Sometimes we get so caught up in brushless systems, and trying to push the limits of what RC's can do now a days that we forget how much fun a simple brushed 2wd can be.
yeah. i personally have had a 4wd traxxas and a couple of 2wd, and the 2wd are just so much more dependable and have less moving parts. i love the 2wd traxxas platforms
My first 1/10 scale was a 2wd Duratrax Evader ST, still have it somewhere. That was well over 10 years ago haha. I miss it so much. And I have Arrma big rock, Arrma typhon, and still want a lightweight 2wd ST again. Its just different.
Well, considering the titan 12t on a 2s lipo in most of traxxas RTR packages can do what a hot, racing motor on an expensive nimh battery did 10-15 years ago, yeah...a brushed 2wd can be fun. If you were doing brushed when brushless first came on the scene...it was night and day. Most everything only did 20mph, runtimes where shorter, motors ran hot. Today, even some $100 brushed RTR's can do over 25mph.
Btw they have made a lot of improvements to the trans and speed control over the years. First ones had nylon gears and a rotary speed controller.... And plastic chassis which became composite... And a 20t stringer replaced by the much faster 12t titan.. Nicer wheels, nicer bodies, etc etc They were $159 in 1994 and still the same price almost 30 years later with much improvement and all the inflation just shows they are either not making profit on them anymore or were making a killing back in the day
They're actually $200 now. But the key here is economics of scale. Traxxas was a much smaller company back in 1994 and had to compete for sales with Associated and Losi as well as other entry-level specialists like Duratrax, XTM and CEN. Now they're big enough to run TV ads and they have an effective monopoly on the entry-level 2WD RTR market. Pretty sure they sell more of these in one year now than the entire first-gen production run, and that lowers the individual unit price due to things like tooling and design costs not scaling with quantity.
The 37054 or 2s stock Rustlers are ready to race stadium trucks. Here in the states you can take them out of the box and enter a race. Same can't be said for their 4x4 or 4x4 VXL. Same is true for base Slash and Bandit. It's also the most affordable for the stadium truck class with the most available parts. So over here when people are getting into racing those are the 3 we recommend.
@@TomleyRC Yes. Actually while we all know rtr is known for ready to run those 3 models, especially the Slash, are advertised on Traxxas as Ready to Race for that reason. They sell like crazy here for racing and after that would be nitro truggy. However; I thought you had an Xmaxx too no?
yup, here in the US Traxxas is great for really quick parts delivery at fair prices when you do break something, they're fairly tough too. only thing I didn't like was their constant legal battles against competitors and their push against people making online videos of foreign made copies. Traxxas was one of the biggest copycats happening 35+ years ago. I'd contacted them a couple years ago about building a budget 1/24 scale on road RWD pan car "club racer", the idea fell on deaf ears? something that a chassis pan can literally be stamped out like slot cars for, and sent in a typical letter envelope. big companies/corporations do this a lot, "poo poo" your ideas for a while, then act like the idea was their own later on... so maybe we'll see a 1/24 someday?
Only because spec classes exist. You'd be VERY hard pressed to make these competitive against the top-of-the-line trucks from brands like Associated, TLR, XRAY or Schumacher, and unfortunately that makes it a MASSIVE jump once you decide to bump up from the Traxxas RTR spec classes to something higher-end.
@@modelnutty6503 Another issue - the Traxxas forums have a rule against "Traxxas Bashing". And the moderators have a very open interpretation of that rule and will often delete posts or even ban users for giving constructive criticism about a model. Even if it's something small like "please add aluminum shock caps to the rustler platform, the stock plastic shock caps tend to pop off due to excessive flexing".
I love my 2000 vintage Rustler 2wd RTR. I stripped the original 17 turn Stinger modified and mechanical speed controller and fitted a Hobbywing Quicrun 120 and Castle 1415 motor, with some supporting modifications like bearings and metal gears, it is quite the handful. The original Traxxas 2018 servo finally bit the dust finally and it now has a 9mod 25kg brushless servo as well.
This was my first RC one year ago and I was super satisfied with it. Decent enough speed to have fun, good size to handle a wide variety of terrain and great handling for a new driver. Pretty durable too, once I threw a big RPM bumper on it and upgraded to aluminum shock caps. Fast forward a year and I've got a Kraton 6s, Maxx, 124019 and a few other odds and ends. Rustler is due to be patched up and sent home to the family to start someone else's RC journey.
My brother and I raced when I was a kid, say 30+ years ago. We had RC10s and JRX2s and eventually got into the Bolink oval cars. About 3 years ago I bought a 2wd Stampede VXL, I'm about to convert it to a Rustler chassis and turn it into a drag racer. It's been a fun hobby to get back into as an adult and brings back great memories. Enjoyed the vid.
I own a 2wd slash and I tried to hate it but I can't. All I've done is installed a turnigy brushless motor, aluminum hubs and heavy duty axles and I absolutely love it. Plus it doesn't hurt that you can get parts at the Hobbyshop
Yes.... I get exactly what you mean. I couldn’t really fault it... and even when I thought of the negatives, you only have to look at the price and they are really not an issue!
Got one of these not too long ago. Installed a taser brushless, 2s lipo, aluminum shock caps and caster blocks, and replaced every single suspension peice with rpm (except for shock towers) and now its rock solid, definitely tones of fun and easy to work on.
Gawd, I bought a Nitro Rustler when I was in training for the Navy, waaaay back in 97! It was super easy to tune, and convinced me that nitro engines are easy to maintain and not frustrating at all. Lies. The Nitro Rustler was my only good experience with glow engines, after dozens of OS's and HPIs, the Traxxas had it nailed.
I had a Traxxas Nitro Buggy around the same time, I was young enough to not really know what I was doing, yet that thing still ran like a top every time. Man that feels like a long time ago lol
smaller engine nitros were easier to tune IMO...I always had more like with .15 or smaller engines, compared to the 2.5, 3.3 and especially the bigger stuff that came in the monster trucks.
