I have done several hours on both and one thing that many reviewers don’t mention but is worth mentioning - for out of box durability, this Traxxas is far superior. Both are very fun and crawl nicely, but within hours, my FMS rear driveshaft broke, followed by the front differential. After replacing those, the transmission was next. Then the rear differential. This is all just low gear crawling, not bashing. I’d accept this all, if it were a far better crawler, but it just isn’t - they are pretty equivalent. The FMS is more detailed and two gears is kinda handy but it comes at the downside of being a much more fragile rig. In the time I’ve replaced and upgraded nearly everything on the FMS (out of necessity), nothing on the Traxxas has broken except a side mirror. As you can imagine, the Traxxas gets probably twice as much use while the FMS is needing parts.
Great feedback and it's always helpful to hear everyone's experiences. 👍 I know a few people have said they've had issues with their FCX18 which is no good. I've got 3 of them and also have hours of use out of them with nothing broken. I've mudded mine and not been gentle with them. For me it's the opposite, my trx4m was binding after the first run. Rolled it on the rocks and bent the chassis, body falls off all the time and it needs mods to make it driveable, like the low range gears. My TRX4M High Trail had snapped off mirrors in the box which I thought was a joke! I'm no Traxxas hater or FMS fan boy, my tenth scale TRX4 is my favourite rig and an absolute beast. For me the trx4m was a disappointment out the box. The main downside to the FCX18 for me is that it's not waterproof. I find the 2 speed useful for when you're stuck on an obstacle and you need wheel speed. I think everyone has different experiences on every rig. I know many people say the stock electronics in the tenth scale TRX4 are junk, but mine were brilliant and still running the stock steering servo after 2 years of constant abuse. In regards usage, I'm the opposite, I fitted the low range gears to my trx4m to make it usable, but I just find it a bit boring, so my go to 18th scale is my FCX18. 🤷♂️
I have both. A couple things I’ve noticed that I didn’t hear mentioned: 1. Trx4m has fully waterproof electronics. Fms is more like splash proof. 2. My Trx4m suspension has always has been kind of sticky and suffers from torque deflection which distracts from the realism. I like the stiffer suspension of the fms. It’s buttery smooth and seems to flex just fine. 3. With the stock gearing the Trx4m steering binds the drive train when it gets dirty. 4. The fms drivetrain has more slop which is noticeable especially descending in 1st gear. Overall I like both but prefer the fms for the two speed transmission. It’s just simply more fun.
Thanks very much for those great points too. 👍 I've had no issues fully submerging my FCX18 or FCX24's tbh. Yeah the issue with the trx4m drivetrain is the bushings, if you only use it in the dry it won't bind up, but once you get it wet it's definitely worse. I guess every rig will have its flaws, both the FCX18 and the TRX4M. But yeah overall the FCX18 is just better imo. 👍 Thanks very much for commenting. 👍
@@Jay-ws7tv Well.. my 2 year old pretty well destroyed the fms. Probably past the point of rebuilding…again.. so I’ll probably wait till they come out with a release with an interior or maybe the new green one. But ya, nothings changed. I still like it better than the Trx4m. The things that bother me most about the Trx4m is the steering binding when it gets a little dirty and the torque bind in the suspension making it have a huge lean when it’s driving. I put some injora wheels and tires in the fms and it performs really well. Love the 2 speed transmission, fun to bash around. However if you love the style of any of the Trx4ms.. just get it. They are super fun regardless and awesome rigs. Can’t go wrong with either
Put the Holmes hobbies motor in the traxxas and some brass and it's great. I'm gonna pick up the fms during my Xmas shopping. Best thing about mini crawlers is you get all the engineering fun of bigger rigs but with a smaller price. I've used them to teach my step son mechanical engineering and physics
I have both . The trx4m has a low drivetrain and wheel weights. The FCX has wheel weights only. I love both but... I play 4 to 5 times a week with both for an average of 1 hour each time (I empty the batteries). To be completely honest, the Fcx is falling apart little by little, lots of things break!!! The TRX-4m is still intact, I've never damaged anything on it. I love the FMS 2 speed gearbox but frankly if today I had to keep only one it would be the Traxxas. It is much more reliable in the long term and it has truly waterproof electronics. If I do the calculation the FMS costs me 350 euros with repairs. The traxxas 220 euro with low speed sprockets and wheel weights. Make your choice, personally I keep my Traxxas.😊
Excellent feedback. 👍 A few people have said they've had issues with their FCX18 which is a real shame. I can only go off my own experience and I haven't broken anything yet, which surprises me as I mud mine so much, which tends to break stuff quickly. Hopefully over time FMS will just keep getting better, as for these style rigs, they're quite new to the game compared to Traxxas. For me personally I just find the trx4m a little frustrating. I rarely use mine compared to my FCX18's and I've got 3 FCX18's. 👍
@Jay-ws7tv Yeah it's a shame Traxxas dropped the ball there. I still haven't had any issues with my FCX18 LC80's, but I did recently have issues with the FCX18 K10.
I just ordered the FSM. I am completly new at this and I wanted the Land Rover. But after seeing a lot of video's, and this was the last one, I go for the Landcruiser. One thing I don't like are the indicators on the car. They have to go. But thanks for helping me out and it is a nice video. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Excellent, hope you like it. Imo it's definitely better value for money than the trx4m. Yeah I'm not a fan of indicators, I run it with the hazards on instead. 👍 Greetings from the UK 👍👋
So far ive put a set of aluminum beadlocks on my fcx18.. night and day difference. Just recently bought weighted brass/aluminum portals, oil-less shocks, high clearance links, weighted driveshafts.. waiting for them to come in now. I think its going to make this already great RC into something epic!
