Traxxas Mini Maxx vs. HPI Savage XS vs. Rlaarlo Omni-Terminator - Best 1/12 RC Monster Truck?

[@stevemoon2136]

The Traxxas is a perfect example of a large corporation prioritising profit over quality & customer satisfaction.

[@Jaguar-s7f]

Well ultimately that should catch up with them. But the company has stood the test of time.

[@israellopez-p4s]

It’s there parts availability …customer satisfaction….and they sell relatively good products Xmax and max being top of the line……soooo hate all you want Dumb Dumb but traxxes is everywhere JUST WISH THEY WOULD GET MORE CREATIVE GIVE US SOMETHING NEW……

[@israellopez-p4s]

And you basically upgrade everything but I agree on there electronics

[@gman69455]

@@israellopez-p4sdon’t know why you’re calling people dum dum. Traxxas is so big because of parts availability yes. However they have also crippled multiple smaller companies through lawsuits to limit competition, HPI being one that is just now rebounding from it. ARRMA was another. Traxxas has gotten more brazen in recent years and it will start to show at some point. Their price for return while high wasn’t necessarily crazy compared to competitors not to mention they have avoided competing directly in scale in a lot of areas. Hence this Maxx not being grom size. The Maxx Slash hasn’t sold as well as they though because it competes with the Mojave, so they had a bundle sale to up volume. This year they have a huge holiday sale that they’ve never had such big price drops. They are definitely feeling there marketing fall off.

[@gman69455]

*their

[@retrorider80sbmx23]

Good to see the HPI Savage XS getting some recognition. These have been clocked at 60mph on 3S with the optional speed gear. Still does 40mph on 2S. Makes me laugh how people are prepared to buy a mini Max spend as much as the truck cost on upgraded parts to still have something that is inferior to the Savage XS 🤔

[@vitodambra72]

Definitely agree with you, i have both HPI XS and just picked up mini maxx for my son & i , i have my savage flux for many years & still a beast

[@SteveSchmied-vv1pt]

I agree with traxxas coming in last place, exactly where it should be. Great video!

[@jeremiahgaskins9127]

The name "mini maxx" speaks for itself... minimal effort for maximum profit. I appreciate your review and have settled on purchasing an Onmi Terminator based on the feature and handling aspect.

[@RazorRC]

that's pretty funny!

[@ZingZingNZ]

Lol

[@gabrielbeach5426]

Soon Traxxas will be the Kmart of the RC world.

[@boduke9428]

Lofty goals. I'm not sure they'll ever evolve that far.

[@mitsuman5555]

HPI be like "we made a 3S Mini Maxx 8 years ago" 🤣

[@spenn2007]

Correction, 13 years ago. I bought the re released version on saturday for 200.00 bucks, its awesome.

[@magnusstone]

@@spenn2007who is selling it for $200?

[@spenn2007]

@@magnusstone My local hobby store did. I wasn't even looking for one. I have seen these sell for 375.00 or more on ebay. Now, this is Vaughn Gittin edition, the green one. I may flip it, I havent drove it yet lol.

[@magnusstone]

@@spenn2007 nice what shop?

[@cristovalmontoya5222]

Yes check out the hbx 2997a as a budget option has potential against these mini beasts???

[@rcjoe406]

This is what we all been waiting for 😊

[@chaoticadventure]

Rlaarlo omni terminator carbon for $212 is unbeatable. I've absolutely beat mine for going on 6 months now and its still going strong, only had to replace one drive cup.

[@RazorRC]

Crazy cheap for such a good car!

[@richardtuin4659]

thing is here in the netherlands the rlaarlo carbon version costs 299 the savage xs with el camino body is on sale now for 199 (it only has the older receiver/transmitter than the orange body version) guess it also depends on where you live and getting parts for rlaarlo here is impossible at hobby shops probly only aliexpres or amazon etc

[@Diaszurana]

​@@richardtuin4659 I had to get mine from Amazon

[@Xjeepguy]

I agree. Savage XS is a little beast!

