New Redcat Racing Ascent-18 Scout II Brushless Rock Crawler

Press Release From Redcat Racing:
www.redcatracing.com

Redcat has released the incredible little Ascent-18 Scout II, 1:18 scale crawler, in a ready-to-run brushless version. Powered by a 3450kv 1212-size brushless motor and a 3-channel brushless ESC, this crawler offers exceptional performance. Whether you're after a leisurely ride or tackling tough obstacles, the Ascent-18 Scout II Brushless is up to the task. The RTR brushless edition includes a 2.4GHz radio, premium electronics, along with a battery and charger.

The 1:18 scale crawler segment has gained significant traction, and it’s easy to see why. These mini rock crawlers provide the excitement of conquering tough terrains, allowing enthusiasts to tackle obstacle courses anywhere—even within the comfort of their homes. The brushless Ascent-18 Scout II is a finely crafted vehicle, made with precision, using top-notch components, all while maintaining an affordable price point. Bringing the same level of performance, quality, and value that Redcat’s 1:10 scale crawlers are known for, the Ascent-18 Scout II delivers large-scale performance, in a small package. Despite its compact size, this crawler boasts premium features typically found in larger, more expensive models.

The brushless Ascent-18 Scout II stands out in the 1:18 scale crawler market with its impressive array of high-performance features. It comes equipped with ball bearings, hex drive hardware, aluminum-capped oil-filled shocks, and optional underdrive gearing for the transmission. Additionally, the Ascent-18 Scout II boasts portal axles with metal portal gears and metal ring-and-pinion gears, machined aluminum spools, durable aluminum chassis rails, 7mm wheel hexes, and a remarkable steering angle. 

Redcat has redesigned the front axle housing, front portal inner portal box, suspension 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 sure provides a lot of steering. Tight radius’? Yes, please!

The electronics package that comes with the Ascent-18 Scout II is equally remarkable, featuring a powerful 1212 size 3450kv brushless motor, a high-precision 4kg coreless metal-geared micro servo, a 750mAh 2S LiPo battery, and a Redcat 2.4GHz three-channel radio system. It also includes LED headlights and taillights, adding an extra level of realism and functionality.

Powerful Brushless Motor: The Ascent-18 Scout II features a 1212 size 3450kv brushless motor that delivers impressive torque for this compact crawler, providing excellent wheel speed to conquer obstacles that would challenge brushed crawlers. Plus, there are various motors available that fit seamlessly into this setup. The brushless motor’s efficiency also helps extend run times on a single charge.

Precision Metal-Geared Micro Servo: Despite its compact size, the Hexfly HX-M4K 4kg coreless metal gear micro servo included in the Ascent-18 Scout II packs impressive power. Often found in upgraded vehicles, this high-performance servo makes the Ascent-18 Scout II a standout in the RTR category.

Aluminum-Capped Oil-Filled Shocks: The Ascent-18 Scout II is equipped with aluminum-capped oil-filled shocks that provide smooth, consistent performance across various terrains. These shocks can be tuned with different oil weights and springs to adapt to your driving style and the obstacles you encounter.

Ball Bearings: The brushless Ascent-18 Scout II 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 maintenance, ensuring the Ascent-18 Scout II can withstand tough conditions.

Impressive Steering Angle: The Ascent-18 Scout II Brushless boasts a newly designed “High Steer” steering angle, allowing it to easily maneuver tight spots and conquer tricky obstacles, making it a top performer in the 1:18 scale crawler category.

Newly Designed Outer Portal Assembly: The newly designed C-Hub and inner portal box provides more ground clearance on the outer front axle.

Aluminum Chassis Rails: The 2mm flat rail aluminum chassis offers a perfect mix of strength and performance. Its lightweight build allows the Ascent-18 Scout II to glide over obstacles while providing a solid foundation for stability and handling.

Portal Axles: Featuring portal axles, the Ascent-18 Scout II gains increased ground clearance and reduced torque twist, all while ensuring smooth, reliable performance with metal portal gears, ring gears, and pinion gears.

Machined Aluminum Spools: The machined aluminum spools maintain traction on all four tires. When one tire lifts off the ground, the other three continue powering through obstacles, keeping the crawler moving.

Metal Gears: The brushless Ascent-18 Scout II 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.

7mm Wheel Hexes: The Ascent-18 Scout II's 7mm wheel hexes offer flexibility in wheel and tire customization, providing the option to switch to a wide variety of popular tires and wheels. While the stock setup performs excellently, this feature opens up further customization opportunities.

Front Tilt Body: The front tilt body mounting system simplifies maintenance and adds to the aesthetic appeal of the Ascent-18 Scout II. The quarter-turn locking mechanism eliminates the need for body clips, making it easier to remove and replace the body. The International Scout II body has been meticulously recreated in this little crawler, making it one of the best looking mini crawlers on the market today. The preinstalled LED lighting system adds to the realism and driving experience of the amazing little crawler.

2.4GHz Radio System: With a high-quality 2.4GHz radio system offering dual rates, servo reversing, steering trims, and throttle trims, it’s easy to set up your brushless Ascent-18 Scout II for precision control. The integrated receiver and ESC reduce weight and maximize available chassis space, allowing for more flexible weight distribution.

Ready-to-Run (RTR): The brushless Ascent-18 Scout II comes fully assembled and ready to run, complete with all electronics, a 750mAh 2S LiPo battery, charger, and radio. You only need to provide four AA batteries for the transmitter to get started.

Parts Compatibility: Many components of the brushless Ascent-18 Scout II are shared with the brushed Ascent-18 Scout II, brushed Ascent-18, brushless Ascent-18, and MT-18 monster truck. This compatibility makes finding parts and upgrades simple, allowing straightforward swaps when multiple vehicles are owned.

Available Hop-Up Parts: Redcat provides an impressive selection of high-quality hop-up parts for the brushless Ascent-18 Scout II, allowing enthusiasts to start customizing right away. These performance upgrades include both brass and aluminum options, with most aluminum parts available in red or bronze for added personalization. Brass is heavier than aluminum, so you can strategically add weight where needed while improving strength without unnecessary bulk. This feature is especially beneficial for those planning to compete with their compact crawler. In addition to enhancing performance, these parts also boast a brilliant finish that looks visually striking.

Available brass performance hop up parts include:  Outer portal axle box cover, servo mounting bracket, diff covers, front links, rear links, steering link, center skid plate, and wheel hexes.

Available aluminum performance hop up parts include: Servo mounting bracket, diff covers, front links, rear links, steering link, shock bodies, center skid plate, and servo horn.

Available steel performance hop up parts include: Steel transmission gear set and an overdrive/underdrive portal gear set (Front overdrive = 11.3%, Rear underdrive = 11.7%, Total underdrive/overdrive = 23%)