Well that settles it, I love the body and flat bed, but the drivetrain just leaves to much on the table. Think I’ll get a Marlin Crawler instead. Thanks for saving me some coin!👍🏼
@@PopcornH3 I ended up with the Marlin Crawler. Did the mods SBG shows on his vids and added the A&M Garage flat skid and front hanger stretch. Crawls like a Goat and the stock Marlin tires are excellent.
I enjoy hearing your opinions and I have noticed that you seem to see details and flaws that others either miss or intentionally omit. Nice work laying out the good and bad of this vehicle, but one thing is bugging me; this isn't really a rock crawler. It's more of a scale trail truck, regardless of the way it looks. If you had reviewed it and driven it as I think it was intended to be used, I think the performance would have been at least adequate for the task. Crossrc makes scale trucks with scale realism, and are not really intended to be driven on terrain that is beyond realistic compared with what a 1:1 truck could do. We have all been spoiled by Axial and Traxxas and forget that a rolling model like this is more closely related to a Tamiya kit than the super performers we consider the norm. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your feedback. Yes, they do have the military vehicles. We won't beat those up. :) This one has a hardbody and it does very well even with that. We just want to identify the issues and ways to address them. Cross RC has many trail crawlers now and this is representative of that fleet. They have a new RTR now and they all compete with the TRX4s, Axials and Redcat. It's got potential for sure. Just a couple bugs they should address and it will be a contender.
Awesome review, so for $450.00 you have one of the best looking scale trail trucks. I am not sure even with fixing the drive train and the rear shock mod you can over come the weight of the hard body. It would be interesting to see how the lexan body works. Great job looking forward to your upgrades.
Appreciate the comment. The kit has some very good points and flaws as well. We're just really surprised that no one talks about the serious drivetrain issues. Insight and honesty helps the consumer here. And perhaps it will motivate the manufacturer to fix these issues.
Nice Pig in the background at 3:40. Truck seems pretty good except for the drivetrain issues, kind of a non-starter there. If they can get that resolved along with being lowered and play with the spring rates and shock oil it could be a good runner Would certainly benefit from weight up front.
Excellent review. Are you planning on updating us in the near future as to how you repaired, replaced or revised the drivetrain? The value of your reviews is far above similar themed channels in that it never feels like you’re schilling for the vendor, and always contain informative info and solutions to problems. Thanks.
Yes!!! One more video to try and address these issues. We are very enthusiastic about the hobby but want to deliver clear insight on what's good and what's not. It's pretty unfortunate that many don't want to mention a single 'con' or 'negative' about certain brands. That doesn't develop trust and doesn't help anyone. Thank you for your support. Spread the word.
Outstanding review and excellent video as usually RC Review. I anxiously await your video about whatever you do to fix the slop in the drive train and delicate transmission gear issues. I still want to get one of these, but I want it done right the first time. Thanks You! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Another great video, the filming and driving was great as was your commentary. The gears inside the transmission are very thin, they look like they would be more at home in a clock motor. The Ebay GRU / planetary transmission is far more stout and not expensive. I run it in several of my trucks with no problems, and might be a suitable replacement for the Cross unit. In any case, big thumbs up.
Exactly!!! It's all about addressing these bugs. It's a Chinese company though and they seem to have just a small distributor here and in Australia so the communication and feedback lines are very mysterious and hidden.
I have the Sg4 and the Sp4. I like mine. The Sg4 needs the shock relocation mount. They fix it on the Sp4. And need to check the shims in the drive tran to help with some of the free play.
@@RCReviewChannel Helps just a little but. Most of the slope is in the transfer case. Still trying work out a solution for that. I do think that they're a great trucks just some bugs to work out. Just like my sawback by gmade.
Another great review. I actually considered this back in January, but your review on the Gen8 changed that, lol. Seriously though, back then I couldn’t find enough information to make an educated decision, my LHS was pushing it hard on me. Love the details and everything you get but would have been extremely disappointed in the performance and drivetrain. Finally know now what I need to all along. I’ll pass on this one until some bugs are worked out, oh and btw it was the servo on axel that killed it for me. Had there been a chassis mounted one I might have taken the chance.
Great review thanks for showing us. Cross RC need to redesign that gearbox. I wish it had better dtivetrain and transmission because I really like the look.
Yeah we try to provide a balanced and fair data with pros and cons. That way the buyer knows what they're getting in to. Upgrades and personalizations are part of the hobby. We will try to solve this in the next video, if possible.
