Why does everyone not like traxxas

[Panko75]

Ideally Traxxas wants to their dealers to sell 90 percent Traxxas and 10 percent other brands. Also because their contract. OG post says they lost 50 percent of their dealers because of this.

Let me share some information that I've learned from speaking to several shop owners.

Traxxas uses a tier system for LHS's, the more that you focus on their products over others the more discounts that you get. Usually the balance is 70% Traxxas, 30% everyone else. And yes, Traxxas expects you to push people into their battery ecosystem.

If it really is being shifted to 90%, that's new to me.

 

[9x19]

It is the brand folks love to hate... but they just keep on truckin'

It's a catch-22, quit selling the products with the biggest name recognition, and ad budget, then see your traffic decrease.

Hard to sell other brands if you can't get people thru the door, then there's on-line vs brick and mortar... the old store models are not going to work much longer. If you have a track, then you have some hope of selling parts etc., which I'm sure have more margin than the RTR models, but if you're just a stand alone store, your days are likely numbered.

 

[Ramp addict]

My local Hobbytown is Traxxas only and special orders for Arrma parts take between 30 to 60 days to arrive. I own one Traxxas and a rack full of Arrmas so I don't see this working out very well. I don't know how a one brand LHS stays a float.

 

[9x19]

It would be interesting to see sales volume comparisons between the brands, but I can't imagine such data is easy to acquire.

 

[Doom!]

I own many brands, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. RC's are meant for fun, not drama, buy what you like, it's that simple.

 

[Slick2500]

I own many brands, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. RC's are meant for fun, not drama, buy what you like, it's that simple.

Right? People act like everyone else doesn't pull the same poop that Traxxas does. I've literally heard the same stories on Facebook about HH pulling stuff like that with these small hobby shops. Team Associated straight up posted on their Facebook page that they were going to start suing people.

Most of the Traxxas haters are giant hypocrites though. They say they don't support companies that use shady business tactics to try to eliminate their competitors all the while posting from their Apple iPhone while browsing for RC parts on Amazon..........and the worst thing is that they don't see how big of a hypocrite they are being.

IMHO it's just a bunch of babies crying about toys.

 

[cocoune]

Right? People act like everyone else doesn't pull the same poop that Traxxas does. I've literally heard the same stories on Facebook about HH pulling stuff like that with these small hobby shops. Team Associated straight up posted on their Facebook page that they were going to start suing people.

Most of the Traxxas haters are giant hypocrites though. They say they don't support companies that use shady business tactics to try to eliminate their competitors all the while posting from their Apple iPhone while browsing for RC parts on Amazon..........and the worst thing is that they don't see how big of a hypocrite they are being.

IMHO it's just a bunch of babies crying about toys.

I'm in the hobby since the spring and i was quite suprised about how many ppl talks about brand ethics. I'm not trying to offend anyone but i feel the rc community like american capitalism alot and its kind of wierd to see the hates against traxxas. If they had the power, the other brands would do exactly the samething.

What i hear about traxxas is that they make good trucks but a bit pricey. Like every big brands. I dont see a "traxxas killer" either. I own a slash and alot of ppl told be to buy a tekno or team associated instead but the slash was way cheaper. The parts is the biggest thing too. I will have parts for the slash forever.

I think traxxas is a good beginner brand. I now have a reference point. If i own another truck it would be easy because i will always compare it to the slash.

 

[Slick2500]

I'm in the hobby since the spring and i was quite suprised about how many ppl talks about brand ethics. I'm not trying to offend anyone but i feel the rc community like american capitalism alot and its kind of wierd to see the hates against traxxas. If they had the power, the other brands would do exactly the samething.

What i hear about traxxas is that they make good trucks but a bit pricey. Like every big brands. I dont see a "traxxas killer" either. I own a slash and alot of ppl told be to buy a tekno or team associated instead but the slash was way cheaper. The parts is the biggest thing too. I will have parts for the slash forever.

