This RC Car May Be A Favorite FOREVER! Traxxas Bandit | RC Driver

[@Wittyusername82]

I’ve had my Bandit since 1995 or so, bought it when I was 12! The rotary speed control is long gone and has the Traxxas VXL brushless system in it now and it’s easily the fastest of all my RC’s now. My kids fight over it actually. Great fun little car.

[@BradypatRC]

Brilliant rc, I had one a few years ago and never let me down, now running my original Tamiya 1988 Vanquish after all these years 👍🏻

[@LyroLife]

The Traxxas Bandit/Rustler is my all time favorite. It’s so versatile. It can bash, speed run and you can take it to the track. After adding the alloy parts and RPM towers/arms, 32pitch gears and big bore alloy shocks, HD driveshafts, good servo.. it’s extremely durable.

[@mark675]

So basically rebuilding the whole thing 😂

[@zer02garage83]

The Bandit gets a lot of love/hate and I finally bought one for my daughter a couple years ago (and recently replaced it with the new model) and every time we go out I am always surprised at just how much fun the regular XL-5 Bandit is. It's tough enough for a 6 (now 8 year old) and one of the few RCs that is fun to drive slow (relative to what most rigs do now-a-days). Great review Greg!

[@ManuelOrtizification]

Yeah, one of my most recent purchases and i've had more fun with it than most of my bigger RCs 😅

[@extec101]

got touring cars and race buggy but ejoy to take out my slash and just drive with my friends all over and jump over rocks and stuff just for the fun.

[@exp2tr10t]

2wd Traxxas trucks were what got me and my brother into driving. Once I get back to the States, I plan on buying the new Magnum VXL Rustler. I had an original '99 Rustler, my brother had the Bandit. Nostalgia. And you're right, it's easy to upgrade and work on. Cars that let you go anywhere and do anything you want.

[@extec101]

gone from racing touring cars to slash for fun out in the rough with friends and got a 2wd buggy to race with. jumps on a racetrack is fun rather then smooth as a pool table.

[@alteredstateskustom]

I always recommend a brushed buggy like the Bandit to a first time buyer Easy to work on. Lots of upgrades available And economic to get into the hobby It drives me crazy when a parent buys a Walmart RC for their kid

[@kylerobinson6102]

My mom was trying to convince me to get a "Walmart" style one to see if I'd like it - I think you'd be turning people off the hobby by giving them a junker out of the gate.

[@alteredstateskustom]

@@kylerobinson6102 100% it turns people away from the hobby when you give them a cool looking buggy that can’t go across the carpet or the grass! 😂👍

[@williamanderson5542]

@travb1163no different really than a brushed one. Just one extra wire for the motor.

[@traviswilliams3209]

I bought a rustler xl5 and its since become a bandit, i've had so much fun modifying it and making it awesome, its a beast now, definitely most reliable rc in the fleet

[@trevapartridge8264]

My son has had his bandit for nearly 5 years and have only replaced tires and motor, it definitely looks likes it's had a hard life but still going strong 🙂

[@BobSmith-cb5xr]

I don't believe that a bit. These things fall apart like wet paper.

[@DiegoFazzo]

Which is more sturdy? ​@@BobSmith-cb5xr

[@andyb9994]

Great review, I agree I bought my daughter the pink one and WE both have a ton of fun with it, not to fast and not to slow it's just right for anyone who can drive....chassis is new on the new ones. To me the bandit is the definition of the original R/C....👍👍

[@rcdriver]

That’s so awesome to hear. Enjoy!

[@kosmokat111]

rly when you think abt it the first RC to really make the scene explode as a hobby in the states probably would have been the hornet

[@andyb9994]

@@kosmokat111 that's what I mean both buggy style, whether Tamiya or Traxxas or who ever the buggy is what I think of when thinking of R/C and where it started...and it evolved majorly from there....

[@bigbean78]

I loved the looks of this Bandit and watched this a few times. It reminds me of my first RC car, a Nikko Lobo 2. I went to the LHS on Thursday to get a $6 part for my monster truck and saw this exact buggy on the shelf. Nostalgia kicked in and I left the shop with my part plus a new Bandit. 😁

[@RC4X4]

The new changes look cool. I still have two new VXL ones from 2020 that haven't seen the dirt yet. I still like the spoke wheels better. The lights are a great new feature.

