When the pursuit of extreme RC performance calls, two titans of the 8S brushless world often rise to the top: the Arrma Outcast 8S and the Arrma Kraton 8S. Both boast incredible power and rugged durability, promising exhilarating off-road adventures. But which of these behemoths truly deserves a spot in your RC garage?
The Outcast 8S is renowned for its wheelie-popping, stunt-ready persona, built to dominate bashes and freestyle sessions. Conversely, the Kraton 8S is engineered for speed and agility across varied terrains, offering a more race-inspired, yet still incredibly robust, experience. This comparison dives deep to help you decide which monster machine aligns with your RC aspirations.
Specs at a Glance: Arrma Outcast 8S vs. Arrma Kraton 8S
| Feature | Outcast 8S | Kraton 8S |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 720mm | 701mm |
| Width | 572mm | 469mm |
| Height | 302mm | 226mm |
| Wheelbase | 470mm | 476mm |
| Ground Clearance | 90mm | 72mm |
| Weight | 9.5kg | 8.5kg |
| Motor | 5687 1100Kv Brushless | 5687 1100Kv Brushless |
| ESC | 120A Smart ESC | 120A Smart ESC |
| Battery Tray Size | 2x 4S | 2x 4S |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD |
| Differentials | 3x Sealed Metal Diff | 3x Sealed Metal Diff |
| Shocks | Adjustable Oil-Filled | Adjustable Oil-Filled |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Durability & Construction
- Outcast 8s: Features a robust composite chassis and heavy-duty suspension components designed to withstand extreme bashing and impacts. Its body shell is often made from durable polycarbonate. While built tough, some users report that certain plastic parts can become brittle in extreme cold.
- Kraton 8s: Boasts an incredibly strong aluminum chassis, reinforced suspension arms, and a roll cage for added protection. It’s engineered for high-speed durability and rough terrain. The Kraton 8s is generally considered one of the most durable 8th scale RC platforms on the market.
- Winner: Kraton 8s
Speed & Power
- Outcast 8s: Equipped with a powerful brushless motor and ESC, capable of impressive speeds and wheelie-popping acceleration. It’s designed for exhilarating, high-speed fun. The power delivery is often described as aggressive and exciting.
- Kraton 8s: Comes with a monstrous brushless system that delivers blistering acceleration and top speeds exceeding 50 mph out of the box (with appropriate gearing and batteries). Its power is legendary for an 8th scale monster truck.
- Winner: Kraton 8s
Suspension & Handling
- Outcast 8s: Offers a long-travel, independent suspension system that excels at soaking up bumps and jumps, providing a stable ride over varied terrain. The suspension is tuned for a balance of bashing stability and agility.
- Kraton 8s: Features a robust independent suspension system with large, oil-filled shocks that provide excellent damping and control, even at high speeds and during big jumps. Its wider stance contributes to impressive stability.
- Winner: Kraton 8s
Tires & Traction
- Outcast 8s: Typically comes with aggressive, large monster truck tires that provide excellent grip on dirt, grass, and loose surfaces, ideal for its intended use. The tires are a key component for its bashing capabilities.
- Kraton 8s: Fitted with high-quality, multi-terrain tires designed for optimal traction across a wide range of surfaces, from asphalt to dirt and mud. These tires are known for their durability and performance.
- Winner: Tie
Body & Aesthetics
- Outcast 8s: Features a distinctive, often brightly colored monster truck body that emphasizes its aggressive, fun-oriented nature. The design is classic monster truck, appealing to those who love the look.
- Kraton 8s: Sports a sleek, aggressive, and aerodynamic body shell that complements its high-speed capabilities. The design is modern and performance-oriented, often featuring striking graphics.
- Winner: Outcast 8s
Electronics & Waterproofing
- Outcast 8s: Includes a capable brushless system and is generally designed with some level of water resistance, allowing for operation in damp conditions. However, full submersion should be avoided.
- Kraton 8s: Comes with a high-quality, waterproof Spektrum brushless system and waterproof servos, allowing it to tackle wet and muddy conditions with confidence. This adds significant versatility.
- Winner: Kraton 8s
Ease of Maintenance & Upgrades
- Outcast 8s: Generally designed for relatively easy access to components for maintenance and repairs. A wide range of aftermarket parts are available for customization and upgrades.
- Kraton 8s: While complex due to its robust nature, the Kraton 8s is designed with modularity in mind, making many maintenance tasks straightforward. It also has a vast aftermarket support system for upgrades.
- Winner: Tie
Price & Value
- Outcast 8s: Often positioned at a slightly more accessible price point than the Kraton 8s, offering a great entry into 8th scale monster trucking for its performance and features. It provides strong value for its bashing capabilities.
- Kraton 8s: Typically commands a higher price due to its premium components, advanced features, and superior durability. It represents a significant investment but offers exceptional performance and longevity.
- Winner: Outcast 8s
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Stunt Capability | Outcast 8S |
| All-Around Performance | Kraton 8S |
| Speed Potential | Tie |
| Durability | Tie |
| Handling | Kraton 8S |
| Size & Presence | Outcast 8S |
What They Have in Common
- Power System: Both the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S are equipped with a potent 5687 1100Kv brushless motor and a 120A Smart ESC, providing immense power and speed for thrilling driving experiences.
- Chassis Design: They share a robust 4WD drivetrain with three sealed metal differentials, ensuring excellent traction and durability across various terrains.
- Suspension: Both models feature adjustable, oil-filled shock absorbers, allowing for fine-tuning of suspension performance to handle rough surfaces and jumps effectively.
