There’s a lot of Rc channels out there. This is one of the best. Lots of good accurate info. Great reviews

The whole reason Traxxass put this together is they don't want you buying aftermarket hopups. They proved this time and again. But I love that you put this together that you can do way better.

excellent tips, the video provided a technical, clear, precise and quick approach, in a practical and easy to understand way. Congratulations on the content!!!

I should add to my earlier comment that your channel has become one of my favorite channels. Very informative and entertaining content. Your voice is perfect for the channel as well!! Keep up the great work, we appreciate it!! You deserve way more subs....

I like that the aftermarket market still exists for this brand. I'm not about to buy any of these vehicles, but I do appreciate that you do a video like this.

Thank you for that extremely useful detailed video, Keep up your great work 🙏🏻 👌🏼

I was ready to pull the trigger on an XMaxx Ultimate now you have me thinking. I'm old and doing this is fun but it gets to be a little to much for me. I'm already knee deep in 4 other cars and trucks. Sure do go through the cash on these. I could have a real 1967-68 Shelby GT500 or 350 by now. Thanks for the video they are a lot of help.

Totally agree some of the parts look like silly shiney bits you probably don't need

Very fair assessment… don’t know what traxxas is thinking …. Excellent video 👍

Thanks for this one - love the quick overview

Best vid on this without a doubt. No one has mentioned selling off the parts you change out. Great job man! I will always turn to you before buying. I've already seen parts breaking that shouldn't have with this so called upgrade.

Great review, you always do such an awesome job!!

Great info, very well said. I purchased an ultimate for several reasons though, it's my first one and my money is easily earned, so it didn't break my wallet whatsoever. Although I like your research and knowledge, I didn't want to build one up yet, maybe later as i get some fun out of it and break stuff. I chose to have the latest and Koolest looking Xmaxx (although still not the best performing, according to your vid). Again, great info, it definitely has helped others. Keep up the great content

Well hot damn, I wasn't expecting much but this is a brilliant break-down, keep it up! I have an older X-Maxx, but was wondering about the ultimate....still haven't broken anything in four years with my X but this is neat.

Thanks! I was at my local hobby shop today talking with one of the guys. He same about the diff cover situation and servo.. he was honest I feel because he said those are the important upgrades and the rest is just fluff. I’m just gonna get the standard and upgrade it as it breaks.

I half agree with belted comment, I may get a pair to put on the front for some protection but still allow for air control. Will be fun to try out.

Great video, I think i won't bother with the new ultimate trucks since i already have my X-Maxx and have already put in a Max 6 G1, a Radiolink radio system and Pro-Line MX43's on my truck the next upgrade is an 1,100KV 5687 Hobbywing motor with a new motor mount to match and maybe a firma 160A V2 from the O8S and K8S EXB V2's and finally a new rock n roll body for mine.

Bro you are a beast! Clear and concise information delivered in an approachable way. 💪🏾🙌🏾

I agree Kenny. It’s a shelf queen / street run setup.

You have the best voice in RC youtube. I believe everything you say and it's commercial grade.

Another EPIC vid my friend a lot of info an if I was a guy who ran TRAXXAS I'd definitely go your route lol...

After going back n forth on purchasing one I decided to pull the trigger. My local hobby shop owner shot me a brand new Ultimate for $1350 other wise I wouldn’t have bought it. I feel even at the 1350 price point I paid too much. Awesome looking rig. He hasn’t had much luck selling them and our family is pretty active in the rc world in our area so he gave me a discount hoping ppl see it out up close and personal and spend the coin on it.

Thanks for all the work you do… really helps

The belted sledgehammer tires look amazing. While I agree the truck loves a ballooning tire over a belted tire my wallet does not. Even with good throttle control and good tire awareness a ballooning tire doesn't last long compared to a belted tire. I agree with you for the most part on everything else. Love the videos

Basically the mantra of the hobby, buy what you like and make it your own😁. As much as I understand why people are balking at the price of these Ultimate editions, I get the appeal. If you like these rigs and aren't cash strapped, go nuts)). Personally, I think the color schemes let them down. Even a Solar Flare edition or some cooler wheels would have been good. Maybe a revised body mounting system on the X-Maxx? Seems like they were a little lazy...