[@stefan-norge]

Fully understand your verdict. In my opinion the Omni Terminator wins. It does not need any mods in my opinion. If one need a flip maschine, just put Gorgon wheels on it 😃

[@RazorRC]

OT is very impressive, especially at the price!

[@5280Recreation]

Agreed. Plus with a roller you can build it how you want and not waste materials or money getting there.

[@kaosr.c]

Awesome review Perfect timing , the thing that sold me on the Omni was the centre diff and how robust it looks 🔥

[@RC-Closer1313]

My OT hits 46 with a CNHL 3s 6800 120c and a pinion… it really rocks now. I do still cruise it around on 2s and I’ve even run 4s in my OT (stock electronics)with no issues😳ran two 4s packs back to back still zero issues.

[@benniullrich2237]

Thanks a lot for this shootout amazing.....

[@TRAVELER197]

Your review pretty much sums it up! Traxxas only leads in support and maintenance here in the U.S.. In every other category, they're not all that!

[@harlyquin]

and here in Australia it dosent even win that

[@rcsmith5909]

The Omni Terminator is in a class of its own. I don’t even think many 10th scales compare to how it jumps and drives. The shock tuning is amazing on the Omni Terminator.! very very good Truck

[@RazorRC]

You can tell Rlaarlo has actual mechanical engineers working over there!

[@marlonlopez1525]

Another awesome review! Mr. Razor RC! My all time favorite is the Llarro brands. I love that it has Carbon Fiber upper and lower arms, machined aluminum Shock towers. I was given one by one of my very good friend and my grandson and I have a blast with it. 😃

[@GernotRametsteiner-e5w]

Hpi savage xs flux 🏆🤩🔥👍😎👑👏♥️😍

[@layback209fixorsmash3]

Solid well articulated comparisons. Honestly the fact the savage fits standard batteries, has quality electronicts and a proper metal driveline is a huge perk! looks cool too. The mini max looks like an xmaxx, i dont see the premium $$ price tag though, its not universal, and similar to any traxxas products in the 1/10 scale basher line with plastic drivelines... i always kinda shyed away from them just look cheep for the price point. Likley not a fair statement though. Some good things going for them, great for beginner's

[@jonathanmcdonald5411]

I agree that the Savage XS is the better of the 3, but it's been around longer than 8 or 9 years. I bought mine new in 2011 and I still have it. It's plenty strong on 2s. I tried mine on 3s when it was new and it was like trying to control a tornado🙂. Also a super tough rig!

[@RazorRC]

thanks for the info!

[@andersmalmgren6528]

I like it more on 3s, more power in the air to increase landing envelope 😂

[@GreatLakesRC]

Great review! I just got a Terminator. I have 3 other Rlaarlo cars and they do break, and they do take several weeks to get parts. Value for money though is off the charts IMO 👍

[@ricksprings]

Which other Rlaarlo RCs you have? I got the ak917 & it's a monster! My 1st RC to smoke tires 😆 I'm thinking of getting that Omni T

[@GreatLakesRC]

@ricksprings I have the 1/14 scale truggy and desert buggy. I also have the CF on road car with the blue & white body. Can't remember the numbers that the call them 🤣 Terminator was on sale for $212!

[@YesIgen]

I've got my carbon omni terminator since they released it, i bashed the hell of that thing, and i didn't manage to break anything. Even the diff cups are original. Only part i broke was the plastic spoiler on the body and one mirror. That's it :D Rlaarlo released a beast

[@davidroy4072]

That's the way I feel, I just love the hobby,

[@WowoodogPlays]

It’s sad how bad the mini maxx turned out, Traxxas just can’t seem to actually give us any quality products

[@RazorRC]

I think they have the capability, but choose not to for profit reasons.

[@gabrielbeach5426]

Outdated electronics, overpriced products and the world’s nastiest consumer service made me lose interest in all Traxxas products except my TRX4.

[@FLPatrick1095]

@@RazorRC Exactly. They need standard hobbywing/castle electronics and give us the upgraded aluminium case Traxxas' servos out of the box. The pricing would make sense if they do this.

