Traxxas Mini Slash (1/16 Slash 4X4): Specs, Brushed vs Brushless and Tips
The “Mini Slash” is Traxxas’s 1/16 scale Slash 4X4 short-course truck. The brushed version measures about 356 mm (14 in) long, 185 mm wide and 125 mm tall, weighs around 1 kg, and uses a Titan 12-turn 550 brushed motor with a waterproof XL-2.5 ESC and TQ 2.4 GHz radio. A brushless version adds a lot more speed. It’s a small, tough, four-wheel-drive truck that’s easy to drive in a backyard or park, with the same look as its bigger 1/10 brother.
By Kyle HilsonUpdated: October 20263 min read
Brushed version specs
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Scale | 1/16, 4X4 |
| Length / width / height | 356 / 185 / 125 mm |
| Weight | about 1 kg |
| Motor | Titan 12T 550 brushed |
| ESC | XL-2.5, waterproof |
| Radio | TQ 2.4 GHz |
From Traxxas and dealer listings, checked October 2026. A brushless Mini Slash is sold separately; versions now ship with USB-C chargers.
Brushed or brushless?
The brushed Mini Slash is quick enough for beginners and kids, easy to control and cheaper. The brushless version is much faster and better suited to experienced drivers or bigger spaces, but it’s harder on parts and batteries. If you buy the brushed version, it can be upgraded later, though a factory brushless truck usually costs less than converting.
Batteries
The Mini Slash runs on Traxxas packs with iD connectors; NiMH packs are common in brushed bundles, and LiPo packs give more punch and run time. Use LiPo only with the ESC’s low-voltage detection enabled. Larger capacity packs that fit the tray extend run time.
If the light blinks red
A red blinking light on a Traxxas ESC often means low-voltage protection (low battery) or thermal shutdown (too hot). Let the truck cool, charge the battery, and if it happens quickly, check that the gears and drivetrain spin freely and that LiPo detection is set correctly for your battery type. The codes are explained in Traxxas ESC blinking red.
Driving tips
- Small trucks bounce on rough ground; drive smoothly.
- Use Training mode for young drivers.
- Keep spare front arms and driveshafts.
- Clean after dusty runs; small gears pick up grit.
- Check wheel nuts and screws after the first runs.
Mini Slash vs 1/10 Slash
The 1/10 Slash is faster, rougher-terrain capable and more upgradeable, but needs more space and costs more. The Mini Slash fits smaller spaces and budgets while keeping the same style. Speeds of the bigger truck are covered in how fast a Traxxas Slash 2WD goes.
Where to drive
Backyards, parks with short grass, gravel paths and small dirt tracks are ideal. Very long grass and deep sand are too much for a 1/16 truck. Small indoor tracks with carpet or clay are great places to race Mini Slashes in a club class.
Popular upgrades
Owners commonly add a larger-capacity LiPo pack for longer runs, aluminium or heavy-duty plastic arms for durability, a metal-gear steering servo, and ball bearings if the truck didn’t come with them. For the brushed version, a Traxxas brushless conversion adds a lot of speed but stresses the drivetrain, so stronger driveshafts and diffs are usually needed too. Upgrade one thing at a time and fix weak points as they appear rather than buying everything at once.
FAQ
Is the Mini Slash 4WD?
Yes, the 1/16 Slash is 4X4.
How big is the Mini Slash?
About 356 mm long and 1 kg.
Why does my Mini Slash stop and blink red?
Low battery or overheating; let it cool and charge.
Is it waterproof?
The electronics are waterproof; dry it after wet runs.
More on this topic: the complete RC Cars guide covers the basics behind this article.
About 20 years in RC. Mostly boats in the NAVIGA Mini Eco Expert class, with many self-made parts; also a King Motor Baja 5B, a home-built electric plane, home-built nitro planes he has flown, and an RC helicopter. More about SwellRC
