If you’re looking to buy a new Traxxas truck, you”re probably wondering what’s the difference between the Traxxas Slash Ultimate and VXL models. In this post, we will compare the Traxxas Slash Ultimate Vs VXL to see which model is faster, stronger, and more fun to drive. I will also highlight each truck’s unique qualities and features.
Both trucks are high-end models from Traxxas, but the Ultimate model is different from all other Slash models on the market. My goal is to provide the most important traits of each truck so you can make the right decision when buying a new RC. Let’s dive in and look at the Ultimate and VXL models to see which is the best truck for your driving style.
Traxxas Ultimate vs VXL: Whats In The Box
Both the Ultimate Edition Slash and the VXL 4X4 are 1/10 scale 4WD short course trucks. The main difference between them is the Ultimate has a lot of upgraded parts. They call it the “Ultimate Edition” because it has almost every hop-up part Traxxas has to offer.
The Slash VXL 4×4 comes with an upgraded motor and ESC. When you compare the VXL to the base model Slash (4×4 version, not the 2WD version), the motor and the ESC is the main difference.
So the Slash 4×4 is good, the VXL is better, and the Ultimate is best. But, each model will cost more because of the upgraded parts.
Traxxas Slash VXL Features
The VXL Slash is a brushless four-wheel drive truck that comes with the Velineon VXL 3S motor and ESC. The Ultimate model also has the same motor and ESC powering it. The key difference between the VXL and Ulmitate are the shocks, chassis, and metal steering parts.
The VXL does not have metal steering components OR adjustable aluminum GTR shocks. It comes with Ultra shocks and plastic shock caps. Finally, the chassis is not the low CG chassis you will find on the Ultimate.
Here are the key components that come on 4×4 VXL Slash:
- Velineon VXL-3S Motor and ESC
- Traxxas Stability Management (TSM)
- Water-proof receiver box
- Water-proof steering servo
- Traxxas Link Ready
- TQi 2.4GHz radio system included
- Pre-glued tires
Traxxas slash 4×4 VXL Pros
So, the VXL Slash has many of the same components as the base model 4X4 Slash, but the motor and ESC are what sets it apart. The truck is fast (60+ miles per hour) and durable. You can crash it, flip it, roll it, and it will keep on driving. It is one of my favorite trucks, and I drive it all the time.
The TSM gyro helps new drivers keep the truck under control when driving on loose dirt or in wet conditions.
It is waterproof so that you can drive it through puddles, in the rain, and in snow. I put a set of paddle tires on mine, and it can really move through the snow up here in the cold northern climate.
It is easy to work on, and the motor is easily accessible.
Traxxas slash 4×4 VXL Cons
The suspension is the weakest component on the truck. The shocks are not adjustable, and the shock caps are made of plastic. If you are driving at a track and hitting large jumps, the shock caps will pop off at some point. It happened to me over and over when at my local track. The only solution was to upgrade the shocks or buy aluminum shock caps.
Check out our post comparing the GTR and Proline Shocks for the Slash!
Traxxas Slash Ultimate Features
The Traxxas Slash 4×4 Ultimate comes with almost all the bells and whistles Traxxas has to offer. It has an upgraded suspension system, an LCG chassis, a 4WD drive train, and many metal parts. The best upgrades, in my opinion, are the GTR shocks and the heavy-duty drive shaft. I have a VXL Slash, and I upgraded the suspension and drive shafts after about six months of driving. It would have been cheaper in the long run just to buy the Ultimate model, and I wish I had not looking back.
The Slash Ultimate comes with the following upgraded parts installed:
- Aluminum GTR adjustable shocks
- Metal gear high-speed servo
- Upgraded heavy duty driveshafts
- Heavy-duty suspension arms
- Performance-optimized dark charcoal gray low-CG chassis
- TQi 2.4GHz transmitter system TSM
- Factory installed telemetry sensors
- Telemetry-ready 5-channel 2.4GHz micro receiver
- ProGraphix body in various pant schemes
- Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum C-hubs
- Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum steering blocks
- Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum rear hub carriers
- Anodized 6061-T6 aluminum axle nuts
- Adjustable front and rear sway bars
Traxxas Slash Ultimate Pros
The best part is the Slash 4×4 Ultimate arrives fully assembled with all the upgraded parts pre-installed. You don’t have to try and figure out which part number you need, how to take apart the truck, and put the new parts in. All you need to worry about is charging the batter and hitting the road.
The GTR shocks are really nice! You can adjust them by twisting the spring collars at the top of the shock. This will allow you to lower or raise the ride height. I find that adjusting the rear suspension can help the truck pop off jumps nice and level. With the Ultra shocks that come on the VXL, the truck would nose down when it would leave the jump.
Traxxas Slash Ultimate Cons
The price is high on this truck. So that is my biggest con.
It also does not come with a LiPo battery or charger. So if this is your first truck, make sure to pick up a 3S LiPo and a charger.
