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Traxxas the way to go?

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One thing about Associated rtr is that the Reedy esc's are typically locked out, so no programming options. However, I do seem to recall there being a hack to get into the settings. Razor RC on YT may have something about it.
I find the Spektrum stuff to be decent, and honestly, the Traxxas isn't terrible. More like neutered. It'll get the job done for a while. I've lived with rtr electronics for years and enjoyed them. Still using in some rc's.
The Spektrum esc's are programmable at least. Limited, but it's there.
I actually really like the spectrum 6s motor and ESC combo. After I melted my XR8 Plus I just went back to the spectrum and had no problems
 
I run 3s vxl systems in 1/10. Seem plenty powerful, but the 6 and 8s do seem to lack punch. The 8s Spektrum Firma has been great for me, using a v1 in a K8 and v2 in an Xmaxx.
I have a couple of the Corally 6s combos too, they are pretty strong, might be the best rtr power combo I've tried to date. Also the rtr HW WP-8bl150 is a solid performer from both Redcat and Hobao. 6v BEC is the downside.

I actually really like the spectrum 6s motor and ESC combo. After I melted my XR8 Plus I just went back to the spectrum and had no problems
Yeah, the Firma 150 got a bad rep for fire, but I think that's been rectified. My brother has like 6 of them in different Arrma rtr's, no problems. I had a HW Xerun 150 for nearly 15 years, was awesome, till I got it wet in snow.. poof, out came the smoke. I was heartbroken on that one. Completely forgot it wasn't WP.

I know many like the Tekin, Castle, HW Pro stuff, and I'm sure they're great, but I just want simplicity. Not interested in data logging and all that.
 
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A bit smaller, about the same size as the Stampede 4x4
I’ll have to check out vids on YT to see Stampede vs Rival MT10 vids. The Stampede body always seemed to ride too high off the chassis from what I remember.

I’m still sticking with the Maxx for the kid and Rustler 4x4 Ultimate for me. But that Maxx does look sweeeet. Someone on here said I could convert the Rustler to an electric JATO. That’s all I can think about. I’m not interested in nitro. So an electric Rustler/JATO beast would be awesome.
 
I’ll have to check out vids on YT to see Stampede vs Rival MT10 vids. The Stampede body always seemed to ride too high off the chassis from what I remember.

I’m still sticking with the Maxx for the kid and Rustler 4x4 Ultimate for me. But that Maxx does look sweeeet. Someone on here said I could convert the Rustler to an electric JATO. That’s all I can think about. I’m not interested in nitro. So an electric Rustler/JATO beast would be awesome.
Years ago I would chop the body mounts to lower the body. I'm sure the new one is adjustable.
 
And how are Traxxas Ultra Shocks? They have a plastic body. Is this a bad thing? I know aluminum is much better. Just curious how the plastic ones are.
 
The stocks are pretty good with aluminum caps and tini shafts
Actually still using the stocks on my rusty after my big bore shocks (Traxxas) leaked oil. Tried replacing the seals which I'll try to fix them once I get the right snap ring tool lol. Ultra shocks are better since they use a regular cap. But the upgraded aluminum GTRs are a beast.
 
The stocks are pretty good with aluminum caps and tini shafts
Actually still using the stocks on my rusty after my big bore shocks (Traxxas) leaked oil. Tried replacing the seals which I'll try to fix them once I get the right snap ring tool lol. Ultra shocks are better since they use a regular cap. But the upgraded aluminum GTRs are a beast.
Those GTR shocks are on the Rustler Ultimate and they look great along with the rest of the aluminum upgrades. I’m a sucker for factory upgraded stuff.

What’s the difference between the Tracxas VXL brushless system and the BL-2S? Is one more powerful?

And why doesn’t the Rustler Ultimate come with the Extreme HD Upgrade kit? Wouldn’t that make it more “ultimate”?
 
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What’s the difference between the Tracxas VXL brushless system and the BL-2S? Is one more powerful?
Vxl has been out for a while now, it's their main brushless system that can take 3s and has a 3500kv motor. While bl2s is a new substitute to replace the older titan brushed systems. That bl2s combo is 2s lipo max and has a 3300kv motor and has basically has the same speed as the old brushed systems that they are phasing out.

Me personally I'd get a vxl and run it on 2s first to get used to it. 3s is a whole different animal. But to be fair like said in the first couple pages of the thread, Traxxas or RTR electronics in whole aren't the best, but will get you started out in the hobby. 😎
And why doesn’t the Rustler Ultimate come with the Extreme HD Upgrade kit? Wouldn’t that make it more “ultimate”?
Now that's a question to ask Traxxas. From my understanding the new HD kits are newer than the ultimate versions of the cars. HD kits come on the lower end cars like the bl2s and vxl, while the ultimate comes with the vxl system but has the aluminum upgrades. It kinda follows the slash ultimate and previously the slash platinum years ago which came with aluminum upgrades right out of the box.

Edit: not totally sure but the ultimate might have some HD parts like the driveshafts and arms. Not totally sure.
 
