Traxxas Sledge Unboxing and Review

In this video we get the new Sledge from Traxxas out of the box and go through the basics of what makes it tick. We then take it out for a serious bash to see what it can withstand. Then we bring it back to the studio and play a little show and tell as AJ walks you through the actual ins and outs of this new vehicle. Then he asks our four questions, gives our ratings, and then tells you where this 1/8th scale monster lands in our collection. Don't miss out on this one, we've been waiting for this offering from Traxxas for quite some time. While this is a fairly long video for our channel, we think it was worth the time invested because there's just so much to go over.
Music:
MixKit, Party Robot
Epidemic Sound:
Hampus Naeselius, Breaking through the gate
Deaf Election, Acceler8
Nightcap, Young love
Sven Lindvall, Coming Closer
Tigerblood jewel, Tell me something new
Carvings, Sooner than you know
Def Lev, Turn the dancefloor into a Moshpit
Streambeats music, Kill it anyway

[@peteb8885]

This was by far the best review of the Sledge I've seen. Really appreciate your thorough, and unbiased reviews. Keep up the great work!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks, will do!😎👍

[@boomerak4774]

Great review and footage! One of the best I've seen so far hands down! That sledge was on BEAST MODE

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks a ton!

[@rcmakingtracks18]

Hi AJ, great unbiased review thank you. I had a sledge on back order when they first came out, but changed my mine at the last minute and brought a Arrma Talion exb instead, which was and still is, cheaper. And I love it, no issues, no regrets. John

[@fikry.8784]

I like this video. 👍👍

[@bavarian-rc-team]

I am a little surprised what they did wrong with this motor mount as it is a common mount for nitro motors and this works fine since decades, usually does not twist and eat diff gears. I will check this issue when it arrives this we ;-) PERFECT and honest review as I like it :-)

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for the input. 😎👍

[@seth9145]

Traxxas always does things like that motor mount on purpose - they’ve had 2 years and they’re not stupid. Beefing their aftermarket is always a thought for them and all RC

[@AJJAMStudios]

In my opinion, I think they took the idea of a nitro mount and simply added it to an electric car. Sure this works for gas rigs, they don't produce the torque of an electric motor. With the added torque and the shape of the gearing (the teeth on the pinion and spur) this added torque causes separation due to the added pressure against the teeth, which adds to the pressure against the motor mount. When the mounting bolts loosen up a bit, that added pressure moves the motor away from the spur causing damage to both the pinion and the spur. Like I said, the technology works for gas, but does not hold up to the power of the more powerful electric powerplant. Thanks for commenting. 😎👍

[@Jwsmart3708]

M2c motor mount helps, it ties the motor and center diff together and makes the mesh more adjustable

[@billyjones589]

Thank you for being the test pilot, ill be buying the V2.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad we could help. 👍

[@rcrelatedstuff6092]

Love these longer more in depth videos! Awesome stuff!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Awesome, thank you!😎👍

[@AldoLoyal]

Awesome video AJ you nailed it on this one a little long brother but awesome you cover just about everything

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you 😎👍

[@rainsturgeon9569]

Definitely deserve more subs!

[@michaelkowell7106]

Good job on the honest straight forward review.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you. 😎👍

[@meirdeaph]

Holy smokes!! That was awsome!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks!😎👍

[@sambagogo777]

"We're going to do a full unboxing on this thing." As opposed to a partial unboxing? Joking aside, this is by far the best video review of Sledge that I've seen thus far. Some great analysis of its design and build issues.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheTekSone]

@ajjamstudios 47:00 It runs on 2 qty 2S or 3S batteries and that is what the pic in the battery cavity is for, if you are running two batteries at once. I am coming from a Traxxas Slash and Maxx perspectiveI do not have a single 4S or 6S battery. I use 2 qty 2S batts to make a 4S or 2 qty 3S to make a 6S. When you stand them up the cable stands a better chance of not being pinched if a heavy front end collision occurs. This is for Traxxas sized batts, I am not speaking of other brands.

[@Andyw1228]

Cool video, cool car, cool music!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Glad you enjoyed it😎👍

[@alexidelossantos8203]

Awesome unbiased review, as always.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Much appreciated!

[@alparker182]

I love your videos man !!! Keep the good work up !!!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks, will do!

[@nathanjohnson7378]

Love what you do and how you do it...youve asked what we'd like to see...i have a rustler addiction.id love to see you get your hands on one and maybe do some mods sir.thank you!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Sounds fun. Thanks 😎👍

[@frankszabo5309]

Totally agree with your assessment My Son and I each bought one and have been going through gears. Ordered M2C motor mount to hopefully solve the problem. Great review in my opinion Thanks

[@rcparadise8794]

So I committed on one of your other videos about the xmaxx and how I wanted to get one and that I already had the Arrma kraton 8s, well now I have an Xmaxx and am thinking on getting a sledge because it sounds like it’s going to be better than the kraton.

