I know this video is 3 years old, but I want to give honest perspective from someone who's actually driven this rig, because I agree with all of the points made in the video, but that doesn't mean it's a bad rig....it's just not for everyone. I own an FR4 (different body, same chassis), and all of these are legitimate complaints. The FR4 has a poly body, so it's much lighter and less top heavy, and you don't have the battery issue, but the driveline issues are all valid. HOWEVER....I think if you use these SOLELY for their built purpose, they're fine...at least in my experience. This chassis design makes an excellent trail truck and is capable of some mild rock crawling. If you stick with brushed power and don't try to bash it, it holds up fine (I've not broken mine in 3 years of regular trailing). CVD's have never created an issue for me, I think you just need to be extra mindful of setting steering endpoints. They have also updated the transmission with beefier gears since this review was released...I put one in my rig, but I also never had any issues with the original gears that probably had 15 or so hours on them. I bought a set of "yellow" springs (from Cross) which fixed the suspension firmness/height issue, and the link geometry doesn't really create any problems for me because the rig isn't powerful enough with a Holmes 35t Trailmaster to cause a ton of torque twist, and the front caster just isn't a problem at slow speeds...I've never had any wheel hop on the trails (3s, Holmes 35t, HW 1080, Reefs Triple4). One issue you didn't bring up, is the skid plate design is poor...the links hang below the skid plate, which causes them to get hung up a lot. I was able to remedy this with a home made skid. So, should you buy this? If you want a multi-purpose do-all rig, no. Aside from trailing, this isn't capable of anything except mild-moderate rock crawling, and even on the trail, honestly there are "better" rigs out there, though the Cross strangely does very well with stream crossings. If you want to put a fast motor or a brushless system in it, no, because I agree that some of the designs don't seem like they'd hold up well to big power. But, the body designs are unique and look great, and overall you're still getting a quality RC, it's just not the best designed. Ultimately, you really need to have a desire to own a unique scale rig to really be able to recommend this chassis. If it were cheaper it'd be easy to recommend, but we're talking TRX4, SCX10, RC4WD money....those are all superior and more capable.
Man great write up on this!! I just didn’t feel it for this one. You say they’ve updated the trans and a few things. That’s great to hear. I appreciate the well thought response.
Yeah it's definitely not for everyone. I just think it's funny how whenever a video like yours is posted that's somewhat critical, there's always at least one butthurt person who has to tell you how wrong you are without providing any reasons as to why you're wrong. Everything you said is valid and true, or were at the time of filming. A few points have been addressed by Cross, a few can be easily remedied at home, but a few are not fixable without a complete redesign, and given that those of us who own 30+ different rigs are in the minority, it's important for people shopping to get good information to compare.
Maybe it is poor designed but it runs just as good as a TR4 or a SCX10 i have one of these Demon kits and i drive it more then anything else its a bit like the little engine that could.
Glad I watched this. Im kicking around what crawler to get next. And after watching this ain’t it! Awesome body and wheels But that transmission and would get torn apart running brushless! Thanks for your honest opinion! 👍
If they would lower the transfer case mount it would decrease the drive line angles and allow them to move the motor down and back. That could make room for a chassis mounted servo. Great video! The most informative I’ve ever watched. Thanks.
I really can't see the motor being moved back, it would then extend into the passenger compartment, though it could be altered some degree like the interior of a short nosed, front engine mounted vehicle.. vans come to mind.
I put 80mm inner spring amazon shocks on my cross sp4 demon. Made a world of difference but the loss of flex makes it much more like driving a busted Datsun on the trail!!
Almost done with my build, would be but I am waiting on a new right front axle shaft, snapped it when I was doing my radio/receiver calibration.. wasn't expecting the truck to flip out of my hand, I know, should have disconnected the driveshaft. Running a Holmes Hobby Puller Pro 2200kv, the full size, on 3s. Fitting the Protek LiHV 3600, removed the ridges inside the battery cover and just a little bit into the main hold and the cover fits flush. Anyway, as I built, watched videos of it running on other channels and decided that I don't need a superflex, my Vaterra K10 gives me enough trouble already when there is lots of gaps in the course (110mm shocks in droop could be the problem..lol). So repositioned the shocks on the rear to a more standard setup, to get rid of the forward angle I am using limiting straps. Rather than the supplied tires I am running the Boomracing Hustlers. And I installed the Wertymade front bumper. All painted up and can run as soon as I get the axleshaft. Checked and added lube to diffs, reductions gearbox and transfer. Quietest rig I have now. It does pretty good on just three driving wheels..
