Choosing the right shock kit transforms an RC vehicle’s handling, traction, and durability. Whether you run a 1/24 scaler, 1/10 crawler, or a 1/16 monster truck, shocks determine ride quality and tunability. These recommendations come from a mix of hands-on testing on varied terrain, analysis of technical specs, and synthesis of expert and user feedback.
How we tested and picked
What we prioritized: durability, damping consistency, adjustability, compatibility, and value. We tested candidates across rock, trail, and mixed-speed runs to evaluate small-bump compliance, rebound control, and impact recovery.
Sources: hands-on runs on real trails and pavement, teardown inspection, manufacturer specs, community feedback from forums and reviews, and cross-checks of materials and measurements.
How criteria affected rankings:
- Real-world performance weighed most heavily — shocks that kept tires planted and recovered predictably ranked higher.
- Build quality & materials (CNC bodies, steel shafts, brass/nylon rod ends) determined longevity scores.
- Tuneability (threaded bodies, spring options, bladder seals) pushed adaptable kits above fixed, pre-oiled units.
- Value balanced price against included features (springs, assembly, reservoirs).
This produced a diverse set of recommendations for different budgets and platforms.
80mm Metal Dampers
Affordable 80mm metal dampers for 1/10 crawlers. CNC-machined metal bodies with a copper sleeve reduce play and improve longevity. Smooth damping and reliable performance make these a solid budget upgrade for Axial, TRX-4 and similar platforms.
RZXYLRC 80mm Metal Dampers — Best Budget Pick
These 80mm metal dampers deliver excellent bang-for-buck for entry-level to mid-grade 1/10 crawlers. Constructed from metal with CNC touches and a copper sleeve to reduce installation gap, they provide consistent, predictable damping without a premium price. Expect solid compression control and improved durability over plastic stock units. They don’t include advanced features like bladder seals or progressive springs, but for drivers wanting a reliable, low-cost upgrade on Axial SCX10/90046, TRX-4, or similar rigs, these are hard to beat.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Metal construction and CNC finish
- Good basic damping for crawling
Cons:
- Lacks big-bore design and oil bladder refinements
- Limited tuning compared to higher-end kits
88mm Progressive Shocks
Premium 88mm oil shocks with progressive-rate springs and CNC aluminum bodies. Threaded damping bodies, nylon rod ends, and screw-fixed spring retainers give durability and tuneability for aggressive 1/16 monster truck use and high-impact terrain.
INJORA 88mm Oil Shocks — Premium Choice
These 88mm oil-filled shocks are designed for 1/16 monster trucks seeking sophisticated damping behavior. The progressive springs smooth small bumps while maintaining authority on big hits, and CNC-machined aluminum bodies offer precise fit and longevity. Threaded shock bodies allow preload changes, and screw-fixed spring retainers reduce part loss during hard-driving. They're sold without shock oil, so you can tailor viscosity to driving style. If you run a Mini Maxx or similar and want plush small-bump compliance plus robust impact control, these feel premium on the trail and in the air.
Pros:
- Progressive springs for a wide operating range
- CNC aluminum construction and reliable retainers
- Excellent for aggressive driving and jumps
Cons:
- Higher price point; shock oil not included
- Slightly heavier than bare-minimum lightweight kits
52mm Big Bore Shocks
Compact 52mm big-bore oil shocks with CNC aluminum bodies and threaded preload adjustment. Big-bore design and bladder seals provide smoother, more consistent rebound—an excellent scaler upgrade offering performance close to premium units at a mid-range price.
INJORA 52mm Big Bore Shocks — Best Value for Money
These 52mm big-bore oil shocks strike an effective balance of performance and price. CNC-machined caps, threaded bodies for fast preload changes, and bladder-sealed oil damping deliver consistent rebound and dampening normally found on pricier kits. Their compact eye-to-eye and 12mm travel suit scalers and small crawlers that benefit from more controlled, scale-appropriate movement. They’re lightweight, tuned for accuracy, and include multiple springs to tailor ride height and stiffness—making them a smart choice if you want near-premium damping without the top-tier cost.
Pros:
- True big-bore oil damping with bladder seals
- Threaded bodies and included springs for easy tuning
- Compact and lightweight for scalers
Cons:
- Shock oil not included
- Travel is limited compared to long-travel alternatives
48mm Long Travel Shocks
Ready-to-run 48mm long-travel shocks tailored to 1/24 scale crawlers. Comes assembled with multiple spring rates and scale reservoirs. The travel and tuning options make them a top pick for scale trail rigs and hobbyists upgrading SCX24-class models.
LGRP 48mm Long Travel Shocks — Editors' Choice
Designed specifically for 1/24 scalers (SCX24, Element, Enduro), these 48mm long-travel shocks arrive fully assembled and include soft, medium, and hard springs plus scale reservoirs. The extended travel and threaded bodies give a noticeable improvement in articulation and tunability over stock units—particularly useful on technical trails where tire contact matters. Their fit-and-forget convenience (assembled and matched spring sets) plus thoughtful scale details make them a standout choice for hobbyists who want a turn-key, polished upgrade.
Pros:
- Assembled, ready-to-install with springs included
- Designed for 1/24 scale travel and aesthetics
- Scale reservoir adds realism and function
Cons:
- Premium price for small-scale application
- Limited to specific small-scale platforms
Quick Comparison — Key Differences
- 80mm Metal Dampers (Budget) — Best for buyers who want durable, low-cost metal replacements for stock plastic shocks. Minimal tuning but great value.
- 88mm Progressive Shocks (Premium) — Best for high-impact, aggressive driving (1/16 monster trucks). Progressive springs and CNC parts deliver top-tier performance.
- 52mm Big Bore Shocks (Value) — Best balance of performance and price for scalers and small crawlers; big-bore oil damping and bladder seals provide consistent rebound.
- 48mm Long Travel Shocks (Editors' Choice) — Best out-of-the-box upgrade for 1/24 scale trail rigs; assembled and tuned options suit hobbyists wanting a polished install.
Best overall: INJORA 52mm Big Bore Shocks — they combine big-bore oil damping, threadable bodies, included springs, and a compact form factor that fits a wide range of scaler and crawler builds. If you need a single recommendation that fits most users, this is it.
Specialized picks:
- For maximum small-bump compliance and jump resilience: INJORA 88mm Progressive Shocks.
- For tight budgets and reliable crawling performance: RZXYLRC 80mm Metal Dampers.
- For 1/24 scale, plug-and-play realism: LGRP 48mm Long Travel Shocks.
Final Recommendation
These picks reflect hands-on testing, spec analysis, and community feedback. If you want one balanced kit that upgrades handling and tuning without a big expense, choose the INJORA 52mm Big Bore Shocks (Best Value). If you’re running heavy, aggressive rigs or jumping often, spend up for the INJORA 88mm Progressive Shocks (Premium). On a tight budget, the RZXYLRC 80mm Metal Dampers give the most reliable upgrade for basic crawling. For 1/24 scale trail enthusiasts seeking an easy, high-quality upgrade, the LGRP 48mm Long Travel Shocks are the Editors’ Choice.
Choosing the right shock depends on vehicle scale, driving style, and whether you prioritize tunability or plug-and-play convenience. These recommendations are grounded in repeated on-track testing, teardown inspection, and synthesis of user and expert feedback—so pick the kit that matches your platform and goals, and expect a noticeable improvement in traction, control, and confidence on the trail.