Excellent, they are great little rigs. 👍 I went for brass wheels on mini instead, nice bit of weight low down and means you don't really need to do the portals etc really. There's a few simple free mods you can do to improve performance too. 👍
@DoURC I've seen a few videos recently of the performance increase with minor modifications to the stock platform. Some guys remove the springs to help with articulation, some worry about steering angle.. although I think the model is great out of the box, I just can't leave anything stock.
I can attest to this.. Just installed today and it has way more low end torque and control but the best part is you get a good part of your top end speed back even with the crawler gears
An important point no reviewers talk about is the huge size of the transmiitter. Every small RC rigs, always RTR, come with their own transmitter. A big thing you can't find space to,store. Thanks to FMS for their small and smart transmitters. Others brands should think further on that point. About the FCX18 tires, the compound seems very good, though the whole wheel is quite hard under the finger. Did you try to get their foams off ? This should allow the tires to deform on the rocks and grip far better...
I did talk about the transmitters in this video. The only thing I don't like about the FMS one really is the lack of foam on the steering, does make a difference driving one handed. Otherwise its easier to use than the Traxxas TQ transmitter. I haven't done anything with the tyres no. They're decent and wheels are vented. I'm just going to run brass wheels and different tyres tbh. 👍
I am newer to the hobby but I first bought the red Defender TRX4M early November 2023 and I just ordered my blue and silver FCX18 lc80 Pathfinder yesterday. Been seeing all the videos on the FMS FCX18 so I had to see what all the hype was about lol
Yep I have both & they performed exactly how I thought he would. The FMS is just better you could give your compared anyway you want it’s the performance of the FMS that blows me away. My TRXM Defender with all of my upgrades including Injora motor cannot out crawl the stock FMS. That is a fact.
Great to get feedback from others as well. I think the FCX18 has huge potential and is just so much better out the box. Tbh I think the FCX24 is better than the TRX4M too. Thanks very much for commenting. 👍
I just received mine and would like to send out notice that as of my purchase date of 10/24 it comes with clear windows and a nice full-length interior already installed. I got in on sale for $149 and free shipping Hong Kong to Japan. I have some Inora upgrades coming so looking forward to a lot of fun crawling,
Excellent, good to know and thanks for sharing. They're a bargain in the sales atm. Did your new one come with a waterproof power switch as well? They updated it on the Hummer V2, so wondered if they'd updated the LC80 and K10 too. Hope you enjoy it. 👍😎
Thanks for the advice. I don't run in rain or water. If I do it's no higher than the hubs. We play on a very nice, rocky point on the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
Lots of comments below from folks that already own both or at least one of these. My impression was that you were using this review to provide information for those on the fence. While an excellent review, it was not an out of the box review as you implied at the outset. I would have preferred the TRX4M in stock configuration for a true demonstration of capability. Even at that, you know which would have won. For those who say "what about this or that?" that's not the point of this performance demonstration/evaluation. Your overall coverage was great and I understand why you didn't want to fairly run the OOTB Traxxas against the OOTB FMS; no comparison. My FMS and upgrade parts for it are on the way.
Here in Japan, the TRX4M priced at ¥50,000 which is more than twice the price of the FCX18 at ¥24,000. It’s a bit of a shame because I really like the look of the Defender. Even with the weak Japanese yen, I can’t understand why Traxxas products are always priced so high in Japan. With the current exchange rate (¥150 to $1) ¥50,000 comes out to about $333. That’s insane! The FCX18 is a bit of a no-brainer, despite my preference for the Defender’s looks.
Oh wow, that's crazy expensive. Traxxas costs more in the UK too, but not that much more. What about getting the FCX18 and then fitting an RC4WD Gelande 1/18 body? You can pick the body up for about $30 and then you'd have a Landy. 👍
I kinda have the feeling Traxxas wanted to design a crawler fast because a lot of brands are coming up with these, so they can make money also there. I wouldn‘t say it‘s designed poor, but it kind feels like they just wanted a mini crawler as fast as possible.
And the only thing that annoys me on the fcx18 is when you roll forward and hit the gas, it takes a split of a second to drive forward. Maybe the gears a designed too loose, I don‘t know.
Yeah the trx4m could have been so much better. It's a real shame, as the trx4m is awesome, but the trx4m is like it came from a different brand! The main downside to the fcx18 imo is the fact the electrics aren't waterproof. The power switch doesn't like you much after submerging it! 🤣🤦
I made the mistake of swapping out my FCX18 shocks with some from Injora. The fitment was terrible, and they don’t support the weight. Now I get to swap it all back. 😝
I am about to get into this hobby and really like the way you explain how to's and the when to's when tackling obstacles, something every beginner needs. Will search your video bank for more lessons. You have a new Sub 👍
Thanks very much, appreciate it and glad you found it helpful. I try to pick basic obstacles as well as harder ones where possible, as everyone uses their rigs differently and has different terrain. 👍 Hope you enjoy the rest of my content. 👍😁
Thanks very much 👍 I haven't tried the CR18P Rushmore, but have the CR18P Evo Pro. If you're looking for scale, the FCX18 LC80 wins easy. Its great slow speed control too, but obviously brushless is better. If you're just after performance, go or the CR18P Evo Pro, it's a beast. 👍 I'd choose the LC80 over the Rushmore, but I like a scale body. 👍
I Got A TRX4M For Christmas. I Love How It Has So Much More To Gain. I Like The Idea Of Upgrading As I Go, Like Wanting To Eventually Get Portal Axles etc.
