Traxxas Rustler XL-5 Review
The updated Traxxas Rustler XL 5 has had just enough of a face lift to make it a little more sexy on and off the dirt.
Traxxas Rustler XL 5 Changes
- Newly designed body and art work bringing it line with the hot looks of the rest of the Traxxas lineup.
- New rims – everyone loves chrome and now the Traxxas Rustler XL 5 is rolling on 2.8″ 5 spoke chrome puppies that will have your friends and the ladies going wild!
- New rubber – low profile rubber is now sporting a tread pattern that will help you keep your Traxxas Rustler XL5 under control in any conditions.
- In the heart of the best you will find the new Traxxas XL-5 ESC and a 550 sized power plant making your Rustler one quick stadium truck
Traxxas Rustler XL-5 Review In More Detail
Rims & Rubber
- Symmetrical 7-strake directional ribbed rubber is up front on the new Rustler.
- Rear rubber is a wide multi-layer pin design
- Rubber compounds is moderatley soft with foam inserts!
- Rubber profile is lower compared to the older model, this is due to the larger rims. the wheels fit 12 mm hubs front and back however beefed up hexes are now used. I am still sitting on the fence about the lower profile rubber, not sure if it is a good move for performance over a wide range of terrain, only time will tell.
Electronics
- A great improvement over the older Rustler XL-5
- 15 turn limit on the new XL-5 ESC for normal 540 sized motors
- Will handle up to 8 cell battery packs
- ESC has three modes – Sports, Race and Training. Sports mode everything works as normal, Race locks out reverse and Training limits output voltage to 50% of what your pack has available. This is of course an awesome new feature for newbies or when letting your friends have a drive if they are not experienced. This will also double your running time.
- Buitl-in thermal overload protection will also shut down your Rustler XL 5 if it overheats so you don’t end up with a remote controlled fire ball.
- Servo has been upgraded to the 2055 model that has been used in the T-Maxx & E-Maxx models. This uses a much more reliable output spline & gear.
Power Plant & Trans
- The Ruslter is powered by a Titan 12T 550 motor (12T = 12 turn). Built in centrifugal cooling fan, but Traxxas has learnt from the E-Maxx and specified a new endbell with four massive vents to allow more air to circulate and cool things down. To also help with cooling the transmission case has been revamped with wide vent slots positioned along the rear of the motor mount to also let more air travel in through the front of the power plant keeping the Titan 550 super cool!
- Gear ratio for the Titan is 23/86, this is a big wrap for the torque of the 12T Titan 550
- The trans has been built with a full complement of rubber sealed bearings for low friction and long life so you will not have to think about replacing for a long time.
Amazon’s Review of the Traxxas Rustler xl5
Traxxas Rustler XL5 pumps performance, innovation and top value into this highly anticipated Ready-To-Race package. For electric thrills, the new Traxxas Rustler XL5 is ready for rugged action and fun few trucks can match—particularly in the speed department. With its powerful new Titan 12-turn 550 motor, XL-5 ESC and Torque-Control slipper clutch, the Rustler can do more than 35 mph, leaving its competition spinning its wheels in the pit.
Product Features
- Titan 12T 550 modified motor
- XL-5 high-frequency forward/reverse/brake ESC
- 3 programmable drive profiles for sport, race or training modes
- Patent-pending Revo-Spec Torque-Control slipper provides consistent traction control
- New gray parts and graphics for a fresh look
Stampede VXL Brushless RTR
Traxxas Stampede VXL is the the next generation of extreme brushless horsepower and it’s Ready-To-Drive® from Traxxas! Velineon™ is the ultimate brushless system elivering the wheelie-grinding horsepower, supercharged speeds, and ease of use that you expect from Traxxas. Just plug it in and it works. The Traxxas Stampede VXL has always been the first name in monster truck fun, but with Velineon brushless power on board, the ground-pounding, high-speed, wheelie-popping antics are completely ove (more…)
E-Revo Racing Monster Truck
Traxxas E-Revo Monster Truck has once again broken new ground with unprecedented innovation and performance. The new Traxxas E-Revo monster truck is the most advanced electric racing monster truck ever created. The 6-time National Champion REVO is already the pinnacle of engineering in the Nitro arena and now the Traxxas E-Revo breaks open an entire new category that embraces today’s electric technology. Built from the start to be electric, E-Revo harnesses all the advantages that electric power brings to the race. T (more…)
Traxxas Revo 3.3 Nitro Monster Truck
Traxxas Revo 3.3 Nitro Monster Truck is an engineering triumph that delivers the ultimate in uncompromising performance, tuning, and durability. The Traxxas Revo 3.3 vehicle is so advanced, so innovative, nineteen patents were needed to cover it all. The new Traxxas Revo chassis layout borrows from the exclusive Revo Platinum Edition with race-inspired features such as a compact receiver box that includes an integrated personal transponder mount for race day. The legendary high revving power of the n (more…)
Traxxas E-Maxx Monster Truck
The Traxxas E-Maxx Truck takes 4WD monster truck thrashing to the next level of fun and excitement. Along with the incredible 16.8-volt EVX-2 dual motor power system, key improvements have been engineered into the suspension, driveline, chassis, and electronics to make this the toughest, most versatile Traxxas E-Maxx Truck ever.
Traxxas E-Revo 1/16th Scale VXL
Traxxas E-Revo 1/16th Scale VXL
Traxxas have finally put a date on the long awaited release of the E-Revo 1/16th Scale VXL truck. The Traxxas E-Revo 1/16 VXL is now available from Amazon here.
What does Traxxas say about the new Traxxas 1/16th E-Revo?
