Traxxas UDR Review In 2024 [The Ultimate RC Monster Truck]

Last Updated on December 24, 2023 by editordas

The Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer (UDR) is an epic 1/10 scale RC monster truck that delivers powerful performance and insane durability. As Traxxas’ flagship short-course racing truck, the UDR defines what a high-end RC truck should be.

With its beefy suspension, high ground clearance, massive power system, and rugged parts, the UDR can tackle any terrain or obstacle you throw at it. It’s a thrilling RC truck that provides an unforgettable driving experience.

Overview of the Traxxas UDR

The Traxxas UDR first arrived on the RC scene in 2019, shaking up the world of hobby-grade RC trucks. It’s based on full-scale unlimited desert racers used in events like the Baja 1000, re-created in stunning 1/10 scale detail.

Some of the UDR’s highlights include:

• Highly detailed desert racing truck body with chrome accents
• Long travel suspension with adjustable components
• Powerful brushless motor and 3S capable XL-5HV ESC
• 4-wheel drive with sealed differentials
• Beefy transmission and driveline components
• Rigid C-channel aluminum chassis
• Interchangeable wheels, tires, and tuning parts

Let’s get into the details on this monster RC truck.

Specs and Features

The UDR sits on a wheelbase of 13.2 inches and measures 22 inches long. It has an impressive ground clearance of 3.4 inches to clear any rough terrain or obstacles. The sturdy C-channel aluminum chassis provides a rigid platform for all the components.

Power comes from a sensorless Velineon 3500 brushless motor paired with the XL-5HV ESC. This combo can handle up to 3S LiPo battery power for tire-shredding acceleration. Top speed is over 50 mph on 2S power.

The UDR is equipped with rugged 25/54 gearing and full ball bearings throughout the drivetrain for durability at high speeds. It uses portal axles to increase ground clearance while maintaining a low center of gravity.

The suspension features long travel coilover shocks with 3mm shock shafts. Adjustments include preload, ride height, droop, and shock oil weight. Beefy sway bars help control body roll in the corners.

For traction, the UDR runs on massive V-Groove 2.8-inch tires mounted on Geohex beadlock wheels. The foam inserts allow the tires to “bite” into any terrain.

Other features include a 2075X metal gear waterproof steering servo, 14mm splined aluminum wheel hubs, and 2.5mm thick composite chassis skid plates. Multiple tuning parts can be added to customize performance.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design, the UDR nails the look of a real desert racing truck. The accurately modeled roll cage, faux engine details, 4-point racing harness driver figures, and bright LED lights all add to the realistic racer appearance.

The chrome accents, graphics package, and painted/decals spare tire help the UDR look incredible whether parked in your garage or blasting around a track or open desert.

For durability, Traxxas assembled the UDR with über tough materials. The wheels, transmission, diffs, axles, shocks, chassis, and other components are all engineered to survive harsh desert racing conditions. The thoughtful design is built for strength, not just looks.

All of the electronics including the ESC, servo, battery/wiring, and receiver box are fully waterproof. The sealed differentials are filled with 50,000 wt silicone oil for smooth operation even when submerged in water or mud.

In terms of manufacturing quality, Traxxas maintains strict standards when machining, molding, and assembling the UDR. Very tight tolerances result in a precisely assembled truck with minimal defects. Expect reliable operation right out of the box.

Overall, the UDR sets a benchmark for quality design and construction. The eye-catching styling plus durable components make this a top-performing RC truck.

Driving Experience

Now let’s get to the fun part: seeing how the Traxxas UDR drives! With its powerful brushless system, optimized suspension geometry, and race-inspired chassis tuning, the UDR delivers an epic RC driving experience.

Handling and Performance

Even at low speeds, the UDR feels firmly planted and controllable thanks to the low center of gravity and properly set-up suspension. The sway bars reduce body roll while the shock oil, springs, and damping settings give it a smooth, progressive feel over bumps and jumps.

Once you mash the throttle, hold on tight! The 3500kv sensorless motor has a massive low-end grunt to obliterate any terrain. On 2S LiPo power, the UDR can accelerate from 0 to 30 mph in under 2 seconds. The top speed with the stock pinion is over 50 mph. For 3S power, an optional high-voltage motor and pinion is recommended to avoid overheating issues.

The long travel suspension soaks up massive hits when landing jumps or powering through whoops. The big tires and 4WD system also provide tons of traction for climbing steep inclines or churning through dirt, sand, mud, or snow.

For quick steering response, the metal gear servo provides crisp input with the rear steering enabled. The UDR turns tight for its size thanks to the optimized geometry. On higher grip surfaces, expect some oversteer power sliding.

Overall, the raw power and optimized suspension make the UDR an absolute blast to drive whether blasting around a track or attacking a demanding trail course.

Durability and Reliability

Given how hard you can push the UDR, having bombproof durability is essential. After hours of abusive driving, the UDR takes it all in stride. The beefy chassis, transmission, and driveline components hold up to massive jumps and violent crashes without issue.

The rigid chassis resists bending or twisting while the skid plates protect the underside from scratches, dings, or dirt intrusion. The wheel/tire combo is also extremely tough and long-lasting.