Well then that makes no sense, except for your comment, I would totally have guessed arrma fanboy, and I was right, so if that's your choice to push horizon I ain't buying their junk. And I am 100% sure you have no idea what your talking about. Not arguing facts with a fanboy
@@jeremymiller2340 Funny how many call everyone against Traxxas a fan boy of Arrma. Myself, I'm just a hater of Traxxas, and a fanboy of anything not Traxxas. I'll take Arrma, Losi, HPI, Tekno, Associated, and so forth. And my issue with Traxxas is the company, not the vehicles. If the Rustler wasn't a Traxxas, I would have likely bought one. As for the "if it ain't broke", I agree, but they charge a 1990s price, not $290 CAD for brushed 2wd vehicle that has not had any R&D put into it since it came out
When I bought my very first RC vehicle, I had this Rustler, the 4x4 version, and the 1/16 E-Revo all on my list. I wanted something smaller and 4WD, so I narrowed it down to the E-Revo. Then I started shopping and researching for alternatives. I came across the Hosim lineup, which included the Q903, a 1/16 brushless, and the Hosim 9156, a 1/12 brushed. They look a lot like the 1/16 E-Revo and 1/10 Rustler. The Q903 specs are close to the 1/16 E-Revo VXL and the 9156 is close to the Rustler 4X4 non-VXL at half the price. The Hosim brand has a lot of metal parts and bearings instead of bushings, too. The one downside is the combo ESC/receiver that they come with. I went with the Hosim Q903 and don't regret it for a minute. It has taken everything that I've put it through, INCLUDING GETTING RUN OVER BY A CADILLAC ESCALADE, and I only had to put about 15 USD in parts (I replaced the rear A arms) back into it to get it running again. I ended up getting a 60A ESC and separate receiver for it and still use it frequently. I like it WAAAAAYYYYY more than my WLToys 124019! The Hosim brand is available on Amazon, but Xinlehong and Haiboxing are the Banggood equivalent.
My very first was a Traxxas stampede. Most of the same parts as Rustler. But mine was way back before they had the Titan motor and XL-5. I had the Stinger motor and a mechanical speed control lol. The thing was advertised as 23mph with optional gearing and a 7-cell battery. I had a 6-cell pack so probably about 17mph and I had countless hours and hours of pure joy from that thing. 20 years later my collection has grown to about 30 cars and that old stampede is probably my favorite one to this day. I have several hundred packs through it and it still has the original tires. Moral of the story... Don't knock the entry level stuff. In the hands of a 10 year old kid it can ignite a lifelong passion for this hobby.
My Rustler is around 13 years old, give or take, and keeps on going. The best part for me was when a local hobby shop went belly up I bought a bunch of after market crap. Most wasn't made for my rustler but given the price..... modify modify modify. My brushless set up hit's around 55mph to 60mph. However the downside is it's hard to keep it on all fours even with tame pinion.
I bought an xl5 rustler in 2008 or 09. Instantly put in a brushless motor and ran it on 3s lipos. It was night and day between stock and brushless 3s with a few other bits. Made it a fair bit of fun with tyres and suspension tuning.
I absolutely love my 2WD Rustler VXL. 32MPH out of the box on 2s, and that's plenty fast for me to bash around my back yard (I've not tried it on 3s). I have had it for about 3 years, and it has been my most reliable vehicle. Though I do not jump it at all, it certainly has had its fair share of tumbles. Being an older platform is a benefit though, you can get parts for it quite easily.
@Trav B LiPo batteries come in a variety of cell counts. The Rustler VXL is capable of handling either 2 cell (2s) or 3 cell (3s) LiPo batteries. More cells = more voltage/power. The "s" simply means the cells are wired in series rather than parallel. Series increases voltage (power), parallel increases amperage (runtime).
No need for a brushless system. Just some ball-bearings and you have loads of fun. Maybe aluminium wheel knuckles as the plastic ones are known to break easily. Other than that, keep it stock!
Have 2 Rustlers. Best cheapest fun you can get. I'd say go brushless, better tires, bearings, and a wheelie bar so you don't scrape away your transmission. They do pretty good on 3S brushless.
You did this fantastic little beauty no justice. I’m sure all bandit rustler long time owners will agree. Especially as you can spend 40 quid on some brushless kit and get it to max speeds. I have 4 of these and they have never let me down in 10 years. And the icing on the cake I built my 11 year old boys car to a better spec. It thrashed my 6s Vorza all day long.
This was my very first car back in 2002, a hand-me-down 1st gen Rustler from my dad. Loved that car to death! I did a grade school science project with it (got an A and won that year's competition) and got it to do 35 on a brushed Trinity Chameleon motor system with the stock ESC. About 5 years ago, I gave it to some of my cousins that are 10 years younger than I am, and it's still taking a kicking from them. 25 years later, and the same truck still delivers.
I have 2- 2wd 7 year old srampedes xl5’s 27mhz and they are still fun to run… rc cars isnt always about the fastest and greatest.. its about fun and the stampede and rustlers are just fun to run…
I'd watch another couple vids of it in stock form, great value as stated! This is the type of RC that brings in the newbies! My very first hobby grade ground rc was a 2WD Stampede KIT from the 90's (yeah, a kit!). Still own it too. Keep up the good work my guy!
Yes... it’s 100% it beginners option, but with so many upgrades it can keep you engaged in the hobby a very long time, without the need to buy any other RCs
That was my first hobby grade RC. Came with a 27 t scorpion motor and a mechanical speed control. Still have and it still runs great... With a brushless conversion of course. 👍
I just got one. Bought it used and payed almost new retail price for it. It came with a full set of new stock OEM wheels, and a set of new duratrax c2 street tires as well as a few simple color matching upgrades. I adore the rustler. I am more of an arrma guy by nature but I always wanted a rustler for some reason. I bought it at first just for my channel, but I haven't even done any filming with it yet, and I can already tell just in researching it and driving it on my own track that I'm going to fall in love with it. My senton and typhon are better in every single measurable and technical way, except one, which is just the un-measurable joy and fun of the beautifully simplistic 2WD experience the rustler provides. It's very well made, though not serious at all. But I can tell that with just a few cheap upgrades it has alot of potential for some serious speed and racability. I wanted a slash 4x4 vlx to go head-to-head against my senton for a video, but now I don't even care about the slash. There really is something unexplainable about the rustler that just forces you to like it even if you didn't want to.
Uhh, a fresh well-performing 8.4v NiMH will actually charge well beyond 10v, so if you’re able to run it minutes after the completed charge you will get more voltage/top speed out of the NiMH. Even a 7.4v NiMH will charge to 9-10v. But of course the voltage drops insanely fast for a NiMH, even when just sitting idle, compared to a LiPo ... and LiPo just delivers more ‘punch’. But nice. Thinking about getting a brand new Traxxas too.
