DuraTrax® Evader ST Wins R/C Car Action RTR Shootout


Judging by the Evader's specs, it appears that DuraTrax simply made a list of the most wanted stadium-truck features, then checked 'em off as they built it. This truck has it all: aluminum threaded-body shocks (no preload clips to lose); 3-gear tranny with ball diff and slipper clutch; reversing ESC; soft knobbies; Futaba-built transmitter with dual-rate steering; "Photon Speed" 20-turn motor; universal-joint drive axles; and a full set of ball bearings. Add a good-looking, factory-finished body (available in six color combos, no less), an included getting-started video and a generous no-breakage warranty, and the Evader comes out as a tough-to-top RTR machine. As with the other RTRs tested (except the Kyosho, which includes a battery), all you need to add is a battery and charger.
PERFORMANCE ACCELERATION: Excellent Maybe it was the motor, maybe it was the gearing, but the Evader had more stonk than all the other trucks - and it took off straight and true, no matter what the surface.	Vehicles tested: Associated RC10T3, DuraTrax Evader ST, Kyosho Ultima ST Sports, Traxxas Rustler, Traxxas Stampede, XTM Racing Baja Bullet WHO WINS? Not to sound wishy-washy, but there are no clunkers here; all the RTRs we tested delivered a heaping helping of affordable off-road fun. But one truck did shine as an overall best, and that truck is the DuraTrax Evader. It's a fine machine based on its many included features and excellent performance alone. But when you factor in its price, you have to add a couple of extra exclamation points to the phrase that best describes this truck: "great value"! Only the XTM Baja Bullet is less expensive (to the tune of $20), but no other truck has all the features of the DuraTrax rig. And the Evader was the fastest of the bunch! They're all good trucks. But for all-around play, the DuraTrax Evader is the best. Source: R/C Car Action's Monster Trucks, July 2002 issue

- HANDLING: Very Good DuraTrax got it right. The Evader is easy to drive with precision, and it handles better than a play-truck needs to. Racers will find it a tick less predictable than the T3. - JUMPING: Very Good The Evader is a pleasure to fly and can handle anything an RC track can dish out, but BMX-style jumping bottomed out the suspension. - DURABILITY: Excellent No breakage to report. BONUS - Loaded with features: aluminum shock, bearings, ESC... - Great-looking factory finish and excellent factory assembly. Nice radio too. - Included start-up video is helpful for first-timers and has some nice action clips as well. BOGUS - We wish the windows weren't blacked out, but that is about as picky as we can get; this truck has it all.