1:10 Scale Traxxas Rustler XL-5 Electric Stadium Truck

The Rustler first became available in 1994. It quickly became the top-selling hobby-grade electric stadium truck. The electric Stampede is the taller brother of the Traxxas Electric Rustler. These two radio controlled vehicles are the best choice among many for beginners wanting to get into RC racing and bashing. There are many new upgrades that have made these vehicles even better over the years.

This is a radio controlled vehicle that is not new to the market of RCs; however, since it has been around for the last 12 years or so Traxxas has implemented many new and improved features. The exterior chassis has a new design and looks very sleek. The new 2.8 inch chrome, 5 spoke wheels dazzle as the Rustler gets in the sun and draws the attention of eager on-lookers. The altered low-profile tires now have better tread patterns that allow the Rustler to have more traction.

Some of the plastic parts have been made out of a different material (it is light gray in color). It is said to be a more durable material. Some of the parts that are made out of the new material are the main chassis pieces and the shock towers. Along with all the many upgrades that this vehicle offers it has powder-coated springs, comes with the newly designed Electronic Speed Control (ESC) and has a modified 12-turn Titan brushed motor -- unlike the older model that had the Stinger motor.

The front tire tread on the new Traxxas Rustler XL-5 has 7-strake directional ribbed tires; although, the rear tire tread now uses a multiple layer of pins. Something that is totally new to the XL-5 is that it has a new, very soft rubber tire compound combined with the foam inserts provides for more traction that gives better stability under racing conditions. The older versions of the Rustler were equipped with an almost solid plastic compound and used no inserts.

The tread pattern on the older models were almost non-existant because you only had a handful of pins and they would wear down after a couple of races. The profile of the tires are now a lot lower due to the new 2.8" wheels (these size tires are now used on the Jato as well). The wheels still fit on the 12 millimeter hubs in the front, as well as in the rear. Thicker hex screws are now used like in the rear hubs of the 4-Tec; however, in the front a new set gives the Rustler a wider stance. There is one downside to the new rims and tires though: the four stub axles still sit on 5X8 millimeter bushings.

The newly upgraded shocks have gray upper housings encasing the new performance upgrade of the silicone X-springs as opposed to the old models that have O-rings. The contact rings between seals and the shafts have been doubled from 2 to 4 because of this upgrade. This upgrade reduces the chance of dirt particles getting into the upper housing, which is said to cause a decrease in performance. The dampening rate is the same as usual, it has ~30wt and 2 hole-pistons. However, the spring rate has been lightened and in turn the springs in the front are now much shorter giving the Traxxas Rustler XL-5 a forward leaning stance. The rear springs are still set like the older models.

The XL-5's electronic setup looks better then a lot of the older models. The new motor, XL-5 ESC, has a turn limit of 15 and is capable of handling an 8 cell battery. The three modes of performance are Race, Sport, and Training. Race mode stops the use of reverse. Sport mode gives you full control with full power. Training mode only allows you to use half of the battery power. Training mode is useful to the beginners who don't quite grasp the concept of throttle control by only allowing you to go half the normal speed. The new Rustler XL-5 has built-in overload protection, which means that instead of overheating and having to replace parts, it will automatically shut itself off if the interior thermal sensors are activated.

See page 2 of this Rustler review for more on the motor and transmission and the bottomline on the new and improved Rustler.