Mini Mayhem: Traxxas Mini Slash vs. Mini Maxx vs. Mini XRT
Traxxas has a reputation for bringing big performance to every scale, and their latest trio of “mini” machines proves it. Whether you’re into wheelies, wide-open speed runs, or door-to-door short-course battles, there’s a mini Traxxas waiting to shred your backyard, parking lot, or local track. Let’s pit the Mini Maxx, Mini XRT, and Mini Slash 4×4 head-to-head and see which one rules the small-scale arena.
The Mini Maxx – The Basher’s Beast
Think of the Mini Maxx as the younger sibling who still packs a punch. It’s a 1/16-scale monster truck that looks small in your hands but drives like a full-size bruiser. Powered by a 2S brushless system, it rips past 30 mph and shrugs off punishment with steel-gear diffs and a rugged 4WD setup.
The clipless body makes battery swaps painless, and the truck feels planted enough to handle skatepark launches, grass runs, and dirt bashing. At around $250, the Mini Maxx is the “gateway drug” into serious Traxxas fun — compact, durable, and ready for a beating.
The Mini XRT – Speed Demon Unleashed
Now, if the Mini Maxx is the scrappy fighter, the Mini XRT is the heavy-hitter in the family. Traxxas widened the stance, stiffened the chassis, and dropped in a 3S-capable brushless system that pushes this truck past 55 mph. Yes, fifty-five. For a mini.
With its wide Gravix tires and Traxxas Stability Management, the Mini XRT hooks up hard on pavement and stays controllable off-road. It’s got the muscle car vibes of the lineup — loud, fast, and a little bit wild. At roughly $370, you’re paying more, but what you get is one of the fastest “mini” trucks ever made.
The Mini Slash 4×4 – Short-Course Style, Mini Size
The newest kid on the block is the Mini Slash 4×4, and it’s here for the racers. Modeled after Traxxas’ legendary Slash, this 1/16-scale short-course truck brings scale looks and balanced handling to the mini world. It’s powered by the BL-2s brushless system on 2S, good for 30+ mph, and comes with BFGoodrich-licensed tires that look straight off a full-scale trophy truck.
With its longer wheelbase and realistic body, the Mini Slash isn’t just about speed — it’s about the feel. Sliding through corners, trading paint on a track, or carving up a driveway course feels incredibly fun. At around $290, it’s a sweet middle ground between affordability and realism.
The Showdown
| Truck | Personality | Speed | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mini Maxx | Tough little basher | 30+ | Skateparks, dirt lots, kids | $250 |
| Mini XRT | Pure adrenaline | 40–55+ | Speed junkies, wide-open runs | $370 |
| Mini Slash | Scale racer | 30+ | Tracks, parking lots, racing | $290 |
Final Lap
So which one takes the crown? Honestly, it depends on your flavor of fun:
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Want durability and wheelie-popping fun? Go Mini Maxx.
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Crave insane speed and bragging rights? The Mini XRT is your rocket.
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Love scale realism and side-by-side racing? The Mini Slash delivers the goods.
No matter which you choose, Traxxas has nailed the formula: big thrills, small size, and that unmistakable Traxxas toughness.