Traxxas Revo 3.3 Review

Sean — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 20:59:13 -0600

The Traxxas Revo has been a shinning star in the RC community since its first debut in the industry, and is well known for its innovative designs. Things like the suspension set up, engine mounting position, and several other things make this truck stand out from the crowd.

The Revo 3.3 includes many great features, one of these is the way the suspension is set up. If you look at the picture above, you see the the shocks are mounted on top of the chassis, which are controlled by two pushrods mounted the the trucks suspension arms. This unique and innovative suspension set up not only gives it 60% more suspension travel than the legendary T-Maxx which was voted Truck of the year several years in a row, but gives it more suspension travel than any other monster truck on the market! Another great feature for racing included on the Revo 3.3 is the way that the engine is mounted. If you look at the picture below you see the the engine is angled in, which makes the truck not only have a lower Center of Gravity, but makes it so the truck handles even better by putting more weight towards the center of the chassis and off of the wheels.

Product Specifications (3.3 vs 2.5)

	REVO 3.3	REVO 2.5R
Engine	TRX® 3.3 Racing Engine	TRX® 2.5R Racing Engine
Starter	EZ-Start®	EZ-Start®
Chassis Type	Extended Chassis 3mm 6061-T6 Aluminum	Standard Chassis 3mm 6061-T6 Aluminum
Length	20.650" 525mm	19.469" 495mm
Front Track	16.378" 416mm	16.378" 416mm
Rear Track	16.476" 418.5mm	16.476" 418.5mm
Center Ground Clearance	4" 101mm	4" 101mm
Height (overall)	10.375" 264mm	10.375" 264mm
Wheelbase	13.7" 348mm	12.5" 318mm
Shock Length	GTR™ Aluminum 3.43" (87mm)	GTR™ Aluminum 3.43" (87mm)
Weight (RTR no fuel)	9.8lbs (4.448kg)	9.4lbs (4.26kg)
Front Tires	Talon™ 5.75"x3.8"	Talon™ 5.75"x3.8"
Rear Tires	Talon™ 5.75"x3.8"	Talon™ 5.75"x3.8"
Front Wheels	Chrome Split-Spoke™	Chrome Gemini™
Rear Wheels	Chrome Split-Spoke™	Chrome Gemini™
Wheel Diameter	3.8" 97mm	3.8" 97mm
Suspension	Fully independent Progressive 2 Rockers	Fully independent Progressive 1 Rockers
Transmission	Wide-Ratio Two-Speed Forward/Reverse	Standard-Ratio Two-Speed Forward/Reverse
Gear Ratio (1st Gear)	23.85:1	23.85:1
Gear Ratio (2nd Gear)	15.22:1	16.54:1
Differential type	Bevel gear, sealed, limited slip	Bevel gear, sealed, limited slip
Drive system	Shaft-driven 4WD	Shaft-driven 4WD
Radio System	Traxxas TQ-3™ (3-Channel)	Traxxas TQ-3™ (3-Channel)
Brake Type	Steel Disc with semi-metallic pads	Steel Disc with semi-metallic pads
Fuel Tank Capacity	125cc	125cc
Top Speed	45+mph	40+mph

As you can see, their is a noticeable improvement from the earlier 2.5 model of the Revo. A few things that Traxxas have to say about their 3.3 model is:

The Revo® 3.3 takes all the award-winning innovation engineered into Revo 2.5R to a new level of power and speed. Compared to the TRX® 2.5, the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine delivers 60% more peak horsepower along with an incredible boost of nearly 50% total increased horsepower under the curve. We’re talking real horsepower and torque increases you will see and feel every time you hammer the throttle. There’s never been an engine like the TRX 3.3 Racing Engine

The Revo 3.3 is upgraded with enhancements to harness the massive power output including 30mm of additional chassis length, increased engine mounting strength, and tighter suspension with installed progressive 2 rockers. There’s also a wide-ratio two-speed inside the transmission that takes full advantage of the TRX 3.3’s massive power curve for top speeds beyond 45mph! For the hardcore racer, Revo 3.3 has been designed to use the new Traxx as Revo center differential and rear brake kit (sold separately). On or off the track, Revo 3.3 is simply the ultimate, most-powerful machine for jaw-dropping handling and speed.

The Revo 3.3 is a great truck, although I do belive for whats included, it is a little over priced. You can expect to find the Revo 3.3 at most places for a price in the range of about $450-$500, but there are still several things you will need to buy to make this truck ready to go. You will require:

10%-20% Nitro Fuel - (Easily about $25)

8AA Radio batteries - (Depending on brand, usually about $10)

7.2v Battery for EZ-Starter - (For a decent battery, your looking at about $20)

Pit Equipment (Fuel bottle, glow ignitor, etc) - ( Around $20)

As you can see, you are probably going to be spending around $600, which for alot of RC enthusiasts is a lot to drop on a truck. Although, it may be worth the price to some. Would I personally buy it? Not at that price.

I myself have seen quite a few Revo 3.3's, I have raced with them, and I have bashed with them. All in all, I think it is a pretty good truck. They can take a good beating, but if you push them too hard, parts will start to break. Although on the plus side, you can be almost positive that you will be dominating the monster truck class at the race track. These things once tuned in correctly are stupid fast, and even with the stock suspension set ups they do awesome through the bends on even the windiest tracks. They have the handling of a buggy, yet the same get up and go power of a monster truck. Anyone who buys this vehicle should be quite content!!!

For more information, visit the Traxxas Website.

HPI Savage X 4.6 RTR

Sean — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 18:23:27 -0600

The HPI Savage X is well known for its monster power and durability. Being one of the most popularly bought monster trucks on the market today, many people were very impressed with the truck and its capabilities. Now, HPI has upped the bar even more with the release of the Savage X F4.6. It has everything you love about the Savage X, but with more power and strength!

Nitro Truck

Traxxas Revo 3.3 Review

HPI Savage X 4.6 RTR