All of the electronics are fully waterproof and able to run in rain, puddles, or mud with no problems. The sealed diffs maintain smooth operation even when submerged.

With basic maintenance like lubricating the drive train, checking screws, and inspecting shock oil, the UDR provides reliable operation run after run. Spare parts are readily available for repairs if you do manage to break something.

Overall, the UDR delivers confidence-inspiring durability to match its high performance. It’s built for hardcore bashing or racing abuse.

Upgrade Options

While the UDR is highly capable in stock form, dedicated enthusiasts can take it to another level with hop-up parts. Here are some popular upgrade options:

Tires – For specific surfaces like rocks or sand, tires like Pro-Line Trenchers or Badlands provide even better grip. The stock Geohex tires work well overall.

Shocks – Beefier GTR hard anodized aluminum shocks improve damping performance and durability.

Chassis – A machined aluminum chassis conversion adds stiffness for racing while reducing flex.

Drivetrain – Steel CVDs, hardened steel spur gears, and aluminum transmission cases boost durability.

Electronics – Hobbywing MAX10 SCT systems have more power. High torque servos improve steering speed.

Bodies – Clear lexan bodies reduce weight up high while showing off interior details.

Between the huge aftermarket parts selection and Traxxas Power Up program, you can build the ultimate UDR rig however you like. The possibilities are endless!

Pros and Cons

To recap, here are the main pros and cons of the Traxxas UDR:

Pros

• Epic scale desert racer visuals and detailing
• Insane 50+ mph speed on 2S power
• Massive dynamite power system
• Durable, dirt-proof drivetrain and electronics
• Ultra long travel suspension soaks up big hits
• Tunable performance via shocks, sway bars, gears
• Waterproof and compatible with 3S LiPo power
• Huge aftermarket parts selection

Cons

• Can break if jumped improperly
• Doesn’t include a battery and charger
• Very fast and may be too much for newbies

While not perfect, the UDR’s pros easily outweigh the cons. For a tough-as-nails RC truck with massive power, it’s hard to beat the Traxxas UDR.

Comparisons to Other RC Trucks

How does the Traxxas UDR stack up against rival RC monster trucks? Here we compare it to some other top choices:

Traxxas E-Revo 2.0

The 1/10 scale E-Revo 2.0 is similar to the UDR but with more of a monster truck feel thanks to the shorter suspension arms and smaller tires. It has slightly less power on 2S but similar top speed potential.

While tough, the E-Revo doesn’t have quite the heavy duty race-inspired durability of the UDR. If you prefer a more playful truck over a dedicated racer, the E-Revo 2.0 is an excellent alternative at a lower price point.

Arrma Kraton 6S BLX

The 1/8 scale Arrma Kraton packs a fearsome 6S capable brushless system for 60+ mph potential. It has heavier-duty components than the UDR but a less precise suspension design.

The Kraton is made for massive launches and ultra durability. However, the larger size and more unruly handling make it less suitable for track driving. The Kraton 6S costs a bit more but offers next-level power and strength.

Redcat Everest 10

As a budget-friendly RTR monster truck, the Redcat Everest 10 costs around half the price of the UDR. It has decent performance on 2S power and can also run on 3S.

However, the overall materials, quality control, and durability lag behind Traxxas. The Everest 10 is best for new RC drivers on a budget looking for a bashable backyard truck. It can’t match the UDR for racing performance or hardcore durability.

While the UDR faces some stiff competition, its blend of insane power, race-inspired handling, versatility, toughness, and upgrade potential make it stand out as one of the best 1/10 scale RC trucks money can buy. It sets the new benchmark for short-course racing trucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What battery does the Traxxas UDR require?

The UDR requires an 11.1V 2S or 14.8V 3S LiPo battery pack, sold separately. A 2S battery with at least 5000mah capacity is recommended for good run times. Make sure to use a compatible LiPo charger.

Is the UDR fully waterproof?

Yes, the UDR is 100% waterproof right out of the box. The electronics, servo, differentials, and entire chassis resist water intrusion. You can safely run it in rain, mud, or puddles with no issues.

How fast can the UDR go?

On a 2S LiPo battery, it can reach 50+ mph on flat ground with the stock pinion gear. With the optional high-voltage motor and larger pinion, 60+ mph is possible on 3S power.

Does the UDR have 4-wheel steering?

No, the UDR only has front-wheel steering. The rear wheels are fixed in place. However, it still handles very well with the optimized front steering geometry.

What is the run time per battery charge?

Run time depends on the battery capacity and how aggressively you drive. On a 5000mah 2S pack, expect 15-20 minutes of hard running. Higher capacity batteries will extend this.

Conclusion

The Traxxas UDR earns its reputation as an RC monster truck icon. With outlandishly powerful speed, race-worthy handling, fearsome looks, and tank-like durability, it delivers an unmatched driving experience.

While expensive, the UDR gives you what you pay for in terms of quality, performance, and fun. It’s easily one of Traxxas’ best RC models to date.

In the world of RC, there’s nothing else quite like unleashing the UDR and watching it shred terrain and soar to the moon off massive jumps.

This purpose-built desert racer is perfect for backyard bashing or track racing thanks to its versatility.

Just be prepared for towering roosts, scraped chassis, and huge air as this beast brings the desert mayhem to your backyard.