FTX TRACER 1/16 4WD BRUSHLESS MONSTER TRUCK RTR - BLUE FTX5596B

Overview

The FTX Tracer 1/16 4WD Brushless Monster Truck RTR represents an exciting step up in small-scale RC performance. This ready-to-run brushless RC monster truck has become hugely popular with enthusiasts discovering the world of RC cars for the first time, and the brushless upgrade takes everything that made the original special and pushes it further into genuine thrills and spills territory. Whether you're searching for a quality brushless RC truck under £120 or a reliable ready-to-run RC car UK enthusiasts can trust, the Tracer brushless delivers surprising performance in a compact, highly capable package.

The Tracer brushless really proves that you don't need a full-size 1/10 scale model to experience genuine RC excitement. With its potent 3800KV brushless motor paired with a 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery, this truck puts serious power delivery into a nimble 1/16 scale platform. The result is a vehicle that's genuinely quick, genuinely capable, and genuinely fun—all whilst remaining affordable and accessible to newcomers and experienced bashers alike.

What truly sets this model apart is the thoughtful engineering throughout. The inclusion of metal rear dogbones demonstrates durability-first thinking, the new rear upper suspension links provide reliability under the aggressive power delivery, and the 100-metre range 2.4GHz radio system means you can explore those longer speed runs without losing control. This is a ready-to-run RC truck that respects the hobby whilst keeping things simple and enjoyable.

Key Features

• 3800KV Brushless Motor — The high-KV brushless motor delivers genuine power and acceleration in a compact package. Brushless technology means less maintenance, superior efficiency, and dramatically better power delivery compared to brushed alternatives, making this a genuine performance upgrade from the standard Tracer model.
• 99% Ready-To-Run Design — Everything arrives assembled and ready for immediate action. Simply charge the included 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery via the USB charger and you're ready to bash. This removes the intimidation factor for newcomers discovering RC cars in the UK and gets experienced drivers playing immediately.
• 2.4GHz Radio System with 100m Range — The fully proportional 2.4GHz radio delivers reliable control with genuine range. The 100-metre operating distance allows for genuinely extended speed runs and exploring distant terrain without signal loss, a substantial upgrade over shorter-range systems.
• Splashproof Electronics — Both the brushless ESC/receiver unit and the 1kg-rated servo feature splashproof construction, protecting your investment during wet grass, muddy conditions and the occasional splash. Water resistance means you're not confined to dry-weather use only.
• Shaft-Driven 4WD Drivetrain — Full 4WD traction is delivered via robust shaft drive to all four wheels. The front and rear geared differentials automatically distribute torque intelligently, ensuring traction in all conditions from tarmac to grass, gravel and rough terrain.
• Metal Rear Dogbone Driveshafts — Upgrading from plastic to metal rear dogbones significantly increases durability under the aggressive power delivery of the brushless motor. These components are engineered to handle the punishment of hard bashing and longer running sessions.
• Double Wishbone Suspension with Coil Spring Shocks — The comprehensive suspension geometry features independent double wishbone suspension front and rear, complemented by coil-sprung shock absorbers. Multiple mounting points allow tuning and adjustment as you develop your driving style and explore different terrains.
• Front Universal CVA Driveshafts — The front driveshafts feature constant-velocity joints (CVAs) which maintain smooth power delivery even during aggressive suspension articulation and steering input. This engineering detail prevents binding and maintains consistent handling throughout extreme suspension travel.
• Low-Friction Ball Bearings Throughout — Precision ball bearings feature throughout the drivetrain and suspension, reducing friction and allowing faster acceleration, smoother handling and extended battery runtime. Quality bearings are a hallmark of genuinely engineered RC cars rather than budget toys.
• Plug-In Front Bumper LED Lights — The integrated LED lighting adds visual appeal and allows evening and low-light operation. The plug-in design means they're removable if you prefer a simplified setup or need to maintain weight distribution for specific driving styles.
• Oversized Wheels and Block Pattern Tyres — The Tracer rides on substantial 78mm diameter tyres with aggressive block tread patterns. These oversized tyres combined with the truck's modest ground clearance provide genuine grip and visual aggression whilst maintaining the model's low centre of gravity and stability.
• Rear-Mounted Wheelie Bar — The included wheelie bar serves as both a safety device and a tool for controlled weight transfer during acceleration. It prevents uncontrolled flips whilst allowing skilled drivers to perform controlled wheelies, unlocking dynamic driving techniques.
• Extensive Aftermarket Options Available — FTX provides an enormous range of hop-up parts and tuning options specifically designed for the Tracer platform. This means your truck can evolve with your skills—upgrading shocks, adding aluminium components, tuning suspension geometry and exploring performance modifications as you develop.

Technical Performance

The FTX Tracer brushless monster truck represents genuinely thoughtful engineering for the 1/16 scale category. The 3800KV brushless motor is the real centrepiece—this is serious performance specification for a model of this size. Paired with a brushless ESC that's inherently more efficient than brushed alternatives, the power-to-weight ratio delivers genuine speed and acceleration that will surprise drivers expecting slow "ready-to-run" performance. The 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery is a sensible energy source—sufficient capacity for extended running sessions without excessive weight penalty. The 1:10.71 gear ratio balances acceleration and top speed sensibly for mixed-terrain running.

