Arrma vs Traxxas: Which RC Car Brand is Better?

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Arrma and Traxxas are two of the biggest names in the RC car world. Both companies make high-performance hobby-grade models across vehicle types. But which brand builds the better bashers, racers, crawlers and monster trucks? This in-depth guide explores how Arrma and Traxxas compare on key factors to help you decide which is right for you.

Overview of Arrma RC

Founded in 2011, Arrma quickly made a name for itself by bringing high quality ready-to-run vehicles to market at relatively affordable prices. Their goal is making the RC hobby accessible to more enthusiasts through performance and value.

Arrma has expanded their lineup over the years to cover many of the most popular vehicle segments:

Race Inspired:

  • Senton – Short Course Truck
  • Typhon – Buggy
  • Felony – Street Bash Truck

Scale Realism:

  • Mojave – 1/7 Scale Desert Truck
  • Racon – 1/7 Scale 4WD Monster Truck
  • Kraton – 1/8 Scale Monster Truck

Competition Ready:

  • Talion – 1/8 Truggy
  • Notorious – 1/8 Monster Truck
  • Limitless – 1/7 Speed Car

Top features of Arrma vehicles include waterproof electronics, rugged composite materials, powerful brushless systems, and high-capacity batteries. Most come fully assembled as ready-to-run models.

Overview of Traxxas RC

Founded in 1986, Traxxas is the undisputed heavyweight in the RC world. They popularized hobby-grade RC cars with fast, durable, and innovative designs targeted at enthusiasts.

Key vehicle models from Traxxas include:

Off Road:

  • Rustler – Stadium Truck
  • Bandit – Buggy
  • Stampede – Monster Truck

On Road:

  • 4-Tec – Touring Car
  • Rally – Rally Car
  • Slayer – Pro Dragster

Advanced:

  • X-Maxx – 1/5 Scale Monster Truck
  • TRX-4 – 1/10 Scale Crawler
  • Summit – Highly Capable Monster Truck

Traxxas models feature cutting-edge technology like the TQi radio system. Their powerful XL-5 ESC and Titan brushed motors define entry-level vehicles. High-end models use Velineon brushless systems for extreme 50+ mph speeds.

Arrma vs Traxxas: Vehicle Quality

Both Arrma and Traxxas aim for high standards of part quality, durability, and overall construction. Key differences include:

Materials – Arrma uses rugged composite plastics on most models. Traxxas has transitioned to softer plastics prone to scuffing on some models but offers factory aluminum upgrades.

Waterproofing – Most Arrma vehicles are fully waterproof for running in wet conditions and even puddles. Only some Traxxas vehicles have waterproof electronics.

Stock Batteries – Arrma includes high capacity (5000+ mAh) 3S LiPo batteries with most RTRs for long run times. Traxxas still relies on lower capacity NiMH packs on some models.

ECUs – Arrma uses programmable ECUs to provide flexibility in tuning and programming. Traxxas ESCs are generally not user programmable.

Warranty – Both offer standard limited lifetime warranties on electronics, though Arrma provides 6 month coverage on drive train parts.

The consensus is that Arrma delivers rugged user-friendly designs that hold up well to abuse and require minimal repairs out of the box. Traxxas quality has declined slightly on lower cost models but remains excellent on high-end vehicles.

Handling and Performance

When it comes to speed, acceleration, stability and handling, both brands create outstanding performers across vehicle types:

Speed – Thanks to powerful brushless systems, 40+ mph is common on Arrma and Traxxas models with speeds over 50 mph possible on high-end models. Real world testing shows comparable top speeds between the two brands.

Stability – Good center of gravity tuning and properly dialed chassis and shocks keep both Traxxas and Arrma vehicles stable at speed off jumps or in corners.

Acceleration – Brushless systems give quick throttle response. Arrma’s Adaptive Radio Frequency (ADRF) technology changes enables smoother low-speed control for consistent acceleration.

Handling – Suspension geometry and tuning is generally good on both brands for responsive steering and handling. Traxxas offers more steering mixing options on transmitter.

For the average hobbyist, both deliver excellent speed and handling right out of the box. Those looking to push the edge of performance may still benefit from tuning and upgrading factory setups on either brand.

Arrma vs Traxxas: Terrain Capabilities

The type of driving you plan to do is a major factor in choosing one brand over the other.

Off-Road – Most models from both brands handle loose dirt, mud, gravel, and grass terrain well thanks to rugged builds and good ground clearance.

