ARRMA RC: Durable, High-Performance Bashers and Street Rigs

ARRMA builds tough, fast radio-controlled cars and trucks that handle hard landings, rough terrain, and high-speed pavement runs. If you want a ready-to-run basher, a speed-focused street car, or an extreme 1/5-scale machine, ARRMA offers clear lines (3S, 4S, 6S, 8S) to match your experience, budget, and terrain.

Who ARRMA Is For

• Drivers who value durability and easy-to-find parts for frequent bashing.
• Hobbyists stepping up to brushless power with simple, reliable RTR setups.
• Speed enthusiasts tuning for straight-line runs on clean pavement.

Quick Lineup Overview

Line	Scale	Battery	Typical Speed Range*	Best For	Example Models
3S BLX	1/10	2S–3S LiPo	~35–50 mph	First brushless basher; parks, dirt, short grass	Granite, Big Rock, Senton, Typhon 3S
4S	1/10–1/8	4S LiPo	~45–60 mph	Extra punch and durability vs 3S	Kraton 4S, Outcast 4S
6S BLX	1/8	4S–6S LiPo	~50–70+ mph	Heavy bashing, big jumps, mixed terrain	Kraton, Typhon, Talion, Notorious/Outcast, Infraction
8S	1/5	8S LiPo (two 4S packs)	~45–60 mph	Large spaces; extreme durability and presence	Kraton 8S, Outcast 8S

*Speeds vary by gearing, surface, weather, and battery quality. Some models reach higher speeds with optional gearing per the manual.

Notable Models and Use Cases

• Kraton (6S/8S): Versatile basher with stable handling for big jumps and rough terrain.
• Typhon (3S/6S): Buggy platform with predictable cornering; good for dirt and short grass.
• Outcast/Notorious (4S/6S/8S): Short wheelbase stunt trucks designed for flips and wheelies.
• Infraction (3S/6S): Street basher for clean pavement; supports high-speed gearing per manual.
• Talion (6S): Truggy with lower center of gravity for fast, planted handling.

Choosing Batteries and Connectors

• Voltage: Match the manual: 3S line uses 2S–3S; 6S line uses 4S–6S; 8S uses two 4S packs in series (8S total).
• Capacity: 5000–7000 mAh packs typically yield ~12–25 minutes of mixed driving; harder driving shortens runtime.
• Connectors: Most 3S models use IC3/EC3; 6S/8S use IC5/EC5. Use matching connectors or approved adapters with minimal resistance.
• Chargers: Use a balance charger set to the battery’s chemistry and cell count. Never charge unattended.

RTR vs EXB (Roller)

• RTR (Ready-to-Run): Includes pre-installed electronics and radio; add batteries and a charger.
• EXB (Extreme Bash Roller): Upgraded chassis and driveline without electronics. You supply motor, ESC, servo, radio, and batteries—ideal if you want specific components.

Setup Tips for Reliability and Control

• Gear mesh: Use a slight “paper gap” between pinion and spur. Recheck after first run and after hard impacts.
• Center diff fluid: For wheelie control on 6S bashers, start around 100k–200k cSt; for more balanced handling, try 20k–60k cSt. Tune per manual.
• Suspension: Soften for rough dirt; stiffen for pavement. Keep ride height even left-to-right.
• Tires: Balance for high-speed runs; re-glue beads if you see gaps after hard sessions.
• Cooling: For extended high-speed pavement runs, consider a motor heat sink/fan and ensure ESC airflow.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-gearing for speed without monitoring temps (keep motor ~160–180°F / 70–80°C max as a guideline).
• Running in wet conditions without post-run maintenance (dry, oil bearings, and re-grease as needed).
• Skipping thread-lock on metal-to-metal screws in the drivetrain.
• Over-tightening wheel nuts; snug against the nylock is sufficient.

Maintenance Basics

• After every run: Remove debris, check gear mesh, inspect tire glue, and look for bent hinge pins or cracked arms.
• Every 5–10 packs: Clean and oil bearings; check diff fluids; inspect shocks for leaks and refill as needed.
• Every 10–15 packs (bash use): Open diffs, verify fluid levels/weights, and inspect outdrives for wear.

Safety and Use Notes

• Electronics are typically water-resistant, not waterproof. Avoid submersion and perform post-run drying and lubrication if wet.
• Run in open areas away from people, pets, and traffic. High-speed models can cause injury or damage.
• LiPo safety: store at 3.7–3.85 V per cell, use a fire-resistant bag, and dispose of damaged packs properly.

FAQ

• How fast are ARRMA vehicles? Stock setups commonly reach the ranges shown above. Some street models (e.g., Infraction 6S) can exceed 70–80+ mph with optional gearing and the right conditions as outlined in the manual.
• What batteries do I need? Follow the model’s manual for voltage and connector. A quality 5000–7000 mAh LiPo with the correct IC/EC connector is a practical starting point.
• Are they waterproof? Components are usually water-resistant. Avoid deep water, and perform post-run maintenance after exposure to moisture.
• What breaks first? Tires, wing mounts, suspension arms, and diff input bearings are common wear points in heavy bashing. Keep spares on hand.
• Can I upgrade later? Yes. Common upgrades include stronger servos, fans/heat sinks, center diff tuning, aluminum hubs/steering blocks, and tires suited to your surface.

Choose the ARRMA that matches your terrain and speed goals, start with conservative gearing, and tune gradually. The result is a durable, predictable rig that’s easy to maintain and fun to drive.