I Got Called Out and I Was Wrong! | Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless
Excitement and Anticipation
As soon as I laid my eyes on the new steering wheel for my 10px, I couldn’t contain my excitement. It looked sleek and stylish, and I couldn’t wait to see how it would enhance the overall look of my Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless. I quickly obtained the rotor to complete the setup, believing it would add that extra touch of coolness. The anticipation was building up, and I eagerly placed the new steering wheel onto my remote.
The Unveiling
Finally, the moment of truth arrived. I carefully fit the new steering wheel onto my 10px and instantly felt the difference. The rotor and everything else felt so good in my hands. The aesthetics were on point, and I couldn’t help but admire the transformed appearance of my remote. Indeed, it looked sick!
New Cars, New Systems
Recently, I had the pleasure of receiving two new Traxxas cars, both equipped with the latest bl2s systems. We reviewed the Slash and conducted performance testing on its new brush system. However, today was all about the Rustler 4×4 and its bl2s brushless system. We wanted to push the limits and test its heat tolerance.
Pushing the Limits
We knew our Rustler 4×4 had the capability to handle heat, so we decided to gear it up for maximum speed. Our goal was to see if we could push it to its limits and test its heat threshold. But before we delved into all that, it was time to unbox our new addition and see what awaited us inside.
The Surprise
As I set up a table to unbox the Rustler 4×4, I was relieved to see that I wasn’t alone. Someone had joined me, adding an element of companionship and excitement to the whole experience.
Source Text: “I got one thing I got ta do first Ive been excited to do this since I got it. Oh man look at those new steering wheels for my 10px. Actually, its just a new steering wheel and I have the rotor because I think itll look cool. I got it at hrcr when I was up there in Hayden, Idaho, but man its gon na look sick on here. So let me put it on real quick. Oh man, look at that the rotor and everything feels so good. Look at it, oh geez, Music. What is up guys? My name is Mark Santa Maria welcome back to the channel. Welcome back to the RC Vlog guys. The other day we got two new cars from Traxxas, both with the brand new bl2s systems. In it we did the review on the slash. We did some performance testing on the new brush system. However, today we are going to open up the new rustler 4×4 width. The bl2s brushless system in it were gon na try something we know we can handle heat. So what were going to do is were going to gear it up until its
The Upgraded Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless: A Closer Look
The sleek red exterior of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 is undeniably captivating. This versatile machine is equipped with a clipless body, which is an already built-in feature. However, its latest version also comes with heavy-duty components that enhance its overall performance. Let’s take a quick look at the list of upgraded features:
Extreme Heavy Duty Kit
The extreme heavy-duty kit includes various components designed to withstand rigorous off-road adventures. These upgrades consist of:
- Max duty driveshafts made of durable steel
- Strong, high-quality wheel hexes
- Caster blocks and steering blocks made for enhanced stability
- Hub carriers that can withstand rigorous impacts
- Shock Towers with heavy-duty suspension arms
- Oversized and sealed bearings for smoother operation
All these blue pieces in the kit are part of the extreme heavy-duty upgrade, which promises to enhance the durability and performance of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4.
New Brush System
Another notable feature of this upgraded version is the new brush system. If you haven’t seen it yet, you can find a link in the description below to the first video. In performance testing, this new brush system has proven to be comparable to the 12-turn motor used in the previous model. However, it stands out for its ability to manage heat more efficiently. This system can handle higher gear settings without overheating, allowing for longer and more intense rides.
Today, we’re planning to put this brush system to the test and see just how far it can go. My goal is to push it to its limits and watch it perform flawlessly, without any signs of overheating.
What’s Included in the Box
When you purchase the Traxxas Rustler 4×4, you’ll receive:
- The car itself, with its striking body
- A TQ remote, without the Traxxas Stability Management (TSM) feature
- Note: You also have the option to bind it to a TQi remote, which already features thumb steering. Check out Msmvlog.Com for the thumb steer upgrade, still available in the captivating color
- A bag of spring spacers for adjusting the suspension
- A mini toolkit for quick and easy maintenance
- A warranty card – although admittedly, I’ve never bothered to read it
- Your manual and some other miscellaneous items
Before I continue with the assembly, I’ll take a moment to put the antenna in place. While the battery is charging, I want to make sure everything is set up correctly before unleashing the full potential of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless.
Driving Impressions
Driving the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless in stock form was a delightful experience. The car performed flawlessly on the track and outside, proving its versatility. One of the most remarkable features of this car is its worry-free nature. I didn’t have to constantly worry about overheating or lack of power. The car had plenty of power and handled jumps with ease.
Built for Durability
I must admit, I was skeptical at first, thinking that Traxxas might have paid me to give a positive review. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this car was genuinely impressive. The build quality is top-notch, and I had no concerns about breaking anything during my reckless jumps. The design of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless truly provides a worry-free platform for RC enthusiasts.