Rock Crawling – Specialized Traxxas TRX-4 crawler offers greater capability on rocks and uneven ground with features like remote locking diffs.

On-Road – Traxxas 4-Tec touring car designed for high grip asphalt while Arrma lacks an on-road specific model currently.

Racing – Highly tuned race trucks from Traxxas like the Slayer offer an edge in competitive racing off the shelf. Most Arrma models require aftermarket tuning for racing.

Water/Snow – Waterproofing gives Arrma vehicles an advantage in wet conditions and slush. Traxxas offers specialty waterproof models like the Hoss.

While both perform well off-road, Traxxas tends to have an edge in specialized vehicles tackling specific conditions. Arrma’s focus centers more on versatile all-around bashers and play vehicles.

Arrma vs Traxxas: Value

When it comes to price and value, here is how Arrma and Traxxas compare:

Base Price Point – Arrma consistently undercuts Traxxas with street pricing 10% or more lower on comparably equipped vehicles. Great for those on a budget.

Price to Performance – Dollar for dollar, most experts agree Arrma delivers greater performance and value per dollar spent. You simply get more for your money.

Features – Brushless power, 3S LiPos, waterproofing and other features come standard on Arrma models where Traxxas charges more for them as upgrades.

Aftermarket Support – Both brands enjoy broad aftermarket accessory and upgrade part support. Traxxas holds a slight edge here.

For budget-focused buyers, Arrma dominates the value comparison by delivering high performance ready-to-run vehicles at lower price points than competitive Traxxas options. They pack in impressive technology and power at costs Traxxas cannot match.

Traxxas Strengths

While Arrma’s value equation beats Traxxas, Traxxas still holds some key advantages:

Model Diversity – Traxxas simply offers greater diversity across vehicle types including trucks, drag racers, touring cars, boats, and more. Arrma’s lineup is less broad currently.

Technology Innovation – Traxxas pours extensive R&D into vehicles introducing new technologies like TSM driving assist. Arrma is less apt to break technological ground.

Race Viability – Experienced hobbyists favor Traxxas for race-ready trucks and cars needing minimal tuning out of the box. Arrma prioritizes basher appeal over racing setups.

Brand Recognition – Among the general public, Traxxas enjoys greater brand awareness than Arrma thanks to savvy marketing and licensing deals.

Traxxas vehicles truly excel when specialized capability and technology provide an edge over rivals. Yet their specialization comes at notably higher costs.

Arrma Strengths

Reasons to strongly consider Arrma:

Value – Pound for pound, Arrma repeatedly delivers greater standard features and outright performance per dollar spent compared to rival Traxxas.

Beginner Appeal – Durable chassis, flexibility, stability, and overall quality make Arrma models ideally suited for RC newcomers honing skills.

Water Resistance – Fully waterproof electronics and sealed components enable carefree running even through puddles and wet conditions.

User Community – Arrma cars enjoy a loyal owner community who love modifying and testing the limits of these capable, value-packed platforms.

6S Capability – Most Arrma vehicles can handle 6S power for substantially higher speed and acceleration than rival models when desired. Traxxas limits models to 3S or at most 4S.

From delivering value and all-around usability to supporting upgrades and modifications, Arrma hits the sweet spot for a massive range of RC enthusiasts.

Which is Right for You?

With an understanding of how Arrma and Traxxas designs compare, deciding which brand to buy comes down to your budget, priorities and intended use.

Good Fit for Arrma

Arrma tends to be the better choice when:

  • You’re on a tighter budget
  • Seeking maximum durability for heavy bashing
  • Want waterproof electronics
  • Plan to drive primarily off-road
  • Will run 6S power systems
  • New to RC and want user-friendly platform

Good Fit for Traxxas

Traxxas is ideal when:

  • You need specific vehicle types like boats or nitro trucks
  • Seeking maximum high-end speed and acceleration
  • Want race-ready setups out of the box
  • Primarily run on high grip asphalt or track surfaces
  • Need scale realism and highly detailed bodies
  • Appreciate innovative features like TSM

Both Arrma and Traxxas make excellent RC vehicles across vehicle segments. As long as you match the brand to your exact needs and budget, you can enjoy a stellar RC experience with either option.

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Whether you decide on team Traxxas or team Arrma, rest assured you have chosen one of the top brands in RC. Now get out to your local RC track or bashing spot and start enjoying the exciting hobby of radio controlled vehicles!