Traxxas Stampede XL 5 | VXL | 4x4 | Nitro Monster Trucks

The Traxxas Stampede radio controlled vehicles are  one of the most popular range of monster trucks that you can find available today.

Order the Traxxas Stampede via to the right.

Choose from the various versions available.

They also have the reputation of being one of the most beginner-friendly trucks that you can find, since they can drive over just about anything, they can pull off big jumps, and they are comfortable either racing or bashing – they are the jack of all trades of the RC world.

However, it can be confusing when you first look at the Stampede range especially if you are new to the RC world to understand the differences between each model. Nitro, electric, VXL, brushless – what does it all mean? To save you time and research, here is a quick guide to the Traxxas Stampede trucks available.

Ah, the starter model of the Stampede – great for beginners or just about anyone who want to try out a proper RC vehicle. The XL5 in the title refers to the electronic speed controller (or ESC) which controls how much power is distributed to the motor.

The Stampede XL5 is an electric powered truck, which is what you want when starting out because it is less messy and it is a lot simpler to understand and repair than nitro models. It has a brushed Titan 550 motor, which can be upgraded later on to a brushless system by swapping it out as well as the speed controller for increased performance – one of the strengths of the Stampede is how easy it is to upgrade

With a top speed of over 30 mph when flat out, even the base model of the Stampede offers a lot of power. The springs are set to be fairly stiff, which is great for jumping and general bashing ( bashing is when you take the car out to do jumps and tricks around backyards, dirt hills, etc). The large wheels can drive over just about anything so you are not limited to a specific surface, the ground clearance is high to avoid rocks, and this is what makes it so versatile. Plus all of the electronics are watertight so you can use it in the rain with no worries. In reality, the Stampede shares much of the same parts as a Traxxas Bandit, but the big wheels make all of the difference.

What makes the ‘Pede so sought after is how much fun it is to drive - it spins on a dime, handles well, and offers plenty of speed. If you are just starting out in the RC world then there really is no better choice than the Traxxas Stampede XL5 – it’s fast, inexpensive, and it will give you the option of upgrading your vehicle if the hobby hooks you in.

While the XL5 version is great for newcomers, the VXL version is a serious step up in performance. The big difference is that it comes with a brushless speed controller and a brushless motor – which in theory raises the top speed to over 65 mph! In practise, it won’t quite run as fast as this (Traxxas tend to be a bit on the generous side with their speed ratings), but you will definitely get a rush driving this beastie.

For those of you that don’t know, brushless means that there are less moving parts in the motor (it uses magnetic fields instead) and therefore less wear and tear over time. Due to this, the motor can generate a lot more power since there is less friction and it lasts a lot longer too. Many would argue that the VXL model is cheaper in the long run than XL5 since you won’t have as many repairs to make. Just like the XL5 version there is a training mode on the speed controller that limits the power output to 50% so you can get the hang of it before unleashing full throttle mode.

It comes with a 7 cell battery pack which can generate speeds over 40+mph – to get the most speed out of one, you will need to buy LiPo 3s batteries separately. However, when at full spec you will need some serious skill to control a VXL Stampede – a wheelie bar is included to stop it flipping over when you give it too much throttle.

There are other improvements over the XL5 version, like a much better radio transmitter to give you more control over the monster truck, and stronger internal components to handle the improved power output.

This model is a jack of all trades, and is a good improvement over the XL5 version.

Now, this is a true beast – the premier model of the Stampede series, this model will be released just in time for Christmas 2010 (should be mid December) and demand for it is especially high. It takes all of the things that make the VXL version so great and adds multiple improvements, the biggest of which is the differential which has been taken from the Revo series of racing monster trucks – now the Stampede has true all wheel drive power which grips the ground better giving more traction and speed over uneven surfaces

You get all of the goodies that were on the VXL version, but you also get better drive shafts and a wheelie bar (finally!) to prevent the truck flipping over when accelerating too fast. If you can afford one this is the Stampede to get, but the other models pack a lot of fun too.

The engine version of the Stampede, this is recommended for advanced users since it is a far more complex beast than the electric versions. It can reach speeds of over 30+mph, and since it runs on fuel you don’t have to recharge the batteries. It comes with 4 inches of ground clearance just like the other Stampede trucks, but it is a little bit heavier due to the engine.

You really have to know what you are doing and be prepared to understand how to fully repair one of these – it is not a toy. But for those that are willing to put the hours in you will find one of the most customizable and rewarding trucks you can buy.

The Traxxas Stampede is unique in that all of the electric models are suitable for beginners since it is the type of batteries used that ultimately limit the speed. With the default 7 cell battery you are not going to get speeds of over 30 mph. This may not sound like a lot but it is in RC terms, and you can have a lot of fun with the base models. The training mode in the ESC’s means that you can limit the speed to 50% until you get the hang of it – this is good for avoiding early breakages.

The nitro version is probably best left for those who have a lot of dedication for their hobby, but as a beginner’s car, it is best avoided.