The FTX Outback Gladius: A TRX4 Killer?
What if I told you that there is a crawler on the market that rivals the Traxxas TRX4, but costs less than half the price? Enter the FTX Outback Gladius. This impressive crawler offers all the features of the TRX4 at a fraction of the cost.
FTX: The Rebranding Specialists
FTX has built a reputation for rebranding popular RC cars to offer enthusiasts affordable options without compromising on quality. The Outback Gladius follows in the footsteps of successful FTX rebrands like the Tracer and Stinger.
Outstanding Design and Features
The Outback Gladius boasts a striking design with a unique color scheme that sets it apart. The matte finish and logo details give it a premium look that belies its budget-friendly price. With features comparable to the TRX4, the Gladius promises an exceptional off-road experience.
Why Choose the Gladius?
For RC enthusiasts looking for a high-performance trail truck that won’t break the bank, the FTX Outback Gladius is a compelling option. Its affordability, quality components, and impressive design make it a strong contender in the market. Could this be the TRX4 killer that RC enthusiasts have been waiting for? Only time will tell.
The RC Bargain of 2024
We’ve got these metal strips on the steps. They look really nice. So we’ve got a plastic front bumper, a molded Grill, and LED lights that we will switch on later. On the rear, there is no bumper and no LED lights. FTX wasn’t going for scale detail with this model, but they were aiming for a high-performing truck. With its price point, it could potentially be the bargain of the year.
Chassis Features
Taking a look under the body, we can see some impressive chassis features. The truck has proper oil-filled shocks that feel smooth and reliable. The metal chassis rails and metal multi-link suspension system ensure durability and performance. The drivetrain includes metal and plastic components, along with solid front and rear axles. The spacious battery tray and metal links on the front add to its robust build. Additionally, the chassis-mounted steering servo and ball bearings throughout enhance its overall performance.
Electronics and Performance
The truck’s electronics seem to be well-crafted, with a focus on performance. The oil-filled shocks and multi-link suspension system provide excellent stability and control. The combination of metal and plastic components in the drivetrain offers strength and flexibility. Despite the firm compound of the tires, the overall handling and performance of the truck appear to be impressive.
Is it a TRX4 Killer?
While the RC bargain of 2024 showcases impressive features and performance capabilities, it remains unclear whether it can truly compete with the likes of the TRX4. The lack of intricate scale details and some missing features may deter scale enthusiasts. However, for those seeking a high-performing truck at an affordable price, the RC bargain of 2024 could be a worthy contender in the market. Only time and rigorous testing will determine whether this model can indeed be deemed a TRX4 killer.
Features and Design
The FTX Gladius may not be a perfect match for hardcore rock crawling enthusiasts, but its design and features are definitely impressive. The wheel design is sleek and attractive, and the presence of multiple servos for unlocking and locking differentials as well as controlling the two-speed transmission adds a level of versatility that is comparable to the TRX4.
Comparable to TRX4
Although the FTX Gladius may not be an exact replica of the TRX4, it certainly holds its own in terms of features and performance. The ability to unlock and lock differentials, as well as the presence of a two-speed transmission, make this truck a serious contender in the rock crawling scene. When you take into account the number of features packed into this RC truck, it’s easy to see why it could be considered the bargain of the year.
Value for Money
The FTX Gladius is currently listed at a very reasonable price of 259 at Rochester RC, which is already a great deal considering the truck’s capabilities. However, by using the code Beyond RC at checkout, you can enjoy an additional 5 discount, bringing the price down to 246. When you factor in the free shipping offered by Rochester RC with no minimum order, it’s clear that this is a fantastic deal for an RC truck of this caliber.
The RC BARGAIN of 2024?
This code will work on everything listed on the site, even something as expensive as the X Max giving you a decent amount of money off now. If you want to be saving some money, head over to their website and don’t forget to use the code as well.
Electronics Overview
Let’s talk about the electronics of this RC truck. It comes with a 40 amp Hobbywing ESC which has garnered mixed reviews. The 20 kg steering servo is quite impressive, and the brushed 17 turn motor raises questions about its performance. Check out the full spec to learn more about the capabilities of this setup.
Ready-to-Run Package
This RC truck comes as a ready-to-run package, which means you’ll be able to hit the road or the tracks in no time. The transmitter is of decent quality and includes features like steering and throttle trim, steering dual rate, and dip switches that may allow you to adjust settings.