Haven’t had an RC car since the slash but this makes me wanna get back into it knowing I can have some serious fun without going to the hobby story every other day

Good video man, i dont got the xrt or xmaxx but i still noticed that right away

Great video!! I'm very glad you brought this to our attention!! Love the channel!😊

I agree with the 1.5 mod gears and why they work over all allows for more motor mount flex ... I am currently testing out the aluminum motor mount washers same concept they just stiffen the motor mount to compensate for the flex IE less flex its a much cheaper option at 6 dollars but more importantly if it works it doesn't add extra weight to the drivetrain like the chunky 1.5 gears do so in theory less stress/heat on the motor and the rubber couple in the cush drive people say the washers work we will see ... I have a gpm 1.5 set on the way if it doesn't should prove to be a interesting experiment thou

Hey, really considering getting an XRT and have some questions before pulling the trigger. What’s the benefit of upgrading the ESC to the max6? And what’s the benefit of the power hobby 760mg over traxxas ultimate upgraded 2085x? Will these all work with the traxxas receiver? And are the traxxas batteries compatible or are other ones recommended?

I like these vids that go over the new truck good job do rc

Would love too see your list of upgrades for the big rock6s and or kraton 6s

Traxxas hates the aftermarket. Great list of parts & hop ups

I like everything you said...but, to save even more people can take it another step further. Instead of purchasing an RTR, getting your recommended upgrades, and then selling off the 'unneeded' parts, how about purchasing a roller from an RC chop shop, purchasing the upgrades, and then purchasing whatever else is needed (although, at that point, I i Believe the only "additional" own needed would be a motor, since the ESC & servo are already covered under your recommended upgrades). This is how I 'acquired' my X-MAXX. I purchased a "roller" from an RC chop shop listing through eBay, upgraded what I felt needed to be upgraded, and purchased my own (Castle) electronics. In the end, my X-MAXX cost me approx $150 more than the standard RTR...and, I didn't have to sell anything to "recover" money spent. Since i originally 'built' it, I've added two additional upgrades (the Proline shock lowers w/ larger diameter shafts, and the X-MAXX WideMaxx kit. Now, it's more stable than a Kraton, and she "takes a lickin', and keeps on tickin'."

I wouldn't waste my money on any Traxxas vehicle (for personal reasons), but I 100% agree that what they are offering and at the price they are offering it is ridiculous. Traxxas fanboys won't care and they'll buy these overpriced trucks anyway, but I would go with the aftermarket gear over buying an Ultimate anything. Only thing I wouldn't buy from your suggested items is anything branded GPM. I've had pretty disappointing experiences with that brand in the past, so buying things like gears and hingepins where stresses are super high, I would steer well clear of GPM. I don't know, maybe they've changed over the years, but when i used them I had everything bend and buckle with minimal effort. Other than that, what you recommended is pretty right. Although, I didn't do any of that when I had my X-Maxx a few years ago, so I don't know how much of what you listed is really necessary. I only upgraded my spur and pinion to HR hardened steel gears and I was sorted. But I assume you listed all that stuff to compare to what comes in the Ultimate, right? I gotta say, you're becoming one of my favourite RC channels. Your editing is on point, you speak clearly and get to the point without wasting time, and your content in general is just fun to watch. I don't know how you do what you do, but you Do RC very well. ;)

The whole steering servo can you provide link and price for it- also I have an xmaxx & have always had steering problems would these work in it - if you had to do xmaxx what would you do?

I have question about diff case 7075 aluminum diff case vs traxxas aluminum one? Which is better or don't matter?

Yeah I like the idea, but you don't need or want half those upgrades. I'd avoid running aluminum steering links all together, especially with aluminum hubs and servo saver. I do like the diff covers though, they should have gone to all metal diff housings front/middle/back. Especially the xmaxx. People usually cook their front diff then it diffs out to heck and destroys tires left and eight.

