FTX Crossbow. Can it take the punishment?
Coming this month September – October 2024, the FTX Crossbow will hit the UK market and it promises to be a lot of truck for a lower-end price of £259.00. Already the reviews are out and the main FTX reviewers like TomleyRC are posting amazing review videos and the FTX Crossbow seems to be cutting the mustard. You can watch his review HERE. My only argument is that these videos can be sponsored and sometimes a Truck can be recommended as great when it is not. In the video, the Truck is put through some serious punishment and it seems to come out on top.
FTX and CML
FTX is owned by the Chinese company CML Distribution which owns so many of the RC brands we know and sometimes trust brands like Team Associated, Corally, Charisma and of course FTX. This does give them an edge in the market and the manipulation of a reseller. That being said I have reviewed a few FTX and Charisma Vehicles on my own Channel and I can say it is a mixed bag. I have the FTX Carnage which is quite robust but, I have had 3 of the Vantage models which have all failed on the chassis. We also reviewed the FTX Stinger which was a bit of a dud to me out of the box. Other reviewers stated that this car in particular was great.
Specification of the FTX Crossbow
The specification list of the FTX Crossbow reads very well and there are a few standout items to wet your whistle. It comes out of the box 99% ready to run sporting an Etronix (Home brand) 3652 2500KV Motor which is a lower KV than expected. this is Ok because it comes out of the box with an included Voltz 3s 30c MAH Lipo battery. I would have liked to have seen a 60c or above for an extra punch but this is a good-quality Lipo.
The next item on the list is the Hobbywing ESC at 60 amps. Hobbywing is known for Quality electronics and this is a nice name to get on the box. I also like the Aluminium Skid plates which cover a point of weakness on the main Chassis. This has been an issue in the past on models like the Vantage and Carnage.
The Chassis is a step up from past efforts and takes inspiration from the newer Ramraider and Apache models which are already proving to be a hit with consumers.
Here is the Specification list from FTX
- 99% Ready-to-run
- Etronix 2.4ghz Radio System
- Etronix 3652 KV2500 Brushless Motor
- Hobbywing 60A Brushless Speed Control
- Etronix Waterproof 6kg Digital Steering Servo
- Voltz 3S 30C 3500mAH LiPo Battery
- Etronix LiPo Balance Charger
- High Ground Clearance Composite Tub Main Chassis
- Front & Rear 6061 T6 Aluminium Chassis Skid Plates
- Pivot Ball Front Suspension
- Aluminium Oil Filled Shock Absorbers
- Adjustable Suspension Turnbuckles
- Full Ball Bearings
- Receiver Box
- Sealed Drivetrain with Slipper Unit
- Alloy Hinge pin Braces
- Metal Bevel Geared Differentials
- Front Universal CVA Driveshafts
- Reinforced Lower Suspension Arms
- Aluminium Centre Chassis Brace
- LED Roof Lightbar
- Moulded Body Mounting Braces
- Stylish Impact Printed Body Graphics
- Moulded Roof Bar Rails
The FTX Crossbow is a 1/10th Stadium truggy type vehicle and as such it is on the large side of 1/10th. It needs this size and strength to deal with all of the punishment that you will throw at it. FTX have taken great care to strengthen this model and I hope it pays off for them as this car looks to be a good choice for the budget bashers looking for a step toward higher-level vehicles. The Lower arms have been filled which will make them strong but detract a little from their flexibility. The wheels are massive and of good quality. The wheel size is a big help with crash protection and I believe this is what separated the Carnage and Vantage. FTX have developed stronger shock towers and gone for big bore-filled shocks all around. An aluminium brace bar runs the full length of the Chassis to give extra rigidity, there is also a very large rear wing which is more for looks but does offer rear protection and some downforce.
So What do we think of the FTX Crossbow
The FTX Crossbow is new to the market yet it is boosted by industry-proven componentry and high tech development. It is fast due to the ESC, Motor and battery combo. I would say it looks very strong with lots of thought going into the protection of weak points around the vehicle. The price although not Cheap is great value and allows it to compete with the Maverick Q2 XT Flux which is the direct competitor but, because of the included battery it comes out slightly cheaper. FTX is a well-known brand and warranty and parts should not be an issue.
So if you want a Fast, Cheap, Strong and reliable vehicle, the FTX Crossbow could be ideal for you. When I finally get one to play with I will post the review video on my YouTube channel @fatboysRC2024
Check out some of my other reviews HERE or go to one of my many social media Outlets.
Thanks for reading and let me know what you think.
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