Battery and Charger
The included 2000 mAh nickel-metal hydride battery may not be a lipo, but it will suffice to get you started. The USB charger makes it convenient to charge up your battery whenever needed.
Is it a TRX4 Killer?
With its affordable price point and decent features, could this RC truck be a TRX4 killer? Only time and tests will tell how it performs against the competition. Keep an eye out for reviews and comparisons to see if this bargain RC truck can stand toe-to-toe with the popular TRX4 model.
Unpacking the RC Bargain of 2024
As we delve into the world of the RC bargain of 2024, we are greeted with a plethora of surprises. Not only do we find the truck itself, but also a manual for the ESC, providing us with crucial information to get us up and running smoothly. The color manual for the truck is a welcomed addition, offering detailed exploded diagrams and a comprehensive list of all the parts at the back, a handy feature for future reference.
Impressive Features
Upon powering on the RC bargain, our attention is drawn to the steering servo. Its power is truly remarkable for a ready-to-run servo, showcasing the quality and performance that comes with this budget-friendly option. The two-speed transmission, controlled by channel 3, and the ability to lock and unlock differentials via channel 4 further add to the impressive features of this vehicle.
Simultaneous Functionality
It is notable that other brands might charge significantly more for the advanced features found in this RC bargain. With the body now securely in place and LED lights plugged in, we appreciate the simplicity of the design. FTX has avoided the temptation to overload the truck with excessive LED lights, opting instead for a more subtle and refined look that is appealing to enthusiasts.
Performance Test
As we put the RC bargain to the test, we first observe its speed in low gear before switching to high gear. The results are impressive, demonstrating both power and agility that rival more expensive options on the market. Could this RC bargain of 2024 be a possible TRX4 killer, offering similar performance at a fraction of the cost?
Initial Impressions
So that is low, not too bad. It does look like we’ve got a drag brake on this. The electronics do feel a little bit clunky, switching it up to high gear that’s definitely a lot quicker. That is good enough to get you around your favorite Trail kind of makes me wonder what this would be like with a more powerful system in it.
Potential for Upgrades
I think it could be quite a fun truck. Maybe that would be a good idea for a future video let’s see how it handles over here on the dirt that’s low gear. Pretty good suspension looks good as well. Very nice, so far let’s switch this to high gear. Now here we go. This is high gear. Off-road slightly bouncy, but that could be down to the firm Compound on the tires, but overall so far this is quite impressive.
Differential Handling
Now I want to try and show you the difference between having the diffs open and then locking them look at the difference it makes to the handling. So at the minute the diffs are open. It does turn nicely nice and controlled, and now I’ve got the diffs locked. Take a look at this, not too bad, but it definitely handles better with the diffs open, and that is Handy for your high-speed stuff, so very impressive so far.
Off-road Performance
I want to get it off-road and I want to see how it performs so low speed. Modulation is not great, and I have heard that about this ESC.
FTX Outback Gladius: A RC BARGAIN of 2024
This thing looks so cool now. This also has really good articulation. Look at that lots of really cool travel, but once again any kind of low speed stuff is slightly more difficult because the modulation on that ESC isn’t great for the ESC and the slightly firm compound tires do take away from the performance a little bit. But that said, this is still a very good performing truck. I just love how fun it is in high speed Offroad on the dirt. It kind of makes me want to do a brushless conversion on this Music.
Performance and Value
This FTX have done a great job with this one and to offer all of that performance for the low price. I really don’t think you can complain so there we go then guys that was the new FTX Outback Gladius, their new 110 scale Trail truck SL Rock ruler, and oh my. What a great job FTX have done with this, when you consider how much it costs and how much performance you’re getting right out the box, I don’t think there’s a lot out there that can compare.
TRX4 Killer?
I’ve said it a couple of times in this video, the Traxxas TRX4 does pretty much exactly the same as this, but it costs more than double. Don’t forget to check out Rochester RC and get that 5% discount. Using my code Beyond RC cheers for watching, see you on the next one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the FTX Gladius may not be the TRX4 killer that some had hoped for, but it certainly offers a compelling alternative at a fraction of the price. With its impressive design, features, and value for money, this RC truck is definitely worth considering for anyone looking to enter the rock crawling scene without breaking the bank. Consider giving the FTX Gladius a try and see for yourself if it lives up to the hype as a potential TRX4 killer.