Mini RC Crawler Comparison: SCX30, SCX24, TRX-4M, TXC-4M
A mini RC crawler is a small scale model of a real off-road truck that climbs over rocks, logs and furniture instead of racing. The Axial SCX30, the Axial SCX24 and the Traxxas TRX-4M and TXC-4M are four of the most popular, and they are easy to mix up. This mini RC crawler comparison shows the size, the price and who each one is best for.
Price: .99
In the box: Radio, battery, USB charger
Price: 9.99 to 9.99
In the box: Radio, battery, USB charger
Price: 9.99 to 9.99
In the box: Radio, battery, USB-C fast charger
Price: 9.95
In the box: Vehicle, battery, charger
How to Choose a Mini RC Crawler
Start with size, because everything else follows it. The number after the slash is the scale, and the bigger the number, the smaller the crawler. A 1/30 is smaller than a 1/24, and a 1/24 is smaller than a 1/18.
Smaller crawlers fit on a desk and in tight spaces, and they cost less. Larger ones are easier to see outdoors and carry more detail. All of them are ready to run, which means the battery and charger are in the box. Check each product page for small extras, such as the AA batteries some transmitters need.
Smallest
1/30 Axial SCX30: The Smallest and Lowest Price
The SCX30 is the one to pick if you want to start small. It is 1/30 scale, and the product description calls it a sub-micro crawler. It has a 4X4 drivetrain, a brushed motor, a Spektrum 2.4GHz radio, a licensed hard body and a small LiPo battery with a USB charger. Choose from the Tacoma, K10, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco and CJ-7 for $99.99.
Best Balance
1/24 Axial SCX24: A Step Up in Size
At 1/24 scale the SCX24 is a bit larger than the SCX30. It has 4WD, and the Jeep Gladiator, for example, has a multi-link suspension and worm gear axles for good flex and ground clearance. Models in the store include the Base Camp, Ford Bronco, Jeep Gladiator, Chevrolet C10 and Dodge Power Wagon. Prices run from $119.99 to $159.99.
Largest, Most Choices
1/18 Traxxas TRX-4M: The Largest, With the Most Choices
The TRX-4M is a 1/18 scale crawler with 4WD and a chassis with high ground clearance. It comes ready to run with a radio, a LiPo battery and a USB-C fast charger. It also has the most choices. We stock the Land Rover Defender and the Ford Bronco for $179.99, and the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet K10 High Trail editions for $199.99, in several colors each.
New • In Store Only
1/18 Traxxas TXC-4M: The Newest Extreme Crawler
The TXC-4M is the newest Traxxas mini crawler. This 1/18 scale Extreme Crawler has 4WD and 3S brushless power, trail speed gearing for slow, controlled climbs, all-terrain tires and a scale cage body. It comes with an 11.1V 3-cell (3S) 250mAh LiPo battery with Traxxas iD technology, and a charger is in the box. You need AA batteries for the transmitter. It costs $299.95 and comes in Orange, Green, Blue, Pink and Tan. The TXC-4M is available in store only, so come see them at RC Car World in Cinnaminson, NJ.
Which Mini RC Crawler Should You Buy?
- Smallest and lowest price: the SCX30 at $99.99.
- Best balance of size and price: the SCX24 from $119.99.
- Largest, with the most colors and bodies: the TRX-4M from $179.99.
- Newest and most extreme: the TXC-4M at $299.95, in store only.
Still not sure which mini RC crawler fits you? Visit RC Car World at 2305 Garry Rd, Cinnaminson, NJ and we will help you choose. You can also browse all mini crawlers or the full RC crawlers selection, or read our guide to your first RC car.