Vanquish Mullet RC Rock Crawler Review

Vanquish Products has shaken up the competition crawling scene with their latest release: The Mullet RC Rock Crawler. This kit is not just another crawler—it’s a purpose-built competition machine with a twist. Featuring a straight axle up front for improved weight bias and steering, paired with a portal axle in the rear for extra clearance, the Mullet offers a unique blend of precision and capability that competitive drivers have been piecing together on their own for years. Vanquish has packaged it all into one high-quality kit, giving drivers everything they need in a single box.

If you’ve been waiting for a comp-level crawler kit that’s turnkey from the factory, the Vanquish Mullet deserves your attention. Let’s break down what you get, the standout features, and of course—how it performs on the rocks.

PRODUCT FEATURED
Mullet Kit
By: Vanquish Products
Kit Type: 1/10th scale Crawler Comp Kit
Part Number: VPS09014
Price: $420.69
Buy: https://alnk.to/3J8VIzR
Requires: Radio, Servo, ESC, Motor, Battery, Charger, Paint, Wheels, Tires and building supplies.
Visit: https://vanquishproducts.com/

What’s Included

-The Vanquish Mullet kit arrives loaded with premium parts and thoughtful details that scream competition-ready. Inside the box, you’ll find:
-Clear polycarbonate body with pre-cut window masks
-Decal sheet with sharp Vanquish graphics
-F10 straight axle (front) and F10 portal axle (rear)
-Stance chassis with black anodized aluminum side plates
-VRD transmission with 21% overdrive and machined metal gears
-Incision S8E shocks with X-ring cartridges and hard-anodized bodies
-Pressed aluminum electronics and battery trays
-Full set of links including high-clearance rears
-Hardware, instructions, and build bags
-Electronics, wheels, and tires are not included, giving builders freedom to finish it their way.

SUPPORT WE  GEAR USED
Spektrum DXC+ https://alnk.to/cSKkEJS
Reefs Raw 500 https://alnk.to/3coEHSp
Holmes Hobies 2-in-1 2300kv https://alnk.to/4MDtxeK
Vanquish Wheels https://alnk.to/ei4ovix
Vanquish Hubs https://alnk.to/apVIVme
Vanquish Tires https://alnk.to/bEl1N4E
SpazStix Paint https://alnk.to/gKT0eJT

Body

The included body comes clear, allowing for custom paint jobs that reflect your personal style. Vanquish makes the process easier with pre-cut window masks, a premium touch not often found in competition kits. The decals complement the body with bold branding that really pops once applied. While there are no molded dimples for body post holes, this allows drivers flexibility to use magnets or custom mounts. For builders, that little detail shows Vanquish understands the customization needs of serious competitors.

Chassis

The Stance based chassis is at the core of the Mullet’s performance with the rear of the plates shortened. Constructed with black anodized aluminum side plates, it’s rigid, lightweight, and packed with tuning options. Multiple shock mounting positions allow for dialing in suspension geometry, while the angled skid plate provides critical clearance on sharp rock ledges. Side plates for electronics and battery placement add both convenience and flexibility, allowing builders to optimize weight distribution. Once assembled, the chassis feels solid and competition-ready, a great foundation for advanced crawling.

Suspension

Vanquish equips the Mullet with Incision S8E shocks, an emulsion-style shock with hard anodized bodies, bleeder screws for precise bleeding, and smooth X-ring seals. The shocks come partially pre-built, saving time while ensuring top-quality assembly. With 8mm bores and precision hardware, these shocks offer plush travel and consistent rebound, critical for keeping tires planted in technical climbs. Combined with the bent high-clearance rear links, the suspension delivers articulation without sacrificing belly clearance. It’s a system designed to balance stability and flexibility right out of the box.

Drivetrain

At the heart of the drivetrain lies the VRD transmission, outfitted with lightweight machined gears and full ball bearings for smooth, efficient operation. The transmission delivers 21% overdrive, giving the front axle more pull to aid in tackling steep climbs and sharp technical maneuvers. Up front, the F10 straight axle improves steering precision and lowers the center of gravity. In the rear, the F10 portal axle provides the clearance needed to clear gnarly terrain. But the rear pinion housing positions the driveshaft low which may be an issue for some. However, it’s a clever combination—business in the front, party in the back—that makes the Mullet stand out from other crawler builds.

Electronics Setup

Since the kit requires your own electronics, most builders will choose high-end gear to maximize performance. In testing, the Mullet was outfitted with a Holmes Hobbies 2-in-1 brushless system, paired with a Reefs Raw 500 servo for reliable, torque-heavy steering. The electronics tray and battery straps make installation straightforward, and with careful placement, the rig maintains excellent balance. Builders should note that servo size matters—taller cases may interfere with link geometry, so low-profile gear side cases or compact servos are recommended.

Performance

On the rocks, the Vanquish Mullet absolutely shines. The combination of straight axle steering up front and portal clearance in the rear gives it an edge that traditional crawlers struggle to match. The front overdrive pulls the rig confidently through steep climbs, while the rear portals prevent hang-ups on ledges and uneven terrain. There was only a light scuff on the rear driveshaft after our time on the rig; much more on the front axle. Suspension travel is smooth, keeping tires in contact with rock faces even during sketchy sidehills.

The lightweight chassis and balanced weight distribution make it feel planted without being sluggish. Even with minimal brass upgrades, the Mullet maintains grip and composure, and adjustments to ride height can further settle its stance. On technical courses, the steering angle is impressive, allowing for tight maneuvers around gates. Drag brake response from the Holmes Hobbies system was strong, keeping descents controlled.

After extended time on course, it’s clear why this design is gaining traction in the comp scene. The Mullet feels like a finely tuned tool, not just a fun trail rig.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Competition-focused kit straight from the box

Innovative axle combo (straight front, portal rear)

Stiff, tunable stance chassis with angled skid

High-quality shocks, transmission, and machined gears

Clear body with pre-cut window masks for custom builds

Excellent steering angle and drivetrain efficiency

Cons:

Rear axle housing has a low pinion position

Body lacks molded dimples for post holes

Not beginner-friendly—better for experienced builders

Wrap-Up

The Vanquish Mullet RC Rock Crawler is a bold and exciting release that sets a new standard for competition-level kits. By combining premium Vanquish components into one box, they’ve eliminated the guesswork and parts-hunting typically required for comp builds. With its straight-front/portal-rear design, rigid chassis, precision drivetrain, and comp-ready shocks, the Mullet delivers both innovation and raw capability.

This is not a kit for first-time builders, but for those with experience looking to step into competition crawling, the Mullet is a top contender. It’s well thought-out, highly tunable, and most importantly, it performs with confidence on the rocks. Vanquish has once again proven they know how to design for serious RC enthusiasts.

If you’re ready to take your crawling game to the next level, the Mullet is a rig worth adding to your collection. Business in the front, party in the back—it’s time to “mul it” on the rocks.

 

 

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