Traxxas Slash vs Rustler [Which Short Course RC Truck is Best?]

Last Updated on October 22, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

Traxxas has long been one of the top names in ready-to-run (RTR) radio-controlled (RC) vehicles. Two of their most popular short course truck models are the Slash and the Rustler. These short-course trucks have a lot of similarities, but the designs and components used make them suited for slightly different purposes.

So should you get the Slash or the Rustler? Read on as we compare these two fantastic RC trucks across various metrics.

Traxxas Slash vs Rustler comparision table

Metric	Traxxas Slash 4X4	Traxxas Rustler 4X4
Price	Check Latest Price	Check Latest Price
Design Focus	Racing & all-purpose bashing	Extreme bashing
Suspension	Long travel suspension & rear pivot ball	Rigid suspension
Handling Ability	Excellent traction & steering at high speeds	Good in a straight line, limited steering agility
Top Speed	45+ mph capable	50+ mph capable
Motor System	Velineon 3500kV brushless system	Same Velineon 3500kV system
Durability Features	Beefy ultra shocks, composites, stability control	Reinforced components throughout, massive ground clearance
Skill Level	Intermediate to advanced RC drivers	Beginner to advanced drivers
Hop-Up Part Potential	Great upgradability with tuning parts focused on racing	Lots of durable bashing upgrade parts available
Key Downsides	Lower ground clearance and rigidness than Rustler	Limited steering precision at speed
Best Use Case	Racing tracks, all-purpose recreation	Giant jumps and hardcore bashing

Overview of the Traxxas Slash

The Traxxas Slash is built for high-speed bashing and racing in a short course truck format. It features a low center of gravity and wide stance, which work great for jumps and tricks.

The first-generation Slash was released back in 2008 and took the RC world by storm with its high-performance design focused on accessibility, durability, and customization. It won many industry awards and has gone through several generations of evolution.

“The innovative design of the Slash made short course truck racing accessible and fun for more RC enthusiasts while also creating a great basher.”

Key Features and Details of the Slash

The current Slash 4X4 comes equipped with:

• Velineon 3500kV brushless motor
• XL-5HV 3s capable electronic speed control
• Waterproof electronics
• Long travel suspension system
• Rear pivot ball suspension
• Beefy ultra shocks
• 17mm hex mount wheels

Performance and Handling

This modern 4WD Slash handles great on all sorts of surfaces and terrains. The long suspension travel soaks up big jumps with ease and lets the truck glide over rough ground. The rear pivot ball suspension also allows it to make tight turns without flipping over easily.

The Velineon brushless system provides incredible acceleration and an insane top speed upwards of 45mph when geared properly. This makes the Slash an absolute blast to drive whether blasting through the backyard, ripping around a short course track, or catching huge air off jumps.

The wide stance, built-in stability control, center of gravity, and great shocks come together to allow both high-speed control and stability when landing huge jumps. The Slash can take a beating all day long and keep begging for more.

Overview of the Traxxas Rustler

While the Slash is made for racing and bashing, the Traxxas Rustler has more of a basher focus. It’s built to handle massive jumps, crazy stunts, and all the abuse backyard RC drivers can throw at it.

The Rustler has been around since 1994 when it first popularized the stadium truck style that was eventually adapted to create short course trucks. It has gone through many revisions over the decades while continuing to be one of Traxxas’ most popular RC models thanks to its bash-friendly durability.

“The Rustler is the ultimate RC interpretation of a bash and crash short course truck.”

The latest Rustler 4X4 maintains this heritage and identity as a rugged backyard basher.

Key Features and Details of the Rustler

The current Rustler 4X4 VXL comes equipped with:

• Velineon 3500kV brushless motor
• VXL-3s capable electronic speed control
• Waterproof electronics
• Beefy ultra shocks
• Front and rear rigid suspension
• Reinforced composites all around
• Massive ground clearance

Performance and Handling

The Rustler uses similar powerplant components as the Slash, delivering lightning-fast acceleration and insane 50+mph top speeds on 3S LiPo power. This brute can rip from zero to over 50 in just a few seconds!