Awesome, glad you like it. The RCAWD Portal Axles are really good. I just added them to my TRX4M High Trail Mega Truck Build. You can use my discount code for them too, save some money. Its in the Linktree link in my Bio 👍
To be fair to the scx24, I've found it more reliable than the trx4m tbh, ran it through mud and water loads with no issues. Ran the trx4m once in water and it started binding up. 👍
@@DoURC the losi micro was better than the scx24. I’m talking more on how poorly the worm gear drive robs so much power. All that drag making its torque twist exaggerated. Not sure why the M bound up in mud and water other than its bushings rtr. (There’s cheap bearing kits now)The proline ambush is def not as good at the scx24s tho lol. It’s cool it’s on leafsprings but it has the worst turn radius ever 🤣. I eyeball it to Rob to make a leafspring scaler sometimes but then I remember they are unobtainable anymore and it can’t be replaced.
The FCX18 is one of the greatest RC vehicles ever made. It can drive for miles on a single battery, it has real speed and real torque and an excellent controller. Don't buy anything else until you've owned one of these.
One thing I have noticed with the trx4m is that the electronics are crap. my servo went out within a couple hours of having it but I've never had a single issue with my fms and I've been bashing the fms a bunch and nothing has broken so far.
Tbh I think the FMS is pretty much better all round. Out the box imo the TRX4M is pretty rubbish. Main downsides to the FCX18 is the power switch and plastic gears, but tbh my plastic gears are still going strong. 👍
I noticed how the longer wheel base on the defender could add to some little slight issues and i noticed some lines were different with the cars 11:0316:35
I am planning to get the TRX-4m High Trail Ranger because I love the looks of it. But I have a question: How easy is it to swap out the transmissions? I’m planning on buying the truck+the crawling transmission, and switch them out as needed. I’m just curious how long it would take to do that
I love fms and they did bring a lot of better things than traxxas, but the body just isn't working for me. Hopefully, they will release more body options soon.
Hey man, first of all great video! I ordered fcx18 this week, can’t wait tbh. I had one question about the injora brass wheel rims 1plus, do these rims fit on the stock fms tires?
Thanks very much 👍 I'm not 100% sure, but tbh a different set of tyres would make a big difference as the stock tyres are OK but not great. If you look in my Mini Crawlers playlist I've featured a few different tyres. 👍
I have the fms fc18 and o have ran it and destroyed (not by choice other kids on the trail jumped on it) but I love it as well as I have a wpl truck and love it too
the landrover defende on the trx4m is heavier then the bronco body so i recomend getting the bronco because it isnt top heavy like the defender and then you can crawl better
I am looking for a shortcut to get the defender but with upgrades so I do get the looks. I love how the thing looks. I will def get my son the ftx utah brushless. But I want something with looks.. now I gotta see whats available but also should not be too much of a hasle to get it upgraded.
Nice rig and video! Mind if I ask how and where you hooked up your led bar? I can see that you already have the headlight kit as well as the fog lights. Do you mind sharing where you plugged the led bar?
Really enjoying my fcx18. Just did the little steering mod and thats been it! Need to get it out in the woods next with the rest of the minis. You ever look i to the mini orlandoo stuff ? Gona try out there trophy truck next could be something you'd enjoy 😊
Excellent, glad you're enjoying it. Yeah the steering mod is an easy win that's for sure. 👍 I almost bought an Orlandoo at an event, but tbh for what they cost, I'd rather an fcx24 or similar tbh. 👍
Yeah it's definitely better performance and better value for money imo. 👍 The only main downside is the non waterproof electronics, mainly the power switch. 😬
@kris1976melo All depends on what battery you use. For the mini crawlers, about 30-45 mins depending on terrain. Bigger rigs can run for hours on bigger lipo Batteries. 👍
Thanks very much 👍 Yeah imo the FCX18 is just better all round than the trx4m...apart from maybe the tyres. 👍 Only other thing the FCX18 is possibly lacking is better waterproofed electronics.
@pandacrawler6x6 Yeah totally agree. I much prefer the slow speed control etc of the FMS. The electronics in the FCX24 are more waterproof, the FCX18 are more splashproof I'd say. 👍
@@DoURC thanks bud. yeah furitek had to save some money somewhere and they did it with the shell. But at least there’s a lower centre of gravity. Hello cyber Monday sales tomorrow 😝
Only issue I've had with mine is the power switch, but that's my own fault for submerging it! 🤣🤦 A few people on here have mentioned having issues with the diffs, which are plastic. I haven't had any diff issues though. 👍
@Jay-ws7tv Yeah, makes sense. Tbh if you know it has plastic gears, imo you need to bear that in mind and that they won't last forever. I think sometimes people expect everything to be indestructible for minimal cost, not quite how it works! 😬
@@DoURC LOL true. After all my research (your videos included) im leaning towards the fcx. It comes with better stock components and electronics, light kit, two speed, and portals. The body mount system kinda stinks and I think the inners are a bit more complex for a beginner like myself. The TRX4m is objectively more popular and does have more part support. I’d probably have to spend more to get it to a point where it catches up to the FCX and I think traxxas planned it to be that way. Anyway thanks for the review and keep us updated on if your opinion shifts!
@Jay-ws7tv No problem at all, imo the fcx18 is definitely the better rig out the box. I think a lot of it depends on what you want to use it for, as there's pro's and cons to both. For me personally I found the stock trx4m very frustrating. In regards the body mounting, it's easier on the trx4m, but after a few hard falls it gets very loose. My Defender body falls off a lot when I roll it, which is annoying.
