I just realized, having owned one of these, there's a zero dollar upgrade you can do out of the box for front weight. If you drill a hole in the middle of the servo mount, you can mount the short battery tray there and put your battery weight in front. That might help the truck on problem 6 I reckon
You’re slowly becoming my favorite RC RUclips channel!! Love the honest reviews and the fact that your content doesn’t sound like a commercial for “the next new thing” there are some channels out there like that and not to bash them but I’d rather have a down to earth real evaluation of what you’re reviewing. 👍. Nice job fella!! Keep it up!!
I gotta say, I love that you're doing the Sendero SE. I bought mine as a cheap crawler for friends to drive, and it turns out to crawl better than my Bronco even!
Hi RC-TNT! I know it's been awhile since you posted this video but i just wanted to say thank you for this amazing review! The simplicity of the format, your honesty, and your radiant smile just makes this one of the best reviews i have seen to date, i got mine yesterday and i am pleased with it! Thanks for not only showing it but also showing the differences with the HD, you truly helped me decide! Have a nice day and an amazing rc adventure! Ps. Sorry if i made typos, im french canadian and my english isn't perfect
I've been looking forward to this review as I've been contemplating getting the SE and you are always thorough and honest and I value your opinion. Your review confirmed my belief that the SE is an affordable yet capable machine and I will be grabbing one when my LHS has restocked. I love the price point for the truck and as you said, a few well placed upgrades will really unlock the potential with the SE. I look forward to the next video and I am also looking forward to seeing which animal decides to join you. Take Care!
Haha so true! If I could comment with a photo reply I'd show you a mother kangaroo with a joey who is ridiculously too big to still fit into her pouch, but he's getting in there anyway. Feet and tail hanging out and she's nearly twice the size with him in there, but she's just carrying on like its normal and everything's fine. Hilarious. This will be a killer rig and just a few little changes will yield good results, no doubt. Thanks for watching and for your encouraging comment here!
I actually bought the Element SE Senduro for the exact reason that it's largely flexible plastic and extremely light. I put in a 3800kv castle motor and geared up a bit. Now I got a cheap and highly durable crawler that can safely bash at 20mph, yet still crawl decently. The traxxas long gts 110mm shocks also really brought it's crawling capability into light. Just had to get softer springs and break them in so it didn't ride too high.
The SE certainly seems like a rig that's better than the sum of its parts. The motor and esc aren't really doing it any favors. Not much slow speed and really jumpy reverse. Fusion SE is perfect in this rig along with a stronger servo when the stock one gives up. An affordable direct power would be an excellent pairing with the Fusion. I'd also personally take an Element / Associated shock over an Axial shock any day of the week. You can get the full spring pack pretty cheaply for the SE shocks for fine tuning. Great to see you enjoying the SE, it sure seems like another winner from Element
Hey, that's a great comment, Andy! Well thought out and great points all round. After I do a head to head with the Deadbolt, I will do an upgrade series on this rig. I have a Fusion SE sitting here ready to put in and I guess I'll do the steering too. The beauty of this rig is that it doesn't need a lot of change to be a weapon on the rocks, for its class. Keeping it light will be key to retaining performance I think. Nice one :)
Bearings on the main spool in the axle, right? That makes sense. I imagine under the pinion gear too, but maybe not. Brushed motors use bushings most commonly and they're the fastest moving part in the whole car, so I guess bushings everywhere throughout should work, in theory! Thanks for the info. 60/40 balance sounds perfect :)
yeah a bearing each side of the spool i guess for a bit better support and life but yeah pinions still on bushings, and I had all the bearings lying around as fairly common so changed them all out and put in the overdrive at the same time.@@RCTNT
Really looking forward to the next video with the Deadbolt head-to-head. That's one thing I wished more RC channels would do. I understand why many don't, but it's nice to see.
Another great review :) Keep it up! 🙂Just bought my first Element rig. (Utron) I have to agree. Value for money is astounding. And it drivesreally nice. Now I just need a more scale body for it. 👍👍
I'm not gonna lie, I've been eyeing the Utron as well, just saw it pop up in my local shop, unfortunately I already have two crawlers and I'm afraid it'll become a slippery slope
Oh no! You are already on the slippery slope, you just haven't realised yet! Lol I can't wait to get my hands on a utron. Soon as they're in Australia I'll be all over one.
