Traxxas currently produces three nitro stadium trucks -- the Rustler, Nitro Sport, and the Jato. The Jato is the fastest of them all. With more tunable options, easy starting, and better protection for all those internal parts that give the Jato its acceleration, speed, and handling, the 1:10 Traxxas Jato 2WD Nitro Stadium Truck is a top-of-the-line nitro RC. Traxxas offers the Jato with either the 2.5 or the 3.3 Racing Engine.
Jato RTR Package:
The Traxxas Jato Stadium Truck is a ready to run nitro RC package that comes with that famous tough-built Traxxas chassis and Traxxas radio electronics package (which includes two servos, receiver and transmitter) and the patented EZ start system which consists of an electric motor to start this nitro beast and a battery-operated glow plug ignitor.
The EZ start system has two LEDs to show the operation of the electric start motor and one to show the condition of your glow plug whether or not it's working. To top off the total package is a helpful Traxxas approved instructional DVD that explains how to break in the Jato and the specifics on turning and repairing it is well.
Two-Speed Transmission:
The Jato has a two speed transmission that helps it dominate the off-road competition. When I witnessed my friend Jay's Jato running next to my Rustler it seemed pretty close until the end of the straight aways when the Jato shifted into second-gear and at that point my Rustler looked like it was standing still. Talk about the no fair policy. Sheesh! In the area of speed and gear setup the Jato is a great contender in the stadium truck class.
Adjustable Suspension:
The Jato's suspension offers many ways you can adjust and tune it. Different ride heights, dampening, stiffness, and different shock position on the shock towers makes for a multitude of racing combinations for any off-road competition. The swing arms are fairly durable but the same can't be said for the turn-buckles and shock towers. In reading multiple reviews and forum posts by a variety of Jato owners and from first hand experience it seems that part of the suspension just doesn't hold up.
As my friend and Jato owner Jay says, "If the Jato can go 60+ mph it should be able to take a beating at 60+ mph." Be prepared to replace the stock parts with more durable turn-buckles and shock towers if you plan to do anything more than sedate street driving. Jay has had to replace his gear box as well. But other than the gear box, turn-buckles, and shock towers Jay says his Jato is pretty solid.
EZ Fueling and EZ Starting:
Fueling and starting the Jato is a snap. The plug-in for starting is on a roll-bar along with an easy pull cord for the fuel cap. Not only is the roll-bar a great assembly location for the fuel tank's pull cord and EZ start plug-in it also does what it should which is to protect the vital components inside the chassis from accidental roll-overs.
Chassis Protection:
The Jato chassis is similar to what old school RC enthusiasts would call a pan type chassis. It's shape helps keep unwanted rocks and debris away from the gears and other parts that are often exposed with other chassis configurations. Along with the sealed gear box and the removable roll hoop the aluminum chassis helps to protect vital internal parts. "Less to clean, keeps it mean!"
Don't Forget the Batteries:
Like most of the Traxxas-built nitro RCs that have the EZ start system you need to purchase a 7.2 battery pack wich is not included in the RTR package. You'll want a total of 12 AA alkaline or NiCad rechargables (8 AA for transmitter / 4 AA for receiver). The Jato also accepts an optional rechargeable battery pack for the receiver. You'll also need nitro fuel and a battery charger. I recommend a peak charger to avoid overheating. Purchasing a couple of extra glow plugs is also a good idea.
Traxxas Jato Bottomline:
When asked if there was one thing he could have changed about the Jato, Jay said "I wish that it was all-wheel drive so I could pull around the corners better." But with its superior speed compared to similiar nitro trucks, adjustable suspension features, and general durability (with a few exceptions) the 1:10 Traxxas Jato 2WD Nitro Stadium Truck is an RC that anyone can be proud to own.
Technical Specifications:
The Jato 3.3 has slightly different specs as noted by *.- Length: 16.53" (420mm)
- Height (overall): 5.70" (145mm)
- Weight (fully loaded): 4.39 lbs.
- Wheelbase: 11.22" Long (285mm) / 11.14" Short (283mm)
- Front Track: 12.87" (327mm)
- Rear Track: 13.00" (330mm)
- Front/Rear Tires: Victory™ (ribbed (front only) & spiked) 3.93" (100mm)
*Anaconda™ 4.1" (105mm) - Front/Rear Wheels: 2.8" Twin-Spoke Chrome
*2.8” All-Star™ Mirror-Chrome - Engine (fuel-powered): TRX 2.5 Racing Engine™
*TRX 3.3 Racing Engine™ - Gear Ratio (1st Gear): 11.73:1 (total gear reduction)
*9.77:1 (total gear reduction) - Gear Ratio (2nd Gear): 8.75:1 (total gear reduction)
*7.29:1 (total gear reduction) - Gear Pitch: 32-Pitch
- Differential Type: Hardened-Steel Bevel Gear, Sealed
- Transmission: Auto 2-Speed
- Drive System: Shaft-Driven 2WD
- Steering: Bellcrank w/ Integrated Servo Saver
- Chassis Type: 3mm Plate, 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Radio System: Traxxas TQ (2-Channel)
- Speed: 55+mph
* 65+mph
