Traxxas UDR vs. Slash (the full guide)
Whether you’re a beginner RC hobbyist or you’ve loved the hobby for a long time, it’s no doubt that you must have heard about Traxxas RC cars.
Traxxas are the industry leaders in the RC world. If you’re considering getting an RC car from Traxxas, choosing a model can be difficult due to its exceptional functions.
In this article, we compare the Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer and the Slash models to know which is better and help you make a better purchase choice.
What is better, Traxxas Slash or UDR?
Three factors set these models apart; their speed, use and durability.
Traxxas Splash is faster than the UDR, can be used for both bashing and racing, and lasts long.
Traxxas Slash is known to reach speed limits up to 70+mph, can run on rough terrains, under wet conditions and are exceptional bashers. They also come built with high-tech functions like the 4-wheel independent suspension, extreme racing engines, Velineon brushless system and many others that can take a good beating even under harsh conditions.
On the other hand, Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer can only reach speed limits up to 50+mph, are great for bashing but won’t work well on all terrains. For this reason, Traxxas Slash is better than the UDR.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Top speed of the Traxxas UDR vs. Slash
RC enthusiasts love Traxxas vehicles because of the amazing speed thrills from riding Traxxas models. The Traxxas UDR and Slash are no different.
Traxxas UDR can hit amazing 30+mph speed levels when run on a 4S LiPo battery. On a 6S LiPo, the speed limits increase significantly over 50+mph. On the other hand, Traxxas Slash models are faster, let’s you enjoy extreme racing action and are capable of speeds above 70+mph.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Traxxas UDR vs. Slash motor
Basically, Traxxas UDR and Slash RC vehicles are electric RC cars. Hence, they could either use brushed or brushless motors to offer varying performance and speed to your RC car.
The Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer comes fully equipped with a brushless motor called the Velineon VXL-6s Brushless Power System.
Traxxas Slash models also use a brushless motor. However, the difference is that they use the Velineon Brushless Power system like the Traxxas UDR RC car, but some Slash models like the Slash Short-Race Course Truck use the upgraded Titan® 12-Turn 550 modified motors.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Traxxas UDR vs. Slash builds quality.
When it comes to how good Traxxas electronics are, the simple word is “superb.”
Even with the realistic full-scale Baja truck look that the Traxxas UDR replicates, the car components like the tires, rear axles, motor, chassis, charger, engines and other electronic components are built to last even when used in wet conditions.
On the other hand, the Traxxas Slash models are some of the craziest and wild rides Traxxas offers since they are often used in rough conditions. In fact, their electronic components make it possible for racers to bound, bounce and wheelie on off-road terrains.
Regardless, Traxxas Slash has a better build quality than the UDR since they can better run for off-road terrains.
Traxxas UDR vs. Slash dimensions (in a table)
| Traxxas UDR | Traxxas Slash VXL 2WD | |
| LENGTH | 27.32 inches (694mm) | 22.36 inches (568 mm) |
| HEIGHT | 10.29 inches (261mm) | 8.43 inches (214 mm) |
| WEIGHT | 13.4lb (6.1kg) | 90.4 ounces (2.56 kg) |
| FRONT AND REAR TRACK | 13.57 inches (345mm) | 11.65 inches (296 mm) |
| WHEELBASE | 16.53 inches (420mm) | 13.2 inches (335 mm) |
| GROUND CLEARANCE | 2.27 inches (58mm) | 3.5 inches (89 mm) |
| BATTERY COMPARTMENT | 181mm x 46mm x 56mm | 165 mm x 49.5 mm x 23 mm, 25 mm |
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Traxxas UDR vs. Slash ride purpose
Over the years, the Traxxas Slash 2WD and 4WD vehicles have continued to remain as top award-winning models from Traxxas because they provide hours of the thrilling, fun race on off-road surfaces for both beginners and seasoned racers.
On the flip side, the Traxxas UDR models are mostly run at relatively normal speeds better suited for bashing.
In essence, if you’re looking for a Traxxas model that works best for bashing without having to break some parts, the UDR is the best option for you, while the Traxxas Slash is great for speed racing and bashing.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Is the Traxxas UDR waterproof? Is the Slash waterproof?
Both the Traxxas UDR and Slash are designed with water-resistant features to protect the electronic components like the receiver, servo and ESC from wet conditions.
Does the Traxxas UDR have metal gears? And the Slash?
Not all Traxxas Slash models come with metal gear. Some are made with plastic which decreases their overall lifespan.
The good news, you can upgrade to high-torque metal gear. For instance, the Traxxas Slash 2WD Short Course Race car uses a Metal gear Magnum 272 transmission.
On the other hand, Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer comes with a Waterproof 2075R metal gear servo.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Which of the two models has more race capabilities?
