Traxxas Slash 4x4 rips up the competition
Published:
September 13, 2010
Photo by Matt Gun (all images)
The all-new 4WD driveline delivers traction and acceleration never before seen from an electric Slash. Couple the motor and driveline with the included 2.4GHz High Output radio system and you have arguably the most appealing ready-to-run short-course truck currently available.
Performance: With the body on, the Slash 4x4 looks similar to its 2WD brother. Traxxas redesigned the shell with what they say are sharper edges and bolder curves, and I agree the new one picks up where the old body left off, with refreshingly new graphics as well.
Another noticeable difference is the wheel and tire combo: raised whitewall replica B.F. Goodrich Mud Terrain tires are wrapped snugly around semi-scale SCT Split Spoke wheels with bright red beadlocks.
Remove the polycarbonate shell and you'll see a layout that differs from the Slash 2WD. To accommodate the all-new front and rear differentials and center driveshaft, the motor has been positioned mid-frame. The suspension system is also tweaked with new parts and updated angles to provide a more stable racing platform and a higher likelihood of staying wheels-down when taking fast turns.
The new Velineon electronics package is just what the Slash was begging for. Not only will it break all four tires loose on the pavement, but you can expect a much higher top speed as well. I timed the Slash at 31.1 mph with the included 7-cell NiMH battery on a flat road. Off-road performance was what I would expect from a 4WD; the Slash powered through high-speed turns effortlessly while throwing twin rooster tails.
The Slash line is synonymous with durability, and the 4x4 is no exception. I beat the little short-course truck over some pretty nasty terrain, and even had a few front-end collisions without any damage.
Marketing: As with most Traxxas products, the Slash 4x4 does a pretty good job of selling itself. Sporting licensed BFG Mud Terrain tires and a race stance that mimics the real thing, the Slash can turn a browser into a buyer if it's out on display.
Setting one aside as a demo model can also help to move this little racer; most Traxxas fans familiar with the 2WD will be tickled to see how fast and agile the 4x4 really is. While it's not always possible to sacrifice stock as a demo, Traxxas does have some pretty sick promo videos showcasing the Slash 4x4 in all its glory. Playing one on a small screen will definitely attract customers and interest.
Since the Slash 4x4 comes ready to run, nothing is needed but four AA batteries for the transmitter. The included 3000mAh 7-cell NiMH battery pack comes complete with an AC wall charger capable of topping off the battery in eight hours. To boost the sale, I would recommend offering the buyer an additional battery pack and a quality quick charger such as the Traxxas EZ-Peak (No. TRX2930, $34.99) or the TRX Power Charger (No. TX3030x, $34.99).
As 4WD electric stadium truck classes emerge at race tracks around the country, the Slash 4x4 is destined to take over as the truck to beat. From a hobby retailer's perspective, it makes sense to stock the Slash 4x4 and a selection of hop-up and replacement parts. Use its aggressive looks and race-inspired styling to your advantage by displaying it up close for your customers to see and inspect — sales will follow.
VITAL STATS
Product: Slash 4x4
Maker: Traxxas
Scale: 1:10
Stock No.: TRX6808
Price: $360
Availability: Most R/C distributors
BOTTOM LINE
Brushless power
2.4GHz reliability
RTR with charger |