[@israellopez-p4s]

@@WowoodogPlays I have a mini max I turned it into a 3s bigger motor better electronics and now it’s better than all the rest…..see dumb dumb I did it no complaints but as I said I wish they would be more creative

[@vitodambra72]

@@RazorRCi really thought mini maxx would have came out as stock with a 2/3s as stock especially that Arrma is doing that & still making sales & profits with there new line, i love Traxxas, however slightly disappointed in the mini maxx

[@Logicislost81]

I've been wanting to buy a terminator. But got family to support and here comes Christmas. Oh well, I'll just play with what I got

[@majinbuuog6699]

Rilarlo carbon for me I've made some upgrades to it and it drives amazing my favorite truck at the moment.

[@hinnmanfamily]

Newer omni terminators come with stronger outdrives, I don't know if the new outdrives still wear quickly or not. I believe it's mostly a few screws that bend on the terminator because the screws it comes with aren't great quality, and spare rc screw kits are cheap. I received my rlaarlo the day after ordering it, I don't know if parts come as fast.

[@andersmalmgren6528]

Really happy with the Savage XS, i bought for my son. Only problem is the slipper. The material wears out too fast. Even on tightest setting

[@richiefrank15productions]

Completely agree with your ratings and the way you do it. ___out of 10 doesnt make sense but ranking them head to head whos 1st and whos last is perfect. I agree when you say that you could flip flop the savage and terminator depending on what day it is but the traxxas in my opinion is just a $ grab for die hard traxxas fans or ppl that are gonna buy it as their first traxxas to say they have one but its a money pit to get it anywhere close to good

[@FatherandSon_RC]

Great comparison! The Rlaarlo products are very nicely designed. But I agree with your assessment of durability and product support - they have the parts, you just have to wait until they get here. I'm going to see who carries HPI in my area. Excellent video!

[@ch-vs3fw]

The Omni Terminator has been listed on Amazon for $212.49 for at least the last six weeks. Where are you getting your prices from? And when did you last check?

[@RazorRC]

Official website price is $260. But I said in the video it's frequently cheaper. I'm not going to quote the daily Amazon price because it changes every day and someone watching the video 2 years from now will be WTF at an Amazon price from 2 years ago.

[@careynorris9961]

The redcat valkyrie on sale for $239 has to be hurting the sales of these smaller trucks.

[@matthewhendrickson4209]

Absolute steal at that price

[@Diaszurana]

Redcat put itself on my radar with the vigilante. It can't be beat for the money and cost aside it still hangs with the XMaxx and the Kraton 8S. I have all of them, so I'm not playing guessing games, here. Obviously, I love my Vigilante😊

[@matthewhendrickson4209]

@@Diaszurana have the Valkyrie MT, but may get the truggy as well due to the sale

[@Diaszurana]

@@matthewhendrickson4209 I migjt pick up the Valkyrie

[@boduke9428]

​@@Diaszuranasame here. I like my big Arrma trucks best but for me the Vigilante beats my Xmaxx. It handles like an Arrma, as in can turn and doesn't bounce, buck, and the body go flying off landing jumps like my Xmaxx. Vitavon front and rear diffs and it's as durable as anything else it's size. Finally got a motor mount from Vitavon to put a Max 5 and big can HW motor in it.

[@Laptopsigmagamer]

You should add timestamps so it'll be easier for us to check out each comparison!

[@ShinAdventures]

Savage all day will never bend a chassis…….

[@LawrenceTimme]

Just breaks the drive shafts every 2 seconds instead. Great.

[@retrorider80sbmx23]

​@@LawrenceTimme Luckily HPi sell HD upgrade drive shafts for the Savage XS for about $20. Problem solved!

[@babupranav]

would the maxx tire/wheels fit on the omni terminator? i think it would look pretty nice.

[@JRscoolhobby]

Excellent video thank you👍

[@RazorRC]

Thanks for watching!

[@rcsmith5909]

Can you take the HPI out and run it? I would love to see it run and another video on the Omni terminator would be awesome too show us why there’s so much better which I believe they are. If you don’t have a center diff or a slipper clutch, you’re gonna break stuff..

[@RazorRC]

plenty of videos on my channel showing the HPI running

[@spenn2007]

Wow, I just bought the HPI XS Flux Vaughn Gittin edition this past saturday for 200.00 bucks 😂😂😂.

