Why Is This RC Car So Popular? Traxxas Rustler VXL

[@rockriverpig]

It’s hard not to admire the simplicity of a 2WD RC ,but love my Rustler 4X4 VXL because it runs better in grass. Followed your upgrade series and it’s pretty sick…

[@V8chump]

Yea 2wd is definitely road/track only. I do love my 2wd slash at one of the local(ish) dirt tracks, it takes a ton of skill to get a good fast lap but they’re so fun to just practice with

[@rynoyouknow2838]

I put paddle tires on my 2wd and it flys on the grass

[@RandomCommenter-qu2oc]

Same. My Rustler 4x4 VXL is a bitch to keep running, but it’s incredible to drive.

[@geddon436]

@@RandomCommenter-qu2oc What makes it difficult to keep operating?

[@RandomCommenter-qu2oc]

@@geddon436 it shreds through pinions if the mesh is slightly off

[@Metal2Bach]

I’ve had the same Rustler since 2007. It’s the 2006 version with updated body graphics but still the older boxy body shape, and shiny chrome wheels. I bashed it for years with almost no upgrades and just occasional repairs. My father in law bought it off me years ago for $50, them gave it back a year later after it sat and collected dust. I bought a VXL system for it, got some better shocks but didn’t do any other upgrades beyond that. It’s still going strong to this date despite having a lot of very old gears in the transmission, and gears meant for the slower brushed system it came with. Thing is a beast. No plans on selling it, hopefully my kids will get it one day.

[@MarkSchreiber-pl4fn]

AGREED!! The Traxxas Rustler is a great truck. My favorite truck by far. Great for anyone to get started and can be built for many applications. Our group uses the Rustler 2WD Brushed for race coaching. Great out of the box for the driveway, the park, the street and the track.

[@billydphillips1706]

I race mine on a dirt oval track in a stadium truck only class. Had to convert to 2.2 wheels and tires but man, it’s been fun beating the mid-motor truck with an old rear motor design. It’s become a fan favorite. My fellow racers call it the Hustler

[@rc4life860]

Cant go wrong with a rustler

[@rcdriver]

Yup! Well said

[@geodude3966]

The Rustler is a legend! It's a timeless, classic design that's been around for 30 years and will still be around for another 30 years. I got my 2WD Stampede 15 years ago which introduced me to the hobby, still have it and I'm still driving it lol. The Rustler/Bandit/Stampede is the best way to get into RC. They're cheap, fast, handle well, reasonably durable, parts readily available, easy to work on, easy to upgrade, and they look good too! There's a good reason Traxxas sells a boatload of these, it's because they're legendary! I went to my LHS back in April, they had pallets of Stampede XL-5s stacked from floor to ceiling, getting stock ready for the summer. Went again back at the end of July and they had sold out of every one!

[@chris81983]

This was my first hobby grade truck back in the early 90’s. It was back when traxxas was using Phillips head screws lol ( glad they switched to Allen head. Still to this day it’s one of my favorite trucks and was super easy to work on.

[@rmarkley79]

I've got the 4x4 vxl, love the Rustler. Before electric I had the 2.5 nitro, had a blast with it.

[@blakebraboy6909]

Me too. I had the nitro 4 tech 2.5

[@mad-beerc3818]

I have always been a Tamiya and Kyosho guy since l started way back in the day in 1983 and never owned a Traxxas but recently got my hands on a new Stampede 2wd too see what the fuss is about and to be honest l have never been into RTR l like kits but damn this Stampede is nuts! boom what a hoot driving this thing! l should of given Traxxas a look in years ago! The thing is just absolutely massive fun right out of the box l did add a wheelie bar that made the truck even more fun! The Stampede, Rustler, Bandit, Slash names have always been on my radar and l have been aware of them because of early Traxxas models back in the day but now really are classics in the RC world! Great vid my friend, it was your channel that gave me the push to get on the Traxxas train😉👍 Iol l will always be a tamiya guy at heart though but there is always room for more!👍

[@redvikinghobbies]

Rustler has probably been in my personal top 10 for 15 years now since my first 2wd. Racing, bashing, when they introduced the extremely difficult body mounting system (just on that car, Hoss and Maxx/Xmaxx/Sledge are fine) but this 272 trans has been great for me since release. Love Traxxas cars, my two complaints are calling service and the cheap plastic on the controller. But the fact is their guys in R&D do a good job. 👍 Thanks for doing this video. Everyone should try one of these 2wd or 4wd!