I doubt it, it's exactly the same chassis and just a different body. It'll have a lower cg than the Defender, but still all the same trx4m issues. The FCX18 and FCX24 are much better rtr's imo. 👍
i have no issues with my trx4m and many with my fcx18 the fcx tires give no grip. fcx servo gears destroyed first run (didnt even abuse it) so for me the trx4m al the way@@DoURC
@famvanprooijen9136 Seems everyone has a different experience. Yes the trx4m tyres are better, but slow speed control is awful. Main downside of the fcx18 for me is the power switch isn't waterproof, whereas trx4m is fully waterproof. My FCX18's have taken loads of abuse with no issues other than power switch, which is my own fault for submerging it. 👍
Petit X4 there the price they charge you for it he's got all the important stuff that you need any the other truck is obviously cheaper and it comes with everything you need so what does that tell you about Traxxas that's why I won't buy them
Normally I really like Traxxas products, my tenth scale TRX4 is a beast. But the trx4m was just a bit of a disappointment tbh. Value wise, the FCX18 blows the trx4m out the water imo. 👍
I have done several hours on both and one thing that many reviewers don’t mention but is worth mentioning - for out of box durability, this Traxxas is far superior. Both are very fun and crawl nicely, but within hours, my FMS rear driveshaft broke, followed by the front differential. After replacing those, the transmission was next. Then the rear differential. This is all just low gear crawling, not bashing. I’d accept this all, if it were a far better crawler, but it just isn’t - they are pretty equivalent. The FMS is more detailed and two gears is kinda handy but it comes at the downside of being a much more fragile rig. In the time I’ve replaced and upgraded nearly everything on the FMS (out of necessity), nothing on the Traxxas has broken except a side mirror. As you can imagine, the Traxxas gets probably twice as much use while the FMS is needing parts.
Great feedback and it's always helpful to hear everyone's experiences. 👍 I know a few people have said they've had issues with their FCX18 which is no good. I've got 3 of them and also have hours of use out of them with nothing broken. I've mudded mine and not been gentle with them. For me it's the opposite, my trx4m was binding after the first run. Rolled it on the rocks and bent the chassis, body falls off all the time and it needs mods to make it driveable, like the low range gears. My TRX4M High Trail had snapped off mirrors in the box which I thought was a joke!
I'm no Traxxas hater or FMS fan boy, my tenth scale TRX4 is my favourite rig and an absolute beast. For me the trx4m was a disappointment out the box. The main downside to the FCX18 for me is that it's not waterproof. I find the 2 speed useful for when you're stuck on an obstacle and you need wheel speed. I think everyone has different experiences on every rig. I know many people say the stock electronics in the tenth scale TRX4 are junk, but mine were brilliant and still running the stock steering servo after 2 years of constant abuse.
In regards usage, I'm the opposite, I fitted the low range gears to my trx4m to make it usable, but I just find it a bit boring, so my go to 18th scale is my FCX18. 🤷♂️
@@DoURC Loving your content and just made the purchase! Any advice on waterproofing? Silicone around joints and seals?
I have both. A couple things I’ve noticed that I didn’t hear mentioned:
1. Trx4m has fully waterproof electronics. Fms is more like splash proof.
2. My Trx4m suspension has always has been kind of sticky and suffers from torque deflection which distracts from the realism. I like the stiffer suspension of the fms. It’s buttery smooth and seems to flex just fine.
3. With the stock gearing the Trx4m steering binds the drive train when it gets dirty.
4. The fms drivetrain has more slop which is noticeable especially descending in 1st gear.
Overall I like both but prefer the fms for the two speed transmission. It’s just simply more fun.
Thanks very much for those great points too. 👍
I've had no issues fully submerging my FCX18 or FCX24's tbh.
Yeah the issue with the trx4m drivetrain is the bushings, if you only use it in the dry it won't bind up, but once you get it wet it's definitely worse.
I guess every rig will have its flaws, both the FCX18 and the TRX4M. But yeah overall the FCX18 is just better imo. 👍
Thanks very much for commenting. 👍
The FMS FCX18 also has waterproof electronics I know because I have one myself
Hey @wyant4 any updates?
I’m still trying to decide what to get
@@Jay-ws7tv
Well.. my 2 year old pretty well destroyed the fms. Probably past the point of rebuilding…again.. so I’ll probably wait till they come out with a release with an interior or maybe the new green one. But ya, nothings changed. I still like it better than the Trx4m. The things that bother me most about the Trx4m is the steering binding when it gets a little dirty and the torque bind in the suspension making it have a huge lean when it’s driving. I put some injora wheels and tires in the fms and it performs really well. Love the 2 speed transmission, fun to bash around.
However if you love the style of any of the Trx4ms.. just get it. They are super fun regardless and awesome rigs. Can’t go wrong with either
@@wyant4fms seems to be a bit louder. Do you know why that is ?
Put the Holmes hobbies motor in the traxxas and some brass and it's great. I'm gonna pick up the fms during my Xmas shopping. Best thing about mini crawlers is you get all the engineering fun of bigger rigs but with a smaller price. I've used them to teach my step son mechanical engineering and physics
That's awesome. 👍
Yeah I enjoy tinkering with them, plus everything is cheaper than larger scale. 👍
I have both .
The trx4m has a low drivetrain and wheel weights.
The FCX has wheel weights only.
I love both but...
I play 4 to 5 times a week with both for an average of 1 hour each time (I empty the batteries).
To be completely honest, the Fcx is falling apart little by little, lots of things break!!!
The TRX-4m is still intact, I've never damaged anything on it.
I love the FMS 2 speed gearbox but frankly if today I had to keep only one it would be the Traxxas.
It is much more reliable in the long term and it has truly waterproof electronics.
If I do the calculation the FMS costs me 350 euros with repairs.
The traxxas 220 euro with low speed sprockets and wheel weights.
Make your choice, personally I keep my Traxxas.😊
Excellent feedback. 👍
A few people have said they've had issues with their FCX18 which is a real shame. I can only go off my own experience and I haven't broken anything yet, which surprises me as I mud mine so much, which tends to break stuff quickly.
Hopefully over time FMS will just keep getting better, as for these style rigs, they're quite new to the game compared to Traxxas.
