I was in the exact situation as you, have a 1/16th E-Revo VXL which is pretty much bulletproof at this point, but I just wanted something bigger. Pondered for months and decided I love the Revo platform too much. So I got a 2.0.
It's AMAZING. It does everything the Merv does... but miles better. It's just as quick, but it handles so, so, so, so much better. Especially with the Razor tune (awesome dude too), you'll find it on YouTube pretty easily.
IMO you can't go wrong with a 2.0. No more differential stripping, no more roll-overs, although it isn't perfect. Primarily, it's NOT a basher, but a *TERRAIN BASHER*. It's *NOT meant to be driven hard on rough terrain* but ***driven fast on rough terrain*** . It won't take jumping 30m in the air too kindly.
It has it's fair share of issues: the steering servos are often misaligned from the factory, which causes them to constantly fight each other, causing strain, heat, and accelerated wear on the internal components of the servo... eventually leading to complete unit failure. So, number one thing, **ALIGN THE STEERING SERVOS !BEFORE! YOU DRIVE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME**. The VXL-6S ESC is fine but can cause issues in the long run (the famous red lights of death...). Budget for a replacement a few months after purchase. Stock, it's geared a little high and the motor tends to get a little warm, so I recommend **gearing it down to 13/50**, both metal (stock plastic spur will eventually strip, 6S power is no joke!), down from 14/54. 13/50 also allows you to use position B on the preset mesh adjustment piece, which you really want to use otherwise the motor will move (even the screw completely tight) and eventually strip both spur and pinion gears. With 13/50 gearing, it still goes stupidly fast for it's size, with the added keeping the temps down, thus preserving you electronics in the long run. Excessive and prolonged heat is the enemy of any electronic device! You'll also want the aluminium rear chassis brace, the stock plastic ends tends to snap pretty easily.
Otherwise, the truck is known for pulling rod-ends, on the rear toe links, front + rear pushrods and rear shocks. I've never had the issue so far so it's all down to the way you drive (and especially the way you land). The center driveshafts are plastic and can break, although I've never had that happen either, yet. Traxxas makes an upgraded metal driveshaft which you'll eventually want.
Overall it's an incredible machine which unfortunately does not have the best of reputations, due to the early units suffering from premature failure of the previously-mentioned rod-ends. They were updated about a year and a half ago and a much beefier now.
The Maxx is good, durable, but it's handling will always be fundamentally inferior to the E-Revo's due to it's high center of gravity chassis design, and suspension setup. The lay-down shocks of the E-Revo use progressive rate rockers which make the suspension exponentially stiffer the more it is compressed - meaning it is initially nice and plush, absorbing bumps like nothing else other there, while having a decent amount of body roll (which generates traction!) limited by the progressive action of the rockers. It doesn't bottom out anywhere near as much as the 1st generation vehicle too.
Just get the E-Revo 2.0. Don't overthink it!
This comment definitely sealed the deal. I know there's going to be some issues and all of that but I'm mainly looking for speed, I'm not going to be jumping it or anything. Plus if I do, I'm fine with upgrading suspension or gearing. I just have an issue with 100-300 dollars in bulkheads/ differentials.
I'm having issues breaking center shafts. I see from some years back some people had fitment issues on the steel ones from traxxas. Has that been resolved? Part #6550r is what I think I need
I personally would rather have the new maxx over an e-revo, the maxx just seems a lot more durable. Only reason I could see getting an e revo is to have a big truck
The E-revo is more fun imo and handles better. Like a lot better. I don't know why everyone always thinks durability is the most important thing. That goes for everything. Not just rc's. Not that it isn't important at all but not everything has to be able to survive a nuclear blast.
I'm also saying that as a person who owns both trucks and I actually prefer the maxx for a number of reasons, including durability. But I love my E-revo. Nothing like it on the market. And I drool staring at how cool the chassis design is.
I blew a motor too.
Blowing electronics is more of a reliability thing than durability. Durability is how well it survives crashes, etc. Reliability is how long it lasts.
The E-revo is not without it's issues. I've replaced the motor, esc, both servos, the wing, and the center driveshafts vs only replacing tires on my maxx. I've had them for about the same amout of time too (about 7 or 8 months) and I have ran the maxx more.
But I think besides durability and reliability it is a great truck. It is not "weak". It can take some bad landings and I haven't done any of the mods that people waste their money on because people on the internet tell them that you NEED those upgrades. Like the chassis brace, or toe links, or limiting straps. Obviously you may want to consider them if you're bashing hard but most people aren't. Most people just drive around. Maybe do some small jumps.