[@joeymendoza3859]

One of my all time favorite RCs right here. Have owned 4 of the 2wds so far. 3 og XL-1s from the 90s and a VXL I bought new in like 2009. Currently building up my latest og I just picked up last week

[@TheUnknown714]

Great video. Now I want one.

[@DashzRight]

I also bought the slash with the magnum transmission, which is almost the same car, I didn’t expect much since my entire fleet is Awd, but it is very satisfying to drive and watch it run and wheelie even when going near top speeds, with TSM on, you are able to enjoy the best of both worlds 2wd and Awd, you go straight as an arrow, super simple to maintain, lighter, the pebbles dont get into any center shafts and the motor runs more efficiently.

[@theshyguitarist]

What's the difference between the Slash and Rustler vxl magnums with tsm?

[@DashzRight]

@@theshyguitarist the "normal" vxl models come with the classic transmission, the magnum ones just have the newer and beefier trans

[@OBS4ever16]

I just bought a 2wd rustler with led lights. It is awesome that Traxxas still sells the platform.

[@michaeldorich4485]

I enjoyed your review. You did an excellent job. I think the brushed Rustler is probably the best starter vehicle for new drivers or those that want something reasonably priced and durable with great parts availability. I like a little better than the basic Bandit because the tires are better for all types of surfaces. The VXL is a great truck. Keep up the good work.

[@scottfirman]

To me it looks like the Bandit. I replaced the brushed motor to brushless, then replaced the drive line with a hopped up upgrade. It required a wheelie bar after that. On pavement, I end up scrubbing the rear tires bald in no time. I tried the street tires but they were too firm. I went back to the stock tires. That is a good entry level car. I let my grandson run my Bandit all the time.

[@epicrc2084]

4:21 great performance ,I enjoyed your review

[@maxpaul11]

I remember back in 2007 my brother in law got one for his son! He drove it in unground pool! Still to this day works! Traxxas makes great Rc!

[@islandrc-duke1972]

Cool RC and great overview

[@christianadkins2305]

I love the simplicity of the rustler, while also being versatile. The 4x4 variant is definitely a good addition

[@averagecarguy961]

Perfect truck for a Christmas gift!

[@TheUnknown714]

and I finally bought one today! All thanks to your video. Got myself the blue/orange version!

[@lesdmess845]

Price, performance and parts support. I would never have considered a 2WD because of the terrain where I live and now I have 4 Rustlers. I just upgraded one of these from a 90's 20mph brushed mechanical ESC to just below 50mph brushless and haven't even changed the gearing for so little money and time.

[@paulpadilla5288]

It's popular because you can do so much with it....I may get another one soon.....it's a blast to drive.👍

[@andrewpfantz964]

I bought one as my first new rc 10 years ago when I was 14, I still have it, haven’t been into rcs a whole lot the last 3-4 years but I’m starting to get back into it, just installed the rpm hybrid gearbox recently after having it sit in my tool box for like 4 years😂

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

Stadium trucks making a come back. I don’t favor them, but you’re right folks love them more and more!

[@rcdriver]

Yeah, they do just work well. They need their spotlight again.

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

@@rcdriver our local race club (first race for me couple weeks ago! I was comically horrible. But man what a blast! We had more stadium trucks as etruggy I believe. Comparable almost to 1:10 truggy

[@CokCook24]

Nice to meet you. Today's video is fun, too.

[@jimcurt99]

I LOVE my Rustler 4x4 VXL- added a ton of upgrades, run a 3S- it is SO much fun- it's a beast

[@yanito8508]

Bought it last summer and it’s so much fun, crazy fast and very solid!!

