Redcat Camo X4 First Run Review

I was able to get my Redcat Camo X4 out for a bashing session this afternoon and it was a blast!  Here's a quick first run review

Set-Up:  I always recommend that people give their RTR vehicle a thorough check over before running for the first time.  Checking over all the screws and nuts for tightness and ensuring everything is installed correctly can help ensure the first run is a success.  With that said, I know most people don't do this so I didn't either!  I simply installed some AA batteries in the transmitter and dropped in a 2s LiPo and hit the dirt..

Build Quality: After running two packs through the X4, I dropped it on the table for a quick once over.  I couldn't find any fault with how the car was assembled other than a tab on the interior panel was installed on top of the roll cage when it should have been below.  Other than that, all of the screws were tight, the shocks were well filled and not leaking, the pinion/spur mesh was perfect, etc.  I did snug up the wheel nuts though as all were a touch loose after running.

Turning: When driving the X4 on the grass, I had to go easy on the steering.  Any quick movements caused the buggy to traction roll.  I quickly got the hang of it's limits though and even found that I could "save" it from rolling with a slight counter-steer and punch of throttle.  The stock HexFly 15kg servo is a little slower than the race spec servos I've been running lately but it worked well and had enough torque to turn the big tires without any troubles.

Jumping: This is where the Camo X4 shines.  It jumps well and lands very plushly (is that a word?).  The landings were smooth with no bottoming out and if I landed a little crooked, the Camo X4 corrected itself and continued on for more fun.

On-Road: After some jumps and drifting in the dirt, I hit the street for some speed runs.  The Camo X4 is pretty quick but I wouldn't call it a speed demon.  The stock Team Redcat TR-SC10e is a little quicker.  I'll do some more speed runs later and make some notes on the Camo X4's top speed.  Punching the throttle from a stand still caused the left front wheel to lift, the chassis to twist and the vehicle to take off down the street.  Steering input had to be gentle or it would want to tip over.  I didn't roll it over but it came close a couple of times.  Some quick corrective steering and throttle inputs saved the day.  The X4 runs very quietly on the street.  You can hear the tires on the road and the drivetrain/electronics package is smooth and quiet.

​Grass: No problem.  The huge tires handled the grass without any issues.  I checked the motor temps after the first battery pack was done and the motor was warm but not hot.  I didn't use my temp gun but I'd guess the temps to be well under 100 degrees as I could hold my finger on the can without issue.

Tires: They are big and have decent traction in the dirt, work great in the grass and equally well on the road.  Possibly due to the tread pattern and tire compound but also the solid rear axle with locked rear diff, the X4 likes to kick the rear out in the dirt but on grass and asphalt, the tires are really good.

Power: The stock 3300kv motor does a good job of getting the Camo X4 up to speed.  I'm not sure that I'd want to put much more power to the ground with these big tires and solid rear axle.  In drag races against my son's Team Redcat TR-SC10e equipped with a 4300kv 4-Pole motor, the X4 was a little slower but, if I got the hole-shot, I could beat my son in a 100' drag

Radio: Although they are a simple radio, the included 2CENR transmitter works great.  I've never had any troubles with these.  They feel comfortable in my hand, have excellent range and, as a bonus, the steering trim was set perfectly right out of the box.

Broken Parts: None yet.  I traction rolled the X4 numerous times, jumped it countless times and even launched it 5 or 6 feet straight up a tree followed by a full-on front end lawn dart landing while trying unsuccessfully to do a back flip.  Nothing has broken, cracked or been damaged in any way.

Misc Thoughts:
I know this isn't a thorough Camo X4 review but so far I'm very happy with this buggy.  I wish it came with some LED lights of some kind but that will be an easy addition.  The stock steering servo is a little slow but most drivers with find it completely adequate.  So far build quality and durability has been great.  Run times are a little shorter than the SC10E for some reason (the big tires?), handling is decent but this is a tall and somewhat top heavy rig so smooth steering inputs are required if you want to keep the rubber side down.  It's a fun mix of crawler, jumper, drifter and all-around basher.  I think this is a great vehicle...hmmm...I wonder how it will perform at the skateboard park?

Let me know if you have any question by leaving a comment below

'till next time

Rob

By the way, if you decide to purchase a Redcat Camo X4, hopefully you'll buy one from me here.  If you already have one, you can really help me out by purchasing your X4 parts and hop-ups from me