[@ClevelandRips]

Out of all our RC’s, the Traxxas Bandit 2wd brushed is my 8 y/o son’s favorite. Love your vids man! Forever SUBSCRIBER here!

[@jeremymiller2340]

The bandit vxl is my speed buggy. These cars are so overlooked with all the new models coming out. I dig the new colors!!!

[@fonicgaming6787]

I bought a used rustler VXL off eBay, and other than the stock shocks and the main diff gear/idler gear tearing up on me, it’s been a tank. I’ve cart wheeled it at least 60 feet going 45+ mph and no breaks on very many occasions. I’ve been looking at getting one of the refresh models, and now I think I know which one to get!

[@jonvoogd511]

I agree with you that the Bandit is a Very cool/fun 2wd rc. I like the changes Traxxas did to it, very nice looking car. I wish they would put the led light on the VXL Version's. The 3s Rustler vxl and the Bandit was my go to rc. I bought my Grandson a brushed Bandit and it's the perfect entry level rc. Nice veveiw 💯💥

[@rcmtb1052]

I liked those led lights, that’s gonna be my upgrade on my rustler.

[@extec101]

those look neat.

[@flyingfortressrc1794]

Wow that is a new chassis. I built a bandit for dirt oval racing in the street stock class and it is great for dirt oval.

[@SliverRc]

Wish Traxxas would come out with a 3.3 Bandit!

[@fromfin90]

i have the olderbandit, and it does have the step chasis, its a surprisingly fun buggy for the price. I am interested in grabbing a few parts from the new pandit and bolting it onto new one, namely lights

[@bacongl]

I wish they had such great options when I started in the hobby. My first ride was the Tamiya Hornet kit in 1984. Had to build everything.

[@marlboroxx]

I wanted to be the oddball at my local tracks, and I run a bandit in the 21.5 spec races alongside the cookie cutter stuff like the tlr 22 buggies. Did a little work to make mine mid motor and I am having an absolute blast with the thing. I really enjoy the Traxxas platforms, even though folks seem to look down on them in racing.

[@TheblueTraxxasRustler]

Just tested out my Raptor at the same track, I like where all of these new Traxxas models are going, new options but still keeping the simple cheap ones available

[@rc-dom-uk]

Great video Greg . Some awesome footage and I’ve often over looked this buggy but tbh it’s simplicity is attractive 👍

[@sylvainster30]

Awesome! Very well done Greg! ✌🏼😎👍🏼

[@christophermayo25]

Yes you are correct the chassis is different. The older chassis had two high points and one low point this one kind of curves with three different angles you have a good eye

[@ManuelOrtizification]

Yeah, thats a new chassis, but everything from the old stepped chassis should fit the new one as well. My guess is they removed the step because occasionally it would catch on rocks and stuff when you're bashing, causing the car to flip. Might have to upgrade mine 😅

[@traviswilliams3209]

Yes, same

[@extec101]

looks almost like the LCG chassis for slash that is almost flat but som extra rails under for sliding over stuff.

[@ManuelOrtizification]

@@extec101 yeah, definitely an improvement, but hasn't strayed far from the original now 20+ year old design we all know and love 😂

[@extec101]

@@ManuelOrtizification thats why i bought a traxxas its tested thru time and most of the cars got the same parts as 20 year ago with minor upgrades and improvments.

[@ManuelOrtizification]

@@extec101 same, after market support is hard to ignore too. A couple of RPM bits and the 2WD traxxas cars become virtually unbreakable

[@weldmishref]

This very much reminds me of my old days with Tamiya

[@homecrest51]

thanks....now i have to buy one of these. looks like a ton of fun.

[@michaelstokley6796]

Walked into the hobby shop yelled BANDIT

[@longboardguy]

That new design of body and wheels and tires is a great combo that b fit looks great! I wouldn’t mind having one for messing around in the winter. Local here we race on a make up track in doors during the winter and you can run what you bring it would be perfect

[@paulpadilla5288]

Love the new add ons.....add some wheel hexs on front from a slash......and your even better....great video....

