Redcat Vertex 10 & 10W RTR : Awesome Crawling Performance

Redcat Racing has built a strong reputation for producing capable rock crawlers, and after the success of the Vertex 6, the company has raised the bar once again with the all-new Vertex 10 Ready-to-Run lineup. Available in both a standard-width 1.9-inch version and a wider 2.2-inch model, the Vertex 10 combines premium materials, quality electronics, and competition-inspired engineering into a crawler that’s ready to tackle technical terrain right out of the box.

Featuring a carbon fiber chassis, portal axles, aluminum shocks, a Hobbywing brushless power system, and a powerful waterproof steering servo, the Vertex 10 looks impressive on paper. We took both RTR models from the workbench to the rocks to see if the performance lives up to the feature list.

PRODUCT FEATURED

Vertex 10 and 10W
By: Redcat Racing
Kit Type: 1/10 Electric 4×4 Rock Crawler
Part Number: Varies
Price: 10- $499.99, 10W $529.99
Buy: https://bit.ly/4pbMycr
Requires: RTR- Batteries & Charger
Visit: https://bit.ly/4nccwuK

What’s Included

Inside the box you’ll find everything needed to get the Vertex 10 assembled and ready for the trail.

Fully assembled Redcat Vertex 10 RTR
RTX-4C 4-channel 2.4GHz radio system
Hobbywing WP10BL waterproof 60-amp brushless ESC
1700KV outrunner brushless motor
50kg waterproof digital metal gear steering servo
Weighted metal portal covers with alternate composite covers
Alternate wheel hubs
Battery mounting components
Instruction manual

A 2S-4S LiPo battery and compatible charger are required to complete the package.

Body

The Vertex 10 RTR features a competition-inspired pickup body with a pinched front end, dovetailed rear, and molded bed details including a toolbox and fuel cell. Factory paint, graphics, clear windows, and an integrated front LED light bar give it a premium appearance straight out of the box.

One of the standout features is Redcat’s hidden body mounting system. Instead of traditional body clips, the body is secured using twist-lock mounts disguised as the hood scoop and rear fuel cell cap. The result is a much cleaner look while still providing quick and easy access to the chassis for battery changes and maintenance.

Chassis & Steering

The Vertex 10 starts with an impressive carbon fiber twin vertical plate chassis that’s reinforced with aluminum braces and composite cross members. The result is an exceptionally rigid platform designed to keep suspension geometry consistent while remaining lightweight.

Weight distribution was clearly a priority during development. The battery sits low in the center of the chassis while the compact transmission places additional weight toward the front axle to improve climbing performance. Underneath, a smooth 10-degree skid plate provides excellent breakover clearance for navigating large rocks and ledges.

Steering is equally impressive. Metal steering links, a metal servo horn, and dual CV front axles combine to produce an incredible amount of steering angle. Even at full lock, the tires maintain excellent clearance from the suspension components, allowing the Vertex 10 to maneuver through extremely tight technical sections with ease.

Suspension, Wheels & Tires

Redcat equipped the Vertex 10 with aluminum oil-filled emulsion shocks featuring bleeder screws for easy maintenance and tuning. Multiple mounting positions allow drivers to fine-tune suspension geometry, while quick-change shock posts make adjustments much easier than traditional screw-mounted designs.

The suspension itself is built around durable metal links with bent upper and lower rear links that improve ground clearance over obstacles. Metal pivot balls throughout the suspension further reinforce the premium construction.

Buyers can choose between two RTR configurations. The standard model uses 1.9-inch beadlock wheels, while the wider version features larger 2.2-inch wheels wrapped in aggressive 5.25-inch tires. Both utilize three-piece beadlock wheels with dual-stage foam inserts that provide excellent tire support while conforming well to uneven rock surfaces.

During testing, both tire combinations offered outstanding grip, with the larger 2.2-inch setup providing even more traction and stability on steep climbs.

Drivetrain

The Vertex 10’s drivetrain is packed with premium components designed for durability and crawling efficiency.

At the center is a compact transmission featuring metal gears supported by ball bearings inside a carbon fiber and composite housing. Metal slider driveshafts transfer power to portal axles equipped with steel ring and pinion gears for long-term reliability.

The front axle uses steel axle tubes to increase strength while adding useful weight over the steering tires. Aluminum rear axle tubes help reduce unnecessary rear weight without sacrificing durability.