[@rcparadise8794]

Also great review love the montage

[@tiguyrc1963]

Love the video! Thank you

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks😎👍

[@bransonbasher6534]

Solid review and a very enjoyable video.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Much appreciated!

[@RickyD1968]

Awesome Review !!! Just purchased one !!!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Have fun!😎👍

Another great video! I think the Sledge is way overpriced (910 USD in the EU 😲) for what it is. They market it as if you don't need to replace anything on it, but in truth, the servo is too slow, tires are not very good, ESC is weak, radio is underwhelming... For much less, you can get trucks with better quality materials. (7075 T6 vs 6061).

[@eM4rio]

Yes I fully agree with you about the price tag but be informed that arrma is using 7075 with not the best quality. Its still stronger, as it is specified for 7075, but not so great. We all need after market, m2c or others :)

[@Megasty15]

@@eM4rio M2C uses industry standard aircraft 7075 which has to follow gov guidelines for heat-treating (T651) while Arrma's aluminum (both 6061 & 7075) is T6. T6 will stretch & bend easier since it doesn't go under that extra step with T651. Less treatment steps leaves you a cheaper less durable product that they can still advertise. But it's plain as day when compared. But to be fair, the only T651 products I've seen have been in kits & aftermarket.

@@eM4rio I wasn't speaking about Arrma ;) There are other smaller competitors like Corally, who use great materials throughout. Of course there are some problems with their stuff as well, but I'm more satisifed with my Kronos XTR than I was with my Kraton EXB.

[@AJJAMStudios]

I agree the Sledge is way overpriced, but it is still a tough rig. I just wish they'd thought it through a bit more. Thanks for commenting. 😎👍

[@jamiefox8670]

Overpriced with monkey metal I'd rather get the m2c upgrades for a armma than to get them for the slege seen tons of videos with gear mesh problems and busted gears and not much for motor options!

[@MikeS-cv8xs]

I'm going to steer away from this one. Thanks for the review.

[@Bbuzz8393]

Absolutely the BEST review I've seen, not only on the Sledge, but all cars overall! You have a new notified subscriber getting all notifications. Do you have a video that lists the top ten all together? I'm looking to buy a new RC and it's been quite a while since I've bought one ( a 2wd Slash was my last purchase). Thanks for the quality video, it's a lot of effort.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Wow, thanks! I do not as of right now have a video for the top ten, however that may change. Thanks for asking. Several of my older videos do have the listing.😎👍

[@kj30kj]

I like how you give reviews you give the good information just like Earl does on his channel keep up the good work I have a car as well thank you

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you 😎👍

[@Jonathan-bk7gs]

Great video!! I'm really enjoying your channel. Please keep the videos coming!! 👍 👍

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thank you! Will do!😎👍

[@joshobrien7708]

I had my eye on this for a while but couldn't justify the price they were asking for it in australia ($1450 AUD / $918 USD ) so i decided to go for the Kraton 6s EXB instead. worked out the same price, but allot better radio, servo, esc and 7075 upgraded parts. i could of saved even more if i got Kraton 6s RTR ($970 AUD) but no regrets with my purchase :)

[@notlrachtron]

Excellent reviews on all the cars …new subscriber now 👍

[@AJJAMStudios]

Awesome, thank you!😎👍

[@jbrc1322]

I'm not surprised about the steering binding- you have the most dusty terrain I've ever seen in my life. Can't imagine bearings like it either.

[@AJJAMStudios]

True, the dust can get thick around here at times, but all of our rigs run here so we can still see how they react. It does cause a more rigorous maintenance cycle to keep them all running, but bearings don't usually fail much for the bulk of our rigs. Also, all of our friends have to run in conditions similar to this, so the tests are still accurate. Thanks for commenting. 😎👍

[@twanmcnasty4012]

Now that's a test......👍😁 thinking of pulling the trigger on one of those...

[@AJJAMStudios]

Be aware the connecting points ( nuts and bolt areas) come loose and will need Loctite, as will the motor mounts. After three hard runs every screw in the bottom of the chassis was loose. Still, a great car. Best of luck, AJ

[@dean7215]

Great review! Im not a fan of traxxas trying to get to get all there other products for everything to fit! I do wish arrma would do a simple body takeoff though!

[@AJJAMStudios]

Fair enough!

[@tps4876]

Love the content and honest reviews. As a side question, I notice your cars are not elevated on the shelves. Is there a need to keep them elevated to preserve the shocks, tires, etc.; or is it unnecessary? Whole lot of conflicting info in the forums

[@AJJAMStudios]

For long term storage getting the weight off of the tires is a good thing; this prevents deforming over time. The foam inside can also feel the effect of this type of storage. Elevating the car from the tires cam prolong the life of the tires, especially on bigger RC's. However, mine are elevated for aesthetic reasons, not functional ones. I do it in the studio to add variation to the set. Thanks for asking. 😎👍

[@thebigkingshow2983]

Great review, monitor in the background is a little distracting but I think thats because of my ADHD, lol.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for the heads up. 😎👍

[@michaelmorey7544]

What's your thoughts on putting the metal exb diff housing and diffs with 80k from kraton exb 6s v2 in the fireteam. I want to do it but I don't see anything on KZbin about it.