@@johnwoods2035 Bottom line.. would I buy it again? No. But is it worth your price, depends on how you plan to drive it. It is not a rock crawler and is for me just a very scale model which has to be driven that way. Better performance than TF2, but because of the hardbody and metal throughout it will tend to rollover and lead to breaks. Where I like to run, its just not the most suitable rig.
I've really wanted one of those.... knowing its issues. I HOPE that the front Chubs are adjustable. POSITIVE CASTER?? That's so wrong! Those Front Tires are REALLY going to scrub on slopes and turns... Not to mention the instability with positive Caster, if you ever wanted speed out of it. And the Link Mounts need HELP too! I'd still take one, just to see what I can do to it... I might just be thinking like a 1:1 Mechanic, but parts look ill designed. Carmine ✈🚂🚙
Everyone's an expert.. with any crawler rig you're gonna find something and will always need to buy a few things.. and if you're a glass half empty like this guy then you'll especially find something to bitch about..
suspension geometry, transmission has gears the size of a 5th scale servo, shocks, axles are poorly designed, front cvd slots are machined into the root of the shaft, not legal for C1, too weak for C2, all that nice scale body and they couldn't even figure out a design with CMS. This is the only truck I have ever built that I don't like. The best part is the body, wheels, tires and foams.
There is some adjustment to the rear height. There are three horizontal holes on the rear cross member for each shock. The closer to center they are, the lower the rear. One thing I found with this kit was a lot of slop in the driveline. It seems like each piece by itself was pretty tight but all together there is just so much play. If I hold one tire and turn the opposite corner tire there is about an inch of play at the tires outer diameter
So since you seem to dislike this kit so much what would you recommend that is in the spirit of this type of truck? I'm a first-timer you looking to do a build please reply thank you.
If you really want scale appearance with the ability to perform very well the Trailfinder 2 is your best option, if you want to play and bash around a bit the Traxxas TRX4 is a great truck, the new Gen8 from Redcat is just now getting out to the public and I should have one next week to video and get into. If you are a first timer you may want an RTR to start with, you can disassemble parts and learn it that way. Axial has a builders kit but I won't touch that either as it appears they have taken out all the good parts leaving a mediocre at best truck with no body or tires. What would be your plans with a new truck?
lol typical to get told rc4wd traxxas redcat all the same rc companies that have been pushing the same old shit for 20+ years .. watch some vids of the demon in action . stop being a sheep and following the crowd . its like idiocracy ppl start saying water is only for the toilet and brawndo is what plants crave , you start to believe it. im putting my money into cross personally
Reviewing the truck before I purchased, I decided it may not be the best for performance.. fair. But it does have elements that make it unique, a few modifications required but not near as many as some. Think I would have preferred to get Cross's new one though, the SP-4C.
@@TerraQuestRC I agree I like the cross vehicles and like this channel just thought the video was more about what wasn't liked but that is why I like seeing what someone else thinks
I have no problem with mine but it's a FR-4. New companies first need changes look at others they fix the problems . You can't please ever one I will buy another Cross R/C.
@@superleggera1992 Thanks! I was wondering if it was going to involve getting the shaft from this manufacturer and cut/mill the spur end, get the stub end from this set, etc.. didn't even dawn on me to consider using the lower model version.
I know this video is 3 years old, but I want to give honest perspective from someone who's actually driven this rig, because I agree with all of the points made in the video, but that doesn't mean it's a bad rig....it's just not for everyone. I own an FR4 (different body, same chassis), and all of these are legitimate complaints. The FR4 has a poly body, so it's much lighter and less top heavy, and you don't have the battery issue, but the driveline issues are all valid. HOWEVER....I think if you use these SOLELY for their built purpose, they're fine...at least in my experience. This chassis design makes an excellent trail truck and is capable of some mild rock crawling. If you stick with brushed power and don't try to bash it, it holds up fine (I've not broken mine in 3 years of regular trailing). CVD's have never created an issue for me, I think you just need to be extra mindful of setting steering endpoints. They have also updated the transmission with beefier gears since this review was released...I put one in my rig, but I also never had any issues with the original gears that probably had 15 or so hours on them. I bought a set of "yellow" springs (from Cross) which fixed the suspension firmness/height issue, and the link geometry doesn't really create any problems for me because the rig isn't powerful enough with a Holmes 35t Trailmaster to cause a ton of torque twist, and the front caster just isn't a problem at slow speeds...I've never had any wheel hop on the trails (3s, Holmes 35t, HW 1080, Reefs Triple4). One issue you didn't bring up, is the skid plate design is poor...the links hang below the skid plate, which causes them to get hung up a lot. I was able to remedy this with a home made skid.
