Traxxas Sledge vs XRT [How Do These Monster Trucks Compare?]

Last Updated on October 17, 2024 by Jaxon Mike

Traxxas makes some of the most popular and highest performing RC vehicles on the market. Two of their standout monster truck models are the Sledge and XRT. These trucks have imposing designs and deliver thrilling speed and power. But how exactly do they compare?

Here is an in-depth comparison table for the Traxxas Sledge vs XRT:

Specs	Traxxas Sledge	Traxxas XRT
Scale	1/6	1/6
Price	Check Price	Check Price
Power	Brushless 550XL motor	3500Kv brushless power system
Top Speed	50+ mph	60+ mph
Acceleration	Quick, massive starting torque	Slightly slower, higher top end
Tires	3.8″ siped orifice	3.8″ ribbed orifice
Ground Clearance	Very high	Medium
Shock Towers	Ultra rigid, huge chassis	More flexible body
Suspension	8 preload adjustable oil-filled coil overs	4 coil overs with dual rate springs
Electronics	Velineon VXL-3s with TSM	Velineon VXL-6s with TQi & TSM
ESC	Waterproof	Waterproof
Batteries	7-Cell NiMH hump pack	2x 6700mAh LiPo stick packs
Run Time	Up to 30 minutes	Up to 25 minutes
Drivetrain	Modular transaxle	Integrated transmission
Telemetry	–	Bluetooth module capable
Body	Rigid tube chassis & cosmetic body	Integrated aerodynamic body
Durability	Extremely durable, modular parts	Less durable body, easily scratched
Terrain Handling	Excellent in all terrains	Best on flat hard surfaces

Introducing the Traxxas Sledge

The Traxxas Sledge took the RC world by storm when it arrived in 2020. This menacing monster truck instantly made a name for itself as one of the toughest rides around.

Impressive Size and Power

The first thing you’ll notice about the Sledge is its imposing size. It’s a 1/6 scale truck with a huge visible tube chassis that gives it an instantly recognizable look. The sizable 3.8 inch tires and wide stance make this a monster in every sense.

But it’s much more than a pretty face. Under the hood, the Sledge packs a punch with a 550XL brushless motor capable of 50+ mph speeds. This raw power allows the Sledge to traverse all sorts of terrain and obstacles without slowing down.

Durable for Hardcore Bashing

While fast, the Sledge is also built to last. The heavy-duty chassis provides a rigid backbone that can absorb nasty spills and crashes during hardcore bashing sessions. Beefy 8 oil-filled coilover shocks soak up uneven terrain, while the drivetrain components are engineered to stand up to brutal use.

The Sledge can bash against rocks, slide across asphalt, and even send huge jumps – all while holding up to the punishment. This durability and reliability is what makes it so popular among extreme RC enthusiasts.

The Newcomer: Traxxas XRT

In late 2022, Traxxas introduced a new high-performance monster truck called the XRT. It joined the Sledge to form a dynamic monster truck duo in Traxxas’ lineup.

Lightning-Quick Acceleration

While the Sledge produces beastly muscle, the XRT is more about lightning-quick speed. It rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.25 seconds thanks to its cutting-edge brushless drive system. The torque and acceleration make it fantastic for racing across wide open spaces.

Aerodynamic Body

The XRT sports a sleek body that looks like a futuristic alien spacecraft compared to old-school monster trucks. The angled front wedge, enclosed wheels, and big rear wing all combine to improve high-speed stability and reduce drag.

So while it may not have the menacing stance of the Sledge, the XRT can achieve insane straight line speeds that few RCs can match. Its specialized body plays a key role in that performance.

Power and Performance

When it comes to speed and power, both the Sledge and XRT deliver thrill rides. But they achieve that performance in different ways.

Thrilling Speed

The XRT holds the edge in outright top speed. Its aerodynamic body and brushless system allow it to hit 60+ mph on wide open stretches. The Sledge is geared more for torque and acceleration off the line versus top end speed. Both can go frighteningly fast for RCs.

