What is Rock Racing?
Table of Contents
RC Rock Racers take the stage when recreational rock crawling stops and competitive rock crawling begins. Here speed and time matter! Even though rock racers originate from rock crawlers, there is a big difference in design. Rock racing is similar to rock crawling, but rock racers have to power quickly over rocks, with a wider range of obstacles and the drivers compete for the fastest time. Rock racing is more demanding, so a corresponding RC car should be both capable and durable. A unique combination of rock crawlers and desert racers features make rock racers the choice for the experienced enthusiasts or all-terrain speed racing fans.
[best_choice amz_url=” https://www.amazon.com/Losi-Lasernut-Brushless-Included-LOS03028T1/dp/B08FF4V1DZ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=fbffa2dca1c196e59da428489b00818d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=” https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/losilasernut.jpg” best_name=” Losi 2.2 Lasernut U4 RC Rock Racer” sub_ame=”Author’s Choice” best_text=” Nothing compares to driving the newest Losi Lasernut U4 2.2’’ RC Rock Racer on tough terrains. You will be impressed by its versatile capabilities. It can crawl and race over rocks, bashing over many obstacles at the speed exceeding 50 MPH. The Lasernut now isthe only complete Unlimited U4 FIS (Full Independent Suspension) racer on the market. Powerful, durable, waterproof! Highly recommended!”]There are three RC car builders who really specialize in rock racers. They are Axial, Redcat and Losi. Each car has its pros and cons. For some racers it’s simply a matter of personal preferences and habits. We have ridden all of them and here is a list how they rank.
6 Best RC Rock Racers – Overview & Rating
Author's Choice  | 1:10 Losi 2.2 Lasernut U4 RC Rock Racer
| Check Price |
|---|---|---|
People's Choice  | 1:10 Redcat Racing WENDIGO RC Rock Racer
| Check Price |
Premium Choice  | 1:10 Axial RR10 Bomber RC Rock Racer
| Check Price |
Best Budget  | 1:18 Axial Jr. Can-Am Yeti Maverick X3 RC Rock Racer
| Check Price |
Best Large Scale  | 1:6 Losi Super Rock Rey RC Rock Racer
| Check Price |
Best Retro Style  | 1:10 Axial Wraith Spawn RC Rock Racer
| Check Price |
Detailed Overview
Author’s Choice
[prod_block amz_url=” https://www.amazon.com/Losi-Lasernut-Brushless-Included-LOS03028T1/dp/B08FF4V1DZ?&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=fbffa2dca1c196e59da428489b00818d&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=” https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/losilasernut.jpg” prod_name=”1:10 Losi 2.2 Lasernut U4 RC Rock Racer” prod_f1=” Ready to Run. For 14 +” prod_f2=” 4WD, Spektrum Smart 130A Brushless ESC and Spektrum 4-Pole 1900kv 550 motor. Spektrum AVC receiver with steering priority. Waterproof electronics” prod_f3=” Speed: 50+ MPH”]Losi Lasernut 2.2 RC Rock Racer is a 1/10 scale car which proved to be incredibly versatile on many terrains. It can crawl and race over rocks, bashing over many obstacles at the speed exceeding 50 MPH. It features the legendary, high-performance TEN platform with super-tough aluminum chassis and the ability to adjust the Lasernut U4 independent suspension and drivetrain for any terrain. The car has got a Lasernut Licensed race inspired scale U4RC body with wonderful graphics, with two optional colors: black and blue.
The independent suspension really makes the car maneuverable and yet easy to overcome rocks. The roll cage is with a flip up cage for easy access to the battery. You can run your Losi rig at night as well, as its energy consumption efficient LEDs on the integrated light bar provide more than enough light. The racer arrives equipped with a brushless Spektrum 1900kv 550 Motor and a waterproof Spektrum Smart 130A Brushless ESC, sealed and heavy duty metal-gear transmission. Such a solution protects well against the elements and can handle all terrain particles.