I've watched this video several times now, and every time, I think about the RGT 136100 V2. Straight axles, skinny but fairly soft and pliant tires, servo on axle, four link suspension front and rear, light and fairly durable. This has a much better set of electronics and transmission, but the overall design is very similar. Okay, the RGT is quite a bit smaller. But still, I think the similarities can't be ignored. It's kind of like, this is what the RGT could have been, you know? Though it's still quite a good little rig for what it is, it's not in the same class as this, for sure. That being said, I'm quite impressed with the performance of this car. Not surprised, though, considering the family of cars it's part of. It didn't do problem 6 and I rather thought it would, but it still performed very good anyway. Yet another win in the Element Enduro column. Looking forward to seeing how it compares to the Deadbolt head to head.
@RCTNT You may be right, but I think that on the whole, it could go either way. Each has their advantages. the Element has beefier electronics and those noodly suspension bits certainly allow it to soak up some trauma, but the RGT has a bunch of good quality metal parts which are also very durable. I'd say that *probably* the Element has the greater overall advantage, but I'm not counting the RGT out, considering the abuse my kids have heaped on it and everything still works. That poor car has been beaten like a rented mule, and while I've had to do some repairs, they've been minor. It's a tough little car.
The Deadbolt was my first serious crawler, so many years ago. Ive tried every possible combonation of tyres, esc, motor and servo you could imagine with that truck. I still keep a stock version to reflect back on how far i have progressed along since the first day it arrived at my doorstep
I have watched enough of your videos to realize that there are a lot more expensive crawlers that could not make the first five tests. It appears to be a great design and a cheaper way to get into crawling. You worked the truck hard and I was surprised that the servo stood up so well. This may be the MT10 of crawlers.
I also noticed .. because of your noodle links .. you crawled differently.. I wouldn’t say more aggressive though .. more like .. less worried. You mentioned this car to me in regards to my pre-teen first crawler and thus far I’m loving this one for sure .. way below my budget too
I was thinking of you more last night and the Sendero SE really might be a brilliant choice, eh. The servo has an easier time, being axle mounted, and it'll be durable. The price helps, yeah!
I have an Axial SCX10 II Deadbolt that I wanted to put steel links on, but never got around to it. My 4yo nephew loves to play with it, and has no idea about modulation. It's always 100% throttle, all the time. The point is that the plastic links have stood up to a 4yo's play just fine. The diff covers, not so much. Those I has to armor.
My boy is the same, even as he got older he prefers wide open throttle to feathering the throttle. This, the deadbolt, and maybe the Pioneer are the 3 rigs I'd be most comfortable letting him drive!
Wouldn't mind one of these. I've been following Crawler Canyon here on RUclips for a while now, and he uses his (with some upgrades) as his tire tester, and it does so well. Looks like an amazing rig for the money. :)
Well done Criag! Great video, I have a bit of a soft spot for element, not sure why. Do you have plans to review the utron? I'd be keen to see how the update IFS goes!
What a great little performer! I´m loving it. I´m torn with the tires. Not a fan of the tread, but definitely a fan of the skinny tires. Can't wait for more vids or even a series of vids to upgrade this to the next level. Also curious about the new IFS version the Element Utron! Any chance we get to see it too?👀
I suspect that the new stealth xf transmission would not have the spur gear gearing options that the stealth x does. Not that it’s a big deal…. Just curious
It wasn't spur gear that changed the stealth x overdrive ratio but a couple of internal gears. The new one comes with 55/25 gears for 18% overdrive and it looks like you're right in that there aren't options for lower or higher overdrive on Element's site. I guess that's okay though, as 18% is within what I'd consider a sweet spot for crawling (anything from about 11% up to around 35%). Good catch!
I use heavy old pliers for E clips, snicking them on with the rounded teeth. They can be fiddly but patience and care to align everything as symmetrically as possible seems to get it done best. Enjoy the build, Traxxas makes a super fun kit to build there.
found you because i'm comparing $300 rtr. the ascent for example. things i found like you was the soa unlike others doing it on chassis. the cg and link angles are in better positions as well. more options for upgrades with a lot of aftermarket options not just specific to this model. Thoughts on this vs other in same price range?