For me personally I just find the trx4m a little frustrating. I rarely use mine compared to my FCX18's and I've got 3 FCX18's. 👍
Heard some issues with the reliability of FCX18 I just wish the TRX4m had a better scale body
@Jay-ws7tv Yeah it's a shame Traxxas dropped the ball there. I still haven't had any issues with my FCX18 LC80's, but I did recently have issues with the FCX18 K10.
I just ordered the FSM. I am completly new at this and I wanted the Land Rover. But after seeing a lot of video's, and this was the last one, I go for the Landcruiser. One thing I don't like are the indicators on the car. They have to go. But thanks for helping me out and it is a nice video. Greetings from the Netherlands.
Excellent, hope you like it. Imo it's definitely better value for money than the trx4m. Yeah I'm not a fan of indicators, I run it with the hazards on instead. 👍
Greetings from the UK 👍👋
@@DoURCis there a way to completely and safely dismantle the indicators without ruining the other lights?
@dgs.creates No sure, haven't tried it. I don't like the indicators, so just run it with them on as hazards when the lights are on. 👍
Just about everyone complains about indicators when they’re a feature. I wonder why none of the manufacturers listen.
So far ive put a set of aluminum beadlocks on my fcx18.. night and day difference. Just recently bought weighted brass/aluminum portals, oil-less shocks, high clearance links, weighted driveshafts.. waiting for them to come in now. I think its going to make this already great RC into something epic!
Excellent, they are great little rigs. 👍
I went for brass wheels on mini instead, nice bit of weight low down and means you don't really need to do the portals etc really.
There's a few simple free mods you can do to improve performance too. 👍
@DoURC I've seen a few videos recently of the performance increase with minor modifications to the stock platform. Some guys remove the springs to help with articulation, some worry about steering angle.. although I think the model is great out of the box, I just can't leave anything stock.
@@mathewburout3598 Modifying them is part of the fun. 👍😎
The Injora 180 48 turn motor gives it a little more speed back when running the low gear set in the TRX 👍
Great video as well 😊
Thanks very much and thanks for the tip. 👍😎
I can attest to this.. Just installed today and it has way more low end torque and control but the best part is you get a good part of your top end speed back even with the crawler gears
An important point no reviewers talk about is the huge size of the transmiitter.
Every small RC rigs, always RTR, come with their own transmitter. A big thing you can't find space to,store.
Thanks to FMS for their small and smart transmitters. Others brands should think further on that point.
About the FCX18 tires, the compound seems very good, though the whole wheel is quite hard under the finger.
Did you try to get their foams off ? This should allow the tires to deform on the rocks and grip far better...
I did talk about the transmitters in this video. The only thing I don't like about the FMS one really is the lack of foam on the steering, does make a difference driving one handed. Otherwise its easier to use than the Traxxas TQ transmitter.
I haven't done anything with the tyres no. They're decent and wheels are vented. I'm just going to run brass wheels and different tyres tbh. 👍
@@DoURC OK ! Show us that on a future video. I've just received my FCX18 and i'm on how to fight the roll over.😊
I am newer to the hobby but I first bought the red Defender TRX4M early November 2023 and I just ordered my blue and silver FCX18 lc80 Pathfinder yesterday. Been seeing all the videos on the FMS FCX18 so I had to see what all the hype was about lol
Hope you enjoy it, it's definitely better out the box than the trx4m. Only downside is it's not as waterproof as the trx4m. 👍
Yep I have both & they performed exactly how I thought he would. The FMS is just better you could give your compared anyway you want it’s the performance of the FMS that blows me away. My TRXM Defender with all of my upgrades including Injora motor cannot out crawl the stock FMS. That is a fact.
Great to get feedback from others as well. I think the FCX18 has huge potential and is just so much better out the box. Tbh I think the FCX24 is better than the TRX4M too. Thanks very much for commenting. 👍
I just received mine and would like to send out notice that as of my purchase date of 10/24 it comes with clear windows and a nice full-length interior already installed. I got in on sale for $149 and free shipping Hong Kong to Japan. I have some Inora upgrades coming so looking forward to a lot of fun crawling,
Excellent, good to know and thanks for sharing. They're a bargain in the sales atm. Did your new one come with a waterproof power switch as well? They updated it on the Hummer V2, so wondered if they'd updated the LC80 and K10 too.
Hope you enjoy it. 👍😎
@DoURC The power switch is mounted just aft of the battery and is spring loaded push button facing up. No need to be in water that deep, IMHO.
@DoURC The power switch is mounted just aft of the battery and is spring loaded push button facing up. No need to be in water that deep, IMHO.
@garybeckwith9045 Ah ok, still the old non waterproof power switch then. Shame. I'd delete it and save yourself the hassle. 👍
Thanks for the advice. I don't run in rain or water. If I do it's no higher than the hubs. We play on a very nice, rocky point on the entrance to Tokyo Bay.
Lots of comments below from folks that already own both or at least one of these. My impression was that you were using this review to provide information for those on the fence. While an excellent review, it was not an out of the box review as you implied at the outset. I would have preferred the TRX4M in stock configuration for a true demonstration of capability. Even at that, you know which would have won. For those who say "what about this or that?" that's not the point of this performance demonstration/evaluation. Your overall coverage was great and I understand why you didn't want to fairly run the OOTB Traxxas against the OOTB FMS; no comparison. My FMS and upgrade parts for it are on the way.
🤣 The short version is the FCX18 is better. 🤣👍
Here in Japan, the TRX4M priced at ¥50,000 which is more than twice the price of the FCX18 at ¥24,000. It’s a bit of a shame because I really like the look of the Defender. Even with the weak Japanese yen, I can’t understand why Traxxas products are always priced so high in Japan. With the current exchange rate (¥150 to $1) ¥50,000 comes out to about $333. That’s insane! The FCX18 is a bit of a no-brainer, despite my preference for the Defender’s looks.
