This was a huge week for RC releases and the products released are definitely finding their way to the top of Christmas lists everywhere! Companies including RPM, Traxxas, Team Associated, ProTek, Redcat Racing and JConcepts have new releases this week, catering to many facets of the hobby from bashers to racers meaning there’s something for everyone to drool over!
RPM R/C PRODUCTS
Now available from RPM are these ultra heavy duty skid plates for the Traxxas Mini MAXX and Mini XRT. These skids protect the mounting screws and the bulkheads equally, meaning these skids take the brunt of an impact with the ground instead of the mounting screws as with the stock skid plates. Protecting these screws eliminates the risk of damaged screw heads preventing their removal and also reduces the force transmitted into the bulkhead from the screw contacting the ground instead of a softer plastic. RPM’s skids are of a 3 rib design, acting as a wear surface that extends the skids life while also adding fore/aft rigidity over the stock skids’ two rib design. Each piece is a direct replacement for the stock pieces and carry RPM’s famous limited lifetime warranty. Like all RPM products these skids are proudly designed and manufactured in the USA.
Item #72252 https://rpmrcproducts.com/shop/chassis-components/chassis-accessories/traxxas-mini-maxx-xrt-skid-plates/
TRAXXAS
Seemingly out of nowhere Traxxas has obtained a licensing agreement with Nissan to product one of hte most underrated off-roaders of the 20th century: the WD21 generation Nissan Pathfinder. Sitting on the full-option TRX-4 platform this truck features lockable front and rear axles, a 2-speed transmission, TQi radio system as well as the standard TRX-4 accoutrements including a 3s capable XL5 HV ESC, 21t 550 Titan motor, a waterproof 2065 servo, Canyon Trail S1 compound 1.9″ tires, hex hardware, a waterproof RX box and numerous molded body accessories to sell the look of the real SUV.
Item #10056-4 For more images and information please visit https://traxxas.com/110056-4-trx-4-nissan-pathfinder
Also new from Traxxas is the MAXX Ultimate Edition. This 4s powered monster is now equipped with a host of machined aluminum upgrades including front and rear hub carriers, splined 17mm hex hubs, caster blocks, motor cradle, chassis braces, transmission cover and GT MAXX dampers. Steel CV driveshafts transfer the power to the wheels with authority, while a new Ultimate Edition body tops off the package in style. Sledgehammer tires provide the grip and Traxxas’ innovative cush drive protects the drivetrain from shocks induced by the upgraded steel spur connected to a torque-biasing center differential. A wireless module is included for the TQi radio system and an ultra-powerful 2085R metal gear servo provides the yank to the tune of 650oz-in of torque.
Item #89087-4 https://traxxas.com/89087-4-maxx-ultimate
PROTEK RC
Another of AMian Hobbies’ house brands, ProTek has announced the release of the new Si-Graphene 2s 150c 5600mAh shorty battery for stock class racing. This lightweight, powerful battery is ROAR approved and has lower internal resistance, operates cooler throughout the run and retains its voltage more consistently under load.
TEAM ASSOCIATED
Call me biased but I have been waiting with baited breath for these releases! Since building the RC10B7 last year I’ve waited for TA to release the truck and short course versions and they are finally here. The RC10T7 and RC10SC7 were designed for truck use and feature truck specific gullwing arms, 3-gear laydown transmissions to maximize rear grip, a ball differential with new diff height inserts, a durable new split case transmission design for more secure gear mesh, new 10mm idler gear shafts and 10x15mm bearings and a 54t idler gear, B7 B2 caster blocks with added stiffness, new 0 KPI steering blocks with 3mm and 4mm trail options, aluminum front bulkhead and steel hinge pin brace, new LCG 25 and 31mm 13mm bore dampers with gold TiN shock shafts, new truck specific body mounts for both versions, new SC specific bumpers and anti-roll bars front and rear for the utmost performance on track. The new differential is retro compatible with the B7 meaning that a gear differential is already available for drivers wishing to run one in the new trucks (gear differential sold separately).
Item #70005 RC10T7 https://www.associatedelectrics.com/news/latest_products/2973-new-rc10t7-team-kit/
Item #70010 RC10SC7 https://www.associatedelectrics.com/news/latest_products/2981-new-rc10sc7-team-kit/
REDCAT RACING
Hot on the heels of last week’s 1/6 Vertex-6 is the new 1/18 Ascent 18 APEX, a competition ready RTR mini crawler with huge performance potential. Included in the box is a Hobbywing Mini 24 brushless power system, a 200mAh 3s LiPO battery, carbon fiber chassis rails, 5 degree angled skidplate, motor forward transmission placement, brass front outer portal covers and ring gear cover, overdrive front and underdrive rear ring and pinion ratios, RTX-4C 4-channel radio and receiver, half-cab body with optional bed included, 1.3″ 3-piece beadlock wheels shod with soft compound rock terrain tires and aluminum capped oil=filled dampers tuned specifically for this chassis.