It's a solid car for anyone who wants to start in this genre of RC. I had one 20 years ago and just recently I upgraded to a 4x4 Rustler VXL and a Vorteks (amazing car).
Looks like a great little car for light bashing. Lots of upgrades available as well. 2wd's are still lots of fun and perfect for running in dirt or street. Thanks for sharing.
I run my Rustler on 3S all the time. 3000mah 50c discharge rate. Only overheats when I run stupid fast spur pinion combinations. I changed everything to bearings all a arms to RPM. Front and rear bars RPM. Alloy heat sink and fan on motor. (You have to modify the wrap around heat sink to fit). I killed the Titan so now I am running the Surpluss Hobby 12T 550 motors, they are cheap and reliable. It's my favourite RC. I will leave it brushless because its got enough power as it is. I am converting my ftx carnage to brushless instead. I love the hobby. Cheers Simon. (Australia)
Bearings, aluminum front suspension brace & it will be bulletproof. I’ve still got my kit built rustler form 96-97 & those were the best upgrades in my opinion other than more motor for speed
I got my 2wd Rustler, back when Pep Boys started selling them...along with spare parts to keep'em going,..my brother got a Stampede...I still get a kick out of it even now!...like it was said,..it's a great entry level machine... this one likes blasting off full speed ahead...while the Stampede was too wheelie prone.
I recently purchased a refurbished example. With some minor upgrades it is my favorite RC car ever. It has alloy shock caps, the front arm brace, wheelie bar mount, and alloy 1° toe-in rear carriers. With just a 7-cell NiMH it dominates the short grass/gravel front yard track. I have an upgraded WLtoys 124017, that while faster in a straight line, is much harder to control and can't take corners nearly as fast. I like the Rustler (AKA the Rustly) better than my Associated RC10T2. After a couple months of use nothing has gone wrong with it aside from the upper shock mounting screws coming loose nearly every run.
I think it one of the best for the money. I purchased one for my son, awhile back, I fitted ball bearings on all 4 wheels & eventually a 3800kv brushless motor & 60amp ESC. Only to need the optional Wheely bar! Easy to get parts & options & to work on. He enjoys it, so I’m happy 👍🏻
If you added ball bearings to all 4 wheels, just curious how it comes factory? Sounds like a good mod. I am still very new in this hobby. I have a couple of crawlers, but also a stampede vxl. I am seriously considering one of these rustler
@@tonyriley4585 The new XL-5 brushed versions, need the brass bushings in the wheels replaced with ball bearings, like the VXL brushless versions have. The gearbox has bearings already, so it’s a cheap & easy upgrade 👍🏻
Just fired up mine from ten years ago still works. Other than esc overheating even with a cold day. I do have a fan on it did change the gear ratio years ago maybe that makes it overheat
I got a VXL model but with my own electronics (bought a brand new roller). Hobbywing MAX10 3660SL 3200KV combo, GTR Shocks (platinums), X heavy duty drive trains & RPM gearbox with aluminium plate for heat dessipation finished off with a JConcepts F2 body. Amazing car. There are so many 1st and 3rd party upgrades available.
Good review and very fair to Traxxas. That said, I’m not a fan of proprietary tech in general and Traxxas batteries are unexplainably expensive. I do use a Traxxas charger though, so I solder their connectors on more affordable batteries. Anyway, I own a 2WD Rustler. It’s a good little truck. It’s stable and not overly prone to rollovers. It’s light enough to be fairly durable. Less mass means less breakage. Brushed motor is plenty in this car.
this was my first hobby grade RC car back in 1995, I was 6 y/old, was a Christmas gift of from an uncle. It was imported directly from USA since here in Chile where not available at this time. Nice video!
Absolutely! Make that brushless! My first RC (in adulthood anyway) is a Tamiya DB03 that was quite fun, but just didn't quite live up to my expectations. Add a brushless combo and bearings all round and this thing is a beast that does 55kph on 2S and 80+kph on 3S. And that is with the 17tooth pinion (still have to try with the 19 tooth one). Great video as ever!
Literally just bought a brand new one today so it matches my wife's rustler and sons stampede...I picked it because it was a great price, 100 percent upgradable and every part can be replaced....Tamiya used to be that way, not any more though
You just can’t knock something that still performs! Your video probably just helped Traxxas sell some more rustlers. You did a great job showing off the rustler.
Still got mine ten years old. Just bought new tires the other day for it. I run 21/86 (48 pitch). 25 mph and can still handle training mode for toddlers on longer grass. This is why I do t understand the craze for wl toys 10422, cause this is waaaaaaaaay better
I have an original mid-'90s one of these that I used to bash when I was a kid. Still runs today, but needs a new battery. I'd love to see this brushless as I am looking to see what I can do with mine to bring it into the 21st century so my kids can enjoy it now.
I feel like this body striping was changed from the old school the two-four stripe Baja Ironman Toyota paint, to looking like a Gatorade logo and sports shoes was around this time.
I know that a lot of people do not like Traxxas cars for different reasons. I think they are good for what they are. They are a good beginners R/C truck that is easy to use, you do not need to build it and they are durable too. I got my young son a Traxxas TRX4 truck. Nothing wrong with that truck. I own a Traxxas Slash truck. I only use it for thrashing. It is good for that. I have many other R/C cars and trucks for different uses. I guess it depends what you want your R/C car for. Thoughts?
Great video I've had the nitro rustler with Pro 15 engine and stinger exhaust and the vxl you can't keep the front wheels down Great fun definitely ballrace all and go brushless
I think it's fine just the way it is. If you go brushless, it will probably get damaged way quicker. Nothing wrong with Brushed. I would wait until the motor or esc burn up. Then I would think about going brushless. That's what I would do 👍
Speaking of.. The "new" Magnum Pro 272 gearbox in the Drag Slash... The Traxxas LS2 Blue Eagle and the TRX-1 2WD buggy of 1991 had the Magnum 272 with metal motor plate (but separate inner hinge blocks to adjust arm kick up but plastic gears). So, also if you want to be picky, the first Rustler was the Hawk 2 in 89/90? The gearbox, the arms, shock towers and front bulkhead, gearbox internals are interchangeable and 32~33 years old.