Pros:
- Independent front and rear suspension
- Full time 4WD
- Coil-Over Oil Filled Shocks with Pre-Load Adjustment
Cons:
- 4 cell Lipo (not included)
People’s Choice
[prod_block amz_url=” https://www.amazon.com/Redcat-Racing-11813-Clear-Everest/dp/B07W81LDNX?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=eb2f7163bbbf8e96589af07d02b25458&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=” https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/redcat-wendigo.jpg” prod_name=”1:10 Redcat Racing WENDIGO RC Rock Racer” prod_f1=” Ready to Run. For 14 +” prod_f2=” 4WD. Brushless 3300KV 540 Motor. Waterproof Electronics” prod_f3=” Steel frame chassis and oversized suspension components. Speed: 26+ MPH”]Many RC fans know great Radcat crawlers. But rock racers must be faster than typical rock crawlers, therefore the producer has equipped its Wendigo with more powerful Hobbywing 60A brushless ESC and A 3300KV 540 size brushless motor. This allows Radcat Wendigo to reach the speed of more than 25 MPH. This is less than with Losi 2.2 which became our best choice, but still pretty cool in comparison with competitors or RC rock crawlers.
Many scale details and accessories come standard with the Redcat Wendigo to provide the best possible realistic racing body look. In the box you’ll even find a driver and co-pilot with adjustable helmet visors.
Pros:
- Licensed Interco Super Swamper 2.2” tires with aggressive tread design to keeping the tire clean, and side lugs to better grip while squeezing between two large rocks
- Full roll cage and true to scale chassis
- Realistic cockpit
- Independent front & rear suspension
Cons:
- No LED lightning as a standard
Premium Choice
[prod_block amz_url=” https://www.amazon.com/Axial-Bomber-Racer-Savvy-AXI03016T2/dp/B085QL26GP?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=7ab5b03050a0c7c13641bef9ac945eb7&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=”https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/axial-bomber.jpg” prod_name=”1:10 Axial RR10 Bomber RC Rock Racer” prod_f1=” Ready to Run. For 14 +” prod_f2=” 4WD. AXIAL® 35T MOTOR, SPEKTRUM™ S614 METAL Gear Servo, Waterproof” prod_f3=” Falken Wildpeak M/T tires”]Axial RR10 Bomber is a 1:10 scale high-speed radio-controlled off-road vehicle with a rugged chassis, realistic Randy Slawson (Bomber Fabrication owner and two-time King of Hammers rock racing champion) painted body, powerful Axial 35T electric collector motor and 2.4GHz control system.
The model has a waterproof speed regulator Axial AE-5 and a powerful servo steering Tactic TSX45 with metal gearbox. The regulator has a cut-off compartment for LiPo batteries, anti-rollback function “drag brake”, which allows you to keep the model on an inclined surface, even with the brake released. The car is equipped with new electronics from Spektrum™ and Dynamite™ brands. Also, in addition to the Randy Slawson Bomber livery, a second option is available with Savvy Offroad Bomber livery.
The Axial RR10 Bomber racing car has a fully painted realistic body with seats, drivers and dashboard.
Pros:
- Forward-facing light bar with two LEDs and forward-facing rock lights for wheeling after the sun sets. Plus rear-facing red LEDs.
- Easy-access to adjustable battery tray
- Durable Axial full tube chassis
Cons:
- Batteries required
You may also like: Best Axial RC Rock Crawlers
Best Budget
[prod_block amz_url=” https://www.amazon.com/Axial-Can-Am-Maverick-Brushed-AXI90069/dp/B07P6HD68K?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=0c63460e39e4da01d2cf428e09241406&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=”https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/axial-yeti-1.jpg” prod_name=”1:18 Axial Jr. Can-Am Yeti Maverick X3 RC Rock Racer” prod_f1=” Ready to Run. For 15 +” prod_f2=”4WD. AXIAL® 37T 380 waterproof brushed electric motor, Independent Front Suspension. Spektrum 2. 4GHz STX2 Radio System” prod_f3=” Licensed Can-Am Maverick X3 body. All batteries included”]The Axial Jr. Can-Am Yeti Maverick X3 RC Rock Racer is all you dream about, but shrunk down to a compact 1:18 scale size. You got here a licensed Can Am® Maverick body for a fun and easy to drive chassis. Out of the box, this tiny monster is ready to run, with all batteries and charger! What else to dream about for the price? Well, it even has an independent suspension with floating solid rear axle which is standard only for full-size off-road vehicles. Axial carried its advantages over into this RC rock racer. The car has increased clearance and improved stability at high speeds, yet giving smooth rides over virtually any surface.