I think traxxas is a good beginner brand. I now have a reference point. If i own another truck it would be easy because i will always compare it to the slash.

The only Traxxas vehicle I have had that I didn't like was the Mini E-Revo, Traxxas has it listed as a 3s vehicle but it just tears itself apart on 3s even after dumping $500 into the thing. On 2s it's actually a pretty decent vehicle once you get the suspension setup.

 

[Lumikko]

Right? People act like everyone else doesn't pull the same poop that Traxxas does. I've literally heard the same stories on Facebook about HH pulling stuff like that with these small hobby shops. Team Associated straight up posted on their Facebook page that they were going to start suing people.

Most of the Traxxas haters are giant hypocrites though. They say they don't support companies that use shady business tactics to try to eliminate their competitors all the while posting from their Apple iPhone while browsing for RC parts on Amazon..........and the worst thing is that they don't see how big of a hypocrite they are being.

I think there are nuances to the ways companies operate even if they are seldom exactly friendly towards competitors.

It’s also understandable that people are more passionate about their hobby stuff than everyday household items.

But you’re right, it is hypocrisy if someone says they never buy anything from any company that does questionable things. It would be practically impossible to do so.

A better way of putting it is something like: ”I avoid things made in China or made by Traxxas when I can”. It’s very unlikely anyone can be absolute about their choices but I think it’s respectable to do at least something.

I like having good goals and not quite meet them rather than seek perfectionism and not even bother trying things that will probably fall short of the ideals.

 

[RustyUs]

Right? People act like everyone else doesn't pull the same poop that Traxxas does. I've literally heard the same stories on Facebook about HH pulling stuff like that with these small hobby shops. Team Associated straight up posted on their Facebook page that they were going to start suing people.

Most of the Traxxas haters are giant hypocrites though. They say they don't support companies that use shady business tactics to try to eliminate their competitors all the while posting from their Apple iPhone while browsing for RC parts on Amazon..........and the worst thing is that they don't see how big of a hypocrite they are being.

IMHO it's just a bunch of babies crying about toys.

What is Apple? Just kiddin'.

Yes, I'm a baby crying, because I know where Traxxas came from and what they used to be. Seeing their transformation take place over the years is/was hard to watch, yet impressive.

If they want to impress me, then they must do a re-release of a SRT kit that does not include any electronics.

 

[Slick2500]

What is Apple? Just kiddin'.

Yes, I'm a baby crying, because I know where Traxxas came from and what they used to be. Seeing their transformation take place over the years is/was hard to watch, yet impressive.

If they want to impress me, then they must do a re-release of a SRT kit that does not include any electronics.

Every rc company started at the bottom. Look at the transformation that Arrma has take over the past 15 years. They used to be the cheap underdog that everyone thought was gonna fall. Now they are just as big as Traxxas and starting to turn to the same business practices that Traxxas does. Have you noticed how Arrma is putting their logo on every part they can on their cars now? Even the rod ends have their logo on them............Why do the rod ends need the Arrma logo on them?

People complain about Traxxas making things for their cars proprietary then fail to notice that Horizon Hobby is doing the same thing with all of their brands. If you want to use their SMART features you have to use only their products, at least if I want to use Traxxas telemetry I can do so with any batteries, esc and motor I want I'm not locked into buying only Traxxas electronics. Not to mention they have many models that have the battery connectors molded into the cars.

 

[Tunedfrog]

I own many brands, they all have their strengths and weaknesses. RC's are meant for fun, not drama, buy what you like, it's that simple.

I couldn't agree more.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

just going to throw my .02 opinion in here based on the original topic of the thread. disclaimer: i haven't read all 12 pages of his thread so I'm sure some, if not all of this has been brought up. it may also be a little "off topic" after 12 pages.

1. they're patent trolls. it would be one thing if they had invented, created, or otherwise improved on something, but to just take existing ideas, most of which have been around for decades and claim legal ownership of them is just downright shady.

