Heh thanks Alan

@@RCTNT Just to let you know.. I really appreciate the amount of time & effort you put into your videos.! They're immensely informative & entertaining.. KZfaq has become saturated with RC channels & many of them are basically identical... They usually go a little something like this...... Part 1 = New RC received in post, open box, show contents, offer opinion on price/style/colour, 1st drive box stock, mention speed on box then speed run to compare, offer opinion (like/dislike).... Part 2 = Slight mods (pinion/tyres/battery), 2nd drive, mention speed on box again then speed run & compare on 2S then 3S, bash at skate park/BMX track/car park, wrap up by mentioning any breakages & offer recommendation to buy (98%) or not to buy (2%) Affiliate link in the description guys.!😉 😉 Part 3 =..... What are you looking here for.? It's back in its box in the shed we've already moved on to Part 1 of the next RC.! .... .... That's not to say those channels are bad, a couple of my favorite RC channels are like that.. if they're done with honesty & transparency then they're great.... It's just that they don't get you any further than helping you decide whether or not to buy a particular RC... Guys like you come along & do the real hard work of telling us what an RC is like to own, to drive, to maintain/repair & to mod.! And for that I hold you guys in high esteem. THANK YOU.! As always, stay safe out there mate & best wishes from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🙏 ♥ 📻 🎮 🔋 🚓 🚒 🚑 🚐 🚔 🚕 🚖 🚗 🚘 🚙 🚚 🚛 🚜 🏎️ 🏍️ 🚤 🛥️ ✈️ 🛩️ 🚁.!

Thanks for taking the time to write that up, Alan. I'm still working out my place on KZfaq but reading that sounds like the kind of thing I would like to do. Which is just as well if it's what I'm doing, at least some of the time anyway! Really appreciated reading that, thank you.

@@RCTNT 👍 👍 👍 👍

@@RCTNT oh, btw. Have you tried the Corally Mammoth/Triton/Moxoo.? I got a brushed Mammoth about 2 years ago because they come with an all metal transmission & they're really good value here in the UK, I paid £129.!... I've seen them even cheaper at times. I fitted an Arrma 3S BLX motor, a 17 tooth pinion & a Hobbywing Wp sc8 120A/4S ESC into it straight out the box. Stick something like a set of those Zd Racing 125mm 1/10 MT tyres on it & it's good to go.! I run 3S mainly, 4S is a bit much.! 😂 😂 I've GPS'd it at 58mph & it definitely had more in it but quite frankly, I didn't have the guts.! Apart from the terribly loose servo saver & the crap servo (hence the loose servo saver 😉) & the super crap tyres & rims that immediately disintegrated on gravel I've had very little to complain about.! I've used it A LOT & I'm not kind to my bashers.!! It's actually been a very durable & fun 2 wheel drive truck that I've had to buy lower than the average number of parts for. Just the other week though I had to replace the gearbox case because the idler gear had chewed its way out like the baby Alien.!! What happened was, the idler runs on bushings (the manual says bearings 😔) & they'd worn over time... All the gears & the diff were perfect though so I rebuilt it with bearings & took the opportunity to overhaul the diff seals, put 50k in it, change a couple of wheel bearings & the rear hubs because they'd become a bit wobbly & just generally give the truck a good look over. I'm so glad I did because It's running better then ever now & I've been using it a lot since.! The Mammoth/Moxoo can also take most short course bodies, I've ran it as an MT & an SC & it's equally as good in both roles.! The Triton being a Monster Truck has a shorter wheelbase though (300mm? Vs 330mm-ish) They're directly comparable to Traxxas's 2wd line in my opinion... They're very similar in design & performance ( I heard they're designed by an ex-Traxxas engineer.? or the guy who started TC is ex-Traxxas).? But.... THEY'RE EVEN CHEAPER THAN THE HPI.!!! I would absolutely recommend this platform to anyone looking for a fast, fun, durable & affordable 2wd 10th scale truck. .... .... Right mate... I'm done typing... I promise.! 😂 😂 😂 😂 Laters.. 👋 👋 👋

What a great comment. Thanks for sharing your experience there. I think we'll get hold of a few more brands here over time, AE she Losi at least. Be good to have a nice rounded fleet for comparison. Cheers

Thanks! I'll have a Pro2 here to test at some point, hopefully. And a Losi. I'm getting into SCT s bit more, they're pretty great!