I have the xl5 2wd and the vxl 2wd and love em both, I never run nimh on xl5 just 2s and is great fun 💯 the vxl is crazy fast on 3s for sure 👍thanks for upload mate 👍👍👍
I will be getting my first ever Traxxas as well but the Drag Slash to go with my DR10 and Losi Camaro 22s. I never imagined I would get anything from Traxxas. If Arrma also make a drag car I would most likely get it as well.
Sure is a nice little 2wd truck! I do think it's great that Traxxas offers a more affordable option to get into the hobby. I am really tempted to get myself the bandit, got a used one as my first ever hobby grade RC back in the days. Anyways, nice video!
We have a Rustler vxl 2wd and a pair with the titan engine. The fun we have with the those two brushed Rustlers is unmatched in our opinion!( never had any real issues with them.) The one with the brushless engine is way quicker on the long straights and on tarmac but harder to control and tricky when u try to drag race it in the end i think its faster on all fronts but the handling is more difficult, and we had to repair it more than one time..
I haven't had many issues with my bandit vxl. Only broken 2 driveshafts in the 2 years that I've owned it. I'm running short course sized tires as well. The bandit vxl is my 2nd best basher right behind my maxx.
I bought that when they first came out. I thought the old tamiya cars were the bomb! Then you drive them today, you realize how much technology has progressed. My favorite was the Bandit vxl, came with a wheelie bar back in the day. I never bought a brushed version. Even for my kids. Why did you buy a brushed version? Just wondering?
Yes... a different world to Tamiya. Bought the Brushed as it’s the most popular one for people to start with. And to see if it could still cut it in 2021.... 😉👌
Awesome truck, great lightweight so will always take a beating, plus the added bonus of the aftermarket parts carbon, alloy, Awesome video as always matey 👍🏻👍🏻
I miss my old Traxxas Rustlsr I wish I wouldn't have had to given it up someday soon I'll get another one. There very fun trucks to drive just stock and I can't wait to have another one.
Brushed Rustler was my first 1/10 scale as a kid. Eventually it got brushless swapped and then eventually became a parts car and thrown away. I recently got another rustler for free from my boss at work. It’s super old. Had the remnants of a mechanical speed controller. The tires are destroyed but will work good enough. Throwing some brushed electronics and steering servo out of my Redcat thunderdrift onto it and a 15 turn 540 motor. Should be a fun car for the dog to chase around the yard.
If you want proof that this legend gives honest reviews you have it! He just gave an honest review of his own merch!
I was about to say the EXACT same thing! There is no reason why anyone wouldn't watch him!
You guys are too kind 😅👌
Purchased and RGT based off his review. Happy with it after a year.
@@TomleyRC The pink doesn't look bad on you, my dude. But I get your point, (make sure to add TH-cam fashion model to your resume)
That’s why I love his channel 😎👌
Sometimes we get so caught up in brushless systems, and trying to push the limits of what RC's can do now a days that we forget how much fun a simple brushed 2wd can be.
It's surprising what 2s on an xl5 will do. Coming from a revo 3.3 to a stampede I burned out the brushes fairly quickly on the titan though lol
Yeah I was going to sell my rustler 2wd xl-5 and make a little extra to get a 4x4 but it was my first rc and I’m just gonna upgrade the HECK outta it
yeah. i personally have had a 4wd traxxas and a couple of 2wd, and the 2wd are just so much more dependable and have less moving parts. i love the 2wd traxxas platforms
My first 1/10 scale was a 2wd Duratrax Evader ST, still have it somewhere. That was well over 10 years ago haha. I miss it so much. And I have Arrma big rock, Arrma typhon, and still want a lightweight 2wd ST again. Its just different.
Well, considering the titan 12t on a 2s lipo in most of traxxas RTR packages can do what a hot, racing motor on an expensive nimh battery did 10-15 years ago, yeah...a brushed 2wd can be fun. If you were doing brushed when brushless first came on the scene...it was night and day. Most everything only did 20mph, runtimes where shorter, motors ran hot. Today, even some $100 brushed RTR's can do over 25mph.
Btw they have made a lot of improvements to the trans and speed control over the years. First ones had nylon gears and a rotary speed controller.... And plastic chassis which became composite... And a 20t stringer replaced by the much faster 12t titan.. Nicer wheels, nicer bodies, etc etc
They were $159 in 1994 and still the same price almost 30 years later with much improvement and all the inflation just shows they are either not making profit on them anymore or were making a killing back in the day
They're actually $200 now. But the key here is economics of scale. Traxxas was a much smaller company back in 1994 and had to compete for sales with Associated and Losi as well as other entry-level specialists like Duratrax, XTM and CEN. Now they're big enough to run TV ads and they have an effective monopoly on the entry-level 2WD RTR market. Pretty sure they sell more of these in one year now than the entire first-gen production run, and that lowers the individual unit price due to things like tooling and design costs not scaling with quantity.
The 37054 or 2s stock Rustlers are ready to race stadium trucks. Here in the states you can take them out of the box and enter a race. Same can't be said for their 4x4 or 4x4 VXL. Same is true for base Slash and Bandit. It's also the most affordable for the stadium truck class with the most available parts. So over here when people are getting into racing those are the 3 we recommend.
It’s awesome you can do that. I wasn’t aware that was the case 😎👌
@@TomleyRC Yes. Actually while we all know rtr is known for ready to run those 3 models, especially the Slash, are advertised on Traxxas as Ready to Race for that reason. They sell like crazy here for racing and after that would be nitro truggy. However; I thought you had an Xmaxx too no?
yup, here in the US Traxxas is great for really quick parts delivery at fair prices when you do break something, they're fairly tough too. only thing I didn't like was their constant legal battles against competitors and their push against people making online videos of foreign made copies. Traxxas was one of the biggest copycats happening 35+ years ago. I'd contacted them a couple years ago about building a budget 1/24 scale on road RWD pan car "club racer", the idea fell on deaf ears? something that a chassis pan can literally be stamped out like slot cars for, and sent in a typical letter envelope.
big companies/corporations do this a lot, "poo poo" your ideas for a while, then act like the idea was their own later on... so maybe we'll see a 1/24 someday?
Only because spec classes exist. You'd be VERY hard pressed to make these competitive against the top-of-the-line trucks from brands like Associated, TLR, XRAY or Schumacher, and unfortunately that makes it a MASSIVE jump once you decide to bump up from the Traxxas RTR spec classes to something higher-end.