2. exclusivity contracts. they've pushed other RC manufactures (most notably AE and HPI) out of advertising in 1:1 motorsports on more than one occasion. they show up, throw money around, stay just long enough for the competition to be forgotten about, then disappear themselves.

3. shady business practices. they've been sued by Field Entertainment. sued the architect of there HQ building because the building wasn't performing as intended (or something along that line i don't fully remember) sued HBO over the Max name. they've gone after youtubers for talking bad about them.
it's been 20+ years ago now but my LHS stopped selling them because and i quote" they burned us". which i later found out happened more than once. talking with the owners son often made traxxas sound shady. they were kind of tight lipped about it, but i did get from employees that traxxas would backorder stuff constantly and would often fail to fulfill orders/shipments and would oftentimes never give them the full shipment or give money back for the parts/products the shop never received and occasionally just refuse to ship them an order if it was to small.

4. they've put brick and mortar hobby shops out of business for selling to much of there (traxxas own) product online. when traxxas tells you if you don't stop selling there products online they'll pull your distribution. but the online sales are what's keeping the business afloat, and traxxas products make up the bulk of what you sell, you have no choice but to close your doors. it's happened more than once.

5. the fanboys. easily the most self serving, self righteous, vocal, no nothing know it all's iv ever dealt with.

6. the products are always just kinda "meh". they aren't terrible, but are never great. usually having more than a few things that require aftermarket support or some other workaround to resolve. they just aren't great at R&D. it usually results in a situation where there are better alternatives for the price point.

7. they never give anything back to the industry. the racing company's have always pumped money into the racing scene. even Axial has Axialfest. HPI was supporting... i can't remember the name of it. a big monster truck race/event. Horizon who own's lots of brands has Horizon RC Fest. Traxxas on the other hand has never done anything for the RC scene or hobbyists. it's all shameless self promotion and one sidedness.

needless to say they come off as a very narcissistic company with low moral standards.

 

[Doom!]

just going to throw my .02 opinion in here based on the original topic of the thread. disclaimer: i haven't read all 12 pages of his thread so I'm sure some, if not all of this has been brought up. it may also be a little "off topic" after 12 pages.

1. they're patent trolls. it would be one thing if they had invented, created, or otherwise improved on something, but to just take existing ideas, most of which have been around for decades and claim legal ownership of them is just downright shady.

2. exclusivity contracts. they've pushed other RC manufactures (most notably AE and HPI) out of advertising in 1:1 motorsports on more than one occasion. they show up, throw money around, stay just long enough for the competition to be forgotten about, then disappear themselves.

3. shady business practices. they've been sued by Field Entertainment. sued the architect of there HQ building because the building wasn't performing as intended (or something along that line i don't fully remember) sued HBO over the Max name. they've gone after youtubers for talking bad about them.
it's been 20+ years ago now but my LHS stopped selling them because and i quote" they burned us". which i later found out happened more than once. talking with the owners son often made traxxas sound shady. they were kind of tight lipped about it, but i did get from employees that traxxas would backorder stuff constantly and would often fail to fulfill orders/shipments and would oftentimes never give them the full shipment or give money back for the parts/products the shop never received and occasionally just refuse to ship them an order if it was to small.

4. they've put brick and mortar hobby shops out of business for selling to much of there (traxxas own) product online. when traxxas tells you if you don't stop selling there products online they'll pull your distribution. but the online sales are what's keeping the business afloat, and traxxas products make up the bulk of what you sell, you have no choice but to close your doors. it's happened more than once.

5. the fanboys. easily the most self serving, self righteous, vocal, no nothing know it all's iv ever dealt with.

6. the products are always just kinda "meh". they aren't terrible, but are never great. usually having more than a few things that require aftermarket support or some other workaround to resolve. they just aren't great at R&D. it usually results in a situation where there are better alternatives for the price point.

