Rev your engines and brace yourself for a deep dive into one of the most exhilarating RC cars ever crafted.
The Traxxas XRT isn’t just another remote-controlled vehicle—it’s a revolution, a powerhouse of design and performance that redefines what it means to be the best in its class.
With a perfect blend of innovation, raw power, and unyielding durability, the Traxxas XRT stands as a testament to Traxxas’s relentless pursuit of excellence.
But what makes this beast truly special? Is it the cutting-edge engineering, the jaw-dropping speed, or the meticulous attention to detail that leaves other RC cars in the dust?
This is what we will see in this review that will take us through the most important features and everything that the Traxxas XRT has to offer for any RC monster truck collector
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Design
Traxxas XRT body
At first glance, you might see that the Traxxas XRT looks a little bit like the Traxxas Sledge; they have the same style. However, if you get closer, you’ll see so many details on the body. The design and the identity are also different than the Sledge!
This hybrid design offers the stability of the Sledge while retaining the robust build of the Traxxas X-Maxx. The truck’s footprint is similar to the X-Maxx, but it appears slightly wider, which enhances its stability during operation.
Some of the great features that Traxxas has kept is the clipless body. This feature allows you to remove the body by clicking under the fender wells. It’s simple and practical.
The Traxxas XRT’s visual appeal is striking, with bold graphics that include a sleek Traxxas XRT logo and a skeletal motif that goes beyond aesthetics. The front plate is equipped with a functional air duct, while a strategically placed top cooling vent helps to manage heat during intense, high-performance runs. The exoskeleton design enhances the vehicle’s durability, ensuring it can endure the demanding conditions of bashing and aggressive driving.
The overall design of the Traxxas XRT reflects a perfect blend of form and function. Its sleek body sits lower to the ground, which enhances aerodynamics and improves performance, especially at high speeds. The result is a vehicle that doesn’t just look great but is built to excel in both performance and resilience on the track.
Traxxas XRT Chassis
Here is the great thing about the Traxxas XRT chassis. It’s a new chassis! You will guess that right after looking at it. Its design is amazing and different!
First of all, this chassis has a combination of plastic, metal, and aluminum parts and materials, and it comes with some new parts as well as new technologies to prevent dust. The great thing about the skid is the fact there are so many openings, some of them are right under the steering to prevent dust and dirt from entering and blocking the steering.
Another notable aspect is the battery placement. The XRT allows for easy access to the batteries, which are positioned on either side of the ESC and motor. This design not only makes battery changes easier but also helps with weight distribution.
When it comes to driveshafts, all driveshafts are made of aluminum and steel—the center driveshaft is aluminum, while the side driveshafts are steel. The differentials are built to withstand the heavy-duty and hard knocks you’ll take on your RC car.
The XRT’s chassis, while similar to the X-Maxx, features several upgrades designed for enhanced stability and performance. The lower shock towers and improved bracing provide a more rigid and stable platform, crucial for maintaining control during high-speed maneuvers, jumps, and turns.
Additionally, the flat design lowers the center of gravity, significantly improving cornering capabilities, while the upgraded shock absorbers enhance handling and responsiveness across different terrains.
The battery trays are designed to hold the batteries securely, addressing a common issue with the X-Maxx where batteries could become dislodged during extreme maneuvers. This improvement adds to the overall reliability of the truck.
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Traxxas XRT Review: The Performance
What makes the Traxxas XRT one of the best RC monster trucks on the market is its innovative design and engineering.
The Traxxas XRT comes equipped with a Velineon® 1200XL brushless motor, a waterproof VXL-8s™ motor for electronic speed control, and a powerful 365-ounce steering servo. Combined with dual 4s Lipo batteries, it can reach speeds of more than 60 mph, which is faster than the X-Maxxx and as fast as a Sledge sled.
The XRT is also equipped with a powerful engine featuring two fans and a large heat sink, ensuring adequate cooling during operation
Suspension and Steering
The suspension is reminiscent of the X-Maxx but tuned to optimize performance. The shock absorbers are shorter, allowing for better aerodynamics and stability. A rigid chassis with GTX shocks and WideMaxx suspension makes this RC car capable of handling the toughest corners and cruising at very high speeds with high roadholding.
The steering system features a dual crank setup, which keeps dirt and debris away from critical components, enhancing longevity.
Traxxas XRT Tires
Wow, check out these tires—they’re massive and super wide! Isn’t that incredible?
These are some of the widest tires ever fitted on a Traxxas RC car. But even with their impressive width, they’re still smaller than the ones on the X-Maxx!
The Traxxas XRT is equipped with 7.4 Gravix™ race tires, while the X-Maxx features 8x4x4 inch all-terrain tires, or 8.0.
These tires are also quieter than the off-road versions, and they’re rated for 8s power.
Beside the tires, the wheels have a new design too. It’s a bit classic but still complements the XRT’s overall look perfectly.
The Traxxas Stability Management system
The patented Traxxas Stability Management system allows you to fully harness the vehicle’s 4s power for maximum acceleration while maintaining precise control.
This system ensures the vehicle stays on course, following your exact commands, even when the tires are spinning. You can easily adjust the level of assistance directly from your transmitter.
Traxxas XRT Transmitter and Receiver
While we’ve highlighted various parts and electronics that significantly boost the performance of the Traxxas XRT, there’s still something missing: the transmitter and receiver.
Like other premium Traxxas RC cars, the XRT is equipped with the renowned TQi™ 2.4GHz High Output Radio System. However, it’s worth noting that the transmitter hasn’t seen an upgrade in quite some time. Despite this, it remains comfortable to use and offers a range of useful features.
One disappointment, though, is the lack of a self-righting system, which was also absent in the Traxxas Sledge and is still missing in the new XRT.
That said, the XRT’s wide design makes it difficult to flip over, so you can still enjoy driving this RC car without needing a self-righting system.
My Experience with the Traxxas XRT
The Traxxas XRT has exceeded my expectations in every way. Its maneuverability and speed are outstanding, making it one of the best RC cars I’ve ever driven. What truly sets it apart is how closely it mimics the handling and performance of 1/8 scale cars, offering a unique experience within its class. I couldn’t be more satisfied with its overall performance.
Traxxas XRT Problems You May Have
The Traxxas XRT is a powerful RC car, but its stiff tires hinder it from performing backflips, increasing the chance of flipping and causing potential damage.
While the tires are impressive and designed for racing, they’re not suitable for off-road use, so keep that in mind.
Additionally, reaching the top speed of 60 mph requires 4s LiPo batteries, which aren’t included—though the necessary gearing is. If you’ve experienced the Traxxas XRT and have different thoughts or insights, feel free to share them in the comments below!
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Traxxas XRT Price
The features and power of the Traxxas XRT come at a cost. However, it’s not the price typically associated with previous Traxxas models like the Sledge or the Traxxas E-Revo.
Many might be surprised to find that this RC car is priced the same as the X-Maxx!
This could deter some, while others might find it a reasonable price for an Traxxas X-Maxx competitor.
Which group do you belong to? Do you think the Traxxas XRT is worth the investment?
Remember, it offers some advantages over the X-Maxx that justify its price.
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