[@cristovalmontoya5222]

We’re at ??

[@andersmalmgren6528]

I think that version doesnt have the latest electronics. I bought the V2 version and it costs double that here in the EU

[@spenn2007]

@andersmalmgren6528 I'm in the states, and this RC has exactly what's in the orange and black one. The only difference is the transmitter.

[@andersmalmgren6528]

@@spenn2007 are you sure its the same motor and ESC? I think the entire electronics package is newer in the V2 (the orange one). The chassi is same havent changed in 13 years :) its a solid little truck, love mine. Just make sure to tie down that slipper, otherwise it chews right through it. Also the stock tires arent that good. I got bigger Louise MT Rocks, they help stabilize the truck a bit too.

[@spenn2007]

@@cristovalmontoya5222 My local hobby shop had one stacked on all the black friday stuff. As soon as I saw the price I grabbed it and another gentlemen was staring it at too. He wasn't quick enough lol. 13 year old platform or not, I drove it in the cold in dirty/muddy conditions on 2S and it wheelies and handled great in grass too. A 100C rate lipo provides it with plenty of speed, at least 45MPH.

[@davidbegeotsr4025]

Can you recommend a better spring for the arrma 6s shocks, if so thank you

[@djayuntz]

I think that with the v2s Omni durability issues are largely solved, but I don’t have a savage to compare. The real question though is whether the categories should be weighted equally. Great durability negates the need for parts support and availability and vice versa. Additionally, if you don’t drive your car every week then you can live with some downtime. The value differential is also far greater than a 1-2-3 system would suggest, with the aluminum shocks and the center differential. I’ve launched my Omni 20 feet in the air, and my kagama and Kraton exb didn’t survive the same jump. I have 3 Omni terminators and was worried that I made the wrong choice when the mini maxx came out, but all the recent videos confirm that the mini maxx isn’t worth it, and I have no desire to try the savage. Working on the Omni is a pain though with all the small screws.

[@RazorRC]

Categories definitely could be weighted differently, but I think each person would have their own opinion on what's important. OT is a nice truck!

[@RileyDavidson-v9k]

Something I never see anyone talk about is esc programming! Not sure about the omni but the xs is pprogrammable! Which I feel is a huge advantage especially over traxxas not a big fan of how traxxas esc's are programed

[@andersmalmgren6528]

Without the program box its really cumbersome using the leds and the little switch on the ESC. Wish all ESC had USB C and that you could control them from PC out of the box. Wouldnt add much cost to the production but huge value for the end user.

[@beman87]

What is the difference with the Savage XS Flux Chevrolet El Camino SS Brushless Monster? Is it the same car with other body or other truck all together?

[@littleAZN248]

Same car different body

[@richardtuin4659]

and the receiver and transmitter the el camino comes with the trusty old tf 41 (and according receiver) and the orange version has the newer tf 50 (and according receiver rf 50 the tf 41 transmitter doesnt work with it)

[@benniullrich2237]

Regarding the savage, as I know only your one has the nice TF50 Transmitter all the other as long as I know have the TF41...

[@Booth73]

I will say the only thing i disagree with here i think is that u kept saying the omni terminator comes with a 2s battery and is more 2s. My omni terminator has all the upgraded parts stock and came with a 2200mah 3s battery. So idk if the " v1 " only came with a 2s battery but the " v2 " comes with a 3s battery now.

[@Booth73]

Also the outdrives were upgraded on what they call the " v2 " so the cups don't have near the amount of wear they used to

[@RazorRC]

@@Booth73 nice! Yeah I got an early one, it may have come with the 3S though now that you mention it!

[@boduke9428]

​@@RazorRCit definitely did. I was one of the first in the comments to have mine delivered when they finally started shipping after that rip off pre order fiasco. They've always came with a 3s. I run it in my Gorgon as much as the Rlaarlo.

[@matthewhendrickson4209]

The Omni Terminator CF version comes with a 3s 2200 mah battery, not 2s

[@cristovalmontoya5222]

I think your on point on your rating they could have boosted the max. Performance and atkeast make it 3s capable? Check out the hbx 2997a as a budget Option it might compete or beat one of these options lol ??