I can't get the Ascent here in Australia yet, but when I can, I'll review it and compare it to the others. I suggest you check out the Axial Deadbolt, for a start. Here's the Element and Axial compared: ruclips.net/video/Ce0h25mrCG8/видео.html Then, if you want a more scale trail rig, look out for my RGT Pro Runner video which releases in a couple of days time. It's very, very good.
Do you think the Gatekeeper is a better buy? Cheaper, Stealth trans etc and iirc its a cage on Enduro rails. So a cheap body and you're in the same performance area.
It's been discontinued, so if you can still get it, sure. Two other very similar rigs that are arguably more capable would be the Ecto and Zuul, the latter of which is finally here and will be on the channel soon!
@@RCTNT lol I have more trucks than time to play with them, but I like to know what to recommend to the public when they express interest on the trails. Used to be the trx4 sport but the Gatekeeper is $100 cheaper so ...
yes this vs deadbolt.. but... put the deadbolt stock wheels n tires back on it.. as I was... thinking deadbolt but now.. I'm regretting buying the enduro trailwalker black n not the se... if I could sell the trailwalker now.. I would 😂
Super strong front and rear driveshafts with augers down the length of them. Make sure they turn in a way that moves you forward when you're trying to move forward. Ultimate cheat.
@@RCTNT It's just an off the wall thought. I don't know what they're called down under, but we call them augers. They look like giant screws or drill bits, they have fluting on the outside of a shaft.
@@RCTNT when you're going over rocks and the driveshaft touches the rocks, the act of them turning would move you over the rock like a screw. I hope I'm explaining it clearly.
Heh yeah, it was a bit unnecessary, but I've also been spelling 'tyres' as 'tires' for ages now... But I will continue to think in metric, that's not changing!
I just realized, having owned one of these, there's a zero dollar upgrade you can do out of the box for front weight. If you drill a hole in the middle of the servo mount, you can mount the short battery tray there and put your battery weight in front. That might help the truck on problem 6 I reckon
That's a great idea. I've got a short list of things I want to do to help it on the rocks and I'll add that to the list. Good call!
You’re slowly becoming my favorite RC RUclips channel!! Love the honest reviews and the fact that your content doesn’t sound like a commercial for “the next new thing” there are some channels out there like that and not to bash them but I’d rather have a down to earth real evaluation of what you’re reviewing. 👍. Nice job fella!! Keep it up!!
Aw thank you, I appreciate that!
I gotta say, I love that you're doing the Sendero SE. I bought mine as a cheap crawler for friends to drive, and it turns out to crawl better than my Bronco even!
That light weight, servo on axle, excellent centre of gravity and surprisingly decent tires makes for a capable little rig eh!
@@RCTNT absolutely, it really surprised me when I actually took it on some harder lines
Hi RC-TNT! I know it's been awhile since you posted this video but i just wanted to say thank you for this amazing review! The simplicity of the format, your honesty, and your radiant smile just makes this one of the best reviews i have seen to date, i got mine yesterday and i am pleased with it! Thanks for not only showing it but also showing the differences with the HD, you truly helped me decide! Have a nice day and an amazing rc adventure!
Ps. Sorry if i made typos, im french canadian and my english isn't perfect
Hey, that's great to hear! Thanks for letting me know. Enjoy your new model 😊
I am buying this one too! But in my country it comes rtr with 5,7% overdrive and includes 0%overdrive and 11% overdrive :)
@topqualityfi8216 really? Weird! Well, nice car. Enjoy!
I've been looking forward to this review as I've been contemplating getting the SE and you are always thorough and honest and I value your opinion. Your review confirmed my belief that the SE is an affordable yet capable machine and I will be grabbing one when my LHS has restocked. I love the price point for the truck and as you said, a few well placed upgrades will really unlock the potential with the SE.
I look forward to the next video and I am also looking forward to seeing which animal decides to join you.
Take Care!
