Ready to dive into the thrilling world of RC bashing? If you’re eyeing an Arrma powerhouse, you’ve likely stumbled upon two titans: the Arrma Outcast and the Arrma Kraton. Both are renowned for their durability and exhilarating performance, but they cater to slightly different desires.
The Outcast, a wheelie-popping monster truck, is built for pure, unadulterated fun and crowd-pleasing stunts. Its design is all about sending it, whether that’s into the air or through rugged terrain. On the other hand, the Kraton, a high-speed buggy, is engineered for raw speed and incredible stability across diverse landscapes.
Choosing between these two incredible machines can be tough. We’re here to break down the key differences, helping you decide which Arrma beast will conquer your backyard and your RC dreams.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Arrma Outcast | Kraton |
|---|---|---|
| Chassis Type | Monster Truck | Monster Truck |
| Scale | 1/10 | 1/10 |
| Length | 20.75 inches (527mm) | 20.75 inches (527mm) |
| Width | 11.65 inches (296mm) | 11.65 inches (296mm) |
| Height | 7.28 inches (185mm) | 7.28 inches (185mm) |
| Wheelbase | 12.5 inches (317mm) | 12.5 inches (317mm) |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Top Speed (Stock) | 30+ mph | 45+ mph |
| Suspension | Independent | Independent |
| Diffs | Sealed, oil-filled | Sealed, oil-filled |
| Body Style | Short Course Truck | Monster Truck |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Chassis Design
- Arrma Outcast: Features a robust and durable chassis designed for extreme bashing and stunts. Its wider stance provides excellent stability for flips and rolls. The chassis is built to withstand impacts from jumps and rough terrain.
- Kraton: Boasts a more race-inspired, longer chassis that offers superior handling and speed on various surfaces. It’s engineered for high-speed off-road performance and agility. The longer wheelbase contributes to better stability at high velocities.
- Winner: Kraton
Motor System
- Arrma Outcast: Typically equipped with a powerful 4074 2050Kv brushless motor, providing immense torque for wheelies and stunts. It’s geared for explosive acceleration and raw power delivery. The motor is designed to handle the demands of aggressive bashing.
- Kraton: Often comes with a 4074 2050Kv or similar high-performance brushless motor, optimized for speed and sustained power. It delivers blistering acceleration and top-end speed suitable for racing and fast driving.
- Winner: Tie
Suspension System
- Arrma Outcast: Features heavy-duty suspension arms and large-bore aluminum shocks that absorb impacts effectively. The suspension is tuned for durability and to handle the G-forces of jumps and landings. It excels in absorbing big hits.
- Kraton: Employs a more sophisticated, adjustable suspension setup with oil-filled shocks for precise handling and optimal performance across different terrains. It’s designed for superior shock absorption and maintaining control at speed.
- Winner: Kraton
Tire and Wheel Setup
- Arrma Outcast: Comes with aggressive, large diameter dBoots Back-Flip tires that provide excellent grip for drifting, stunts, and off-road traction. The tires are designed to withstand the rigors of bashing.
- Kraton: Features high-performance dBoots Exabyte tires, offering a balance of grip for both speed and off-road capability. These tires are designed for agility and consistent traction across varied surfaces.
- Winner: Kraton
Body Style and Aerodynamics
- Arrma Outcast: Sports a distinct monster truck body with a high-riding stance, emphasizing its stunt-oriented nature. The body is designed for durability and to look aggressive.
- Kraton: Features a more streamlined, aggressive buggy-style body that contributes to its aerodynamic efficiency and high-speed stability. The design is focused on performance and reducing drag.
- Winner: Kraton
Durability and Materials
- Arrma Outcast: Built with extremely robust composite materials and reinforced components to withstand extreme impacts and abuse. Its design prioritizes resilience for aggressive bashing.
- Kraton: Also features robust construction with high-quality composite and aluminum parts, designed for high-performance driving and durability. It’s built to handle the stresses of fast off-road action.
- Winner: Tie
Target Audience and Use Case
- Arrma Outcast: Primarily aimed at bashers and stunt enthusiasts who want a vehicle capable of flips, jumps, and general rough-and-tumble fun. It’s built for maximum entertainment value.
- Kraton: Targets drivers who enjoy high-speed off-road driving, light racing, and exploring various terrains with a capable and fast machine. It’s designed for versatility and performance.
- Winner: Kraton
Upgradeability and Customization
- Arrma Outcast: Offers a wide range of hop-up parts for enhancing its stunt capabilities and durability. Customization options are plentiful for bashers.
- Kraton: Has a strong aftermarket support with numerous upgrade options for performance tuning, handling improvements, and aesthetic customization. It’s well-suited for enthusiasts looking to fine-tune their ride.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Stunt Capability | Arrma Outcast |
| Top Speed | Kraton |
| Durability | Tie |
| All-Terrain Versatility | Kraton |
| Looks/Style | Subjective |
What They Have in Common
- Platform: Both the Arrma Outcast and Kraton are built on the robust 1/10 scale 4WD platform, offering excellent durability and performance for a wide range of bashing activities. They share many core components, ensuring a similar driving feel and maintenance experience.
- Brushless Power: Both models are equipped with powerful brushless motor systems, providing impressive speed and acceleration right out of the box. This allows for thrilling jumps and high-speed runs on various terrains.