As long as Team Associated, Losi, and Arrma keep making RC vehicles, I will never have to own a Traxxas turd.

I have to admit the Losi and AE SCTs have been calling my name this year!

Hey,... what's wrong about Traxxas? Greetings from Germany ✌️🤙👍

We'll cover it when I review the 4x4 VXL Slash I have new in a box here, along with the brushless Pro4 we also need to unbox and test. Starting to get a bit of an SCT collection here! I've had many traxxas models and have gotten tired of having to do the same mods where I just don't have to with others. Replacing plastic axles that snap, fitting sway bars, fitting front lights to help with orientation at distance (you can buy them with lights now, but $$) and in Australia at least, just having to pay such a premium for a brand that isn't better than the others. It's not necessarily worse, but so much more money here! Might be different in USA, if they are cheaper there, then a lot of the shortcomings I have with them are more forgivable.

I totally missed that, thanks for pointing it out!

My pleasure! It's a fun rig, this one.

It's deserving of attention, eh? What a car!

I can't deny this is a well made machine :)

Thanks :)

Thanks, me too!

Nice one. I've gone to a 4000kv brushless with a 28T pinion and haven't changed anything else yet. It's definitely fun!

Oh sweet! This thing is already light on its feet. That'll wake it right up. Nice!

yeah, that's a great benefit of not having a bathtub type chassis.

I'm definitely a fan

@@RCTNT in that heat, wouldn't it be better to be an air conditioner? (I'll show myself out now lol)

Your joke blows.

That's great to hear! I've also had consistently good experiences with both companies. Glad you're enjoying yours.

Heh yes indeed, it's not cheap here! I did say that on the video but maybe didn't put enough clarity into my thoughts - this has been covered exhaustively at this point in the video comments! The price is a lot better in Traxxas' home market, as it makes sense to be :) Tell you what, I'm glad we have this choice too. I've been using the Jumpshot a bit since filming and I'm really enjoying it. Just had to get the steering arms sorted as they kept popping off, but otherwise, this thing is a hoot.

I'm a fan of the WR8 :) Hope to see more from Hpi soon!

@@RCTNT I'm really curious if they are gonna cook up a new 1/5 scale.

Right? I've been pleasantly surprised by how good it is. Super fun.

Oh brilliant, enjoy! Running what everyone else is running certainly has its strengths. Thanks for the comment and have fun!

Fair enough! Not gonna argue with a username like that, lol

It was such a fun first run. Brilliant design. Love it.

This is a great option for such a project, for sure. Thanks for watching!

Geez that sounds like a good deal!

A Slash and a Jumpshot, that's funny. Welcome!

I found the battery mechanism to be fiddly and difficult to open (as mentioned in the video) but it's certainly huge and fits all different battery sizes. It is a super tidy little package though, no doubt there :)

Heh yes, thank you for the screwdriver tip. Good to know 👍

It's funny how different these are in different markets! In any case it's a great rig and a reasonable competitor to the other 2wd SCT options currently available.

Man, I bet it does. I'll get to brushless in this at some point too. It'll be great. You still using stock steering assembly?

For Australia in particular, you bet! Many commenters have said the Traxxas costs less in the US than the HPI here, but both platforms certainly have their pros and cons. I really like this thing, anyway. Super light and yet very rigid, with all that battery room and no tub to collect debris? Love it :)

They do, eh. This body is a good one, too.

Thanks! Me too, it's very smart. A bit harder to work on than tub chassis but so light, rigid and it really doesn't capture debris like tubs do. I'm loving this one!

Heh fair enough too. I've just come inside from filming it on a mild brushless upgrade and it's even better. What a car!

Spares may be an issue in various markets, yeah. I have trouble getting hold of some Traxxas gear here - the TRX4 Bronco all-Traxxas overhaul video I tried to do maybe 6 months back was a failure. Just couldn't get hold of the parts and ended up going after-market to get the video done. Was frustrating. Different markets, different spares situation, though I suspect Traxxas is stronger than HPI on spares, generally speaking. (Though I don't know that the Jumpshot will need as many parts as the Slash in the first instance. Hard to say without having them both here to compare in the same environment. TBA!)

@@RCTNT If fun comes in at a lower price, more people can afford the hobby, which can't be bad. Blitz hasn't broken yet! Hope your Jumpshot is as rugged.

I agree. Jumpshot has been solid so far. The steering arms pop off due to a poor design but that's easily rectified with a different ball-end type. I'm enjoying mine regularly at the moment, it's light and fun!

