The Traxxas Slash is arguably the first RC short course truck. Some say it started the craze.

The Slash is a 1/10 scale short course truck. Short course trucks have full fenders, and a high level of detail. They look a lot like their full size counter parts. This is a part of the draw to this class. The original 2 wheel drive Slash comes with the waterproof XL-5 ESC, and Titan 12 turn brushed motor. The newer versions have the Traxxas 2.4 ghz radio system.

In the time I’ve owned my Slash, it has been both raced and bashed. On the racing scene, it did well against other Slashes, Losi Strikes, and the occasional HPI Blitz. When more formidable racing trucks started showing up at my track, it became obvious the Slash was out of its element. The Slash can be modified to a point where it can be competitive, but in it’s stock form it’ll be tough to win races against the purpose built race trucks out there. There are upgrades available, however, that make this a very competitive truck on the track. Both Proline and STRC make kits that will help the Slash compete with the big boys. Before you pickup a Slash and make these changes though, check with your local track to make sure they allow these kits to be used.

I have found that the Slash is very very durable. In the time I’ve owned it, there have been only a few breaks. One was the rear hub carrier. In the dead of a New York winter, I was running the Slash in my driveway, powersliding through the snow drifts. It was below 0 degrees outside. At some point I slid sideways into the curb at the end of my driveway, and the rear hub carrier broke. RPM Racing products makes heavier duty rear hub carriers than the stock Traxxas pieces. Also a very cheap replacement, maybe $6 or so. It was a no brainer.

The second part I broke was actually the differential. Again driving in the snow, this time doing full throttle burnouts all the way up my driveway, then hitting the dry street. I think I had the slipper clutch too tight, because after about ten of those I heard a crunching noise from the truck. Also not a very expensive fix, maybe $12 in parts and lube.

The only other part I’ve broken was a shock. I built some extreme jumps to try out at the track, and after the races one day we were fooling around on them. I was getting around 6 feet vertical height, and coming down on the landing ramp I built. Well, I missed the landing ramp a couple of times, and after I got home I noticed one of the shock shafts was bent. I threw in a set of Traxxas big bore shocks and never looked back.

Not sure if you noticed, but I mentioned a few times I was running in the snow. I fashioned up a set of skis to help the truck’s steering in the slippery stuff.

One of the very nice features of the truck is that the stock Slash electronics are waterproof. The receiver is sealed in a weather proof box, the servo  and ESC are both  waterproof. The motor doesn’t care if it gets wet, in fact some people break in brushed motors under water.

In the end, if you plan on racing…don’t buy a Slash unless you can also go for the Proline and STRC upgrades. If you plan to do any bashing/mudding/jumping where durability is necessary, give the Traxxas Slash some serious consideration. Its a great truck for beginners, and experienced drivers alike. I challenge you to drive one without a smile on your face.