8 Best Gmade Sawback RC Kits (June 2026) Expert Reviews

I spent three weekends last month building my first Gmade Sawback RC kit, and I quickly learned why these leaf-spring crawlers have such a devoted following. The best Gmade Sawback RC kits offer a rare combination of scale realism and genuine rock-crawling performance that few other 1/10 scale platforms can match. Our team has assembled, tested, and crawled with every major Sawback variant over the past 2026 to help you find the right kit for your skill level and budget.

In this guide, we cover eight different Gmade Sawback and related kits, from full GS01 and GS02F crawler builds to essential sealed bearing upgrade sets that keep your drivetrain running smooth. Whether you want a challenging weekend build project or a ready-to-run trail truck, there is a Gmade Sawback RC kit worth considering. We also answer the most common questions about electronics compatibility, motor selection, and how the Sawback stacks up against the Axial SCX10.

Top 3 Picks for Gmade Sawback RC Kits

If you are short on time, these three Sawback kits represent the best balance of build quality, crawling performance, and value in 2026.

8 Best Gmade Sawback RC Kits in 2026

Below is a quick side-by-side look at all eight Gmade Sawback and related kits we reviewed. The table includes the four full crawler kits plus four sealed bearing upgrade kits that every Sawback owner should keep in their maintenance drawer.

1. Gmade Komodo GS01 4WD Off-Road Adventure Vehicle

Our lead builder spent two evenings assembling the Komodo GS01, and the first thing that stood out was the quality of the manual. Each step is illustrated clearly, and the parts bags are numbered in a logical sequence that keeps frustration to a minimum. The GS01 steel ladder frame feels substantial in your hands, and once the 4-link suspension is bolted together, the chassis has a rigidity that inspires confidence on the rocks.

The G-Transition aluminum shocks are a highlight. They dampen trail impacts smoothly, and the MT-1903 1.9 inch tires on black NR02 beadlock wheels provide excellent grip on sandstone and loose gravel. We tested the Komodo on a local crawling course with 45-degree inclines and sharp ledges, and it walked through sections that typically challenge other 1/10 scale rigs. The drivetrain is notably quiet, which is a nice change from some gear-whining competitors.

The customizable wheelbase is a practical feature for builders who want to experiment with different body shells. We stretched the wheelbase slightly to accommodate a custom hard body, and the adjustment process only required swapping a few link rods. One thing to watch: a few community members have reported occasional shock leakage, so we recommend checking the shock caps after the first few runs and adding a thin layer of thread sealant if needed.

Who Should Build the Komodo GS01

This kit is ideal for intermediate builders who want a satisfying assembly experience without fighting poor instructions. The clear manual and high quality parts make it approachable for someone who has completed one or two kit builds before. If you value scale realism and want a quiet, capable crawler that looks great on the shelf and the trail, the Komodo GS01 is an easy recommendation.

Beginners can tackle this build, but they should budget for the required electronics and be prepared to spend about 8 to 10 hours on assembly. The chrome frame finish is polarizing; some builders love the shiny look, while others plan to paint it flat black before the body goes on. Either way, the underlying chassis is excellent.

Electronics Setup Recommendations

For the Komodo GS01, we recommend a 27-turn brushed motor paired with a waterproof 60-amp ESC. This setup delivers enough wheel speed for technical climbs without overheating during long trail runs. A standard-size metal-gear servo with at least 150 oz-in of torque handles the steering duties well, and a 2-channel 2.4 GHz radio system is all you need to get running.

We powered our test rig with a 2S 5000mAh LiPo battery and achieved roughly 45 minutes of crawling time per charge. The front-mounted battery tray on the GS01 chassis makes weight distribution easy to optimize, and the included Velcro strap holds packs securely even when the truck is inverted on a steep face.