[@therealsyxx]

I have a bandit, the 2wd, and it definitely hits that 35 i run mines on the street, not the dirt, so much. I literally only ran it ten min and the tires were worn down in the middle. After about 3 days of consecutive playing they were completely smooth. But this is my first hobby/grade rc. So I'm still learning. I researched and got some anaconda tires that fit without doing any mods. And those tires made a world of difference. With the tires it comes with they spin, then go when you slam the throttle. How else would you hit it? Lol, but with the new tires soon as you slam, it goes. My local hobby shop has a brand new used vxl model with the traction system. Im going to get that one. And give my current one to my wife. Shes going to take up the hobby. I was asking for the upgrades and he has that. Its about 25 dollars cheaper and i get to keep my old bandit and have 2. When my wife wants to upgrade we can.

[@jdbonez1601]

I just picked up the new bumper set with lights for my slash, I've been waiting for a descent looking light set for it and I am happy I waited...

[@justinstone2188]

I love mine. And she will run good on dirt. Looks good all lit up. I put rustler axels on mine so i can put diff rims and tires.

[@martinheatingcoolingmartin4693]

I just had one givin to me, I’m glad the video shows it to be a nice rig! The one I have don’t work, I think the battery pack is no good. It flashes green/red/green/red, with a little delay in between the flashes?

[@rcjoe406]

With all the big money trucks lately that break and need 300 to 500 dollar upgrades I really enjoy my stampede and slash they are basher work horses not to even mention my trx4 and trx6 but the new vxl rustler and bandit are a breath of fresh air lol must add to my arsenal for sure 😀 😉

[@rcdriver]

The Stampede is one of my favorite bashers too.

[@rcjoe406]

@@rcdriver nice

[@GearWorksRc]

I can't wait to get the new 2022 bandit looks pretty awesome hopefully soon I'll have it with my Tamiyaa and Team associated can't wait.

[@mydadsrcchannel934]

Rc madness! Didnt realize you live Ma Ct 👍

[@traviswilliams3209]

Thats a new chassis! I need that, stepped one i have always gets hung up on stuff when im sliding in the grass

[@AimForTheBushes908]

Great video and details 👍. Do you know if I can change the body to another shell? Are most same scale shells made to be universal in fitment? I was thinking of an older truck style and saw custom shells and was wondering if they would fit if they are also the same scale.

[@canuckchuck8836]

I am glad Traxxas got rid of those chrome wheels. They really made the buggy look like a toy. I wish they would change the wheels on most of their products to make them less toy-looking.

[@gingerssuck]

I wish they would go back to white dish wheels

[@jpage6171]

I had a bandit but couldn't get the antenna mounted in the hole. I still used it sometimes.

[@Storyracing387]

This will be my next buy for my channel. See how it does on a carpet track. 👍

[@therccelebrityspeedfresh5393]

I got mines 4 months ago on April fools day. I got the bandit vxl

[@jessewilliamson2408]

great video love the reviews

[@oplandslife1167]

If you think the brushed version is fast take a look at the bandit vxl it's quick

[@kle2217]

Do all the the Traxxas 2WD brushed XL-5 cars always need to have the blue antenna stick out of the body shell? Or can you keep them under the body shell when driving? thx

[@RCRoads]

Great review as always. Do you know if there are differences between the brushed version and brushless version other than the electronics ?

[@markoftheus]

Yes. Off the top of my head, here are some of the other differences (brushless vs brushed) -Metal turnbuckles vs plastic fixed camber links -5x11mm bearings vs 5x8mm bushings -Digital vs analog servo -Magnum 272R vs magnum 272 transmission -Hex hardware vs Phillips hardware -Front tie bar vs no tie bar

[@ryanzimmerman4051]

I ordered the same front traxxas bandit led light bar and the cable to hook it up is 3 inches short. I can't hook it up. Suggestions?

[@alexnava7664]

Im always in the fence on pulling the trigger on one of these..great demo.

