Need an upgrade - looking at stampede/maxx - advice please

[GorguRanger]

I have an XL1 stampede, 2005 (bought new). It’s fun, but I see all the new trucks out ripping it up and doing cool jumps and my old 2WD ‘pede is just…old. I’m still on the old FM tx/rx.

So it’s time for an upgrade. I’m torn though:
Stampede 4x4 BL-2s (tempting with the free battery deal going on)
New stampede 4x4 Vxl
maxx

The bl-2s is tempting for price, and easiest to just run.

The stampede vxl looks like an all around ripper that has a center diff and the bigger engine. Can run 2s or 3s?

And the Maxx looks like a 1/10 scale beast but 4s and the parts all add a lot of cost and it’s probably 3x faster than my old little 20t stinger motor Pede.

Thoughts? Help!

 

[DavidB1126]

4x4 vxl is a beast.
Maxx is more of a beast. Its pretty durable. But both cars, the only things that go on them are the electronics after time. The maxx is 4s and traxxas does say 1/10 scale but they do tend to lie alot so technically its bigger than a 10th scale MT. Next step up is 8th scale which is a bit big so technically 1/9th scale if you think about it. Traxxas likes to make stuff hard sometimes. Especially with their battery/charger/ID tech ecosystem.

BL2s on the other hand, its alright, but 3300kv and only limited to 2s, since it is a little slow, it does get boring after a while.

 

[GorguRanger]

4x4 vxl is a beast.
Maxx is more of a beast. Its pretty durable. But both cars, the only things that go on them are the electronics after time. The maxx is 4s and traxxas does say 1/10 scale but they do tend to lie alot so technically its bigger than a 10th scale MT. Next step up is 8th scale which is a bit big so technically 1/9th scale if you think about it. Traxxas likes to make stuff hard sometimes. Especially with their battery/charger/ID tech ecosystem.

BL2s on the other hand, its alright, but 3300kv and only limited to 2s, since it is a little slow, it does get boring after a while.

Thanks kind of confirmed my instincts. I just like the looks of that 4x4 vxl and seems really durable. I’m in no ecosystem right now, all I have are a couple of 7.4v nimh batteries with tamiya plugs and a cheap charger.

 

[tntpoof]

Learn what you can about Lipos before buying one...If your going with the 4x4 pede.Id stay on the 2 cell the 3 cell adds more speed but that brings parts wearing out faster and bigger more expensive wrecks.. I thought the ready to rub set has lipo charger and traxxas cheap 2,4 ghz radio...

 

[Ramp addict]

Hopping up a truck is pricey. If you can get what you want or something close out of the box then that's the way to go. My vote is for the VXL Stampede. Fast and the right size to drive anywhere. Maxx is a nice truck too. The Maxx is the beginning of the destination specific trucks, larger trucks are fun but not welcome everywhere. You need to consider where you'll be driving it.

 

[9x19]

The latest Stampede 4x4 VXL replaced the Hoss in the lineup. It uses most of the same parts with the bonus of the Extreme Heavy Duty hubs/axle carrier/steering blocks and drive shafts.

It would be a good choice for your upgrade goal.

 

[Panko75]

I'd go with the BL2S deal that's going on right now, just replace the Traxxas connector on the ESC (or run an adapter) and run XT60. I'm not a huge fan of the VXL system, it's fast but it likes to run hot.

Any of these choices will be quicker than your current 2wd Stampede, but I'd still keep it as a "back-up" RC.

 

[WickedFog]

I'd go with the BL2S deal that's going on right now, just replace the Traxxas connector on the ESC (or run an adapter) and run XT60. I'm not a huge fan of the VXL system, it's fast but it likes to run hot.

Any of these choices will be quicker than your current 2wd Stampede, but I'd still keep it as a "back-up" RC.

I would go with this LONG before going with a Traxxas system
https://www.amainhobbies.com/castle...sq6H2LSzWy4F2OCXcwVB9v4TcNnO73jAaArIyEALw_wcB

 

[Greywolf74]

Just dont buy Traxxas chargers or batteries. They are crap.

 

[Chubaka]

I would go with this LONG before going with a Traxxas system
https://www.amainhobbies.com/castle...sq6H2LSzWy4F2OCXcwVB9v4TcNnO73jAaArIyEALw_wcB

I have one in my 1/8 stampede and it's a beast.

If his truck is indeed xl1 then it may pay to buy a new one. The price of a metal geared tranny, the new clutch that's been inplace since 2009 or so, and to get the oversized carriers and steering blocks with bearings and a wheelie bar.

I vote stampede 4x4, and a Castle powered modernized stampede over time.