Oh wow, that's crazy expensive. Traxxas costs more in the UK too, but not that much more. What about getting the FCX18 and then fitting an RC4WD Gelande 1/18 body? You can pick the body up for about $30 and then you'd have a Landy. 👍
Thanks for your suggestion. I’ll look into that.
Here in NZ both are same price expensive!
It's almost better spending a little more on a 1:10 scale.
I kinda have the feeling Traxxas wanted to design a crawler fast because a lot of brands are coming up with these, so they can make money also there. I wouldn‘t say it‘s designed poor, but it kind feels like they just wanted a mini crawler as fast as possible.
And the only thing that annoys me on the fcx18 is when you roll forward and hit the gas, it takes a split of a second to drive forward. Maybe the gears a designed too loose, I don‘t know.
Yeah the trx4m could have been so much better. It's a real shame, as the trx4m is awesome, but the trx4m is like it came from a different brand!
The main downside to the fcx18 imo is the fact the electrics aren't waterproof. The power switch doesn't like you much after submerging it! 🤣🤦
I made the mistake of swapping out my FCX18 shocks with some from Injora. The fitment was terrible, and they don’t support the weight. Now I get to swap it all back. 😝
Ah gutted! I quite like the stock shocks, especially when you add some weight to the axle, they articulate much nicer. 👍
I am about to get into this hobby and really like the way you explain how to's and the when to's when tackling obstacles, something every beginner needs. Will search your video bank for more lessons.
You have a new Sub 👍
Thanks very much, appreciate it and glad you found it helpful. I try to pick basic obstacles as well as harder ones where possible, as everyone uses their rigs differently and has different terrain. 👍
Hope you enjoy the rest of my content. 👍😁
MEUS just came out with a 2 speed transmission for the trx4m. I currently run the low gearing on 3s to get some wheel speed back
Ah cool, I'll have to check that out. 👍
Great video like always. I am trying to decide between the FCX18 LC80 or Hobby Plus CR18P Rushmore. Which one would you recommend? Thank you
Thanks very much 👍
I haven't tried the CR18P Rushmore, but have the CR18P Evo Pro.
If you're looking for scale, the FCX18 LC80 wins easy. Its great slow speed control too, but obviously brushless is better.
If you're just after performance, go or the CR18P Evo Pro, it's a beast. 👍
I'd choose the LC80 over the Rushmore, but I like a scale body. 👍
@DoURC thank you
I Got A TRX4M For Christmas. I Love How It Has So Much More To Gain. I Like The Idea Of Upgrading As I Go, Like Wanting To Eventually Get Portal Axles etc.
Awesome, glad you like it. The RCAWD Portal Axles are really good. I just added them to my TRX4M High Trail Mega Truck Build. You can use my discount code for them too, save some money. Its in the Linktree link in my Bio 👍
No matter what, they’re both worlds better than the scx24. The fms is better than the Traxxas. I have them all.
To be fair to the scx24, I've found it more reliable than the trx4m tbh, ran it through mud and water loads with no issues. Ran the trx4m once in water and it started binding up. 👍
@@DoURC the losi micro was better than the scx24. I’m talking more on how poorly the worm gear drive robs so much power. All that drag making its torque twist exaggerated. Not sure why the M bound up in mud and water other than its bushings rtr. (There’s cheap bearing kits now)The proline ambush is def not as good at the scx24s tho lol. It’s cool it’s on leafsprings but it has the worst turn radius ever 🤣. I eyeball it to Rob to make a leafspring scaler sometimes but then I remember they are unobtainable anymore and it can’t be replaced.
@@The_RC_GuruI wish they would bring the Trail Trekker back, or a V2. My first hobby grade RC was a Trail Trekker.
@@mentalwhitekid6962 I had them too.
@@DoURCCould it be the Axial has bushing vs bearings?
So glad I found out about the FCX18 just before pulling the trigger on the TRX4m. It seems like the only disadvantage is noise.
Yeah it's very noisey in 1st gear due to the gearing. Quieter in second though. Definitely better value for money than the trx4m. 👍
The FCX18 is one of the greatest RC vehicles ever made. It can drive for miles on a single battery, it has real speed and real torque and an excellent controller. Don't buy anything else until you've owned one of these.
It's a great little rig, definitely better value for money than a trx4m and looks better too imo. 👍
Is this two speed transmision?
@yeah-tz6jr The FCX18 is yeah 👍
@@DoURC So im ordering😉
@yeah-tz6jr Awesome, if you buy from FMS you can use my referral code to help support the channel. 👍😁
One thing I have noticed with the trx4m is that the electronics are crap. my servo went out within a couple hours of having it but I've never had a single issue with my fms and I've been bashing the fms a bunch and nothing has broken so far.
Tbh I think the FMS is pretty much better all round. Out the box imo the TRX4M is pretty rubbish. Main downsides to the FCX18 is the power switch and plastic gears, but tbh my plastic gears are still going strong. 👍
I noticed how the longer wheel base on the defender could add to some little slight issues and i noticed some lines were different with the cars 11:03 16:35
The FCX18 walks all over the TRX4M all day long out the box imo. 👍
FMS FCX18 & Traxxas TRX4M!!!~~~ cool new look, RC with great adventure, always good videos bro👍👍😃
Thanks very much mate, appreciate it and appreciate the comment. 👍😁
I am planning to get the TRX-4m High Trail Ranger because I love the looks of it. But I have a question: How easy is it to swap out the transmissions? I’m planning on buying the truck+the crawling transmission, and switch them out as needed. I’m just curious how long it would take to do that
It doesn't take too long. I've got a video in my Mini Crawlers playlist which shows how to do it. 👍
I love fms and they did bring a lot of better things than traxxas, but the body just isn't working for me. Hopefully, they will release more body options soon.