Haha so true! If I could comment with a photo reply I'd show you a mother kangaroo with a joey who is ridiculously too big to still fit into her pouch, but he's getting in there anyway. Feet and tail hanging out and she's nearly twice the size with him in there, but she's just carrying on like its normal and everything's fine. Hilarious.
This will be a killer rig and just a few little changes will yield good results, no doubt. Thanks for watching and for your encouraging comment here!
@@RCTNT Haha. That's fantastic!
Love these videos, I feel like I am learning so much watching you think/drive on the fly!
Glad you like them! Thank you kindly :)
Element really is overlooked as a crawler. For that price point it's really hard to beat as an RTR. Great review as always! ❤
This one in particular, yeah. YT Bushido I looked at recently also felt like something special.
I actually bought the Element SE Senduro for the exact reason that it's largely flexible plastic and extremely light. I put in a 3800kv castle motor and geared up a bit. Now I got a cheap and highly durable crawler that can safely bash at 20mph, yet still crawl decently. The traxxas long gts 110mm shocks also really brought it's crawling capability into light. Just had to get softer springs and break them in so it didn't ride too high.
Now that's an interesting combo. Nice one!
The SE certainly seems like a rig that's better than the sum of its parts. The motor and esc aren't really doing it any favors. Not much slow speed and really jumpy reverse. Fusion SE is perfect in this rig along with a stronger servo when the stock one gives up. An affordable direct power would be an excellent pairing with the Fusion. I'd also personally take an Element / Associated shock over an Axial shock any day of the week. You can get the full spring pack pretty cheaply for the SE shocks for fine tuning. Great to see you enjoying the SE, it sure seems like another winner from Element
Hey, that's a great comment, Andy! Well thought out and great points all round. After I do a head to head with the Deadbolt, I will do an upgrade series on this rig. I have a Fusion SE sitting here ready to put in and I guess I'll do the steering too. The beauty of this rig is that it doesn't need a lot of change to be a weapon on the rocks, for its class. Keeping it light will be key to retaining performance I think. Nice one :)
good review...there are bearings in the diff that holds the lockers. I have done a bit to mine and has a perfect 60/40 split.
Bearings on the main spool in the axle, right? That makes sense. I imagine under the pinion gear too, but maybe not. Brushed motors use bushings most commonly and they're the fastest moving part in the whole car, so I guess bushings everywhere throughout should work, in theory! Thanks for the info. 60/40 balance sounds perfect :)
yeah a bearing each side of the spool i guess for a bit better support and life but yeah pinions still on bushings, and I had all the bearings lying around as fairly common so changed them all out and put in the overdrive at the same time.@@RCTNT
Nice. I'll be doing something similar when I do an upgrade video for this. Got a few things in mind
Really looking forward to the next video with the Deadbolt head-to-head. That's one thing I wished more RC channels would do. I understand why many don't, but it's nice to see.
Thanks for saying so. I have a few more videos coming first but it'll definitely be the next thing I film. I'm looking forward to it also.
Another awesome review thanks for sharing knowledge especially for the beginner into the crawler hobby
Absolutely! What a great first rig, for sure.
I have always liked the enduro even though never owning one. I always thought they did pretty well. THis one is no different. Thanks for sharing
It's a solid platform they've got here, in all its interesting configurations. Good cars
Another great review :) Keep it up! 🙂Just bought my first Element rig. (Utron) I have to agree. Value for money is astounding. And it drivesreally nice. Now I just need a more scale body for it. 👍👍
Oh very good! I'm looking forward to seeing these in Australia, I'll definitely pick one up
I'm not gonna lie, I've been eyeing the Utron as well, just saw it pop up in my local shop, unfortunately I already have two crawlers and I'm afraid it'll become a slippery slope
Oh no! You are already on the slippery slope, you just haven't realised yet! Lol
I can't wait to get my hands on a utron. Soon as they're in Australia I'll be all over one.
Element Enduros are great, IMO, and they're available in such at such a wide variety of price points and configurations.
Excellent video, as always!
Thanks. Yes, it's a brilliant line they've got in the Enduro!