So, should you buy this? If you want a multi-purpose do-all rig, no. Aside from trailing, this isn't capable of anything except mild-moderate rock crawling, and even on the trail, honestly there are "better" rigs out there, though the Cross strangely does very well with stream crossings. If you want to put a fast motor or a brushless system in it, no, because I agree that some of the designs don't seem like they'd hold up well to big power. But, the body designs are unique and look great, and overall you're still getting a quality RC, it's just not the best designed. Ultimately, you really need to have a desire to own a unique scale rig to really be able to recommend this chassis. If it were cheaper it'd be easy to recommend, but we're talking TRX4, SCX10, RC4WD money....those are all superior and more capable.
Man great write up on this!! I just didn’t feel it for this one. You say they’ve updated the trans and a few things. That’s great to hear. I appreciate the well thought response.
Yeah it's definitely not for everyone. I just think it's funny how whenever a video like yours is posted that's somewhat critical, there's always at least one butthurt person who has to tell you how wrong you are without providing any reasons as to why you're wrong. Everything you said is valid and true, or were at the time of filming. A few points have been addressed by Cross, a few can be easily remedied at home, but a few are not fixable without a complete redesign, and given that those of us who own 30+ different rigs are in the minority, it's important for people shopping to get good information to compare.
just purchased one of these, I will be returning this because of poor design thank you for a honest review.
Maybe it is poor designed but it runs just as good as a TR4 or a SCX10 i have one of these Demon kits and i drive it more then anything else its a bit like the little engine that could.
if you did return it . horrible decision
Glad I watched this. Im kicking around what crawler to get next. And after watching this ain’t it! Awesome body and wheels
But that transmission and would get torn apart running brushless! Thanks for your honest opinion! 👍
If they would lower the transfer case mount it would decrease the drive line angles and allow them to move the motor down and back. That could make room for a chassis mounted servo. Great video! The most informative I’ve ever watched. Thanks.
I really can't see the motor being moved back, it would then extend into the passenger compartment, though it could be altered some degree like the interior of a short nosed, front engine mounted vehicle.. vans come to mind.
I put 80mm inner spring amazon shocks on my cross sp4 demon. Made a world of difference but the loss of flex makes it much more like driving a busted Datsun on the trail!!
Transmission looks like gears from a watch, a shame, it’s a great looking truck . Great review 👍👍
Very very glad I watched this, WILL NOT BE PURCHASING a cross demon lol
I will be @rj rc nunn
Thanks for the excellent over of the issues you found. 👍
he touched the frame he didnt even drive it
Almost done with my build, would be but I am waiting on a new right front axle shaft, snapped it when I was doing my radio/receiver calibration.. wasn't expecting the truck to flip out of my hand, I know, should have disconnected the driveshaft. Running a Holmes Hobby Puller Pro 2200kv, the full size, on 3s. Fitting the Protek LiHV 3600, removed the ridges inside the battery cover and just a little bit into the main hold and the cover fits flush.
Anyway, as I built, watched videos of it running on other channels and decided that I don't need a superflex, my Vaterra K10 gives me enough trouble already when there is lots of gaps in the course (110mm shocks in droop could be the problem..lol). So repositioned the shocks on the rear to a more standard setup, to get rid of the forward angle I am using limiting straps. Rather than the supplied tires I am running the Boomracing Hustlers. And I installed the Wertymade front bumper. All painted up and can run as soon as I get the axleshaft. Checked and added lube to diffs, reductions gearbox and transfer. Quietest rig I have now. It does pretty good on just three driving wheels..
I look to get a roller with hard body. Is it worth a 170 bucks. Dont have wheels an tires. Tranny and suspension all there.
@@johnwoods2035
Bottom line.. would I buy it again? No. But is it worth your price, depends on how you plan to drive it. It is not a rock crawler and is for me just a very scale model which has to be driven that way. Better performance than TF2, but because of the hardbody and metal throughout it will tend to rollover and lead to breaks. Where I like to run, its just not the most suitable rig.
I've really wanted one of those.... knowing its issues.
I HOPE that the front Chubs are adjustable. POSITIVE CASTER?? That's so wrong! Those Front Tires are REALLY going to scrub on slopes and turns...
Not to mention the instability with positive Caster, if you ever wanted speed out of it.
And the Link Mounts need HELP too!
I'd still take one, just to see what I can do to it...