I actually really like the body. I'm sure they'll release more options like they've done for the fcx24. 👍
Be funny if they do a Defender as well! 🤣😬
Toyota is better
@@manuelpiston Got to love a Yota 👍😎
Yep the FMS body looks garbage compared to the Traxxas bodies both the Bronco and Defender. Only thing stopping me from buying one.
Hey man, first of all great video!
I ordered fcx18 this week, can’t wait tbh. I had one question about the injora brass wheel rims 1plus, do these rims fit on the stock fms tires?
Thanks very much 👍
I'm not 100% sure, but tbh a different set of tyres would make a big difference as the stock tyres are OK but not great. If you look in my Mini Crawlers playlist I've featured a few different tyres. 👍
FCX18 with superswampers is a beast XD, It's made me order portal axles for my TRX4m.
Awesome, I'll be trying the new swamp claws soon from Injora on mine. It's a great rig isn't it. 👍
Really recommend you buying wheel weights for front👍(For traxxas)
Thanks very much 👍
I've already done another follow on video from this one with brass wheels etc and yeah that low down weight really helps. 👍
I have the fms fc18 and o have ran it and destroyed (not by choice other kids on the trail jumped on it) but I love it as well as I have a wpl truck and love it too
Shame it got destroyed and hope you can fix it. I think it's a great rig and definitely better value for money than the trx4m. 👍
@@DoURC I love it still still works just needing to upgrade it now and get new wheels and tires
@@DoURC I agree I do love my wpl and thinking about getting the c74 and while I’m at it grab some fms parts
the landrover defende on the trx4m is heavier then the bronco body so i recomend getting the bronco because it isnt top heavy like the defender and then you can crawl better
Yeah, I prefer the Defender though, give me a Landy any day. You'll still have the same chassis/drive issues whichever body you choose. 👍
Thanks for helping me make my decision 😊 FCX18 it is 🎉 would have preferred the looks of the defender body though.
Glad it helped. With a few cosmetic mods the FCX18 looks even better. Check out my free mods video in my Mini Crawlers playlist 👍
trx4m better with the bronco version because it isnt as heavy as the defender and trx4m is fully waterproof trx4m better
I am looking for a shortcut to get the defender but with upgrades so I do get the looks. I love how the thing looks. I will def get my son the ftx utah brushless. But I want something with looks.. now I gotta see whats available but also should not be too much of a hasle to get it upgraded.
Nice rig and video! Mind if I ask how and where you hooked up your led bar? I can see that you already have the headlight kit as well as the fog lights. Do you mind sharing where you plugged the led bar?
Thanks very much 👍
If you look in my Mini Crawlers playlist I've got a full video in there on how it's done. 👍
I have the FMS and I can’t fault it I’ve removed the bumpers which gives it more clearance
They're great little rigs aren't they. 👍😎
Best comparative video I have seen. Nice nice nice....
Thanks very much, appreciate it. 👍
Solid review! 👍🏻 love the close ups.
Thanks very much, appreciate it. 👍
Really enjoying my fcx18. Just did the little steering mod and thats been it! Need to get it out in the woods next with the rest of the minis. You ever look i to the mini orlandoo stuff ? Gona try out there trophy truck next could be something you'd enjoy 😊
Excellent, glad you're enjoying it. Yeah the steering mod is an easy win that's for sure. 👍
I almost bought an Orlandoo at an event, but tbh for what they cost, I'd rather an fcx24 or similar tbh. 👍
@DoURC was thinking the same but fancy the challenge on building something again so thought why not
Great Review Now I Have To Choose What Colour I Want
Thanks very much 👍
The yellow LC80 is my favourite, looks great in person. 👍
Great comparison. Fully agree with the verdict.
Thanks very much, appreciate it. 👍
I am really new to this and I can already tell the fms is the better choice which is whi I chose this over traxxas
Yeah it's definitely better performance and better value for money imo. 👍
The only main downside is the non waterproof electronics, mainly the power switch. 😬
If i did my research properly the version i bought has all waterproof electronics @@DoURC
For being off road, i would of Thought Waterproof would been big pull for ppl to really test the cars
I've ran them both separately in lots of water and mud. TRX4M is waterproof out the box, FCX18 is fine in water if you delete the power switch. 👍
@@DoURC thxs for the reply between the 2 i do prefer the look of the Landrover, think gonna get orange 1.... great review cheers for video...
@@kris1976melo Excellent, can't beat a nice Landy. 👍
@@DoURC what is the run time...i think im going to buy 1/10 version...
@kris1976melo All depends on what battery you use. For the mini crawlers, about 30-45 mins depending on terrain. Bigger rigs can run for hours on bigger lipo Batteries. 👍
Awesome Vs review.
For me FMS, Love Traxxas, but FMS have more to choise and cool price.
Thanks very much 👍
Yeah imo the FCX18 is just better all round than the trx4m...apart from maybe the tyres. 👍
Only other thing the FCX18 is possibly lacking is better waterproofed electronics.
You are Welcome my Friend! Yes maybe FMS electronics are a little wrost but Traxxas electronics are know to be expensive 😬 and not so great.
@pandacrawler6x6 Yeah totally agree. I much prefer the slow speed control etc of the FMS. The electronics in the FCX24 are more waterproof, the FCX18 are more splashproof I'd say. 👍
Yhap! But is "easy" to waterproof, just go around the water 😂
@pandacrawler6x6 🤣🤣🤣 When I see water and mud I just have to go on in it, can't help myself! 😁
thanks this helped me a lot
Glad it was helpful. 👍
Would love to see a FMS FCX 18 v Furitek FX118 video - my new dilemma 😂
I'd imagine the Furitek would have better control etc as its brushless, but the FCX18 looks much nicer imo. 👍
@@DoURC thanks bud. yeah furitek had to save some money somewhere and they did it with the shell. But at least there’s a lower centre of gravity. Hello cyber Monday sales tomorrow 😝
@rakhunproductions Yeah I haven't looked the FX118 that much, looked like a CR18p with Furitek electrics.