I expected this might be the case. Different markets, different pricing. In any case, for a basic 2wd SCT, this thing ticks the boxes!

Amain have the Toyo Tires version at $215

No worries at all, and good luck with your decision!

Losi TT pro is by far one of the best RTR sc trucks you can get.

Not really in the same class as this brushed entry level 2wd SCT! But if we're talking about premium Losi gear, there's a Losi SBR 2.0 waiting to be unboxed here that I'm really looking forward to checking out too :)

Oh nice! Good looking bodies aren't they

@@RCTNT yea they look slick and the rig has ajustable shocks with thred not clips like traxxas :D

Another plus!

Thanks. Still great. I'll do an update on it soon. I replaced the steering links with better ones I made so they don't keep popping off. That really was the only issue i had with it. Have upgraded to a 4000kv brushless system with 28T pinion. Also fun. 2wd is harder to keep straight on loose surfaces. I guess I should look into a gyro too, just so I can give that perspective on a follow up video, but you don't *need* one. It does help though!

Can't argue with that value! I'd have done the same :)

Interesting. I have a Slash VXL new in box here, waiting to be opened. Having had Stampede VXL before, I already have a sway bar kit ready to go into it, and stronger axles. It shouldn't need these things out of the box but the Stampede certainly did. I'll be interested to see with the slash. In any case, thanks for your thoughtful message, it's good to read about real experiences and comparisons!

It's been a pleasant surprise, for sure.

Ah that's a good point. I didn't mention it directly but to reroute the battery lead took a bit of fiddling. Things are more tucked away with a chassis like this, you're right. It's a worthy trade off, to my thinking. Great car eh.

@@RCTNT I think it's a very good truck. But, HPI will have together the price lower than the Slash in the U.S. in order to compete with Traxxas and Arrma. Because the body is great if they got the price down to about $175 in the U.S. they could sell a lot.

I think i like this better than the Traxxas 2wd slash even if they were the same price, though I haven't looked closely enough to say for sure yet. I'm loving the tvp over a tub chassis, that's just brilliant.

I think i like this better than the Traxxas 2wd slash even if they were the same price, though I haven't looked closely enough to say for sure yet. I'm loving the tvp over a tub chassis, that's just brilliant.

@@RCTNT It's a very rugged chassis. It doesn't have any flex. It's odd here in the U.S. the prices vary a lot. At AMain it's a $215 with a much different body than the one you have and at other sites it a lot more expensive. I have owned other HPI cars in the lower price range and I had trouble with missing or wrong screws, missing "c" clips, etc. But, I am sure they have improved there quality control. I think with it's tough chassis it's a good truck.

Thank you! A few folks have helpfully noted that. Appreciate you sharing your knowledge :)

I agree with you on value, and indeed I'd generally say to buy whichever is cheaper and you'll win either way. The Tvp setup is definitely cool though!

Amain has the Toyo Tires livery version at $215

Oh nice, thank you!! I didn't know either! Appreciate that, cheers

Was just gonna say this😂

Only the OG's

For sure. I'll get a 3500kv motor into it, that'll liven it right up :)

@@RCTNT The Rear gearbox and gears from the Flux model are a great upgrade over the brushed versions. Gear diff from the Savage XS.

Oh yeah? Good to know, thanks!

Wow I’m the us the slash 2wd is like $225

We're close to China here and get their gear for less than USA seems to. Conversely, traxxas being a USA company has a huge focus on the USA while we don't see their new products for months after release, and they're quite a lot more expensive. Different market, different cost!

Well, I've upgraded mine to brushless and it's a ripper. I have the Pro2 SC10 here in a box, ready to test. I also have the Kyosho Rampage kit here, build in progress. I can't currently advise you but I can say the Jumpshot is excellent.

@@RCTNT Thanks for the feedback, the pro 2 sc10 seems to be amazing to drive, but i really liked the Jumpshot, specially how HPI put the things so nicely on that cool chassis. Waiting on your pro2 review 👍Take care.

No worries and thanks for your patience. I'm on a bit of a break right now for health reasons but these cars will be in the next batch of vehicles I film.

@@RCTNT Wishing you a fast recovery, take care.

