Redcat Blackout SC / XBE / XTE Upgrade Parts: The Full Performance Guide
The Redcat Blackout series — including the Blackout SC, XBE, and XTE — delivers serious short course and crawler performance right out of the box. But if you've been running yours hard, you already know which parts take the most abuse: the suspension arms flex and crack under heavy landings, and the stock shocks blow through their damping range faster than you'd like. The good news? A targeted set of aluminum and oil-filled upgrades can transform your Blackout into a machine that handles bigger hits, runs faster, and stays on the track longer.
In this guide, we break down the most impactful upgrade parts for the Redcat Blackout SC, XBE, and XTE — what each part does, why it matters, and which to tackle first for the best return on your investment.
1. Aluminum Suspension A-Arms: The First Upgrade Every Blackout Owner Should Make
The stock plastic suspension arms on the Blackout series are functional, but they're also the first casualty of aggressive bashing or rough terrain. Under hard impacts — big jumps, rock strikes, curb hops — plastic arms flex and eventually crack, especially at the pivot points. Once they go, your handling geometry shifts and you start feeling it immediately in cornering stability.
Aluminum A-arms solve this at the root. CNC-machined from 7075 or 6061 aluminum alloy, these arms maintain precise geometry under load and absorb impact energy rather than flexing. The result is more consistent handling, better turn-in feel, and suspension that stays true lap after lap.
Available in Blue, Navy Blue, Red, and Silver — pick the color that matches your build or just go with what catches your eye. The hardware is identical across colors; you're choosing aesthetics.
Best for: Short course bashing, track racing, any driver who's already snapped a plastic arm.
2. 98mm Oil-Filled Shocks: Where Performance and Feel Come Together
The stock shocks on the Blackout series use a basic spring-and-friction damping setup that works, but doesn't excel. On rough terrain or at high speed, you'll notice the truck bouncing rather than tracking — the rear wants to step out on acceleration, and landings feel harsh instead of controlled.
Upgrading to 98mm oil-filled aluminum shocks changes everything. Proper hydraulic damping means the suspension compresses and rebounds in a controlled, consistent manner. You get:
- Smoother landings — hydraulic fluid absorbs impact energy the springs can't
- Better traction — wheels stay planted instead of bouncing off the surface
- Tunability — adjust oil weight to dial in damping for your terrain
- Durability — aluminum bodies outlast plastic shock housings significantly
The 98mm length is spec'd specifically for the Blackout XTE, XBE, and compatible BSD models. Front and rear sets available in Black, Blue, Red, and Silver. Most bashers pair these directly with the aluminum A-arms for a full suspension overhaul.
Best for: Any terrain where smooth suspension response matters — jumps, rough gravel, technical crawling sections.
3. Why Upgrade Both at Once?
Here's the practical reality: if you're upgrading your suspension, doing both the A-arms and shocks in the same session makes sense. The two upgrades complement each other directly. Rigid aluminum arms transmit forces more accurately to the shock, which means the oil-filled damping actually gets to do its job properly. With flex in the plastic arms, a portion of impact energy is absorbed by the arm deforming — that's energy the shock never sees, leading to unpredictable behavior under load.
Together, these two upgrades represent a complete suspension system replacement that changes how the truck feels from the first run. Most Blackout owners report the combination feels like a noticeably different — and better — vehicle.
4. Compatibility: SC, XBE, XTE, and BSD Models
These upgrade parts are designed to fit across the Blackout family. The suspension A-arms and 98mm shocks are compatible with:
- Redcat Blackout SC
- Redcat Blackout XBE
- Redcat Blackout XTE
- BSD compatible platforms using the same geometry
If you're unsure about fitment for a specific variant, the handles and dimensions listed in each product page confirm compatibility. The hardware uses standard metric fasteners, so installation requires only basic tools.
Shop Redcat Blackout Upgrade Parts
1/10 RedCat Blackout SC XTE XBE BSD Suspension A-arm Upgrades Blue
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout SC XTE XBE BSD Suspension A-arm Upgrades Navy Blue
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout SC XTE XBE BSD Suspension A-arm Upgrades Red
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout SC XTE XBE BSD Suspension A-arm Upgrades Silver
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout XTE XBE BSD 98mm Front & Rear Shocks Upgrades Black
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout XTE XBE BSD 98mm Front & Rear Shocks Upgrades Blue
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout XTE XBE BSD 98mm Front & Rear Shocks Upgrades Red
$24.99 Shop Now
1/10 RedCat Blackout XTE XBE BSD 98mm Front & Rear Shocks Upgrades Silver
$24.99 Shop NowFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Do these aluminum A-arms fit all Redcat Blackout models?
A: Yes. The aluminum suspension A-arms are designed to fit the Redcat Blackout SC, XBE, XTE, and compatible BSD platforms. They're a direct drop-in replacement for the stock plastic arms with no modifications required.
Q: What oil weight should I run in the 98mm shocks?
A: The shocks ship pre-filled with a standard weight fluid suitable for most conditions. For heavier bashing or larger jumps, many drivers prefer a slightly heavier oil (30-40wt) for more controlled damping. For lighter trail work or slower speeds, a lighter oil (20-25wt) allows more responsive suspension movement. Experiment to find what works best for your terrain.
Q: Is it hard to install these upgrades myself?
A: Both the A-arms and shock upgrades are straightforward installations with standard metric tools. The process involves removing the stock parts and bolting in the aluminum replacements using the same mounting points. Most drivers complete both upgrades in under an hour. No special tools or machining required.
Q: Will these upgrades void my Redcat warranty?
A: These are aftermarket performance parts, not OEM. Installing them will typically void the warranty on the affected components. However, for any truck that's out of warranty or if you're prioritizing performance over warranty coverage, these upgrades are a proven investment in durability and handling.
