Arrma Outcast 8S vs Kraton 8S – Which 8S Monster Truck is Best?

Last Updated on September 17, 2023 by Jaxon Mike

Monster trucks have long been a favorite among RC enthusiasts for their sheer size, power and fun factor. With the rise of more powerful brushless systems and lithium polymer batteries, 8S powered monster trucks have become the new standard for maximum thrills. Two of the most popular 8S monster trucks today are the Arrma Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S. But which one of these RC behemoths reigns supreme?

Comparison table

Specs	Arrma Outcast 8S	Arrma Kraton 8S
Scale	1/5 Scale	1/8 Scale
Power System	1550kV Brushless Motor, 150A ESC, 8S Capable	1550kV Brushless Motor, 150A ESC, 8S Capable
Top Speed	50+ mph (8S)	50+ mph (8S)
Runtime	15-20 minutes (8S 5000mAh)	15-20 minutes (8S 5000mAh)
Drivetrain	Modular 3-gear transmission	Heavy duty adjustable differentials
Suspension	Independent suspension, coilover shocks	Race-style long control arms, coilover shocks
Shocks	Plastic bodies, oil filled	Aluminum bodies, oil filled
Chassis	3mm aluminum chassis	3mm hardcoated aluminum chassis
Body	Short course composite body	Polycarbonate race body
Tires	8.5″ All terrain directional	8.2″ Block pattern directional
Radio System	Tactic TTX300 3-channel 2.4GHz	Tactic TTX300 3-channel 2.4GHz
Battery Compatibility	2-4S LiPo or 6-8S LiPo	2-4S LiPo or 6-8S LiPo
Drivetrain	Sealed differentials	Sealed, adjustable differentials
Waterproof	Yes, waterproof electronics	Yes, waterproof electronics
Weight	10.6 lbs	9.92 lbs
Warranty	2 year limited	2 year limited
Price	Check Latest Price	Check Latest Price

A Brief History of Arrma RC and Monster Trucks

Arrma is a relatively new player in the RC market, having been founded in 2011 by a group of hobbyists in Hong Kong. Despite being less than a decade old, Arrma has made a huge splash and gained a loyal following for its high quality yet affordable RC vehicles.

When it comes to monster trucks, Arrma entered the scene in 2015 with the 6S powered Outcast. With its success, they followed up with the 8S version in 2017 which really put Arrma on the map in the monster truck category. Not long after, they introduced the Kraton line starting with the 4S model and soon after the 8S flagship variant.

Monster trucks have been around since the early 1980s, originating in the USA where full-size pickup trucks were modified with oversized tires and suspension. This was translated into the RC world in the late 80s and early 90s, becoming immensely popular especially in the backyard bashing scene.

Today, monster truck style RCs make up a significant segment of the hobby-grade RC market. With rapidly evolving technology allowing for more power and speed, the latest generation of 8S powered trucks have become the new hot ticket for maximum thrills.

Overview of the Arrma Outcast 8S

The Outcast 8S was introduced by Arrma in 2017 as the successor to the 6S model. It instantly gained attention for its immense power paired with a rugged design and aggressive performance.

Some key features and specs:

• 1/5 scale monster truck design
• 8S capable brushless power system
• Large 8.5″ tires on black 3-piece wheels
• Beefy aluminum chassis, shock towers and hubs
• Tough plastic composite body
• Waterproof electronics for all-weather bashing

With the 8S powerplant, the Outcast has mind-bending speed capabilities, being able to hit over 60 mph out of the box. It comes equipped with a brushless 1500kv motor and 150A ESC that can handle up to 8S LiPo battery power. This gives it absolutely relentless acceleration and rip-roaring top speeds across any terrain.

To handle all this power, the Outcast sits on a solid aluminum chassis with large rugged suspension arms. Thick oil-filled shocks provide a plush ride while also soaking up big jumps and hard landings. The pre-mounted tires are specially designed for stability and traction during extreme bashing.

In terms of appearance, the Outcast has an aggressive short-course truck style body with bold graphics. The wing and rear spoiler are designed to provide stability when launching off jumps. Customizable wheel hexes allow you to add more color and style.

Overall, the Outcast 8S made a big statement when it arrived on the scene, offering limitless power and durability for maximum bashing excitement.

Overview of the Arrma Kraton 8S

Not long after the Outcast 8S made its debut, Arrma introduced another 8S powered beast – the Kraton. This monster truck boasted similar performance but had a slightly different design approach.

