As you probably all know by now im purchasing a Traxxas Jato, but what are the pro's and con's of this ST? I know it's insanely fast, and quite durable. But what are the con's? Can it handle a track, keep pace with racing bred cars? And does it handle jumps and bumps well? Is the handling any good when going over 50 mph? Also is tuning difficult?

Thanks in advance, adam

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it takes quite a bit of work to get a jato to race status. but once it is there it can hold its own at the track - if you can drive. stock the jato is set up for bashers since that is the most of traxxas customers.
it is a very tunable truck. very adjustible. read through the "Official Traxxas JATO Thread" and you will find lots of info.

If you want to race, let me unload the cons of this truck. Illegal engine size (unless track allows any small block engine), tires are illegal (must have 2.2 sized), illegal tranny (must be single speed to compete). Thats about it.


BUT, you can get it "legal" to race at any track, its just not cheap. You can get the single speed conversion kit, you can get a .12 for it, and you can convert to 2.2 dish wheels and tires.

Now, if you do plan to race, you'll want to gear down and make the truck slower on the top end, but more explosive on the low end to be really competitive. Was this advice useful?

Pros: It has a cool name

Cons: It's a Traxxas

LOL, sorry, I had to....[&:]

Yes, the advice is very useful. I wasnt planning to race, but to have a little bash on a track around my area. Anymore comments?

the stock tires go bald very quickly. Converting to 2.2 wheels and tires might not be a bad idea right off the start. You'll slow the truck down, but it'll get up to speed a LOT faster than you would with the RTR set.

Thanks ive already heard about the stock tires quite a few times. Do i just buy the tire's or do i also have to buy rims?

2.2 rims and tires will be the way to go. look at proline.

Why cant i go ahead and slap the new tires on the stock rims? Just a question, im sort of a noob. But have been lurking around rcu for a few months now. Also the dirt works look very reliable, but unfortunatly i live in the UK (ignore my info under my name).

Get a crowd pleazer 2.0, it doesn't improve performance but it looks darn good!

For rims/tired I reccomend

#2685-00 Agitator wheels
#1070-00 Dirt Hawg tires

the stock rims are a 2.8 size. standard ST rims are 2.2 size. you can put the 2.2 tires on the stock 2.8 rims but that will take a bit of trimming.

Ok, thanks.

Also -inverted- the crowd pleazer 2.0 bodyshell looks very impressive im buying it once ive had my jato for a few days. Thanks for mentioning that. Either that or the ford f-150 shell.

I say buy one it's is not my money.

Nobody mentioned the weak upper tray.

Or the rear shock towers, A arms and so on. Just going by what I have read in the Jato thread. But they are fast. I sitll say buy one it's not my money.

i have a question.
I'm thinking about getting the new Jato 3.3 when it comes out, so how do u guys think it will do on off-road surfaces

Just like the 2.5.

but the 3.3 is more powerful, so you don't think it will be more crazier in the dirt then it already is???

Yes But neither one handles very well but they are fast. Personally I will take good handling over fast any day. But I say get one it's your money.

It will be overpowered, which isn't something you really want if you want any kind of performance.

Tires. Tires. Tires.

But u can change the gearing

Ok, thanks. So i take it the jato doesnt handle very well?