Written by JAY SMITH Take the path less traveled As seen in the Fall 2020 issue of Park Pilot
SPECIFICATIONS:
Completion level: RTR
Ball bearings: Full set
Body: Polycarbonate
Brakes: Integral with ESC
Bushing material: Metal
Chassis: Adjustable steel C-channel
Differential: Locked
Drivetrain: 4WD
Ground clearance: 3 inches
Product height: 9.5 inches
Product length: 19.125 inches
Product weight: 6.5 pounds
Product width: 9.25 inches
Radio: 2.4 GHz Spektrum DX3 with DSMR technology
Scale: 1/10
Servos: Metal gear; 15-kg high-torque waterproof steering servo
Shock type: Oil-filled coilover
Suspension: Multilink solid axle
Tire tread: Nitto Trail Grappler M/T
Track front and rear: 8.9 inches
Water resistant: Yes
Wheelbase: 12.3 inches
Wheel hex size: 12 mm
Wheel type: Three-piece beadlock; injection molded
Wheel width: 1 inch
Price: $499.99
Info: horizonhobby.com
Features:
>> Replica V8 engine, transmission housing, and transfer case cover to protect the motor while improving scale appearance
>> Dig function lets you lock the rear axle from the transmitter for front-wheel drive and a tighter turning radius
>> Spektrum DX3 2.4 GHz DSMR radio offers superior range, response, and interference resistance and is Smart technology compatible
>> High-quality Spektrum Firma Smart 40-amp ESC/receiver provides the innovative telemetry capabilities of exclusive Spektrum Smart technology
>> Accepts both standard and small LiPo batteries
>> Fully rebuildable, oil-filled shocks include clear, anodized, threaded shock bodies, coilover springs, and an emulsion-style cap with screw for easier rebuilds
The Axial SCX10 III Jeep made several runs through the rock pile and only found itself stuck once. Jay was impressed by how well it was able to traverse the obstacles it encountered.
>> My previous experience with RC off-road vehicles was focused squarely on the “basher” type, where the goal was to drive fast and jump high. The name “basher” comes from basically beating up the vehicle with the ultimate goal of having fun and perfecting some enjoyable stunts. The Axial SCX10 III is quite a departure from that with a top speed of a brisk walk. So how much fun could it be? A lot! Read on to find out more.
This vehicle is more about the road, path, rock bed, or shallow stream less traveled. It can navigate obstacles that would stop my other trucks dead in their tracks and looks cool doing so. It is also capable of satisfying the trail truck mojo as you drive over natural or artificial obstacles.
It does a great job of providing a fun driving experience in smaller spaces, as long as you have obstacles for it to conquer.
The 1/10-scale, RTR (ready-to-run) Axial SCX10 III Jeep JLU Wrangler 4WD is a continuation of the SCX10 line that incorporates key components that have made SCX10 vehicles successful. The SCX10 III increases chassis realism with details that include a replica V8 engine cover to house the installed brushed motor. It’s mated to a realistic transmission housing and transfer case similar to a 1:1 vehicle. The RTR Axial also comes complete with a Spektrum DX3 three-channel 2.4 GHz DSMR transmitter and Firma 40-amp ESC/receiver.
The SCX10 III is available in two body colors: orange and gray. I opted for the orange because I felt it would better stand out in photos.
When I unboxed the Jeep, I was impressed. I immediately noticed the lack of body mounts and body pins that retain the body. On the SCX10 Jeep, the four body mounts are actually located on the underside of the body, pass through the frame, and are hidden.
Although it takes a few more seconds to access the body pins, I think it is worth it for the improved scalelike looks of the Jeep. Headlights and taillights are also included and show up fairly well, even in bright outdoor conditions.
To up the scale ante, the Jeep also includes inner fenders and floor sides to hide internal components. The licensed KMC Machete three-piece beadlock wheels and licensed Nitto Trail Grappler tires help this Jeep look the part. If you ever need to remove your wheels or tires, a cross wrench is included.
The Jeep has two battery-mounting locations. Jay Smith used the rear mount, while the side rail (right side in photo) supports running a smaller pack. The Smart Battery Level Indicator lights up and is located on the top of the transmitter to let you monitor the vehicle’s remaining battery life if you are using a Smart battery.
Also included as part of the Jeep body is a driver figure that comes wearing a cowboy hat; however, if that is not the look you are going for, Axial has also included a ball cap, so you can help your driver look the part.
The chassis has two battery-mounting locations. The rear tray accepts full-size, “standard” LiPo or NiMH batteries, while the side rail supports running a smaller pack. Both trays are adjustable, and the rear tray had no problem accommodating the 2S 4,000 mAh Smart battery that I used.
If you use Spektrum Smart batteries, you will also benefit from the Smart Battery Level Indicator located on the top of the transmitter that lets you know how much battery life you have remaining. This is helpful and will keep drivers from having to retrieve their Jeeps when the battery runs down. Four AA batteries are included to power the transmitter.
The Jeep is easy to drive—so much so that I took a “newbie” driver with me, handed over the transmitter, and she was driving over dirt mounds, rocks, and through tall grass within a minute or two of getting behind the wheel.
The transmitter also has an “arm” connected to the back of the steering wheel that allows you to drive the Jeep with one hand. I tested it and found it worked well; however, when taking on obstacles that required climbing, I preferred the precision of using both hands with the transmitter.
The Jeep has a Dig transmission that allows the rear axle to lock while still allowing the front wheels to spin. Use this feature in close quarters to turn the vehicle tighter than what is possible with normal four-wheel drive or to preload the suspension when needed. Simply press and hold the button on the front of the transmitter with your thumb for as long as you want to lock the rear axle. The button’s location is convenient and easy to access.
I’ve taken the Axial SCX10 III Jeep to locations where it has faced rock piles, dirt mounds, steep hills, and rough sand. It tackled each of them and was stuck only once in a rock bed. The portal axles provide additional ground clearance. Along with four-wheel drive, torque, and the Dig feature, they allow the Jeep to crush obstacles that would halt every other RC ground vehicle that I own.
The Axial SCX10 III Jeep doesn’t require a flashy top speed or lengthy airtime jumps to provide an enjoyable off-road experience. It challenges you to use finesse versus speed as it continually shows you what it is capable of. It will also allow a lot of driving time before it’s time to recharge the battery.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got more rocks to crush!
The Jeep comes with working headlights and taillights installed. This adds to its scalelike appeal and they can be seen even during daylight hours.