@@modelnutty6503
Another issue - the Traxxas forums have a rule against "Traxxas Bashing". And the moderators have a very open interpretation of that rule and will often delete posts or even ban users for giving constructive criticism about a model. Even if it's something small like "please add aluminum shock caps to the rustler platform, the stock plastic shock caps tend to pop off due to excessive flexing".
I love my 2000 vintage Rustler 2wd RTR.
I stripped the original 17 turn Stinger modified and mechanical speed controller and fitted a Hobbywing Quicrun 120 and Castle 1415 motor, with some supporting modifications like bearings and metal gears, it is quite the handful. The original Traxxas 2018 servo finally bit the dust finally and it now has a 9mod 25kg brushless servo as well.
This was my first RC one year ago and I was super satisfied with it. Decent enough speed to have fun, good size to handle a wide variety of terrain and great handling for a new driver. Pretty durable too, once I threw a big RPM bumper on it and upgraded to aluminum shock caps.
Fast forward a year and I've got a Kraton 6s, Maxx, 124019 and a few other odds and ends. Rustler is due to be patched up and sent home to the family to start someone else's RC journey.
My brother and I raced when I was a kid, say 30+ years ago. We had RC10s and JRX2s and eventually got into the Bolink oval cars. About 3 years ago I bought a 2wd Stampede VXL, I'm about to convert it to a Rustler chassis and turn it into a drag racer. It's been a fun hobby to get back into as an adult and brings back great memories. Enjoyed the vid.
I own a 2wd slash and I tried to hate it but I can't. All I've done is installed a turnigy brushless motor, aluminum hubs and heavy duty axles and I absolutely love it. Plus it doesn't hurt that you can get parts at the Hobbyshop
Yes.... I get exactly what you mean. I couldn’t really fault it... and even when I thought of the negatives, you only have to look at the price and they are really not an issue!
Got one of these not too long ago. Installed a taser brushless, 2s lipo, aluminum shock caps and caster blocks, and replaced every single suspension peice with rpm (except for shock towers) and now its rock solid, definitely tones of fun and easy to work on.
Because there is always someone getting into rcing every day..and those platforms are perfect for beginers..great vid
Yes.... very true!
And it’s just a nice rc car, good durability and good part availability
Tomley I bought my son our first Traxxas Stampede and the truck is much fun..159.00 u.s tax & shipping included
That’s a bargain!
Gawd, I bought a Nitro Rustler when I was in training for the Navy, waaaay back in 97! It was super easy to tune, and convinced me that nitro engines are easy to maintain and not frustrating at all.
Lies.
The Nitro Rustler was my only good experience with glow engines, after dozens of OS's and HPIs, the Traxxas had it nailed.
The 90s were when Nitro really started to take off
I had a Traxxas Nitro Buggy around the same time, I was young enough to not really know what I was doing, yet that thing still ran like a top every time. Man that feels like a long time ago lol
smaller engine nitros were easier to tune IMO...I always had more like with .15 or smaller engines, compared to the 2.5, 3.3 and especially the bigger stuff that came in the monster trucks.
I had the opposite experence. Traxxas engines were always a pain for me but my Dynamite Platinums were easy.
If it's not broken, I ve said that forever, and this platform is tried and true.
It has the same problems it had in 1994
@@jacenbjork5190 ok. Sorry it didn't work out for you
@@jeremymiller2340 I work at a hobbyshop and see the same problems over and over. There’s a reason we sell mostly horizon stuff.
Well then that makes no sense, except for your comment, I would totally have guessed arrma fanboy, and I was right, so if that's your choice to push horizon I ain't buying their junk. And I am 100% sure you have no idea what your talking about. Not arguing facts with a fanboy
@@jeremymiller2340 Funny how many call everyone against Traxxas a fan boy of Arrma. Myself, I'm just a hater of Traxxas, and a fanboy of anything not Traxxas. I'll take Arrma, Losi, HPI, Tekno, Associated, and so forth. And my issue with Traxxas is the company, not the vehicles. If the Rustler wasn't a Traxxas, I would have likely bought one.
As for the "if it ain't broke", I agree, but they charge a 1990s price, not $290 CAD for brushed 2wd vehicle that has not had any R&D put into it since it came out
When I bought my very first RC vehicle, I had this Rustler, the 4x4 version, and the 1/16 E-Revo all on my list. I wanted something smaller and 4WD, so I narrowed it down to the E-Revo. Then I started shopping and researching for alternatives. I came across the Hosim lineup, which included the Q903, a 1/16 brushless, and the Hosim 9156, a 1/12 brushed. They look a lot like the 1/16 E-Revo and 1/10 Rustler. The Q903 specs are close to the 1/16 E-Revo VXL and the 9156 is close to the Rustler 4X4 non-VXL at half the price. The Hosim brand has a lot of metal parts and bearings instead of bushings, too. The one downside is the combo ESC/receiver that they come with. I went with the Hosim Q903 and don't regret it for a minute. It has taken everything that I've put it through, INCLUDING GETTING RUN OVER BY A CADILLAC ESCALADE, and I only had to put about 15 USD in parts (I replaced the rear A arms) back into it to get it running again. I ended up getting a 60A ESC and separate receiver for it and still use it frequently. I like it WAAAAAYYYYY more than my WLToys 124019! The Hosim brand is available on Amazon, but Xinlehong and Haiboxing are the Banggood equivalent.
The Rustler will go down in history as one of the longest lived RC models.
The OG chassis and post mount body is now finally going away after 30 years with the bl2s 2wd introduction
@@WinkelManBearPig I hope they keep supporting the OG owners with parts, or that the new chassis is mostly compatible with the original parts.
@@TehBr0 it looks like the chassis is mostly identical. They're adding postless 4x4 style body mounts, we may get cheap postless mount upgrades
My very first was a Traxxas stampede. Most of the same parts as Rustler. But mine was way back before they had the Titan motor and XL-5. I had the Stinger motor and a mechanical speed control lol. The thing was advertised as 23mph with optional gearing and a 7-cell battery. I had a 6-cell pack so probably about 17mph and I had countless hours and hours of pure joy from that thing. 20 years later my collection has grown to about 30 cars and that old stampede is probably my favorite one to this day. I have several hundred packs through it and it still has the original tires. Moral of the story... Don't knock the entry level stuff. In the hands of a 10 year old kid it can ignite a lifelong passion for this hobby.