I might just be thinking like a 1:1 Mechanic, but parts look ill designed.
Carmine ✈🚂🚙
I run a mamb x and 3800kv castle slate and it holds up great
Gutes Video von Dir - Gruß von Volker aus München Germany !
There shelf queens not performance scalers. great review.
Finally a good honest review, thank u
poo review
A running review will be interesting to see, so far I'm just liking the scale looks
The body is fantastic, great attention to detail I just really don’t like the mechanicals of this truck.
@@ExocagedRC just watched a couple of running videos they seem to lift the front right easy🤔
Torque twist
@@rcr0ck set up the truck right and that wont happen
Everyone's an expert.. with any crawler rig you're gonna find something and will always need to buy a few things.. and if you're a glass half empty like this guy then you'll especially find something to bitch about..
lol glass half empty, you must have not seen my other videos. This is probably the ONLY truck I don't like.
@@ExocagedRC what exactly is it you don't like about it?
suspension geometry, transmission has gears the size of a 5th scale servo, shocks, axles are poorly designed, front cvd slots are machined into the root of the shaft, not legal for C1, too weak for C2, all that nice scale body and they couldn't even figure out a design with CMS. This is the only truck I have ever built that I don't like. The best part is the body, wheels, tires and foams.
There is some adjustment to the rear height. There are three horizontal holes on the rear cross member for each shock. The closer to center they are, the lower the rear. One thing I found with this kit was a lot of slop in the driveline. It seems like each piece by itself was pretty tight but all together there is just so much play. If I hold one tire and turn the opposite corner tire there is about an inch of play at the tires outer diameter
did you ever drive it .. if so what did you think of it ..
So since you seem to dislike this kit so much what would you recommend that is in the spirit of this type of truck? I'm a first-timer you looking to do a build please reply thank you.
If you really want scale appearance with the ability to perform very well the Trailfinder 2 is your best option, if you want to play and bash around a bit the Traxxas TRX4 is a great truck, the new Gen8 from Redcat is just now getting out to the public and I should have one next week to video and get into. If you are a first timer you may want an RTR to start with, you can disassemble parts and learn it that way. Axial has a builders kit but I won't touch that either as it appears they have taken out all the good parts leaving a mediocre at best truck with no body or tires. What would be your plans with a new truck?
lol typical to get told rc4wd traxxas redcat all the same rc companies that have been pushing the same old shit for 20+ years .. watch some vids of the demon in action . stop being a sheep and following the crowd . its like idiocracy ppl start saying water is only for the toilet and brawndo is what plants crave , you start to believe it. im putting my money into cross personally
Did you ever get this to crawl good?
I got rid of it as fast as I could
Love that !
I have the sp4b and I'm on my 4th transmission
I like the truck but definitely pointed out a lot of things I don't care for. Not sure what to think about it now
im with ya
@@GeneralHobbies not sure if was a good thing for cross or not
Reviewing the truck before I purchased, I decided it may not be the best for performance.. fair. But it does have elements that make it unique, a few modifications required but not near as many as some. Think I would have preferred to get Cross's new one though, the SP-4C.
@@TerraQuestRC I agree I like the cross vehicles and like this channel just thought the video was more about what wasn't liked but that is why I like seeing what someone else thinks
Sorry to disappoint you guys with my thoughts on this but I just don’t like this truck. The body, tires, wheels and foams are the best parts for me.
The Cross Demon SG4 $549 is almost complete just splash on some paint and will be good to go...... 8^)
I have no problem with mine but it's a FR-4. New companies first need changes look at others they fix the problems . You can't please ever one I will buy another Cross R/C.
From what I've seen cross r.c. ! by the looks of them just scale defiantly not exocagged performance built!
Cvd break all the time btw. I switched to dogbones
can you share what you used for the shafts?
I used the dogbone setup from the sg4a
@@superleggera1992 Thanks! I was wondering if it was going to involve getting the shaft from this manufacturer and cut/mill the spur end, get the stub end from this set, etc.. didn't even dawn on me to consider using the lower model version.
@@TerraQuestRC check out my facebook group its 810 crawlerz
set your trim properly .. if you dont want to do that use the steering stops or get the upgraded cvs there are a tonne of other cheap solutions
what crash king rc said
Ur lower links go on the outside of the tab
Doesn’t matter same geometry.
@@ExocagedRC i know but the tabs bend real easy if they arnt separated jus fyi
Rob the parts to put on real rc trucks.
Super crappy design with missing parts and parts that have not been completed in the manufacturing- stay away - very dissapointed!!