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Tried replacing the seals which I'll try to fix them once I get the right snap ring tool lol.
I’m not convinced that snap ring goes back in there! Seriously my tool fits but you have to somehow push that ring in there while keeping it compressed…… it’s like a washer needs to be removed 🤷🏼
 
Vxl has been out for a while now, it's their main brushless system that can take 3s and has a 3500kv motor. While bl2s is a new substitute to replace the older titan brushed systems. That bl2s combo is 2s lipo max and has a 3300kv motor and has basically has the same speed as the old brushed systems that they are phasing out.

Me personally I'd get a vxl and run it on 2s first to get used to it. 3s is a whole different animal. But to be fair like said in the first couple pages of the thread, Traxxas or RTR electronics in whole aren't the best, but will get you started out in the hobby. 😎

Now that's a question to ask Traxxas. From my understanding the new HD kits are newer than the ultimate versions of the cars. HD kits come on the lower end cars like the bl2s and vxl, while the ultimate comes with the vxl system but has the aluminum upgrades. It kinda follows the slash ultimate and previously the slash platinum years ago which came with aluminum upgrades right out of the box.

Edit: not totally sure but the ultimate might have some HD parts like the driveshafts and arms. Not totally sure.
Thanks for all the great info. They made a platinum slash? Must have been pretty sweet.
 
Thanks for all the great info. They made a platinum slash? Must have been pretty sweet.
Yea. It was like 10 plus years ago, I believe when the vxl system was 2 pole (new ones are 4 pole motors). The platinum changed to the ultimate once they came out with the GTR shocks and put them on those cars.
 
Traxxas does have 2 kits, the slash 2wd (we just built one) and the trx4 They do come with everything needed to run
Basically, RTRs torn apart for someone to assemble. That's the problem with Traxxas. They insist on making you use their gear. I'd love a Rustler 4x4, but I want to be in control of what electronics I put into my RCs.
 
Basically, RTRs torn apart for someone to assemble. That's the problem with Traxxas. They insist on making you use their gear. I'd love a Rustler 4x4, but I want to be in control of what electronics I put into my RCs.

I would agree.

It was a good kit for my 10y/o to assemble though. We only got the slash kit because he wanted the raptor slash so instead of getting him the rtr I got him the kit and the raptor pieces.
 
And how are Traxxas Ultra Shocks? They have a plastic body. Is this a bad thing? I know aluminum is much better. Just curious how the plastic ones are.
I put strc
And how are Traxxas Ultra Shocks? They have a plastic body. Is this a bad thing? I know aluminum is much better. Just curious how the plastic ones are.
The shocks are OK. Sometimes the blow tge caps. The shaft is the real problem. My 1/8 stampede thread I bent like 7 shafts in half as many weeks.

I bought strc shock bodies and caps on my Bandit. I used trx internals. I'm also getting the trx titanium nitrate gold shafts. Although never ran I like the feel of the strc shock bodies. You can find those in my album or my toy story bandit.

For tge record aluminum is better in certain places. They also make titanium parts. 😍🥰
 
Titanium parts? I foresee myself going broke in the very near future.

If I have my heart set on the Rustler 4x4 , is the Ultimate the way to go? Or is it overkill for just bashing around the yard and in parking lots? The standard Rustler 4x4 VXL has that “extreme HD upgrade kit” installed which is not included on the Ultimate. But the Ultimate has all those cool aluminum upgrades.
 
I like spending others money. The $120 price difference for GTR shocks/aluminum bits on the Ultimate model would be enough to sway me into that direction. Long plastic shock bodies on an off-road RC just has me shaking my head. Sorry. I'm all about the shocks.
 
I like spending others money. The $120 price difference for GTR shocks/aluminum bits on the Ultimate model would be enough to sway me into that direction. Long plastic shock bodies on an off-road RC just has me shaking my head. Sorry. I'm all about the shocks.
It’s the aluminum shocks that really attracted me too. Even though I know anything can be upgraded.

Does anyone still run the T-Maxx? I remember that and the E-Maxx way back in the day. They were some sick rigs.
 
Does anyone still run the T-Maxx?

That’s what got my son and I into this mess last Xmas 🤣. Where it all started

D5B6FB35-BAC5-43AA-881A-CF8EBB364157.webp
 
I put strc
The shocks are OK. Sometimes the blow tge caps. The shaft is the real problem. My 1/8 stampede thread I bent like 7 shafts in half as many weeks.

I bought strc shock bodies and caps on my Bandit. I used trx internals. I'm also getting the trx titanium nitrate gold shafts. Although never ran I like the feel of the strc shock bodies. You can find those in my album or my toy story bandit.

For tge record aluminum is better in certain places. They also make titanium parts. 😍🥰
The last time I used plastic shock bodies was on my Optima while trying to make a 4wd truck out of it. The flexing of the shock bodies is probably less than what I think, but all the jarring/twisting of suspension worries me as shock pistons try to move inside a slightly deformed cylindrical body... leads to more bent shafts? RC Myth Busters channel with super slow motion video is needed.
 
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