[@RazorRC]

OK, I will! 🙂

[@cristovalmontoya5222]

@@RazorRCput up the 2997a against the traxxas max for 100 cheaper option just might hurt some feelings would make a great vehicle as the maxx may be better but for the price I would love a comparison video.

[@DubVredneck]

Oh i must add the rlaarlo is the only one i own or have driven

[@chevyrc3623]

Nice review man it does tell everyone that Traxxas soemtimes ain't the best i have owned Traxxas 2wd platforms and yeah just did not like them i am glad HPI is getting a very good review comparing mini monster trucks so yes i would definitely puck the HPI it seems really good

[@andrew4403]

My carbon version of the Terminator came with a 3S pack. Yours didn't??😮

[@gone.fishin9039]

I didnt even realize hpi was in the mini market might have to snag one. Not impressed by the mini maxx.

[@truenopanda86]

Personally from owning the Rlaarlo & The HPI. The Rlaarlo blow the savage out of the water. Working on the Omni, the quality and drivability is so much better. The turning cricle is also terrible from the HPI.

[@RazorRC]

@@truenopanda86 yes that’s why I rated it higher in value and performance. Savage needs some shims in the servo saver.

[@truenopanda86]

@ Top two for sure, thank you for getting back to me.

[@TrungPhanViet]

XS need to shim the center gearbox carefully, upgrade all the drive cup to HD

[@andersmalmgren6528]

I have only replaced the gearbox cups to HD because those are the only one that have sheared off material. The other cups have hold up for me, and I drive pretty hard. I have CVDs waiting for install if the factor cups fails.

[@matthewhendrickson4209]

My Omni does 45, not sure why you said 38

[@4sunshine801]

Traxxas releases their cars half assed on purpose so you have to spend another few hundred bucks on THEIR parts to make it worth it. It's ridiculous. The funny thing is people actually do it. Why would they change? They're laughing all the way to the bank

[@RazorRC]

maybe that's their plan, I'm not sure

[@rcjoe406]

I feel the rlaarlo would make a great road car no jumping just a good driver car all that aluminum adds weight ok in 1/8 or 1/10 but not smaller or juat run 2s and don't bash the rlaarlo

[@DubVredneck]

Yeah im with ya the OT's oarts availability hurts it the most n the savage is well in its slot n traxxas isn't earning up to what they did to become the manufacturer they are the innovation just isn't there anymore n prices are high for the same ole same ole yes its a new platform but its reusing the same things mostly

[@joshuaabren]

You can't do this without the haiboxing 2997a it runs 3s stock and it has a true center diff. It will smoke all 3 of those cars.

[@cristovalmontoya5222]

Yes he needs to check this vehicle out I moved my esc and now my battery tray can hold 4.5” battery ? It up to par with terminator easy and costs less but I still want a savage ?

[@RazorRC]

OK fine, I will! Stay tuned...

[@Turtlefry]

Don't buy the Mini Maxx. The cost to parts/performance is absolutely not there. I own all three of these trucks and I agree mostly with thos review. With no slipper or center diff don't even think about putting in a VXL-3S or similar electronics. Other than that the Mini Maxx is cool and not bad. It is simply overpriced and then need another $300-400 to get it to the Rlaarlo or HPI. I am a Traxxas fanboy, this Mini Maxx really disappoints me to the point of anger.

[@RazorRC]

@@Turtlefry thanks for the comment, I make videos like this to help people who don’t know about other brands get more info on what other options are out there!

[@Turtlefry]

@RazorRC yep and thanks for that. We need more word to get out how Traxxas is so that they start to feel a real revenue hit. There is no reason for them to be like then other than people blindly but there subpar products.

[@boduke9428]

​@@Turtlefrythat's exactly the reason. I'm really and truly convinced that Traxxass is clowning their customer base. I can see them in a meeting: "nah, just don't put a slipper in it at all. We'll sell it as an upgrade and make a few extra million. They'll buy anything we put our name on. We don't have to worry if it's any good. They bought that silly snap on car didn't they?"