Shock Upgrade
If there’s one tiny nitpick I have about this car, it’s the stock shocks. While the ultra shocks that come with the car are decent, I couldn’t help but wonder if Traxxas could have upgraded them for even better performance. However, this minor issue didn’t significantly affect my overall enjoyment of the car.
Perfect Speed
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless strikes a perfect balance of speed for maximum enjoyment. It’s fast enough to provide an exhilarating experience, but not too fast that it becomes uncontrollable. This makes it an ideal choice for RC enthusiasts of all ages. You can confidently pass the controller to a younger family member without fear of them wreaking havoc on the car.
Pinion Replacement
Upon inspecting the pinion, I realized that I wasn’t sure what size it was. It seemed to be either an 11 or a 13. Regardless, it served the car well during my testing, and I had no issues with its performance.
In conclusion, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless is an outstanding RC car that exceeded my expectations. Its worry-free nature, durability, and perfect speed make it an excellent choice for RC enthusiasts of all skill levels. While the shocks could have been upgraded, it’s a minor flaw in an otherwise fantastic package. Whether you’re racing on a track or tearing it up outside, this car will provide hours of entertainment and put a big smile on your face.
Motor Mount Spacer
Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless enthusiasts will appreciate the little motor mount spacer that comes with the car. This thoughtful feature ensures that users won’t mesh the car incorrectly. However, for those looking for a more hardcore experience, this spacer can be removed.
Choosing the Right Pinion
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless usually comes with a 10-tooth pinion. While this may be sufficient for many users, some enthusiasts love pushing their car to the limits. In this case, upgrading the pinion is a must.
Increasing Teeth
The question then arises, how many teeth should be added to the pinion? The possibilities are endless, but the host suggests going up at least four teeth. In fact, the magic number for him is a 17-tooth pinion. This particular tooth count allows for a thrilling and high-performance experience.
32 Pitch Pinions
In the world of RC racing, the host has often found himself in situations where 32 pitch pinions are not readily available. To address this common inconvenience, the RC Box Club now includes a whole range of 32 pitch pinions. This addition is a welcome convenience for many Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless owners.
Opting for the Massive 16-Tooth Pinion
Ultimately, the host decides to go with a 16-tooth pinion for his Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless. This size looks massive compared to the previous pinion and promises an exhilarating experience. However, there is a hint of doubt as to whether it will actually fit in the car and mesh properly.
Motor and ESC Temperature Variability
One factor that often concerns enthusiasts when changing pinion sizes is the effect on motor and ESC temperatures. It’s important to note that these temperatures can vary based on the electronic system used. Therefore, the host advises users to monitor and adjust accordingly to ensure optimal performance and prevent overheating.
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless offers endless possibilities for customization and upgrades. Whether it’s removing the motor mount spacer, choosing the right pinion tooth count, or considering the impact on motor and ESC temperatures, enthusiasts have the opportunity to customize their RC experience to fit their preferences.
The High Motor Temperature
I would say 200 on the motor is a little too high and then 180 on the eses high. You want to get as close as you can to that without burning it up. So lets see what this does.
Confusion and Experimentation
This Brussel system has me scratching my head again kind of confused, so I went up to a 16 tooth pinion thats. Four more teeth on a 32 pitch minion thats, really big, like the opinion, look huge in there. It definitely feels a lot faster in the parking lot. It still had plenty of torque. It will still peel out. It was a lot more fun, but I did sacrifice a lot of low end to work had enough to peel out, but it didnt have like a lot of punch.
Performance on the Track
I brought it out to the track and it did really well it couldnt clear that huge triple in the back. However, it did get a lot further than the stock gearing it still had plenty. It actually calmed down the car coming out of the corners, which obviously it takes away torque, so its a little more calm coming out of Corners. It felt good I felt like I could drive it with this pinion setup now, because it was geared so high and I lost so much bottom end.
Temperature Surprises
I was almost anticipating that the ESC motor was gon na, be super hot, like I could tell that it was basically using all this power to get up and going – and I thought for sure I was gon na pull this thing off and it was going to Be blazing the motor at ESC were almost the exact same temperature at 177 degrees, which I think is perfectly fine its crazy because as Im driving it in my head Im thinking, this thing is going to be blazing hot when Im done with it.
Testing the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless
When I started recording this video, my main intention was to push the limits of the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless and see if I could make it overheat. We took it to a challenging terrain, fully expecting it to reach its thermal threshold, but much to my surprise, it never did.
A Fair Comparison
After posting my earlier video on the Traxxas Slash 4×4, I received some feedback that I did not provide a fair comparison between the brushed and brushless versions of the car. I realized that I had mistakenly used the same gearing for both models, which affected the outcome of the test.
For those unfamiliar with gear ratios, the roll out refers to the gear ratio between the motor and the wheels and tires. In the Slash 4×4, the brushed version has a smaller pinion and ring and pinion, resulting in a different gear ratio compared to the brushless model.
