Rock crawling isn’t about speed—it’s about control, torque, and the confidence to take the toughest lines without hesitation.
For serious rock crawling enthusiasts, precision matters. Your clutch setup needs to deliver low-speed engagement, consistent belt grip, and instant throttle response when you’re hanging off-camber or climbing through technical terrain. That’s where the AO-RC Clutch Kit by KWI comes in.
Specifically engineered for Can-Am X3 models with QRS clutch systems, the AO-RC Kit is built to dominate in high-drag, low-speed environments. It gives you the power to crawl smarter—not harder—with adjustable tuning options and components designed to put your machine in complete control.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes the AO-RC Clutch Kit the go-to solution for rock crawling performance and how it’s setting the new standard for clutching in the rocks.
What Makes the AO-RC Clutch Kit Stand Out?
When you’re crawling through boulders, ledges, and off-camber trails, every ounce of control matters. The AO-RC Clutch Kit by KWI isn’t just another bolt-on upgrade—it’s a purpose-built performance system engineered specifically for Can-Am X3 QRS clutch systems and tuned for the unique demands of serious rock crawling.
Engineered for Rock Crawling
The AO-RC Kit is designed for low-speed, high-load terrain, where torque management and belt control are everything. Unlike trail or dune setups, rock crawling needs ultra-precise engagement and fast backshift response so you can stay in the throttle without cooking your belt or blowing through your clutch.
Full Adjustability for Diverse Conditions
Every kit includes fully adjustable weights and a custom spring setup, so you can tune your clutching to match your terrain, tire size, elevation, and driving style. Whether you’re crawling slick rock in Moab or navigating muddy ledges in the Southeast, the AO-RC Kit gives you the flexibility to dial it in perfectly.
Enhanced Responsiveness and Torque
You get instant throttle response, improved backshift, and smoother engagement, especially at low RPM where most clutch kits struggle. The AO-RC holds RPM under load without bogging, letting you crawl confidently in the nastiest terrain without belt slip or lag.
High-Speed Performance, Too
Here’s what truly sets the AO-RC apart: it doesn’t just dominate at low speed—it still delivers the same world-record-holding top-end performance as our original AO Base Kit. That means you get rock-crawling control without giving up desert-speed dominance. One clutch kit, built to win everywhere.
Components Included in the AO-RC Clutch Kit
At KWI, we don’t believe in halfway solutions. The AO-RC Clutch Kit is built from the ground up with components that work together to give you precise control, superior belt grip, and race-proven reliability. Every piece of this kit is there for one reason: to outperform in real-world rock-crawling conditions without sacrificing speed or top-end performance.
AO-RC Adjustable Weights
These aren’t your standard weights. The AO-RC adjustable weight system is fully tunable, allowing you to change ramp profiles and mass positioning to perfectly match your UTV’s loadout, elevation, and driving conditions. Whether you’re running bigger tires, gear reduction portals, or added weight from accessories, you can dial in the performance exactly.
Blue/Orange Spring
This isn’t just any spring—it’s the proven Blue/Orange Spring used across KWI’s top-tier clutch kits. Designed specifically for rock crawling applications, it delivers the perfect balance of firm engagement and smooth control. Paired with the AO-RC weights, this spring keeps your RPM consistent under load, improves throttle response, and ensures your clutch holds strong without excessive belt slip—even during slow, technical climbs.
Components Included in the AO-RC Clutch Kit
The AO-RC Clutch Kit was designed with one goal: to give rock crawling enthusiasts the most dialed-in, precision-driven clutch setup available for the Can-Am X3. Every component in the kit is hand-picked and performance-matched to deliver consistent engagement, superior control, and proven reliability in technical terrain.
6 AO-RC Weight Arms
These specially designed arms are the core of the kit. Engineered for aggressive low-speed control and high-load durability, the AO-RC arms offer tunable performance through their unique profile. Built to handle crawling, climbing, and high-speed backshift, they’re your foundation for superior clutch engagement.