Wheelies and Jumps

The brute power of the Sledge makes it legendary for pulling off massive jumps and palm-lifting wheelies. It has the weight and tire grip to launch skyward off ramps and cleanly land huge air. The XRT is better suited for dirt drags and flat out sprints across packed dirt or pavement.

Bashing Durability

When running full throttle and bashing hard, durability matters. Here the Sledge has a clear advantage with its ultra-rigid chassis, beefed up components, and extensive armor. The lighter XRT body is more vulnerable to crash damage, so the Sledge is the go-to for hardcore bashing.

Design and Feature Differences

These Traxxas trucks share high-end components but diverge when it comes to their designs and certain features.

Electronics

Both utilize Traxxas’ TSM stability management in their ESC system for precise handling. The XRT rocks a more advanced ESC that can be fine tuned via smartphone app. But the Sledge’s ESC is proven, reliable hardware.

Tires and Wheels

The Sledge runs towering 3.8 inch tires on durable wheels suited for climbing and crushing objects. The lower profile tires and dish wheels on the XRT favor speed over off-road traction and abuse tolerance.

Batteries

Run time is similar, with both trucks capable of 20+ minutes per charge. The Sledge uses a simple hump pack NiMH battery. The XRT houses its stick pack LiPo battery internally to augment aerodynamics.

Ease of Use

Between the two models, the Sledge generally offers better usability and convenience.

Terrain Bashing

With its huge ground clearance, beastly tires, and rugged chassis the Sledge can traverse rough terrain that would stop other RCs. The XRT becomes vulnerable on rocky trails ordeep ruts at speed.

Maintenance and Repairs

The Sledge wins again thanks to its modular design that allows quick access when cleaning or swapping components. The integrated body of the XRT makes maintenance more challenging. Parts are readily available for both trucks.

Upgrades

While very capable out of the box, owners do upgrade Sledges by adding metal gears, motors, and beefier axles to handle more power. The proprietary aerodynamic body of the XRT reduces aftermarket upgrade potential.

Key Buying Considerations

Price and intended use are key factors when deciding between the Sledge and XRT.

Pricing

The Sledge has a MSRP around $800 ready-to-run. The XRT costs a bit less at $700 RTR. Hop-up parts and upgrades will add to those figures for serious hobbyists.

Value Proposition

For outright speed, the XRT provides better bang for buck. But factoring in durability and upgrade potential, most RC enthusiasts view the Sledge as offering superior long term value.

Truck Roles

The Sledge suits backyard bashing where maximum toughness is needed. With its race-inspired engineering, the XRT is optimized for wide open throttle runs across flats, desert terrain, and tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size are the Sledge and XRT?

Both are 1/6 scale monster trucks, so approximately 18-20 inches long. The Sledge sits taller thanks to its bigger tires.

What motors do they use?

The Sledge has a 550XL brushed motor. The XRT houses a 3500Kv brushless motor. Both deliver massive power but achieve it differently.

How fast can they drive?

The XRT has a higher top speed potential of over 60 mph. The Sledge can still hit 50+ mph. But the Sledge accelerates harder from a standstill.

Can I drive them on most terrains?

The Sledge can tackle just about any terrain thanks to great clearance and grip. The lower slung XRT works best on hard packed dirt, pavement, grass, and softer surfaces.

Do I need experience to drive them?

Even beginners can handle them thanks to the TSM stability controls. But given their extreme performance, prior RC experience helps maximize their capabilities safely.

Conclusion

Traxxas has two awesome high-performance monster trucks available. The Sledge and XRT have distinctive strengths and personalities.

The Sledge

If you prioritize toughness, jaw dropping power, and towering looks, the Sledge is hard to beat. This beast can bash harder than almost any production RC thanks to its robust chassis, ultra torque, and excellent ground clearance. Upgrades are plentiful too.

The XRT

Opting for the XRT puts a priority on aerodynamics and ludicrous speed potential. It’s built to set mph records across packed dirt or pavement. The sleek alien styling is also a major, head turning attraction for some buyers.

In the end you can’t go wrong with either truck. Both deliver incredible RC experiences. Choose the one that best matches your preferences and budget!