My Rustler is around 13 years old, give or take, and keeps on going. The best part for me was when a local hobby shop went belly up I bought a bunch of after market crap. Most wasn't made for my rustler but given the price..... modify modify modify. My brushless set up hit's around 55mph to 60mph. However the downside is it's hard to keep it on all fours even with tame pinion.
I bought an xl5 rustler in 2008 or 09. Instantly put in a brushless motor and ran it on 3s lipos. It was night and day between stock and brushless 3s with a few other bits. Made it a fair bit of fun with tyres and suspension tuning.
I absolutely love my 2WD Rustler VXL. 32MPH out of the box on 2s, and that's plenty fast for me to bash around my back yard (I've not tried it on 3s). I have had it for about 3 years, and it has been my most reliable vehicle. Though I do not jump it at all, it certainly has had its fair share of tumbles. Being an older platform is a benefit though, you can get parts for it quite easily.
Sounds like you made a good choice 😎👌
@Trav B LiPo batteries come in a variety of cell counts. The Rustler VXL is capable of handling either 2 cell (2s) or 3 cell (3s) LiPo batteries. More cells = more voltage/power. The "s" simply means the cells are wired in series rather than parallel. Series increases voltage (power), parallel increases amperage (runtime).
No need for a brushless system. Just some ball-bearings and you have loads of fun.
Maybe aluminium wheel knuckles as the plastic ones are known to break easily. Other than that, keep it stock!
I have some bearings on order 👍
Have 2 Rustlers. Best cheapest fun you can get. I'd say go brushless, better tires, bearings, and a wheelie bar so you don't scrape away your transmission. They do pretty good on 3S brushless.
You did this fantastic little beauty no justice. I’m sure all bandit rustler long time owners will agree. Especially as you can spend 40 quid on some brushless kit and get it to max speeds. I have 4 of these and they have never let me down in 10 years. And the icing on the cake I built my 11 year old boys car to a better spec. It thrashed my 6s Vorza all day long.
This was my very first car back in 2002, a hand-me-down 1st gen Rustler from my dad. Loved that car to death! I did a grade school science project with it (got an A and won that year's competition) and got it to do 35 on a brushed Trinity Chameleon motor system with the stock ESC. About 5 years ago, I gave it to some of my cousins that are 10 years younger than I am, and it's still taking a kicking from them. 25 years later, and the same truck still delivers.
I have 2- 2wd 7 year old srampedes xl5’s 27mhz and they are still fun to run… rc cars isnt always about the fastest and greatest.. its about fun and the stampede and rustlers are just fun to run…
I'd watch another couple vids of it in stock form, great value as stated! This is the type of RC that brings in the newbies! My very first hobby grade ground rc was a 2WD Stampede KIT from the 90's (yeah, a kit!). Still own it too. Keep up the good work my guy!
Yes... it’s 100% it beginners option, but with so many upgrades it can keep you engaged in the hobby a very long time, without the need to buy any other RCs
It's 27 years old? Dang didn't know my rustler is 27 years old
That was my first hobby grade RC. Came with a 27 t scorpion motor and a mechanical speed control. Still have and it still runs great...
With a brushless conversion of course. 👍
I just got one. Bought it used and payed almost new retail price for it. It came with a full set of new stock OEM wheels, and a set of new duratrax c2 street tires as well as a few simple color matching upgrades. I adore the rustler. I am more of an arrma guy by nature but I always wanted a rustler for some reason. I bought it at first just for my channel, but I haven't even done any filming with it yet, and I can already tell just in researching it and driving it on my own track that I'm going to fall in love with it. My senton and typhon are better in every single measurable and technical way, except one, which is just the un-measurable joy and fun of the beautifully simplistic 2WD experience the rustler provides. It's very well made, though not serious at all. But I can tell that with just a few cheap upgrades it has alot of potential for some serious speed and racability. I wanted a slash 4x4 vlx to go head-to-head against my senton for a video, but now I don't even care about the slash. There really is something unexplainable about the rustler that just forces you to like it even if you didn't want to.
Uhh, a fresh well-performing 8.4v NiMH will actually charge well beyond 10v, so if you’re able to run it minutes after the completed charge you will get more voltage/top speed out of the NiMH. Even a 7.4v NiMH will charge to 9-10v. But of course the voltage drops insanely fast for a NiMH, even when just sitting idle, compared to a LiPo ... and LiPo just delivers more ‘punch’. But nice. Thinking about getting a brand new Traxxas too.
The xl5 came out like 2005 and pretty much unchanged 15 years. Could definitely use an update. It flies on a nice 2s lipo
This video is why bought a Rustler, I had long forgotten how fun RC cars are! Keep up the honesty!
No probs… and a good purchase! I love the Rustler 2wd
It's a solid car for anyone who wants to start in this genre of RC. I had one 20 years ago and just recently I upgraded to a 4x4 Rustler VXL and a Vorteks (amazing car).
Vorteks is certainly a decent unit!
@@TomleyRC I will admit, your coverage of it sold me and I have had zero regrets.
Looks like a great little car for light bashing. Lots of upgrades available as well. 2wd's are still lots of fun and perfect for running in dirt or street. Thanks for sharing.
Yup just needs a few bearings and a brushless system
I run my Rustler on 3S all the time. 3000mah 50c discharge rate. Only overheats when I run stupid fast spur pinion combinations. I changed everything to bearings all a arms to RPM. Front and rear bars RPM. Alloy heat sink and fan on motor. (You have to modify the wrap around heat sink to fit). I killed the Titan so now I am running the Surpluss Hobby 12T 550 motors, they are cheap and reliable. It's my favourite RC. I will leave it brushless because its got enough power as it is. I am converting my ftx carnage to brushless instead. I love the hobby.
Cheers
Simon. (Australia)
Bearings, aluminum front suspension brace & it will be bulletproof. I’ve still got my kit built rustler form 96-97 & those were the best upgrades in my opinion other than more motor for speed
I got my 2wd Rustler, back when Pep Boys started selling them...along with spare parts to keep'em going,..my brother got a Stampede...I still get a kick out of it even now!...like it was said,..it's a great entry level machine... this one likes blasting off full speed ahead...while the Stampede was too wheelie prone.