The Stock Gearing
Realizing my error, I decided to put the stock gearing back in the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless to ensure a fair comparison with its brushed counterpart. This way, I could accurately assess the performance of each.
The Race Begins
With the two cars ready and the drivers in place, we headed over to a nearby parking lot to conduct the race. The red Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless represented the newer bl2s model, while the blue car was the older brush version.
As the race began, it was immediately apparent that the brushless model had a clear advantage. The power and speed it exhibited far exceeded the brushed version. It quickly left the other car behind, leaving no room for doubt about its superior performance.
Despite the darkness, we managed to capture some footage of the race, ensuring that the comparison was documented and shared with our viewers.
Drag Races
Do some drag races. Oh dang dang its like that all right go. Music lets go all right: the verdicts in first off sorry that its dark were not daylight, but you can see in those drag races.
Basically, they both come off the line almost the same, but man, the brushless one just pulls and just keeps pulling its significantly faster.
Speed Comparison
I actually hooked the GN SS analyzer up to both of them and did top speeds and quarter mile times so. The top speed of the brushed rustler 4×4 was 18 miles an hour and at a quarter mile time of 3.1 seconds, the top speed of the new bl2s brushless wrestler 4×4 had a top speed of 27 miles per hour and had a quarter mile time of 2.65. At 25 miles an hour, so that means top speed wise.
The new rustler 4×4, with the bl2s is 50 faster and then its half a second a little more than a half a second faster than the quarter mile.
Performance Comparison
So they were right if you were to go, buy a brushed rustler and compared it to the new brushless wrestler. You are getting 50 more performance crazy.
Well, in regards to take the gearing a little bit more fish and driving application, but I’m going to play the game, try to find a good all-around gearing.
I do think it can handle at least two to three more teeth than what comes stock because it doesn’t get hot enough.
Overall, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless has proven to be significantly faster and more powerful compared to its brushed counterpart. The drag races clearly demonstrate the difference in performance, with the brushless version pulling ahead and maintaining its speed. The top speed and quarter mile times of the brushless Rustler are impressive, showing a 50% increase in performance compared to the brushed model. While some adjustments in gearing may be necessary for optimal performance, the brushless Rustler showcases its ability to handle higher speeds without overheating. If you’re looking for an upgrade in speed and power, the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless is definitely worth considering.
The Unexpected Call Out
As the video played on, I found myself immersed in the world of remote-controlled cars. The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless, with its sleek design and impressive performance, had caught my attention. Little did I know that this experience would take an unexpected turn, challenging my expertise and humbling me in the process.
An Incorrect Assumption
Confident in my knowledge of RC vehicles, I had made a statement in one of my previous videos. In that moment, I believed my opinion to be absolute, not realizing the reckoning that awaited me. I spoke with certainty, claiming that no other RC car could compare to the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless. It seemed as if my proclamation was destined to go unchallenged.
An Eye-Opening Encounter
Little did I know that a viewer would emerge from the masses, armed with a vast knowledge of RC cars. In the comment section, they called me out for my ignorance, challenging my assertion about the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless. Curiosity piqued, I clicked on their profile, eager to hear their arguments and perhaps engage in a friendly debate.
A Humbling Lesson
As I scrolled through their well-researched response, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of perplexity wash over me. It was evident that this person was not just another casual viewer but a true expert in the world of RC cars. They eloquently debunked my claims, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of various other models that rivaled the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless.
Gaining a New Perspective
This encounter forced me to question my own biases and the limits of my knowledge. It was a reminder that no matter how well-researched or experienced we may be, there is always room to learn and grow. The world of RC cars, like any other field, is vast and constantly evolving. Each new discovery challenges our preconceived notions and forces us to reevaluate our beliefs.
A Lesson in Humility
So, to the viewer who called me out, I owe you my gratitude. Thank you for opening my eyes to the plethora of RC cars that exist beyond the Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless. Your knowledge and passion have inspired me to delve deeper into this fascinating world and expand my horizons. It is through these unexpected encounters that we truly grow and evolve as individuals.
An Invitation to Learn Together
From now on, I am committed to embracing the diversity of RC cars and providing a more balanced and informed perspective. Let us embark on a journey of discovery together, exploring the many models, brands, and innovations that make the RC car community so vibrant. Through open-mindedness and a willingness to learn, we can deepen our understanding and share our knowledge with others.
The
Conclusion
This experience served as a humbling reminder of the importance of conducting fair and accurate comparisons. It is crucial to consider variables such as gear ratios when assessing the performance of different models.
The Traxxas Rustler 4×4 Brushless proved its worth by outperforming its brushed counterpart in every aspect. The power and speed it delivered were truly impressive, leaving no room for doubts about its capabilities.
As we wrapped up our testing, we couldn’t help but acknowledge our initial skepticism towards the brushless version. We were proven wrong, and we gladly accept our mistake.