While the Rustler is blindingly quick in a straight line, it prioritizes jumping ability and durability over handling and control compared to the Slash. The rigid suspension allows it to absorb big landings without bottoming out while the wide/tall stance lets it rip over all sorts of terrain and obstacles.

Despite being a bit more unruly at high speeds, it still handles decent enough to blast around tracks or navigate technical sections. The uncompromising ruggedness does come at the cost of overall agility, but that’s not what the Rustler is designed for.

Direct Comparison Overview

Now that we’ve covered the backgrounds and design of each truck, let’s compare some key metrics and components head-to-head:

Speed and Power

• Very similar top speed and acceleration
• Same Velineon systems
• Rustler geared more for bashing than speed

Durability and Parts Availability

• Both extremely durable designs
• Slash built for big crashes and jumps
• Rustler taken to another level for hardest crashes
• Great parts availability for both

Upgradability and Tuning

• Nearly endless options for both
• Same foundations to build upon
• Rustler has more ultra-durable hop-up parts

Handling and Suspension

• Slash superior overall agility and cornering
• Rustler has stability but not agility
• Slash better for track racing

Price and Value

• Starting MSRP only $30 apart
• Hold value well if maintained
• Good value retaining resale value

As you can see, there are a lot of similarities but the differences come down to the focus on priorities. The Slash is built for racing and all-around use while the Rustler takes bashing to the extreme.

Which is Better for You?

When deciding between the Slash 4X4 or Rustler 4X4, it mainly comes down to your intended use case and preferences.

Here are some key considerations:

Racing and Track Use

If you plan to race your short course truck or spend time on RC tracks, the greater agility and handling precision of the Slash makes it the better choice. Its center of gravity and suspension are purpose-built for shredding RC tracks or dirt ovals quickly yet smoothly.

Hardcore Bashing

For sending your truck off ridiculous ramps and giant jumps that would destroy lesser vehicles, the Rustler is in its element. Its ultra-rigid components and massive ground clearance can tackle absolutely insane obstacles at high speed.

Both

You really can’t go wrong with either if you simply want a fast 4X4 short course for all-around RC fun. They both deliver incredible 50+ mph speeds and have room for future upgrades.

Budget

The base models have only a $30 MSRP difference so budget is not a significant factor. There are also various kit, RTR, and combo options available in the model lineups to suit different budgets.

Skill Level

The easier handling Slash may suit new hobbyists better while experienced drivers will appreciate the Rustler’s capability to handle huge power and abuse.

Check out more side-by-side videos and tests on YouTube to see these awesome trucks in action before you decide! Either way, Traxxas makes incredibly fun and fast short course bashers.

FAQs

What is the run time on these RC trucks?

With a 5000 mAh 3S LiPo battery, expect 15-20 minutes of intense running before needing to recharge. More casual running extends this.

What batteries work with them?

They require a 11.1V 3S LiPo battery pack with XT90 or IC3 connector. Many options available from Traxxas and others.

How fast can they really go?

They can hit over 50mph on 3S power! Even faster with optional gearing and motor changes.

Can I drive them on most terrains?

Yes, the 4WD and ground clearance allow driving through dirt, mud, gravel, grass and more. Just avoid tall thick grass.

Do I need to upgrade parts?

Not immediately, as the stock trucks are very capable and durable. But upgrades down the road increase capability.

Conclusion

Both the Traxxas Slash 4X4 and Rustler 4X4 are incredible short course trucks, which is why they continue being top sellers year after year. They share a lot of high-performance components under the body that give them great speed and durability.

However, the differences in their suspension, stability controls, weight distribution and overall design philosophy makes them suited to slightly different purposes. The Slash is the racing and all-around fan favorite thanks to the precision handling. But the Rustler takes rugged bashing to another level with the rigid components that let it fly insanely high and absorb huge crashes.

So consider how aggressive you plan to drive and what environments the truck will see the most before deciding between these trucks. Both are great fun for backyard fun and beyond. With the endless hop-up parts and upgrade potential down the road, you can customize them further to create an RC beast perfect for your needs.