- Durable Construction: Arrma has a reputation for building tough RC vehicles, and both the Outcast and Kraton are no exception. They feature strong composite materials, metal components in key areas, and robust suspension systems designed to withstand the rigors of aggressive driving.
- All-Terrain Capability: Designed for versatility, both the Outcast and Kraton can handle a variety of surfaces, from pavement and dirt to grass and light mud. Their four-wheel-drive systems and capable suspension allow for fun in almost any environment.
- Ready-to-Run (rtr) Format: Most versions of both the Arrma Outcast and Kraton come in a Ready-to-Run (RTR) package, meaning they include everything needed to get started, such as a transmitter, receiver, battery, and charger. This makes them accessible to beginners and experienced hobbyists alike.
Arrma Outcast Vs Kraton Buying Guide
Performance Needs
Consider your primary use case. If you crave extreme wheelies, backflips, and a stunt-focused experience, the Arrma Outcast is engineered for this. Its design prioritizes explosive power for airborne maneuvers and a playful, agile feel. For those who want to tackle rough terrain, bash through obstacles, and experience high-speed, stable running across varied landscapes, the Kraton excels. Its longer wheelbase and robust suspension are optimized for all-around bashing and speed. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Durability and Maintenance
Both Arrma models are built tough, but their intended uses subtly influence their components. The Kraton, designed for more relentless bashing and higher speeds over varied terrain, often features slightly beefier suspension arms and a more robust chassis bracing to withstand impacts. The Outcast, while still incredibly durable, might have components tuned for lighter, more acrobatic abuse. Factor in the availability and cost of spare parts for each model in your region, as this can impact long-term ownership satisfaction.
Budget Considerations
While both the Outcast and Kraton are premium offerings, their price points can fluctuate based on current deals and configurations. Generally, they are in a similar price bracket, reflecting their advanced features and brushless power systems. However, it’s wise to research the latest pricing and any available bundles. Remember to also budget for essential accessories like batteries, a charger, and potentially some hop-ups, as these add to the overall investment.
Driving Style and Terrain
Your preferred driving style and the terrain you’ll most frequently encounter are crucial. If you envision yourself performing donuts, popping wheelies on demand, and enjoying the spectacle of freestyle RC, the Outcast is your go-to. If your ideal session involves ripping through dirt tracks, jumping over natural obstacles, and enjoying high-speed runs across grass, gravel, or pavement, the Kraton will likely be more satisfying. The Kraton’s longer chassis also provides greater stability at speed. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Arrma Outcast If…
- You prioritize epic wheelies and backflips.
- You enjoy creative stunt driving and flipping maneuvers.
- You prefer the aesthetic and handling of a monster truck that can perform stunts.
Buy Kraton If…
- You are looking for raw speed and high-performance bashing.
- You want a more traditional monster truck look and feel.
- You plan on tackling rougher terrain and larger jumps with more stability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Arrma RC is better for beginners?
Both the Arrma Outcast and Kraton are powerful, high-speed RC vehicles that require some experience to handle safely and effectively. For absolute beginners, it might be advisable to start with a less powerful, more forgiving model before stepping up to these advanced bashers. However, if you are set on one of these, the Kraton’s more stable platform might offer a slightly gentler learning curve for general bashing compared to the Outcast’s stunt-oriented agility.
Are Arrma Outcast and Kraton the same chassis?
While both the Arrma Outcast and Kraton share a common Arrma platform and many interchangeable parts, they are not identical. The Kraton typically features a longer wheelbase and a slightly different suspension geometry, which contributes to its enhanced stability at higher speeds and better handling over rough terrain. The Outcast’s chassis is often tuned for a more nimble, stunt-focused performance, excelling in wheelies and flips.
Which is faster, Arrma Outcast or Kraton?
In stock form with comparable battery setups, both the Arrma Outcast and Kraton are incredibly fast and capable of exhilarating speeds. The Kraton, with its longer wheelbase and often slightly more aerodynamic body, might have a slight edge in top-end speed and stability when running in a straight line at full throttle across open terrain. The Outcast is designed for explosive acceleration for stunts, which can feel incredibly quick. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Can I upgrade the Arrma Outcast/Kraton?
Absolutely! Arrma vehicles are renowned for their extensive aftermarket support and upgradeability. You can find a vast array of hop-up parts for both the Outcast and Kraton, ranging from stronger suspension components and driveline upgrades to more powerful motors and battery options. This allows you to tailor the performance and durability of your chosen model to your specific needs and driving style.
Which is better for bashing: Outcast or Kraton?
The definition of “bashing” can vary. If your idea of bashing involves performing stunts like backflips and wheelies with precision, the Outcast is engineered for that. If your bashing involves relentless speed runs, jumping over rough terrain, and generally being a bit more destructive across varied landscapes, the Kraton’s longer wheelbase and robust suspension offer superior stability and durability for that kind of abuse. Both are excellent bashers, but excel in slightly different areas.
Final Verdict
The Arrma Outcast and Kraton are both exceptional 1/8 scale brushless RC vehicles, each excelling in its niche. The Outcast is the king of stunts, designed for explosive wheelies and acrobatic aerial maneuvers. The Kraton, on the other hand, is the ultimate all-terrain basher, offering superior stability, speed, and handling across a wider variety of challenging landscapes. Your choice depends on whether you prioritize freestyle tricks or relentless, high-speed all-around bashing.
Winner: Arrma Kraton