There is foam padding in the tray but adding your own can't hurt. The battery definitely isn't secured in there so a bit more foam would be a winner. I haven't had it on big enough jumps yet to know, but parachuting is pretty much inescapable with the standard SCT body unless you give it some well placed holes! I'll see if I can get it to a bmx track soon, that'd be cool to test it a bit more before I go brushless!

A metal spur gear will always be loud, but some transmissions are louder than others, even with a nylon spur gear. I guess the tub chassis probably acts as an amplifier far more than the TVP setup on the HPI, at any rate!

I'm looking forward to checking that thing out, yeah! Good call.

@@RCTNT The Granite and Vortex boost are cool alao, My favorite is the Vortex..

It is recessed a shade so the TVP protects it on each side like rails, and it is a thick tray. Buuut even so, yes, great point and you're right, that is a weak point. Parachuting effect is probably something that can be mitigated in the same way as on other SCTs, I'd think - cut a few exit vents for rear-going air and all should be well. In theory! Thanks for your thoughtful comment :) Cheers

Definitely is there, yep! I missed it when I first filmed this, but you eagle eyed commenters have made well and truly sure I know about it now! Thanks :)

@@RCTNT haha nice 👍 That’s really a cool car for the price, thanks to you to let us discover that, it can be a cool first RC car to offer to a friend 👍🫡

Lol I love the sign off there :D

@RC-TNT lol Thank you, my other one for crawling is ( everyone, have a great day and a great crawl).

I've heard from numerous folks in the comments that this price situation is more like yours than mine in most markets. All the same, this is a great little vehicle. If you're interested in it, I do believe it's worth checking out. Thanks for the comment!

It's probably not for everyone, but I replaced the stock system with a brushless motor and esc today and it was no harder or easier than with a tub chassis, for whatever that's worth!

@@RCTNT Yea i mean... I want to like it... I do... guess id just have to have hands on with it for a bit. But just looking at it... Seems like modding and stuff would be a pain.

I get you. You're facing a hard limit on esc and steering servo placement as well as battery size. The good news is those three things have been thoughtfully designed, with no silly oversights in placement and allowed space for each. It's pretty good eh. That said, there's no argument from me that a tub chassis is inherently more flexible for modding. I guess I'm just saying I'm happy with this implementation, limits notwithstanding. I paid for this car myself, the video isn't sponsored, and I have many brands here. I just like this car! Cheers

Thanks, I should have noted that. The 3S one is XL5hv, while the regular one is just XL5. Good to know the regular one comes with the Slash, thanks for that!

Fair question. Don't know. However, you do have parts support for axles and gearbox, which is really the pain point for this kind of car. Comes with metal axles too, so there's that!

Oh yes, looks like good value! I reckon it'd be fine too.

For sure :)

I don't know if it's taxes and tariffs or simply company policy (and traxxas does have a firm hand on regional supply and pricing as of 2015 it whenever it was they made their sweeping distribution changes). Don't know. Also don't mind paying more for traxxas, as cars straight from China are not subject to the same usd:aud change, which I think plays a role here too. We're not far from China and Australia does a lot of trade with them, both ways - even during post covid tensions and drama. I love the tvp layout, it's brilliant. Padding certainly wouldn't hurt. The transmission seems fine to me. Can't say it sounds much different to other similar cars. The Bandit sounds similar to this. Maybe it's just that 2wd config that's more noisy for whatever reason. Seems fine, anyway!

@@RCTNT Here in the US a brand new Traxxas - vehicle or parts, is the same price everywhere online or over the counter. Traxxas controls if any discounts can be applied. But the HPI is not half the 2WD 1/10 Slash here. In fact, depending on packaging - with or without battery, the Slash can be had for under US$200 while that HPI is over.

Yeah I looked it up before editing the video. Good pricing there, which makes sense for an American company!

@@RCTNT Looks like it's ready for a brushless setup and gyro remote . . . 😁

Heh yes, it would be pretty fun on brushless!

Ah yep that's it, same type of design they've used for years. It's pretty good. Rigid and doesn't trap debris like a tub chassis does. Great cog for big batteries too. There's a lot to like.

I wonder if they will. Guess we'll see!

Depends where you are in the world, I guess. Makes sense here in Australia! Prices on even used traxxas stuff would make your eyes water.

​@@RCTNTyea I can see that, pretty nuts prices on traxxas stuff! too bad because the LCG slash chassis is awesome and versatile. Being able to shift the battery forward on this is really nice though for a turf track or something. Could make a good spec class for you down there since the slash is out of the question on price

Dust and debris can get between the brushes and commutator, which I suspect kills a lot of these motors. They're not bad, per se, but they are cheaply made. Should last if taken care of though. They are pretty exposed on the back of vehicles like this!