I've watched this video several times now, and every time, I think about the RGT 136100 V2. Straight axles, skinny but fairly soft and pliant tires, servo on axle, four link suspension front and rear, light and fairly durable. This has a much better set of electronics and transmission, but the overall design is very similar. Okay, the RGT is quite a bit smaller. But still, I think the similarities can't be ignored. It's kind of like, this is what the RGT could have been, you know? Though it's still quite a good little rig for what it is, it's not in the same class as this, for sure.
That being said, I'm quite impressed with the performance of this car. Not surprised, though, considering the family of cars it's part of. It didn't do problem 6 and I rather thought it would, but it still performed very good anyway. Yet another win in the Element Enduro column. Looking forward to seeing how it compares to the Deadbolt head to head.
Good similarities there but yes, the Enduro SE is probably going to be the longer lasting of the two. Both great rigs!
@RCTNT You may be right, but I think that on the whole, it could go either way. Each has their advantages. the Element has beefier electronics and those noodly suspension bits certainly allow it to soak up some trauma, but the RGT has a bunch of good quality metal parts which are also very durable. I'd say that *probably* the Element has the greater overall advantage, but I'm not counting the RGT out, considering the abuse my kids have heaped on it and everything still works. That poor car has been beaten like a rented mule, and while I've had to do some repairs, they've been minor. It's a tough little car.
The Deadbolt was my first serious crawler, so many years ago. Ive tried every possible combonation of tyres, esc, motor and servo you could imagine with that truck. I still keep a stock version to reflect back on how far i have progressed along since the first day it arrived at my doorstep
Oh that's a cool idea. I like it.
OG SCX10 Deadbolt is a classic alright, yeah! Thanks for sharing that 😊
@@RCTNT yeah the OG green DB
Great Review of the Sendero SE , Awesome Rig for the Money !
It's not bad, eh!
I have watched enough of your videos to realize that there are a lot more expensive crawlers that could not make the first five tests. It appears to be a great design and a cheaper way to get into crawling. You worked the truck hard and I was surprised that the servo stood up so well. This may be the MT10 of crawlers.
This or the deadbolt, I think, yes. 12v in particular really tested it!
Finally, a proper review on the SE!!! Thanks Craig, fantastic review as always. Looking forward to the comparison against the Deadbolt.
Right on, thanks for the encouragement! I just filmed the head to head today with the Deadbolt, so that'll drop this month. Appreciate the support :)
I also noticed .. because of your noodle links .. you crawled differently.. I wouldn’t say more aggressive though .. more like .. less worried. You mentioned this car to me in regards to my pre-teen first crawler and thus far I’m loving this one for sure .. way below my budget too
I was thinking of you more last night and the Sendero SE really might be a brilliant choice, eh. The servo has an easier time, being axle mounted, and it'll be durable. The price helps, yeah!
Great video mate. It's good to see a cheaper rig that is capable of a decent crawl out of the box. Cheers.
Thank you, and for sure, I love seeing cheaper rigs perform well :)
Bought one of these for the kids, its actually been impressive, taken a pounding.
Great little rig isn't it
I have an Axial SCX10 II Deadbolt that I wanted to put steel links on, but never got around to it. My 4yo nephew loves to play with it, and has no idea about modulation. It's always 100% throttle, all the time. The point is that the plastic links have stood up to a 4yo's play just fine. The diff covers, not so much. Those I has to armor.
My boy is the same, even as he got older he prefers wide open throttle to feathering the throttle. This, the deadbolt, and maybe the Pioneer are the 3 rigs I'd be most comfortable letting him drive!
That's the way kids are.
Wouldn't change em
Wouldn't mind one of these. I've been following Crawler Canyon here on RUclips for a while now, and he uses his (with some upgrades) as his tire tester, and it does so well. Looks like an amazing rig for the money. :)
It's a solid rig, no doubt about it! Good value.
Well done Criag! Great video, I have a bit of a soft spot for element, not sure why. Do you have plans to review the utron? I'd be keen to see how the update IFS goes!
Thanks and yep, as soon as it's available I'll grab one. Probably be a couple of months yet, we get things later.
What a great little performer! I´m loving it. I´m torn with the tires. Not a fan of the tread, but definitely a fan of the skinny tires. Can't wait for more vids or even a series of vids to upgrade this to the next level.
