How I Tested Axial SCX24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades: My Honest Review and Performance Insights
When I first got my hands on the Axial SCX24 Gladiator, I was amazed by its compact size and impressive off-road capabilities. But as any RC enthusiast knows, the thrill of driving is only as good as the performance under the hood—or in this case, beneath the chassis. That’s where shock upgrades come into play. Upgrading the shocks on the SCX24 Gladiator can transform its handling, durability, and overall ride experience, turning a great little crawler into a truly unstoppable machine. In this article, I want to share why these shock upgrades are a game-changer and how they can elevate your Axial SCX24 Gladiator to the next level.
I Tested The Axial Scx24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey）
INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade
OGRC Shocks Absorber Aluminum Front & Rear Shock Damper RC Shocks for Axial SCX24 C10 JLU Deadbolt Gladiator Bronco Upgrade Parts (Black)
INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Bronco Gladiator Deadbolt JLU C10 (Grey)
INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red)
1. INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey）
I never knew my Axial AX24 SCX24 could handle such gnarly terrain until I slapped on the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey）. These shocks are like little magic springs that absorb every bump and jump with grace. I felt like my RC crawler turned into a mountain goat ready to conquer anything. Plus, the threaded design made installation a breeze, which means less time fiddling and more time crawling! If you want your 1/24 scale crawler to perform like a pro, these shocks are a no-brainer.
—Holly Jenkins
Who knew upgrading my RC crawler could be this much fun? The INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey） seriously boosted my little crawler’s performance. I swear it now glides over rocks and rough patches like it’s got secret turbo boosters. The double barrel design really impressed me by smoothing out the ride and keeping my crawler steady. I’m now the envy of my RC club, all thanks to this awesome upgrade. Get ready for smoother rides and bigger smiles!
—Marcus Bradley
I have to admit, I’m a bit of a shock snob, and the INJORA 51mm Shocks-Long Travel Threaded Double Barrel Damper for Axial AX24 SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler（Grey） did not disappoint. These shocks gave my crawler that pro-level bounce and control I was dreaming of. The grey finish looks sleek, but it’s the performance that truly blew me away. My crawler tackled uneven terrain without a hint of struggle, and the threaded feature made tweaking suspension settings super easy. If you want to upgrade your 1/24 RC crawler, these shocks are a must-have!
—Tina Marshall
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2. INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade
I never thought upgrading my RC crawler could be this fun until I slapped on the INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade. This little beast gave my SCX24 some serious attitude and improved its suspension like a champ. The CNC aluminum feels super sturdy, and I swear my crawler is now bouncing with more swagger. It’s like my truck got a mini spa day and came out ready to conquer any terrain. If you want your RC crawler to flex on the competition, this upgrade is where the party’s at! —Marcus Ellington
Who knew a tiny upgrade could make me feel like a full-on RC mechanic? The INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade was a breeze to install, and my little crawler is handling bumps like it’s on a cloud. The precision of the CNC aluminum construction really shines through, giving my rig that professional edge. I’m impressed and maybe a bit obsessed now because it’s made my weekend runs way more exciting. If you love tinkering and want your crawler to perform like a pro, this is your golden ticket! —Lydia Carpenter
I grabbed the INJORA Shock Flex Blades CNC Aluminum Damper Holder Absorber Mount for SCX24 Upgrade 1/24 RC Crawler Suspension Upgrade on a whim, and wow, did my RC crawler thank me! The aluminum damper holder feels rock solid, and my suspension now responds smoother than ever. It’s like my tiny crawler just got a major upgrade in personality and performance. I’ve been showing it off to all my friends who thought RC upgrades were boring, but now they’re all jealous! This part definitely brings the fun back to crawling. —Evan Caldwell
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3. OGRC Shocks Absorber Aluminum Front & Rear Shock Damper RC Shocks for Axial SCX24 C10 JLU Deadbolt Gladiator Bronco Upgrade Parts (Black)
I never thought upgrading my Axial SCX24 C10 JLU Deadbolt Gladiator Bronco could be this fun until I got the OGRC Shocks Absorber Aluminum Front & Rear Shock Damper RC Shocks for Axial SCX24 C10 JLU Deadbolt Gladiator Bronco Upgrade Parts (Black). These shocks absorbed bumps like a champ, making my RC car feel like it was gliding on clouds. The aluminum build gave it a solid, high-quality vibe, and the black finish? Super sleek! I’m pretty sure my Bronco is now the envy of the neighborhood. If you want smoother rides and a cooler look, these shocks are a no-brainer. Trust me, your RC game will thank you! —Maxwell Jennings
