Traxxas Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s Review: A Brushless Monster Truck Legend Unleashed
The Traxxas Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s is here to remind us why monster trucks rule the RC world. With its officially licensed BIGFOOT® No. 8 body, brushless BL-2s power system, and factory-installed Extreme Heavy Duty upgrades, this 1/10-scale beast blends nostalgia with modern performance. Whether you’re a newbie looking for easy fun or a seasoned basher craving chaos, the Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s promises to deliver. In this massive review, we’ll break down its stock performance, explore killer upgrade options, and see how it stacks up against the competition. Let’s roll!
Out of the Box: What You Get with the Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s
Straight from the box, the Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s is a stunner. Sporting a vibrant blue body with chrome bumpers and bold red/yellow stripes, it’s a faithful tribute to the BIGFOOT No. 8 legacy. Built on the proven Stampede 4x4 chassis, this Ready-to-Race (RTR) truck comes loaded with upgrades that set it apart from its brushed ancestors.
Key Specs:
- Scale: 1/10
- Motor: BL-2s 3300kV brushless with cooling fan
- ESC: BL-2s waterproof, 2S LiPo max
- Drive: 4WD with steel-gear diffs
- Top Speed: 40+ mph (stock, 2S LiPo)
- Radio: TQ 2.4GHz 2-channel
- Tires: 2.2" Terra Groove monster truck tires
- Price: ~$349 USD (March 2025, varies by retailer)
The BL-2s system—a 3300kV brushless motor and matching ESC—delivers up to 60% more speed than the old Titan 550 brushed setup, per Traxxas. It’s capped at 2S LiPo for safety and simplicity, with three drive modes (Sport, Race, Training) to suit all skill levels. Waterproof electronics, a clipless body, and Extreme Heavy Duty (EHD) components—like reinforced driveshafts and suspension arms—round out a package that’s built to bash. The clipless design snaps on securely, making battery swaps a breeze—no fumbling with clips!
First Drive Impressions
Pop in a 2S LiPo, and this truck comes alive. The brushless motor pumps out instant torque, popping wheelies with ease (thank the included wheelie bar). On pavement, it hits 40+ mph—plenty fast for a monster truck—while the 4WD system grips dirt, grass, and gravel like a champ. The Terra Groove tires look the part but can spin out on loose surfaces under full throttle. With nearly 3 inches of ground clearance and oil-filled Ultra Shocks, it soaks up jumps and rough terrain without breaking a sweat. It’s not a crawler—think high-speed bashing over precision crawling.
Training Mode (50% power) keeps it tame for kids or newbies, while Sport and Race modes unleash the beast. The BL-2s runs cooler than brushed setups, letting you bash longer without worry—just add a fan for hot summer days.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths:
- Brushless Power: 40+ mph with zero brush maintenance—smooth and efficient.
- Tank-Tough: EHD upgrades make it shrug off crashes and hard landings.
- Iconic Style: That BIGFOOT No. 8 body is a nostalgic masterpiece.
- All-Weather Ready: Waterproofing means mud and rain are fair game.
- User-Friendly: The clipless body and simple controls welcome everyone.
Weaknesses:
- 2S Limit: No 3S LiPo support caps its speed potential.
- Tires: Stock Terra Grooves look cool but lack grip for max power.
- Servo: The 2075 servo is fine but lags under stress—upgrading’s tempting.
- Not a Purist’s MT: It’s a Stampede 4x4 at heart, not a solid-axle scale rig.
VXL Upgrade: Taking It to the Next Level
The BL-2s is awesome, but what if you crave more speed? Upgrading to the Traxxas Velineon VXL combo (3500kV motor, VXL-3s ESC) turns the Bigfoot 4x4 into a speed freak. Installation’s straightforward—swap out the BL-2s system, tweak the gearing (13T-15T pinion for 3S), and you’re set. On 2S LiPo, expect 45-50 mph; on 3S, it’s 60+ mph with the right tires (stock ones balloon—go Proline Badlands). It’s a rocket, but you’ll stress the driveline more and need to watch heat. This upgrade’s a moderate investment (check Traxxas or hobby shops for current pricing), ideal for speed junkies, though the BL-2s suits most just fine.
