Solid axle?
 

So why would someone opt to get a solid axle monster truck, something like a Axial SMT10 vs what's the alternative called? Independent suspension? Seems like most trucks are not solid axle, I've never driven one so I'm curious what makes them enjoyable to drive vs other stuff?

I’ve never driven a solid axle mister truck. But I do own the Baja Rey. Never really like SCT till it. There’s just something about how it drives that just cool

• Solid axle is more scale for monster trucks
• Very few exposed moving parts, so they tend not to pick up sticks and rocks like an independent suspension (IS) rig
• They're more challenging to control at any given speed. That doesn't sound good, but it means they're as much fun to drive at 20 mph as an IS truck is at 30 or 40 --> don't need as much to run even a big one.
• Related to the last one, they're always just a bit out of control, due to bump steer, so it makes them feel faster than they are.
• On the negative side, they don't jump or take a hit as well as an IS truck.

It's counter-intuitive that they could be as much fun at lower speed, but it's true. Kind of like crawling can be fun even though it's mostly walking speed driving or slower.

Consider them for low or medium speed use and you'll be satisfied.

I have a Kyosho Foxx now; i want to add a (stock) Clodbuster at some point. I'll keep it stock and slow; they probably only go 10 mph.

solid axles truck are a different fun. they bump into obstacles and jump funnily, just like the real ones in monster jam trucks.

There is new losi solid axle monster truck coming, allegedly. I think 1/10.

Werner's truck looks like a riot to operate.

Sline's looks amazing. If a manufacturer could get close to that - more capable, better handling, and jumping well, it would be tempting.

Is that Clod-based?

no, it's homemade and runs on 5s

WTH?! This truck is wild! Damn!

Very cool videos and impressing work!!!

That truck is cool but not what solid axle trucks are meant for.

If you like real MT's and want to do scale type jumps and obstacles thats is their intention. There is not really a stock ready to run truck that has enough power or durable to handle the abuse so you end up fixing them as much as a real truck to unless you get good parts. Check out Bigmerica_rc , Scalemonster, Klnrccars, on Instagram for some real scale looking trucks and jumps.(slowmotion video is a game changer for these trucks) There is obviously lots more and lots of racing but that gets a bit faster and less scale.

It all depends of what your after. You can go rock crawling with an X-Maxx but it looks way cooler in a purpose built rig.

matt thats a solid axel truck .just heavily moded is all I like it.. I run my Zrps as often as I can along w my thunder techs.. not of 5 cells just 2 with brushless and dual steer in 2 one of each..Like already said nothing handles like a sa. I love the bounce the thunk the raw on demand power I can get...none of mine cartwheel like that 5 cell 1..Im sure if I hit the trigger in mid air or as my wheels left the ramp Id loose control..freestyle is ok but I like the control I can get.

My only venture into solid axle was an HPI wheely king. A poor example I know. Still, I don't understand the it's fun under 20 mph because it handles poorly. I think werners truck shows that a well built/designed solid axle doesn't have to forgo all semblance of decent handling.

Full sized MT's have many constraints not required in rc's. RC's do things a full sized vehicle could never do, but with solid axle MT's there seems to be idea that its performance needs to be constrained because real MT's could not do something similar.

It’s not my thing. But the Trigger King group does make them look fun with their races.

You gotta try it. I had the exact same thought until I tried one. Now, my Summit is going to be on the block and I'm keeping my Kyosho FO-XX.

Nope, his handles like shit too, compared to an IS rig. Don't get me wrong, it's super-nice, but if 1/4 that effort were put into an IS truck, it would do all that stuff better.

Sorry, this is mistake

Didn't say it handled as well as an IS truck, they never will as their design naturally prevents it, but rather it didnt forego all semblance of decent handling. Granted his is home made and probably expensive but no reason someone can't build something to 60-70% of that. Don't know of any there yet. When SA MT's get to that 60-70% level, I would consider one.

I like rc's to look realistic, and manufacturers such as losi (lasernut) and arrma (felony) have done amazing jobs lately, but I like most the insane speeds and punishment most will take. Driving them and just laughing at what they do is what I enjoy. SA MTs aren't there yet, but Slines seems closest to that level.

In that case, you should consider a Kyosho FO-XX 2.0. (Formula Offroad eXtreme [don't know what the last 'X' is for])
I have one and used to have the Mad Force Kruiser VE upon which it is based.

It has plastic axle and diff housings, which won't tolerate that kind of jumping, but I would say it handles as well in other driving. Probably weighs half as much, too. 4S.