Blue/Orange Spring
This is the same spring trusted across KWI’s performance clutch kits. The Blue/Orange Spring delivers a strong, controlled engagement that holds RPM exactly where you need it when crawling through tough lines. It’s been tested in the harshest conditions to provide the perfect launch and consistent throttle response without sacrificing belt life.
Magnet Calibration Set
Dial it in your way. The AO-RC Kit includes a full set of magnets to fine-tune your clutch weights. This allows you to precisely calibrate your setup based on tire size, elevation, terrain type, and driving style. Whether you’re riding light and fast or loaded up for the weekend, the magnet system gives you true adjustability without compromise.
Compatibility and Installation
The AO-RC Clutch Kit is built specifically for Can-Am X3 models with the QRS clutch system, giving you a plug-and-play upgrade engineered for serious crawling performance. Whether you’re running portals, bigger tires, or added weight, this kit adapts to your setup with precision.
Fits All QRS-Based Can-Am X3 Models
If your machine uses the QRS clutch system, the AO-RC Kit is built for it. With the included adjustable weights and magnets, you can dial in your calibration to match terrain, elevation, and load without guesswork.
What You Need to Install
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KWI Tool Kit V2 is required for proper clutch disassembly and reassembly. You can get it here:
KWI Tool Kit V2 -
The install process is straightforward and designed for riders who like to wrench. You’ll need basic tools, workspace, and about 1–2 hours to complete it.
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Watch the full AO-RC install video here:
AO-RC Clutch Kit Installation on YouTube
And remember—KWI’s support team is always ready to help if you need tuning advice or installation guidance:
Benefits of Choosing the AO-RC Clutch Kit
Rock crawling demands precision, control, and equipment that doesn’t flinch under pressure. The AO-RC Clutch Kit delivers that—and more. This isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a system that changes the way your UTV performs in technical terrain.
Here’s what sets it apart once it’s installed and dialed in:
Improved Low-Speed Control
In crawling environments, throttle control is everything. The AO-RC Kit offers smooth, predictable engagement that makes conquering slow, technical climbs easier and safer. Whether you’re feathering the throttle on a steep face or holding RPM on a ledge, the clutch stays locked in.
Reduced Clutch Heat
When you’re crawling all day, heat buildup is your enemy. The AO-RC Kit reduces slip and improves belt contact through better weight distribution and engagement timing. That means less heat, less wear, and longer clutch and belt life.
Better Traction in Technical Terrain
This kit keeps your RPM right where it needs to be during slow-speed maneuvers, which gives your tires time to bite and your drivetrain time to respond. You’re not spinning tires—you’re putting down usable torque when and where it matters.
Long-Term Reliability
The components in this kit are built for abuse—heavy-duty weight arms, proven spring rates, and real-world-tested materials. When properly maintained and calibrated, the AO-RC Kit keeps your clutch system running strong season after season.
Custom Tuning Options
Every terrain is different. That’s why the AO-RC Kit includes a full magnet set, giving you the freedom to adjust your clutch calibration based on your elevation, tire size, riding style, or added weight. You’re not locked into one setup—you’re in full control.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Rock Crawling Experience
When you’re picking your line through the rocks, you don’t want hesitation—you want control. The AO-RC Clutch Kit by KWI gives you exactly that: predictable engagement, optimized RPM control, and unmatched low-speed performance. Its precision clutching is designed specifically for rock crawling, backed by the same top-end performance that made the original AO kit a record holder.
Whether you’re building a weekend crawler or a competition-ready rig, the AO-RC Kit gives you the tools to make your Can-Am X3 perform exactly how you need it to—with full adjustability and trail-proven durability.
✅ Upgrade your control.
✅ Protect your belt.
✅ Climb with confidence.
Have installation questions? Contact us.
Serious rock crawlers choose control. Serious rock crawlers choose KWI.
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