1:10 Traxxas Rustler 2.5 Nitro Stadium Truck

I've flipped it over and over again. Each time it just shrugs off the shock and keeps on going. It’s low to the ground making roll-overs less hazardous to internal parts. The plastic tail fin didn't want to stay on so I tossed it away after the third time it fell off. Simple tire and rear suspension modifications make rolls less likely and are definitely recommended to prolong the life and performance of the RC.

On the street the question is "What’s handling?" but off-road you will really see this baby shine. Pinch turns can be accomplished with ease and spins are controlled effortlessly. The Rustler will turn on a dime if you can control it well enough to turn on time. Speed is a factor and time should be taken to become familiar with the vehicle before testing its capabilities. If you hit high speeds and you want to turn, keep dreaming. You have to slow down to control it, the built in braking system comes in handy for this.

With a 1200 foot radio range and speeds in excess of 50 mph, there is vast opportunity to reach top speed and still be able to slow down enough for safe turnarounds. It’s best to bring a friend along so that you don’t have to do all the running to the RC truck if it should decide to go belly-up on you.

With a quick charger for your electric starter, 15 minutes gets you dozens of starts in the field. I suggest getting a charger that is 12V DC compatible so you can charge it in your car or truck when not near wall outlets.

The run time of a full tank of fuel varies on how you drive it (like a real car) full throttle hard driving can get you 10 - 15 minutes where as a variation between racing and cruising can bank over 20 minutes of solid drive time. Also, the type of fuel you use will affect performance. These times are based on a full tank of 20% nitromethane.

The Traxxas Nitro Rustler RC truck not only meets the description but it leaves it in the dust. The description on the box does this machine of mayhem no justice. I purchased it because of what it said on the box, but I soon learned that it could do all that and much more.

Pros:

• 50+ mph Top Speed
• High Durability
• Great Control Off-Road
• Easy Maintenance
• Quick in Field Re-Fueling
• Terrific Handling
• Fairly quiet by industry standards

Cons:

• Hindered maneuverability due to loss of traction on the street
• Stock rear wheels tend to expand at high speeds and at take off
• Plastic protection ring on top of cylinder head won’t stay on
• Flips easily in turns at very high speeds but it usually lands on its "feet"

Here are some quick and easy ways to make your drive more controlled and therefore, more exciting.

• Trim the rear tire-wells on the body using scissors or a Xacto-knife to reduce the risk of them catching and cutting into the the rear tires. This didn’t happen to me but weird things tend to occur without warning.

• Replace the rear tires with a higher grade tire. Something thicker will minimize expanding at take-off and high speeds and increase grip on the road, reducing the roll-over risk and the resulting damage due to roll-overs and flips.

• Upgrade the stock suspension to a higher grade suspension to increase stability in turns and allow for more controlled landings after jumps.

Without upgrades or modifications, the Traxxas Nitro Rustler 2.5 RC Truck is still a force to be reckoned with. Sporting one of the most powerful engines designed by Traxxas, 4 wheel independent suspension, high torque off the line, and precise steering; not many stock vehicles out there will upstage the Rustler come race day. Worth much more than the price tag. A definite bargain.

Comment on the Traxxas Nitro Rustler

More Traxxas Rustler versions:

• Traxxas Stampede XL-5 Electric: Titan 12-Turn 550 Motor
• Traxxas Rustler Electric VXL: Brushless
• Traxxas Rustler Nitro: TRX 2.5 Racing Engine