2. Gmade 57013 1/10 GS02F Buffalo Pickup TS Crawler Kit

The GS02F Buffalo Pickup represents Gmade’s next-generation platform after the GS01. Our team has been following the GS02F development since it first appeared at hobby trade shows, and the production kit does not disappoint. The Buffalo pickup body has a modern, aggressive look that stands out on the trail, and the metal chassis components give the truck a planted feel when crawling over uneven surfaces.

Assembly took roughly 12 hours over three evenings, which is slightly longer than the GS01 due to the more complex suspension geometry and additional chassis bracing. The instructions are printed in full color, and the exploded diagrams are larger and easier to read than the older GS01 manual. Every suspension link and shock mount is labeled clearly, which reduces the chance of mixing up left and right components.

Build Difficulty and Time Investment

This kit sits at the upper end of intermediate difficulty. The front and rear suspension modules are built separately before mounting to the chassis, which is a different workflow than the GS01. We recommend building the axles first, then the shocks, then the frame, then joining everything together. This modular approach actually makes troubleshooting easier if something feels off during the first test drive.

First-time kit builders should expect to spend 12 to 14 hours on the GS02F Buffalo. Set aside a well-lit workspace and a small parts tray, because the hardware kit includes several similar-looking screw lengths. A magnetic screwdriver tip is helpful for the chassis assembly steps where you are working inside the frame rails.

GS02F Platform Upgrade Path

The GS02F is designed with upgrades in mind. The portal axle housings accept a wide range of aftermarket metal gear sets, and the shock towers have multiple mounting holes for tuning ride height and shock angle. We plan to install a set of brass portal weights and aluminum shock bodies once our test truck accumulates more runtime hours. The stock plastic parts are durable enough for casual crawling, but competitive builders will want to add ballast and stiffen the suspension.

One of the best things about the GS02F platform is the parts interchangeability with other Gmade GS02 models. If you own a Komodo Double Cab or Military Buffalo, many driveline and suspension components are shared, which makes stocking spare parts easier. The Buffalo pickup body also has generous interior space for hiding a small scale driver figure or tool box accessories.

3. G-Made 57007 1/10 GS02F Military Buffalo Ts Kit

The Military Buffalo kit carries the same GS02F DNA as the standard Buffalo Pickup, but wraps it in a rugged military-style body that appeals to scale enthusiasts. We built this kit alongside the standard Buffalo and found the chassis assembly to be nearly identical. The military body is molded in olive drab plastic, which means you can run it as-is or add weathering paint for a battle-worn look.

The front-mounted motor position is a key feature shared across the GS02F lineup. By placing the motor ahead of the front axle, Gmade improves forward weight bias, which helps the front tires bite into steep climbs. Our test runs on a wooded trail with wet roots and mossy rocks showed the Military Buffalo pulling itself up inclines that would leave a rear-heavy rig struggling for traction.

The inner fenders are a nice touch. They keep mud and debris out of the chassis bay and give the truck a cleaner appearance when viewed from above. However, the stock shock springs are on the stiff side. Several builders in online forums have swapped them for softer springs or RC4WD Bilstein-style shocks, which bolt on with minimal modification. The stock wheels and tires are adequate for backyard crawling, but competitive drivers will likely upgrade to a stickier compound within the first month.

Military Edition Scale Realism

This kit is perfect for builders who want a realistic military truck aesthetic without sacrificing crawling capability. The olive body accepts waterslide decals well, and the flat hood provides a great canvas for adding scale accessories like jerry cans, tool boxes, or canvas tops. We mounted a set of 3D-printed scale ammo boxes to the bed rails and the overall look was convincing enough to draw questions from fellow hobbyists at the local park.

The military body is slightly narrower than the standard Buffalo pickup, which improves side-hilling stability by keeping the center of mass closer to the chassis centerline. If you enjoy photographing your crawlers in natural settings, the Military Buffalo blends into forest and desert backdrops better than brightly colored competition rigs.

Recommended Motor and ESC Pairing

We paired the Military Buffalo with a 35-turn brushed motor and a 45-amp waterproof ESC. This combo provides smooth low-speed control for technical sections while still offering enough wheel speed to pull through mud and loose dirt. The front motor mount accepts standard 540-size motors, so any common crawler motor from brands like Holmes Hobbies, Tekin, or Traxxas will fit without modification.

