RC Review: Losi Tenacity SCT

The TEN 4WD short-course truck is a top-shelf performer as a competition machine under the TLR (Team Losi Racing) banner and also hits the dirt as an RTR wearing the Losi logo. The TEN series’ racing pedigree makes all the TEN models high-performance handlers, whether you prefer to go DIY or RTR. Losi’s latest ready-to-run version of the platform is the Tenacity SCT, which updates the TEN formula with a beefy 4mm-thick plastic tub chassis, 4-pole 3800Kv brushless power, an aggressive new body, Maxxis replica tires, and Spektrum’s new DX2E Active Radio System. The truck is ready for 3S LiPo power and can achieve more than 50mph straight out of the box, with Active Vehicle Control (AVC) to help you rein in all that horsepower. It’s a lot of features at $400—let’s drive.

3-Diff Drivetrain

Like other competition-based 4X4 SCT designs, the Tenacity gets front, center, and rear differentials. The diffs are oil filled from the factory instead of greased, and all the gears—including the pinion and spur—are enclosed to keep dirt and debris out of the works. Dogbone shafts link the differentials, while steel CV-style shafts reach out to the front and rear wheels.

High-Capacity Plastic Shocks

The truck’s plastic-body shocks have 12mm bores to hold plenty of oil, and 3.5mm steel shafts improve durability. Bladders handle volume compensation, and dual caps make it easy to access the single X-ring seal. Centering spacers keep the springs from dragging on the shock bodies, and clip-on spacers set preload and ride height. Basic, effective stuff.

Fixed-Length Camber & Toe Links

The Tenacity gets its suspension geometry from the race-ready TLR version of the TEN platform, but Losi trims cost and complexity by spec’ing fixed-length plastic camber and toe links. For the Tenacity’s mission (going fast, doing donuts, tearing up dirt lots, etc.), the missing adjustability isn’t going to inhibit the fun factor. More important is durability, and the thickly molded parts and flexibility of the plastics should make the Tenacity a tough customer.

Modular Tub Chassis

The TEN series of trucks has always been easy to work on, and the Tenacity might be the easiest yet. The battery is accessed via a door under the chassis, so there’s no need to remove the body. The 1/8-scale-style front and rear gearboxes mount the suspension components directly on them, so when you remove the gearboxes, the whole suspension comes off with them. Up top, the plastic upper brace extends to both gearboxes and provides support for the center-diff housing. Chassis braces front and rear help stiffen up the chassis.

Dynamite Fuze Brushless Power System

The Tenacity is well equipped for speed, with a powerful 4-pole 3800Kv 550 brushless motor rated for use with a 2S or 3S LiPo battery. With a 3S pack, the truck is good for more than 50mph. The waterproof Fuze speed control is rated to use a 2S–4S LiPo (although the motor isn’t 4S capable), and programmable settings include punch, voltage cutoff, drag brake, max brake, and timing.

Telemetry-Ready Spektrum DX2E Active Radio System

The Tenacity comes with the new Spektrum DX2E Active Radio System. It looks like a standard-issue DX2E used in most Losi RTR vehicles, but the Active gets a 3-position throttle-limiting switch, which lets you set throttle output to 50, 75, or 100%. Another 3-position switch operates the third channel. Telemetry is also available with an optional speedometer display, which installs on top of the transmitter and works with a telemetry receiver and motor sensor or telemetry module. You can also install an optional Bluetooth module (SPM6741) that lets you use the Spektrum Dashboard app to relay speed, motor temp, and battery voltage to your Android or iOS device.

Dynamite Reaction 3S 5000mAh LiPo battery

To experience the Tenacity’s maximum speed and power, I went with a 3S LiPo and chose a Dynamite 11.1V 5000mAh pack. The 50C rating gives plenty of punch, and the pack is offered with the required EC3 connector and a standard XH balance plug; you can also get the pack with a Traxxas or Deans plug. The pack fits easily in the Tenacity’s chassis after removing the foam spacers supplied for smaller 2S packs.

Behind the wheel

“This truck looks awesome” was my first thought when I opened the Tenacity’s box. The new body has a low and aggressive stance, which makes the Tenacity look mean and ready for action. The Tenacity comes with a 16-tooth pinion gear installed, which is what is recommended to use with the 2S battery, but if you use a 3S pack, the manual recommends you gear down to a 12-tooth pinion to avoid overgearing and overheating the motor. If you’re new to the hobby, I can honestly say that you won’t need any more than the 2S pack. This truck is fast and has plenty of torque from the 4-pole motor to break the tires loose on any surface. Using the optional Spektrum Speedometer plugged in on the top of the DX2E, I had no problem getting the Tenacity to 30+mph speeds, topping out at 32mph. The construction site at which I was testing the truck was beyond rough, and it really put the Tenacity’s suspension to the test. Over bumps and deep ruts, the suspension did a good job of keeping the rubber to the ground, and with the AVC stability control turned halfway up, I had little trouble keeping the nose pointing where I wanted. The Maxxis Razr replica tires sport an aggressive tread pattern, and they did well hooking up on loose, loamy dirt, putting a big smile on my face every time they kicked up a 10-foot roost in the air. Satisfied with 2S testing, it was time to drop in the 3S pack and, as the kids say, OMG. With a quick pinion gear change to the suggested 12-tooth gear, the Tenacity exploded with power and shot off down the gravel road on which I was speed testing. I used the full power of AVC to easily keep me driving in a straight line, putting down a 53mph high-speed run. After my bashing session, I packed up and headed to SDRC Raceway in Miramar, California. I switched back to the 2S setup and threw the Tenacity on the track. I was surprised how well the tires gripped on the clay surface, considering that they’re aimed more for outdoor loose dirt. I did have a set of Pro-Line Positron SC tires in clay compound on hand for testing and installed them on the Tenacity. Immediately, I was able to shed six seconds off my lap times and put 100 percent of the power to the ground. Losi isn’t aiming the Tenacity at racers (that’s the job of the TLR TEN SCTE 3.0), but this truck is undeniably fast on the track. I have no doubt that, with additional tuning, I could get the Tenacity up to A-main pace.

Final Word

I was impressed with the fit and finish of the Tenacity. Everything is neat and easily accessible, just like all the previous TEN models before it, which simplifies cleaning, maintenance, and repair. Behind the wheel, the Tenacity drove like it looked: super aggressive with lots of speed. With a 2S LiPo pack, it has plenty of speed to satisfy most folks who will buy this truck. With a 3S pack, it’s just plain insanity! I would recommend starting with the 2S battery if you’re not quite ready for 50mph. The $400 admission price isn’t cheap, but it’s a lot less expensive than a TEN racing kit (which doesn’t include electronics), and you get a lot of truck for the money. It’s worth it.