[@chargelead9429]

This makes me want to make my brushed 2wd rustler brushless even more. Great video

[@markkumollari43]

Awesome video. 👍🇨🇦🤠

[@fozzy7199]

I love my rustlers. I have one bone stock with 35/76 gearing, one I converted to a slash lcg with all the upgrades, and the LCG also has a new magnum transmission running 32/76 gears because the old one locked up. That slash converted one is getting mod1 gears next and HR transmission with spool and slipper lock to see how fast I can make it go on stock 3s before I put a 4s or 6s system in it.

[@rcdriver]

Awesome!!

[@ccrum32]

@@rcdriver does the rustler have steering slop like the 2wd slash does?

[@saturnfivehynrgrc581]

Can't go wrong with Traxxas. They certainly make RC fun/easier for a novice like myself. Thanks Greg!!! Like button energized.

[@johnjay7961]

Great first rc great for jumps

[@ccrum32]

Does it have the slop like the slash or no?

[@realfire6883]

Love me some traxAss, i have a vxl that's about 10 years old and still going strong!

[@honda116969]

I have a bunch of Traxxas trucks but my 2 favorite is the 2wd stampede & rustler, cheap, fun, fast & reliable! I have mine decked out with RPM parts + strc hinge pin set & proline street fighter tires 2.2/3.0 (slash) tires... Drives & handles like a bandit just way stronger 💪

[@RickOAA]

The Rustler XL-5 is my favorite RC car ever. I think that this would make a perfect street bashing companion 😃

[@Alex-kp2db]

This is a fast simple rc car. With lots of upgrades. Nuff said. This is the car that got me back into rc after 30yrs out of the hobby. Charging my batterys right now. My neighbors dogs live to chase it 😂😂😂

[@whatsintheboxx]

Great video. Like the Traxxas hat. I have the same 👍👍

[@SonnyGTA]

Great video! I just bought one from eBay that has a castle upgrade (?). The fastest one I’ve ever had was a brushless Red Cat. So I’m looking forward to getting this!!

[@Jcr990]

I have had mine since 2010. Rustler VXL 2wd on street tires with 3s 5000mah. A wheely bar is required :)

[@wordreet]

Hehe, yep, and I bought two! One was RTR and the other is for spares, probably. But yes, the Rustler handles almost as good as my, shelf parked, and old favourite, Team Associated RC10 T2 did when I was racing it. Well worth the money for bashing fun!

[@johnsalt19]

Wow that was an honest total guess

[@Iowaprod]

Could you review the mini erevo vxl, that would be awesome

[@rcdriver]

Hmm. That WOULD be fun.

[@sk8lifefr]

Is it good for off roading ?

[@guymarotta2596]

Does Traxxas still put bushings in the front wheels and rear axles?

[@markoftheus]

The brushed model still comes with bushings however even they are not in the wheels.

[@guymarotta2596]

@@markoftheus This is just one reason why I refuse to buy Traxxas vehicles and will continue to build my own until I die!

[@johnramirez5996]

I also have a 96 Traxxas rustler. Same but black.

[@JexuanyGuerrero]

Love mine just don’t know how to stop the rear sag

[@truerc]

It's popular because it is arguably the best rtr 2wd Traxxas available since it has a lower cg and it is essentially an upgraded Bandit. The Slash is great as well but does not have as low cg out of the box.

[@AP-st1li]

What is low cg? I'm on the fence between the two. A Rusler 2wd vxl or a Slash 2wd vxl. Mostly used on the street. Any opinion? Thanks

[@truerc]

@@AP-st1li Lower center of gravity, which means better handling and less rollovers versus something like a Stampede. There is a low cg Slash option, but many are high stock. It just depends if you prefer stadium truck/monster truck or short course. I personally like the freedom of having more wheel options with the openwheel rcs.

[@AP-st1li]

@rc I should have known that's what you meant by cg lol. Yeah I figured the Rusler probably handles a bit better than the Slash on the street. I think you confirmed it. Appreciate your input thanks.

[@Rockit181]

Oil filled diff is actually really nice for a high powered 2wd basher, so that you don't 1 wheel peel

[@Tyemuck18]

I have a vintage kyosho Ultima gp series and it's just a good layout it's fast good for both on and off road and it handles really well.

