When it comes to its latest basher, Redcat firmly subscribes to the saying, “Go Big or Go Home.” Redcat’s Machete 4S is a 1/6-scale 4WD brushless monster truck that’s set to redefine the off-road bashing experience. Replacing the Redcat Shredder, the Machete isn’t just an upgrade; it’s an entirely new truck designed from the ground up for maximum power, stability, and pure driving pleasure.
BUILT FOR PERFORMANCE
Redcat fans have been requesting an updated Shredder for quite some time. In response, Redcat didn’t just update the Shredder, but created an all-new machine in the Machete 4S. The completely fresh design was made with fun driving dynamics, stability, ease of control and robust durability in mind. From what we experienced, the Machete delivers on all fronts, providing a ready-to-run (RTR) experience that is issue-free right out of the box.
Its 4mm, laser-etched, anodized gunmetal aluminum chassis delivers unparalleled strength and rigidity, providing the foundation for extreme off-road action. Fueled by a Hobbywing MAX10 SCT RTR 120A ESC with an XT90 connector and a 3674 brushless motor equipped with a heat sink and cooling fan, the Machete is built for high-performance thrills.
With three high-performance oil-filled differentials, this monster truck ensures ultra-smooth handling and stability, allowing drivers to fine-tune their experience by adjusting oil viscosity for customized handling characteristics. Machete’s cab-forward body design, complemented by hard plastic skid plates and body armor, not only presents an aggressive appearance but also protects against damage. Further enhancing stability, a wing and wheelie bar allow Machete greater control and maneuverability during high-speed runs. The combination of these features makes the Machete a fun-to-drive basher on most any terrain.
DURABLE CONSTRUCTION
The Machete 4S is built for worry-free fun with a robust 4WD powertrain featuring heavy-duty gears and CVA axles front and rear. High-strength plastics throughout the chassis, along with engineered shock towers and lower A-arms, contribute to the truck’s durability. The captured shock end mounts and large bore, oil-filled, coilover shocks absorb terrain impact, enabling you to keep pushing the limits.
The Machete’s all-terrain directional tires strike the perfect balance between softness for optimal traction and firmness for excellent wear characteristics. These tires, combined with the heavy-duty drivetrain, make the Machete a formidable force on any terrain.
BASH WORTHY
We had a blast taking the 1/6-scale truck out over hard and soft surfaces at speed. Ballooning up the tires wasn’t a problem with a 4S LiPo installed. Getting up to speed was as easy as smashing the throttle down and handling was stable, even under hard acceleration. We even crashed it end over end and it shrugged off collisions without slowing down.
Machete 4S 1/6-Scale 4WD Brushless Monster Truck
Vehicle Specs
MSRP: $399.99
URL: redcatracing.com
Scale: 1/6
Chassis: 4mm aluminum
Shocks: Threaded body adjustable aluminum coilovers
Suspension: Fully independent
Drive System: Shaft-driven 4WD
Body: Polycarbonate (painted and trimmed)
Wheels: 112mm diameter / 17mm hex
Tires: All-terrain directional
Motor: 3674 2950kV brushless
ESC: Hobbywing MAX10 SCT RTR 120A ESC
FINAL WORD
Redcat’s Machete 4S is an RC powerhouse that is designed to exceed expectations. This monster truck offers a well-balanced blend of power, stability and performance for extended bashing sessions all in a respectable 1/6-scale package. Get ready to go big when you’re behind the wheel of the Machete 4S.
Text by James York
Images by Michael Wiene and Redcat