Rustler, Bandit, Stampede, or Slash?

With a lineup of Ready-to-Race cars and trucks over 60 models deep, there’s a Traxxas vehicle for everyone—or maybe five or six! For new drivers, budget-conscious experts, and anyone looking for a fast, fun, affordable RC machine, four Traxxas models in particular are always top choices: the Bandit^®, Rustler^®, Stampede^® and Slash^® “2WD” editions. All four share essential components that make them incredibly rugged and versatile vehicles, with unique chassis, bodies, wheels and tires that make them completely different. Which one is right for you?

What They Share

The 2WD models share a few proven components that make them some of the toughest and most reliable models in the Traxxas lineup. Added bonus: because these parts are shared among four highly popular models, virtually every hobby store on the planet with an RC department has parts and accessories for the Bandit, Stampede, Rustler, and Slash. Here’s what you get with each 2WD model:

Although they share many components, each 2WD model’s wheelbase, width, and chassis configuration is customized for its mission as a buggy, stadium truck, monster truck, and short-course truck.

XL-5™ Speed Control and Titan^® 550 Motor
The Traxxas XL-5 speed control and Titan 550 motor deliver reliable, proven power to push the Stampede and Slash to 30+ mph, and over 35 mph in the more aerodynamic Bandit and Rustler. The high-torque Titan motor gives the 2WD models powerful acceleration, and the XL-5 speed control is waterproof for all-weather, all-conditions actions. Are you gifting a 2WD model to a new driver? You can activate Training Mode to reduce speed and power by half so they can learn the controls without having to worry about holding back the reins.

The XL-5 speed control and Titan 550 motor power more models than any other combo in the RC hobby.

Magnum 272 Brushless-Ready Transmission
The transmission is the hardest-working part of an RC car, so Traxxas goes all-out for durability here. All of the Magnum 272™ transmission’s internal gears are steel and spin on ball-bearings for years of reliable running, with all the strength required for high-output brushless power if you decide to upgrade to the Velineon^® power system down the road and take advantage of the Traxxas Power-Up Program. Telescoping driveshafts send power to the wheels through strong, efficient universal joints, and any shocks and jolts that might strain the main gears are softened by the adjustable Torque-Control Slipper Clutch.

Premium drivetrain components make the 2WD models extra rugged and reliable.

Independent Suspension with Oil-Filled Ultra Shocks
Nothing beats independent suspension and long-travel shock absorbers for secure all-terrain handling and soaking up bumps, jolts, and jump landings. Traxxas Ultra Shocks are some of the best in the business. They’re filled with silicone oil and piston-damped just like full-size shocks, and feature dual X-ring seals for lasting performance. Each 2WD model gets its own custom springs selected to hit the sweet spot between soft and stiff for versatile all-terrain handling and big-hit resistance.

Ultra Shocks are oil-filled and piston-damped for a refined ride.

Waterproof Electronics
When you imagine off-road adventure, we bet blasting through water and mud is in the picture. Traxxas makes it possible with waterproof electronics and a watertight receiver enclosure for all-weather, all-conditions fun and freedom. Mud, snow, puddles, and other wet conditions won’t foul your gear, and dust and dirt are sealed out too.

Go ahead, blast through that puddle—waterproof electronics shrug off splashes.

TQ™ 2.4 GHz Radio System
Comfortable control is what the TQ transmitter is all about. The ergonomic grip and foam-wrapped wheel are a pleasure to hold, and the antenna is fully enclosed inside the case so it can’t get bent or broken. The 2.4 GHz signal makes every command feel responsive and precise, and lets you race other cars and trucks without interference or channel worries.

Simple, comfortable, reliable—just what you need for easy RC fun.

Choosing Your 2WD Model

The most important thing to remember about choosing the right 2WD model is that there’s no wrong 2WD model. You can absolutely choose based solely on which one you think looks the coolest, and you will have definitely made the “right” choice. The Bandit, Rustler, Stampede, and Slash are all fun and capable on- and off-road, are built tough for jumps and stunts, and let you drive in mud and snow thanks to their waterproof electronics. They can all do the same things, but each does some things better than the others. If you don’t already have a slam-dunk pick for your favorite 2WD model, here’s what to think about.

Location, Location, Location
Where will you do most of your driving? What type of driving are you most excited for? If your number-one RC spot is going to be the driveway and cul-de-sac and off-road excursions will be mostly smooth dirt, the Bandit will be the best handler in those high-traction conditions. If you’re into rougher terrain, the Rustler will be more stable thanks to its wider footprint and larger tires that give it more ground clearance to get over obstacles. The Stampede is taller still and has even more tire-cushion effect, and can roll over obstacles that might snag the Bandit and Rustler. And then there’s the Slash; it has a lifted chassis like the Stampede, combined with an extra-long wheelbase (distance between the wheels) and tires that are taller than the Bandits but smaller than the Stampede’s for a great blend of smooth-surface handling and rough-terrain capability.

The Bandit’s low-slung chassis makes it the superior smooth-terrain handler compared to the high-riding Stampede, but the Stampede can roll over obstacles that snag the Bandit.

The Slash looks low with its full-fendered body, but has plenty of ground clearance under the lifted chassis.

Flight Readiness
All 2WD models are great jump machines and ruggedly built for high-flying fun. If you’re going to really send it, especially if you’re into skatepark action or setting up ramps in the driveway, consider going with the Rustler or Stampede. Their wide footprints and fat tires help soak up heavy-G landings, while the Bandit and Slash will land harder on their smaller tires. Jump tip, no matter what you’re wheeling: if you can land in dirt or grass instead of on concrete or pavement, it’s a lot easier on your model—especially if you don’t pull the landing.

The Stampede and Rustler’s larger tires give them extra jump-landing cushion when you go big.

I Want To Go Fast

If you want the fastest 2WD model, go with the Bandit or Rustler. When you install the optional, included speed gear, they’ll each top 35 mph. The Stampede and Slash also include speed gearing, but are a little less fast. The Stampede’s monster-sized tires and the Slash’s full-coverage body create extra rolling resistance and air resistance that brings their top speed down a touch to the 30+ mph range. There’s no difference in the feeling of power and acceleration, though. All the 2WD models are geared to suit their tires sizes, so you get a punchy, high-power feel when you mash the trigger. Best advice: don’t choose based on speed. Unless you’re racing long distance side-by-side with another vehicle (or have a radar gun or GPS), you probably won’t even notice the speed difference. If you like the Stampede or Slash best, get one—don’t hold back because they’re not as fast as the Bandit and Rustler when geared for maximum speed.

For peak speed on smooth surfaces, the Bandit and Rustler are top picks at 35+mph.