- Battery Configuration: The battery trays on both vehicles are designed to accommodate dual 4S LiPo batteries, enabling them to achieve their full 8S potential and extended runtimes.
- Durability: Arrma’s signature build quality is evident in both models, with strong composite materials and reinforced components designed to withstand the rigors of extreme RC driving.
Outcast 8S Vs Kraton 8S Buying Guide
Purpose and Terrain
Consider where you’ll primarily be driving your 8S monster truck. The Arrma Kraton 8S excels on a variety of surfaces, offering impressive all-around performance for bashing, mild off-roading, and even some speed runs. Its aggressive tire tread and robust suspension allow it to handle dirt, grass, and light gravel with ease.
The ARRMA Outcast 8S, while also capable of general bashing, is specifically designed with more extreme stunts and a “no-holds-barred” approach in mind. Its shorter wheelbase and wider stance contribute to its agility for flips, jumps, and general mayhem. If your focus is on pure, unadulterated fun and creative driving, the Outcast might be the better choice.
Durability and Maintenance
Both trucks are built for extreme performance, but the Kraton 8S often gets a slight edge in perceived overall durability due to its slightly longer chassis and proven track record in demanding conditions. However, both are robust and feature heavy-duty components designed to withstand significant abuse. Regular maintenance, such as checking and tightening fasteners, lubricating moving parts, and cleaning after runs, will be crucial for longevity with either model. (See Also: Nintendo Switch Vs Switch Lite )
Spare parts availability is excellent for both ARRMA platforms, which is a significant advantage. Knowing you can easily source replacements for any broken components will give you peace of mind when pushing these powerful machines to their limits.
Speed and Handling
When it comes to raw speed, both the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S are incredibly fast out of the box, capable of reaching exhilarating speeds with their powerful brushless systems. The Kraton 8S, with its slightly longer wheelbase, might offer a touch more stability at higher speeds, making it feel more planted during straight-line runs. This can be advantageous for those who enjoy high-speed passes and track-style driving.
The Outcast 8S, with its more compact and agile design, often feels more responsive and nimble. This makes it easier to maneuver through obstacles and perform quick direction changes, which is ideal for freestyle driving and navigating tighter courses. Its shorter wheelbase can also contribute to more aggressive flipping and tumbling capabilities.
Value and Upgradability
Both the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S represent significant investments, but they offer excellent value for their performance and feature sets. ARRMA has a reputation for providing high-quality, ready-to-run (RTR) models that require minimal immediate upgrades. However, the aftermarket for both trucks is extensive, allowing for endless customization and performance enhancement. (See Also: Pixel 6a Vs Iphone 12 )
You can find a vast array of hop-ups, from upgraded shock systems and diffs to different body shells and wheel/tire combinations. Whether you choose the Outcast or Kraton, you’ll have ample opportunities to tailor the truck to your specific preferences and driving style, ensuring long-term engagement and satisfaction.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Outcast 8S If…
- You crave extreme stunt capabilities and massive air.
- You enjoy bashing and launching your RC vehicle off jumps and obstacles.
- You prefer a more aggressive, wheelie-popping driving style.
- You want a larger, more imposing presence on the track or in the backyard.
Buy Kraton 8S If…
- You want a high-performance all-rounder for speed, bashing, and light crawling.
- You appreciate a more stable and controlled driving experience for high-speed runs.
- You are looking for a capable off-road buggy that can handle a variety of terrains.
- You value a slightly more nimble and agile feel for navigating tighter courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for beginners?
While both are high-performance 8S models, the Kraton 8S might be slightly more forgiving for absolute beginners due to its longer wheelbase, which generally offers more stability at speed. However, both require responsible handling and an understanding of LiPo battery safety. It’s recommended that beginners start with slower speeds and gradually increase them as they gain experience with the power and weight of these machines.
Can I use the same batteries for both?
Yes, both the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S are designed to run on 4S LiPo batteries (requiring two for an 8S setup). You can use identical 4S LiPo batteries for either truck, provided they meet the voltage, C-rating, and discharge rate requirements specified by ARRMA. Using the same battery packs will simplify charging and management if you own both models.
Which truck is more durable?
Both the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S are built with durability in mind and feature robust components. While the Kraton 8S might have a slight edge in perceived overall toughness due to its longer chassis, the Outcast 8S is also incredibly strong. Durability ultimately depends heavily on driving style and maintenance. Consistent checks and repairs will be key for both. (See Also: Galaxy Watch 6 Vs Active 2 )
Which is faster?
Both trucks are incredibly fast out of the box and can reach speeds well over 50 mph with their stock setups. The Kraton 8S, with its longer wheelbase, might offer slightly better stability at its top speeds, making it feel more planted during straight-line runs. The Outcast 8S, while equally fast, might feel a bit more agile and responsive due to its shorter wheelbase.
What kind of upgrades are popular for these trucks?
Popular upgrades for both the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S often include stronger servo savers, improved shock packages for better damping and adjustability, and more aggressive tires for specific terrains. Many owners also opt for upgraded diffs, stronger driveshafts, and custom body shells to personalize their trucks and enhance performance for their preferred driving style.
Final Verdict
Both the ARRMA Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S are phenomenal 8S monster trucks, offering incredible power, speed, and durability. The Kraton 8S shines with its exceptional all-around performance and stability, making it a fantastic choice for a variety of terrains and bashing. The Outcast 8S, however, truly excels in its agility and stunt capabilities, offering a more playful and freestyle-oriented experience. For pure, unadulterated fun and jaw-dropping stunts, the Outcast 8S takes the lead.
Winner: ARRMA Outcast 8S