I recently purchased a refurbished example. With some minor upgrades it is my favorite RC car ever. It has alloy shock caps, the front arm brace, wheelie bar mount, and alloy 1° toe-in rear carriers. With just a 7-cell NiMH it dominates the short grass/gravel front yard track. I have an upgraded WLtoys 124017, that while faster in a straight line, is much harder to control and can't take corners nearly as fast. I like the Rustler (AKA the Rustly) better than my Associated RC10T2. After a couple months of use nothing has gone wrong with it aside from the upper shock mounting screws coming loose nearly every run.
No need for brushless, may end up with something too fast to bash. Just fit a full bearing set. :)
I think it one of the best for the money. I purchased one for my son, awhile back, I fitted ball bearings on all 4 wheels & eventually a 3800kv brushless motor & 60amp ESC. Only to need the optional Wheely bar! Easy to get parts & options & to work on. He enjoys it, so I’m happy 👍🏻
Yes.... seems to be a popular choice!
If you added ball bearings to all 4 wheels, just curious how it comes factory? Sounds like a good mod. I am still very new in this hobby. I have a couple of crawlers, but also a stampede vxl. I am seriously considering one of these rustler
@@tonyriley4585 The new XL-5 brushed versions, need the brass bushings in the wheels replaced with ball bearings, like the VXL brushless versions have. The gearbox has bearings already, so it’s a cheap & easy upgrade 👍🏻
@@rcalltypes8230 thank you for the reply
Just fired up mine from ten years ago still works. Other than esc overheating even with a cold day. I do have a fan on it did change the gear ratio years ago maybe that makes it overheat
I got a VXL model but with my own electronics (bought a brand new roller). Hobbywing MAX10 3660SL 3200KV combo, GTR Shocks (platinums), X heavy duty drive trains & RPM gearbox with aluminium plate for heat dessipation finished off with a JConcepts F2 body. Amazing car. There are so many 1st and 3rd party upgrades available.
Yes... seen lots of upgrades! I need to maybe ‘spec’ one up!
Good review and very fair to Traxxas. That said, I’m not a fan of proprietary tech in general and Traxxas batteries are unexplainably expensive. I do use a Traxxas charger though, so I solder their connectors on more affordable batteries. Anyway, I own a 2WD Rustler. It’s a good little truck. It’s stable and not overly prone to rollovers. It’s light enough to be fairly durable. Less mass means less breakage. Brushed motor is plenty in this car.
this was my first hobby grade RC car back in 1995, I was 6 y/old, was a Christmas gift of from an uncle. It was imported directly from USA since here in Chile where not available at this time. Nice video!
I have the original version from the 90's. These are the most fun on a dirt track imho.
Awesome... you might like the next video I do on this then 😉👌
Absolutely! Make that brushless! My first RC (in adulthood anyway) is a Tamiya DB03 that was quite fun, but just didn't quite live up to my expectations. Add a brushless combo and bearings all round and this thing is a beast that does 55kph on 2S and 80+kph on 3S. And that is with the 17tooth pinion (still have to try with the 19 tooth one).
Great video as ever!
Yes, I think that’s the plan!
Have mine for over a year now, great car. Cheap Brushless System, some T-Bone Bumpers and Bearings, cheap fun.
got a Rustler in like 2000. Drove it just for the memories like a year ago.
my modded motor and hot ass battery still held up
That cheap HS 18311 was a good shout. All the kids were loving it.
Literally just bought a brand new one today so it matches my wife's rustler and sons stampede...I picked it because it was a great price, 100 percent upgradable and every part can be replaced....Tamiya used to be that way, not any more though
My friend has a rustler 4x4 and I’m so jealous, they are awesome!
You just can’t knock something that still performs! Your video probably just helped Traxxas sell some more rustlers. You did a great job showing off the rustler.
I have a 2wd drive rustler it's amazing got a few upgrades on it it's a tank. One of those rc's that never let's you down
Just got my daughter the red one for $159.99 in US. Great price I think for a decent truck. Runs great in our dirt field. And body looks Sharp!
Still got mine ten years old. Just bought new tires the other day for it. I run 21/86 (48 pitch). 25 mph and can still handle training mode for toddlers on longer grass. This is why I do t understand the craze for wl toys 10422, cause this is waaaaaaaaay better
Yes, at this price point it’s hard not to like!
Had the rustler since it came out and I love mine as well!
God bless take care and stay safe
This was my first RC over a decade ago, im picking one back up to start getting back into rcs
Seeing this i appreciate more how good value the aliexpress/banggood cars are.
I have an original mid-'90s one of these that I used to bash when I was a kid. Still runs today, but needs a new battery. I'd love to see this brushless as I am looking to see what I can do with mine to bring it into the 21st century so my kids can enjoy it now.
If it's goes like the legendary hpi efirestorm, sure will be really fun to play with. I always be in love with that kind of stadium trucks.
Just got one last week same colour. These cars are beauties I put bearings in it an ordered a cheap brushless combo on Amazon. Fun little truck.
Bearings on the way... and then I think a cheap Brushless
@@TomleyRC hell yeah. I almost have more fun with this car then my maxx. Which is also a bit new so I'm always worried to wreck the damn thing.
I feel like this body striping was changed from the old school the two-four stripe Baja Ironman Toyota paint, to looking like a Gatorade logo and sports shoes was around this time.
Been watching since 10k - Nice video as always 👌
Thanks dude. Really appreciate the support
I had purchased mine back in 2006 with the xl5, 12 turn and the big chrome wheels.
Definitely try brushless!! Seems like tons of fun!!
Why change, it's actually a good R/C for the new people coming to R/C and even good for the pros, lots of options with the Rustler....so many options.
I know that a lot of people do not like Traxxas cars for different reasons. I think they are good for what they are. They are a good beginners R/C truck that is easy to use, you do not need to build it and they are durable too. I got my young son a Traxxas TRX4 truck. Nothing wrong with that truck. I own a Traxxas Slash truck. I only use it for thrashing. It is good for that. I have many other R/C cars and trucks for different uses. I guess it depends what you want your R/C car for. Thoughts?
I agree....as long as you enjoy it, that’s all that matters!