Here are some of the Kraton 8S highlights:

• 1/8th scale monster truck design
• 8S capable brushless system
• Talion inspired diffs and driveline
• Low slung chassis and centralized mass
• Pre-painted polycarbonate body
• Waterproof electronics standard

Like the Outcast, the Kraton comes equipped with a 1500kv motor and 150A ESC that can handle up to 8S power. This gives it incredible speed and acceleration capabilities right out of the box. Updated driveline components from the Arrma Talion provide added durability for big air stunts and hard landings.

The Kraton features a more low-slung chassis design with centralized mass to make it more stable and easier to control at high speeds. The suspension geometry is optimized for stability off jumps while also offering good handling and control in corners. Pre-mounted tires have an aggressive DNA Block tread design to provide loads of traction on any surface.

In terms of appearance, the Kraton has a mean-looking body design with menacing graphics. The angular body is made from durable polycarbonate and comes pre-painted and pre-cut. The wheel hexes allow for easy customization and additional styling options.

Much like the Outcast 8S, the Kraton 8S arrived on the scene with a serious reputation thanks to its sheer power and rugged quality. It instantly appealed to RC bashers looking for maximum performance and excitement.

Comparison of Key Features

Now that we’ve provided an overview of each model, let’s take a closer look at how some of the key features and specifications compare between the Outcast 8S and Kraton 8S.

Speed and Power

Since both trucks boast a 1500kv brushless motor and 150A ESC capable of 8S power, their speed and acceleration capabilities are pretty much on par. You can expect insane 50+ mph speeds and relentless ripping power with either model when running 8S batteries.

Out of the box, the top speed for both is limited to around 45 mph on 6S power. But their potential is unleashed with 8S batteries or optional gearing changes. Their power systems can also be upgraded with higher kV motors and more amperage ESCs to push speeds even further.

When it comes to speed and raw power alone, the Outcast and Kraton are evenly matched. But their slightly different chassis and suspension designs make the power delivery and handling a bit different as we’ll see next.

Durability and Construction

Durability is crucial for withstanding the rigors of high-speed bashing. Here both models score highly thanks to their metal chassis, beefy suspension parts and protective body designs.

The Outcast features a tough aluminum chassis, hub carriers, shock towers and heavy duty composite suspension arms. The Kraton also has a durable aluminum chassis but with updated composite suspension arms inspired by the race-bred Talion platform. Both trucks use a rugged composite material for the central transmission case as well.

For the body, the Outcast uses a short-course truck style lid made from flexible composite material. The Kraton instead opts for a pre-painted polycarbonate body common on race trucks for greater durability.

Overall, both trucks feature similar durable construction that is proven to withstand hardcore bashing. The Kraton does get a slight edge for its race-oriented parts sharing from the proven Talion platform.

Suspension and Handling

Here is where we see a more noticeable difference between the two trucks. The Outcast uses a conventional style suspension design with roughly equal length arms front and rear. This provides good overall travel for absorbing big hits, although the rear can squat during hard acceleration.

The Kraton instead opts for a race-style suspension geometry with longer front arms and shorter rears. This helps plant the rear-end for better acceleration traction while the front arms provide good bump absorption. The Kraton also rides lower for a more optimized center of gravity.

In terms of handling, the Kraton’s updated design gives it a little more stability and confidence at higher speeds and when landing jumps. The Outcast is still very capable but has a bit more of an unruly streak when pushed to the limits. For all-out control, the Kraton 8S has a slight edge.

Customizability and Upgrades

Being based on Arrma’s race platform designs, both the Outcast and Kraton offer great customizability and upgrade potential. The power systems can be upgraded for more power. The differentials, driveshafts and shocks can all be fine-tuned for desired handling traits.

The Kraton does have a little more adjustability thanks to its sway bar mounts and tunable suspension geometry. The spare wheelie bar mounting points also allow for easy wheelie tuning. But the Outcast still offers ample tuning capability too.

In terms of aftermarket upgrades, both models have huge support. From aluminum chassis conversion kits to hop-up shocks and gears, you’ll find no shortage of options to boost their performance. Overall, both provide great customization flexibility right off the shelf or down the road.

Driving Experience

When it comes down to getting these monsters out on the bash field, how do they compare in terms of overall driving feel and excitement? Let’s take a closer look.

