Overview

Looking to hit the bullseye with an amazing value, high-performance 1/10 truggy? The FTX Crossbow 1/10 Brushless Truggy Truck RTR in Blue is exactly what you need. This ready to run RC car UK is brimming with proven features already rolled out on established models such as the Ramraider and Apache, making it a sure hit with fans of high-speed brushless powered off-road bashing. Whether you're a seasoned RC enthusiast or discovering the world of ready to run RC trucks for the first time, the Crossbow delivers exceptional performance and reliability at an unbeatable price point.

The FTX Crossbow combines aggressive styling with serious engineering credentials. The chassis has been updated to provide more space for different sized LiPo batteries, aside from the included Voltz 3S 3500mAh unit, and features updated aluminium skid plates for improved protection during intense off-road sessions. This brushless RC truggy is engineered for both weekend bashers and competitive drivers who demand a vehicle that can handle rough terrain, high speeds and repeated impacts without compromise.

At the heart of the Crossbow's performance lies Hobbywing technology, the recognised leader in brushless speed control and motor systems. The combination of a 60A brushless ESC with a potent 3652 KV2500 brushless motor delivers thrilling acceleration and sustained high-speed performance across all terrain types. Take your off-road RC experience to new heights with the FTX Crossbow—a truggy that genuinely punches above its weight in terms of build quality, performance and value.

Key Features

• 99% Ready-to-Run Configuration — The FTX Crossbow arrives almost completely assembled and ready to bash straight out of the box, requiring only four AA batteries for the transmitter. This means you can start enjoying high-speed off-road action within minutes of opening the package, making it ideal for buyers who want immediate gratification without lengthy assembly times.
• Hobbywing 60A Brushless Speed Control — This professional-grade electronic speed controller delivers smooth, responsive power delivery and exceptional reliability. The 60A rating provides ample headroom for the 2500KV motor, ensuring longevity and consistent performance even during aggressive driving sessions and jumps.
• Etronix 3652 KV2500 Brushless Motor — This high-KV brushless motor is specifically tuned for the 1/10 truggy class, delivering explosive acceleration and competitive top-end speed. The motor's efficiency and power delivery make it perfect for both casual off-road bashing and more serious racing applications.
• Etronix 2.4GHz Radio System with 2.4 Channels — Modern 2.4GHz frequency-hopping technology eliminates interference issues and allows multiple vehicles to run simultaneously without signal loss. The Etronix system is known for reliability and responsive control, giving you confidence in high-speed situations.
• Etronix Waterproof 6kg Digital Steering Servo — Waterproof construction protects against water splash and wet terrain, whilst the 6kg torque rating provides crisp, accurate steering response. Digital servo technology ensures precise control inputs are translated instantly to the front wheels.
• Voltz 3S 30C 3500mAh LiPo Battery with Balance Charger — The included high-discharge-rate 30C LiPo battery delivers the current needed for serious performance, whilst the bundled Etronix balance charger ensures safe, efficient charging. The 3500mAh capacity provides substantial runtime per charge.
• Long-Throw Double Wishbone Suspension with Pivot Ball Front — This sophisticated suspension geometry delivers excellent bump absorption and cornering grip. Reinforced lower arms reduce flex under load, maintaining consistent handling characteristics even during aggressive off-road driving and high-speed transitions.
• Aluminium Oil-Filled Shock Absorbers — The adjustable, aluminium big bore shocks are filled with oil for consistent damping across varying terrain. The stylish blue finish complements the aggressive bodyshell, whilst the adjustable nature allows fine-tuning for different driving conditions and personal preference.
• Sealed Drivetrain with Slipper Unit — The sealed design protects internal components from mud, water and dirt ingestion. The integrated slipper clutch prevents driveline breakage during aggressive acceleration and landing from jumps, extending the lifespan of critical drivetrain components.
• Metal Bevel Geared Differentials — Utilising metal diff gears rather than plastic alternatives ensures durability and longevity under sustained high-speed operation. The differential system allows independent wheel speeds during cornering, improving traction and handling precision.
• Front Universal CVA Driveshafts — These constant-velocity driveshafts deliver smooth power transfer to the front wheels whilst accommodating suspension movement. CVA design reduces vibration and noise whilst improving overall drivetrain efficiency.
• Full Ball Bearing Construction — Every critical pivot point features ball bearings rather than bushings, reducing friction and enabling faster, more responsive handling. Ball bearings also require minimal maintenance compared to traditional bushing systems.
• Front and Rear 6061 T6 Aluminium Chassis Skid Plates — These protective plates shield the composite chassis from terrain impact during aggressive off-road driving. The use of aerospace-grade 6061 T6 aluminium ensures excellent strength-to-weight ratio and durability.
• Reinforced Front and Rear Towers with Full-Length Brace Bar — These structural reinforcements dramatically improve chassis rigidity, reducing flex and maintaining consistent handling characteristics. The additional bracing means more predictable cornering behaviour and better shock absorption during jumps.
• Heavy-Duty Rear Spoiler — The integrated rear wing maintains traction and stability at high speed, particularly important when landing from jumps or during aggressive acceleration on loose terrain. Aerodynamic design helps keep the rear end planted.
• Aluminium Centre Chassis Brace — This additional reinforcement runs the length of the chassis, preventing torsional flex and maintaining structural integrity during sustained high-performance driving sessions.
• Aggressively Styled Low-Slung Bodyshell — The impact-printed graphics deliver a striking appearance that looks competitive on any bashfield. The moulded design is specifically engineered for optimal aerodynamics and aesthetics in the 1/10 truggy class.
• LED Roof Light Bar and Moulded Roof Bar Rails — These distinctive styling elements enhance visibility and add genuine scale authenticity. The roof light bar can be illuminated (with appropriate upgrades) for night-time driving sessions.
• Moulded Body Mounting Braces and Mounting Point Reinforcement Plates — These components ensure the bodyshell remains securely attached during aggressive driving, preventing rattles or unwanted movement. Reinforcement plates distribute loads to prevent cracking.
• High Ground Clearance Composite Tub Main Chassis — The composite material offers excellent impact resistance combined with lightweight construction. The elevated design provides clearance over obstacles and rough terrain typical of off-road environments.
• Adjustable Suspension Turnbuckles — These allow independent adjustment of suspension geometry, enabling drivers to fine-tune handling characteristics for specific driving conditions, personal preference or track requirements. Critical for competitive tuning.
• Ballraced Receiver Box — The sealed receiver compartment protects critical radio electronics from water, mud and vibration, extending component lifespan and ensuring reliable signal reception in harsh environments.

