CL Designs Gladius XL – The Platform Built for Serious SCX24 Crawling
The SCX24 has become one of the most popular platforms in the RC crawling hobby — and for good reason. It's small, capable, and endlessly upgradeable. But for drivers pushing into real technical terrain, the stock setup has limits. That's where the CL Designs Gladius XL comes in.
The Gladius XL is an aftermarket chassis platform designed specifically for the SCX24. It replaces the stock frame with a more capable foundation built around better geometry, improved clearance, and a scale-focused aesthetic that holds up on trail and on camera. For crawlers who want more than what comes in the box, it's become the go-to upgrade platform.
What Makes the Gladius XL Different
The Gladius XL isn't just a cosmetic swap. The platform is engineered to improve how the SCX24 behaves on technical terrain — tighter lines, steeper climbs, and uneven surfaces that expose the weaknesses of a stock build.
The chassis geometry changes how the suspension moves, how the truck balances under load, and how much clearance you have when it matters. Drivers who make the switch consistently notice the difference once the truck hits real obstacles.
The Variants
The Gladius XL comes in several configurations depending on your build goals and wheelbase preference:
Gladius XL — The standard platform, available in 155mm and 165mm link lengths. The 155mm suits tighter, more technical setups while the 165mm gives a slightly longer wheelbase for added stability on uneven ground.
Gladius C1 — A scale-forward variant with a refined aesthetic built around the C1 link geometry. Available in 135mm, it's designed for builders who want a clean, purposeful look without sacrificing crawling performance.
Gladius C1 XL — Combines the scale-inspired C1 styling with a more aggressive double bend geometry. Available in 155mm, this variant is built for drivers pushing deeper into technical terrain while still wanting a refined build.
Gladius XL 6x6 — The six-wheel-drive configuration for builders going all in. Requires a 12-piece link kit and delivers maximum traction and a distinctive presence on the trail.
Why the Links Matter
Whichever Gladius XL variant you're running, the suspension links are one of the most impactful upgrades you can make. Stock links drag on rocks, limit articulation, and kill momentum at the worst moments. The right link kit fixes all of that.
The RCSTEVE CL Designs Link Kit was built specifically for the Gladius XL platform. Handcrafted and trail-tested, each set features high-clearance geometry with double bend construction that improves driveline clearance and keeps the suspension moving freely during articulation. Rod ends and pivot balls come pre-installed, so installation is straightforward.
Available in every Gladius XL configuration — 155mm, 165mm, C1 135mm, C1 XL 155mm, and 6x6 — and in a wide range of colors including brass, silver, gunmetal, and more.
Built for Drivers Who Actually Crawl
The Gladius XL platform attracts two types of builders: those who want the cleanest possible scale build, and those who want the most capable crawler they can put together. The best part is you don't have to choose. The platform and the link kit were both designed to deliver on appearance and performance at the same time.
If you're building on the Gladius XL, the suspension links are the upgrade that makes the most immediate difference on technical terrain.
Shop the CL Designs Link Kit for the Gladius XL at RCSTEVE — available in all configurations and colorways, handcrafted and ready to install.
