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Redcat Racing is back in the spotlight with a game-changing upgrade to one of their most talked-about small-scale crawlers — the Ascent 18 Brushless with Scout II Body. This 1/18-scale trail truck originally impressed as a brushed crawler, but now it’s better than ever thanks to a brushless power system, revised steering, and a few thoughtful refinements. We took it out for a test run on a brand-new trail spot and came away seriously impressed by this mini rig’s capabilities and charm. Let’s break down what makes the new Redcat Ascent 18 Brushless tick.
PRODUCT FEATURED
Ascent 18 Brushless
By: Redcat Racing
Kit Type: Ready To Run 1/18 Scale Crawler
Part Number: RER39152
Launch Price: $199.99
Buy: https://bit.ly/44Js3dy
Requires: 4 AA’s
Visit Redcat: https://bit.ly/44Js3dy
Watch Our Redcat Ascent 18 Video: https://youtu.be/rE-F__5z11Q
Body: Iconic Styling Meets Trail-Ready Features
The Ascent 18 wears a classic International Scout II body that’s hard not to love. It now comes in two sharp new colors—metallic gold and red—both
pre-decorated with Rallye graphics. Functional details like the molded rear panel and grill aren’t just for looks; they’re integrated into the clever hinged body clip system for easy access. Front and rear bumpers add protection, and factory-installed LED lights—controlled by the radio—enhance realism for day or night crawling.
Chassis: Sturdy, Simple, and Ready for Upgrades
Redcat kept the rugged aluminum frame rails from the original release, giving the chassis a strong and stable base. The compact layout is efficient,
and everything is easily accessible for quick maintenance or upgrades. While not a radical redesign, it’s a tried-and-true setup that’s built to handle brushless power without issue. It also continues to support a wide range of Redcat’s aftermarket option parts—including colored accents to match your body.
Suspension: Tuned for the Trail
The Ascent 18 rolls on a 4-link suspension system with oil-filled shocks that offer impressive articulation and dampening, especially for this scale. Redcat improved the front axle by introducing a high steer knuckle setup—a welcome change that significantly boosts clearanc
e and reduces hang-ups on rocks. The gloss-black wheels are wrapped in licensed Super Swamper tires that dig in with great grip, delivering confident traction over technical terrain.
Drivetrain: Compact and Capable
At the heart of the drivetrain is a single-speed transmission paired with portal axles at both ends—ideal for slow-speed control and added ground clearance. Full ball
bearings throughout ensure smooth operation and long-term durability. Universals extend out to the steering knuckles, giving the truck solid efficiency and a tight turning radius without sacrificing reliability.
Electronics: Brushless Power Upgrade
The most talked-about change is the addition of a 3450KV brushless outrunner motor, which replaces the brushed setup from the original. Power is managed by a compact 2-in-1 ESC and receiver combo, running on a 2S LiPo battery (750mAh included). While it doesn’t offer blazing speed (top speed is around walking pace), the system is incredibly smooth and responsive, offering precise control over rough terrain. LED light control is also integrated into the radio via a dedicated channel.
Notables: Ready for Customization
Redcat fans will appreciate the growing catalog of option parts already available. From bronze accessories that complement the gold body to red anodized pieces for the red variant, customization is part of the fun. It’s also great to see that Redcat continues to prioritize aftermarket support with functional upgrades and visual flair.
Performance: Small Scale, Big Thrills
We took the Ascent 18 Brushless to a newly discovered reservoir trail spot—and it didn’t disappoint. This truck shines in technical sections, crawling over jagged rocks and steep inclines with authority. The Super Swampers provide excellent grip, and the updated steering geometry eliminates many of the issues seen in the original. Throttle response is smooth, making it easy to balance power on descents and control tricky climbs. Despite its size, it feels confident and planted, and it never felt overwhelmed by the terrain.
Trail-friendly speed makes it ideal for hike-along driving, and the overall scale performance delivers a surprisingly immersive experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned hobbyist looking for a fun portable crawler, this rig absolutely delivers.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
✔️ Brushless motor for more power and control
✔️ High-clearance steering knuckles improve crawling ability 
✔️ Scale body with hinged mount and LED lights
✔️ Great tires and suspension for rough terrain
✔️ Excellent aftermarket support
Cons:
❌ 2S limit may leave power-hungry users wanting more
❌ No 2-speed transmission option
❌ Slightly top-heavy on steep technical lines
Wrap-Up: Redcat Gets It Right
The Redcat Ascent 18 Brushless is a smart evolution of an already solid platform. The addition of brushless power, improved steering clearance, and subtle aesthetic enhancements combine to make this one of the most complete 1/18-scale crawlers on the market. It’s fun, capable, affordable, and backed by a growing parts ecosystem—exactly what we like to see in a small-scale trail rig.
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