[@mondospeedy3089]

I had a sudden stop with a Armma, I’m having trouble mounting the motor,

[@timsgta]

You can put 2x 3s on their sides! Why screw around with a 4s?

[@AJJAMStudios]

Running 1/5th scale a lot we have 4s batteries all over the place. Fitting one makes sense. Plus, many people have differing batteries and it’s good to know what options are out there. Thanks for asking 😎👍

[@chrishorvat5088]

Gday AJ👍 i just bought the losy dbxle 2.0 is their any up grades i should get

[@AJJAMStudios]

Chassis braces should do it. You should check out our video on it. 😎👍

[@ricardopiquant1698]

The motor mount / mesh issue is a pretty big problem imo. Seems like a really bad design. I like the motor mount idea but they need to hook it into the diff somehow.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Yup, My thoughts exactly. 😎👍

[@bradleystaxservice8199]

WELL INSTEAD OF TRIMMING IT OUT I JUST MADE MY OWN BUMPER OUT OF A AFTER MARKET PART RPM #81812 AND IT WORKS GREAT AND ITS EASY TO INSTALL

[@AJJAMStudios]

That’s good info. Just a heads up…all caps is yelling…just sayin’. Again, great info, thanks for sharing. 😎👍

[@bradleystaxservice8199]

I don't know what happened with that but I was not yelling and I apologize if you thought I was

[@darrengaynor4966]

Which is best 2 x 3s or 1 x 6s for performance and running time.

[@AJJAMStudios]

That’s a tough call due to the limited space available inside the battery box. I run soft 6s packs, they don’t have the plastic outer layer to take up space. Finding a big one that fits however, may be a chore. Runtime is determined by gearing and the Mah of the battery. 5000Mah is average, and a new setup will run quite a while regardless of a single or double pack. Single is convenient but not at all necessary as long as the batteries fit into the car. Thanks for asking 👍

[@darrengaynor4966]

@@AJJAMStudios thank you for the reply. I love your vids , keep them up I’ve taken a lot of points from your exb build. Just deciding on electronics now 👍

[@robertward5047]

Could you not shim the kraton wheels by placing a 1mm or two washer into the wheel before putting it on the car?

[@AJJAMStudios]

You probably could, but the offset is narrower for the Kraton wheels and that costs overall width. Plus, shimming may allow for the drive nut to strip out the wheel. It seems like a lot of work for less performance.

[@bransonbasher6534]

Please pickup the Hobao Hyper MT Plus 2. Yeah, I'll probably keep asking, can't hurt, right?

[@AJJAMStudios]

It never hurts to ask. Thanks, Branson. 😎👍

[@anything-goes6941]

Seems like there was sand in the tires, I could see them wobbling when it was in the air. I don’t like to run in sand or loose dirt because it gets in all the small places that is supposed to be sealed. Can really ruin your car, just like dirt bikes. Sand is terrible for a dirtbike or a quad it gets into small areas and works it’s way in the gasket or bearings and if not felt with with either get into your piston sleeve or in the bearings and eat away at it. I get really irritated when people don’t take care of their stuff that costs a lot of money like that, then they sell it to make it someone else’s problem. I’ve been really thinking about buying the sledge but I can’t make up my mind if I want it or a tekno, or a slash to race on my track because my others are to big.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for participating in the channel. For the tires, we'd actually split a wheel, that's what caused the wobble.

[@dreamchaser2979]

I'd buy a Xmaxx first. All day everyday.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Not a bad choice. The Xmaxx is awesome! 😎👍

[@stringsattached67]

Guys at my local hobby shop told me to avoid the sledge...

[@AJJAMStudios]

Opinions matter. But they are still just opinions. I love mine. Thanks for commenting 😎👍

[@stringsattached67]

@@AJJAMStudios I think it was something to do with the the steering but I'm not sure . I thought it looked great . I bought the 8s kraton instead might go get this one next 😁

[@creditrazer981]

video summary: Buy a Arrma :)

[@johncalhoun1815]

For God Sakes, put your camera so you can show us the RC and talk at the same time, all this walking back and forth really makes it hard to continue to watch the tutorial. Good job on the video other than that.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks for your input 😎

[@shuster1921]

Honestly, we can see and hear you fine, without the back and forth,,, jus sayin ;-)

[@bransonbasher6534]

It's a presentation style. His video would have less "dynamic action" if he just stood off by the car. Also, I think he walks over to check his notes on a computer that's closer to the camera. I like it.

[@AJJAMStudios]

Thanks, Branson, it's nice to hear that you get it. This is our style for our channel. Our presentation is what it is. Thanks. 😎👍