Choosing the Right Scale Shock Spring for Your Rig
By Vanquish Products - Premium RC Crawler Kits & Accessories | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Learn how to pick scale shock springs for your RC crawler based on terrain, weight, and driving style, with clear decision rules and trade-offs.
Quick Answer
Choose your scale shock spring by matching the spring rate to your rig's weight and the terrain you crawl most: soft for light rigs and rocks, medium for all-around, firm for heavy rigs or high-speed runs.
Why Spring Rate Matters More Than Brand
The spring rate (measured in lb/in) determines how much force is needed to compress the spring. A softer spring allows more sag and articulation, which helps tires stay planted on uneven surfaces. A firmer spring reduces sag and body roll, which helps on faster trails or when carrying extra gear.
Don't assume a 'scale' spring is automatically right for your rig. The correct rate depends on the weight of your chassis, the weight of your wheels and tires, and how aggressively you drive. A spring that works on a lightweight VS4-10 may be too soft on a heavier rig with metal bumpers and a full interior.
Trade-Offs: Soft vs. Firm Springs
Soft springs give you maximum traction on rocks because the suspension can droop and follow contours. The trade-off is more body lean and a higher chance of bottoming out on hard impacts.
Firm springs reduce bottoming and keep the chassis stable at speed, but they can make the suspension feel harsh on small bumps and reduce articulation on technical lines.
Medium springs are a safe starting point for most drivers. They balance articulation and stability, and they are easier to tune from there.
Decision Rules for Choosing a Spring Rate
- Soft (2.27 lb/in): Choose soft when your rig is lightweight (under 5 lbs), you crawl on rocky or uneven terrain, and you want maximum articulation and tire contact. Check if your shocks have enough preload adjustment to compensate for extra sag.
- Medium (3.10 lb/in): Choose medium for a balanced setup on mixed terrain, moderate rig weight (5-7 lbs), and if you are unsure where to start. Start with medium and adjust based on how much the suspension sags when the rig sits on flat ground.
- Firm (4.61 lb/in): Choose firm for heavy rigs (over 7 lbs), for faster trail driving, or when you want to reduce body roll and bottoming out. If the suspension feels harsh, try softening the shocks' oil or reducing preload before switching back.
Product Facts
- Incision Scale Shock Spring Set (80mm Shocks): The Incision 80mm Scale Shock Spring Set includes soft (2.27 lb/in), medium (3.10 lb/in), and firm (4.61 lb/in) springs, and fits Incision 80mm scale shocks. Having all three rates in one set lets you test different setups without buying separate springs, making it easier to find the right feel for your rig.
Incision Scale Shock Spring Set (80mm Shocks)
Who Should Use This Guide
Best for
- RC crawler owners with 80mm scale shocks who want to tune suspension for specific terrain
- Drivers who want a simple starting point for spring selection without trial and error
Not for
- Drivers who only run on flat, hard surfaces and don't need articulation
- Those using non-standard shock sizes where 80mm springs won't fit