All the speed, quality and capability you expect from Traxxas is available in the new 1/16 E-Revo VXL. At 14 inches long, E-Revo VXL is about half the size of the 1/10-scale E-Revo. But don’t call it a “mini”—this is a whole new category of R/C performance and fun that no mere mini-model can match. Beneath the factory-finished polycarbonate shell, you’ll find the winning suspension technology of the seven-time National Champion Traxxas Revo®, screaming Velineon® brushless-motor power, and the convention-busting innovation of the E-Revo.
How Big Is The New Traxxas E-Revo 1/16th Scale VXL?
Photo from Traxxas
What Can You Expect From Your Traxxas E-Revo 1/16th Scale model?
- 30+ mph straight out of the box with the battery that is included! pretty impressive!
- 50+ mph with a NiMH battery pack and series connectors (sold separately)! MEGATRON IMPRESSIVE!!!
Features of the Traxxas E-Revo 1/16th VXL (source)
- Ready-To-Race® with included 6-cell NiMH Power Cell battery and charger
- 30+mph with included NiMH battery,
- 50+mph with additional NiMH battery
- Revo suspension technology for superior handling and control
- Full-time 4WD
- Velineon® 380 brushless motor—largest in class
- Waterproof electronics
- Torque-control™ slipper clutch
- Sealed differentials
- Realistic all-terrain tires with foam inserts
- Traxxas High-Current Connector
- Metric hex hardware
- Rubber-sealed ball bearings
Traxxas E-Revo VXL 1/16th Price?
It is yet to be officially confirmed, but it is expected to be around $300 for one of these bad boys.
Videos of the Traxxas E-Revo VXL 1/16th
Traxxas Slash VXL 1/16th Scale
Traxxas Slash VXL 1/16th Scale
Traxxas have finally put a date on the long awaited release of the Slayer VXL 1/16th Scale truck. Available now from Amazon HERE
What does Traxxas say about the new Traxxas Slash 1/16th Slayer?
Traxxas Slash set the standard short-course power, performance and versatility. Now you can experience the fun of wheel-to-wheel Slash racing 1/16 scale—with Velineon brushless power and 4WD! At 14 inches long, the new 1/16 Slash VXL 4WD is about half the size of the original Slash. But don’t call it a “mini”—this is a whole new category of R/C performance and fun that no mere mini-model can match. Short-course styling that captures the attitude of the full-size Traxxas TORC-series racer is just the beginning. Beneath the factory-finished polycarbonate shell, you’ll find the winning suspension technology of the seven-time National Champion Traxxas Revo®, screaming Velineon® brushless-motor power, and the convention-busting innovation of the E-Revo.
Below is a size comparison between the original Traxxas Slayer and the new 1/16th scale Slayer.
Photo from Traxxas.
What Can You Expect From Your Traxxas Slash 1/16th Scale Monster?
For a mini truck it is fast….how fast is it Rc Car Review Guys?
- 30+ mph straight out of the box with the battery that is included! pretty impressive!
- 50+ mph with a NiMH battery pack and series connectors (sold separately)! MEGATRON IMPRESSIVE!!!
Did you read what Traxxas say about this truck?
It comes with Velineon Brushless power and unlike its bigger brother, the 1/16th scale Slash it is 4WD!!
Traxxas 1/16th Scale Slash Price?
It is expected that these little mini rockets will go for around the $300 mark (to be confirmed)
Videos of the Traxxas Slash 1/16th Scale
Traxxas T-Maxx Nitro 3.3 Monster Truck
Traxxas T-Maxx 3.3 Nitro is the biggest, meanest Traxxas T-Maxx ever. It’s more of everything that has made the legendary Traxxas T-Maxx the #1 best-selling nitro monster truck. The new Traxxas T-Maxx Nitro is built bigger with giant, 6.3-inch tall tires and a 30mm longer wheelbase. The huge Maxx® 4×4 stance completely dominates big, rough terrain. The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is packing more power with a 16% peak power boost from the dyno-tuned aluminum Resonator™ pipe and better breathing from (more…)
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Review
Traxxas Jato 3.3 Review
The only way to describe the Traxxas Jato 3.3 is that this is no toy! It us fast, really damn fast!
Traxxas themselves have labeled this truck for expert drivers only! How do Traxxasa describe the Jato 3.3?
Combine the extreme power of the TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine with the incredible Traxxas Jato® and the results will leave you speechless. Stunning, jaw-dropping acceleration and face-distorting top speed propel Jato performance into the stratosphere. It’s a power packed combination for excitement we couldn’t resist. Bury the throttle and 60mph flies by in a mere 4.2 seconds. Top speed is over 65mph! 2nd gear wheelies? You bet! The integrated wheelie bar is included! (source: Traxxas.com)
What do we think of the Traxxas Jato 3.3?
- Pros
1 – As we said, it’s DAMN FAST! Around 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds and top speeds of 65mph+!!!
2 – Versatile to race on or off road and anything in between!
3 – 2.8″ Big wheels for traction and handling
4 – Two-speed transmission
5 – Traxxas EZ-Start push-button electric starting
6 – Built-in diagnostics to monitor your glow plug condition and starting functions
7 – Comes fully assembled and Ready-To-Race
8 – The TRX 3.3 Racing Engine is backed by the Lifetime Engine Replacement Plan
9 – Hop up parts are available to make you Traxxas Jato 3.3 as special as you!
- Cons
1 – We dont have one
2 – In the wrong hands you will do some damage to yourself, someone else or the Jato
Traxxas Jato 3.3 In Action
RC Car Crashes
Some RC Car Crashes that will have you busting out the pain repair kit.