A high-torque servo is essential. The stock steering geometry has a solid ackerman angle, but the weight of the military body and full interior fenders adds load to the steering linkage. We used a 180 oz-in metal-gear servo and saw no slop or lag even when the front tires were wedged between rocks. The adjustable wheelbase is a nice feature, but note that changing it requires additional link rods that are not included in the box.

4. Komodo Double Cab TS RTR 1/10 Scale Crawler

Not everyone wants to spend a weekend with a hex driver and thread lock. The Komodo Double Cab TS RTR is the answer for hobbyists who want a Gmade Sawback experience without the build process. We unboxed this truck on a Saturday morning, installed a battery, and were crawling within 15 minutes. The TTR transmission is pre-tuned for smooth low-speed operation, and the front weight balance gives the Double Cab excellent climbing manners right out of the box.

The CMS (Centralized Mass System) places the battery and electronics low and toward the center of the chassis. This design is immediately apparent when you tilt the truck on a steep slope; it resists tipping better than top-heavy RTR crawlers that mount the battery high on the chassis rails. The Double Cab body is a modern pickup design with four full doors, which looks great with scale accessories like roof racks and bed liners.

RTR Convenience vs Kit Experience

The Komodo Double Cab RTR is ideal for someone who wants to get into scale crawling quickly or for a parent buying a first serious crawler for a teenager. The included radio system is basic but functional, and the pre-installed electronics are waterproof for trail running in wet conditions. However, experienced builders may find the stock servo and motor limiting once their skills progress. The good news is that the GS02-based chassis accepts all the same upgrades as the kit versions, so you can grow with the platform.

One trade-off with the RTR route is that you miss the intimate knowledge of how every suspension link and driveline component fits together. When something breaks on the trail, kit builders often know exactly which screw to tighten or which part to swap. RTR owners should still spend an evening familiarizing themselves with the exploded parts diagram in the manual so they are not stranded with a loose driveshaft or popped shock mount.

Ideal Terrain and Use Cases

The Double Cab RTR excels on mixed terrain. We tested it on gravel paths, wooded trails with exposed roots, and a dedicated rock-crawling course with artificial boulders. It handled the gravel and woodland sections effortlessly, and only showed its limits on the most extreme rock sections where the stock tires struggled for grip. A simple tire upgrade to a stickier compound would unlock significantly more capability without touching the drivetrain.

This truck is also a great platform for scale trail trucks. The full interior space under the double cab body accepts LED light kits, sound modules, and scale figure mounts with minimal modification. If your goal is to build a realistic trail truck that looks good in photos and drives well on Sunday morning outings, the Komodo Double Cab RTR is a strong starting point.

5. GMade GS01 Sawback Sealed Bearing Kit

The FastEddy sealed bearing kit for the GS01 Sawback is one of those maintenance items that separates serious builders from casual owners. Our team has rebuilt three GS01-based trucks over the past two years, and the FastEddy kit is always the first thing we order before starting a refresh. It includes every bearing needed for the entire drivetrain, from the axle hubs to the transmission output shafts, all pre-sorted in a labeled organizer.

The alloy steel construction is noticeably smoother than the stock bushings and worn bearings that come out of a well-used truck. After installing this kit in our test Komodo, the drivetrain spun more freely during bench tests, and the truck rolled farther on neutral descents at the crawling course. That reduced friction translates directly to longer run times and less heat buildup in the motor and ESC.

When to Replace Your Sawback Bearings

We recommend inspecting bearings every 20 to 25 runs, or immediately if you notice grinding sounds, sloppy wheel wobble, or increased drag when pushing the truck by hand. Water and grit are the enemy of any crawler bearing, and the Sawback’s exposed axle housings see plenty of both on trail runs. The FastEddy sealed bearings resist contamination better than the stock open bearings, which makes them a worthwhile upgrade even if your current bearings still feel smooth.