RTR sells. That's my understanding, in short! I built kits in the 90s, too. It was how you got a decent car. Well, quality is vastly better than it used to be. Kits are great, but the hobby has evolved considerably on that front.

@@RCTNT Thanks for the reply - frankly, it was disheartening when I went shopping around, and has kinda kept me from getting back into it (so far).

I remember the feeling and came back into the hobby myself with a bias that kits are best, toss the rest. However, I'm glad to say I was mistaken. RTR can be amazing. That said, what kind of car are you interested in? I'm sure there's a kit for it. I'll help you find one if you like, there's heaps of choice out there these days, it's incredible how much! Cheers

@@RCTNT Dude, you're amazing. I don't know what's most popular these days, but for context, I started with an RC-10, then went to road racing with an RC-10L, then on to Team Losi stuff. That was about the time stadium trucks became the most popular, so whatever is akin to that these days.

Are you after a modern electric pan car or track car, or a stadium truck type thing? And are you prepared to try electric with lipo batteries or did you want to stick to nitro? Electric is better in all ways except for the drama, noise and smell. Nitro can't compete with modern brushless systems but it's still cool. If you search my channel, there are a few things that might interest you: Nitro 4WD 1/10 Truggy RTR: HPI Vorza 4.6 Electric Brushed 2WD 1/10 SCT RTR: Hpi Jumpshot V2 Electric Brushless 4WD 1/10 MT RTR: AE MT10 Rival Electric Brushless 4WD 1/10 Track Kit: Xpress Execute XQ2S Electric Brushed 4WD 1/10 Car RTR: Kyosho Fazer Mk2 Electric Brushed 4WD 1/10 Car Kit: Tamiya TT-02 and TT-01 Electric Brushless 4WD 1/10 SCT RTR: Arrma Senton 3s BLX That's a bit to get you started. Kits and RTR in the mix there. I have videos for everything mentioned above - just search my channel with a word from their names, or just the brands, and you'll find them. There's more, but I didn't want to completely paralyse you with choice! See my 'Faster Stuff' playlist: kzfaq.info/sun/PLP6qQhzesLdqB-hsyD_uGaqcsJe0vF0a0

Nice. The configurable radio system and TVP design are just brilliant. Glad you're enjoying your slash, there's a reason it's popular :)

@@RCTNT I would say being able to so easily configure your end points and such and huge! Especially as people get more experienced they learn how important it is!

Yes, it's a shortcoming on the tqi radios. Bluetooth makes it easier but I still prefer a dial - it's simple and fast. In any case, all modem 2.4ghz radios make the hobby so much better than it used to be with AM radios and crystals and such.

Traxxas has been way too sue happy recently. Going after any small business that sells aftermarket upgrades with cease and desist letters. They are mad that nobody is buying the Traxxas branded upgrades for the trx4m( in typical Traxxas fashion pushing their upgrades that are 2x to 4x the cost). Traxxas needs to get a handle on what they are charging for batteries too. Just because it's one of the biggest in the states they think they can get away with charging people 4x to maximize profits.

I did see an Instagram post this week about someone being asked to remove the brand name from his products. I can see both sides there but they didn't have to go straight to legal with it. No better way to burn your goodwill than to start bashing on your after market fans and builders!

Thank you! I missed that but definitely know about it now. Appreciate the heads up :)

Haha yes, thank you, the onboard screwdriver has been well established in the comments at this point! It was a nice discovery! I've put a 4000kv motor in with a bigger pinion, and have replaced the front steering arms with better links so they don't pop off all the time. That's all it needed, really. This is a great car :)

Wow yeah, time does tend to fly doesn't it. RTR = Ready To Run. Not always inclusive of a battery for the car and/or radio. Axial often includes AA batteries for your radio while Chinese manufacturers (RGT, Rlaarlo, FTX, possibly others) seem to increasingly include a LiPO battery but not the AA batteries for the radio. If you want to build something instead, look for 'Kit' in the title. It's usually RTR or Kit - or sometimes ARTR (Almost RTR), meaning BYO radio system in most cases. Plenty of amazing stuff out there now. The hobby has changed considerably since the 80s in many ways, though the basics are still largely the same (aside from the transistor changing how speedies work - now known as ESC (Electronic Speed Control) - no more servo-driven mechanical speed controllers round these parts!)

