Overview
The Axial Portal Knuckles in solid brass represent a sophisticated upgrade solution for RC enthusiasts looking to optimise the performance and handling characteristics of their 1/8 scale AXP8 trail buggy. These precision-engineered components are manufactured from solid brass, a material choice that delivers significant weight benefits when positioned strategically on your RC crawler or trail buggy. Whether you are a competitive racer, weekend basher, or serious hobbyist exploring the world of RC car upgrades in the UK, these portal knuckles offer tangible performance advantages that extend well beyond simple aesthetics.
Each knuckle weighs 69.5 grams, and by utilising brass instead of composite materials, Axial has created a weight placement solution that works with your vehicle's dynamics rather than against them. This is not merely a cosmetic upgrade; it is a carefully considered engineering decision that addresses three critical aspects of RC vehicle performance: centre of gravity optimisation, weight bias distribution, and overall balance across the wheelbase. For drivers seeking to enhance their AXP8 platform's capabilities, these portal knuckles represent an intelligent investment in handling refinement and competitive advantage.
As an authorised Axial retailer, RC Model Shop stocks genuine Axial performance parts designed specifically for the AXP8 platform. Whether you are tuning a ready-to-run RC buggy or fine-tuning a competition build, these brass portal knuckles integrate seamlessly with your existing setup and deliver measurable improvements in weight distribution and vehicle control.
Key Features
- Solid Brass Construction — Unlike the stock composite knuckles, these components are machined from solid brass, which provides superior durability whilst offering precise weight placement opportunities that composite materials cannot match, making them ideal for serious RC enthusiasts prioritising performance tuning.
- Optimised Weight Distribution — Each portal knuckle weighs 69.5 grams, allowing drivers to strategically place substantial mass downward and forward on the chassis, which lowers the centre of gravity for improved stability and cornering performance on challenging terrain.
- Improved Centre of Gravity — By positioning weight lower on the vehicle frame, these knuckles reduce the tendency for your RC buggy to roll during aggressive manoeuvres, particularly valuable when navigating technical trail sections or rocky descents where stability directly impacts lap times and vehicle control.
- Enhanced Weight Bias — The forward weight placement created by these brass components improves the vehicle's weight bias, translating to better front-end grip, more responsive steering input, and increased traction during acceleration phases on loose or technical surfaces.
- Superior Balance and Wheelbase Control — Positioning mass outward toward the wheels whilst maintaining low and forward placement creates a balanced weight distribution across the entire wheelbase, resulting in more predictable handling characteristics and improved corner exit performance.
- Left and Right Pair Included — This package includes both left and right portal knuckles, providing a complete upgrade solution that requires no additional components, making installation straightforward for users with basic mechanical skills.
- AXP8 Specific Compatibility — These knuckles are engineered specifically for the Axial 1/8 AXP8 platform, ensuring perfect fitment and optimal performance integration with your Gilamon 2.2 trail buggy or other compatible AXP8 builds.
Technical Performance
The Axial Portal Knuckles represent a sophisticated understanding of weight management in RC vehicle design. Constructed entirely from solid brass rather than composite materials, these components leverage the material's density and machinability to achieve precise weight placement that would be impossible with injection-moulded alternatives. At 69.5 grams per knuckle, the combined mass of the left and right pair totals 139 grams, creating a substantial but manageable shift in the vehicle's centre of gravity when installed. The brass construction provides exceptional durability compared to composite portal knuckles, resisting impact damage and maintaining dimensional accuracy through repeated use on technical terrain. For 1/8 scale trail buggies like the AXP8 Gilamon 2.2 platform, this weight distribution upgrade directly influences suspension articulation, chassis roll angles, and overall handling balance. The knuckles integrate with the existing AXP8 steering and suspension geometry, meaning installation focuses on simple component replacement rather than complex chassis modifications. This makes them an ideal performance tuning option for drivers looking to extract maximum capability from their current build without requiring comprehensive rebuilds or geometry changes. The engineering philosophy behind these brass knuckles reflects decades of RC competition experience, where marginal gains in weight distribution compound across entire races or practice sessions to create noticeable performance improvements.