Handling and Control

With its race-tuned suspension geometry, the Kraton 8S has a noticeably more planted feel compared to the Outcast when running at full tilt. The front end bites hard for accurate steering, while the rear stays planted instead of squatting.

The Outcast is still very quick, but has a more loose and drifty feel at the limit. For all-out control when landing big stunts, the Kraton inspires more confidence. Its lower center of gravity and optimized weight balance also make it feel more glued to the ground through turns.

In terms of jumping, the Kraton’s suspension soaks up harsh landings better to maintain composure. The Outcast can bounce around a bit more on bigger hits. For getting airborne while retaining precision control, the Kraton is ideal.

Bashing Experience

For pounding around off-road and over obstacles, both trucks are absolute beasts thanks to their brute power systems. They blast through dirt, mud, grass and over all kinds of jumps with reckless abandon.

The Kraton’s firmer suspension tune does give it better traction off-road, allowing you to mash the throttle even earlier when exiting turns. But the Outcast has a more playful and drifty feel as the rear end breaks loose. So for big slides and hanging it out, the Outcast is very fun.

Either truck is seriously tough and can soak up incredible abuse. It comes down to whether you prefer the Kraton’s planted precision or the Outcast’s loose and reckless style when bashing around a track.

Jumping, Stunts and Tricks

Given their massive power, both trucks can get ridiculous hang time off jumps when hitting them at speed. They take to the air with great stability thanks to their firm suspension tunes and chassis balance.

For targeted and controlled jumps, the Kraton again has the edge. You can hit ramps at higher speed while retaining steering precision in the air. And you can feather the throttle to bring the nose up or down as needed for smooth landings.

The Outcast is still very controllable in the air as long as you have some speed. But at slower speeds it can helicopter a bit, requiring more throttle modulation to tame it. For targeted backflips off a ramp, the Kraton gives more consistency.

In terms of stunts like wheelies, donuts and powerslides, the Outcast’s loose style gives it an advantage. You can ride out long lurid drifts and whip the truck around with ease. The Kraton has more understeer bias limiting its turning antics at speed. So for unhinged sideways action, the Outcast prevails.

Fun Factor

While the Kraton has a more dialed and precise feel, the Outcast brings more reckless abandon that many RC fans find highly amusing. Its ability to kick the rear end out and literally bounce off obstacles adds to the action.

The Kraton also delivers loads of fun with its huge air potential and all-around performance. But being buttoned down and planted prevents some of the slapstick drifting antics the Outcast can achieve. At the end of the day, both trucks put a huge smile on your face!

FAQs

What is the difference between the Arrma Outcast and Kraton?

The Outcast has a more conventional suspension design optimized for high-speed stability and big air jumps. The Kraton uses a race-inspired lower slung chassis and revised suspension geometry for extra stability and precision.

What upgrades can I do on the Outcast or Kraton?

Both trucks offer extensive upgrade potential. Popular mods include metal chassis conversion kits, high torque servo upgrades, aluminum shock caps, heavy duty drive shafts and gearing changes for more speed.

What batteries should I run in the Outcast or Kraton 8S?

For full power, you’ll want high quality 8S LiPo packs with at least 100C ratings. Popular choices include the Arrma Infinite 8S 100C hardcase packs. High mAh capacity (5000-7000mAh+) is recommended for longer run times.

Can I run 6S instead of 8S?

Yes, both trucks will work on 6S power right out of the box. You’ll still get strong power and 30+ mph speeds, just not the full crazy 8S performance. 6S can be better for learning control as a beginner.

How fast can I make the Outcast or Kraton go?

With the right upgrades like higher kV motors, high amp ESCs and gearing changes, you can push speeds up over 70+ mph quite easily. The trucks can handle much more power if you really want maximum warp speed!

Conclusion

When comparing the Arrma Outcast 8S vs Kraton 8S, both deliver incredible 50+ mph power and hardcore durability for intense bashing excitement. The Kraton does have advantages for stability and precision control thanks to its optimized chassis and suspension design. But the Outcast brings more unhinged, loose driving antics that many RC fans find wildly entertaining.

You really can’t go wrong with either of these RC monster truck beasts. The Kraton is the choice for anyone prioritizing maximum control and handling. But the Outcast appeals more to fans who enjoyreckless power slides and drifting maneuvers.

With either Arrma 8S truck, you’ll experience mind-blowing speed and addictive bashing fun. Just pick the style of performance that suits you best!