Redcat Racing Ascent 18 APEX https://www.redcatracing.com/products/redcat-ascent-18-apex-1-18-scale-brushless-electric-rock-crawler?variant=52219075002735
JCONCEPTS
I am convinced that Jason and the rest of the crew at JConcepts don’t sleep. Ever. Each week they give us awesome new products catering not only to the racer but the basher as well and this week is no exception.
Announced the same day as the T7 release JC already has an update to their Finnisher stadium truck body that now fits the T7 as well as the TLR 22X-T and TA RC10T6.4. This body now has trim lines for each chassis allowing it to sit properly no matter which of the three it is mounted to. Amongst the other aerodynamic tweaks that this body incorporates is a blended spoiler/body design that smooths airflow as it travels over the “bed” and hits the face of the spoiler. This reduces drag without sacrificing downforce; who says you can’t have it all? An integrated Gurney flap spoiler (#0147) is included, as are window masks, Finnisher detail decals and overspray film.
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2025/09/jconcepts-updated-items-release-finnisher-t7-tlr-22x-t-t6-4-body/
Up next are a couple of new chassis protectors, the first for the original RC10 and the second for the RC10B84. The RC10 version is printed with the JConcepts logo front front to back in an angled pattern, giving the chassis the appearance of motion even when standing still. These chassis protectors are printed on thick, glossy vinyl that is similar to the material that motocross graphics are printed on. Two sheets are included per package and each protector covers the chassis from the nose to the rear, wrapping around the screws for the most coverage possible.
Up next is the new “No Apologies” blood red on black chassis protector for the Team Associated RC10B84. Like the RC10 protector this piece is printed on thick vinyl that covers the entire chassis for the utmost protection. Two sheets are included in this pack as well, extending the life of your chassis without breaking the bank…twice!
Next is a new color option for the Finnisher turnbuckles, this time time fitting the Team Associated RC10B7 (coincidentally I have a blue set on my personal car). These purple gems have contrasting silver machined accents and a very unique appearance that looks like nothing else on the market all while being stronger and lighter than the stock steel turnbuckles. Machined from high grade (I would assume 6AL4V Ti) these turnbuckles have the same 3.5mm thread as stock, fitting the original ball cups perfectly, meaning adding a touch of class to your buggy is a simple, bolt-on affair.
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2025/09/jconcepts-new-release-purple-rc10b7-fin-titanium-turnbuckle-set/
Rounding out this week’s batch of goodies is a new zero offset clamping servo horn for 23 or 25 spline servos. These horns are bathed in black anodization and feature an elegant chamfered edge for a contrasting finish. Finally, these horns were designed to work in conjunction with JConcepts’ #5209 steering kit and maintains the proper geometry without sacrificing style.
Link: https://blog.jconcepts.net/2025/09/jconcepts-new-release-0-offset-aluminum-clamping-servo-horn/
PROJECT UPDATES
This week I took advantage of Horizon Hobbies’ clearance sale and picked up a new body for the Mid Motor Traxxas Bandit project; this time a Pro-Line Sector for the TLR 22 5.0. With any luck and some very (and I mean VERY) creative trimming I’m hoping this body will cover the motor plate at least if not the majority of the transmission case. The current body is a Raw Speed NightHawk, although I don’t remember which chassis it was originally for, and the wing is a Pro-Line Air Force 6.5″ unit on RC10B6.1 wing mount. I’ll snap some pictures and post them as I’m able to make progress.
Also new from Brown Santa this week was a tub of Udder Butter from CowRC. I’ve got a slew of new shocks to build in the very near future and was recommended Udder Butter as an alternative to Team Associated’s Green Slime, albeit at a much more economical price. I’ll be testing this one the o-rings on the cheap Amazon shocks that I picked up recently to see if it helps the seals and o-rings keep the oil where it belongs.
Finally I got some more wiring work done on the Traxxas Slash Sand Rail project, leaving only the third channel control switch left to be wired in at this point. I also printed some new side panels to add to the stock Element Gatekeeper panels already on the car in an effort to give the car a finished look. I also got the Velcro attached to the chassis for mounting the chassis Outerwear that will hopefully keep sand out of the chassis while also keeping the electronics cool. An AJC Mods battery strap for the Traxxas Slash was slid into place, giving me a place to mount the Hobbywing 10BL120 and its power switch and capacitor right in the center of the chassis. New RPM Rustler rear arms are on the way to replace the Jato 3.3 front arms that were on the car. Those arms didn’t allow enough down travel for the shorter LP tire that is on the car without the driveshafts hitting the webbing of the arm and binding so a new set of Rustler arms are the next best thing; I’ll only be sacrificing about .250″ per side of width. With any luck I’ll get a few hours this week to sit down and knock out these last few projects to complete the car and get it on the sand before snow starts falling here in the mountains…
That’s all for this week. We sincerely appreciate you stopping by to get your weekly RC fix; your continued support is greatly appreciated. Until next time, be good to yourself, be good to others, be good to your RC.