Have You Seen the Traxxas Summit? If Not, You’re in for a Treat!
If you’ve ever laid eyes on the Traxxas Summit, chances are you haven’t forgotten it. This RC beast is one of the most distinctive Traxxas models ever made. Its unique design and monstrous presence make it unforgettable.
But if this is your first encounter with the Summit—buckle up! You’re about to discover why so many RC enthusiasts fall in love with it at first sight. By the end of this review, you might just find yourself wanting one today—not tomorrow.
At first glance, the Summit resembles an off-road SUV. While other TRX-4 models like the Defender, Bronco, or Mercedes 6×6 have their own unique flair, the Summit stands apart. Those models lean more toward rugged utility trucks. The Summit? It’s a sporty, powerful monster truck with attitude.
Stay with me as we dive deeper into what makes the Traxxas Summit so special.
Traxxas Summit Design
Traxxas Summit Body
The first thing you’ll notice about the Summit is its completely different look compared to other Traxxas models.
Vehicles like the X-Maxx, Maxx, Slash, Hoss, and Stampede share a similar design language—scaled differently, of course. The same goes for TRX-4 trucks like the Bronco and Defender.
But the Summit? It’s in a league of its own.
It’s massive. The first time I saw it, I had the same reaction I had when I saw the Traxxas UDR—total awe. No matter what you expect, the Summit will surprise you with its sheer size. It’s roughly the same size as the Maxx, but with a higher stance and smaller body-to-chassis ratio, much like the Stampede.
One standout feature is the full protective cage, which isn’t always present in other Traxxas models. This cage surrounds the entire body and provides excellent crash protection. It’s also easy to remove with four clips, giving you quick access to the chassis.
Then there are the LED lights—a whopping eight real headlights: four on the roof and four on the front bumper. The rear features two red taillights. These lights are amazingly bright, making night driving not only possible but a lot of fun.
All in all, this is easily one of the best bodies Traxxas has ever made.
Traxxas Summit Chassis
When it comes to monster trucks, you expect big wheels and high ground clearance. The Traxxas Summit delivers—and then some.
It boasts a robust suspension system unlike what we typically see in other Traxxas models. Instead of using just vertical shocks, the Summit features double horizontal shocks mounted in the front and rear center. This setup provides superior flexibility for tackling rough terrain.
But it doesn’t stop there.
Unlike most RC vehicles that come with a single steering servo, the Summit uses two powerful servos for enhanced turning strength. This gives it exceptional steering power, allowing it to conquer nearly any obstacle in its path.
Powering this beast is a dual battery setup with holders on both sides of the chassis. You can run one 2S battery, or go full throttle with two 2S batteries for a 4S power boost.
What’s Next?
There’s still so much more to explore—like the Summit’s driving modes, performance capabilities, and upgrade potential. But one thing is for sure: the Traxxas Summit is not your average RC truck.
It’s a high-performance, off-road monster that combines versatility, power, and style in a way only Traxxas can.
Ready to dive deeper? Let’s keep going…
Traxxas Summit Performance Overview
The Traxxas Summit is equipped with a Titan® 775 brushed motor, along with a TQi 2.4GHz 4-channel transmitter and a micro receiver. (Note: There’s also a VXL version with a brushless motor for those craving more speed.)
With this setup, the Summit tops out at around 16 mph, as tested by Kevin Talbot. Clearly, this isn’t a speed demon—it’s built for rugged off-roading, not racing. And the best part? The entire system is waterproof, making it ideal for all kinds of terrain and weather conditions.
The Summit features a 2-speed transmission. The first gear offers more torque for climbing, while the second provides a bit more speed. You can switch between them based on your environment.
Even better, it comes with locking differentials that allow all four wheels to spin at the same rate. This feature is a major factor behind the Summit’s incredible climbing ability and off-road prowess.
That said, despite its strengths, the Traxxas Summit does have a few drawbacks…
What I Don’t Like About the Traxxas Summit
1. Old-School Body Clips
One of the first things that stands out is the use of traditional body clips. With many newer RC models, including the Traxxas Hoss and Maxx, moving to clipless bodies, the Summit feels a bit outdated in this department. Upgrading to a clipless system would make it more user-friendly.
2. Suspension Snags
The Summit’s long-travel suspension is excellent for performance—but it has a downside. On forest trails and similar terrain, branches and debris often get caught in the arms, which can hinder performance and become annoying over time.
3. Lack of Full Protection
While the Summit shares a similar body style with the Stampede, this design leaves some of the internal components exposed. Even though it’s waterproof, extra protection against mud and dust wouldn’t hurt—and it wouldn’t compromise the design either.
4. Underwhelming Speed
At 16 mph, the Summit is a little slow, especially for those looking for more thrill. Thankfully, there are solutions: you can either upgrade to a brushless motor or go straight for the Summit VXL, which can hit speeds of up to 40 mph.
5. No TSM (Traxxas Stability Management)
Surprisingly, the standard Traxxas Summit doesn’t come with TSM, which helps with control and stability—especially at higher speeds. While this might not be crucial for a slower off-roader, it’s still a missed opportunity. Luckily, the VXL version includes TSM due to its higher speed capabilities.
What I Love About the Traxxas Summit
Despite a few downsides, the Traxxas Summit has some standout features that make it a blast to own and drive.
1. Awesome Roll Cage
The protective roll cage adds serious style and safety. It enhances the rugged look of the Summit and provides extra protection during rollovers and rough driving. Honestly, it just looks badass.
2. Horizontal Shock System
The Summit’s horizontal shocks are a performance booster. This design, similar to the Traxxas E-Revo, improves stability and handling—especially on tough terrain.
3. Bright, Integrated Headlights
The headlights are a game-changer. With lights on the front and rear, the Summit looks amazing and performs great in low-light conditions. It’s refreshing not to have to buy and install separate lighting kits.
4. Dual Steering Servos
The double servos provide stronger, more responsive steering, even under extreme conditions. This improves control and makes Traxxas Summit more reliable and agile than many of its competitors.
Traxxas Summit Upgrades
While the stock Traxxas Summit already comes packed with impressive features, the real fun begins when you start exploring upgrades. This RC beast is built with customization in mind—from brushless motor conversions and Pro-Line tires to high-torque servos and beyond.
The Summit’s upgrade-friendly design gives you the freedom to unleash your creativity and build a machine tailored to your driving style. Whether you’re looking for more speed, better traction, or enhanced durability, there’s a massive range of aftermarket parts to take the Summit to the next level.
You’re not just driving an RC truck—you’re engineering your own off-road monster.
Final Verdict
Although the Traxxas Summit does have a few minor drawbacks, it remains one of the most unique and capable RC vehicles I’ve ever tested. Its performance, rugged build, and versatility make it stand out from the crowd.
And the best part? Most of its downsides can be easily fixed with simple upgrades, many of which are readily available and easy to install.
If you’re into off-roading, enjoy tinkering with tech, and love night adventures, the Traxxas Summit is a perfect fit.