Traxxas are known manufacturers of Ready-to-Race RC cars. However, between the Traxxas UDR and Slash models, Traxxas Slash has more race capabilities because they come with high-power intensity motors designed for speed up to 60+mph and work efficiently on off-road surfaces.
When you drive your UDR frequently in the grass, sand, or other high load conditions for racing, you risk overheating the motor and ESC. This will reduce the power output of your RC car or possibly damage some electronic parts.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Traxxas UDR vs. Slash scale
Traxxas Slash models come in different scales ranging from 1/5 to 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, 1/16 and 1/18.
Unlike the Traxxas Slash, the Traxxas UDR only operates a 1/7 and 1/8 scale RC car.
What year did each model come out?
Traxxas Slash Manufacture Date
- 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) – January 2, 2014
- Slash (58024) – May 22, 2013
- Slash (70054-1) – May 18, 2015
UDR Production Date
- Unlimited Desert Racer® (85086-4) – February 9, 2018
Each model’s upgrade abilities
While Traxxas models are built for speed, most models won’t function the way you want. That’s why Traxxas provides upgrade parts for every of their RC cars each year. Here’s what each upgrade could do for you.
Traxxas Slash Upgrades
Traxxas Slash vehicles are beast on the track. However, with upgrades to the suspension arms, big bore aluminum shocks, steering servo and motor, you make your RC car stronger than it was.
- The heavy-duty suspension arm is used in monster trucks like the X-Maxx offers more strength and rigidity to your RC car.
- The Big Bore Shocks are built with hard-anodized bodies and smooth PTFE-coated bores to ensure your RC car is wear and scuff-resistant.
- An upgrade from plastic gear to a metal-gear servo boosts your RC car’s durability, precision, and steering capability, making it extra-rugged and super-responsive than before.
- If your Traxxas Slash uses a Titan 550 motor, upgrading to a Velineon Brushless power system increases the horsepower and speed of your RC car.
Traxxas UDR Upgrades
Like the Traxxas Slash, Traxxas Unlimited Desert Racer is a monster when run and even compares to the powerful X-Maxx model. But they can be stronger! With advanced upgrades, you give yourself better chances of enjoying a thrilling race.
- An upgrade to a high-torque waterproof steering servo gives you more pressure even under high speed and rough surfaces.
- If you love bashing, upgrading your front and rear suspension arms will make the UDR model stronger and more balanced for off-road runs.
- Another upgrade you want to consider is the aluminum or metal hexes. Rather than plastic hexes, the aluminum ones will keep your wheels fixed even when driving on mud, snow or sand.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
Comparison table – bodies, chassis, shocks, drivetrain, electronics
| Traxxas Slash VXL | Traxxas UDR | |
| POWER SOURCE | Dual 2S, 3S, or 4S LiPo batteries | 2S and 3S LiPo batteries |
| MATERIAL | Aluminum | Aluminum |
| BODIES | Race Replica ProGraphix Painted Bodies | Full-Scale Baja Truck Replica Bodies |
| TYPE | Electric RC | Electric RC |
| CHASSIS | 13.2″ Long Wheelbase Chassis with nerf bars (Composite Nylon) | Composite Inverted Tube Chassis |
| DRIVETRAIN | Heavy-Duty Yokes with Telescopic Driveshafts | Steel CV driveshafts (front) with 6mm stub axles |
| MOTOR | Velinion Brushless Power System | Velinion 2200KV Brushless Motor |
Traxxas UDR vs. slash price
Almost all Traxxas models come expensive, yet some are affordable, especially for beginner RC enthusiasts.
The UDR will cost between $300 to $999.99, while the price for Traxxas Slash models will range between $150 to $500.
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas UDR
Check the price on Amazon – Traxxas Slash
What’s Include? Traxxas UDR vs. Slash Summary
| Traxxas UDR | Traxxas Slash VXL | |
| TOP SPEED | 50+ MPH | 70+ MPH |
| DURABILITY | Medium | High |
| WATERPROOF | Electrotonic parts like receiver, servo and ESC | Mostly |
| RIDE PURPOSE | For Bashing | Speed Racing and Bashing |
| RACE CAPABILITIES | Yes | Yes |
| SCALE | 1/7, 1/10 | 1/10 |
| PARTS AVAILABILITY | Yes | Yes |
| UPGRADE CAPABILITIES | Medium | High |
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Traxxas Stampede vs. Slash
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Traxxas Slayer vs. Slash
Traxxas Bandit vs. Slash
Conclusion
Traxxas is the industry leader In the RC industry. Purchasing an RC car from Traxxas assures you of high-quality and advanced-tech electronics. This is evident in both the Traxxas Slash and UDR models, as they offer you the chance to make cool upgrades with cutting-edge technological features. However, Traxxas Slash will work exceptionally for racing, while the UDR models are a great option for bashing.