Build quality throughout is genuinely impressive. The combination of plastic composite chassis with upgraded metal rear dogbones shows intelligent material selection—light weight where rigidity isn't essential, durable metal components where abuse is expected. The splashproof 1kg-rated servo is proportional-control rated, meaning it delivers smooth, infinitely variable steering input rather than binary on-off response. Coil-spring shock absorbers with multiple mounting points provide genuine suspension tuning capability—not the single-point fixed shocks found on budget models. The inclusion of low-friction ball bearings throughout the drivetrain indicates quality manufacturing rather than stamped-metal cost-cutting. The double-wishbone suspension front and rear with front CVA driveshafts represents suspension engineering borrowed from far more expensive scale models.

The 2.4GHz radio system with 100-metre range operates on fully proportional throttle and steering—meaning acceleration and steering input are smooth and infinitely variable, not simplified single-speed systems. The brushless ESC features integrated receiver and splashproof construction, simplifying the electronics package whilst protecting against casual water exposure. This is genuinely engineered as a complete system rather than a collection of budget components assembled together. The overall specification sits firmly at beginner-to-intermediate difficulty level—everything is solvable with basic tools and common sense, but it's not a toy that can't be broken.

What's in the Box

• FTX Tracer brushless 1/16 scale 4WD monster truck (fully assembled)
• 3800KV brushless motor (installed)
• Brushless ESC/receiver unit (installed, splashproof rated)
• 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery
• USB battery charger
• 2.4GHz proportional radio system with receiver (100m range)
• Splashproof 1kg-rated servo (installed)
• Detailed 4x4 off-road truck bodyshell (painted, fitted)
• Front plug-in LED lights
• Oversized wheels with block pattern tyres
• Rear-mounted wheelie bar
• Metal rear dogbone driveshafts
• Instruction manual

Frequently Asked Questions

• Is the FTX Tracer brushless suitable for complete RC beginners? — Yes, absolutely. The Tracer brushless is specifically designed as a beginner-friendly entry point into the RC hobby. It arrives 99% ready-to-run—simply charge the battery and drive. The simple proportional radio system is intuitive to learn, the truck is durable enough to survive learning crashes, and a comprehensive range of inexpensive spares is available for any damage. The instruction manual guides you through basic maintenance. Many customers report it being an excellent introduction to RC that genuinely surprises with how quick and fun it is.
• What battery does the FTX Tracer brushless require? — The model comes with a 7.4V 1000mAh 2S LiPo battery and a USB charger. This 2S battery (two cells) is standard for 1/16 brushless models and delivers excellent runtime. You may wish to purchase a second battery for extended running sessions, as a single battery typically provides 15-20 minutes of hard running before recharging is necessary. Genuine FTX Tracer spare 7.4V 1000mAh 25C LiPo batteries with T-connectors are readily available.
• How far will the radio system reach? — The included 2.4GHz radio system features a 100-metre operating range. This is considerably more generous than typical ready-to-run models and allows genuinely extended speed runs and exploring distant terrain. The fully proportional throttle and steering controls mean the truck remains responsive throughout the operating range.
• Can I upgrade parts on the Tracer brushless? — Yes, there's an extensive range of FTX Tracer hop-up parts and upgrade options available. You can upgrade to aluminium-capped oil-filled shocks, upgrade suspension links, swap in machined metal driveshafts and differential gears, and explore various other tuning modifications. This upgradability path means your truck can evolve with your skills and interests without replacing the entire model.
• Is the Tracer brushless waterproof? — The electronics are rated as splashproof, meaning brief water exposure and wet grass conditions are no problem, but it's not designed for submersion or deep water. The ESC/receiver and servo both feature splashproof sealing. You can enjoy wet-weather running without concern but should avoid dunking the truck or driving through standing water.
• How fast is the brushless Tracer? — With the 3800KV brushless motor and 7.4V 2S battery, the Tracer delivers genuine speed for its size. The exact top speed depends on terrain and driving style, but the brushless specification represents a dramatic performance upgrade from the brushed version. The 1:10.71 gear ratio balances acceleration and top speed sensibly—you get genuine quickness without sacrificing drivability.
• What is the difference between this brushless version and the standard brushed Tracer? — The brushless version features a more powerful 3800KV brushless motor compared to the brushed alternative, a brushless ESC instead of brushed electronics, and upgraded metal rear dogbones and rear suspension links for handling the increased power. These upgrades deliver noticeably quicker acceleration, higher top speed, and greater durability under aggressive driving. The brushless motor also requires virtually no maintenance compared to brushed alternatives.
• What maintenance does the Tracer brushless require? — The brushless motor requires minimal maintenance—no brushes or commutators to wear or replace. Regular inspection of the driveshafts and suspension components is sensible, especially after hard running sessions. Occasional cleaning is recommended, particularly after wet-grass running. The splashproof electronics mean you don't need to disassemble the truck for casual cleaning. Detailed maintenance guidance is provided in the instruction manual.

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 TRACER 1/16 4WD BRUSHLESS MONSTER TRUCK RTR - BLUE (FTX5596B) 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 contact us—we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.