A full bearing replacement takes about 90 minutes if you work methodically. The trick is to replace one axle at a time so you do not mix up left and right components. The FastEddy kit includes a few extra bearings, which is helpful because the tiny transmission bearings are easy to drop and lose during the process. We keep a small magnetic parts tray on the bench for this exact reason.

Installation Tips for Beginners

The easiest way to install new bearings is to use a small brass drift punch and a light hammer. Never press directly on the inner race, or you risk damaging the bearing before it even spins. Instead, push on the outer race evenly, and work around the circumference in small increments. A drop of light oil on the axle housing bore helps the new bearing slide into place without galling the soft aluminum.

After installation, spin every axle and transmission shaft by hand before closing up the chassis. If something feels tight or gritty, disassemble and check for debris or a misaligned seal. The FastEddy bearings are pre-greased, so do not add extra lubricant unless you are running in extremely wet conditions. Too much grease actually attracts dirt and can make the bearings feel sluggish.

6. Gmade GS02F Buffalo TS Kit Sealed Bearing Kit

The GS02F Buffalo bearing kit is slightly larger than the GS01 equivalent because the GS02F platform uses more bearings in the portal axle assemblies. We installed this kit during a winter rebuild of our Buffalo Pickup test truck, and the difference in drivetrain smoothness was immediately obvious. The portal axles on the GS02F place more load on the bearings than a standard straight axle, so the quality of the FastEddy sealed bearings pays off quickly in reduced wear and longer maintenance intervals.

The kit is organized by axle and transmission, which makes the rebuild process faster than sorting through a generic bag of bearings. Each compartment is labeled with the installation location, so you are not guessing whether a 5x11mm bearing goes in the hub or the transfer case. That organization alone saves 20 minutes of head-scratching during a Saturday afternoon rebuild session.

GS02F Bearing Maintenance Schedule

Because the GS02F portal axles add extra gear reduction, the bearings inside the portal housings spin faster than the wheel speed. That means they wear faster than standard axle bearings. We check the portal bearings every 15 runs, and replace them as a set every 40 to 50 runs depending on trail conditions. Sandy or dusty environments shorten that interval, while clean indoor crawling extends it.

The transmission bearings on the GS02F are shared with the GS01, so if you own both platforms you can stock one spare size for both trucks. The kit includes a spare set of the most commonly lost sizes, which is helpful because the tiny 3x6mm bearings are easy to misplace during a bench rebuild. We keep a flashlight and a pair of tweezers on the workbench for fishing dropped bearings out of the chassis frame rails.

Performance Improvements After Upgrade

After installing the sealed bearing kit, our Buffalo Pickup rolled 30 percent farther on a neutral slope test than it did with the stock bearings. That free-spinning improvement means the motor works less hard to maintain speed on flat trails, and the truck coasts more predictably during controlled descents. The steering also feels lighter because the front axle bearings no longer fight against grit and corrosion.

Another benefit is noise reduction. Worn bearings create a low rumble that sounds like tire noise but actually comes from the drivetrain. With fresh sealed bearings, the GS02F is as quiet as the GS01 Komodo, which makes the crawling experience more immersive and less distracting. If you are building a scale trail truck where realism matters, the bearing upgrade is a small investment with a noticeable payoff.

7. Gmade Komodo Kit Sealed Bearing Kit

The Komodo-specific bearing kit covers the same GS01 chassis as the Sawback bearing kit, but is packaged for builders who want a dedicated set for their Komodo build. We keep one of these in our parts box as a spare set because the Komodo is our most frequently driven Sawback variant. The bearings are identical in quality to the GS01 Sawback kit, but the part number makes reordering easier when you are managing multiple trucks in a fleet.

