Traxxas Bandit vs. Slash (read&decide comparison)
Traxxas models are great, but some are more reliable than others!
In this article, we compare the Traxxas Bandit to the Traxxas Slash to determine their similarities, differences and what makes one better than the other.
What is better, Traxxas Slash or Bandit?
The Slash and Bandit are both models made by Traxxas.
Yet, the Slash is better because it offers more customizable and upgrade options to users than the Bandit.
Plus, RC enthusiasts can use them for bashing and racing, unlike the Bandit. Beginners will also have a fun time driving a Slash model since they are built Ready-to-Run and come with a speed capacity of 30mph, making it easy for them to learn the ropes of RC racing with ease.
However, the Bandit is less beginner-friendly since they have high-speed capacity. Upgrading a Bandit is difficult, especially when changing the chassis.
The Chassis of a Bandit is smaller than that of most models. This makes it difficult to add any material for an upgrade. Add the fact that upgrading the servo will be difficult because they come with a sealed cover that makes them difficult to detach.
Top speed of the Traxxas bandit vs. Slash
Technically, a Bandit can muscle its way up to 35+mph.
But, when reinforced and strengthened with a metal-gear Magnum 272 transmission, a 3-cell LiPo battery, and the high-power inducing Velineon brushless system, your Traxxas Bandit can push speed limits past 70+mph. For instance, the legendary Bandit VXL model uses a Velineon power system and can reach top speeds up to 70+mph.
On the other hand, the high-performance Slash Short-Course Race Trucks have a 30+mph top speed level for the more inexpensive models and 60+mph for those with advanced upgrades.
Traxxas bandit vs. slash motor
The Bandit and Slash models have a powerful Velineon 3500 brushless power system that helps RC enthusiasts achieve dirt-chewing, wheelie-popping, impressive torque and power.
Regardless, most Slash models use a Titan 12T Motor combined with an XL-5 Electronic Speed Control to offer maximum performance and mind-blowing speed for unlimited race action.
Traxxas bandit vs. slash build quality
When it comes to how powerful and durable the RC car components are, Slash is awesome. They can take a bit of a beating without any noticeable wear and tear on the electronics. However, you might notice some slight scratches on the shell.
Like the Slash, Traxxas Bandit is fast and tough. In fact, you could crash it on hard surfaces, and it will still run and look like new.
However, you want to buy an extra rear tire, as the VXL brushless motor will burn them off quickly. Additionally, electronic components like the servo, receiver and ESC are waterproof, so you can easily run on any wet terrain.
Traxxas bandit vs. slash dimensions
| Traxxas Bandit VXL | Traxxas Slash VXL | |
| LENGTH | 16.25 inches (413 mm) | 22.36 inches (568 mm) |
| HEIGHT | 7 inches (178 mm) | 8.43 inches (214 mm) |
| WEIGHT | 48 ounces (1.36 kg) | 90.4 ounces (2.56 kg) |
| FRONT AND REAR TRACK | 9.84 inches (250 mm) | 11.65 inches (296 mm) |
| WHEELBASE | 11.25 inches (286 mm) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| BATTERY TRAY DIMENSION | 166 mm x 47.5 mm x 28 mm | 165 mm x 49.5 mm x 23 mm, 25 mm |
Traxxas bandit vs. slash ride purpose
If you’re looking for an RC car that would work exceptionally for bashing and are easy to clean, the Bandit is what you want to go for. On the other hand, if you’re planning to compete, the Slash will work better since they are lightweight and have an amazing speed capacity.
Is the Traxxas Bandit waterproof? Is the Slash waterproof?
Like other Traxxas models, Traxxas Bandit and Slash comes equipped with waterproof sealed electronic components that help you blast through wet environments such as mud, water and snow.
Can you race a Traxxas Bandit?
Bandits are great bashers since they can take a lot of beating when run. However, you want to avoid racing with them.
Bandits are buggies, which makes them quite heavy. So, when running at high speeds and on rough terrains, you could burn out the motor and rear tires.