Dear Traxxas Team, I am writing to inform you of a problem I have had with my Traxxas Xmaxx ultimate model. I have tried everything, but I can't get the Traxxas Link application to give me more than 6V or 7V. I have the Link module and 4S batteries, and I don't know what to do. Could you help me? Thanks in advance, Mario

I could be wrong, but wouldn’t the Xmaxx and xrt ultimate also include the HD drive cups?

Great video thanks for making it

Agree 100% most of the upgrades are just bling and wont help performance. the base xrt is an awesome rc to have cant wait to start upgrading.

What about the end bells on the motor... ? They should be aluminum but they are still plastic

Shipping will add a lot of cost to get those parts especially if you can't get most of them at one retailer. The already installed means a lot for people who do not have the time or will to change everything themselves. Some people just want to put a battery in and go.

I totally agree with everything you said.

Hi. Love your content. Was just about to purchase the ultimate version but changed my mind after seeing this video. Question: Out of all the upgrades you mentioned, what are the absolute necessary ones? Cheers bud

I really like the video, but it does not make financial sense to sell off a bunch of semi-new/open box plastic parts to different people when you 1) take into consideration that people probably dislike the quality of those parts to begin with which is why they upgrade them in the first place and 2) consider the cost of shipping things out (especially large items like a set of those stock tires). Ultimately, the only parts that really hold after market value and can be easily shipped IMO is the stock servo and esc, which together might net you 200 bucks minus shipping and ebay fees (so really more like 125 - 150 bucks). That being said, I DO appreciate that you pointed out better hop up parts than traxxas used on the ultimate edition.

Just to let you know that Traxxas X-Maxx and XRT Ultimate was not the idea from Traxxas. It was a build that most Traxxas Hobby dealers wanted, seeing that we get asked a lot about a XRT/X-Maxx similar to Slash Ultimate and Rustler Ultimate. Traxxas listened and produced a very limited number of these Ultimate version to be only purchased at local hobby shops. It's only one time production for Traxxas in support of the LHS. I really enjoyed your video. Thought I chime in as a LHS owner. Not all RC hobbyist are "wrench" savy. These are for those group. I happen to have one delivered today and as I'm looking at it, I can really appreciate the work that they have put into it for the LHS. Videographer and the driver of the video are both good friends of mine and all I heard was nothing but praises of how well it handled. Hobbywing is a great recommendation by the way. If you are a seasoned pro, I do agree with your build suggestions by just purchasing the regular versions. Love how overseas companies tries to manipulate unsuspecting Americans so we can be the voice to be heard for "injustice" when Traxxas goes after them for violating infringements on copyrighted products. So wrong from the truth when people say Traxxas hates aftermarket companies. But most will never get to see the real side of the story. If you have any questions, I'd be happy to share everything that I've experienced with Traxxas here. I happen to be the #1 Traxxas Exclusive dealer in the west coast and deal directly with upper management only.

It Looks nice. But they haven’t upgraded the parts that most commonly fail - like suspension hinge pins and wing. The pinion and spur gear upgrades are nice. But the standard unbelted gravix tyres expand when a wheel loses traction… which acts as a simple, mechanical traction control. The nylon composite has a lot of “give” in it. Whereas aluminium bends… and stays bent.

I'd like to see you calculate the costs if the you bought the Ultimate editions and sold off the '$1000 upgrade' parts that you don't like and used the funds to buy the parts you recommended instead of buying the OG versions and selling the OEM parts.

Wouldn’t waist my money on the ultimate 💯 great vid👍👍👊🏻👊🏻

Traxxas is giving you belted tires this is the greatest Christmas present ever from Traxxas

Definitely awesome truck. But building one from the floor up, is alot more fun. It will cost some more money to get the upgrades, but you can choose your look and design…

What if u don't know how to change out all of the parts. Should you just buy the ultimate?