[@ohhthatbaldguy3791]

I was on the fence for a few years, finally bought 3 brushed/1 brushless this past spring break to keep my 8yr old and his friends busy. It was sooo fun and they came out relatively unscathed, just a broken driveshaft and bent rear shock. They are nice and inexpensive, didn’t want them pulling out the bigger 4wd rigs I have. Go get one man👍.

[@truerc]

I would say don't buy this. The Rustler is a better alternative.

[@Paul-wz1tm]

I used 2s shorty pack today. Worked well.

[@TobysRCs]

Nice vid dude 😀 That new colour scheme with the new wheels looks really good 😯👍🏻 Personally I prefer the rustler 2wd but I used to have the bandit and it’s definitely a great car 👍🏻👍🏻

[@LUNAtic1983]

The previous Bandit model does have a step chassis. One other thing I noticed that is different is the 4 little post next to the battery. Any idea what those are for? Traxxas telemetry??

[@albertdelbosco9686]

Great buggy bought the upgrade chassis and light kit. All traxxas needs to do is make nicer shock towers

[@JayTeeRC]

biggest question is does it now have 12mm hexes or not.

[@havn2muchfun]

Answer is a bit past the 1:30 mark😁

[@rcdriver]

Still doesn’t. For the brushed no biggie, they seem to stay stock bashers. But for the VXL it would have been nice.

[@stevemoon2136]

Traxxas could, but chose not to implement something that's now been industry standard for over a decade. Proprietary parts keeps the consumer in the Traxxas Eco system.

[@truerc]

That is what the Rustler is for. No point in buying this really. It's just a lesser version.

[@JayTeeRC]

@@rcdriver tks. can't wait to see the 4x4 Pede!!

[@blaketundra3216]

Did they fix the issue with the top shaft/ imput shaft? The brushless Bandit has the Magnum 272r now, but I wonder if Traxxas is putting that press-fit gear in the brushed too.

[@markoftheus]

To my knowledge, they're still using the older top shaft with the roll pin in the brushed models. With that being said, the new press-fit top shaft assembly is backwards compatible with the regular 272 transmission. The same is also true for the idler gear.

[@christianwornall1047]

Great video mate just one question what is the top speed of the bandit brushed with with the high speed gearing on a traxxas 2s lipo many thanks

[@rcdriver]

Your best speed would come with a 8.4v NiMh over the 7.4v Lipo. On the 8.4v with the top speed gear, it will hit the 35mph mark for the first few passes and then taper off. My guess is it will be a little over 30 with the LiPo and tall gear.

[@dress2impress1000]

I have a xl5 bandit the first to come out about 6 years ago, same body as this one but i added a mamba max system running on 6s.. it looks stock lol , paid $200 new for the car and the mamba system was $300.

[@DarinDerb]

Looks like you lost the covers off the tail lights. Still looks like fun.

[@truerc]

Liking the updates. I just don't see any reason to buy this over a Rustler considering that is wider and has 12mm hexes with bigger tires.

[@gingerssuck]

Bandit fits in most backpacks

[@Crafty925]

Love the videos man! Please upload the Supra drift car you showed in your recent unboxing video!!!

[@SoleEpiphany]

So is it safe to say that will be trickling to the rustler as well(LED’s)

[@markoftheus]

Oh yeah. It already has.

[@heller127]

And yea that’s a new chassis they took the center off

[@nate0765]

Traxxas has been releasing some awesome stuff! I just saw some pictures of an extreme heavy duty suspension/driveshaft upgrade kit for their 1/10 4x4 cars. Maxx sized axles on those cars are crazy!

[@mq1991]

where did you see that?

[@englandismycountry8605]

@@mq1991 their website, seems like a very nice kit from the pictures

[@paulrust1574]

Fast forward to Fall 2023, a brushed RTR Bandit is impossible to find (thanks Zero Mod Bandit Racing).

[@heller127]

I just sold my bandit and I had it going 65 mph but sold it so I could get a drag slash and like that a lot better

[@m.richards6947]

Does the buggy style have any advantages against something like a 2wd Rustler?