@@RCTNT Hey, thanks for the reply and the info!! As I said, I haven't messed around with it much since my dad introduced me to it way back then. (I did travel around with him a bit entering some and watching him race-something he traveled the country doing after he retired, was building his own frames for sprint cars and everything!) As such, I'm pretty ignorant as to how they're sold and to some of the newer tech involved. It's awesome, though, from what I've seen on yours and a couple other channels, that the r/c community is still a great space for everybody, with folks ready to give advice and help each other out, while still ready for some good competition on the track. It's awesome that it's stayed that way, and I'll have to look into the community here in my neck of the woods! Thanks again for the response, the great videos, and the info you put out there!

Nice one. Happy to help and yes, the RC community is generally awesome. I'm very glad to be part of it! Enjoy your exploration back into it all :)

I've popped a decent brushless system on it now and it boogies. Don't need Traxxas or Hpi brand stuff to make em go faster, whether it's a Slash, Jumpshot or whatever else. Just need a motor, esc and gearing to fit :)

Thanks, I think we've established the USA pricing well and truly in the comments at this point, heh. Also the HPI costs *more* than the Slash in the USA. Thanks for watching :)

If it was still around, I'd definitely have included it in my round-up series here, for sure.

Sounds like it! Both good choices I reckon :)

Isn't it! I think so too :)

How so? I like the lightweight feel of this thing in particular over the slash. I like how it lands, too. Be interested to know what you liked more about the slash, if you remember. They're both great little SCTs anyway, I'm glad to have the choice either way!

It really is. I know inflation hasn't helped, but I bought an xmaxx in October 2021 for 1599 (1300 with ebay discount) and then looked again in Christmas 2022 to find them asking 2100 (or 1800 with ebay discount). Now that's some jump!

craig he say "awesome, thank you and enjoy!"

@@RCTNT pinkze he say " I'll try and let you know how it goes, thanks"

THE GOOD NEWS IS HPI COMES WITH METAL PARTS TO THE PLASTICS OF TRAXXAS. I THINK THE MAIN THINGS YOU'D WANT COVERED WITH PARTS ARE STEERING ASSEMBLY AND GEARING. EVERYTHING ELSE IS FAIRLY GENERIC AND INTERCHANGEABLE. THANKS FOR WATCHING!

Sure, you could go to lower turns and keep it on 2S. You could also keep the current motor and put a bigger pinion on it, but again, stay on 2S. You could keep the same motor and drop to a lower pinion and run 3S. All of these will give you a faster car.

@@RCTNT thanks for getting back to me👍😊. Have looked at both an Arrma Senton and Traxxas Slash but cant decide, but this Truck from HPI is less expensive than Senton and Slash....🤔. Maybe a brushless Jumpshot SC V2 is the way to go... I also like that this Truck is bigger than Senton by quite a margin 👍😊

I'm not home until tomorrow but I'll have a look at the two. I don't know that there's a huge size difference between them, though I'm referring to the 3s BLX and not whatever other senton may be out there. Fwiw, the slash has better designed steering links, but IMO the HPI has the better chassis and radio. Good luck choosing, all three models are quite good. I expect you'll be happy with any of them!

@@RCTNT 👍😊

I just put this next to the Senton. They look the same Same wheelbase and the HPI is overall longer by maybe half a centimetre. Not much in it! (again though this is the 4wd version, maybe there's a smaller senton I don't know about)

It is unusual but it's rather good! I've been playing with it and upgraded it to brushless the other day. I'm really enjoying it so far.

It'll get pretty hot on 3S. Your peak draw from the motor will be bumping up against what it's mosfet array can output. If you're getting away with it, great. ESCs are not expensive, relative to the whole car, worst case. Glad you're enjoying it.

Im thinking to put The 4000 kv with The EZ ESC some better tires and some aluminium shocks itll be quite capable 😎

@@RCTNT and on 3 s i dont keep The thortle max out more then 3 4 seconds on The strait line eventualy The ESC or motor Will fry but for now îs doing well and man on that 3S it flys😂

I don't doubt it. 2wd certainly gives it a better chance of survival and you're driving smart, too. Nice one :)

Well, sure! We have variety hour here of course, but yes, there's a lot of car for the money, at least in Australia here.