Technical Performance

The FTX Crossbow represents a significant step forward in value-oriented 1/10 brushless RC truggy design. The pairing of the Hobbywing 60A brushless speed controller with the Etronix 3652 KV2500 motor creates a formidable powertrain capable of delivering genuine excitement during both casual bashfield sessions and more structured racing events. The 2500KV motor rating is specifically chosen for the 1/10 truggy class, providing an excellent balance between acceleration and top-end speed—you'll experience snappy throttle response without sacrificing extended high-speed running capability.

Build quality throughout the Crossbow is genuinely impressive for the price point. The front and rear 6061 T6 aluminium chassis skid plates provide substantial undercarriage protection, essential when navigating rough terrain, rocks and obstacles. The composite tub main chassis keeps overall weight down whilst maintaining excellent impact resistance—a critical balance in RC vehicle design. The sealed drivetrain with slipper unit demonstrates engineering maturity, protecting internal components whilst preventing catastrophic driveline failure during aggressive driving or landing impacts.

Suspension engineering deserves particular praise. The long-throw double wishbone configuration with pivot ball front setup delivers the kind of bump absorption you'd expect from vehicles costing significantly more. Reinforced lower arms prevent the flex that plagues budget alternatives, maintaining consistent handling feel across varying terrain. The aluminium oil-filled shock absorbers come pre-tuned for all-around performance but remain fully adjustable—experienced drivers can fine-tune ride height and damping to suit specific driving conditions. The big bore design accommodates generous oil volume, providing consistent damping performance across temperature ranges and multiple bashing sessions without degradation.

