WPL C24 1/16 REVIEW: A CHEAP MINI CRAWLER TO GET YOU HOOKED (2024)

The small scale crawler market has really taken off recently based on the following because they can be used in so many ways:

• Small scale and low speed means you don’t need to travel to find fun spots to run – in your backyard, local park or even inside your house or garage. This also makes them really suitable for beginners
• Price is very low for a hobby grade car
• Reaplcement parts are inexpensive
• There is a huge range of upgrades – more powerful motors, metal parts, grippier wheels with weights and even a 2 speed gearbox controlled by a third channer
• Even stationary the plastic moulded body looks fantastic and is very presentable even as a scale model of the legendary Toyota Hilux

Really all you need to do is clip the little black plastic accessories to the body to make it look cool. Things like windscreen wipers, door handles, snorkels, indicator lenses and more. There is also a set of stickers... personally I wanted to keep my plain but as you can imagine the kids wanted stickers added. Adds to the fun and personalisation I guess!

The battery included has a unique discharge connector that is common to the small scale crawlers but also has a regular balance port which the included USB charger. These chargers do the job but if you are into the hobby I do recommend upgrading where possible. The ISDT 608AC as reviewed. My battery charged in less than an hour off a 5v 2a USB charger.

The included transmitter takes 2 x aa batteries which barely even need changing so long as you member to turn it off after use.
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Once you have figured out that the real “tool box” hatch on the tray hinges open and has the connector for the battery then you can plug this in, close the hatch and turn on the power switch at the front underside. The headlights will flash until you turn on the transmitter and it binds with the remote. From there the controls are very straightforward with steering trim the only parameter that you can adjust.

For a sub $50 crawler this runs like a dream. The amount of plastic used in the driveline had me worried but so far so good - driveline is quiet and efficient - good for around 30 minutes of run time.

Like most crawlers it is slow, probably best explained by the video clips below, What it lacks in speed though it more than makes up in power do to the reduction box which reduces the speed from the high revving motor to a slow and powerful turns of the wheels. I should note that the steering and throttle is very much porportional. My son's driving doesn't show that very well!

Plastic suspension is basic but like the driveline operates well and there is enough practical articulation to get you over a good deal of obstacles. Ground clearance is exceptionally good for a car this size with electronic components in particular kept well out of the way of dirt and splashes if that is your thing.

It's clear that this car has an amazing amount of features for it's price and I'm surprised it runs as well as it does. Although I've not yet had an issue with it I think the extensive use of plastic will eventually be it's downfall, particularly in the linkages (which look like they could snap with a big or awkward fall) and driveshafts that will wear at the joints which will lead to increased play.

The good news is that replacement parts are very cheap and the metal upgrades are very fairly price. With some good choices you will have yourself and extremely capable crawler for very little money

In the time that I've owned it however, I've not had an issue with the plastic parts however the motor did burn out on me (see below). My 2 year old son is not especially forgiving on the throttle when he comes against a solid object so that is likely the cause but I have list here nonetheless. I have since bought a replacement motor for $5

Holy crap there are a lot of upgrade parts available. Metal parts of course yes but a servo controlled 2 speed transmission that can be controlled by aftermarket remotes? Sure! A working winch? Sure! Let's not forget ball bearing upgrades, additional lights, wheels weights for crawling, bodies, accessories to make a scale diorama and more. There is even a full metal chassis and part set Here is a link to all of the 124 parts on Banggood: WPL C24 full list of partsor click on the image below

If you are looking to get started with micro crawlers that the price and performance combination of the WPL C24 is impossible to beat - it looks great, is full features and it crawls very well. It may struggle with longevity but by that stage you'll either want to upgrade with the plethora of aftermarket parts or you may well wish to move on to another type of car by then.

Another way to look at this is as a nice go-anywhere RC car for the small person in your life - the ability to drive almost anywhere and the low speed make it suitable to run practically everywhere, including inside. Bonus: when the little on goes to bed you can play with it too!

There are of course better equipped more expensive models like the HBX 2098B Devastator and the FMS 1/18 land cruiser but these are at least double the price and don't perform wildly better - they are just constructed from better materials. Incidentally, I'm in the process of reviewing these models too as part of a dive into the world of mini crawlers.

For my closing words I do recommend this little truck if you wanted to dip your toe into crawling without over-committing on budget. It looks great, is realistic and runs much better than you'd expect for a <$50 RC car. If you prefer to pay for quality or know you will be in this area of hobby for a while I'd look for a more premium model like those noted above. I bought mine from Banggood who have this available in 2 ready to run variants (and 1 kit variant) as you can see below: