Are you stuck between picking Proline VS GTR Shocks for your Traxxas Slash? Well, I went with Proline Power Stroke shocks on my suspension and like them very well. However, the GTR shocks are great upgrades from the stock shocks that come on most Slash trucks. In this post, we will take a close look at both the Proline and Traxxas GTR shocks. I honestly think they are both great upgrades, but there are a few key differences you should know about. Let’s dive in!
Proline VS GTR Shocks What’s The Difference?
When new drivers start to upgrade their Traxxas Slash (or any 1/10 scale RC truck,) they will immediately find two primary options. You can either pick the Traxxas brand GTR shocks or the Proline shocks. Yes, there are tons of other shocks on Amazon, but the best money can buy is either the Proline or GTRs.
Proline Shocks For The Traxxas Slash
The most popular shock from Proline is the Power Stroke model. The Power Stroke shocks have an aluminum body and shock cap and a large 3.5mm shaft. They are oil-filled and have free-flow molded pistons.
There are front and rear models for the Traxxas Slash, so make sure you pick up a pair of each to upgrade your Slash.
Proline Shocks Model Numbers For The Traxxas Slash
The two item numbers you want are:
Proline Power Stroke FRONT – Item number PRO606300
Proline Power Stroke REAR – Item number PRO606301
Proline Shock Details And My Experience
The Power Stroke shocks are adjustable. That means you can adjust the threaded collar on top of the shock to increase/decrease the spring pre-tension.
The biggest difference you will notice in the Proline Power Stroke shock is the “dual-stage” spring setup. This shock has one small spring on top and a second longer spring on the bottom. Having two springs gives you much greater customization options. You can pick all sorts of different combinations of spring tensions to fit the exact surface you are driving (or racing) on.
When I installed these shocks on my Slash, I immediately noticed a difference in the truck’s cornering. The wheels stuck to the ground and had more control through turns. I also noticed the truck would pop off jumps in a flat and level trajectory. The stock Traxxas shocks would always throw the truck nose down off jumps.
So, cornering and jumping were immediately improved when I upgraded the shocks. I don’t crash on the nose and send the truck end over end with the Proline shocks. That was always a problem for me with the stock shocks.
The Prolines come with tough aluminum shock caps, whereas the stock shocks have plastic shock caps. The stock plastic shock caps would pop off if I landed hard.
When the shock cap pops off, all the shock oil leaks out, and you need to fill it back up or you are done driving for the day. So, having aluminum shock caps that don’t come apart and leak shock oil everywhere is a major, major plus for the Prolines!
Proline Shock And Spring Kits
Proline also has a front and rear spring kit that has all the different springs you can run on the Power Stroke shocks. Most drivers will use the springs that come with the shocks, but if you want a highly customized suspension setup, I recommend picking up the spring kit. If you like to tinker around with your truck like I do, the spring kit will give you hours of fun in the shop!
GTR Shocks For The Traxxas Slash
Traxxas has two different shock upgrade options for the Traxxas Slash to choose from. You can either buy the Big Bore or the GTR shocks. I do not recommend getting the Big Bore shocks. If you want to upgrade the shocks on your Slash, get the GTR shocks.
GTR Shocks Model Numbers For The Traxxas Slash
The two item numbers you want are:
Traxxas GTR FRONT – Item number 7461
Traxxas GTR REAR – Item number 7642
GTR Shocks For The Traxxas Slash
The GTR shock is a single-spring adjustable shock. To tighten or loosen the spring, simply twist the spring collar on the top of the shock body. Compressing the spring will increase the spring tension, while loosening the spring collar will decompress the spring.
By tightening or loosening the spring, you can level the truck or adjust the right height. If you want a higher ride height, twist the spring collar down and compress the spring more. If you want a lower ride height, decompress the spring by twisting the spring collar up towards the top of the shock body.
By simply upgrading the Slash with adjustable shocks, you can really fine tune the vehicle’s driving characteristics.
GTR Shock Details And My Experience
When I am driving in tall grass or in rocky, wooded terrain, I like a bit more ride height. All I have to do is twist down the spring to raise the chassis up. You DO NOT have to take the truck apart to adjust the shocks. That’s the best part about the GTR shocks (and the Prolines too.)
GTR Shock Kits
Traxxas GTR Long Shocks
Traxxas GTR XX Long Shocks
FAQs For Proline VS GTR Shocks For The Traxxas Slash
Are Proline or GTR shocks better for the Traxxas Slash?
Both Proline and Traxxas GTR shocks are strong, durable, and high-performing shocks. The Proline Power Stroke shocks have dual-action springs that can be fine-tuned while the GTR shocks only have a single spring. The GTR shocks are more affordable but lack the tuning capabilities the Prolines offer.
Which shocks for the Traxxas Slash cost more, the GTRs or Proline Shocks?
The Proline shocks cost more than the GTR shocks and are about double the price.
Do Proline Power Stroke shocks have aluminum Shock caps?
Yes, the shock caps on the Proline Power Stroke shocks are aluminum metal and are stronger than the stock plastic shock caps that come on the Traxxas Ultra Shocks.
Conclusion: Proline VS GTR Shocks For The Traxxas Slash
Upgrading the shocks on your Traxxas Slash should be one of your first major upgrades. The stock Ultra shocks aren’t bad, but they aren’t adjustable and don’t hold up as well when hitting big jumps.
Proline VS GTR shocks have been a longstanding debate in the RC car world, and each brand has its strong points. If you want a great shock at an affordable price, get the GTR shocks. However, if you want to fine-tune your truck’s suspension, the dual-spring Proline Power Strokes are the way to go.
Once you install the shocks, I bet you will be just as blown away by your Slash’s performance as I was. The shocks make it drive like a whole other machine! Happy driving.
