Issue 155 (October 2008) - Words: James Revilla

When you have an RC legend like Jammin' Jay Halsey running the ship, you know that his racing experience will find its way into any competition vehicle with his name on it. After a successful run with the X1 line of truggies, Jammin' has come out with the next generation truggy in their new X2. With the truggy class exploding, you have to keep up with the trends - and the competition — or risk being forgotten; Jammin' knows this, and to keep them in the mix with top-level platforms, they equipped the X2 to be as competitive — if not more so — than their previous X1 lineup. Not just a refinement from the X1 (that title belongs to the X1-CRT), the X2 has been redesigned for more performance (though it does share some common parts with the X1). Can Jammin's latest keep them in the competitive spotlight? Let's check out their newest machine.

FEATURES
Big Bore • When you look over the X2 platform, the first thing that will catch your attention are the shocks. Jammin' equipped the X2 with 16mm large-bore units that feature threaded aluminum bodies and multiple o-ring seals. The piston attaches to the shock shaft with a locknut (we all hate e-clips!). Outside, rubber shock shaft boots protect the shafts from the dirt, mud, and debris that come with off-road motoring.

Central Control • The new 2-piece center diff housing makes it easier to work come maintenance-time. Dual adjustable fiberglass disc brakes slow the machine down, and heady-duty steel ring gears keep torque in check for reliability. Jammin' specifies different diff fluid viscosities for each of the three sealed differentials out of the box, instead of giving you generic grease.

Nice Length • One of the big differences between the X1 and the X2 is the X2's longer chassis. Jammin' extended the wheelbase measurement for the X2 and moved the major components (engine, fuel tank) closer to the centerline and slightly forward for better balance and handling.

• Molded front bumper: because racing trucks still need some protection.
• Bell crank steering: features include a built-in servo saver and adjustable Ackerman.
• Quick release: fuel tank is removable in seconds thanks to the use of body clips.
• Radio room: radio box isn't a warehouse, but is still roomy compared to others.
• Safety sleeve: all shocks have rubber piston sleeves to keep grime out.

Testing
On yet another hot August afternoon, testing took place at our usual backyard — Revelation Raceway in Montclair, CA. Before we started I broke the GRP engine in with over seven tanks of fuel to get her used up and running. After some small needle tuning, I put the truck on the dirt and began my test run.

Acceleration and Speed • The GRP's output is key to the X2's acceleration and speed. Off the line the X2 leapt forward instantly, and before I knew it I was somewhere I didn't anticipate on the track. Low-end was strong but not overpowering, so I always had clean, straight launches on acceleration. High-end velocity was also fast, so much that if "10" were the perfect speed for the back straight, the X2 motored up to about an "11" on the scale — again, not overpowering like top speed runs, but quick nevertheless.
Rating: 9.5/10

Braking • The X2 features a standard dual disc brake setup, and understandably so since this design works well. Jamming the trigger forward locked the wheels, and the truck slowed down at a linear rate. There was no brake fade throughout my testing, and braking distances were standard for a truggy. No doubt the Pro-line Bow Ties helped a little in this department, and it's a good thing that Jammin' chose to include a proven tire in the box.
Rating: 10

Low-Speed • With its wide stance, the X2 handled the low speed maneuvers like a pro. It didn't become unsettled if I let off the throttle, and overall balance was neutral — there was no understeer and no oversteer. I was pleased to find that the X2 had more than enough steering to get through the tighter sections of the test course, though not too much. In this case, the term "just right" applies, as control was excellent. The steering response might seem quick for some, but that's how good the X2 is —it's what all truggies should have in terms of steering and response.
Rating: 9

High-Speed Handling • The X2 felt right at home when speeds picked up. The long-arm suspension kept the truggy very stable yet very predictable no matter how fast I flew down the straight. I still had good steering, but the truggy didn't feel twitchy or too sensitive if I had to give some steering input when traveling at high speed. I suspect that the X2's longer wheelbase (compared to the previous version) had a lot to do with this. Controlled and uber-stable, the X2 was born to be fast.
Rating: 10

Rough-Track Handling • Despite having a longer wheelbase, the X2 was easy to aim and was easily controllable over the rougher sections of the track. The excellent amount of steering was evident here as well — if I actually had to use it to correct the line. The X2's suspension soaked up the rough bumps along one certain section of the track, and the truck stayed on target. Given the sheer size of the truggy, I felt very comfortable knowing that I had complete control of its direction on both smooth and rough areas of the course. The few times the truck felt a little sketchy might not have been the truck's fault at all; they may have been mine for not being used to having so much steering even on rough terrain.
Rating: 9

Jumping • The X2 was a jumper. From the moment the front wheels lifted off the top edge of the ump, I knew I could control the truggy's mid-air angle and decent. Mid-air control felt more buggy-like, and I rarely had to tap the brake to get the truck to downside the landing. It wouldn't loop, nor would it jump and point up to the sky. Very balanced, the X2 felt right at home going over both small and large jumps.
Rating: 9

Wrenching
Maintenance • The Jammin X2 uses hex hardware everywhere, a common trend in high performance vehicles. Two body clips hold the fuel tank to the chassis, allowing for easy access to the brakes or center diff; likewise, only a few screws need to be removed to get to the front or rear diffs. The X2's radio boxes aren't too big or too small — they are just right actually, and are easily opened in seconds. The extended chassis also allows a lot of room for engine work. If I had to come up with one "complaint" it would be that some of the screws in key positions (for maintenance) are extra long, so I hope you have a moto-driver or strong hands.
Rating: 9

Wear and Tear • Revelation had some pretty big jumps when I was there, including two sets of doubles and a high-angle middle jump that would easily flip the meek. For the most part the test drive was trouble free (the truck was very easy to drive) and many times I actually overshot the landing, flat-bottoming on the hard-packed dirt surface, yet motoring on. After a day of testing I noticed only two issues: one of the sway bar mounts was disconnected, and the motor mounting screws had loosened up. A larger drop of threadlock would have prevented this, though, so I can't blame it on the X2.
Rating: 10

Tuning • To quote Skinny's observation, these days if a vehicle is made for racing, it has to have the required tuning abilities built-in. The X2 was born from racing blood, and it flows in every feature of the chassis. All of the usual tuning facilities are present, and small details like the use of body clips to hold the fuel tank make tuning (or access to tuning) easier. Even the upper arms can be positioned in multiple levels on the inboard side by using different shaft holes in the thick shock towers. The only adjustment I didn't find on-board was front caster.
Rating: 9

Conclusion
My testing notes should explain it all — the X2 is a worthy successor to Jammin's line of racing truggies. It performed exceptionally well during track testing. Let me reword that — the Jammin' X2 performed pretty macho. I liked how much control it gave me, regardless of the track surface or terrain. I didn't feel "on the edge" at high speeds compared to other vehicles this size, and yet the X2 was far from sluggish for low speed maneuvers. Looks like Jay should be in a good mood knowing that the next generation of Jammin' truggy is well capable of collecting its own fair share of 1st place trophies.

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