One of the standout features is the factory-installed weighted metal portal covers. Many crawler enthusiasts add brass portal weights immediately after purchasing a new rig, but Redcat includes them right from the factory to improve front-end traction and climbing ability.

Electronics

The electronics package is one of the Vertex 10’s biggest strengths.

Power comes from a Hobbywing WP10BL waterproof 60-amp brushless ESC capable of running 2S through 4S LiPo batteries. The included XT60 connector makes battery selection simple, while the integrated cooling fan helps keep temperatures under control during extended trail sessions.

The matching 1700KV outrunner brushless motor delivers exceptionally smooth low-speed throttle response that’s ideal for technical crawling.

Steering duties are handled by a powerful 50kg waterproof digital metal gear servo that had no trouble turning the tires even when wedged deep into rocky terrain.

Redcat also deserves credit for the clean electronics layout. Wiring is neatly secured throughout the chassis, connectors are organized, and even the receiver switch is mounted securely rather than simply being taped into place.

Notable Features

One of the coolest features on the Vertex 10 RTR is its hidden body mounting system. Instead of traditional body clips, the body is secured using twist-lock mounts disguised as the hood scoop and rear fuel cell cap. The system provides quick chassis access while maintaining a much cleaner scale appearance.

The body itself features molded bed details, clear windows, integrated lighting details, and attractive factory paint schemes that give the truck a premium appearance before it even reaches the trail.

Combined with the weighted portal covers and numerous aluminum components, the Vertex 10 feels like a crawler that’s already equipped with many of the upgrades enthusiasts typically add after purchase.

Performance

Once the Vertex 10 reached the rocks, it immediately became clear that this crawler was engineered with performance as the top priority.

Throttle control is exceptional. The Hobbywing brushless system allows the truck to creep at an incredibly slow pace while maintaining precise control over difficult terrain. Steep descents are equally impressive thanks to the aggressive drag brake, allowing the crawler to ease down obstacles with minimal driver input.

Steering performance is among the best in its class. The tremendous steering angle makes navigating tight rock gardens surprisingly easy, reducing the need for repeated corrections or multi-point turns.

Suspension performance is equally impressive. The aluminum shocks deliver smooth articulation while the chassis remains composed on uneven terrain. Throughout testing, the tires maintained excellent contact with the rocks, maximizing available traction even on challenging climbs.

Both RTR versions tackled technical ledges, steep inclines, off-camber side hills, and rocky descents with confidence. The wider 2.2-inch model offered slightly more stability during aggressive climbs thanks to its broader stance and larger tires, while the 1.9-inch version remained extremely capable with a slightly more compact footprint.

The weighted portal covers, forward weight bias, excellent steering geometry, and sticky tires all contribute to a crawler that simply works. Rather than constantly fighting for traction, drivers can focus on choosing lines and enjoying the challenge.

The only real drawback during testing was drivetrain noise. The portal drivetrain and outrunner motor produce a noticeable gear whine under load. It’s certainly audible, but never distracting enough to take away from the overall driving experience.

Pros
Premium carbon fiber chassis
Excellent brushless throttle control
Outstanding steering angle
Powerful 50kg waterproof steering servo
Factory-installed weighted portal covers
Aluminum oil-filled shocks
Durable metal drivetrain components
Hidden body mounting system
Clean electronics installation
Outstanding crawling performance right out of the box
Cons
Drivetrain produces noticeable gear whine
Styling of the standard V10 may not appeal to everyone
Battery and charger sold separately

Wrap-Up

The Redcat Vertex 10 RTR proves that a Ready-to-Run crawler doesn’t need to compromise on premium features or trail performance. From its carbon fiber chassis and portal axles to its Hobbywing brushless electronics and impressive steering geometry, nearly every component has been designed with serious crawling capability in mind.

On the rocks, the Vertex 10 delivers exactly what enthusiasts are looking for: precise throttle control, excellent articulation, tremendous steering, and the confidence to tackle technical terrain without requiring a long list of aftermarket upgrades.

Whether you prefer the scale proportions of the standard 1.9-inch version or the additional stability of the wider 2.2-inch model, the Vertex 10 is one of the most complete Ready-to-Run crawlers Redcat has ever produced. For anyone looking to add a capable trail machine to their collection, this is a crawler that’s well worth a closer look.

 

 

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