Traxxas has done it again! Meet the Traxxas Sledge, a high-performance RC car that stands toe-to-toe with the Traxxas Maxx and E-Revo.
With its recent release, the Sledge brings enhanced handling, improved stability, and a fresh design, making it a worthy successor to the E-Revo. But the real question is: Does it pack the same power as the E-Revo and the Maxx?
If you’re looking for a quick answer—yes, it’s absolutely worth it. Traxxas has built a reputation for delivering some of the most powerful RC vehicles on the market, and the Sledge is no exception.
When we talk about “beasts,” we mean models like the X-Maxx, Maxx, E-Revo, Hoss, and more—RC cars that have remained among the best despite being around for years.
So, what makes the Traxxas Sledge stand out? Let’s dive into its design, chassis, and performance to find out!
Traxxas Sledge Design
The Body
The first thing you’ll notice about the Traxxas Sledge is its completely new body design.
Unlike many other Traxxas models—such as the X-Maxx, Maxx, Hoss, and Slash—which share a similar aesthetic, the Sledge introduces a fresh, aggressive look. If anything, it bears some resemblance to the E-Revo, but with notable differences.
With its sporty, eye-catching design and massive wheels, the Sledge commands attention. But one of its most striking features is the huge rear spoiler—the largest in the Traxxas lineup! It even surpasses the E-Revo’s, which makes sense for an RC car that can hit speeds of up to 70mph.
At the rear, you’ll find an exposed suspension system, including the arms, which are covered by the large spoiler rather than being fully enclosed by the body. There’s no built-in wheelie bar, but you can purchase one separately if needed.
Moving to the top, the Sledge is equipped with protective plastic shields that help absorb impact in case of a crash.
Another exciting upgrade is the clipless body system. Instead of dealing with traditional body clips, Traxxas has made it easier than ever to access the internals. Simply press the two release buttons located near the rear wheels, and the body pops off. To reattach it, just slide the front into place and press down on the rear—quick and effortless!
Inside, the body features a reinforced internal cage, adding extra strength and durability for better handling.
Overall, the body of the Traxxas Sledge is nothing short of impressive. It’s sleek, durable, and designed for both performance and aesthetics.
But what about the chassis? Let’s take a closer look.
Traxxas Sledge Chassis
If you thought the body was the highlight of the Traxxas Sledge, think again. The chassis is where Traxxas has made some of its most significant improvements.
Right away, you’ll notice a major departure from previous models—this chassis is made of aluminum!
Stronger, More Durable, and Built for Performance
This aluminum chassis is designed to withstand harsh crashes and extreme conditions, making it more durable and rigid than traditional plastic designs.
One of the standout features is the reinforcement bar running through the center of the chassis. This addition helps keep the aluminum structure from bending—an issue that many RC enthusiasts face when upgrading to metal chassis components.
Innovative Features for Better Protection
Traxxas has also introduced several smart design elements to enhance performance and longevity:
- Driveshaft Covers – Located in front of the rear wheels, these covers help prevent dust and water from getting into the drivetrain, reducing maintenance and increasing durability.
- Suspension Arm Guards – Flexible plastic parts have been added to protect the suspension arms from dirt, debris, and water, ensuring smoother operation.
A Familiar Yet Upgraded Layout
While the Traxxas Sledge features many new design elements, it still retains some familiar components from other Traxxas models, including:
- A powerful motor
- Dual battery setup
- Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)
(We’ll go into more detail about these in the next section!)
Built for Strength and Handling
Traxxas has focused on maximizing durability and handling by integrating more aluminum components and protective elements. These upgrades not only enhance performance but also help prevent common issues, saving you time and money on repairs.
This level of engineering is what sets the Traxxas Sledge apart.
With all these improvements, it’s clear that this RC car is built for power, control, and resilience.
Now, let’s explore its performance to see how it truly stacks up!
Traxxas Sledge Review : Performance
Remember what we mentioned in the introduction? This powerhouse is on par with the Traxxas X-Maxx, Maxx, and E-Revo!
Powerful Brushless Motor & Speed Capabilities
The Traxxas Sledge is equipped with a Velineon® 2000kV Brushless Motor, delivering exceptional power. To ensure durability, the motor is secured with a reinforced aluminum mount, keeping it firmly in place even after intense crashes.
(If your motor hasn’t been put to the test with a serious crash, are you really pushing your RC car to its limits?)
Additionally, it features a VXL-6s Waterproof Electronic Speed Control, capable of handling 6s LiPo batteries. The Sledge includes two battery holders, each accommodating a 3s LiPo battery.
With both batteries in place, the Traxxas Sledge can reach speeds of up to 70mph, matching the E-Revo and surpassing the Maxx!