Can you put the parts number to the parts that you recommended?

Thank you take a great video for us. If I want to buy one only, X-Maxx Or XRT,which one would you like more? And could you tell me the reason? Thanks for your solution~

I wish you had a link for all the parts you're listing. I'm still torn between the Ultimate or building my own. I got a WideMaxx last year, love it but ordered a servo and 1 day after it servo died. Idk if it better buying used if I'd going to buy new parts anyway. I feel like it be a waste to buy a brand new Xmaxx and just replace 500 in parts.

I can’t find stronger diffs on my built m2c sledge with 1717 system I think it stripped my diffs out.

For one thing traxxas charges an outrageous amount for crap aluminum. For example the Traxxas hubs and knuckles are more expensive than vitavon, which is just crazy considering Vitavon is 7075. Furthermore you still have to buy new electronics because the esc in that thing is hands down the worst esc in and name brand rc. For Traxxas it's all about one thing, money. Don't get me wrong a business has to make money but the way they do it just makes it hard to buy there shit. I do love the Xmaxx but in no way is it worth 1500$ in any form.

So I can't get an answer on the new XMaxx. But maybe the xrt has the same upgrade. So the 7786x cush-drive input shaft. Did they extend the shaft and add a pillow block or bearing carrier at the end of the inside shaft for support. I bought one for my XMaxx, but did they make the upgrade to the ultimate. Unless I'm not explaining it right, it seems like a necessary upgrade. Thanks Have Fun.

I have had very good luck with the 2085X but I have to agree. They sound like a bag of hammers. Dying to see what you are doing next, and I have decided to get the Xmaxx. Blue I think. The Xmaxx was my first big dollar r/c, so why not have 7 of them? I'm going to go with a Max5 G2 and a 6s motor out of my original first release just to see what it does.

Thanks for video

So, I have the xrt ultimate. I’m ready to go faster. I do more fast off-roading than bashing. I just jump it on the KCRC ramp and I don’t do flips. I just want it fast. So I don’t think I need any suspension upgrades. What upgrades do you recommend for me? Also, do you recommend I change the pinion and spur to the fast gearing? Traxxas told me that’s really just for on road, and not off road use.

Also only issue I had the m2c servo saver and it stripped only m2c part I had that failed.

Do you have links to the upgrades. Cant find a few like the steering, output rings and shock kit. Thanks

This is for people that don’t have the time or ability. Great video.

I did all the things you said including the x drive shaft.

Great video! Let's do the same for Traxxas Sledge!

Helpful

Imagine shelling out 1500 for a rc. It’s ok if it makes the rc better but some other channels tested the ultimate and said the added weight actually made Xmaxx and xrt prone to breaking

Cool video! But time is money to me, so i bought one. Wish i didn't cause i have (2) already & a brand new XRT (drove it once), but my addictive personality kicked in, plus i wanted to help my local hobby shop. I definitely wouldn't sell the parts that were taken off. Most rc'ers would throw all that stuff in the spare parts box! Lol! It is a pretty piece to look at tho (when new).

Great video

Building is better because you get to choose where to upgrade at your own pace because shit ain’t cheap

Am I better to get the xmax ultimate or the losi five 2.0 there basically same price

Nailed it

Traxxas not good like u 😂 but you’re 💯 correct. First dump is that esc as you said

I give my cars my own ultimate treatment. For I like your upgrades better.

Why oh why didn’t they upgrade the body mounts to XRT style. Body pop-off is super annoying.

Great video, but it would be better with explanations of all the upgrades and why they're important. You go into detail on a couple of these, but why an upgraded ESC, servo, shock components, etc?

Imma stick with my $40 Amazon car. 😂

I disagree I I Bluetooth Link is absolutely necessary as it gives you the option to watch your temperatures of your motor and ESC. It's funny that Traxxas puts aluminum motor mounts on a motor with plastic end bells they need to update the motor with aluminum end bells. This is what plagues the x-maxx and xrt motor with bearing failure due to overheating. If you do not do the aluminum GPM end bill conversion using the Telemetry to watch the temperatures is a must. Never let the motor get above 160 ° and never let the ESC get above 150 degrees. Also I would upgrade all the fans! This is what I do and it's worked great for me since! You don't want to put too much aluminum on there as it adds weight. Belted tires I agree are not the best for bashing.