The sealed drivetrain represents genuine engineering sophistication. The slipper unit prevents driveline breakage by slipping under extreme load conditions—protecting the motor, ESC and remaining drivetrain components from catastrophic damage. Metal bevel geared differentials ensure durability under sustained high-speed operation; plastic alternatives would fail quickly under the Crossbow's substantial power output. Front universal CVA driveshafts deliver smooth power delivery whilst accommodating suspension articulation—constant-velocity design means less vibration, noise and drivetrain stress.

The Voltz 3S 30C 3500mAh LiPo battery included in the package provides genuine substance. The 30C discharge rating ensures adequate current delivery for the 60A ESC and 2500KV motor combination—you'll experience consistent power delivery without voltage sag even during sustained high-speed running or aggressive acceleration. The 3500mAh capacity provides substantial runtime per charge session. The included Etronix balance charger ensures safe, efficient charging with proper cell balancing, critical for LiPo longevity and safety.

The Etronix 2.4GHz radio system eliminates the interference issues plaguing older 27MHz and 75MHz systems, allowing multiple vehicles to operate simultaneously in close proximity. The frequency-hopping protocol provides rock-solid signal security and range. Response is sharp and immediate, translating driver inputs to steering servo and motor with imperceptible delay—essential for competitive driving and high-speed bashfield work. The Etronix waterproof 6kg digital steering servo is a particular strength; waterproof construction handles water splash and wet terrain, whilst 6kg torque rating delivers crisp steering response without sluggish behaviour.

What's in the Box

• FTX Crossbow 1/10 brushless truggy, fully assembled and ready to run
• Etronix 2.4GHz radio transmitter and receiver system
• Hobbywing 60A brushless speed controller
• Etronix 3652 KV2500 brushless motor
• Etronix waterproof 6kg digital steering servo
• Voltz 3S 30C 3500mAh LiPo battery
• Etronix LiPo balance charger
• Aggressively styled bodyshell with roof light bar, roof skid rails and impact-printed graphics

