TESTING
YES, IT’S FAST
If you’ve ever seen any of Traxxas’ other 1/10-scale VXL models in action, you know they’re screamers with a 3S Lipo onboard. The Rustler 4X4 is no exception and will wheelie on command to more than 40mph right out of the box, with 60mph available when you install the included “speed gear.” 4WD makes it easier to control than the 2WD Rustler VXL, and that’s without dialing up any assist via the Traxxas Stability Management knob. On pavement, the Rustler 4X4 is just “point and shoot”; it’s totally locked in on the Talon EXT tires. And it puts on a good show, with lots of body pitch and roll as the soft suspension reacts to acceleration and cornering forces.
OFF-ROAD READY
Tires that are good on the street are usually a mess in the dirt, but the Talon EXT tires have plenty of tread depth and edgy lug shapes that move a lot of dirt. The Rustler 4X4 is downright E-revo like in rough stuff, and the supple suspension keeps up well as speed increases. But we are still talking about a truck with 2.8-inch tires and a close-coupled wheelbase, so when you’re really hammering, the truck can bounce out of shape. Dialing up the TSM helps a lot. If you do put the Rustler 4X4 on its lid, self-righting will spare you a walk of shame. And it’s very entertaining to watch the truck rock and roll itself back onto all fours.
FAA APPROVED
How’s it jump? Really well, that’s how. Anything with 4WD is fun to fly, as four powered wheels give better attitude control for midair corrections. And yes, the Rustler 4X4 will do flip tricks but not as violently as the E-revo or something else with heavier tires. It’s a slower roll, so give yourself more altitude to work with. Really big air will bottom the chassis, but the Rustler 4X4 just takes a hop and keeps rolling.
QUICK-CHANGE CONVENIENCE
Not really a “test drive” thing but well worth noting: Not having body clips rules. The quick-release body and clipless battery hold-down make pack changes fast and painless (literally, if you’ve ever had a too-tight body clip slip under your fingernail). Yanking body clips isn’t very hard or time-consuming, and yet being freed from having to do it makes me fist-pump every time.