So, you have settled your mind on getting a new short-course race truck. Without a shred of doubt, the Traxxas Slash is one of the best models to buy in this category. But it’s not a simple choice since there are multiple Traxxas Slash variations. In our Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL vs Ultimate breakdown, we will compare two of those.
The Traxxas Slash VXL and Ultimate have the same body design, and they are both powered by brushless engines. They also have similar top-speed potential. But once you take a deeper look at both of these RC models, you will find many distinctive factors. Let’s find out what attributes set apart these two models.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL vs Ultimate: Side By Side Comparisons
Category | Slash 4×4 VXL | Slash 4×4 Ultimate |
| Ground Clearance | 2.83 inches | 1.85 inches |
| Weight | 93.1 oz | 80.4 oz |
| Shocks Type | Oil-Filled Ultra Shocks | High Capacity GTR Shocks |
| Servo Type | Digital High-Torque Waterproof Steering Servo | High-Speed Metal Gear Servo |
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL vs Ultimate: What Makes Them Different?
1. Body
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL
Many RC hobbyists love the Traxxas Slash for its faithful recreation of a real-life short-course truck. It features an SCT Split Spoke design which gives the vehicle more of an authentic short-course truck look. The color-molded bead locks complete the look. The chassis is 2.83 inches clear of the ground.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate
The Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate body design is almost the same as its VXL counterpart. While the logo and other aesthetic details are the same, the Ultimate and VXL differ in color patterns. Traxxas has used different combinations of blue, green, black, and orange to decorate these cars. The Ultimate and VXL have their distinct patterns.
But the difference that influences the change in performance is the chassis height. The Ultimate has a lower ground clearance than the VXL. It’s also a bit lighter, but it does not make it significantly faster than the VXL. However, lower body weight and chassis height make the Ultimate easier to control. The sway bars minimize chassis roll and improve corner turning.
2. Build Quality
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL
The Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL comes equipped with waterproof electronics. So, you can take your Slash VXL out for a spin even in rainy weather conditions. Mud, snow, or dirt, nothing is going to stop you. You also get rubber-sealed ball bearings and heavy-duty drive shafts. Do you want a tough RC to dominate the terrains? A Traxxas Slash VXL would surely fit the profile.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate
The Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate comes with all the rugged goodness of the Traxxas Slash 4X4 vxl. Water resistance, high-performance drive shafts, premium ball bearings, superior traction; you name it, the Traxxas Slash Ultimate has it. It does one better with its complete aluminum body build.
From a design perspective, picking aluminum as the Traxxas Slash Ultimate building material was a masterstroke. Since aluminum is one of the most lightweight yet durable elements known to men, the Slash Ultimate is more heavy-duty than the VXL. But, it also happens to be lighter, which gives the Ultimate great advantage in various scenarios.
3. Suspensions
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL
Off-road action at high speeds demands shocks that are resilient, tough, and responsive. The oil-filled ultra shocks in the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL fit the job description perfectly. The oil is separated from the air by a silicone bladder within the shock because of consistent damping action, thanks to the shock’s high-volume body.
Traxxas engineers took advantage of computer modeling to successfully achieve maximal flexibility in the front axle carriers. Even at the most extreme degrees of suspension travel, you can sense a strong steering response. Chamber links and double-shear tie rods cannot pop off, meaning you will always stay in control of the vehicle.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate has GTR shocks, which represent the crème de la crème in Traxxas’s suspension technology. The 13mm bores of the blue PTFE-coated aluminum shock bodies allow them to contain more oil—more than 70% more—than the normal Slash Ultra Shocks, while the shafts’ smooth titanium-nitride coating prevents scratching and boosts durability.
The GTR shocks also do a remarkable job in reducing stiction. So, it allows for superior shock absorption when the vehicle is driving through bumpy terrains and is making big jumps. X-rings seal the shocks to keep oil in and dirt out, resulting in smooth, consistent damping and soft suspension action lap after lap.
Traxxas’ aluminum stub axle carriers make the Ultimate stronger and look better without changing the way the Slash 4X4’s track-bred suspension geometry works. The high-endurance composite arms also add to the suspension resilience. We can say with confidence that you will get a better suspension system with the Ultimate.
4. Servo
Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL
For a lightning-quick response, a race truck needs a strong steering servo. With the Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL, you get a stock servo that is waterproof and provides excellent torque and control. The Traxxas Slash servo is 25% faster than the Rustler one. It also delivers more than 50% of torque, compared to the Rustler servo.
Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate
The Slash VXL servo is good, but the Ultimate servo is even better. Its faster responsiveness substantially improves the driving experience. Traxxas has assigned the 2075R servo to control the Slash 4×4 Ultimate. It has been specifically designed to exploit Slash Ultimate’s full aluminum design and deliver the best RC performance.
Final Words
After going through our Traxxas Slash 4×4 VXL vs Ultimate analysis, you might ask yourself whether or not spending extra on the Ultimate would be worth it. You will be getting Traxxas Stability Management, training mode, failsafe five-channel micro receiver, waterproof components, and the Velineon 3500 brushless motor in both models.
Undoubtedly, the Slash 4×4 VXL has excellent value for money, but you might not regret going for the Ultimate’s higher price tag. You will get a more durable RC truck for sure. You can drive with even more confidence in challenging terrains and expect better control because of Ultimate’s unique design attributes.
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