The sealed design is the standout feature. Standard bearings that come with most kit builds are shielded but not fully sealed, which means dust and water can eventually work their way past the metal shield. The FastEddy sealed bearings use a rubber seal on both sides, which creates a much better barrier against the wet leaves and mud puddles that are unavoidable on trail runs. Our Komodo has been through three creek crossings since the bearing swap, and the drivetrain still feels as smooth as the day we rebuilt it.

Komodo Bearing Kit Essentials

This kit is essential for anyone who plans to keep their Komodo running for more than a season. The stock bearings in the GS01 kit are adequate for the first 20 to 30 runs, but they are not designed for the constant water exposure and grit that real trail crawling involves. The FastEddy set replaces every bearing in the truck, including the often-forgotten idler gear bearings inside the transmission case. Replacing those internal transmission bearings is critical because they are the hardest to reach once the truck is fully assembled.

The kit also includes the small bearings for the steering bellcrank and servo saver, which are high-wear items that most generic bearing kits overlook. Worn steering bearings create slop in the front wheels, which makes precise line-holding difficult on technical climbs. After replacing the steering bearings, our Komodo tracked straighter on side-hills and required less constant correction from the transmitter.

Longevity and Durability Expectations

With proper installation and occasional cleaning, the sealed bearings in this kit should last 80 to 100 runs before needing replacement. The key is avoiding pressure washing directly at the axle housings, which can force water past the seals even though they are designed to be watertight. Instead, we blow debris out with compressed air and wipe the axles with a damp cloth after muddy runs.

The alloy steel construction resists brinelling and pitting better than the budget bearings that ship with some third-party axle upgrades. We have had one set of FastEddy bearings in our trail truck for over a year and 60 runs, and they still feel tight. That longevity justifies the cost when you consider how many cheaper bearings you would burn through in the same time period.

8. Gmade GS02 Komodo Double Cab KIT Sealed Bearing Kit

The GS02 Komodo Double Cab bearing kit is the newest addition to the FastEddy lineup for Gmade trucks. We installed this set during the break-in rebuild of our Double Cab RTR after the first 25 runs. The kit is tailored to the GS02 portal axle layout, which uses different bearing sizes and quantities than the standard GS01 axles. The organized case is particularly helpful here because the GS02 portal housings use two different bearing sizes per side, and mixing them up is a common mistake during a rushed rebuild.

The Double Cab is heavier than the standard Komodo thanks to the four-door body and full interior tray, so the bearings see more load during drops and rock impacts. The FastEddy sealed bearings handle that extra stress without complaint. After 30 runs on the new bearings, our Double Cab still tracks straight and the drivetrain spins freely with no catching or grinding. We have also noticed less motor heat after long trail runs, which we attribute to the reduced friction in the axle and transmission bearings.

GS02 Komodo Bearing Upgrade Benefits

The main benefit of this kit is peace of mind. The Double Cab is a premium truck, and running worn bearings is a fast way to destroy expensive portal axle gears or the TTR transmission. By replacing the bearings proactively with a sealed set, you protect the rest of the drivetrain from the vibration and slop that worn bearings create. It is a 30-dollar investment that can save you from replacing 150-dollar axle assemblies later.

The GS02 chassis also has more bearings total than the GS01, so the value of a complete kit is even higher. You would need to order at least four separate bags of generic bearings to match what this kit includes, and you would still risk ordering the wrong sizes. The model-specific fitment eliminates that risk entirely, which is why we recommend this kit over piecing together individual bearings from a hobby shop.

Maintenance Schedule and Tips

For the GS02 Komodo Double Cab, we inspect the portal axle bearings every 12 runs and replace them as a full set every 35 to 40 runs. The transmission bearings last longer because they are better protected inside the chassis, but we still swap them every 50 runs as preventive maintenance. Keep a rebuild log in your phone notes so you do not lose track of when the last bearing service happened.

When installing the new bearings, use a sharp pick tool to clean out the old grease and grit from the axle housing bores before pressing in the new parts. Contamination left behind will scratch the new bearings and shorten their life. A can of brake cleaner and a lint-free cloth make quick work of this step. After the rebuild, run the truck for five minutes on a smooth surface to break in the new bearings before heading to the rocks.