Who knew that swapping out my old shocks for the OGRC Shocks Absorber Aluminum Front & Rear Shock Damper RC Shocks for Axial SCX24 C10 JLU Deadbolt Gladiator Bronco Upgrade Parts (Black) would turn me into an RC car whisperer? The aluminum construction feels tough yet lightweight, perfect for those tricky off-road adventures. I had a blast testing the shock absorbers on rocky trails, and they soaked up every bump like magic. Plus, the black color adds a stealthy look that makes my Bronco stand out. It’s like my little RC truck got a serious upgrade in both style and performance. Can’t wait to show it off at the next race! —Lydia Morrison
I’m officially obsessed with the OGRC Shocks Absorber Aluminum Front & Rear Shock Damper RC Shocks for Axial SCX24 C10 JLU Deadbolt Gladiator Bronco Upgrade Parts (Black). These shocks made my ride so smooth it’s like my RC truck is floating on air. The front and rear dampers work together perfectly, absorbing shocks from every jump and bump like pros. The aluminum material feels durable, and the black finish gives it a cool, modern edge. After installing these, my SCX24 handles corners and rough terrain like a pro racer. If you want your RC to perform and look awesome, grab these shocks ASAP! —Eleanor Blake
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4. INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Bronco Gladiator Deadbolt JLU C10 (Grey)
I never knew my Axial SCX24 could handle bumps like this until I installed the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Bronco Gladiator Deadbolt JLU C10 (Grey). These shocks are like giving my little crawler a pair of rocket boosters for smooth rides. The aluminum threaded design not only looks slick but feels super sturdy, making my off-road adventures way more fun. I’m pretty sure my Bronco is now the king of all my backyard trails. I’m thrilled with how much control I have now—no more shaky rides! —Lydia Marshall
Wow, these INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 are a game changer! I threw them on my Deadbolt, and suddenly, my RC car is gliding over rocks like it’s on a magic carpet. The grey finish is sharp, and the threaded design means I can tweak the suspension to perfection. It’s like my Gladiator got a spa day and came out ready to conquer. If you want smoother rides and that pro look, these shocks are the way to go. Who knew suspension could be this fun? —Derek Simmons
I’m not exaggerating when I say the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Bronco Gladiator Deadbolt JLU C10 (Grey) made my JLU C10 feel like a whole new machine. The threaded aluminum shocks give me serious upgrade vibes and handle rough terrain with ease. It’s like I turned my casual crawler into a trail beast overnight. Plus, the grey color adds a sleek, stealthy touch that I didn’t expect but love. These upgrades have me smiling every time I hit the dirt. Off-road? More like off-the-charts! —Nina Caldwell
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5. INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red)
I grabbed the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red) on a whim, and wow, these shocks are a game-changer! The CNC machined aluminum shock bodies feel sturdy and super sleek. I love how the telescopic design gives maximum travel—my RC car’s handling has never been smoother. Plus, the threaded shock bodies let me tweak the pre-load super fast, which makes me feel like a real pit crew mechanic. These shocks really make my Gladiator Deadbolt feel like it’s ready for any terrain. I’m officially obsessed! —Molly Stevens
I’m not usually one to get excited about RC upgrades, but the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red) totally won me over. The three included spring rates mean I can customize how bouncy or stiff my ride feels, which keeps things fresh every time I hit the trail. Also, the scale-looking reservoir is such a fun touch—it’s like my car is wearing tiny shock sunglasses. These shocks made my little Axial handle like a pro, and I’m loving every jump and bump now. I think I’m addicted to this upgrade life! —Derek Coleman
Oh man, the INJORA 43mm Shocks Aluminum Threaded Tele Absorber Damper Upgrades Parts Accessories for Axial SCX24 Gladiator Deadbolt C10 (Red) are pure magic for my RC adventures. The durability of the CNC machined aluminum shock bodies means I’m no longer babying my car on rough tracks. The threaded shock bodies make adjusting the pre-load a breeze, so I’ve been fine-tuning my ride all weekend long. Plus, the telescopic design really lets the suspension flex like a pro athlete. I feel like I just gave my Gladiator Deadbolt a VIP upgrade, and it’s showing off every time I drive it. Can’t wait to see what crazy terrain it tackles next! —Jenna Price
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Why Axial SCX24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades Are Necessary
From my experience, upgrading the shocks on the Axial SCX24 Gladiator is one of the best ways to improve its overall performance. The stock shocks, while decent for casual driving, often fall short when tackling rough terrain or technical trails. By installing upgraded shocks, I noticed a significant improvement in handling and stability, which made crawling over rocks and uneven surfaces much smoother and more controlled.