I like watching your honest reviews on the latest RC vehicles. I can't wait for your review the new Element when it is released next month. Will you be doing any future reviews of RC4WD vehicles such as the Trailfinder 2 or the Gelande?
Yeah, we have the Element on order and can't wait! We want to review the latest RC4WD vehicles but they are just SO expensive to buy and we have to purchase all our test vehicles.
Thank you. We think it's ok to talk about upsides and downsides of vehicle to deliver insight. That way, the buyer can decide what to do with their precious funds.
My Cross pg4l dually has a 11/2 2inch play also before catching gears. I really like it though tons of power and torque with a hobbywing xerun axe. It pulls my fully weighted scx10.11 without a problem. I wouldn't recommend the Cross sound system, there's a lot better ones out there for less than $90.
Maybe they should have spent more time in developing the drive train.....At 450.00 dollars you would have to spend 150.00 to 200.00 to correct issues with it...people will buy it because of the scale look...
No they didn't at first. That's why it disintegrated. Then they have the nerve to blame the truck. Is it the trucks fault if you don't shim it or do it poorly and the truck gets destroyed, hell no! It's 100% your own fault. It's not like it's a secret like with axial and their kit tranny shim you are supposed to just know to use when the manual doesn't say a word. They literally tell you to shim the truck and include the shims.
At first test, we did not shim. There were no shims included and no instructions to do so. Besides, expecting a user to fix a $500 truck out of the box is less than ideal. After some use, we shimmed and it helped a little bit to fix the play on the drivetrain. As far as the weak transmission with no clutch, the shims don't help this at all.
>> No they didn't at first. That's why it disintegrated. The $500 vehicle broke because the transmission is so tiny and unprotected by a clutch. The shims don't address this but rather axle play. Blaming the customer for a $500 vehicle that needs fixing out of the box does not make any sense.
I wish this had come out before I bought one last October. I do like it but for the amount it cost I wouldn't do it again. The slop in the drivetrain is really bad. I just broke the short side front axle shaft too and there are no upgrades for it just a direct replacement
Interesting. The rear cage is tough. And since it's a hardbody, it would be a crime to drill holes for body posts. Oh hand the floor pan is deep, very deep.
That's the problem with YT. A verdict is given when the viewer has no idea how well the truck has been put together. I've seen one guy announce that his truck kit had faulty electrics and was therefore crap. It wasn't the electrics it was clearly his complete non-understanding of how electronics work, yet he was slating the product rather than his own ineptitude.
yeah, all our crawlers on the channel go through this repeatable test course. Here is a good one, the dominator. th-cam.com/video/IYYeajpCig4/w-d-xo.html
The Transmission pinion gear has too be set at 17mm, from the back of the motor to the front of the pinion gear Can not be less or more then that. That what cause all that grinding... For better details, go to SKIPPY 7399 ON TH-cam THEY HAVE VIDEO ON THIS ISSUE
I'm sorry but the demon body is not 1000 grams. 1000 grams is about 2.18 lbs and that body does not weight that much. Can you please post an accurate measurement as to not confuse people!
@@RCReviewChannel thank you. I suppose I didn't factor in the bed when doing my estimation. I greatly appreciate your quick response 👍 Also want to apologize for my original comment as it has an abrasive tone. That was not my intention.
These are not comp style trucks and you cant compair them to anything with portal axels . Also many rigs will never make it up or down a 80 + degree rock wall .... I own several Cross trucks and they perform very well ! As far as price point goes you cant beat the price for what you get in any of there kits . Total all up grades and compare them to one without any up grades and you will see that they are worth the money !
I own several crawlers, Axials, MST, TRX etc and any of them could struggle on those rocks. I go crawling every weekend and go to national events, and simply driving 5mm one way or the other can make all of the difference between success and failure. Even two identical trucks might see one get up and the other fail. I see every crawler on the market, all sorts of mods, and the perfect crawler does not exist. In reality I prefer the Axial to the modified TRX as it is more difficult, and therefore more fun, to crawl with. If a truck is too easy it takes all of the fun out of it.
450USD for a Crawler without portal axles is just waste of money in MY OPINION. I liked this review. But sometimes you don't test the crawlers as they come. For example you change tires. And tires makes so much of difference. When you test something make sure test it as they come in the box. Thank you.