Shock Absorption & Tires
For superior handling, the Sledge comes with oil-filled GT-Maxx® shocks, built to absorb high-impact pressure and rough terrain with ease.
Its Sledgehammer tires provide excellent traction, enhancing both speed and stability. However, they do tend to balloon at high speeds. While some drivers enjoy this effect, others may prefer an alternative.
If you’re not a fan of ballooning tires, swapping them for Pro-Line tires is a great option!
Advanced Technology & Control Systems
Speed and power aren’t the only highlights—the technology behind the Traxxas Sledge is a key factor in its performance.
One standout feature is the Traxxas Stability Management® (TSM) system, which helps maintain control in slippery conditions. If the car starts to skid, TSM automatically adjusts the wheels to keep it on course—similar to how drifting works, but with automatic corrections for smoother handling.
No Self-Righting System
Unlike the E-Revo and Maxx, the Traxxas Sledge does not include a self-righting system.
There are two key reasons for this:
- It’s not listed on the official Traxxas Sledge specifications.
- Its design prevents effective self-righting. The car’s top is level with the rear spoiler, meaning there’s not enough leverage for the RC to rock back and flip itself over when upside down.
Despite its premium price and robust build, this missing feature may be a downside for those expecting the same self-righting capability as the E-Revo and Maxx.
Traxxas Link – Smart RC Monitoring
The Traxxas Link system allows you to monitor your RC’s performance directly from your smartphone.
By connecting the Traxxas Link module to the remote and installing the Traxxas App, you can track:
- Speed
- Temperature
- Location
- Other performance settings
This feature makes it easy to fine-tune your RC experience and stay informed about your car’s real-time stats. Plus, it’s just fun to use!
The Remote Control
The Traxxas Sledge comes with the same tried-and-true remote control as previous models. It retains the same functions and frequency, ensuring a familiar and reliable experience.
Equipped with everything you need to control this powerhouse, the remote is comfortable to hold, making long driving sessions effortless.
Of course, it comes included in the box, so you’re ready to go right out of the gate!
Traxxas Sledge Upgrades
Since the Traxxas Sledge is a newly released RC car with entirely new components, aftermarket upgrades may be harder to find at the moment.
However, there’s no need to worry—the stock parts on the Sledge are some of the strongest ever seen on a Traxxas RC car! Built primarily from aluminum with strategically placed plastic components for enhanced flexibility, this design ensures durability without compromising performance.
Recently, Traxxas introduced new chassis skid plates for added protection, available in seven different colors. Additionally, they have released a high-output LED light kit specifically designed for the Sledge, enhancing both visibility and aesthetics.
With these upgrades, your experience with the Traxxas Sledge will be even more exciting!
Things That Could Be Improved
The Traxxas Sledge is undoubtedly one of the best models Traxxas has ever produced, leaving little room for complaints.
However, one aspect that left me slightly disappointed is the lack of a self-righting system. While not essential for having fun with your RC car, it’s a feature that would have been a great addition.
That said, this minor omission doesn’t take away from the overall experience. The Sledge is still an incredible RC car that delivers top-tier performance!
What Makes the Traxxas Sledge Great?
Everything about the Traxxas Sledge speaks to its high-quality engineering and design. One of its standout features is its exceptional handling, which sets a new standard for Traxxas RC cars.
The combination of aluminum components and innovative design ensures both strength and longevity. If you’re looking for an RC car built to last, the Sledge is an excellent choice.
Durability is a major highlight—you won’t have to constantly worry about parts breaking. This RC car is built to withstand tough conditions and intense driving sessions!
Traxxas Sledge Price
Performance-wise, the Traxxas Sledge competes with models like the Traxxas Maxx and E-Revo. Naturally, this means its price is in the same range as well.
Since this is a high-performance RC car, don’t expect to get it for a bargain price. However, the investment is well worth it.
At the end of the day, you get what you pay for, and the Traxxas Sledge delivers outstanding value for its cost!
Check the latest price by clicking the button below:
Should You Buy the Traxxas Sledge?
The Traxxas Sledge brings a fresh level of innovation and handling that sets it apart from other RC cars. Its design is both visually striking and functionally impressive.
If you’re looking to invest in an RC car that delivers outstanding performance, durability, and control, the Sledge is a fantastic choice. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced RC enthusiast, this car can handle crashes and rough terrain with ease.
Of course, if you prefer the Maxx or the E-Revo, those remain excellent choices as well. The Sledge and the E-Revo, in particular, offer similar levels of performance, making either a solid option.
Check their prices here:
So, what are your thoughts on the Traxxas Sledge? Do you think it’s worth it? Would you choose the Sledge or the E-Revo 2.0? Let me know in the comments below!
