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
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