[@year1camaro]

Put some slash sc wheel and tires on it and it really starts to shine. The trenchers are awesome on my bandit

[@freddyfang8842]

That look like Rc madness

[@fonicgaming6787]

It’s so popular because of its looks, the performance you get for the money, and it’s actually a really well put together rc truck. I had 2 Rustlers, kept one for high speed street bashing and converted the second to a slash 2wd. Parts availability and compatibility also make the Rustler popular.

[@allyoucando8486]

what you say is true, convert the Rustler to Slash is more easy and they are a few you don't need to do

[@keithmcsorley5271]

awesome video i have one and i have fun with it

[@honda116969]

I have like 8 Traxxas trucks but always go back to my rustler... Sometimes stampede so ppl trip out on the wheelies lol

[@Masiviro_RC]

Wow very cool Bro ! 👍💪🇲🇨

[@Paul-wz1tm]

I just picked up one today.

[@bassinup5184]

How much is this set up as is ?

[@michaelarcher8142]

Really Reminds me of my OLD R/10 with aluminum chassis

[@TheKtchevelle]

What happened to the rear tire after the speed run?

[@TheKtchevelle]

Disregard you answered after typing

[@fastpaethedlife]

Hey man! How fast did it go? I didn’t see it :(

[@DreadEnder]

Could you try some of the non vxl versions from traxxas because although they aren’t really as powerful, you can’t break them, they don’t go fast enough to break anything from a full speed hit and without outside intervention you just can’t break them Like the rustler 4x4 it’s indestructible, 4 years and not a single replacement part

[@truerc]

The vxls are definitely the better value. There is a ton of stuff you won't get when buying the brushed. It's not just the motor and esc. And if you're worried about breakage, which isn't a big deal, you can always run 2s.

[@DashzRight]

@@truerc running the vxls at 2s is the jewel of the crown for durability and reliability, they are better equipped than the brushed versions indeed

[@truerc]

@@DashzRight Agreed, although I've had good luck on 3s personally. Just had to upgrade the shafts due one breakage.

[@cynthia6389]

The 4wd is even better.

[@nike12000haha]

That is a traxxas bandit as soon as you take the body off

[@Idk_what_to_name_myself_283]

Do traxxas bring remotes I’m thinking of buying one😊

[@ozzysgarage]

Did you find the 5000mah battery adequate for this vehicle? I am seeing some other options, but not sure if it would be overkill for this. Thanks!!

[@pewterngold]

I love the Rustler 4x4. It’s such a versatile RC with plenty of replacement parts and hop up’s. Most important….it’s fun and easy to work on. It’s the perfect size and can be configured for top end speed or off road. Just a proven platform without a lot of nonsense. It’s an RC car I don’t worry about breaking because the parts are inexpensive and easy to replace.

[@toastman2422]

73MPH

[@flhandster4395]

After 7 years, I still love my Rustler VXL 2WD too. A great RC. I have a quick question. Which Traxxas front and rear suspension arms part#’s are the correct ones for the Rustler VXL 2WD? I’ve seen 3631A (Blue) for the front and then I’ve seen where the 3655P (Blue) is for the front and rear. I’m a bit confused. Please advise if you can. Thank you for the video.

[@rynoyouknow2838]

Put some paddle tires on it. It is fun in the dirt

[@irpan_ilmi]

Since the price is in the same range, I’m confused to choose in between rustler or maxx v2

[@pipy4204]

Where do u buy ur cars & parts my closest location for me is like 3hrs or so out from me can't find a good online store for kits that I can overhaul over time I use to run nitro only but trying to get back into rc cars can u give me a good online store I can go to for rdr & kits

[@rcdriver]

Check out the links in the video description under the title “Get RC Stuff”. These are the online shops I use. Amain has Traxxas.

[@TheRCBuildersPost]

I guess it depends on where you're at. I've yet to see any rustlers, slashes or any rc like that in my area. Its mostly xmaxx, maxx, arrma everything and butt load of crawlers I see out at the skatepark on on the trail.

