11/20/2011

Traxxas Bandit RTR Buggy w/XL5 ESC Review

Traxxas Bandit RTR Buggy w/XL5 ESC
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Specifics:
The Traxxas Bandit XL-5 is a popular 1/10 scale model remote control buggy capable of 35+ MPH speeds right out of the box. Traxxas is a leading RC manufacturer based in Plano Tx. The assembled buggy is about a foot long and weighs in at about 3 lbs. The Bandit buggy style has been around since 1995 and shares many parts with the Rustler. Currently there are 2 available new models, the 2405 as seen here and the 2407 also known as the Bandit VXL. Sticking with the 2407 as seen here, the buggy is on and off road capable in wet and dry conditions due to Traxxas engineers creating waterproof electronics. The Bandit XL-5 is rated for skill level 1 for ease of set-up, maintenance, and support. It's important to consider that it also has a "training" mode with reduced power to make learning to drive easier and fun at the same time (not to mention safer). Currently, new Traxxas Bandits come with everything needed to get up and running with the exception of 8AA batteries for the transmitter. Parts are readily available from hobby stores that carry the Traxxas brand and the internet.
The Driving:
Setting up is easy, basically charge the battery, plug it in, turn it on and your off.
The Bandit is fast, fun, and durable. It can handle almost any terrain from packed snow and asphalt to dirt and light mud. Plowed fields and forest floors are the only places that come to mind that may not work in the Bandits favor. Driving is easy and intuitive with the transmitter trigger and wheel control. Both throttle and steering is proportional, meaning turn a little and the wheels turn a little. Lefty's may find the right handed steering a little getting used to. With all the speed and power built into the Bandit it's good to know that they are also durable. Even with reasonable care I have flipped and tumbled the Bandit in the dirt, driven into fences, and jumped and landed various ways and the bandit keeps going, usually still on it's feet (or tires)(check youtube for videos). Currently the supplied battery pack will give you 10-20 minutes driving time per charge. This leads to purchasing faster chargers and more batteries which cost about $40 for a charger and between $20-$100 for a battery. A word on safety, at top speeds the 3 lb weight can hit something as hard as a hammer. The batteries produce 3000-8000 milli-amps, more than enough for very serious shocks, burns, and worse. Aftermarket Li-Po batteries have a whole host of cautionary statements. Drivers/owners/buyers should exercise appropriate caution.
Moving up:
Even your basic Bandit has a whole host of upgradable parts available, aluminum replacement pieces, tires, electronics and motors, even the gearing can be changed to better adapt to pavement or dirt. If your board with driving your Bandit around the neighborhood there are RC clubs that sponsor racing and other activities. It's a good overall experience for young and old alike.


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