Monster Jam, Official Megalodon Monster Truck - Retro 2017 O
✅ PROS
- Designed with children's safety and fun in mind
- Safe materials and thoughtful design for children
❌ CONS
- May vary based on individual needs and preferences
- Check Amazon for current pricing and availability
The Verdict
Monster Jam, Official Megalodon Monster Truck - Retro 2017 O is the truck that made shark-themed monster trucks cool before it was trendy. This 1:24 scale die-cast replica of the original Megalodon — the one with the gnarly tooth-filled jaws and that unmistakable retro paint scheme — has racked up a 4.8-star average across 240 ratings. That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident. Here’s the real story on whether it belongs in your cart.
What You Actually Get
The box contains the truck itself — that’s it. No launcher, no ramp, no driver figure. What you’re paying for is the die-cast metal body, the officially licensed Monster Jam branding, and the specific 2017 retro livery that collectors have been chasing. The paint job is the headline: the shark mouth graphic wraps around the front grille, the teal-and-gray color scheme matches the original truck that debuted years ago, and the sponsor decals are printed, not stickers. For a toy under $25, the finishing is genuinely impressive.
Performance and Build Quality
The suspension is the standout feature. Each wheel is mounted on a functional coil-over setup that compresses and rebounds with real travel — not the stiff plastic axles you get on cheaper knockoffs. On hard surfaces, the truck rolls smoothly and tracks straight. Outdoors on grass or dirt, it handles better than you’d expect for a display-scale toy, though it’s not a speed demon.
Here’s where it gets interesting: multiple buyers describe throwing this thing off decks, down stairs, and into walls. One reviewer noted, “My son launched it off the second-story landing and it bounced right back. The body has a few scuffs but nothing broke.” That durability comes from the die-cast construction — the body is heavy enough to feel substantial but not so heavy that it shatters on impact.
The one consistent complaint involves the wheels. During aggressive play — think hard crashes or tumble-down-the-stairs sessions — the tires can pop off the axles. They snap right back on in seconds, but if your kid is in full demolition mode, expect to reattach a wheel or two mid-play. The front axle also has a slight wobble on some units, which is cosmetic rather than functional.
What Buyers Consistently Praise
The retro angle is doing heavy lifting. Owners who grew up with the original Megalodon specifically call out the accuracy of this version. “This is the exact truck I watched crush cars as a kid,” one verified purchase reads. “The paint scheme is spot-on to the 2017 truck — not the newer version with the different mouth graphic.” That attention to detail extends to the wheel design, which mirrors the real BKT tires used on the actual competition truck.
Parents also appreciate that it’s not another piece of plastic junk. The die-cast body holds up where cheaper trucks crumble, and the size — roughly 7 inches long — makes it a solid fit for small hands without being a choking hazard for kids over three.
Where It Falls Short
Beyond the wheel-popping issue, the lack of any play accessories is worth noting. If your kid expects ramps, a launcher, or anything beyond the truck itself, they’ll be disappointed. This is a truck for kids who want to drive it, not a full playset experience.
The retro paint scheme is also a double-edged sword. The graphics are faithful to 2017, which means the colors are slightly muted compared to the glossier modern releases. It’s a deliberate design choice, but if you’re comparing side-by-side with a current-season truck, the retro version looks more matte and less vibrant.
Who Should Buy This
- Collectors who want a specific Megalodon era represented in a 1:24 scale lineup
- Parents of kids aged 4–10 who want a durable, non-plastic truck that can take outdoor abuse
- Monster Jam fans who want an official-licensed product, not a generic shark truck from a discount store
Skip it if you need a full playset, if your kid is under three (small parts), or if you’re specifically hunting for the modern Megalodon design with the updated graphics.
FAQ
Q: Is this the same as the current Megalodon truck? No. This is the 2017 retro edition with the original paint scheme and sponsor layout. The current release has a slightly different mouth graphic and more vibrant colors.
Q: Will the wheels stay on during normal play? Normal rolling and light crashes? Yes. Repeated high-impact drops or throwing the truck? Expect a wheel to pop off occasionally. It snaps back on without tools.
Q: Is it worth the price compared to cheaper monster trucks? If you want durability and authentic licensing, yes. Cheaper trucks are lighter, plastic-bodied, and break faster. This one holds up and holds its value if you ever resell.
The Verdict
Buy it if you want a legit, durable Monster Jam truck that nails the retro Megalodon look and survives real play. Skip it if you need a full playset or expect the flashier modern design.
Rating: 4.6/5 — a top-tier die-cast for the price, with minor wheel issues that don’t outweigh the build quality and nostalgic accuracy.
Where to Buy
We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — this helps fund more honest reviews.
Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.
More Toys & Games Verdicts