[@freddyrincon1481]

Compared to my arrmas my rustler has broken more and have had problems with gear and slipper not staying in place

[@lloydlacross1358]

I know that sound. Tire glue time 😂

[@TTV_kryptic_gaming]

Love rc madness

[@TimothyTaylor-w8w]

I have the newest one rustler vxl 4by4 which is better

[@St3_yo]

New magnum transmission is nice upgrade over the old. Wish they'd lose the e clips up front on the camber link but that's nit picky. Price is okay here and for general Traxxas prices, that's a nice upgrade as I find them generally too much relative to the competition. But for $330 magnum transmission, brushless on a light weight vehicle that'll be fast & hard to break and last a number of years? You could do a lot worse for sure. This is a good rig.

[@tiedtomemory8864]

anyone know the part number on the improved chassis?

[@Coupe_Crazy]

Ive been wanting one of these for a while now

[@carloshnunez]

Nice and simple design just need a nice body 🔵🔵🔵👍👍👍😀😀😀🔵🔵🔵

[@theirishman8356]

I like my Jato nitro better. All metal chassis. Nitro powered to some is out but I love it.slso. The jato has the 2 speed transmission that you can adjust the shifting point to get up to 80 plus mph. The rustler is definitely nice,but a plastic chassis ?

[@ronaldswangler2538]

I bought one when they first came out, was my first brushless lipo car. Honestly it was so dam fast it was hard to keep it on all fours. I won't buy an electric unless it's 4wd.

[@johnramirez5996]

Who hasn't blew the tire bead? Have this stuff called uncure. Got it from art hobby shop. Then at hobby lobby and other places. Made by BSI Bob Smith Industries. Amazing product. How many times has anyone used super glue and had problems getting it together in time before glue sets? Then adding more glue leaving a strip of cured glue and pieces won't fit back together right? This changes all that. Dab or 2 reactivates the glue. You can clean it off . Or put the piece right where supposed to be. It will harden again. Just make sure you are good with it. Or repeat.

[@rcgoodtimes6657]

Sucks they still sell these with plastic shock caps, the aluminum caps are such a necessary and inexpensive upgrade. Makes me miss my old slash 4x4!

[@rcdriver]

It’s weird, I have some Traxxas cars with plastic caps that are totally fine after a ton of use. And some that leak or pop off.

[@lol123321123321]

What do you do for a living? Random question 🤣 just curious what it takes to afford a jeep JL and a rc hobby

[@anandusnair1490]

I liked it. I want one but I have no money 😔

[@davidnewman8719]

So you do a speed run with a bigger gear and don't reveal the speed?

[@playswithtoycars]

On the subject of traxxas getting their geometry right……. What about the fact the Rustler has no rear toe in? I would not consider that correct. Luckily there’s a fix for that with traxxas parts

[@markoftheus]

I put slash 2WD rear arms and camber links in the rear of my 2WD rustler along with some slightly thinner hexes. This combo gave me toe in and the ability to run the same offset wheels front and rear. I'm now using the electric front/nitro rear offset at all four corners.

[@dirtybauer7022]

You honestly can't go wrong with anything from Traxxas. It's a real close tie between the rustler and the slash for me. With a 2s 50c lipo, 23/90 gearing, and the XL5 system they run really good and do 30mph. I run a GT5 radio though. I've gotten my slash to jump 21ft on that setup. The rustler will do 23ft. Honestly the best 2 cars you can get.

[@thomascalleson861]

I like the way your truck runs I like the way okay I was watching videos I'm in Lake Wales Thomas put my name down thank you

[@Sellingthemall]

Want to have some real fun..build a 4tec factory five for speed runs. Mamba x/3200 kv sensored 34t pinion, 55 spur. 117 mph

[@kymbo72]

that would annoy me too much how every time he seems to floor it, the car immediately rears up onto the back wheels looking like it wants to flip, so he has to keep backing off the throttle.

[@TheUnknown714]

65 mph

[@carlosfreitas5828]

61 MPH

[@allyoucando8486]

they get to 67 mph, because 2wd but with a bit of mods will reach easy 70 or more

[@Tie988]

Yo I got the same car in front of me😂

[@robertbohun4349]

I guess 73. My son guesses 75.