Do people race Traxxas Slash?
Traxxas Slash models are designed for off-road racing. Due to their lightweight and high-speed capacities, it’s easy to race with them.
In essence, people can race with a Traxxas Slash because they are not as heavy or bulky as most monster trucks like Traxxas Bandit.
Traxxas Bandit vs. slash scale
Traxxas Bandit has three scales ranging from 1/8, 1/10, and 1/16. On the contrary, Traxxas Slash scales range from 1/5 to 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/18.
The difference in parts availability
Traxxas offers tons of parts support for every of their RC car models.
The Slash is no exception, as you will easily find their parts locally because almost all hobby store stocks them. For fun Buggy Bandits, parts are also available in the market. However, they are not as easy to access as the Slash. Bandits are pretty old and heavy models, and many local hobby stores don’t stock them.
You can only get them easily on registered online Traxxas stores or directly from the industry-leading manufacturers.
What year did each model come out?
Traxxas Bandit Models
- Bandit VXL (24076-4) – September 12, 2019
- Bandit (24054-1) – October 10, 2014
- Bandit (24054-4) – February 5, 2010
Traxxas Slash Models
- Slash 2WD Unassembled Kit (58014-4) – December 7, 2015
- Slash 4X4 Ultimate (68077-4) – October 23, 2018
- Slash 4X4 VXL (68086-4) – March 15, 2017
- Slash 4X4 (68054-1)- August 15, 2018
- Slash VXL (58076-4) – Jan. 2, 2014
- Slash (58024) – May 22, 2013
- Slash (70054-1) – May 18, 2015
Each model’s upgrade abilities
The chances of upgrading a Traxxas Bandit are very slim. This is because major parts like the chassis have a small build, making it difficult to add new materials to upgrade them. Likewise, upgrading the servo is difficult because it comes with a sealed cover, unlike the screwed covers of other RC car servos, which will warrant you break it before making an upgrade.
However, this is not the case with the Traxxas Slash.
Most Slash models come with a Titan 550 power and can over 30+mph off-road action. The good news, with advanced high-tech Traxxas option parts, it’s possible to upgrade your Slash models to become faster, tougher and more impressive.
If you’re thinking of upgrading your slash models, you want to first upgrade the performance and speed capacity with a Velineon Brushless power. Upgrading the Suspension Arms will offer your RC car more strength and balanced rigidity. A Servo upgrade will also boost steering, control, precision and durability.
Comparison table
| Traxxas Bandit VXL | Traxxas Slash VXL | |
| POWER SOURCE | Battery Operated | Battery-powered |
| MATERIAL | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| TYPE | Electric RC | Electric RC |
| CHASSIS | Modified Tub, Fiber-Composite | Long-wheelbase fiber-composite chassis |
| MOTOR | Velineon Brushless Power System | Velineon 3500 brushless |
Traxxas bandit vs. slash price
Most Traxxas RC cars are expensive. But, the good news is that the Slash and Bandit are low priced, especially for beginner RC enthusiasts.
On average, Traxxas Bandit will cost between $100 to 300, while the Traxxas Slash price range between $100 to $500.
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Info Sum Up
| Traxxas Bandit VXL | Traxxas Slash VXL | |
| TOP SPEED | 30mph to 70+mph | 30MPH to 60+MPH |
| DURABILITY | Medium | high |
| WATERPROOF | Yes | Yes |
| RIDE PURPOSE | Great for Bashing | Racing |
| RACE CAPABILITIES | NO | Yes |
| SCALE | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| UPGRADE CAPABILITIES | Very -Low chances | Yes |
Conclusion
Choosing an RC car model is difficult, no doubt, especially when there are more reliable models in the market. The Traxxas Bandit and Slash are two great RC cars; however, they differ in functions, performance and use. Before choosing one for your racing needs, the most important thing you need is to figure out why you need them. Do you want an RC car with maximum power and speed? Or one that works best for off-road racing? Traxxas Slash works better. Do you need an RC car you can use in your backyard for bashing? Traxxas Bandits are great!
