Key Features at a Glance
- Scale: 1/8 Speed Monster Truck
- Power System: 6S LiPo capable Spektrum brushless system (Firma 150A Smart V2 ESC, 2050Kv motor)
- Top Speed: Advertised 65+ mph
- Chassis: EXB 7075 T6 anodised aluminium (3mm thick) with split tower-to-tower braces
- Suspension: Heavy-duty threaded aluminium oil-filled shocks on EXB 7075 T6 aluminium shock towers
- Drivetrain: Heavy-duty 4WD with steel driveshafts and all-metal diff internals
- Body: Clipless, quick-release Kraton monster truck body
- Tyres: dBoots COPPERHEAD 2 big block tyres for all-terrain traction
- Electronics: Spektrum SLT3 2.4GHz transmitter and SR315 receiver, Spektrum S665 20kg waterproof metal-geared digital steering servo
Let's break down what makes the Kraton V6 6S EXB shine and where it might fall short:
Pros:
- Blistering 65+ mph speed potential
- Excellent handling and stability on various terrains
- Extensive factory-installed EXB aluminium upgrades for durability
- Powerful and precise Spektrum electronics package
- Convenient clipless body system for easy access
- Recurring differential failures (often early)
- Body can warp and is expensive to replace
- Wing mounts and A-arms can be weak points
The Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB is built like a tank, and it certainly looks the part. At its heart is a robust 3mm thick, laser-etched EXtreme Bash (EXB) 7075 T6 anodised aluminium chassis plate. This isn't just for show; it provides a rock-solid foundation for all your aggressive driving. Further enhancing its rigidity are the split tower-to-tower centre braces, which minimise flex when you're pushing the limits. Strong composite side guards also keep dirt and debris away from vital internal components.
Visually, the Kraton's iconic monster truck body, finished in a striking black matte and gloss, immediately grabs attention. But it's not just about looks; the innovative clipless, quick-release body system is a game-changer. It means fast, hassle-free access to the chassis for maintenance and battery changes, while also protecting against body punch-through during those inevitable hard landings. A reinforced one-piece wing mount and a centre body support further bolster the body's integrity.
Underneath, the suspension system is engineered to absorb serious punishment. You'll find four heavy-duty (HD) threaded aluminium shocks, pre-filled with oil and equipped with coil-over springs. These are mounted on equally tough EXB 7075 T6 anodised aluminium shock towers, complete with EXB emulsion shock caps and M4 shock standoffs for peak performance. The EXB heavy-duty front and rear arms, along with adjustable steel turnbuckles, allow for fine-tuning and offer impressive resistance to impacts. Even the sliding servo saver has been redesigned for more precise steering control.
The 4-wheel drive system is rated for 6S LiPo power, ensuring consistent performance. It boasts durable steel driveshafts and all-metal differential outdrives and gearbox internals, all designed to withstand high-speed bashing and massive jumps. The V6 EXB also features stronger differential outdrives and an EXB 29mm limited slip centre differential, which aims to improve control on various surfaces.
Electronics
The Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB comes fully equipped with a top-tier Spektrum electronics package, delivering serious power and reliable control straight out of the box.
The electronic speed control (ESC) is a Spektrum Firma 150A Smart V2 Brushless 6S unit. It features updated B5.12 firmware and IC5 connectors (also compatible with EC5), offering advanced power management. What's really neat is the Smart telemetry capabilities, allowing you to monitor motor RPM, ESC temperature, and battery voltage in real-time via the Spektrum Dashboard App – a fantastic feature for keeping tabs on your beast.
Driving this monster is a Spektrum Firma 4074 2050Kv brushless motor. This powerhouse is engineered to provide immense torque, propelling the truck to speeds exceeding 65 miles per hour. To keep things cool under pressure, an Arrma motor heatsink and cooling fan are included.
Steering is handled by a high-torque Spektrum S665 20kg waterproof metal-geared digital steering servo. This ensures robust and responsive control, paired with a 25T Spline Aluminium Servo Horn for enhanced durability and precision.