[@6rvg615]

not at all the rustler is practically better in every way i would say the bandit for a track but i would also say the rustler for the track to but general driving rustler with a doubt

[@truerc]

Rustler is better in every way. It's wider and has 12mm hexes all around with bigger tires and a different body that is basically interchangeable.

[@gingerssuck]

Bandit with stiffened suspension kicks rustlers azz on asphalt

[@loranger6447]

Hi Greg. Would you be able to do a review and a run on the Rc4wd tf2 lwb 1987 Toyota Hilux Xtracab.

[@keithmcsorley5271]

great video

[@Ayrton_Groesbeck]

Does it still have bushings in the hub carriers?

[@markoftheus]

The brushed model does still use bushings. As a heads up, if you'd like to upgrade to bearings, get the carriers from a rustler. These will allow you to use the larger 5x11mm bearings.

[@yousofzaky]

can you review the rustler please?

[@joshwideman7487]

Can you run a 2s lipo battery with the stock electronics?

[@bigbean78]

I have this model and run a Gens Ace 2S 35C in it with no issues.

[@j.c.proctor]

Green and blue reminds me of a old school kawasaki scheme

[@hellofromsoutheastalaskarc7517]

Hello from southeast alaska

[@braaitongs]

What does it mean if it is brushed or brushless?

[@kennethlindahl9206]

the motor is the difference brushed motors are cheaper and slower brushless are faster and your battery lasts longer too

[@lennchadful]

are those stainless steel screws?

[@rcdriver]

No, plated.

[@kevintomyn4400]

I noticed all the hardware is stainless steal, is that new???

[@markoftheus]

It's not stainless. It has a chrome coating but if you get any scratches in it and get it wet, it will still rust

[@deltazero3796]

And scheme pattern from WLTOYS 14401, meme rc car because it's quality... Differed a lot, to put it that way^^

[@jonathangilbert7003]

I just wish they would give us a 4 x 4 buggy. We don’t need different rims and some LED lights. Give us something new

[@gingerssuck]

You could make a 1/9 4x4 buggy by merging a rustler 4x4 chassis with fiesta st a arms and shocks. Some trimming may be required on the castor blocks to fit 2.2 buggy wheels. (I had to do some minor trimming to fit 2.2 Rc4wd beadlocks). 295mm wheelbase about 250-260mm width. Not sure what buggy body would work tho

[@Offical_KingCorgiGaming]

Awesome but still wish they changed to hex hardware though

[@turbojoe2]

Love the Bandit, HATE the new audio people are using. Just why?

[@rcdriver]

Because it’s not about what you like. It’s about what the creator likes. Pretty simple actually.

[@christiansrcs7789]

when u picked up the battery and charger i thought you where going to put it in the trash 3:11 😂😂😂 that’s what i would do you can get a lipo for 20$ on amzon better then that battery it come with

[@rcdriver]

At least it’s the 4-amp. I wouldn’t have bothered with the 2-amp. 😆

[@fsrc2862]

Should have used the new gearbox that comes in the drag slash

[@rcdriver]

That comes in the VXL version of the new Bandit.

[@fsrc2862]

@@rcdriver that's great! I'm assuming they will do the same for the rustler or all the 2wd vxl models

[@ErocsRc]

Thats LawNation beat.. u a Cowboys fan?🤔

[@V8chump]

Does anyone with a traxxas winch know the range of the remote? If I stand a couple feet past the end of my winch line, it seems like it loses reception and cuts in and out… even with the antenna being as high as possible and a new battery in the remote? Why would they make a remote winch with 4 feet of (reliable) range

[@davidrivero7943]

Yes new chassis. Nice wheels with same crappy tires . Same Exxon Valdez shocks from last Century & a set of $15 aftermarket lights for an extra 40 bucks. Hey, thats just me & nothing to do about your reviews, their all great reviews.

[@rcdriver]

Yup, kinda the same ol’. But it does work. When I was up at Madness, a guy came in with a Bandit he got for his grandson. He lost a wheel nut. But the buggy looked like it went through a war and was still going. Guy said the kid loves driving it. That’s the perspective I take with this thing. Young drivers enjoying something better than toy store grade and it just keeps working.