Also curious about the new IFS version the Element Utron! Any chance we get to see it too?👀
Thanks. 100%, I'll be doing the utron as soon as it's available here.
Definitely the machine to get & its only upwards from your base model 👌😃🤟
Absolutely, yeah! This is a top little truck!
I suspect that the new stealth xf transmission would not have the spur gear gearing options that the stealth x does. Not that it’s a big deal…. Just curious
It wasn't spur gear that changed the stealth x overdrive ratio but a couple of internal gears. The new one comes with 55/25 gears for 18% overdrive and it looks like you're right in that there aren't options for lower or higher overdrive on Element's site. I guess that's okay though, as 18% is within what I'd consider a sweet spot for crawling (anything from about 11% up to around 35%). Good catch!
Thanks for the info and your 6 problems 👍
Seems absolutely worth the price!
Nice looking truck.
Good work 👌
Thanks 👍
Nice! Got any tips for e clips? I'm building my first trx4 sport and pinged one across the kitchen 😂
I use heavy old pliers for E clips, snicking them on with the rounded teeth. They can be fiddly but patience and care to align everything as symmetrically as possible seems to get it done best. Enjoy the build, Traxxas makes a super fun kit to build there.
found you because i'm comparing $300 rtr. the ascent for example. things i found like you was the soa unlike others doing it on chassis. the cg and link angles are in better positions as well. more options for upgrades with a lot of aftermarket options not just specific to this model.
Thoughts on this vs other in same price range?
I can't get the Ascent here in Australia yet, but when I can, I'll review it and compare it to the others. I suggest you check out the Axial Deadbolt, for a start. Here's the Element and Axial compared: ruclips.net/video/Ce0h25mrCG8/видео.html
Then, if you want a more scale trail rig, look out for my RGT Pro Runner video which releases in a couple of days time. It's very, very good.
@@RCTNT Thank you for the engagement. i did see your other vid and to me the sendero just looks better. i look forward to more vids
Do you think the Gatekeeper is a better buy? Cheaper, Stealth trans etc and iirc its a cage on Enduro rails. So a cheap body and you're in the same performance area.
It's been discontinued, so if you can still get it, sure. Two other very similar rigs that are arguably more capable would be the Ecto and Zuul, the latter of which is finally here and will be on the channel soon!
@@RCTNT I think the kit is discontinued but the RTR is $269 at amain, seems like you get more than a SE for $299...
Oh well that's a killer deal, get in on it while you can!
@@RCTNT lol I have more trucks than time to play with them, but I like to know what to recommend to the public when they express interest on the trails. Used to be the trx4 sport but the Gatekeeper is $100 cheaper so ...
yes this vs deadbolt.. but... put the deadbolt stock wheels n tires back on it.. as I was... thinking deadbolt but now.. I'm regretting buying the enduro trailwalker black n not the se... if I could sell the trailwalker now.. I would 😂
Oh don't worry, it'll be stock vs stock. That's only fair!
keep the vids going..
Thank you and will do!
Super strong front and rear driveshafts with augers down the length of them. Make sure they turn in a way that moves you forward when you're trying to move forward. Ultimate cheat.
Sounds interesting. Can you explain a little more what you mean here?
@@RCTNT It's just an off the wall thought. I don't know what they're called down under, but we call them augers. They look like giant screws or drill bits, they have fluting on the outside of a shaft.
@@RCTNT when you're going over rocks and the driveshaft touches the rocks, the act of them turning would move you over the rock like a screw. I hope I'm explaining it clearly.
Ah I see, you're taking about strengthening the shafts, right? Got it. Threaded shaft of some kind of machined steel, I'm guessing. Nice idea.
@@RCTNT if you Google grain elevator auger, it should pull up a picture of what I'm talking about.
Wow nice truck for the price
Yes indeed it is
🖐😁👏💯👍✌️
🙏👊✌️
I love that you translated “aluminium” for us Yanks! 😂🩶
Heh yeah, it was a bit unnecessary, but I've also been spelling 'tyres' as 'tires' for ages now... But I will continue to think in metric, that's not changing!
@@RCTNT don’t change a thing, boss. You’ve got a great formula