Traxxas Slash Ultimate VS VXL: Max Speed & Runtime
The Velineon brushless power system on both of these trucks is capable of reaching a max speed of 60+ miles per hour. Each truck comes with an optional high-speed pinion gear that must be installed to reach the 60MPH mark. That means you must take the rear end apart, remove the pinion gear from the motor, and install the high-speed pinion. If speed runs is what you are after, you can reach insane speeds with both of these trucks.
Each truck can run between 15 and 30 minutes on a fully charged 5000 mAh 3S LiPo battery. I have driven my truck for nearly 45 minutes when I am taking my time and not hammering the throttle the entire time.
The runtime depends on how you are driving the truck. If you are full throttle and only doing speed runs, expect 15 minutes of driving. If you are in the back yard or practicing turns and hitting jumps, you can easily drive both of these trucks for 30+ minutes.
So, both of these trucks will have a similar max speed and run time since they use the same batteries, have the same motors, and weigh about the same.
What hop-up parts and accessories are included with the Slash Ultimate?
The Slash Ultimate comes fully loaded with a range of aluminum hop-up parts and performance accessories to enhance strength, durability, and appearance. These include blue-anodized aluminum C-hubs, steering blocks, rear hub carriers, and axle nuts, as well as adjustable front and rear sway bars. The truck also features high-volume blue PTFE-coated aluminum GTR shocks, a high-speed metal gear servo, and heavy-duty suspension arms.
The low CG chassis is another hop-up part on the Ultimate that does not come on the VXL.
What Is the Low CG Chassis?
The low-CG chassis kit lowers the chassis, battery, and electronic components of the truck. Lowering the center of gravity of any RC vehicle is important because it can enhance its stability and handling, especially when cornering or making quick turns.
The low-CG chassis holds the battery and electronics as deep in the chassis as possible to position weight low in the chassis, which dramatically increases corner speed and stability no matter where you drive. By lowering the center of gravity, the truck has better handling and increases cornering speed. So, the Ultimate model should handle much better than the VXL.
Traxxas Slash Ultimate VS VXL: Compatible Battery Pack
Both the VXL and Slash Ultimate trucks will perform better on a LiPo pack, but they can run on NiMh packs too. The specific type and size of battery needed will depend on your driving style and preferences, but Traxxas recommends using a 2-cell or 3-cell LiPo battery with a capacity of at least 5000mAh and a discharge rate of at least 25C. It’s important to choose a battery with the correct size and connector type to fit the Slash Ultimate’s battery compartment and connector. If you aren’t sure which connector to get, stick with a Traxxas brand battery. It should have the Traxxas-style connector that is also installed on the ESC. Please note that the battery is sold separately and not included in the truck.
Upgrade Your Slash’s Motor and ESC For Max Speed
What is Traxxas Stability Management (TSM), and how does it benefit both the Slash Ultimate and VXL Models?
Traxxas Stability Management is a system that helps the Slash Ultimate maintain control and stability while driving at high speeds or in challenging terrain. The TSM system uses sensors and advanced algorithms to adjust the throttle and braking inputs, helping to prevent the truck from spinning out or losing control. This can be especially useful for novice drivers or in difficult driving conditions.
Traxxas Slash VXL Vs Ultimate FAQs
What is the main difference between the Traxxas Slash Ultimate and VXL models?
The main difference is that the Ultimate model comes with almost all the hop-up parts Traxxas offers, while the VXL only has an upgraded motor and ESC. They both have the same Velineon motor and ESC.
Which model is faster, stronger, and more fun to drive?
The Ultimate model is generally considered to be stronger, and more fun to drive due to its upgraded components and features. They both should go about the same max speed since they weigh the same and have the same motor and ESC.
Are there any cons to the Traxxas Slash VXL?
One common issue with the VXL is that the suspension system is not as durable as some users would like, and the plastic shock caps can pop off during heavy use. However, you can fix this by upgrading the shocks or purchasing aluminum shock caps. I recommend either the GTR or Proline Shocks for the Slash.
Final Thought About the Difference Between the VXL Slash and The Slash Ultimate
the Traxxas Slash Ultimate and VXL 4×4 are both high-end 1/10 scale four-wheel drive short course trucks. The Ultimate model is the “Ultimate Edition” because it has almost every hop-up part Traxxas has to offer, while the VXL 4×4 comes with an upgraded motor and ESC. The VXL has the same motor and ESC as the Ultimate, but the key difference between the two is the shocks, chassis, and metal steering parts. The VXL does not have metal steering components or adjustable aluminum GTR shocks. Both models have their pros and cons, but the Ultimate is the more advanced and expensive model that comes fully assembled with all the upgraded parts pre-installed.
I bought the VXL and absolutely love it. But, I have upgraded the shocks and installed the heavy-duty drive shafts. The price alone for these two parts would have just about covered the price of the Ultimate.
So, if you want a great truck and have a lower budget, get the VXL. If you want to race, hit jumps, and have all the performance parts pre-installed, get the Ultimate edition. Happy Driving!