[@nate0765]

I’m not all that surprised by a price jump, everything is getting more expensive unfortunately, not just rc stuff.

[@geraldscott4302]

The LED lights are stupid. What they need to do is make them stronger. They break parts really easily, even when not being seriously abused. I ran mine in a lot of sand, because I live in AZ. Sand really destroys these things. I never jumped it, never crashed it into anything solid, still broke several parts. Everybody makes a big deal about how fast they are. I don't care about speed. 25 mph is fine. That's still a LOT faster than a full sized buggy would go. Remember these are 1/10th scale. At that scale 25 mph equals 250 mph for a full sized buggy. I think a lot of plastic parts should be made out of metal, and moving parts should be sealed. Sand really eats the motor

[@jacobholgate3931]

i have had my bandit vxl for 5 years and it run it on 3s and i wouldn’t recommend it to anybody because it is to small to drive in grass so i mostly drive in the street and it is so hard to keep the front on the ground that it is almost undrivable and that is how it breaks all the time . once i was driving in the street and it spun out and hit a pole and snapped in half and broke almost everything it broke , the chassis, the esc, the servo, the battery, so i gave up on it and bought a rustler 4x4 and that has never left me down

[@stevemoon2136]

Was hopeful but STILL no 12mm wheel hexes on front wheels, something that has been industry standard for over a decade really speak about how little effort has gone into this refresh.

[@khrisyeet8022]

I agree. Traxxas slaps some LED lights on it and the suckers love it. Traxxas loves loyal customers, so they can do little as possible.

[@truerc]

That's why you buy a Rustler and not this.

[@calephillips-pu4kq]

3 in a row and all broken from factory. Traxxas is teash5

[@Cannabis_Connoisseur]

Another re-release from Traxxas. Lol. Maybe one day they'll start making new rc cars and trucks again. Lol. It's the same plus a set of lights which Axial and a few Chinese brands have made standard issue nowadays. Lol.

[@davidrivero7943]

'Ya know , year later & having no ground vehicle with lights , these are starting to make sence after all. Any Color but Blue & Orange thats Gator Country and wont go well in 305 where its all about. the U

[@maritimezombie7684]

What is amazing with Traxxas is they have resold this same model and chassis for over 20 years now and still they havent updated it with 12mm hex. So immediately you need to buy Rustler components and new buggy wheels...

[@truerc]

No, you just buy a Rustler. It's basically the same thing but wider with the 12mm already installed.

[@markkumollari43]

👍🇨🇦👈🤠

[@Shaun-hp2yz]

theve got to get rid of that god awful antenna love the rest of the car though!

[@endosrc]

2022 version and still cant give us allen head screws

[@RobertNES816]

That included charger is still such garbage. Just include a 2 or 3 amp wall charger.

[@_EightySix]

New wheels were a downgrade IMO. The fake looking outer rim of the wheels looks cheesy.

[@woodzyfox4735]

Got my 2 last year. That RC car with a stock motor is trash... I have 2 and both motors burned out on the 5th pack and the tires are bold. Traxxas are plastic trash... that bandit does NOT do 70moh real speed. More like 30mph

[@markoftheus]

Just to clarify one thing, 70mph is the advertised speed of the Bandit VXL, not the XL5 (shown in the video).

[@Madprax]

All i see,. is junk plastic shocks , full plastic drive shafts, lot of ugly grey plastic, specific wheels that are EXTREMLY EXPENSIVE, compared to standard buggy wheels. No kit version. Still à crapy car that you ll have to spend BIG money into, ton make it reliable.... And always their specific 7 cells batteries that cost a lot as well, if you want to get the punch of the car. I much prefer cars designed to work properly with standard batteries. / standard wheels as well. Basic TQ radio with no end steering setting, you need the TQi.... direct to the bin... The only interesting car made by traxxas is the TRX4 SPORT KIT. Everything else is expensive garbage. A Tamiya DT03 black édition gives you same fun, better quality for half the price. Leds are a gadget. its not a realistic scale looking car with such an unpersonal body. So we dont need Leds that will break and drain battery.