The results might have been different if the trx4m was the bronco body…….approach and departure angles are better on the bronco body
Yeah Bronco body as lower cg etc. The other points would still apply though like slow speed control etc 👍
pls reply
Will the parts rust if it gets dipped in the water or mud
@Yuvan-qx4kb Yes if you don't keep it clean. Things like bearings are service items, keep them dry and they last longer. 👍
IM in INDIA and it cost me around 285$
I’m hearing a lot about people having problems w the FCX18 can anyone confirm
Only issue I've had with mine is the power switch, but that's my own fault for submerging it! 🤣🤦
A few people on here have mentioned having issues with the diffs, which are plastic. I haven't had any diff issues though. 👍
@@DoURC I would replace all my gears with metal anyway too get ahead of that
@Jay-ws7tv Yeah, makes sense. Tbh if you know it has plastic gears, imo you need to bear that in mind and that they won't last forever. I think sometimes people expect everything to be indestructible for minimal cost, not quite how it works! 😬
@@DoURC LOL true. After all my research (your videos included) im leaning towards the fcx. It comes with better stock components and electronics, light kit, two speed, and portals. The body mount system kinda stinks and I think the inners are a bit more complex for a beginner like myself. The TRX4m is objectively more popular and does have more part support. I’d probably have to spend more to get it to a point where it catches up to the FCX and I think traxxas planned it to be that way. Anyway thanks for the review and keep us updated on if your opinion shifts!
@Jay-ws7tv No problem at all, imo the fcx18 is definitely the better rig out the box. I think a lot of it depends on what you want to use it for, as there's pro's and cons to both. For me personally I found the stock trx4m very frustrating.
In regards the body mounting, it's easier on the trx4m, but after a few hard falls it gets very loose. My Defender body falls off a lot when I roll it, which is annoying.
Yea thx surely im gonna buy lc80
It's a great little rig. The yellow is my favourite. 👍
@@DoURC ok
I would just buy cannyon trial tires and a fms 18.
🤣 Yeah that's one option. 👍
Hola! Donde compraste los stickers?? Saludos
Ebay, just search 18th scale crawler stickers. 👍
where do you get the stickers from?
Ebay, just search 18th scale crawler stickers 👍
I love fms lc80!!
It's awesome isn't it 👍😎
Get rid of the trx4m esc, i use a furitek iguana esc paired with a holmes hobbies motor.
Nice, sounds cool. I was going to go brushless, but going to use that in my high trail mega mud truck instead. 👍
where do you get the national geographic sticker from
Ebay, just search up 18th scale stickers and they'll come up. 👍
@@DoURC thanks
The fms in the real world would be a vehicle with a high lift kit on so not really comparable vehicles. Both look great either way.
I'm not comparing real world vehicles though, I'm comparing two rtr RC's 👍
@@DoURC trx4m high trail would be a nice fair comparison if you ever get your hands on one.
TRX4M for me
TRX4M is still cool. 👍
IM in india and the lcx18 lc80 costs me around 285$
@Do U RC
Can you not import it for less?
Nice video man. Where did you get that sticker set from? Thanks!
Thanks very much 👍
Got them off Ebay, just search 18th scale crawler stickers 👍
Traxxas products might have more what are vehicles they want you to pay more
Although the FCX18 is more expensive, you definitely get more for your money. 👍
The TRX4M Bronco is better then both of those rigs...
I doubt it, it's exactly the same chassis and just a different body. It'll have a lower cg than the Defender, but still all the same trx4m issues. The FCX18 and FCX24 are much better rtr's imo. 👍
i have no issues with my trx4m and many with my fcx18 the fcx tires give no grip. fcx servo gears destroyed first run (didnt even abuse it) so for me the trx4m al the way@@DoURC
@famvanprooijen9136 Seems everyone has a different experience. Yes the trx4m tyres are better, but slow speed control is awful. Main downside of the fcx18 for me is the power switch isn't waterproof, whereas trx4m is fully waterproof.
My FCX18's have taken loads of abuse with no issues other than power switch, which is my own fault for submerging it. 👍
Fms is slightly a better crawler
I'd say it's much better out the box tbh. 👍
@@DoURC fr 😳
Petit X4 there the price they charge you for it he's got all the important stuff that you need any the other truck is obviously cheaper and it comes with everything you need so what does that tell you about Traxxas that's why I won't buy them
Normally I really like Traxxas products, my tenth scale TRX4 is a beast. But the trx4m was just a bit of a disappointment tbh. Value wise, the FCX18 blows the trx4m out the water imo. 👍
🖐😁👍
Nice sharing my friend
Thanks very much mate 👍😁
Wish I had watched your video earlier.
Did you go for the trx4m?
I ended up buying both.@@DoURC
nice ,👍
Thanks very much mate 👍
Trx4m lower and upper links are plastic...
Sorry, you're right. That's what happens when you record a video at 2am in the morning! 🤣🤦
Traxxas better if get bronco
Yeah it will have a lower cg, still the same slow speed control etc though. 👍
El trx4m en la versión bronco se comporta mejor que el defender
Yeah, I can imagine that, I think the body has a lower profile so better cg. 👍
Kessler Branch
❓️🤔
Ktory lepszy
I'd say the FCX18, more features, better performance and better value for money. 👍
That is some noisy “nature”
🤣
Anderson Joseph Robinson Dorothy Harris Maria
😴
😂
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Fms
👍😎