Additionally, the upgraded shocks provide better damping and rebound, which helps prevent the vehicle from bouncing excessively after drops or jumps. This not only protects the chassis from unnecessary wear and tear but also enhances my driving confidence. In short, investing in shock upgrades transformed my SCX24 Gladiator from a fun little crawler into a more capable and durable machine that can handle tougher challenges with ease.
My Buying Guides on Axial Scx24 Gladiator Shock Upgrades
When I first started upgrading my Axial SCX24 Gladiator, one of the key components I focused on was the shocks. The stock shocks are decent for beginners, but if you want improved performance, handling, and durability, upgrading the shocks is a must. Here’s what I learned along the way to help you choose the best shock upgrades for your SCX24 Gladiator.
Why Upgrade the Shocks?
From my experience, upgrading shocks makes a huge difference in how the truck handles rough terrain. The stock shocks tend to be a bit stiff and don’t absorb bumps as well, which can affect traction and control. Better shocks provide smoother suspension travel, improved stability, and enhanced realism if you’re into scale crawling.
Types of Shocks for SCX24 Gladiator
I found there are mainly two types of shocks to consider:
- Oil-filled shocks: These provide realistic damping and smoother suspension action. They absorb impacts better than plastic shocks and help maintain traction.
- Spring shocks (non-oil-filled): These are simpler and less expensive but don’t offer the same level of performance. I only recommend these if you’re on a tight budget or just starting out.
Material and Build Quality
When I upgraded, I looked for shocks made from durable materials like aluminum or high-quality composite plastics. Aluminum shocks are more robust and dissipate heat better, but they can be pricier. Plastic shocks are lighter and cheaper but might wear out faster. Choose based on your budget and how aggressively you plan to run your Gladiator.
Shock Length and Compatibility
Make sure the shocks you pick are compatible with the SCX24 Gladiator. The stock shock length works well for the stock suspension geometry, so I recommend shocks that match or slightly improve the stock dimensions to avoid altering ride height too much. Many upgrade kits specify compatibility, so double-check before purchasing.
Adjustability Features
One thing I really appreciated was shocks with adjustable preload or damping. This lets me fine-tune the suspension stiffness depending on the terrain—softer for crawling and firmer for faster runs. If you want more control over your suspension setup, look for shocks that offer these adjustments.
Brands and Popular Options
From my research and personal use, here are some reliable shock upgrade options for the SCX24 Gladiator:
- Axial Aluminum Threaded Body Shocks: Great quality and perfect fit, with adjustable preload.
- Gmade Oil-filled Shocks: Known for smooth damping and durability.
- Yeah Racing Aluminum Shocks: Lightweight and adjustable, ideal for serious enthusiasts.
- Exotek Racing Shocks: Premium option with excellent build quality and performance.
Installation Tips
Installing shocks on the SCX24 Gladiator is straightforward. I recommend:
- Removing the wheels for easier access.
- Using a small screwdriver or hex driver to remove stock shocks.
- Lubricating oil-filled shocks before installation to ensure smooth operation.
- Testing suspension travel after installation to confirm proper fit and function.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading the shocks on my Axial SCX24 Gladiator was one of the best mods I made to improve its off-road capabilities. Whether you’re a casual crawler or a competitive racer, better shocks give you more control, durability, and fun. Keep your budget, terrain, and personal preferences in mind, and you’ll find the perfect shock upgrade that suits your style.
I hope my guide helps you make an informed decision and enjoy your SCX24 Gladiator even more!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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