Good to blow any dust and grit out of the Titan motor after use, mine only lasted 8 months
Mine lasted 2 days. But I was am idiot with it lol
Great video I've had the nitro rustler with Pro 15 engine and stinger exhaust and the vxl you can't keep the front wheels down Great fun definitely ballrace all and go brushless
Sounds crazy!
@@TomleyRC it was rapid the vxl beast
I think it's fine just the way it is. If you go brushless, it will probably get damaged way quicker. Nothing wrong with Brushed. I would wait until the motor or esc burn up. Then I would think about going brushless. That's what I would do 👍
Speaking of.. The "new" Magnum Pro 272 gearbox in the Drag Slash... The Traxxas LS2 Blue Eagle and the TRX-1 2WD buggy of 1991 had the Magnum 272 with metal motor plate (but separate inner hinge blocks to adjust arm kick up but plastic gears). So, also if you want to be picky, the first Rustler was the Hawk 2 in 89/90? The gearbox, the arms, shock towers and front bulkhead, gearbox internals are interchangeable and 32~33 years old.
Cool story... I love the retro stuff. 😎👌
I have the xl5 2wd and the vxl 2wd and love em both, I never run nimh on xl5 just 2s and is great fun 💯 the vxl is crazy fast on 3s for sure 👍thanks for upload mate 👍👍👍
I’m thinking Bandit VXL next 😎
I will be getting my first ever Traxxas as well but the Drag Slash to go with my DR10 and Losi Camaro 22s. I never imagined I would get anything from Traxxas. If Arrma also make a drag car I would most likely get it as well.
I’ve just upgraded my DR10. Video coming this week. It’s an awesome rig. It sure I’ll get the Slash... but would like the Losi
Last time I bought a Rustler was when they were sold as a kit!! £75 brand new!
Still got it and it's still fun!
Sure is a nice little 2wd truck! I do think it's great that Traxxas offers a more affordable option to get into the hobby. I am really tempted to get myself the bandit, got a used one as my first ever hobby grade RC back in the days. Anyways, nice video!
Yes agree... as much as the expensive ones are really good fun, for the price this is spot on 😎👌
I'm not a fan of the optional gearing with the Brushed motor. It just doesn't have enough pop, the motor gets way too hot aswell
I recently picked up the rustler 4x4 VXL and I love it. For the price difference the 2wd slash is a better value/platform.
most fun rc car after x-maxx 🤘🏻
Love it! My brother got the brushless version and has had nothing but problems, unfortunately.
The problem with most RC’s... more power means more breakages usually
I love my Rusty (brushless) its a great platform but i didnt know it was 10 yrs old. Lot of fun! Great video.
Thanks mate. Yeah... pretty old!
Nice Platform. I bought a brushless 2wd Rustler vxl a couple months ago and I have only changed the wheels a tires.
They look mental on 3s!
Good stuff man ..I had the VXL Rustler and it's hard to find as good, durable,fast and easy to repair.
I hit 74 mph with my VXL...quite easily.
I love watching these vids so much helpful stuff and honest reviews and very entertaining don’t stop making these awesome vids man
Bought xl5 and I Bought the 2wd vxl and it the dogs love it go brushless you will enjoy it mate
Cheap long term Dog Walker 😅
I bought the VXL 2wd last sumer after 30yrs out of the hobby. Was really bored durring the shut down. It's a frickn riot to drive.
The VXL looks awesome
We have a Rustler vxl 2wd and a pair with the titan engine. The fun we have with the those two brushed Rustlers is unmatched in our opinion!( never had any real issues with them.) The one with the brushless engine is way quicker on the long straights and on tarmac but harder to control and tricky when u try to drag race it in the end i think its faster on all fronts but the handling is more difficult, and we had to repair it more than one time..
I haven't had many issues with my bandit vxl. Only broken 2 driveshafts in the 2 years that I've owned it. I'm running short course sized tires as well. The bandit vxl is my 2nd best basher right behind my maxx.
I bought that when they first came out. I thought the old tamiya cars were the bomb! Then you drive them today, you realize how much technology has progressed. My favorite was the Bandit vxl, came with a wheelie bar back in the day. I never bought a brushed version. Even for my kids. Why did you buy a brushed version? Just wondering?
That Bandit VXL is almost (personally tested) 75 mph out of the box as advertised. I got 68. But still!
Yes... a different world to Tamiya. Bought the Brushed as it’s the most popular one for people to start with. And to see if it could still cut it in 2021.... 😉👌
@@TomleyRC tamiya rc’s are still fun! You just can’t forget your not driving a newer rc and be easy on them.
Awesome truck, great lightweight so will always take a beating, plus the added bonus of the aftermarket parts carbon, alloy, Awesome video as always matey 👍🏻👍🏻
I love how you start your vids. That clip is so random.
Haha... I like to be a bit random 😅
I miss my old Traxxas Rustlsr I wish I wouldn't have had to given it up someday soon I'll get another one. There very fun trucks to drive just stock and I can't wait to have another one.
Brushed Rustler was my first 1/10 scale as a kid. Eventually it got brushless swapped and then eventually became a parts car and thrown away.
I recently got another rustler for free from my boss at work. It’s super old. Had the remnants of a mechanical speed controller. The tires are destroyed but will work good enough. Throwing some brushed electronics and steering servo out of my Redcat thunderdrift onto it and a 15 turn 540 motor. Should be a fun car for the dog to chase around the yard.
Just ordered my 3 year old son a xl5 stampede, can't wait to put it in training mode and let him rip it around the sandpit near my house.
Awesome!
I own 3 of em, kids have brushed ones and I have a brushless. They are amazing trucks
Awesome family fun!
I love my wrestler. I even put a sidewinder for on that and finding the perfect gears to get more power
Can't beat Traxxas for a well rounded RC.. used to love my T-Maxx... would love a eRevo.. thinking of putting eRevo tranny in a old Terra Crusher.
I just picked up a used 1 cheap with 4000kv in it, really happy with it, would be a awesome
1st rc imo,
Al ready ordered a rear motor guard/ bumper 😅
It's an awesome car, I've got 2 of them 😇
Sold my Xray XB4 to buy a Rustler VXL 2wd, never regret it.
Agree... it’s certainly surprised me!
If you want to upgrade, everybody's advice is a brushless 3200kv or 4000kv 120A on 3s, but I enjoy it on 2s.
Paddles on the back, take it down the beach.... Awesome!
😄you are bringing me back sweet memories
😎👌