[@harlyquin]

Really, the little savage can do 65mph? thats about the same speed as an arrma talion, wtf?

[@Roman-h1r]

Ummm Granite 3s?!

[@ridermuhr8465]

That’s a 1/10 truck

[@chevyrc3623]

I will add if Traxxas did not have good parts suport or upgrade availability or ability i think people will realize Traxxas out of the box most if the tiem are not as good as other. But i will admit the slash 4x4 ultimate and platinum only for rtr is really good but other car i will look somewhere else that's just my opinion

[@joshcarr934]

I like the video but do not agree with the durability ranking, I saw the tire going flying off the savage truck at the end of its jumping video. You broke nothting on the other two. I've seen people jumping the Terminator 30ft for hours. Bent plate they fixed easy with a vice. bent parts are going to happen when you can jump them that high.

[@RazorRC]

@@joshcarr934 that wheel fell off because the stock hexes will only work with stock wheels and I was testing aftermarket wheels. If you use other wheels you need to buy the $10 alloy hexes.

[@nicksdroid63]

No arrma no conversation

[@toolbaggers]

Savage - 5 stars Omni- 3 stars Maxx - 1 star Traxxas fanboys would have a stroke if the 5 star rating system was used. 🤣

[@PonkyKong]

Fix the savage XS diffs once and you'll never do it again.

[@Harvz78]

Stop recommending that Traxxas. It's an expensive disappointment. Been seeing people prostrated can't make it backflip on the ramp, too slow.

[@RazorRC]

@@Harvz78 when did I recommend the Traxxas? Pretty sure the conclusion is that you probably should get something else. But I have backflipped it stock.

[@Laptopsigmagamer]

Wow the mini Maxx is an absolute joke because of it's price. Even their 1/10 bl2s are cheaper, which doesn't make sense. And with options like the Omni Terminator, which is MUCH better and cheaper than the mini Maxx, no reason to buy it. If it were priced better then ok it could be a decent car

[@WowoodogPlays]

If the mini maxx had a vxl 3s system, a centre differential, machined marts instead of all of the sintered parts and a good price it would win by far

[@RazorRC]

I think so, I'm really curious to see how it drives with a little more power and a center diff/slipper (and a decent servo).

[@richiefrank15productions]

​but making it a good truck you'll end up having 650 to 700 bucks into a 1/12 scale truck. Just disappointing.

[@gabrielbeach5426]

@@WowoodogPlays “IF” they would have better business models and work towards innovating their products, we won’t be having this conversation.

[@mikefontenot5313]

How many time do you use best in your title? It’s in every video this is lazy bro

[@honestreview4786]

Shouldn't speed test with stock gears and biggest pinion that fits be part of an electronics comparison...Bashing on BMX track jumps isnt full throttle, nor does it test the range of the receiver/remote and heat dissipation for the esc/motor on high geared speedruns..Nothing scientific about an opinion based on one's perceived value of a product without stress test.

[@RazorRC]

@@honestreview4786 cool, but these are off-road cars made for bumps and jumps not on-road speed run cars!

[@davidroy4072]

I can tell you don't like Traxxas at all

[@RazorRC]

Actually I don't really care about one company or another. I just call it like it is, Traxxas cars have some good points, I've bought more Traxxas cars than anything else.

[@israellopez-p4s]

Your upset over dumb dumb I’m just tired of hearing you complain about traxxes it’s old news buy what you like that’s what I do… and having traxxes around just makes the competition create better more affordable RC vehicles

[@spenn2007]

Lol, wrong. Horizon Hobby is bigger than Traxxas. So stop whining, people dislike traxxas because thier anti consumer with the lawsuits and over pricing thier RCs that are not that valuable. That HPI is a 13 year old design and still better than the mini max 😂😂😂😂

[@RazorRC]

I don't buy what I like, I buy what is new and what people want to know about.

[@israellopez-p4s]

@@RazorRC I get it ….the mini max is incredible and super fun in 3s I don’t think it will be matched but you do have to put money into it just like most traxxes but it’s definitely a MAX