what is the Best Servo for Xmaxx? [in 2024]

Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

The Traxxas Xmaxx is a beast of an RC truck, known for its immense size, unrelenting power, and ability to handle extreme bashing with ease. As a heavy-duty 1/5 scale truck built for extreme use, finding the right servos to handle everything the Xmaxx can dish out is critical. I’ll explore the top digital and brushless servos that can provide the speed, torque, durability and efficiency needed for the demanding requirements of this monster truck.

Quick comparison table for the top servos discussed for the Xmaxx:

Servo	Type	Speed (Sec)	Torque (oz-in)	Voltage	Waterproof	Price
Savox SW-0250 M-C	Brushless Digital	0.076	515	6-8.4V	Yes	$180
Pros	Extreme torque, very fast speed, robust metal case, fully waterproof
Cons	Expensive, overkill torque for some setups
Savox SB-2290 SG	Brushless Digital	0.065	780	6-8.4V	Yes	$250
Pros	Incredibly fast transit time, high torque rating, efficient brushless design
Cons	Very expensive, torque could be higher for drivetrain
Power HD 2250R Spline	Digital	0.076	500	6-8.4V	Yes	$100
Pros	Good speed/torque balance, durable spline gears, waterproof, good value
Cons	Lower torque than premium options
Dynamite DS215MG	Digital	0.069	475	6-8.4V	Yes	$90
Pros	Very fast sub 0.07 sec time, steel gears, small form factor, affordable price
Cons	Lower torque rating
Hitec D785TW Karbonite	Digital	0.077	530	6-8.4V	Yes	$150
Pros	Purpose-built for Xmaxx, good speed/torque balance, rugged housing
Cons	Higher price

What is the Xmaxx?

Xmaxx Overview

The Xmaxx is Traxxas’ biggest and baddest radio controlled truck. Weighing nearly 20 pounds fully loaded and measuring over 2 feet long, this massive 1/5 scale beast is equipped to handle extreme bashing and intense driving that would break most other RC trucks.

The huge size paired with a powerful castle creations brushless system gives the Xmaxx unmatched power and strength. Massively oversized tires provide incredible ground clearance to drive over virtually any terrain or obstacle. Beefy suspension arms, ultra shocks and a rugged steel frame make the Xmaxx nearly indestructible. Any RC enthusiast looking for an insanely fast tank ready for giant jumps, extreme off-roading and intense bashing needs to check out the Xmaxx.

Xmaxx Capabilities

So what can this monster truck actually handle? Here’s a quick overview:

• Speeds over 30 mph out of the box, over 50 mph with upgrades
• Can jump over 15 feet high
• Suspension travel over 5 inches to absorb giant crashes
• Tires over 6 inches tall to roll over anything
• Waterproof electronics for driving through water, mud and snow
• Nearly 30 minutes of runtime on a charge
• Durable enough to hand almost any crash or full speed roll over

The Xmaxx delivers jaw dropping speed and giant air to smoothly handle every type of terrain at almost any speed. Let’s take a closer look at how to choose the right digital servos to optimize performance.

Servo Basics for the Xmaxx

Choosing the right servos for an RC vehicle is crucial, but particularly important for the extreme demands of the Xmaxx. Heavy duty, high torque servos with lightning fast speed are required to deliver strength, precision and durability when navigating obstacles at 30+ mph.

Understanding Torque and Speed

The two key servo specifications to evaluate are torque and speed:

• Torque – This measures the maximum turning force that the servo can deliver. Higher torque lets a servo power and precisely position heavy loads. The Xmaxx needs very high torque servos to quickly maneuver its large tires and heavy parts at high RPM speeds. Most stock servos max out at 120 oz-in of torque, while specialty servos offer over 500 oz-in for extreme applications.
• Speed – This measures how fast a servo can move per second, specified by the transit time to move 60 degrees or transit time for the full 180 degree sweep. Faster transit times result in more responsive, agile steering and throttle control. Stock servos usually have transit times of .15 to .2 seconds. High end digital servos boasttransit times less than .1 seconds for blazing fast response times. This helps compensate for any servo delay when operating at 30+mph.

Different Types of Servos

There are two main types of hobby servos suitable for the Xmaxx:

Analog Servos

Analog servos use traditional brushed DC motors and basic internal circuitry. While inexpensive and reliable, they have slower speed and lower torque capabilities compared to digital options. Analogs servos are typically not robust enough for most Xmaxx applications.

Digital Servos

Digital servos utilize advanced brushless motors, stronger gear trains and more sophisticated internal electronics. This gives them much higher precision, torque, speed and overall performance over analog counterparts. Top digital servos feature metal cases, waterproof sealing and robust parts to withstand intense use. This combination of strength and performance makes high end digital servos the best choice for optimizing most functions on the demanding Xmaxx platform.