Well that settles it, I love the body and flat bed, but the drivetrain just leaves to much on the table. Think I’ll get a Marlin Crawler instead. Thanks for saving me some coin!👍🏼
Thank you. We're getting one of those soon.
RC Review looking forward to the review.👍🏼
@@dezfan did you get the marlin crawler and was it worth it .. I went with the cross demon
@@PopcornH3 I ended up with the Marlin Crawler. Did the mods SBG shows on his vids and added the A&M Garage flat skid and front hanger stretch. Crawls like a Goat and the stock Marlin tires are excellent.
That is why your reviews are awesome.... you are honest 👍👍
I enjoy hearing your opinions and I have noticed that you seem to see details and flaws that others either miss or intentionally omit. Nice work laying out the good and bad of this vehicle, but one thing is bugging me; this isn't really a rock crawler. It's more of a scale trail truck, regardless of the way it looks. If you had reviewed it and driven it as I think it was intended to be used, I think the performance would have been at least adequate for the task. Crossrc makes scale trucks with scale realism, and are not really intended to be driven on terrain that is beyond realistic compared with what a 1:1 truck could do. We have all been spoiled by Axial and Traxxas and forget that a rolling model like this is more closely related to a Tamiya kit than the super performers we consider the norm. Keep up the good work!
Thank you for your feedback. Yes, they do have the military vehicles. We won't beat those up. :)
This one has a hardbody and it does very well even with that. We just want to identify the issues and ways to address them. Cross RC has many trail crawlers now and this is representative of that fleet. They have a new RTR now and they all compete with the TRX4s, Axials and Redcat.
It's got potential for sure. Just a couple bugs they should address and it will be a contender.
Awesome review, so for $450.00 you have one of the best looking scale trail trucks. I am not sure even with fixing the drive train and the rear shock mod you can over come the weight of the hard body. It would be interesting to see how the lexan body works. Great job looking forward to your upgrades.
Thank you.
Excellent review. Scale versus performance is where it lies with this rig.
Exactly. Someone who wants scale and light crawling use may be quite happy with this.
Thank you for the honesty! Well done sir.
Appreciate the comment. The kit has some very good points and flaws as well. We're just really surprised that no one talks about the serious drivetrain issues. Insight and honesty helps the consumer here. And perhaps it will motivate the manufacturer to fix these issues.
Nice Pig in the background at 3:40.
Truck seems pretty good except for the drivetrain issues, kind of a non-starter there. If they can get that resolved along with being lowered and play with the spring rates and shock oil it could be a good runner Would certainly benefit from weight up front.
Excellent review. Are you planning on updating us in the near future as to how you repaired, replaced or revised the drivetrain? The value of your reviews is far above similar themed channels in that it never feels like you’re schilling for the vendor, and always contain informative info and solutions to problems. Thanks.
Yes!!! One more video to try and address these issues.
We are very enthusiastic about the hobby but want to deliver clear insight on what's good and what's not. It's pretty unfortunate that many don't want to mention a single 'con' or 'negative' about certain brands. That doesn't develop trust and doesn't help anyone.
Thank you for your support. Spread the word.
Outstanding review and excellent video as usually RC Review. I anxiously await your video about whatever you do to fix the slop in the drive train and delicate transmission gear issues. I still want to get one of these, but I want it done right the first time. Thanks You! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Another great video, the filming and driving was great as was your commentary. The gears inside the transmission are very thin, they look like they would be more at home in a clock motor. The Ebay GRU / planetary transmission is far more stout and not expensive. I run it in several of my trucks with no problems, and might be a suitable replacement for the Cross unit. In any case, big thumbs up.
It looks like clock gears! We'll open and fix and try to upgrade and shoot one more video addressing all the issues.
Man I'm glad I watched this review thanks guys 👍Awesome job!!! G Made Bom next?
Great review👍👍 Totally agree great lookers but there are some performance enhancements needed. Hopefully they address in the Gen2's.
Exactly!!! It's all about addressing these bugs. It's a Chinese company though and they seem to have just a small distributor here and in Australia so the communication and feedback lines are very mysterious and hidden.
I have the Sg4 and the Sp4. I like mine. The Sg4 needs the shock relocation mount. They fix it on the Sp4. And need to check the shims in the drive tran to help with some of the free play.
Thank you!!!! How much do the shims help? Does it cut the slop in half or more than that? Thinking if it's worth doing or not.
@@RCReviewChannel Helps just a little but. Most of the slope is in the transfer case. Still trying work out a solution for that. I do think that they're a great trucks just some bugs to work out. Just like my sawback by gmade.