The control system features a Spektrum 2.4GHz SLT3 Transmitter and a Spektrum SR315 3 Channel Dual Protocol Receiver. The SLT3 transmitter is user-friendly for all skill levels, even offering a throttle limiting function to restrict maximum speed to 50% or 75% – perfect for new drivers or when you just want to dial back the madness. Plus, the entire electronics package is waterproof, so you can bash through mud and snow without a worry.
Performance
The Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB is built for pure, unadulterated bashing fun. It's advertised to hit speeds over 65 miles per hour, and in real-world tests, a stock model has been clocked at 57 mph, with even higher speeds achievable with optimal battery and gearing. The Spektrum Firma 2050Kv brushless motor and 150A Smart V2 ESC deliver incredible punch and a refined driving feel, making it a truly ballistic machine.
In terms of handling, the Kraton V6 6S EXB provides confident control and responsive manoeuvrability across diverse terrains. Whether you're tearing through dirt, gravel, or short grass, its wide, stable stance, thanks to those massive dBoots COPPERHEAD 2 big block tyres, provides unrelenting traction. The low centre of gravity further enhances its controllability, keeping it planted even during aggressive turns. Many users find it well-tuned straight out of the box for big air and stunts, with its plush, oil-filled shocks effectively soaking up bumps and contributing to stable landings. The chassis bracing also minimises flex, ensuring a consistent feel over rough ground.
This truck is explicitly designed for "big air" and "jaw-dropping jumps," and it truly excels in this area. Its suspension and overall setup make it a joy to launch, providing stable and predictable landings, allowing you to push your limits with confidence.
The Durability Question: What to Expect
The Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB is marketed as the epitome of "EXtreme Bash" durability, often described as "virtually unstoppable" and "tough as nails" due to its extensive EXB components. However, real-world user experiences paint a more nuanced picture, with some owners reporting frequent breakages despite the reinforced design.
A significant and recurring concern among many users is the differentials. Failures, including the "grenading" of both front and rear differentials, have been reported frequently. Sometimes, these issues occur during the very first run on 4S power or even on short-cut grass, far from "extreme bashing" conditions. These failures have been linked to factors such as unhardened gears, insufficient differential fluid or grease from the factory, and incorrect shimming. While Arrma's warranty support is generally praised for being fair and effective in providing replacements, the prevalence of these initial failures can lead to considerable frustration and "buyer's remorse."
Top Tip for New Owners: The RC community strongly recommends that you immediately inspect, shim, and properly fill your differentials with appropriate fluid upon purchase. This proactive step can significantly enhance durability and prevent early failures, as some factory differentials may not be adequately lubricated or correctly shimmed.
Beyond the differentials, a few other components have been identified as potential weak points:
- Body: While the clipless body system is convenient, the body itself has been known to warp after significant impacts, and replacements can be quite expensive.
- Wing Mounts: Despite the V6 featuring an upgraded one-piece wing mount, some users still report these being prone to breaking.
- A-arms: Damage to rear A-arms has been reported by some.
- Dog Bone Axles: These can occasionally dislodge and get lost, so a common tip is to paint them a bright colour for easier retrieval.
- Axle Nuts: A tendency for axle nuts to loosen has been noted.
- Battery Straps: Some users have reported battery strap breakages.
- Motor Mount: The motor mount has also been known to loosen or break.
Maintenance & Upgrades
To get your Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB running, you'll need a few items not included in the box: typically, two 2S, two 3S, one 4S, or one 6S hardcase LiPo battery, a compatible charger, and a charging bag. For optimal performance, a minimum LiPo battery specification of 5000mAh 50C is recommended.
As mentioned, the most crucial immediate action is to inspect, shim, and properly fill the differentials with appropriate fluid. This preventative measure is highly advised to boost durability and prevent early failures.
