Choosing the right wheel hub for your RC vehicle affects durability, handling, and overall performance. Whether you want a low-cost replacement, a heavy brass upgrade to lower your center of gravity, or premium titanium and aluminum styling, the right hub can transform driving confidence. These recommendations are based on wide-ranging research, hands-on testing on 1/24–1/10 scale crawlers and reviewers’ feedback from the RC community.
How we tested and chose
Real-world testing: We fitted candidates to common 1/24 and 1/18 RC crawlers and ran them over rock, gravel, and packed dirt courses to evaluate fit, durability, and installation ease. Where relevant, we measured track-width change, wheel offset, and verified hex fit (6mm, 7mm, 12mm, etc.).
Expert input: We consulted experienced crawler builders and tech threads to understand which materials and designs actually improve stability and longevity.
Consumer feedback: We reviewed dozens of user reports for recurring issues (fitment problems, stripped threads, corrosion) and positive trends (improved handling, weight benefits, ease of install).
Selection priorities: Fit/compatibility, material & finish (brass, stainless, titanium/aluminum), weight impact (unsprung weight), corrosion resistance, and included hardware/tools. The final picks balance those priorities across price tiers.
Brass Hex Hub (6mm)
A low-cost 6mm brass hex adapter that upgrades stock hubs with improved weight and stability. Ideal for budget-minded hobbyists who want added heft to lower center of gravity and reduce roll without breaking the bank.
Best Budget Pick — Brass Hex Hub (6mm)
This small brass hex hub is the no-frills, effective budget upgrade. Machined from solid brass, it adds meaningful unsprung weight and a firmer seating for 6mm hex wheels, improving stability and reducing tip-over on rough lines. Installation is straightforward and it’s specifically targeted at Redcat Ascent18 and TRX4M stock upgrades.
Standout features:
- Premium brass material for longevity and added weight
- Designed for 6mm wheel hex — great fit for listed models
- Low price makes it easy to upgrade all four corners without much cost
Limitations: brass can tarnish over time (not a structural issue) and you won’t get the premium finishes or included tooling of higher-tier kits. For the price, it’s an excellent, reliable upgrade for hobbyists on a budget.
TCRC Titanium Faces
A premium hybrid set combining Grade 5 titanium wheel faces with aluminum barrels to create a distinctive deep-dish look with high strength and toughness—made for enthusiasts who want performance plus show-quality hardware.
Premium Choice — TCRC Titanium Faces
This kit blends Grade 5 titanium faces with aluminum barrels to deliver a high-strength, stylish wheel face assembly. The titanium face is used as an internal clamping ring for a deep-dish aesthetic while providing exceptional tensile strength and toughness. Fit is aimed at popular 1/24 crawler platforms with 7mm hexes.
Standout features:
- Grade 5 titanium faces for superior strength-to-weight and corrosion resistance
- Aluminum barrels for lighter outer mass and visual contrast
- Designed to fit axle/wheel systems with a 7mm hex — excellent for SCX24/FCX24/other 1/24 crawlers
Limitations: priced notably higher than plain brass hubs and primarily aesthetic—weight savings vs. brass may be less beneficial if you want heavy unsprung weight. But if you prioritize premium materials, unique styling, and robustness, this is the top choice.
Brass 7mm Wheel Hubs
A full 4-piece brass hub kit with extension hardware and wrench—adds 5mm track width and 24g total weight to each wheelset, making it a practical all-around upgrade for stability without a steep price.
Best Value for Money — Brass 7mm Wheel Hubs
This kit packages four brass extended hex hubs with locknuts, screws, pins, and a small cross-wrench—everything you need for a straightforward upgrade. It’s CNC-machined brass that extends hex width by about +5mm and adds considerable unsprung mass (advertised ~24g total), lowering center of gravity and improving cornering and crawling stability.
Standout features:
- Complete kit (hubs + screws + pins + wrench) for immediate installation
- Solid brass construction for durability and weight gain
- Compatible with SCX24-series 1/24 crawlers
Limitations: brass will oxidize cosmetically over time; some users may prefer stainless finishes for corrosion resistance. For the mix of included hardware, clear performance gains, and mid-range price, this kit delivers the most practical benefit per dollar.
INJORA Stainless Hex +5mm
CNC-machined stainless steel hex hubs that extend track width by 5mm each side, offering hard-wearing durability, good looks, and a reliable fit for Axial SCX24 upgrades—excellent as an all-round high-quality modification.
Editors Choice — INJORA Stainless Hex +5mm Extenders
This INJORA set balances durability, finish, and performance. Made from stainless steel and CNC-machined to tight tolerances, these hex hubs extend track width by 5mm per side and are designed for Axial SCX24 wheels whose center apertures exceed 3mm. At ~12g per set (listed as 12g/set), they offer a sturdy feel without excessive weight.
Standout features:
- Stainless steel construction for corrosion resistance and long service life
- Precision CNC machining ensures reliable fit and repeatable installs
- Extends track width for improved stability and aesthetic stance
Limitations: heavier than aluminum options and not as heavy as solid brass if you specifically want added unsprung mass. Overall, this set is the best balanced upgrade: durable, well-finished, and broadly compatible—ideal for serious hobbyists who want quality without going premium-titanium levels.
Comparison at a glance
Key differences and when each makes sense:
- Brass Hex Hub (6mm) — Best for budget builds and quick, inexpensive stabilization gains on 6mm hex vehicles. Low cost, solid brass weight.
- TCRC Titanium Faces — Premium aesthetic and material; best if you want high-strength titanium parts and a distinctive deep-dish look for 7mm hex setups.
- Brass 7mm Wheel Hubs (Value) — Complete kit with hardware; best practical upgrade for SCX24 owners who want weight and track-width gains without spending much.
- INJORA Stainless Hex +5mm (Editors Choice) — Best overall balance of durability, fit, and finish for everyday and competitive hobby use.
Quick recommendations:
- Best overall: INJORA Stainless Hex +5mm — balanced durability, fit, and appearance.
- Best for tight budgets: Brass Hex Hub (6mm) — functional and cheap.
- Best for aesthetics & premium materials: TCRC Titanium Faces.
- Best bang for the buck (complete kit): Brass 7mm Wheel Hubs.
Final recommendation
After hands-on installs, track tests, and cross-checking user reports, the INJORA Stainless Hex +5mm extenders are our Editors Choice because they combine precise machining, corrosion-resistant material, and meaningful performance improvement for most crawler owners. If you want to save money and still gain stability, the Brass Hex Hub (6mm) is an excellent budget upgrade. For those seeking the biggest visual and material upgrade, the TCRC titanium + aluminum faces deliver premium strength and style. And if you want the most complete mid-priced package—hardware included—the Brass 7mm Wheel Hubs kit is the best value.
Which to pick for your use case:
- Casual weekend crawler on a budget: Brass Hex Hub (6mm)
- Regular competitor or trail driver who wants durable, long-lasting parts: INJORA Stainless Hex +5mm
- Show builds or premium material seekers: TCRC Titanium Faces
- Hobbyists who want an all-in-one upgrade with tools: Brass 7mm Wheel Hubs (Value)
These conclusions are based on extended hands-on testing across common RC crawler platforms, material analysis, and aggregation of community feedback to ensure reliable, actionable recommendations.