 

[Brady Matthews]

I would go with this LONG before going with a Traxxas system
https://www.amainhobbies.com/castle...sq6H2LSzWy4F2OCXcwVB9v4TcNnO73jAaArIyEALw_wcB

I had that in one of my 4x4 slash running 3s, but bought the whole car used. The esc caught fire and I changed the esc to a sidewinder 4 and it flies. Until it ran into a curb and it was no more.

 

[Panko75]

If his truck is indeed xl1 then it may pay to buy a new one. The price of a metal geared tranny, the new clutch that's been inplace since 2009 or so, and to get the oversized carriers and steering blocks with bearings and a wheelie bar.

Bearings carriers/bearings are cheap (and a good excuse to upgrade to aluminum or RPM), but upgrading the gearbox/tires/electronics adds up fast.

 

[GotNoRice]

The Maxx is a much newer and modern design, and as a result is much more durable especially in it's stock configuration.

The Stampede 4x4 is based on a much older design. I bought my Stampede 4x4 VXL in 2010 and it's still parts compatible with most of the parts used on the newer version of the Stampede 4x4, as well as the Slash 4x4, Rustler 4x4, and others including vehicles that have come and gone such as the Telluride (Rock Crawler). That said, it's longevity is also it's strength. The design has evolved over time and newer vehicles have addressed and fixed weaknesses. The new CVD shafts on the modern Stampede 4x4 VXL are certainly lightyears ahead of the thin CVDs that came stock on my Stampede 4x4 VXL that would snap any time you ran 3S. It comes with a much better motor stock now also, the same motor as the Maxx actually. Having so much power in such a light vehicle is very fun.

So really, I think that if you want something that can push the limits of performance right out of the box but have little interest in ever tweaking or upgrading anything ever, and with the lowest chance of needing to repair anything, then the Maxx is probably the way to go.

But if you want a vehicle that is still very durable, still amazingly fast, and has almost unlimited options in terms of easily available upgrades and customization options, then the Stampede 4x4 is without a doubt the way to go. If you get bored, you could literally convert the entire truck into a Slash 4x4 or a Rustler 4x4 or a hybrid.

My original Stampede 4x4 evolved into a Slash 4x4-based widened Monster Truck, which was my attempt to get a vehicle that was closer to 1/8th scale size while remaining on the Stampede 4x4/Slash 4x4 platform. I run full 8th scale electronics in there now with an entire upgraded drive-line to handle 4S, and it can go toe-to-toe with a Maxx now easily, but it was quite a journey to get there, and in the long run was certainly not the cheaper option.

 

[GorguRanger]

Bearings carriers/bearings are cheap (and a good excuse to upgrade to aluminum or RPM), but upgrading the gearbox/tires/electronics adds up fast.

Yeah I bought my current truck new in 2005 as a gift to myself. Its good for what it is but I’m just going to buy a whole new rig to upgrade

 

[Panko75]

Yeah I bought my current truck new in 2005 as a gift to myself. Its good for what it is but I’m just going to buy a whole new rig to upgrade

Good idea, keep the old one for memories and get something new.

I've gone down the path of updating older Traxxas stuff and found it to not be worth the money... in fact I got my start in the hobby trying to update an old 2wd Rustler.

Unless if you get one for free and have spare parts sitting around (thats how I got the one in my avatar going again). They're good back-up RCs or something to hand over to a kid to drive.

 

[MaX-D]

On what type of terrain will you be driving?

 

[GorguRanger]

On what type of terrain will you be driving?

Mostly a lot of grass, my suburban backyard, park (grass, wood chips, dirt), and asphalt/street.

 

[DrFranz]

2005? You're WAY overdue!
I have a Rustler and a Stampede, both VXL.
The Rustler is faster and handles better, but the low center of gravity and less ground clearance means it doesn't bash as much. Plus, it's really too fast for its own good, I've broken and replaced EVERYthing.
The Stampede, newer, has more ground clearance so it tips over easier, but it's far more durable, and although requires a more delicate hand to drive, I've not broken anything as yet.
Oh, I also have the Fiesta Rallye Car, VXL, and it's fast and fun, but light gravel or pavement, best in just dirt.

 

[MaX-D]

Hopping up a truck is pricey. If you can get what you want or something close out of the box then that's the way to go. My vote is for the VXL Stampede. Fast and the right size to drive anywhere. Maxx is a nice truck too. The Maxx is the beginning of the destination specific trucks, larger trucks are fun but not welcome everywhere. You need to consider where you'll be driving it.

I couldn't have said it any better. I like my vxl Stampede 4x4. Quick, nimble, and I can drive it anywhere. 2s lipo is plenty for this truck.