Where do you get shock relocation mount??
@@hrod84 I got them from crossrcus.com. They were $10 plus shipping. They make a big difference. Thanks for watching
Boom racing chassis next if you can would be nice. Keep up the good work.
Another great review. I actually considered this back in January, but your review on the Gen8 changed that, lol. Seriously though, back then I couldn’t find enough information to make an educated decision, my LHS was pushing it hard on me. Love the details and everything you get but would have been extremely disappointed in the performance and drivetrain. Finally know now what I need to all along. I’ll pass on this one until some bugs are worked out, oh and btw it was the servo on axel that killed it for me. Had there been a chassis mounted one I might have taken the chance.
yeah, we learn with every outing and every crawler we try so we try to share as much insight as we can.
Always an hounest review. ..thanks for sharing...
Thank you. It's surprising to us no one has mentioned these issues on youtube or internet content in the past.
Great review thanks for showing us. Cross RC need to redesign that gearbox. I wish it had better dtivetrain and transmission because I really like the look.
Yeah we try to provide a balanced and fair data with pros and cons. That way the buyer knows what they're getting in to. Upgrades and personalizations are part of the hobby. We will try to solve this in the next video, if possible.
I like watching your honest reviews on the latest RC vehicles. I can't wait for your review the new Element when it is released next month. Will you be doing any future reviews of RC4WD vehicles such as the Trailfinder 2 or the Gelande?
Yeah, we have the Element on order and can't wait!
We want to review the latest RC4WD vehicles but they are just SO expensive to buy and we have to purchase all our test vehicles.
@rc review did you shim the diffs like the instructions said to?
Really good review as always. I just picked up the C model, we'll see how she goes.
Drivers got a heavy hand. Mine is going on 4 years climbing the Sierra's 🤷🏻♂️
Great series btw. I was looking to buy an cross rc but now idont know for sure. Have 3 trx4. And I love them!!
We have 4 TRX4's. Kinda spoiled us in terms of design, quality and attention to detail.
Amaizing review as always. Thanks.
Thank you. We think it's ok to talk about upsides and downsides of vehicle to deliver insight. That way, the buyer can decide what to do with their precious funds.
Wow i just bought a hammer jaw,and retro fitting wraith axles,1080 esc (hobby wing-),slipper cluch, wheels and tires, i got like 250.00 or less total.
Awesome review bro,,like Always,,a full watch 👍🤙
Full pull. We can't even do that. :)
Yep, the gearbox seems a bit weak. The replacement is only $12 but a stronger upgrade seems appropriate
My Cross pg4l dually has a 11/2 2inch play also before catching gears. I really like it though tons of power and torque with a hobbywing xerun axe. It pulls my fully weighted scx10.11 without a problem. I wouldn't recommend the Cross sound system, there's a lot better ones out there for less than $90.
Appreciate the share
Good review. I saw this truck at a hobby shop in Mesa, Az. Look great, but the issues? I may stick with my SCX10.
Yup. We're trying to get the honest insight out there to allow rc'ers to purchase the vest vehicle for them.
Good Crawler Cross RC
Thanks for sharing this review sir. Im planning to buy my first crawler. I think im gonna get the trx defender. Subscribed 😉
It needs at least a sway bar. A more stiff rear set up is key for climbing
I watched all 3 videos, awesome review.
Thank you. We learned a lot to doing it.
Maybe they should have spent more time in developing the drive train.....At 450.00 dollars you would have to spend 150.00 to 200.00 to correct issues with it...people will buy it because of the scale look...
very much agreed
Did you shim the differential with little thin watcher's. They come fully build but they want you too do this anyway
No they didn't at first. That's why it disintegrated. Then they have the nerve to blame the truck. Is it the trucks fault if you don't shim it or do it poorly and the truck gets destroyed, hell no! It's 100% your own fault. It's not like it's a secret like with axial and their kit tranny shim you are supposed to just know to use when the manual doesn't say a word. They literally tell you to shim the truck and include the shims.
At first test, we did not shim. There were no shims included and no instructions to do so. Besides, expecting a user to fix a $500 truck out of the box is less than ideal.
After some use, we shimmed and it helped a little bit to fix the play on the drivetrain.
As far as the weak transmission with no clutch, the shims don't help this at all.
>> No they didn't at first. That's why it disintegrated.