Its included 380-size 37T motor adds the perfect amount of speed and torque. When that muscle meets the tread of the Maxxis® Bighorn 2.0 radial tires, you’ve got all the traction you need for fast, smooth rides over virtually any surface.
Pros:
- Independent Front Suspension
- The Dynamite 6-Cell NiMH USB battery charger is small, compact, and easy to operate
- Maxxis® Bighorn 2.0 radial tires
- Great for RC beginners
Cons:
- Does not ride good in tall grass (if you need that)
Best Large Scale
[prod_block amz_url=” https://www.amazon.com/Losi-Super-Brushless-Designs-LOS05016T2/dp/B07JNVSTL8?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=59a537c1c5bcbbfb9bf8cb1e36a3c49e&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=”https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/losiSuper-Rock-Rey-1.6.jpg” prod_name=”1:6 Losi Super Rock Rey RC Rock Racer” prod_f1=”Ready to Run. For 14 +” prod_f2=”4WD. DYNAMITE® FUZE™ 1/6 750KV BRUSHLESS MOTOR, DYNAMITE 8S-CAPABLE 160A WATERPROOF ESC, Spektrum AVC technology, Waterproof Electronics. AVC Active Vehicle Control system ” prod_f3=” Speed: 50+ MPH”]Losi Super Rock Rey RC Rock Racer has impressive size, speed, and endurance. If you are looking for winning options, there is nothing easier than racing with 50+ mph speed potential of the Losi Super Rock Rey. It also has a robust chassis and features AVC stability — making it easier to control for drivers at any experience level. Besides, its exceptional scale looks fantastic. Larger wheels and tires increase ground clearance to avoid hang-ups.
Pros:
- LED light bars for evening fun races
- All-metal gear drivetrain to increase durability
- Waterproof electronics withstand racing over wet and muddy tracks
- Bottom-loading battery makes pack changes quick and easy
Cons:
- Sensitive steering design
Best Retro Style
[prod_block amz_url=”https://www.amazon.com/Axial-Wraith-Off-Road-Electric-2-4GHz/dp/B005C3F4L0?&linkCode=ll1&tag=rcanswers-20&linkId=72aa9bdccb58b9471c0db6d93c378797&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl” img_url=”https://rcanswers.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/axial-wraith.jpg” prod_name=”1:10 Axial Wraith Spawn RC Rock Racer” prod_f1=” Ready to Run. For 15 +” prod_f2=”4WD. AXIAL® 20T electric motor, AE-5 ESC, WATERPROOF, METAL GEAR TACTIC SERVO, WATER RESISTANT” prod_f3=” Includes a realistic driver figure complete with a race suit and three interchangeable helmets”]The Axial Wraith Spawn is ready for bashing across open desert and rocks at full attack speed. It is tough and prepared for any terrain. The Axial Wraith Spawn is packed with many of its full bodied version features which made this car famous. They are: super durable AR60 OCP axles withstanding wide open desert or the toughest rock trails; the Ripsaw™ 2.2 tires and many more.
When creating this car, Axial wanted to create a body with a classic feel and modern styling. And they succeeded pretty much in making the Spawn a retro-style rock racing beast.
Pros:
- Full tube frame composite chassis
- Realistic scale details
- Realistic driver figure
- Tuned, oil-filled shocks
Cons:
- Require a battery either 7.2V NiMH 6-cell stick pack with standard connector, or 7.4V2S LiPo pack; a battery charger for selected battery type and four AA Batteries for transmitter
Buyer’s Guide
RC Rock Racer VS RC Rock Crawler
Rock crawling implies driving an RC truck over rocky terrain and is not about going fast. And the acceleration pedal is something to help you get up and over obstacles. At rock crawling competitions you have to be more accurate with marks, than fast. The best RC rock crawlers show fantastic ability to climb the mountains and conquer tough terrains.
With rock racers you get the increased speeds, as here speed and maneuverability become as important as climbing the rocks. Thus, one of the biggest differences between rock crawling and rock racing is that most rock racing has the whole field on course at once. Rock racing is more demanding in respect of durability.