New Redcat Racing Ascent-18 Brushless Rock Crawler

Press Release From Redcat Racing:
www.redcatracing.com

The Redcat Ascent-18, 1:18 scale crawler, is now available in a ready-to-run brushless version. Featuring a 3450kv brushless motor and a 3-channel brushless ESC, this crawler delivers impressive performance. Whether you're seeking a relaxed adventure or a challenging obstacle, the Ascent-18 Brushless is ready for it all. The RTR brushless version comes with a 2.4GHz radio, high-quality electronics, battery, and charger.

The 1:18 scale crawler market has surged in popularity, and for good reason. These compact rock crawlers offer the thrill of navigating tough terrains, allowing hobbyists to enjoy obstacle courses anywhere—even in the comfort of their own homes. The brushless Ascent-18 is a specialized vehicle built with precision and high-quality parts, offered at an affordable price. The Ascent-18 brings the same level of quality, performance, and affordability found in Redcat’s 1:10 scale crawlers to the 1:18 scale market. Though small enough to fit in your hand, this crawler is highly capable and features high-end specs typically found in larger-scale competitive models.

The brushless Ascent-18 is equipped with a range of high-performance features that make it a standout in the 1:18 scale crawler market. Notable components include ball bearings, hex drive hardware, aluminum capped oil-filled shocks, optional underdrive gearing, portal axles with metal portal gears and metal ring-and-pinion gears, machined aluminum spools, aluminum chassis rails, 7mm wheel hexes, and an impressive steering angle.

Redcat has redesigned the front axle housing, front portal, steering links, and added front portal universal shafts to give this mini crawler more steering than its predecessors. Redcat calls this new front end  “HIGH STEER” or HS for short. The name says it all and this new setup provides increased steering and more ground clearance at the C-Hub.

The electronics package included with the Ascent-18 Brushless is just as impressive with a powerful 3450kv brushless motor, a precision 4kg coreless metal-geared micro steering servo, a 750mAh 2S rechargeable LiPo battery pack, and a Redcat 2.4GHz three-channel radio system.

Powerful Brushless Motor: The included 3450kv brushless motor provides ample torque for this compact crawler and produces impressive wheel speed to tackle obstacles that would challenge brushed crawlers. Additionally, there are numerous motors available that fit seamlessly into this powerhouse. The efficiency of the brushless motor also extends run times on a single charge.

Precision Metal-Geared Micro Servo: The included Hexfly HX-M4K 4kg coreless metal gear micro servo may be small, but it delivers impressive power. Typically found in upgraded vehicles, Redcat includes this high-performance servo in the RTR brushless Ascent-18, making it a notable feature.

Aluminum-Capped Oil-Filled Shocks: The smooth action of the aluminum-capped oil-filled shocks ensures consistent performance on every trail. These shocks can be tuned with different weight shock oil and springs to suit various terrains and driving styles.

Ball Bearings: The brushless Ascent-18 is equipped with ball bearings instead of bushings throughout the vehicle, ensuring smooth operation, longevity, and improved efficiency. This not only sets it apart in the 1:18 scale crawler market but also contributes to longer run times on a single charge. 

Hex Hardware: Redcat uses high-quality hex hardware for enhanced durability and easy routine maintenance.

HS High Steer Geometry: Designed to be the best-performing 1:18 scale crawler, the Ascent-18 features an even more impressive steering angle than its originally released brushed version. The High Steer geometry also provides a higher ground clearance at the C-Hub.

Aluminum Chassis Rails: The 2mm flat rail aluminum chassis strikes the perfect balance between strength and performance. Its lightweight design helps the Ascent-18 glide over obstacles while providing a rigid backbone for stable handling.

Portal Axles: The Ascent-18 features portal axles, which provide increased ground clearance and reduced torque-twist. The metal portal gears, ring gears, and pinion gears ensure smooth operation and long-lasting performance.

Machined Aluminum Spools: The machined aluminum spools ensure constant traction to all four tires. If one wheel lifts off the ground, the other three continue to power the crawler through obstacles.

7mm Wheel Hexes: The 7mm wheel hexes give drivers the flexibility to choose from a wide variety of popular wheels and tires. While the Ascent-18 performs exceptionally well with the stock wheel/tire combo, this feature adds to its customization potential. As an added feature, the brushless Ascent-18 uses a new tire compound for better traction and stability, adding to the performance of this already impressive 1:18 scale platform.

Metal Gears: The brushless Ascent-18 is equipped with metal gears, ensuring superior durability and offering a higher gear reduction in the transmission compared to the brushed version. Paired with the 3450kv brushless motor, this setup strikes the perfect balance of power and speed, delivering the ultimate crawling experience.

Front Tilt Body: The front tilt body mounting system not only simplifies maintenance but also enhances the crawler's aesthetic appeal. The quarter-turn locking mechanism eliminates the need for body clips, making it easy to remove and replace the body.

2.4GHz Radio System: The high-quality 2.4GHz radio system provides dual rates, channel reversing, and trims for precise control. With the receiver and ESC integrated into a single compact unit, weight is minimized, and valuable chassis space is maximized. This design allows for flexible weight distribution by enabling adjustments to the electronic layout.

Ready-to-Run (RTR): The brushless Ascent-18 comes fully assembled and Ready-to-Run, with all electronics, a 750mAh 2S LiPo battery, charger, and radio included. The only thing you'll need to provide is four AA batteries for the transmitter.