Traxxas Blast Reviews [in 2024]

Last Updated on December 25, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

The Traxxas Blast is a ready-to-run RC boat that is perfect for beginners looking to get into the hobby. With its durable construction, high speeds, and fun performance on the water, it’s easy to see why the Blast is one of Traxxas’ most popular models.

In this Traxxas Blast review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, performance, and other key info about this exciting RC boat.

Overview of the Traxxas Blast

The Traxxas Blast is a 1/10 scale RC boat that comes fully assembled and ready to run right out of the box. It features a vectored thrust propulsion system with a sealed watertight electronics compartment to handle splashes and minor submersion. Some key specs and features include:

• Length: 15 inches
• Beam: 7.4 inches
• Speed: Up to 30+ mph
• Motor: Velineon 3500 Brushless Power System
• Radio: TQi 2.4GHz radio system
• Battery: 7-cell NiMH battery and charger included

The Blast is primarily aimed at RC beginners, but its high-performance brushless power system means it has plenty of speed and excitement to offer more advanced users as well. It’s a great choice for anyone looking to get started with RC boats.

Detailed Review of the Traxxas Blast Performance and Features

Now let’s take a more detailed look at how the Traxxas Blast actually performs out on the water and some of its key features and components.

Speed and Power

The Blast lives up to its name in terms of speed. With the included 7-cell NiMH battery, it’s capable of reaching speeds over 30 mph on calm water. The velineon 3500kv brushless motor provides incredible acceleration and torque. This boat has more than enough thrust to get up on plane quickly and maintain high speeds.

While 30+ mph is fast for a ready-to-run boat, the Blast does have even more speed potential. Using an optional higher-voltage LiPo battery can increase speeds to over 40 mph. The brushless power system is efficient and maintains excellent speeds even in choppy water conditions.

Maneuverability and Handling

In addition to straight line speed, the Blast also handles very well thanks to its vectored thrust propulsion system. The dual propellers can be rotated for forward, reverse, and rotation thrust. This makes the boat very nimble and allows for turning on a dime.

The rudder also provides excellent steering and control while maneuvering. Whether you want to execute high-speed turns or simply dock the boat, the handling is responsive and intuitive. Even at the highest speeds, the Blast remains stable and confidently goes where you point it.

Durability and Construction

As you’d expect from Traxxas, the Blast features a very durable and high-quality construction. The hull is made from a fiberglass composite material that provides rigidity while still flexing to absorb impacts.

The watertight electronics compartment keeps all of the sensitive components protected from water intrusion. It can handle splashes and submersion without issues.

The hardware is corrosion resistant, so you don’t have to worry about replacing rusted nuts and bolts down the line. Overall, the Blast is built to last and can take the inevitable hits and crashes that come with running any RC boat.

Convenience Features

In terms of convenience and ease-of-use, the Blast has several nice features worth mentioning:

• The included TQi radio has push-button start up and requires no tuning or configuration to get running.
• The battery compartment makes it easy to access and remove the included NiMH battery pack.
• LED lighting allows you to easily see the location and orientation of the boat even at night.
• The flex cable drive shaft is durable and eliminates tedious maintenance.

Between the simple radio system and tool-less access for items like the battery, even RC beginners will find the Blast very easy to use straight out of the box.

Pros and Cons of the Traxxas Blast

Based on its performance and features, here are some of the key pros and cons that stand out on the Traxxas Blast:

Pros

• Great speeds up to 30+ mph
• Excellent maneuverability and handling
• Durable and rigid construction
• Completely ready-to-run with included battery and charger
• Easy enough for beginners but still fun for experienced users

Cons

• Short 5-10 minute run times on included battery
• NiMH battery technology is dated compared to LiPo
• Somewhat noisy operation
• Higher cost than other entry-level RC boats

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of batteries can I use in the Blast?

The included NiMH battery is good, but LiPo batteries are better in terms of power and run time. The boat is compatible with 2S or 3S LiPo packs.

How long does the battery last?

Run time is 5-10 minutes on the stock NiMH battery depending on speeds. A 2S LiPo will get you 10-15 minutes.

What is the range on the radio system?

The TQi 2.4GHz radio has an excellent range of approximately 250 feet.

Can the boat be used in saltwater?

Yes, the Blast is fine for use in fresh or salt water. Just be sure to rinse it with freshwater after each use to prevent corrosion.

Is the Blast fast enough to pull wakeboarders or tubes?

While it reaches impressive speeds, the Blast does not have quite enough power or torque to effectively tow wakeboarders or tubes. It’s best suited for recreational running by itself.

Conclusion

The Traxxas Blast lives up to its billing as a high-performance RC boat that excels at speed and maneuverability.

The innovative vectored thrust propulsion system allows for precise control and responsive handling that keeps the boat stable even at full throttle. Durability is also excellent thanks to the rigid composite hull and protected electronic compartment that can withstand inevitable crashes and impacts.

It does come at a higher price point than some competing ready-to-run boats, but you get what you pay for in terms of quality.

For RC enthusiasts looking to get into the exciting world of RC boats, the Traxxas Blast is a great option that provides a thrilling experience right out of the box. It would make a great gift for adults or kids interested in the hobby.