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The MST crawler rigs has been out for over a month now and many RC folks got their hands on one or the other. Reviews came in from all over the world. Here is what we gathered up about the two new MST crawlers.

1/8 CFX-W

For the 1/8 CFX-W, initial reviews are that it is hands down the smoothest and most well-mannered stock truck in the market today. A lot of folks find the 1/8 scale confusing and think it is bigger than a normal 1/10 rig, but it is a 300mm wheelbase rig which is similar in size with the Axial SCX10 or Vaterra K5. Different manufacturers define scale differently... But anyway, the 1/8 MST is similar in size with other 1/10 rigs. The fit, finish and performance are top-notch. Even though it has a 300mm wheel base, it handles like a much bigger rig. It drives like a 2.2 rig because of the high clearance with the portal axles lifting the rig up. And even though it uses 70mm shocks, there is just as much flex if not more, than other similar class rigs. The servo is axle mounted. Here are a few pros for the CFX-W.

• High quality plastic material
• Portal axles give significantly more axle clearance
• Front motor mount means easy scale build for chassis interior
• Quality metal gears
• Front motor means front heavy that is good for crawling
• Weight distribution is great with motor in the center
• Tires are good quality, unique and great to own a set
• Easy to mount different bodies by switching to longer or shorter links
• Fun and easy build with clear instruction manual

The only downside is it doesn't come complete with bearings. The kit needs 55 bearings, 17 of which are still copper bushings. ATees does stock the 17 bearing kit from Boom Racing. Parts availability is also a concern, but look out for ATees.com for all of the MST parts and upgrades. Pinion gear is not included in the kit version, but get it on ATees.com and we will include the pinion for you with no charge. If you want to run CMS, you must wait. No aftermarket options are available yet. Lastly, we shall see how the 1/8 CFX-W holds up over time. 

1/10 CFX

The 1/10 CFX is similar to the 1/10 CMX, the only change it has is the front motor mount. The chassis doesn't need many changes as everything is built with quality parts and metal gears with great fit and finish. The front motor mount opens up lots of possibilities for scale builds, especially with the abundance of RC scale bodies readily available on the market today.

• High quality plastic material and metal gears
• Front motor mount means easy scale build for chassis interior
• Front motor means front heavy that is good for crawling
• Weight distribution is great with motor in the center
• Fits the Team Raffee Co. Defender D90 body with slight modification at the rear shock tower
• Easy to mount different bodies by switching to longer or shorter links
• Fun and easy build with clear instruction manual
• Most parts for the CMX will be useable on the CFX

Downside for the 1/10 CFX is that the kit doesn't come with full ball bearings and has 17 copper bushings. Boom Racing makes a bearing kit for it and is available here. Pinion gear is also not included in the kit version, but get it on ATees.com and the pinion is free.

The CFX and CFX-W are quite different. If you are looking for a performance rig out of the box, or have a longer wheelbase build in mind (anything over 300mm), go for the 1/8 CFX-W. For a SWB build, or a fun scale build, go for the 1/10 CFX. If you are thinking of getting into the crawler scene and looking for your first crawler, they are both good choices as everything is layed out nice and clean with durable plastics and gears.