Tatsuro Watanabe started HPI Racing in 1986 in California. They had some racing success and the brand grew. Traxxas sued them in 2014 for their rubber grommet design to waterproof their receiver boxes. They didn't survive this and declared bankruptcy in 2016. 2016 happened to be the 30th anniversary year of HPI Racing. In this challenging time for the brand, its ownership was secured by Ripmax, the largest RC distributor in the United Kingdom and the largest Futaba distributor in Europe. This lasted until 2019 and the brand wasn't really developed in that time, though they did release a few models. The Scandinavian-based Vestergaard Group now owns HPI Racing. I'm hopeful we'll see this brand get some traction again. I understand their models are made in Japan and for the cars they do have currently, the quality is good. Innovation is hopefully in the works, as I think this might be needed to survive and thrive, moving forward.

Underrated point there really, you're totally right!

Haha yeah everyone in the comments made sure I knew that one! Lol

Some Traxxas tub chassis designs put the servo underneath and it still eats all the sticks and stones. But when it's done right, a good tub chassis is hard to beat. Having said that, I'm a real fan of this TVP design. It's super rigid, and it just looks really cool. I'm not racing so my opinion on this isn't particularly strong either way. But I do like this car.

I don't know that this minor design element single-handedly brought the brand to its knees. But for sure, it's a weakness that shouldn't still be there. I replaced them recently with my own rod and bolt-in ball ends instead and now it's how it should have been! No worries since then, even on a faster brushless system. Loving it!

Quite a bit cheaper in USA, which makes sense given that's where traxxas is based. Nice :)

Fwiw, Traxxas seems fine with after market parts suppliers, but they certainly are known to aggressively protect their trade marks! Indeed, they sued Hpi in 2014, which contributed to the brand's declaring bankruptcy in 2016. It's been a rocky few years for them but they're building up again now under Scandinavian-based Vestergaard Group. I hope to see more from them!

So I've heard.

We've got it pretty great here generally so I'm not complaining. But yes, traxxas ain't cheap down under. This Hpi is a great deal though, I reckon.

Yes they are.. a slash here is $199 usd… a red cat racing sct is the only thing cheaper..

For sure, that changes things! For the value we get here in Oz at least, I'm very happy with this thing. I've been driving it through late summer in the evenings with my boy, alongside a Senton, and it's just been fun all the way.

​@@slinginlead8353 $199 slash,? Maybe used and all used with worm tires and scratches all around the body 😂😂

I'm trusting you guys to tell me what you can get em for. I can only report on the Australian market, which I realise isn't hugely relevant to my USA viewers!

That's not surprising, they're really similar!

Country makes a big difference, yeah!

@@RCTNT Exactly but now it's quite close in price but still we have the valentino rossi edition slash cheaper than this which is interesting since they ned to pay for the name also.

It's well balanced, I like the choices they made with power and gearing. Feels light to drive. Fun!

All the stuff.

It does. But if you're running a 4wd system and especially with heavier tires, the XL5 will blow, commonly. But it is rated for 3S and I know from experience it'll take it. I have 8 or 9 of them here.

You'd lose that bet. I understand from the comments here that things are very different in the USA and that's great. I'm glad these are comparable prices there. For Australia, my prices are correct. No need to jump onto a small creator's channel and start slinging accusations or calling my integrity into question, dude. That's pretty rude eh. Over the nearly two years I've been doing this I've been openly upfront about anytime I have a sponsored video and even with those I still review honestly and critically. In this case, prices, experiences, reactions, issues etc were presented exactly as they happened. I never have and never will sell out my integrity to make a dollar.

Fair enough. I've seen those too. This thing is simple and light. I think that let's it sidestep the more complex issues the savage may have. Just a guess, but this thing is pretty good. Just that steering linkage that wants replacing with a ball end so it doesn't pop off and I think that'd do it. I like this car. Video is not sponsored, I bought this one. No regrets so far!

Well, it's what I said in the video! Traxxas ain't cheap in Oz! Different markets and different trade agreements with Chinese companies vs Traxxas, etc But if the two were comparable in price here as in the USA, I think the Jumpshot is a compelling option. Thanks for watching!

Quite right. I misspoke, I meant the XL5hv. Good catch.

Ah, the Rustler VXL. The best brushed 2wd SCT of them all!

Well, maybe not so much in the USA. The slash is cheaper than this thing in that market. But for us Aussies where the Jumpshot is half the price? Hell yes!