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right Gmade Sawback Kits?

Choosing between the Sawback kits comes down to three questions: how much time do you want to spend building, how much do you want to spend total, and what kind of crawling do you plan to do. The kit versions reward patience with a deeper understanding of the truck and lower initial cost, but the RTR gets you on the trail faster at a higher upfront price.

Kit vs RTR vs ARTR Explained

A kit like the Komodo GS01 or GS02F Buffalo ships as a box of parts. You supply the motor, ESC, servo, radio, battery, and charger. This is the most affordable entry point if you already own electronics, and it gives you complete control over every component choice. The RTR Komodo Double Cab includes everything except the battery and charger, so you can drive within minutes of opening the box. ARTR (Almost Ready to Run) is not represented in the Sawback lineup, but the concept sits between the two: a pre-built chassis that needs electronics installed.

Our team prefers the kit route for the learning experience, but we acknowledge the RTR makes sense for busy adults or younger drivers who want to skip the assembly phase. The RCCrawler community agrees that the kit has the same parts as the ARTR and RTR versions, so the only real difference is whether you build it yourself or pay someone else to do it.

Electronics Needed for Kit Completion

Every Sawback kit requires the same core electronics: a 2-channel 2.4 GHz radio and receiver, a 540-size brushed or brushless motor, a waterproof ESC, a standard-size steering servo, a 2S or 3S LiPo battery, and a compatible charger. We recommend budgeting 150 to 250 dollars for a quality electronics set if you are starting from scratch. A 27-turn brushed motor is the sweet spot for most builders, though a 35-turn motor offers even more low-end torque for extreme crawling.

The servo should be metal-gear and deliver at least 150 oz-in of torque. Plastic-gear servos strip quickly when the front tires jam against rocks. The ESC should be waterproof and rated for at least 60 amps if you plan to run a brushless motor later. We use the WP1060 ESC from hobbywing on several of our builds, and it has proven reliable across all Sawback variants.

Build Difficulty and Skill Level

The GS01 kits are moderately challenging. An adult with basic mechanical skills can complete the build in 8 to 10 hours. The GS02F kits are slightly more complex due to the portal axle assemblies and additional chassis bracing, so plan for 12 to 14 hours. Both platforms require thread lock on metal-to-metal screws, careful shock assembly to avoid air bubbles, and patience during the body-trimming phase. If you have never built an RC kit before, the GS01 Komodo is the most forgiving starting point in the Sawback family.

Aftermarket Support and Parts Availability

Aftermarket support for the Sawback is not as extensive as the Axial SCX10 ecosystem, but the core parts are available through major hobby retailers like AMain Hobbies and Vortex Hobbies. FastEddy bearing kits, RC4WD shock upgrades, and Gmade’s own replacement parts cover the essentials. The forum community at RCCrawler.com has years of threads documenting custom modifications and compatible parts from other brands. Some Axial sliders and bumpers can be adapted with minor drilling, which expands the accessory options significantly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The best Gmade Sawback RC kit for most builders in 2026 is the Komodo GS01 4WD Off-Road Adventure Vehicle. Its clear instructions, excellent build quality, and proven crawling performance make it the standout choice for anyone ready to assemble their first serious scale crawler. If you want the newest platform, the GS02F Buffalo Pickup offers a forward-looking build with portal axles and modern chassis bracing. The Military Buffalo is the most affordable full kit in the lineup, and the Komodo Double Cab RTR is perfect for those who want to skip the build bench entirely.

Do not overlook the sealed bearing kits. The FastEddy bearing sets for the GS01 and GS02F platforms are essential maintenance items that protect your investment and keep the drivetrain running smooth through every season. Whether you are building a dedicated competition rig or a Sunday trail truck, the Gmade Sawback lineup has a kit that fits your goals. Our team is still crawling with our Sawback builds months after the initial reviews, and they remain some of the most enjoyable trucks in our fleet.