5 Best RC Crawler Shocks That Can Take a Hit (Buying Guide)

With RC crawlers, high jumps are a common thing. To protect the internal parts, you have to use the best RC crawler shocks.

There are several brands and countless products on the market that can easily puzzle you.

So, read my review on the most popular 5 shocks to upgrade the suspension system of your RC car, and maximize its performance.

What Size Shocks for RC Crawlers?

Most of the 1/10^th scale cars have stock 100mm shocks. So, you can replace it with a similar aftermarket part.

But it is not a fixed parameter. You can install longer shocks with better absorbing power.

Without doing any kind of body modification, it is possible to install a shock measuring between 90 mm and 110 mm.

And, choosing a model of 120 mm or 130 mm may require a certain modification to fit it.

Top 5 RC Crawler Shocks Review:

Reading the opinions of crawler experts and hobbyists, I could bring the long list to a shorter one with 5 products. Here are their reviews.

1. Best Overall: Traxxas 5862 Big Bore Shock Set

Specifications:

• Overall Length: 100mm
• Material: Hard-anodized aluminum
• Diameter: Not Specified
• Dimension: 6.63 x 1.38 x 8.13 inches
• Weight: 5.6 ounces

After much consideration and reading lots of user reviews, I decided to declare Traxxas 5862 Big Bore Shock Set as the best RC crawler shock. There are several reasons for which you can trust the shocks. The T6 metal aluminum parts have a hard-anodized and PTFE coating.

As a result, it can easily take the impact of your RC crawler’s highest jumps. No other parts inside get damaged in any way. Also, I like it because of the Titanium-nitride coated shafts which have fantastic durability. Their frictionless operation provides ultra-smooth damping.

Inside the package, you will see that everything has already been assembled. And, the shock oil makes the whole package more convenient. You don’t have to order it separately.

The big bore shocks come with progressive rate springs; experts like it because of its ultimate suspension performance. You will get the best dampening effects after a few rides. Moreover, Traxxas customer support is always ready to help you with anything.

2. Premium: Pro-line Racing 1/10 Big Bore

Specifications:

• Overall Length: 90mm-95mm
• Material: Alloy Steel, Plastic, Rubber
• Diameter: Not Specified
• Dimension: 7.5 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
• Weight: 2.24 ounces

In the second place, I can think of nothing else but Pro-line Big Bore shocks. It also has some great features and specs but the price point is way higher than the previous one.

Because of having a bigger bore, it can hold more oil providing better dampening effects. The shocks come pre-assembled but you have to fill the oil before the installation. What I like about it is that these parts come with additional 5mm shock ends.

In terms of durability, very few competitor models can match Pro-line. They offer a hard chrome-coated shaft. Also, the dual-rate single spring design gives it superior absorbing power.

While I am talking about expensive shocks for your RC crawler, let me suggest another product. Check out G-Made 21007 XD Piggyback Shock that costs almost 140 bucks for a set of four. But no other shocks look more realistic than this one.

3. Best Budget: INJORA Internal Spring Damper Shocks

Specifications:

• Overall Length: 90mm
• Material: Aluminum, Plastic
• Diameter: 14 mm
• Dimension: 6.46 x 4.49 x 1.02 inches
• Weight: 4.1 ounces

I know that lots of crawler owners don’t have enough budget to upgrade with the best products. That is why I have decided to suggest a good-quality shock set at a reasonable price. Spending no more than 20 bucks, you can easily get CNC-machined 4 shock absorbers.

The best thing about INJORA is that they provide spare springs, screws, and washers so that you can use them for a long time. They come with an easy load shock seal assembly for your convenience.

Before you place the order, I have to mention that the shocks are 90mm. For longer ones, you will have to pay more. With the soft spring set, and adding some oil, you will get the best out of it.

Considering the price, you must not have high expectations from this suspension system. According to one user, it is capable of handling almost 10-pound rigs perfectly. So, don’t choose the damper shocks if you have a heavier RC crawler.

4. Popular: Hobbypark 4PCS Aluminum Front & Rear Shocks

Specifications:

• Overall Length: 100mm Front/105mm Rear
• Material: Alloy Aluminum
• Diameter: 22mm
• Dimension: 4.49 x 3.94 x 0.87 inches
• Weight: 5.9 ounces

As Hobbypark is making parts for RC crawlers for a long time with high precision and performance, their shocks have a special appeal to the crawler owners. You can choose it without thinking much because of its durable build quality and affordable pricing.

Spending only 10 dollars more than the best budget model on this list, you can get a 100mm shock set. That is the measurement of the front shocks. On the backside, the total length of the shocks is 105mm.

All you have to do is check the size and fitment of your particular crawler model, and place the order. According to the manufacturer, it is a direct replacement of part no. 5862.

To ensure precision and the ability to support high jumps, these parts are manufactured using a CNC machine. Inside the package, the company has included all of the necessary components within the package. Before installing them, you should fill the bore with good-quality oil.

5. For Longer Travel: HobbyCrawler Shock Absorber Damper 130mm

Specifications:

• Overall Length: 130mm
• Material: Alloy Aluminum
• Diameter: Not Specified
• Dimension: 3.18 x 0.55 x 3.18 inches
• Weight: 1.76 ounces

In the fifth position, I recommend a set of lightweight aluminum shocks that are very durable. RC crawlers with long riding requirements should be upgraded with this model for their quality and performance.

The oil-filled bores with high-quality springs can support heavy rigs without any issue. The best thing about the shocks is that you are getting a 130mm version at the price of 110mm competitor shocks.

With longer shocks, you have to consider some things. The RC crawler body must have the necessary room to install them. Otherwise, you will have to make the adjustments before installation. For the money, you won’t find a better option.

I know that loading them with oil and tuning can be non-convenient for some people. Still, the performance and quality compared to the price make it worth investing time and money. Installing them upside down can solve the problem of leaking oil along the shaft.

What to Consider While Buying the Best RC Crawler Shocks?

In the review section, I have talked about the important points of individual models. But you have to understand which things matter to your use case.

Before placing the order, read this buying guide to know those factors, and find the right fit for your crawler.

The first thing one should do is measure the body clearance of their crawler so that he/she doesn’t have to modify the body afterward.

After that, check out the specs and reviews of your short-listed products to get an idea about their dampening effects.

Without having a smoother damping effect, a set of shocks is useless regardless of its build quality.

It won’t be a pleasant experience if the car tips over in the middle of a race due to bad shocks or a suspension system.

Then, look at the specs of the product, and check out the material used to build it. I prefer aluminum shocks because of their durability and lightweight feature.

Try to keep the whole rig as lightweight as possible to get the maximum speed from the motor.

With the traditional shocks, oil leakage is a common issue. While buying one, you should read the user reviews on your chosen model.

In some cases, installing the shocks upside down can solve the leakage issue.

Final Words

That is all about the best RC crawler shocks review, and I hope that you have found a suitable product from my recommendations. If you can’t set your requirements, the buying guide above will help you. So, don’t skip anything, and you can invest wisely without crossing your budget limit.

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