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Friday, December 5, 2025

Traxxas Mini Slash 4×4 Brushless RTR Review – Big Action in a Small Package

The RC world has been buzzing about the arrival of the Traxxas Mini Slash 4×4 Brushless RTR Short Course Truck, and for good reason. This scaled-down powerhouse blends the rugged performance Traxxas is known for with a more compact size that’s perfect for backyard bashing, parking lot racing, or dirt-lot drifting. Capable of speeds over 30mph on 2S power and built with a tough new chassis design, the Mini Slash 4×4 proves that small can still deliver big thrills.

PRODUCT FEATURED
Mini Slash 4×4
By: Traxxas
Kit Type: Ready To Run Mini Short Course Truck
Part Number: 108164-01
Price: $289.99
Buy: Visit Your Local Hobby Shop
Buy at Amain: https://alnk.to/1N4tzMI
Link: https://traxxas.com/108164-1-mini-slash-4×4
Requires: 4 AA Batteries
Visit- https://traxxas.com/
Watch Our Mini Slash 4×4 Youtube video: https://youtu.be/tswCiB6tG84

What’s Included

The Traxxas Mini Slash 4×4 comes ready-to-run right out of the box. Inside you’ll find the fully assembled truck with factory-installed electronics, a Traxxas TQ 2.4GHz radio system, a 3500mAh 2S LiPo battery, and a convenient USB-C charger. Traxxas also includes decals for the bed, preload clips for the suspension, a basic tool kit, and an instruction manual. Essentially, everything you need to hit the dirt is here—just add AA batteries for the transmitter.

Body

The Mini Slash 4×4 carries aggressive styling that blends design cues from the larger Slash 4×4 and Maxx platforms. Four color options are available, each with simplified graphics that look clean and sharp. A molded inner structure supports the body during hard hits and also doubles as ducting for motor and ESC cooling. Small details like a driver figure with dashboard decals add realism. One weak point is the rear bumper area, which flexes under cartwheels and can push into the body edges, leading to cracks. Traxxas did redesign the front bumper to better fit the shell, and the body clip-less mounting system makes removal quick and easy.

Chassis

The chassis is a dedicated design unique to the Mini Slash 4×4. While it borrows styling from the Mini Maxx and XRT, it’s stretched slightly for proper short course proportions. Reinforced with honeycomb webbing underneath, the chassis provides a stiff, durable platform for high-speed runs and rough terrain. The flat bottom skids allow the truck to slide smoothly over obstacles while protecting components. A clever battery mount with a spacer clip accommodates larger packs, adding flexibility for those who like to grab more runtime.

Suspension

Suspension on the Mini Slash 4×4 is short-course tuned, with compact shocks and arms scaled for balance between agility and durability. The shocks feel a little soft out of the box but preload spacers are included to help fine-tune ride height. Front steering geometry uses a twin-bellcrank setup with a built-in servo saver, delivering responsive steering for both dirt and asphalt. While the truck won’t handle extremely rough construction-site terrain, it’s well-matched for dirt lots, grass, and pavement. Steering knuckles and caster blocks are pulled from the Mini Maxx, giving the suspension a proven backbone.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is where the Mini Slash 4×4 shines. It uses sealed planetary gear differentials front and rear for consistent traction. Traxxas revised the ring and pinion gearing to account for the smaller tires, which helps the truck achieve its 30+ mph top speed. There’s no slipper clutch or center diff—just a fixed spur gear with a keyed design for strength. A longer center driveshaft matches the stretched chassis, and slider-style driveshafts with full sealed ball bearings keep things smooth and efficient.

Electronics

Powering the Mini Slash is the Traxxas BL-2s brushless system with a 3300Kv motor. It’s internal fan-cooled for efficiency and durability, though the composite motor plate could have benefitted from a metal upgrade. The included ESC handles 2S LiPo packs out of the box. For drivers craving more power, the chassis can accept the Traxxas VXL system for 3S, though drivetrain upgrades would be recommended. Steering is handled by a standard Traxxas 2056 servo, while the TQ receiver tucks under a protective dust cover. Everything is controlled via the dependable TQ 2.4GHz radio system.

Notables

Licensed BFG KO2-inspired tires with a ribbed internal structure replace traditional foam inserts, giving consistent support and eliminating water absorption issues.

Four available body colors including vibrant yellow and hot pink options.

Clipless body mounting system makes shell removal fast and frustration-free.

Designed as a hybrid of the Traxxas Slash 4×4 and Maxx styling cues, giving it a bold, modern stance.

Performance

Out on the dirt, the Traxxas Mini Slash 4×4 immediately shows its personality. Acceleration is strong for a 2S system, and hitting 30 mph feels fast in a truck of this size. The four-wheel drive system keeps it planted, yet it still delivers fun, controllable power slides through loose turns. On asphalt, steering feels sharp and predictable, making it easy to imagine hobby shops setting up parking lot races with cones or small jumps. Jumps are where the truck really shines—it flies straight and lands surprisingly well for its size, though repeated hard crashes can put stress on the front body edges. Suspension damping is on the soft side, but preload clips allow for quick tuning to suit dirt, grass, or pavement. The licensed BFG-inspired tires grip consistently across surfaces, with enough slide in the rear to keep driving exciting. Even after extended runs, heat levels stayed in check, meaning the truck can handle plenty of bashing without worry. Overall, the Mini Slash delivers the speed, handling, and all-around fun that makes short course trucks such a blast, only now in a more compact and approachable platform.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Compact yet powerful design with 30+ mph speed

Durable chassis with reinforced webbing

Clipless body mounting system

Licensed BFG-inspired tires with water-resistant construction

RTR with battery and charger included

Strong handling on dirt, grass, and asphalt

Cons:

Body prone to bending under hard crashes

Rear bumper flex could use reinforcement

Stock servo is basic and plastic-geared

ESC limited to 2S without upgrades

Wrap-Up

The Traxxas Mini Slash 4×4 Brushless RTR packs everything enthusiasts love about short course trucks into a fun, portable size. It’s quick, durable, and capable of handling dirt lots, pavement, and small jumps with ease. While the body could use more reinforcement and the servo is on the basic side, the driving experience more than makes up for those shortcomings. For backyard bashers, parking lot racers, or anyone who wants Slash performance in a smaller footprint, the Mini Slash 4×4 is an easy recommendation. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it proves once again that Traxxas knows how to make an RC truck that keeps you smiling pack after pack.

 

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