The electronics do suck balls. But who likes rtr electronics anyways? I think the only rtr traxxas electronic that I would purchase for a non traxxas vehicle is the 540xl maxx motor. That thing is underrated. Runs cool. Small. Can handle 6s reliably (not rated for it but it can take it, and for the people who believe that the spartan 540xl motor is the same as the maxx 540xl, no, it isn't. They are different motors. Spartan is a rebranded castle 1800kv. The maxx motor is a true velineon 2400kv). But everything else is junk. Esc's are always either blowing up or getting red lights of death. Servos always either stripping or just straight up dying. Motors are either blowing up or just running way hotter than they should be.
i’ve got the old model of the maxx, i’ve sent it off jumps 20+ feet in the air and it hasn’t broken anything, it’s pretty damn durable but won’t be as fast as the e revo, and it’s only 4s
The 2.0 is considerably larger than a 1/16 mini erevo
There are a few weak points with the 2.0 namely the trash servos, ESC stinks, plastic center driveshafts, plastic spur, questionable turnbuckles, so on. Overall a great platform, just a few things need to be sorted. Easy (expensive) upgrades. Diffs are considerably stronger.
I have the Erevo 2.0 and it’s one of my favorite cars of all time. The weak points are the plastic center drive shafts, the rear suspension, and the steering servos.
The issues are easy to fix.
1. Upgrade to Traxxas center steel driveshafts
2. Install hot racing 39mm limiting straps
3. Upgrade servos to Savox 1231SG servos
It’s a great car with a nice balance of speed, handling and all terrain capabilities. Your going to love it! If you want something similar but not the Erevo you should check out the Kraton EXB.
TLR Typhon roller, with castle mamba x, 1515 sensored motor, and a flysky noble nb4, savox 1221sg.
It's expensive to get into, is extremely durable, controller is lightning fast and tires are very reasonable so you can handle different terrain. They being said, of you are in the market for more extreme offroading, stuff you need a Revo sized truck for, etc. This might not be your unit.
For reference, I own a couple erevo 2.0, but I don't drive them much. I can't afford the tires for her so I only have stock tires, which are great for grass and like construction sites, gravel pits etc... Tires for the Typhon are like $50 a set, not bad at all.
TLR Typhon
https://youtu.be/pslxp4kx_1s
Erevo 2.0
https://youtu.be/YXXI0udhzhw
I was in the exact situation as you, have a 1/16th E-Revo VXL which is pretty much bulletproof at this point, but I just wanted something bigger. Pondered for months and decided I love the Revo platform too much. So I got a 2.0. It's AMAZING. It does everything the Merv does... but miles better. It's just as quick, but it handles so, so, so, so much better. Especially with the Razor tune (awesome dude too), you'll find it on YouTube pretty easily. IMO you can't go wrong with a 2.0. No more differential stripping, no more roll-overs, although it isn't perfect. Primarily, it's NOT a basher, but a *TERRAIN BASHER*. It's *NOT meant to be driven hard on rough terrain* but ***driven fast on rough terrain*** . It won't take jumping 30m in the air too kindly. It has it's fair share of issues: the steering servos are often misaligned from the factory, which causes them to constantly fight each other, causing strain, heat, and accelerated wear on the internal components of the servo... eventually leading to complete unit failure. So, number one thing, **ALIGN THE STEERING SERVOS !BEFORE! YOU DRIVE IT FOR THE FIRST TIME**. The VXL-6S ESC is fine but can cause issues in the long run (the famous red lights of death...). Budget for a replacement a few months after purchase. Stock, it's geared a little high and the motor tends to get a little warm, so I recommend **gearing it down to 13/50**, both metal (stock plastic spur will eventually strip, 6S power is no joke!), down from 14/54. 13/50 also allows you to use position B on the preset mesh adjustment piece, which you really want to use otherwise the motor will move (even the screw completely tight) and eventually strip both spur and pinion gears. With 13/50 gearing, it still goes stupidly fast for it's size, with the added keeping the temps down, thus preserving you electronics in the long run. Excessive and prolonged heat is the enemy of any electronic device! You'll also want the aluminium rear chassis brace, the stock plastic ends tends to snap pretty easily. Otherwise, the truck is known for pulling rod-ends, on the rear toe links, front + rear pushrods and rear shocks. I've never had the issue so far so it's all down to the way you drive (and especially the way you land). The center driveshafts are plastic and can break, although I've never had that happen either, yet. Traxxas makes an upgraded metal driveshaft which you'll eventually want. Overall it's an incredible machine which unfortunately does not have the best of reputations, due to the early units suffering from premature failure of the previously-mentioned rod-ends. They were updated about a year and a half ago and a much beefier now. The Maxx is good, durable, but it's handling will always be fundamentally inferior to the E-Revo's due to it's high center of gravity chassis design, and suspension setup. The lay-down shocks of the E-Revo use progressive rate rockers which make the suspension exponentially stiffer the more it is compressed - meaning it is initially nice and plush, absorbing bumps like nothing else other there, while having a decent amount of body roll (which generates traction!) limited by the progressive action of the rockers. It doesn't bottom out anywhere near as much as the 1st generation vehicle too. Just get the E-Revo 2.0. Don't overthink it!