Key Considerations for Xmaxx

Here are some key capability targets to evaluate when selecting an appropriate servo for the Xmaxx:

• Torque – Look for 400+ oz-in for steering servos, 800+ oz-in for throttle/brake servos
• Speed – Target under .08 sec transit time for steering, under .10 for throttle/brake
• Voltage – Minimum 6v operation, with support up to 8.4v for 4s LiPo battery utilization
• Strength – Robust metal gears, high quality bearings and durable metal case
• Waterproof – Must be fully waterproof for wet conditions
• Programmability – Adjustable settings to fine tune servo for specific vehicle dynamics

High end digital brushless servos meet or exceed these targets to deliver the power, speed and precision required in this demanding vehicle. Now let’s look at some of the top servo options specifically designed for the Xmaxx.

Top Servos for the Xmaxx

Many companies produce specialized high performance servos designed for large scale vehicles like the Xmaxx. I’ll cover some of the most popular servo options to handle intense use in this monster truck.

1. Savox SW-0250 M-C

The SW-0250 delivers an insane 515 oz-in of torque, perfect for cranking the Xmaxx’s giant tires. Transit time is .076 seconds at 8.4V for agile adjustments at full speed. It has robust Swiss made internals and an aluminum case rated to IP68 waterproof levels. Programming lets adjustments to position limits, torque delivery curves, speed profiles and more. This monster torque makes steering very precise even under heavy loads. It’s about $180.

Pros:

• Extreme torque over 500 oz-in
• Very fast transit time
• Robust metal casing and gears
• Fully waterproof

Cons:

• Expensive at around $180
• May be overkill torque for some setups

2. Savox SB-2290 SG

With blistering fast .065 second transit time and 780 oz-in of torque, the SB-2290 SG is ideal for throttle and brake in the Xmaxx. The quick transit time helps fine tune throttle control for instant speed adjustments. Massive torque combined with coreless carbon brush technology ensures efficient and durable power delivery even under heavy drivetrain loads. It’s around $250.

Pros:

• Incredibly quick transit time
• High torque rating
• Efficient brushless design

Cons:

• Costs over $250
• Torque could be higher for drivetrain

3. Power HD 2250R Spline Digital Servo

The Power HD 2250R Spline servo hits the sweet spot of speed and torque for well-rounded Xmaxx use at just $100. Transit time clocks .076 seconds with 500+ oz-in of torque at 8.4V. The spline drive train and sturdy alloy case offer durability while the waterproof design is ready for wet conditions. Solid precision and strength makes this a great, affordable option from a quality brand.

Pros:

• Well balanced speed and torque
• Durable spline drive train
• Waterproof alloy housing
• Good value at $100

Cons:

• Torque output lower than premium options

4. Dynamite DS215MG

Dynamite is trusted brand known for speed. The DS215MG delivers with transit time of .069 seconds – making it one of the fastest servos available. With 475 oz-in of torque and metal gears, it also offers impressive power in a compact, durable package ready for Xmaxx demands. Just $90 makes this a great performer for blazing steering response.

Pros:

• Very fast sub .07 transit time
• 475 oz-in of torque in small form
• Durable steel gears
• Affordably priced around $90

Cons:

• Lower overall torque rating

5. Hitec D785TW Karbonite Digital Racing Servo

This Hitec servo was purpose built for the XMaxx with optimal gearing and Karbonite reinforced plastic chassis engineered to handle extreme punishment. Transit time of .077 seconds and 530 oz-in ensure excellent speed and torque balance. Fully waterproof with top notch bearings and internals for only around $150.

Pros:

• Purpose built for Xmaxx use
• Good combination of speed and torque
• Rugged Karbonite plastic reinforced housing

Cons:

• Higher price around $150

FAQs:

What is the best servo for the Xmaxx?

The Savox SW-0250 M-C is likely the best overall servo for the Xmaxx due to its unmatched 515 oz-in torque rating and fast .076 transit time. It’s robustly built to handle intense use and fully waterproof.

What features should I look for in an Xmaxx servo?

Look for high torque over 500oz-in minimum for steering or 800+ for throttle, transit times under .080 seconds, robust metal casing and gears, 6+ volt operation and waterproofing.

Are stock Xmaxx servos good enough?

The stock servos are decent, but upgrading to higher torque, faster servos will improve handling, especially if doing tuning and performance mods. Most Xmaxx owners choose to upgrade.

Is 700+ oz-in overkill torque?

Not for the Xmaxx drivetrain – the immense weight requires very high torque just to get the truck moving. Over 700 oz-in helps get maximum pulling power.

Can I program aftermarket servos?

Many premium digital servos are programmable to customize torque curves, limits, directionality and more. Programming fine tunes servo response.

Conclusion

Choosing a powerful, durable servo optimized for capabilities like speed, torque and voltage handling transforms Xmaxx performance. Saints ability to crank massive tires smoothly at 30+ mph with digital precision separates next level RCs from mere mortals. Hopefully this breakdown gives you the servo enlightenment to upgrade your Xmaxx game play. Now get out there, pin that throttle and fear no ramp, obstacle or backflip with your fine-tuned beast!