The Unforgettable Jato

The Unforgettable Jato While running my Jato, someone walked up, took a look, and stated; "Looks like just another Traxxas truck!" Calling the Jato just another Traxxas truck is like calling the Corvette just another Chevy! I'm not sure of the origin of the name for the truck�but, in the world of aircraft, Jato stands for Jet Assisted Take Off! This truck was well named. Fortunately for us, it doesn't stop with a cool name, this truck is truly awesome! After unpacking your new truck, read the documentation and watch the included instructional DVD. The owner's manual is Traxxas typical. It's 46 pages of useful information in living color. Don't put yourself into overload trying to learn everything in one sitting. It's much more rewarding to learn as you go. Besides excellent documentation, radio system and truck; Traxxas supplies about every wrench you'll need to maintain your Jato.

Traxxas' TRX 2.5 racing engine propels the Jato to an amazing 55mph+. The key to this performance is proper break-in. Read and follow the recommended break-in procedure. This will have a direct effect on power. Always try to have a nice stream of blue smoke coming from the exhaust. This is an indicator that the fuel mixture is not overly lean.

The second stage of Jato's speed is the internal, close-ratio two speed tranny. The transmission has low rotating mass for quick acceleration. With a turn of an Allen wrench, the shift points can be adjusted to maximize performance for track configuration. Traxxas makes three different clutch bells and three spur gears so you have a wide range of gear ratios. Your track doesn't allow two speeds, don't fret! A single-speed, drop-in conversion is available. To cap off all your options, a Torque-control slipper clutch gives you one more way to fine tune your truck.

The suspension and alignment is fully adjustable. The basic tuning consists of toe and camber settings. The advanced goes into caster adjustments, rear anti-squat, roll center, camber gain, and wheelbase adjustments. Not only do they tell you what to do, the adjustment results are explained. If that doesn't satisfy your "tuning" bug � besides all the shock oils you can play with, there are four different spring rates (front and back), three different upper shock mount positions and four different lower. The GTR composite shock bodies are threaded so a quick spring pre-load adjustment is at your fingertips. Tune away my friends. By the way, that does that make this vehicle a real "tuner!" A Long List of Features I can go on and on about the features of this truck but space is limited so I'll just list some of the Jato's other goodies. Rubber sealed bearings and boots over drive shafts keep dirt out. The tires, glued 2.8", which give a low side wall profile for less tire roll, are stock equipment. Standard 2.2 rims and tires will fit. You can mount your receiver battery in the conventional over rear bumper location, or inboard to move the weight on center. Plus, there's an optional rechargeable pack with external charging capability available. Let's not forget the Traxxas EZ Start system.

All these features sound impressive but, how does the Jato perform? In a word�IMPRESSIVE! Before we took to the dirt, we did some parking lot running. Not that I would consider getting the Jato on a track to race sedans � but for parking lot sport racing, I'd give most a run for their money. The Jato would take them out in a less-than-perfect parking lot. I have the suspension and ground clearance to deal with parking lot debris and sure have the speed! Time to get the Jato dirty�almost a shame, but dirt is its element! The Jato takes to dirt like a duck takes to water. My son Matt was at the controls while I was stuck operating the camera. Typical when you drive OP's ("other peoples", namely mine) vehicles, he tried to beat it to death. He lost, the Jato survived. Very little impresses him, but the Jato put a smile on his face. We did not change any of the factory settings except adding some pre-load on the shocks before we hit the dirt. The Jato in the hands of someone who knows what they are doing (we just guess) will be a force to be reckoned with at the track! - Craig Trachten Craig Trachten owns the New Milford, CT HobbyTown USA� store and enjoys writing product reviews for Hobby Outlook� and many other hobby publications.

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