What's in the Box
- Portal Knuckles (Left/Right), Brass (69.5g each), AF16P: AXP8 — two complete knuckles ready for installation on your AXP8 platform
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the weight of each brass portal knuckle? — Each knuckle weighs exactly 69.5 grams, providing substantial weight for optimising your vehicle's centre of gravity and weight distribution characteristics without adding excessive mass to the overall build.
- Will these brass knuckles fit my Axial AXP8 trail buggy? — Yes, these portal knuckles are specifically engineered for the Axial 1/8 AXP8 platform, including the Gilamon 2.2 4x4 RTR models in both red and green variants. They replace the factory composite knuckles with direct compatibility.
- How do brass portal knuckles improve RC buggy handling? — By positioning 69.5 grams of weight both downward and forward on your chassis, brass portal knuckles lower the centre of gravity, improve weight bias toward the front wheels, and create better balance across the wheelbase. These factors combine to reduce roll during cornering, improve front-end grip during acceleration, and provide more predictable handling on technical terrain.
- Are these knuckles suitable for competitive racing? — Absolutely. Weight distribution optimisation is a fundamental tuning principle in competitive RC racing. These brass components are designed specifically for drivers seeking to extract maximum performance from their AXP8 platform, making them ideal for trail racing, rock crawling, and technical off-road competition.
- What is the difference between brass and composite portal knuckles? — Brass knuckles offer superior durability, precise weight placement for performance tuning, and excellent impact resistance compared to injection-moulded composite alternatives. While composite knuckles are lighter, brass knuckles intentionally provide strategic mass placement that improves handling characteristics on 1/8 scale trail buggies like the AXP8.
- Will installing these knuckles require major modifications to my AXP8? — No. These portal knuckles are drop-in replacements for the factory composite components, meaning installation involves simple removal of the original knuckles and installation of the brass alternatives. No geometry changes or complex modifications are required.
- Can these be installed on other Axial models? — These knuckles are specifically designed for the AF16P: AXP8 platform and compatible models. Installation on other Axial platforms would require verification of compatibility with your specific model's geometry.
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. Based in Walsall, we have a physical store where customers are welcome to come in, view products and purchase in store. 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 Axial Portal Knuckles (Left/Right), Brass (69.5g ea), AF16P: AXP8 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 Walsall — we look forward to helping you get the most out of your RC experience.
We want to make sure your delivery goes smoothly, so here are some important details about our service:
- For orders above £120, we offer delivery to most mainland UK addresses. For orders under £120, we can still deliver to Northern Ireland and the outlying isles, as long as the item can be sent by Royal Mail, weighs less than 30kg, and fits within 61cm × 46cm × 46cm. Some highland and remote areas may carry an extra delivery charge as couriers often apply surcharges in these locations. If you live in one of these areas, feel free to contact us before ordering so we can confirm the delivery options and costs for you.
- Most of our products include delivery in the price. If your order is under £90, a small delivery fee will apply but do not worry this will always be clearly shown at checkout before you complete your purchase.
- Depending on what you choose at checkout, your order will usually be delivered either the next working day or within 2 working days. For next day delivery please place your order before 2:00pm. Orders are dispatched Monday to Friday only. Some items may take a little longer and if that is the case we will always show the expected delivery time on the product page.
- If your order includes items with different dispatch times we will normally wait and send everything together once all items are in stock. If one of the items is going to take a while we will give you the choice either wait for everything to arrive or let us send the available items now and deliver the rest later. It is up to you.
- We use trusted delivery partners to make sure your order gets to you safely and on time. We use DPD for next working day deliveries and Royal Mail for the 2 day option.
- As soon as your order is on its way we will send you a tracking number by email. If you provide your mobile number at checkout we will also send delivery updates straight to your phone so you can keep an eye on progress.
- If a product is marked as "Dispatched within 3 working days" delivery usually takes around 3 to 5 working days from when your order is placed.
- For customers in Inverness and other parts of the Scottish Highlands deliveries can take up to 2 working days even if you select next day delivery as couriers do not currently offer a guaranteed next day service to those areas.