The $500 vehicle broke because the transmission is so tiny and unprotected by a clutch. The shims don't address this but rather axle play.
Blaming the customer for a $500 vehicle that needs fixing out of the box does not make any sense.
I like your videos keep up good work!
At 3:40 is that a FJ55 "Iron Pig" in the background.
In its an RC channel but that would be a kool review too!
Yeah!! It stopped us in our tracks as we talked to the owner for a good 30 minutes. Fascinating vehicle. Massive and full of character.
i almost bought this truck ,thanks for saving my cash
Yeah, good to know what we're getting into. There was a black hole of information on this.
Great honest review. Lowering the ride height helps a lot solve the bad. You may want to checkout my SG4. Thanks. Subscribed. 👍
I wish this had come out before I bought one last October. I do like it but for the amount it cost I wouldn't do it again. The slop in the drivetrain is really bad. I just broke the short side front axle shaft too and there are no upgrades for it just a direct replacement
mine did this i bought this upgrade www.rccaraction.com/mip-r-cvd-kit-cross-rc-demon/
Appreciate the feedback very much.
Should i buy this one or spend my money to upgrade another trx4 of mine?
TRX-4. This is only good if you must try a hardbody and want a 'project'.
@@RCReviewChannel I want to sell my sg4 and get a axial umg. or should I get a trx4 and mod it into an umg?
I think putting the body on a TRX-4 would be great to see.
Interesting. The rear cage is tough. And since it's a hardbody, it would be a crime to drill holes for body posts. Oh hand the floor pan is deep, very deep.
You need to shim the differentials. They aren't shimmed stock.
That's the problem with YT. A verdict is given when the viewer has no idea how well the truck has been put together. I've seen one guy announce that his truck kit had faulty electrics and was therefore crap. It wasn't the electrics it was clearly his complete non-understanding of how electronics work, yet he was slating the product rather than his own ineptitude.
great video!!!
We tried to deliver insight.
Like you reviews👏👏👏. You sound like professor from Great RC University👍-up and sub... 👌
Thank you. We try to learn everyday and share that info with everyone.
... did any of your crawlers made it through that rock wall?
they have videos of some crawler making it, like the trx4 sport and the gen 8 proyect 1
yeah, all our crawlers on the channel go through this repeatable test course. Here is a good one, the dominator.
th-cam.com/video/IYYeajpCig4/w-d-xo.html
The Transmission pinion gear has too be set at 17mm, from the back of the motor to the front of the pinion gear Can not be less or more then that. That what cause all that grinding... For better details, go to SKIPPY 7399 ON TH-cam THEY HAVE VIDEO ON THIS ISSUE
good stuff 👍👍
Thanks-saved me a headache!
Yup, we're selling this. Every time we take it out, it breaks.
I'm sorry but the demon body is not 1000 grams. 1000 grams is about 2.18 lbs and that body does not weight that much. Can you please post an accurate measurement as to not confuse people!
980 grams for that body, interior and rear flatbed.
@@RCReviewChannel thank you. I suppose I didn't factor in the bed when doing my estimation. I greatly appreciate your quick response 👍
Also want to apologize for my original comment as it has an abrasive tone. That was not my intention.
These are not comp style trucks and you cant compair them to anything with portal axels . Also many rigs will never make it up or down a 80 + degree rock wall .... I own several Cross trucks and they perform very well ! As far as price point goes you cant beat the price for what you get in any of there kits . Total all up grades and compare them to one without any up grades and you will see that they are worth the money !
I own several crawlers, Axials, MST, TRX etc and any of them could struggle on those rocks. I go crawling every weekend and go to national events, and simply driving 5mm one way or the other can make all of the difference between success and failure. Even two identical trucks might see one get up and the other fail. I see every crawler on the market, all sorts of mods, and the perfect crawler does not exist. In reality I prefer the Axial to the modified TRX as it is more difficult, and therefore more fun, to crawl with. If a truck is too easy it takes all of the fun out of it.
everything breaks with a 6.2 v8 22re sticker and all would be fine
450USD for a Crawler without portal axles is just waste of money in MY OPINION. I liked this review. But sometimes you don't test the crawlers as they come. For example you change tires. And tires makes so much of difference. When you test something make sure test it as they come in the box. Thank you.
Thank you. We try to deliver as much honest insight as possible.
True but if tires make it the beast it needs to be then go hlahead n do tire
Its garbage. Owned one. Save your money, go redcat gen8v2, axial honcho, trx sport.