7. they never give anything back to the industry. the racing company's have always pumped money into the racing scene. even Axial has Axialfest. HPI was supporting... i can't remember the name of it. a big monster truck race/event. Horizon who own's lots of brands has Horizon RC Fest. Traxxas on the other hand has never done anything for the RC scene or hobbyists. it's all shameless self promotion and on sidedness.

needless to say they come off as a very narcissistic company with low moral standards.

But are they fun to run?....that's all that matters.

 

[Tunedfrog]

I think I'll go ahead and keep my Traxxas rigs.
Quite honestly I don't give a crap what people say about Traxxas.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

But are they fun to run?....that's all that matters.

disclaimer: iv never owned one so everything I'm saying below is experiences with other people vehicles.
in my experiences, not really. as the neighborhood RC mechanic from 1998 to 2006 traxxas trucks were the bane of my existence.
tmaxx felt like i was driving an aircraft carrier.
revo broke and was a pain in the butt to work on. it wasn't my truck so i gave up gave it back to the owner in pieces. douche move on my part.
anything with the ez start system has never worked properly for me.
original rustler/bandit/stampede, was never around a stock one that didn't have driveline problems. also not crazy about the handling with the the original front arms.
back when i would bash with friends the traxxas trucks were always the first to have problems or break.
iv driven several slashes over the years and hated every one of them. to date that is the most hated RC iv ever driven.
i think iv had more fun with Tyco's than traxxas's over the years.

i think iv had positive experiences with 3 trucks. the Rustler and arguably the original Stampede after they were hopped up. and a nitro Rustler with a pull starter.
all that said, i am in the process of building a Rustler from scratch with as many aftermarket/non traxxas parts as possible. i like the old style rear motor stick pack stadium trucks and it's kind of the only one left with any support so...

and being fun is not all that matters. i actually care (at least a little) about the moral integrity of the company's i support.

 

[Doom!]

disclaimer: iv never owned one so everything I'm saying below is experiences with other people vehicles.
in my experiences, not really. as the neighborhood RC mechanic from 1998 to 2006 traxxas trucks were the bane of my existence.
tmaxx felt like i was driving an aircraft carrier.
revo broke and was a pain in the butt to work on. it wasn't my truck so i gave up gave it back to the owner in pieces. douche move on my part.
anything with the ez start system has never worked properly for me.
original rustler/bandit/stampede, was never around a stock one that didn't have driveline problems. also not crazy about the handling with the the original front arms.
back when i would bash with friends the traxxas trucks were always the first to have problems or break.
iv driven several slashes over the years and hated every one of them. to date that is the most hated RC iv ever driven.
i think iv had more fun with Tyco's than traxxas's over the years.

i think iv had positive experiences with 3 trucks. the Rustler and arguably the original Stampede after they were hopped up. and a nitro Rustler with a pull starter.
all that said, i am in the process of building a Rustler from scratch with as many aftermarket/non traxxas parts as possible. i like the old style rear motor stick pack stadium trucks and it's kind of the only one left with any support so...

and being fun is not all that matters. i actually care (at least a little) about the moral integrity of the company's i support.

If I vetted every company that makes products that I buy, I'd be living naked in a field eating grubs. The whole morality thing is a lame excuse, just my opinion.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

If I vetted every company that makes products that I buy, I'd be living naked in a field eating grubs. The whole morality thing is a lame excuse, just my opinion.

based on there business practices they appear self serving and destructive to the RC industry. until that changes my opinion isn't going to change and i will continue to give them as little money as possible. there are several company's in the world I'm like that with. i guess I'm half naked in a shack eating fruit stolen from a neighbors tree

 

[Slick2500]

just going to throw my .02 opinion in here based on the original topic of the thread. disclaimer: i haven't read all 12 pages of his thread so I'm sure some, if not all of this has been brought up. it may also be a little "off topic" after 12 pages.

1. they're patent trolls. it would be one thing if they had invented, created, or otherwise improved on something, but to just take existing ideas, most of which have been around for decades and claim legal ownership of them is just downright shady.