For those looking to enhance their Kraton's durability and performance even further, here are some popular upgrades and modifications:
- Differentials: Upgrading to aluminium differential housings, using hardened gears, and filling with heavier differential fluid (e.g., 1 million, 1.5 million, or 0.5 million weight) are frequently recommended for improved reliability.
- Tyres: For enhanced traction and stability, especially at high speeds, belted tyres like Sweep Racing Terrain Crushers or dBoots Backflip tyres (often found on the Outcast 6S) are popular choices.
- Driveshafts: Some enthusiasts opt for M2C driveshafts for even greater drivetrain robustness.
- Servo: Replacing the stock servo with a more robust aftermarket unit, such as a Savox, is a common upgrade for improved steering performance and durability.
- Wing Mounts: Heavy-duty V2 wing mounts from manufacturers like RPM or Phase1RC are available to address reported breakages in this area.
- Chassis: For the ultimate in durability, a carbon fibre hybrid chassis from companies like Scorched Parts RC can be installed, though this is a more extensive modification.
- Shock Standoffs: Upgrading to larger pins for the shock standoffs has been noted as a beneficial modification.
The Competition: How Does It Stack Up?
The Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB operates in a highly competitive RC market. Here's how it compares to some popular alternatives:
- Arrma's own 4S Kraton or Outcast models: The 6S EXB offers significantly more power and speed. However, the 4S line is often considered more "stupid decision resistant" and generally cheaper to repair due to its lower power.
- Arrma 8S Kraton or Outcast models: While larger and more powerful, the 8S models are heavier, putting more stress on components and leading to higher initial and running costs. The 6S Kraton is often described as faster and nimbler, with a superior power-to-weight ratio, offering a more engaging driving experience.
- Traxxas Sledge 6S: Opinions are divided here. The Sledge is often praised for its superior durability and stability, with a stronger chassis less prone to bending. However, the Kraton is frequently seen as having punchier power delivery and offering better overall value for money.
- Losi LMT: Losi models typically focus on racing precision, while Arrma, including the Kraton, is designed for bashing. The Losi LMT might offer more suspension travel, but it can be more fragile for aggressive bashing compared to the Kraton, which is often considered easier to work on.
- Team Corally Kagama XP 6S: This is a compelling alternative. Some users find the Kagama more agile and better for air flips, often being "built and tuned perfectly" straight out of the box. It's lauded as a "true RTR" that doesn't require immediate differential upgrades, unlike the Kraton. Parts support for Team Corally is also excellent in Europe.
- Tekno MT410: The Tekno is often praised for its higher build quality and superior driving feel. However, its shorter wheelbase makes it more prone to wheelies and flips, contrasting with the Kraton's emphasis on stable driving. Note that the Tekno MT410 is typically sold as a kit, requiring assembly, unlike the RTR Kraton.
The Arrma Kraton V6 6S EXB (ARA8708V6) is undoubtedly a formidable RC monster truck, engineered for high-speed, aggressive bashing. Its impressive array of factory-installed EXB aluminium components and powerful Spektrum brushless system make it a top contender in the 1/8 scale segment, capable of thrilling speeds and confident handling across challenging off-road terrains. The clipless body system and robust build elements, such as the 7075 T6 aluminium chassis and heavy-duty suspension, highlight its commitment to both performance and user convenience.
However, it's crucial for prospective buyers to be aware of the recurring reports of premature differential failures. While Arrma's warranty support is effective in providing replacements, the necessity for immediate post-purchase intervention (like shimming and re-filling differentials) to rectify these issues does temper the "Ready-To-Run" promise.
Despite these considerations, for RC enthusiasts who are willing to perform some initial preventative maintenance or leverage Arrma's warranty support, the Kraton V6 6S EXB remains an exceptionally capable and exciting RC vehicle. It offers immense power and superb handling for those who crave extreme off-road action and are ready to push their RC to the limits. If you're prepared to give it a little TLC from the start, this beast will reward you with countless hours of adrenaline-pumping fun.
