Redcat Vertex-6 Review: 1/6 Scale Rock Crawler with Power and Innovation

The Redcat Vertex-6 is a premium 1/6 scale large-scale crawler built for drivers who demand power, durability, and innovation. Its heavy-duty 4mm ladder frame chassis features a forward-mounted motor for optimal front-weight bias, improving climbing ability and stability on steep, technical terrain. Multiple battery mounting options and adjustable suspension geometry let you fine-tune weight balance and handling to match any trail.

Built for Power and Precision

• Reinforced solid axles with internal steel tubes handle extreme loads with ease.
• High-mount hypoid-cut ring & pinion gears deliver torque while preserving ground clearance.
• Double CV joints enable ultra-smooth articulation at extreme steering angles.
• Adjustable Ackerman blocks let you customize steering response.

Selectable Underdrive

Switch between 0% and 33% underdrive right from the transmitter. Run equal drive for balanced handling, or engage underdrive for tighter turning and more control on technical obstacles. A dedicated servo ensures smooth, reliable shifting.

Electronics Package

• Hobbywing Fusion RTR 2-in-1 brushless system (1800KV, 2–4S ready)
• Hexfly HX-LS Digital Servo – 70kg (972 oz/in) torque, waterproof, metal gears
• Redcat RTX-4C Radio – 4-channel 2.4GHz with advanced adjustments

Suspension, Tires & Wheels

Large aluminum-bodied, oil-filled shocks with air emulsion dampening and X-ring seals soak up rough terrain. High-clearance rear links and adjustable suspension geometry deliver serious articulation, while 7-inch soft-compound crawler tires on 2.9-inch beadlock wheels provide consistent traction across rocks, dirt, and loose surfaces.

Innovative Body Design

A forward-tilt body mounting system makes battery changes fast and frustration-free. A single rear locking fastener and clip-in front hinge secure the body without traditional clips, keeping a clean, scale look.

Triple Battery Mount Options

The Vertex-6 offers three battery tray locations—front, center, and side trays—so you can tune weight distribution for climbing, balanced handling, or extended runtime with larger packs.

Recommended CNHL Shorty Packs (3S / 4S)

Choose a lighter 3S for agility or step up to 4S for extra torque. Below are three compact shorty options that match the Vertex-6’s versatile trays:

For a complete list of compatible options, check our Redcat Vertex-6 battery collection.

What You’ll Need to Complete

• 3S or 4S LiPo shorty battery pack (XT60)
• Compatible LiPo charger
• 4× AA batteries for the transmitter

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Redcat Vertex-6 part of a series?

No. Vertex-6 is currently a standalone 1/6 scale crawler. The “-6” denotes the 1/6 size, not a multi-model series.

What batteries fit the Vertex-6?

It supports 3S–4S shorty LiPo packs with XT60 connectors. Recommended options include: CNHL Black Series Shorty 2200mAh 3S 11.1V 40C, CNHL Black Series 3200mAh 11.1V 30C 3S Shorty, and CNHL Black Series 3200mAh 14.8V 30C 4S Shorty.

How many battery mounting locations are there?

Three: front, center, and side trays. Use front for more climbing bias, center for balanced handling, and side trays for larger capacity or left/right balance tuning.

How does the selectable underdrive work?

You can switch between 0% and 33% underdrive from the transmitter. Underdrive tightens the turning radius and increases control on technical lines; 0% keeps handling neutral for trail runs.

How does the Vertex-6 compare to the Axial SCX6?

Highlights include transmitter-controlled underdrive, an LCG chassis with a forward-mounted motor, and a front-tilt body for quick battery swaps. For a deeper comparison and real-world takeaways, see our review page (and community reactions) for detailed notes.

What do I need to run the vehicle?

A 3S or 4S LiPo shorty battery (XT60), a compatible LiPo charger, and 4× AA batteries for the transmitter.

Is the steering servo waterproof and how strong is it?

The Hexfly HX-LS digital servo is waterproof and rated at 70kg (972 oz/in) with metal gears.