2. exclusivity contracts. they've pushed other RC manufactures (most notably AE and HPI) out of advertising in 1:1 motorsports on more than one occasion. they show up, throw money around, stay just long enough for the competition to be forgotten about, then disappear themselves.

3. shady business practices. they've been sued by Field Entertainment. sued the architect of there HQ building because the building wasn't performing as intended (or something along that line i don't fully remember) sued HBO over the Max name. they've gone after youtubers for talking bad about them.
it's been 20+ years ago now but my LHS stopped selling them because and i quote" they burned us". which i later found out happened more than once. talking with the owners son often made traxxas sound shady. they were kind of tight lipped about it, but i did get from employees that traxxas would backorder stuff constantly and would often fail to fulfill orders/shipments and would oftentimes never give them the full shipment or give money back for the parts/products the shop never received and occasionally just refuse to ship them an order if it was to small.

4. they've put brick and mortar hobby shops out of business for selling to much of there (traxxas own) product online. when traxxas tells you if you don't stop selling there products online they'll pull your distribution. but the online sales are what's keeping the business afloat, and traxxas products make up the bulk of what you sell, you have no choice but to close your doors. it's happened more than once.

5. the fanboys. easily the most self serving, self righteous, vocal, no nothing know it all's iv ever dealt with.

6. the products are always just kinda "meh". they aren't terrible, but are never great. usually having more than a few things that require aftermarket support or some other workaround to resolve. they just aren't great at R&D. it usually results in a situation where there are better alternatives for the price point.

7. they never give anything back to the industry. the racing company's have always pumped money into the racing scene. even Axial has Axialfest. HPI was supporting... i can't remember the name of it. a big monster truck race/event. Horizon who own's lots of brands has Horizon RC Fest. Traxxas on the other hand has never done anything for the RC scene or hobbyists. it's all shameless self promotion and one sidedness.

needless to say they come off as a very narcissistic company with low moral standards.

Holy crap. I haven't seen you in a while.

As sad as this is to say Traxxas has probably brought more people into this hobby than every other rc company combined.

disclaimer: iv never owned one so everything I'm saying below is experiences with other people vehicles.
in my experiences, not really. as the neighborhood RC mechanic from 1998 to 2006 traxxas trucks were the bane of my existence.
tmaxx felt like i was driving an aircraft carrier.
revo broke and was a pain in the butt to work on. it wasn't my truck so i gave up gave it back to the owner in pieces. douche move on my part.
anything with the ez start system has never worked properly for me.
original rustler/bandit/stampede, was never around a stock one that didn't have driveline problems. also not crazy about the handling with the the original front arms.
back when i would bash with friends the traxxas trucks were always the first to have problems or break.
iv driven several slashes over the years and hated every one of them. to date that is the most hated RC iv ever driven.
i think iv had more fun with Tyco's than traxxas's over the years.

i think iv had positive experiences with 3 trucks. the Rustler and arguably the original Stampede after they were hopped up. and a nitro Rustler with a pull starter.
all that said, i am in the process of building a Rustler from scratch with as many aftermarket/non traxxas parts as possible. i like the old style rear motor stick pack stadium trucks and it's kind of the only one left with any support so...

and being fun is not all that matters. i actually care (at least a little) about the moral integrity of the company's i support.

Same reason I bought the Rustler, I wanted a rear motor stadium truck and at the time the options were that, the HPI Jumpshot or the Ecx Circuit. The Jumpshot just does not have the support that Traxxas or Ecx did. Glad I didn't go the Ecx route. Parts haven't dried up yet but they will.

 

[Suburban_Hooligan]

Holy crap. I haven't seen you in a while.

As sad as this is to say Traxxas has probably brought more people into this hobby than every other rc company combined.

iv been around, in mostly the same old places, under different names lol

marketing is one of the few things traxxas is good at. the other being support.