I have been running mine stock for almost 2 years now havent needed any of this stuff as long as your not trying to jump your house its fine.

1500 us crazy. Obviously if you're not experienced in rc then it's a bit different. But you can even buy a used XRT/XMAXX for 700 bux. Spend the remaining 800 on upgrades. You can buy a new Kraton for 700.

I have to disagree with belted tires being bad for bashing, they just don’t blow out as much and seem to put less stress on the driveline because they vibrate less.

Not including widemaxx was an insult

1500 dollars for the ultimate or 1k for normal. ya ill go with normal and piece meal my parts slowly over time. thats 1900 if you need batteries and charger too. cause 1400 for charger and batteries and car is gis alot if you dont already have an 8s battery set and chager

Could not agree more

Should just get the GPM out drive cups instead the out drive rings

they can't sell their overpriced metal parts so they are sitting on stock and only had this idea to move it... instead of making better quality products at a better price they said nah just include it in a sku to sell things we can't otherwise what a waste

These companies build to get rid of old stock nowadays.

Solid ball link for the steerinlink the hot racing steering link is trash!!!! The balls and orings wear super fast!!!

The Ultimates are for Traxxas Fanboys (like myself lol) that would install all those Traxxas options So they would save a ton by getting the Ultimate. But if you dont want that stuff of course its not worth it. I couldnt find one So Im building one an Ultimate Clone and its not cheap

Don't listen to him BUY IT,if it don't have modes then you can choose for your self. That's a good thing

Just upgrade the original as parts break, it's a money trick, they could've had a wide ultimate max for $1250 that would be perfect, makes no sense to buy the same thing all over again😂😂

I try to stay away from Hot Racing products... I've had nothing but issues and disappointment from their parts in the past... "QC" just doesn't seem to exist in their company.

You are not wrong

all they want is our money. As with automobiles, it is now impossible to buy a car with basic equipment. For example, a base Hyundai Venu comes with all the electrical gadgets. Air conditioning, cruise control, electric and heated windows and mirrors. for around $18,000 Canadian. Take all that away and they could sell this vehicle for around $14,000. Governments say they are doing everything to reduce pollution but that is completely false; all these things that we don't necessarily want to cause pollution to turn into a bunch of crooks.

Your wrong. I've had mine for 3 1/2 years. If your into weak bashing, okay then. I used belted tires always. If your tired of tire blow out. it's because tires are not belted. I bash HARD. Built a 90 foot high jump. Once you leave the ramp you go HIGHER! I use RPM rear arms with their bearing. Landing after that jump I've only broke rear arms bent center drive shaft. And switch to switch to M2C. No more bending. Bent shock shafts. Tried Proline shocks their alright. But switch to ebay heavy heavy heavy duty shocks with thicker shafts. As for motor/esc. Do what ever you want. I use a Castle XLX2 and a 2028 1100KV. Don't trust stock servo to weak. Get something with a a lot of torque. My has 1155oz in torque. But there are bigger one out there. So better steering set up. Hot Racing, M2C, Integy and so on. There are better metal upgrades then what Traxxas offers. There are other things. But I am finish before I get kick out.

Yes but I want all the upgrades to say Traxxas on it...

I can’t help but think your absolutely insane for the belted tire comment. Have you actually ran belted tires on an x truck before? Granted, maybe I’m talking out my ass as I don’t really launch my x trucks more than off a set of landwave ramps, but the single best upgrade I ever did to mine was the belted duratrax six packs. I never had good life out of the maxx AT or gravix tires, and the set of non belted tires I still have, duratrax warthogs, are absolutely garbage. They balloon so much they get no grip and need a football field to make a high speed turn in (literally)