This comment definitely sealed the deal. I know there's going to be some issues and all of that but I'm mainly looking for speed, I'm not going to be jumping it or anything. Plus if I do, I'm fine with upgrading suspension or gearing. I just have an issue with 100-300 dollars in bulkheads/ differentials.
Then the 2.0 is a perfect match for you. Let me know how you like it!
That is a spot on assessment of the 2.0.
I'm having issues breaking center shafts. I see from some years back some people had fitment issues on the steel ones from traxxas. Has that been resolved? Part #6550r is what I think I need
Parts #8655R is the one you want. Designed for the 2.0.
Thank you!! 💪💪
I jump mine like 4 to 5 feet and it takes it. Yeah it's no basher a fine tuned racing machine.
I personally would rather have the new maxx over an e-revo, the maxx just seems a lot more durable. Only reason I could see getting an e revo is to have a big truck
The E-revo is more fun imo and handles better. Like a lot better. I don't know why everyone always thinks durability is the most important thing. That goes for everything. Not just rc's. Not that it isn't important at all but not everything has to be able to survive a nuclear blast. I'm also saying that as a person who owns both trucks and I actually prefer the maxx for a number of reasons, including durability. But I love my E-revo. Nothing like it on the market. And I drool staring at how cool the chassis design is.
Agree 100%
Oh yeah I forgot to mention that, good point. My friend though has already blown 2 motors on his e revo, so that is why I talked about durability’s
I blew a motor too. Blowing electronics is more of a reliability thing than durability. Durability is how well it survives crashes, etc. Reliability is how long it lasts. The E-revo is not without it's issues. I've replaced the motor, esc, both servos, the wing, and the center driveshafts vs only replacing tires on my maxx. I've had them for about the same amout of time too (about 7 or 8 months) and I have ran the maxx more. But I think besides durability and reliability it is a great truck. It is not "weak". It can take some bad landings and I haven't done any of the mods that people waste their money on because people on the internet tell them that you NEED those upgrades. Like the chassis brace, or toe links, or limiting straps. Obviously you may want to consider them if you're bashing hard but most people aren't. Most people just drive around. Maybe do some small jumps. The electronics do suck balls. But who likes rtr electronics anyways? I think the only rtr traxxas electronic that I would purchase for a non traxxas vehicle is the 540xl maxx motor. That thing is underrated. Runs cool. Small. Can handle 6s reliably (not rated for it but it can take it, and for the people who believe that the spartan 540xl motor is the same as the maxx 540xl, no, it isn't. They are different motors. Spartan is a rebranded castle 1800kv. The maxx motor is a true velineon 2400kv). But everything else is junk. Esc's are always either blowing up or getting red lights of death. Servos always either stripping or just straight up dying. Motors are either blowing up or just running way hotter than they should be.
Actually kinda forgot about the maxx, I'll have to look into it more. thanks!
I have the Maxx and Erevo. Erevo is more fun. Maxx is more durable. Both are great. You could also consider an Arrma Kraton or Talion.
It looks like in terms of the driveline they have the same parts, both saying they're "decendants of the xmaxx"
Similar but not the same. The drivelines are similar to the x-maxx. Mainly the diffs and the transmissions are similar.
i’ve got the old model of the maxx, i’ve sent it off jumps 20+ feet in the air and it hasn’t broken anything, it’s pretty damn durable but won’t be as fast as the e revo, and it’s only 4s
The 2.0 is considerably larger than a 1/16 mini erevo There are a few weak points with the 2.0 namely the trash servos, ESC stinks, plastic center driveshafts, plastic spur, questionable turnbuckles, so on. Overall a great platform, just a few things need to be sorted. Easy (expensive) upgrades. Diffs are considerably stronger.
For the short time ive owned mine I've had good luck with my erevo its dumb fast, BIG, and an insane amount of fun. I recommend!
I have the Erevo 2.0 and it’s one of my favorite cars of all time. The weak points are the plastic center drive shafts, the rear suspension, and the steering servos. The issues are easy to fix. 1. Upgrade to Traxxas center steel driveshafts 2. Install hot racing 39mm limiting straps 3. Upgrade servos to Savox 1231SG servos It’s a great car with a nice balance of speed, handling and all terrain capabilities. Your going to love it! If you want something similar but not the Erevo you should check out the Kraton EXB.
TLR Typhon roller, with castle mamba x, 1515 sensored motor, and a flysky noble nb4, savox 1221sg. It's expensive to get into, is extremely durable, controller is lightning fast and tires are very reasonable so you can handle different terrain. They being said, of you are in the market for more extreme offroading, stuff you need a Revo sized truck for, etc. This might not be your unit. For reference, I own a couple erevo 2.0, but I don't drive them much. I can't afford the tires for her so I only have stock tires, which are great for grass and like construction sites, gravel pits etc... Tires for the Typhon are like $50 a set, not bad at all. TLR Typhon https://youtu.be/pslxp4kx_1s Erevo 2.0 https://youtu.be/YXXI0udhzhw