Top Upgrades to Consider
Want to max out your Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s? Here are four killer upgrades to boost durability, responsiveness, and handling:
-
Traxxas GTR Shocks
Ditch the stock Ultra Shocks for these aluminum-bodied, hard-anodized GTR shocks with titanium-nitride shafts. They’re adjustable, hold more oil for better damping, and smooth out big jumps and rough terrain like a dream. A premium upgrade for serious bashers—check retailers like RC Superstore or Traxxas for the latest price. -
2075R Servo
The stock 2075 servo is decent, but the 2075R ups the ante with metal gears for durability and a faster 0.17 sec/60° transit time (vs. 0.23 sec). It’s a drop-in replacement that sharpens steering, especially under torque-heavy conditions or with a VXL setup. An affordable boost—look for deals on Amazon or eBay. -
Center Differential (Part #6814)
Adding a center diff (borrowed from the Slash 4x4) balances power between front and rear axles, cutting wheelspin and boosting traction on loose surfaces. It’s awesome for tighter turns and drift-ready control. A moderate-cost mod with big payoff—price varies, so shop around. -
17mm Upgrade Hubs with Maxx Version 1 Tires
Swap the stock 12mm hex hubs for Traxxas 17mm splined hubs (e.g., part #5353X) and pair them with Maxx Version 1 tires (like the 5.5" Sledgehammers from the original Maxx). The larger hubs enhance stability and open up a world of 17mm wheel/tire options, while the beefier Sledgehammers improve grip and handling over the stock Terra Grooves. You’ll need the hubs, nuts, and possibly wider axles (check compatibility with EHD kit)—a worthwhile investment for a planted, responsive feel. Prices vary by retailer.
These upgrades take the Bigfoot from solid to spectacular. They’re Traxxas-compatible and widely available—just verify current costs with your go-to RC supplier.
Top Speed Comparison Chart
Here’s how the Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s stacks up against its siblings and rivals:
| Model/Configuration | Motor | ESC | Battery | Top Speed (mph) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bigfoot 4x4 (Brushed) | Titan 550 12T (Brushed) | XL-5 | 7-cell NiMH | ~30 | Classic torque, beginner-friendly |
| Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s (Stock) | BL-2s 3300kV (Brushless) | BL-2s | 2S LiPo | ~40+ | Stock setup, balanced power |
| Bigfoot 4x4 w/ VXL | Velineon 3500kV (Brushless) | VXL-3s | 2S LiPo | ~45-50 | Big jump, stock gearing |
| Bigfoot 4x4 w/ VXL | Velineon 3500kV (Brushless) | VXL-3s | 3S LiPo | ~60+ | Gearing tweak needed, tire upgrade advised |
| Stampede 4x4 VXL (Stock) | Velineon 3500kV (Brushless) | VXL-3s | 3S LiPo | ~60+ | Same chassis, RTR VXL |
| Arrma Granite 4x4 3S BLX | 3200kV (Brushless) | BLX 100 | 3S LiPo | ~50+ | Faster stock speed, less refined |
Takeaway: The BL-2s hits a sweet spot at 40+ mph. The VXL upgrade unlocks 60+ mph but requires extra mods. The Arrma’s a budget speed king, but Traxxas wins on polish.
Living with the Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s
This truck’s a joy to own. I’ve bashed it through mud, launched it off ramps, and drifted it on pavement—it keeps coming back for more. The clipless body is a game-changer, popping off in seconds for quick battery swaps or cleanup. Waterproofing means a hose-down is all it takes after a messy run. Maintenance is a breeze—check the diffs, lube the bearings, and you’re golden. The brushless motor means no brushes to replace, and the EHD upgrades keep it tough as nails.
It’s perfect for beginners (Training Mode FTW), BIGFOOT fans (that styling!), and casual bashers (40+ mph is a blast). Speed freaks might eye the VXL, but for most, this hits the mark. Run it with a Traxxas 5000mAh 2S LiPo, and you’ll get 20-30 minutes of fun per charge—less if you’re hammering it in Race Mode.
Final Verdict
The Traxxas Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s is a triumph. For ~$349 (check retailers for exact pricing), you get a durable, brushless 4WD monster truck that blends iconic looks with modern guts. The BL-2s system delivers 40+ mph of thrilling power, while the EHD upgrades and clipless body make it a practical basher. Want more? The VXL upgrade pushes it to 60+ mph, or trick it out with GTR shocks, a 2075R servo, a center diff, and 17mm hubs with Maxx tires for ultimate control and feel. It’s not the fastest or cheapest rig out there, but it’s one of the coolest—and toughest—you can buy.
Rating: 9/10
Buy It If: You love monster trucks, want a durable RTR, or crave BIGFOOT nostalgia.
Skip It If: You need 50+ mph stock or a true scale MT experience.
Ready to crush it? Grab one and let the good times roll!
Notes on the 17mm Hubs + Maxx V1 Tires Upgrade
- Compatibility: The Bigfoot 4x4 BL-2s uses 12mm hex hubs stock. Traxxas 17mm splined hubs (e.g., #5353X) fit standard axles but may require slight mods if paired with the EHD kit’s 6mm axles—check your setup or opt for Maxx-duty CV shafts (#8950X).
- Handling Boost: The wider 17mm hex and larger Maxx V1 Sledgehammers (5.5" vs. 2.2" Terra Grooves) lower the center of gravity slightly and widen the stance, improving cornering stability and reducing rollovers.
- Feel: The Sledgehammers’ aggressive tread enhances grip on mixed terrain, making the truck feel more planted and responsive vs. the stock tires’ tendency to slip.
This version is polished, blog-ready, and reflects your latest input. Post it up, and let me know if you want any final tweaks!