition electronics should you wish to.
The upper shock mounts are integrated into the chassis rails and provide multiple mounting positions for dialing in your rig's performance.
Like other smaller-scale crawlers on the market, the suspension links (upper and lower), steering links, and driveshafts are all made of nylon or plastic. While I haven't experienced any issues during my testing, I have blown out a driveshaft or two, so upgrading these items might be worth considering.
With its standard portal axles and oil-filled shocks, the Ascent-18 has little to no issue with obstacles snagging it when navigating a course. The shocks offer plenty of travel, and the springs are soft enough to let the chassis settle low, reducing its center of gravity.
Performance:
I've run my Ascent-18 on a variety of terrain types and under an array of conditions. This little rig conquered everything from the basement couch crawling over pillows and mounded blankets to outdoor crawling on stacks of branches and rock. Depending on the conditions, namely outdoors, some lines were more challenging to hit than others, but for the most part, the Ascent-18 did everything I asked of it.
A solid performer straight out of the box, this rig could be an absolute beast with a few minor (and inexpensive) tweaks. For starters, slowing the wheel speed down to provide more torque would do wonders for the Ascent-18.
Couple that with some front-mounted, low-sitting weight, and you have a small-scale crawler that should be able to roll through and over just about anything you put in front of it.
How Does it Stack Up to the Competition?
Since I gravitate to small-scale trail vehicles, I don't have as deep a bench to pull from regarding pure, crawler-focused 1/18 scale rigs. The closest comparison that I've had first-hand experience with is my modded Traxxas TRX-4M with Injora's Rock Tarantula Chassis.
Both vehicles are geared toward crawling performance and do so quite well. However, I have to give the nod to the Ascent-18 on all-around performance and affordability.
What's the Verdict?
Would you look at that? I went through the entire review without mentioning one of Ascent-18's most significant assets: its price. When Redcat announced this rig on a Redcat Live stream, they released it with a limited-time, introductory purchase price of $99.99.
That introductory pricing period has come and gone, but its standard price of $119.99 is still a steal. With a few tweaks (mentioned above), you should have a 1/18 crawler that can punch well above its weight for the amount of performance and overall fun you get out of the box.
If you love R/C crawling and want a small-scale rig for indoor and outdoor use, Redcat's Ascent-18 is a must-have.
Redcat Ascent-18 Specs:
- Scale: 1/18
- Motor: RC180 Brushed Motor
- Transmission: Forward & Reverse
- Drive System: 4 Wheel Drive
- Length: 218mm
- Width: 130mm
- Height: 114mm
- Servo Type: 4kg Metal Gear Waterproof Servo
- Wheelbase: 155mm
- Ground Clearance: 42mm
- Chassis Type: 2mm Flat Rail Aluminum
- Wheel Width: 15mm
- Wheel Diameter: 25.5mm
- Suspension: Aluminum Capped Oil Filled Shocks
- Speed Control Type: 2-in-1 Brushed ESC/Receiver
- Radio System: 2.4GHz Radio System
- Battery: 7.4v 750mAh LiPo with USB Charger Included
- Price: $119.99
Watch my Overview of the Redcat Ascent-18:
Where to Buy the Redcat Ascent-18:
