FTX9358

Overview

The FTX Outback Mini XP Machine Aluminium Front Portal Hub Set (FTX9358) is an essential upgrade component for owners of the FTX Outback Mini XP rock crawler and similar FTX mini-scale vehicles. This precision-engineered aluminium portal hub set is designed to enhance the performance, durability and aesthetic appeal of your RC crawler, making it an ideal choice for enthusiasts looking to maximise their investment in quality RC car UK models. Whether you're a seasoned RC hobbyist or someone relatively new to the world of remote control vehicles, this upgrade delivers noticeable improvements in handling and longevity.

Portal hubs are a critical component in rock crawling and off-road RC vehicles, as they raise the axle line and create additional ground clearance – something that proves invaluable when tackling challenging terrain, obstacles and uneven surfaces. By switching to this machine-cut aluminium version, you're not only gaining structural strength and reduced weight compared to plastic alternatives, but you're also investing in a component that will withstand the demands of serious crawling and bashing. The FTX brand is recognised throughout the UK RC community for delivering excellent value without compromising on quality, and this portal hub set exemplifies that commitment.

This front portal hub set is machined from high-quality aluminium, a material choice that provides the perfect balance between lightweight construction and exceptional durability. The precision engineering ensures perfect fitment with your FTX Outback Mini XP, while the robust construction means these hubs can handle the stresses and impacts that come with serious rock crawling, water crossings and aggressive off-road driving. If you want your mini-scale RC crawler to perform at its best, this is a worthwhile upgrade that will deliver tangible benefits to your driving experience.

Key Features

• Machine-Cut Aluminium Construction — The hubs are precision-machined from quality aluminium alloy, which provides superior strength and rigidity compared to plastic components while keeping weight to a minimum. This material choice is crucial for maintaining the responsive handling characteristics that make the FTX Outback Mini XP such a capable crawler.
• Front Portal Hub Set — This is a complete front hub assembly, meaning you're getting everything needed to upgrade the front end of your vehicle in one purchase. Portal hubs are specifically designed to raise the axle line, increasing ground clearance and improving the vehicle's ability to climb obstacles and traverse rough terrain.
• FTX Outback Mini XP Compatibility — These hubs are engineered specifically for the FTX Outback Mini XP platform, ensuring perfect fitment and alignment with your existing suspension and drivetrain components. This precision fit means installation is straightforward and performance is optimised from day one.
• Enhanced Ground Clearance — By installing portal hubs, you're effectively raising your axle line, which increases the vehicle's ground clearance and allows it to tackle steeper angles and larger obstacles without grounding out or getting stuck. This is particularly valuable in rock crawling scenarios where every millimetre of clearance matters.
• Improved Durability — The aluminium construction is significantly more resistant to impact damage and stress fractures than plastic hubs, meaning your investment will last longer through aggressive driving, impacts with rocks and logs, and general wear and tear.
• Professional-Grade Engineering — FTX's commitment to quality is evident in the precision machining and attention to detail. These aren't budget components – they're engineered to deliver consistent performance and reliability across multiple driving sessions.

Technical Performance

The FTX Outback Mini XP Machine Aluminium Front Portal Hub Set represents a significant step up in chassis durability and performance for owners of the FTX Outback Mini XP. The decision to machine these hubs from aluminium rather than using injection-moulded plastic is a fundamental engineering choice that impacts everything from weight distribution to impact resistance. Aluminium alloy offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, meaning the hubs provide robust protection for your drivetrain while maintaining the lightweight characteristics essential in 1/10-scale rock crawling. The precision machining process ensures tolerances are tight and consistent, resulting in perfect fitment every time and eliminating the play and flex that can develop in plastic components over time. The portal hub design itself is crucial for serious crawling – by raising the axle line, these hubs increase ground clearance and allow steeper approach angles, which translates directly to improved obstacle-climbing ability and reduced risk of high-centering on rocks and logs. The improved ground clearance also reduces the likelihood of damage to the lower chassis components and driveshafts during aggressive driving. The set is specifically engineered for the FTX Outback Mini XP platform, meaning compatibility is guaranteed and performance is optimised. Whether you're running your vehicle on rocky terrain, through water, or in aggressive bashing environments, these aluminium portal hubs will provide reliable service and maintain their structural integrity through repeated impacts and stresses that might crack or flex plastic alternatives. This is the kind of upgrade that serious RC enthusiasts in the UK recognise as a worthwhile investment for improving both the capability and longevity of their vehicles.

What's in the Box

• FTX Outback Mini XP Machine Aluminium Front Portal Hub Set – complete front hub assembly with all necessary components

Frequently Asked Questions

• What exactly are portal hubs and why would I want to upgrade to them? — Portal hubs are a specialised suspension component that repositions the axle line higher on the vehicle, increasing ground clearance significantly. This upgrade is particularly valuable for rock crawling and off-road driving because it allows you to climb steeper obstacles, cross larger gaps, and navigate technical terrain without the chassis grounding out or high-centering on rocks. The FTX Outback Mini XP comes with standard hubs, but upgrading to aluminium portal hubs gives you a noticeable improvement in capability and opens up new driving possibilities.
• Why choose aluminium over plastic hubs? — Aluminium offers several advantages: it's significantly stronger and more durable, it resists impact damage better, it won't flex or develop play over time like plastic can, and it offers superior heat dissipation. The trade-off is that aluminium is heavier, but FTX's precision machining keeps the weight penalty minimal whilst delivering substantially better durability. For serious crawling, the aluminium option is the clear choice.
• Will these hubs fit my FTX Outback Mini XP? — Yes, these hubs are specifically engineered for the FTX Outback Mini XP platform. Compatibility is guaranteed as long as you own an Outback Mini XP model. FTX designs their upgrade components to ensure seamless fitment with the original vehicle geometry and suspension design.
• How much of a difference will portal hubs make to my vehicle's performance? — You'll notice a meaningful improvement in ground clearance – typically several millimetres higher axle line – which translates to better obstacle-climbing ability and more confidence when tackling challenging terrain. The vehicle will also feel more stable over obstacles because the higher axle line provides a different weight distribution. You'll also benefit from improved durability and reduced risk of component damage in the long term.
• Is this a complete upgrade or do I need other parts? — This is a front portal hub set, which is a complete assembly for the front end. If you want to upgrade the rear as well, you would need to purchase the rear portal hub set separately. Many enthusiasts upgrade both front and rear for consistent performance across the entire vehicle.
• How difficult is installation? — Portal hub installation requires basic mechanical knowledge and the appropriate tools, typically including hex drivers and possibly some suspension tools. If you're comfortable working on RC vehicles, installation is straightforward. If you're new to RC maintenance, you might consider having an experienced RC technician handle the installation to ensure everything is set up correctly.

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 FTX OUTBACK MINI XP MACHINE ALUMINIUM FRONT PORTAL HUB SET FTX9358 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.