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

Traxxas Ruslter XL5 Specs

Traxxas Rustler XL5

Specifications

* Waterproof electronics permit driving in water, mud and snow.
* Traxxas 2216 4-channel micro receiver.
* New waterproof receiver box.
* High-torque Waterproof Traxxas 2056 steering servo.
* Powerful Titan® 12T 550 modified motor with internal cooling fan.
* Rustler reaches speeds in excess of 35mph using the included
optional 28-tooth pinion gear.*
* High-performance waterproof XL-5™ Electronic Speed Control.
o Sport Mode – Forward / Brake / Reverse
o Race Mode – Forward / Brake
o Training Mode™ – 50% Forward / Brake / 50% Reverse (patent pending)
* New large axle carriers with 5×11mm oilite bushings
* Efficient Magnum 272™ three-gear transmission with ball bearings.
* Sealed gearbox protects the transmission with beefed up motor
guard for extra protection.
* Revo®-spec Torque-Control™ slipper clutch system.
* External gear cover with easy slipper access.
* Reliable planetary gear differential.
* Telescoping U-joint driveshafts.
* Fiber-composite monocoque chassis.
* Gray chassis components offer a fresh look.
* Speed control and waterproof receiver box are securely fastened to chassis.
* Easy access battery compartment.
* Fully adjustable Ultra Shocks™ with X-ring technology.
* White powder coated shock springs feature a new responsive spring rate.
* Durable solid camber links eliminate the need for adjustment.
* Captured rod ends won’t pop off for superior durability.
* Alias™ step-pin rear tires and front Alias ribbed front tires offer superior
off-road traction.
* Rustler’s tires include performance foam inserts and they come
pre-glued on mirror-chrome 2.8″ All-Star™ wheels.
* New ProGraphix® multi-colored painted body is available in red,
blue, black, and white.

o Wing is securely attached to the body with precision hex hardware
* Rustler is backed by unparalleled Traxxas support and parts availability.

Length 17.5 inches (445mm)
Front Track 12.25 inches (311mm)
Rear Track 12.25 inches (311mm)
Weight 59.6oz (1.69kg)
Height (overall) 7 inches (178mm)
Wheelbase 11.375 inches (289mm)
Front Shock Length Long
Rear Shock Length XXLong
Front Tires Alias™ Ribbed 2.8″
Rear Tires Alias™ Step-Pin 2.8″
Front Wheels 2.8″ Mirror-Chome (All-Stars™)
Rear Wheels 2.8″ Mirror-Chome (All-Stars™)
Speed Control Type XL-5 Electronic Speed Control
Motor (electric) Titan® 12T 550 (12-turn)
Steering Servo #2056 High Torque Waterproof
Receiver #2216 4-Channel Micro
Gear Ratio (internal) 2.72 (final drive: 10.17)
Differential Type Planetary
Gear Pitch 48-Pitch
Transmission Magnum 272™
Steering Bellcrank
Chassis Type Modified Tub
Chassis Material Composite Nylon
Engine (fuel-powered) N/A
Brake Type N/A
Fuel Tank Capacity N/A
Top Speed 35+mph*

Traxxas Rustler XL-5 (WATERPROOF) SPECIFICATIONS
Input voltage: 4-8 Cells (4.8 to 9.6 Volts DC)
Case Size: 1.23″W x 2.18″D x 0.61″ H
Weight: 2.44 Ounce
Motor Limit: 15-turns** (540 Size)
12-turns** (550 Size)
On Resistance Forward: 0.007 Ohms
On Resistance Reverse: 0.014 Ohms
Peak Current – Forward: 100A
Peak Current – Reverse: 60A
Braking Current: 60A
Continuous Current: 14A
BEC Voltage: 6.0 VDC
BEC Current: 1A
Power Wire: 14 Gauge / 5″
Input Harness Wire: 26 Gauge / 9″
Transistor Type: MOSFET
PWM Frequency: 1600 Hz
Thermal Protection: Thermal shutdown
Profile selection:

Sport Mode:
100% fwd, 100% brakes, 100% rev

Race Mode:
100% fwd, 100% brakes, no rev.

Training Mode:
50% fwd, 100% brakes, 50% rev.
Single-button setup: Yes, Traxxas EZ-Set®

RC Car Reviews – Traxxas Rustler Videos

Traxxas Rustler Review Videos

Here are a few samples of some Traxxas Rustler videos that I thought are worth taking a look at. Ok so this is not so much a product review, but more a visual review of the Rustler.

I hope you enjoy them,

Traxxas Rustler Car Jump

Traxxas Rustler Off Road Work Out

Traxxas Rustler Cam 70+mph

Rustler VXL

Traxxas Rustler VXL with a brushless power plant and LiPo power source really are a great machine. In the right hands you could really do some damage at any level of racing for a non nitro powered machine.

Who Should Buy The Traxxas Rustler VXL?

Labeled as a stadium truck by Traxxas, it is suited to a wide range or recreational park destroyers or race fanatics.  The Rustler VXL is available in with two moto options, brushless or without; don’t worry if you purchase the non-brushless model, you can always upgrade at a later date without any problems, thanks Traxxas!

We really enjoy the Rustler VXL for several reasons:

- they look hot!

- very affordable $$$

- they handle like they are rails thanks to the wide wheelbase and low center of gravity!

- 2wd anything is always easier on your pocket to keep running!

- you can start with the non-brushless base model and have a sick stadium racer, with a few little upgrades you have a super megatron sick stadium racer!

- the suspenions and wheel combo can really handle some rough terrain!

- super durable and have the Traxxas name backing them up.

I guess this is why in the world of electric trucks one of the most popular and highest selling trucks is the Traxxas Rustler VXL.