Traxxas Bandit: The Complete RC Buggy for Extreme Fun

If you’re looking for a high-quality electric RC buggy at a more than reasonable price, you’ve found it: the Traxxas Bandit offers all that and more.

It’s one of the models that shook up the market with its incredible power and its ability to run on almost any surface, and its price is very tempting too.

In this post we’ll give you all the information you need about this practical RC car, in both its VXL and standard (XL-5) versions.

Traxxas Bandit specs

The Traxxas Bandit’s specs are quite distinctive, and they make this buggy one of the most sought-after among RC fans. It’s without a doubt one of the most complete models: you don’t need to add a thing to enjoy it to the fullest.

Here’s an overview of this buggy’s most important specs.

• Overall length: 16.3 in (41.3 cm).
• Overall height: 7.0 in (17.8 cm).
• Weight: 3.0 lb (1.35 kg).
• Distance between tires: 9.8 in (25 cm).
• Rear tires: Alias 2.2 pin-style.
• Front tires: Alias 2.2 ribbed.
• Electric motor: Titan 12T 550.
• ESC: XL-5 speed control, and VXL-3s on the VXL version.
• Radio system: TQ 2.4 GHz.
• Transmission: Magnum 272.
• Top speed: 35 to 70 mph (55–110 km/h), depending on the battery used.
• Waterproof electronics.

As you can see, this Traxxas has some standout specs that put it among the best options on the market. We’ll go over its other features throughout this article.

Traxxas Bandit history

This maker of RC scale models is one of the most innovative, and it manages to surprise its fans year after year. Since 1986 it has offered the general public all kinds of products for this hobby, and today it’s one of the most respected companies in the segment.

The Traxxas Bandit first appeared in 1995, with its first version in 1/10 scale. It’s worth noting that Traxxas had already used several of the Bandit’s parts on the Rustler, such as the motor, ESC, shocks, transmission and even the chassis, among other internal parts. But the biggest difference between these two models was visible at a glance: the Bandit’s body added a rear wing.

In 2007, the Traxxas Bandit took off together with the Bandit VXL. It was very similar to the same brand’s Rustler VXL, but with a new body featuring new graphics and paint.

Today the Bandit VXL is an excellent model, with great performance that lets drivers run it on different surfaces, such as pavement, giving you an edge in every race.

The Bandit XL-5 is one of the most popular and most important models in the Traxxas lineup. You’ve probably already noticed its capabilities from what we’ve told you in this post, and we’ll keep going with other aspects of this model so you get to know it inside out.

Some advantages of the Traxxas Bandit

Like other Traxxas models, the Bandit stands out for the number of benefits and superior features it offers. Here we’ll go over the most important ones, the ones that give it an edge over the competition.

Waterproof electronics

As with other models from this brand, this vehicle has waterproof electronics. That lets you drive over any kind of terrain without worrying about damaging its components.

Motor and high current

The electric motor in the standard buggy is the Titan 12T, which delivers incredible performance and reaches high speeds. The Bandit VXL uses the components shown in the image.

Traxxas fast charging

The included charger is a powerful 4-amp DC unit. It makes charging much easier and shortens the wait, so you can get back to the track in a very short time.

Traxxas Stability Management

This is a feature Traxxas added to this RC buggy. It gives the vehicle more stability on tracks or roads, especially in low-traction situations. You’ll find this feature only on the VXL version of the Bandit.

Accessories for your Traxxas Bandit

As one of the most popular RC cars on the market worldwide, the Bandit has a huge range of extra accessories so you can customize it however you like. You’ll find plenty of accessories for your Traxxas Bandit XL-5.

Some of the most popular accessories are for the outside of the car, such as bodies, stickers or bumpers, but you’ll also find different batteries and chargers to get the most power out of this buggy.

Things to know before buying a Traxxas Bandit

At this point in the article, there’s little left to add about the features and specs of this attractive electric buggy. But one of the biggest things to keep in mind is that this model is very similar to the Rustler line; the main difference is the body each one uses, which gives it a different look.

On the technical side you won’t notice any difference, so it comes down to which design you like best.

Final thoughts on the Traxxas Bandit

If you’re looking for a buggy you can drive on all kinds of terrain, you’ve found it: the Traxxas Bandit will be the ideal model for you for many years.

You can choose from the huge range Traxxas has to offer, with different packages and features, so finding the ideal one for you shouldn’t be much of a problem.

One alternative could be the Traxxas TRX-4 Ford Bronco.

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