What You Need to Complete

• Four AA alkaline or rechargeable batteries for the radio transmitter

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Crossbow brushless truggy good for beginners? — The FTX Crossbow represents an excellent entry point into high-performance 1/10 brushless RC bashing. Whilst the 2500KV motor and 60A ESC deliver genuine performance, the included digital servo and radio system are forgiving and user-friendly. The 99% ready-to-run configuration means no complex assembly required. However, the skill level rating of 3 suggests intermediate experience is beneficial—you'll need familiarity with LiPo battery handling, charging and basic maintenance. Complete beginners might benefit from reading the included manual thoroughly before first operation.
• What battery does the FTX Crossbow need? — The Crossbow uses a 3S LiPo battery system, specifically the included Voltz 3S 30C 3500mAh battery. The 3S designation means three lithium polymer cells in series, delivering approximately 11.1V nominal voltage. The 30C discharge rating indicates the maximum current draw of 105A (30C × 3.5Ah), providing ample current for the 60A ESC and 2500KV motor. The battery tray measures 168mm, accommodating this battery and others within the 3S LiPo category. Always use the included balance charger to maintain cell balance and battery health. Never exceed 4.2V per cell (12.6V for 3S) during charging.
• How fast does the FTX Crossbow go? — Whilst manufacturer data doesn't specify exact top speed, the combination of a 2500KV motor, 60A ESC and 3S LiPo battery suggests speeds in the 40-50mph range depending on gearing, terrain and driving technique. The final drive ratio and tyre rolling resistance also influence actual speed. The long-throw double wishbone suspension and big bore shocks are engineered to manage high-speed driving stability, making the Crossbow suitable for serious speed enthusiasts.
• What makes the FTX Crossbow better value than competitors? — The Crossbow combines professional-grade components at exceptional value. The Hobbywing 60A ESC and brushless motor represent genuine quality recognised throughout the RC industry. The aluminium chassis skid plates, sealed drivetrain, metal diff gears and slipper unit are features typically found on more expensive vehicles. The long-throw double wishbone suspension with pivot ball front is sophisticated engineering. The included Voltz 3S 3500mAh 30C battery and balance charger add further value—budget competitors often omit the charger entirely.
• Can I use different LiPo batteries in the FTX Crossbow? — Yes, any 3S LiPo battery will work, provided it fits within the 168mm battery tray space. The 30C discharge rating is suitable for the 60A ESC; using lower discharge-rate batteries (20C or 25C) risks voltage sag under load. Higher discharge-rate batteries (50C or 60C) work perfectly and provide even better performance. Always use a quality balance charger and never exceed 4.2V per cell during charging.
• Is the FTX Crossbow waterproof? — The Etronix steering servo features waterproof construction, handling water splash and wet terrain. The receiver box is ballraced and sealed, protecting radio electronics. However, the ESC and motor are not fully submersible—whilst they tolerate water splash, they shouldn't be deliberately submerged. After water exposure, allow components to dry thoroughly before operation.
• What maintenance does the FTX Crossbow require? — Regular maintenance keeps your truggy running smoothly. After each bashing session, wipe down the exterior to remove mud and debris. Periodically inspect ball bearings for dirt accumulation and clean with compressed air. Check all fasteners remain tight, particularly suspension mounting points and driveline connections. The sealed drivetrain requires minimal attention, but if you notice performance changes, inspect for debris infiltration. Shock oil levels should remain constant; if levels drop, top up with the same weight oil. LiPo batteries should be stored at 3.85V per cell (11.55V for 3S) when not in use for extended periods.
• Can I upgrade components on the FTX Crossbow? — Yes, the FTX Crossbow design accommodates numerous upgrades. Extensive hop-up options exist for suspension tuning, including different spring rates and damper oils. Motor upgrades allow experimenting with different KV ratings, though the 60A ESC provides a practical ceiling—upgrading to a 100A ESC would enable 4000KV+ motors. Servo upgrades suit drivers wanting higher torque or faster response. Radio system replacements are possible for experienced builders familiar with receiver installation. The chassis accepts different LiPo batteries within the 3S category, allowing users to adjust capacity and discharge rating to suit driving style.
• What is the difference between the FTX Crossbow and the Ramraider or Apache? — The Crossbow incorporates proven features from both established models whilst introducing notable improvements. The updated chassis design provides additional space for varied LiPo batteries. The aluminium skid plates represent an upgrade from earlier versions, offering improved undercarriage protection. The 60A ESC (rather than 50A in some variants) provides additional headroom for sustained performance. The strengthened front and rear towers with full-length brace bar demonstrate refined engineering addressing feedback from earlier models. The Crossbow essentially represents the evolution of the successful Ramraider and Apache platform, with each revision bringing tangible improvements.
• What is the skill level rating for the FTX Crossbow? — The Crossbow carries a skill level rating of 3, indicating intermediate competence is beneficial. This reflects the need for familiarity with LiPo battery handling, charging procedures, basic maintenance and assembly of the final components. Drivers should understand brushless motor basics and ESC operation. Complete beginners might find the learning curve steep, though determined individuals willing to read the manual thoroughly can successfully operate the vehicle. The 99% ready-to-run configuration eliminates complex assembly, making it more accessible than traditional kits.

Why Buy from RC Model Shop?

RC Model Shop is a trusted UK RC retailer and authorised dealer for all the brands we stock, including Traxxas, ARRMA, Losi, FTX, Hobbywing, Spektrum and more. Whether you are a seasoned competitor, a weekend basher, or just discovering the world of RC for the first time, our team of experienced RC enthusiasts is here to help you find the perfect setup and provide ongoing support. Order the FTX Crossbow 1/10 Brushless Truggy Truck RTR – Blue – 2500kv Motor with Aluminium Shocks and Skid Plates – FTX5490BL today with confidence, knowing you are buying from an authorised retailer with genuine products, expert knowledge and a commitment to customer satisfaction. Shop online or visit us in person—we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.