Arrma Notorious V5 Review. Everything You Need To Know!

If you find the Outcast too expensive and are looking for a more budget-friendly option, the Arrma Notorious V5 might be the perfect alternative!  

At first glance, the Notorious V5 and the Outcast appear almost identical, but a closer look reveals key differences. Many RC enthusiasts consider the Notorious V5 a better value, as it offers impressive features and performance at a lower price. Plus, it comes with notable upgrades over the V4 model.  

But is this really the case? Does the Notorious V5 provide better value than the Outcast? Is it truly worth the investment? And how significant are the improvements in the V5 version?  

Let’s dive in and find out!

Arrma Notorious Design

Arrma Notorious Body

If you’re familiar with the Arrma Outcast or have seen our full review of it, you might notice that the Arrma Notorious V5 shares the same body design. At first glance, they may seem identical, but there’s a key difference that sets the Notorious apart—its paint job.  

Unlike the Outcast, the Arrma Notorious V5 features a special scratchable paint technique. This design choice is intentional, allowing the body to develop a worn, rugged look over time, mimicking the appearance of a classic metal body. This effect enhances the Notorious’s vintage aesthetic, making it stand out from the Outcast.  

The Notorious body is available in two colors: Black and Blue. The paint scheme is simple, with minimal graphics—aside from some detailing on the doors.  

The front

The front end of the Notorious looks quite similar to the Outcast but has a more retro appeal. The subtle design curves give off a 1990s-inspired feel, reinforcing its classic look.  

The headlights differ from those on the Outcast, featuring a rectangular shape with a small grille in the center.  

On the hood, two body clips are attached with tethers, ensuring they stay connected when removed—preventing loss during maintenance or battery swaps.  

At the top, you’ll find one of the sturdiest roll bars on any RC car, identical to the one on the Outcast. This reinforced roll bar plays a crucial role in absorbing shocks and protecting the body during flips and crashes.  

While there are no additional skid plates on the roof for extra protection, the roll bar does an excellent job of keeping the body intact.  

The Rear

At the rear of Arrma’s Notorious body, you’ll notice two additional clips along with the prominent wing that immediately catches the eye. 

Interestingly, this spoiler isn’t attached to the body itself but rather to the chassis. When examining just the body, you’ll find a minimalistic design, featuring only a few red taillight stickers on the back.  

In terms of design, the Arrma Notorious V5 body remains unchanged from its predecessor, the V4. 

However, modifications have been made in other areas of the RC car, which we’ll explore in the following sections. 

Despite the lack of updates to the body, it still boasts a well-thought-out and distinctive design, particularly with its unique painting technique that enhances its realistic appearance.

Arrma Notorious V5 Chassis

One of the most interesting things about the Arrma Notorious V5 chassis is its striking resemblance to the chassis of the Outcast.

 However, the key difference lies in their width—the Outcast’s chassis is noticeably wider than that of the Notorious V5.

 Aside from this, there are some subtle design distinctions.  

The front

As previously mentioned, the chassis of both RC cars is nearly identical, with only a few differences, particularly in the front section.  

The Arrma Notorious V5 features the same bumper, but unlike some models, it lacks additional braces for extra suspension support. However, there is a small gap between the shocks and suspension arms, which may help absorb impact during crashes.  

Following the bumper, you’ll find the shocks and suspension arms, which share the same design and structure as those on the Outcast. These components are attached to an adjustable shock tower, allowing customization for aftermarket bodies.  

One of the standout features of this chassis is its excellent protection for internal components. On either side of the front, two large bumpers help prevent mud and dust from being thrown into the chassis by the wheels.  

The Arrma Notorious V5 is built on a metal chassis, making it highly resistant to bending—even during high jumps. For added durability, you can reinforce it with an additional metal layer to extend its lifespan.  

A key distinction between the Notorious V5 and its predecessor, the V4, lies in the middle section of the chassis. Unlike the V4, the V5 is now nearly identical to the Outcast, making it difficult to differentiate between the two—except when comparing their sizes.  

Another notable feature is the one-piece passing bar, which runs from the front to the rear without being split in the middle—similar to the Kraton 8S. This bar is reinforced at the center for added stability.  

However, a difference from the Outcast is the presence of two additional support bars that meet in the middle of the chassis. Unlike aluminum reinforcements, these bars are made of built-in plastic.  

Beyond its chassis design, the Arrma Notorious V5 includes all the essential internal components found in most RC cars, such as a motor, ESC, servo, and receiver, among others.  

We’ll explore these parts further in the performance section. 

The Rear

The rear section of the chassis follows the same structural design as the front, with one key difference: while the front features double suspension arms, the rear has a single suspension arm for each wheel.  

One of the most striking features of the Arrma Notorious V5 is its massive spoiler. Similar to the ones found on the Infraction and Outcast, it seamlessly complements the body, enhancing both aesthetics and aerodynamics.  

Hidden beneath this oversized spoiler is the wheelie bar, positioned just like the one on the Outcast. This design allows the RC car to perform near-vertical 90° wheelies—though pulling off such a stunt requires some skill!  

Overall, the Arrma Notorious V5 boasts a well-engineered chassis. However, compared to the Outcast, it offers slightly less protection and durability.

Arrma Notorious V5 Performance

The Arrma Notorious V5 is a versatile off-road RC car that can also be driven on-road. Equipped with a Spektrum™ Firma™ 4074 2050Kv Brushless Motor, a Spektrum Firma 150A Smart ESC, and powered by a 6S LiPo battery, this beast can reach speeds of up to 60 mph. However, to achieve this top speed, you’ll need to swap out the pinion gear with the one included in the box.  

If you’d prefer to limit both acceleration and top speed, you can run the Notorious V5 on a 4S LiPo battery instead. Interestingly, the motor does not come with a fan or heatsink—possibly because overheating isn’t a significant issue. However, adding one could help prevent potential damage during extended runs.  

Unlike the Arrma Outcast, the Notorious V5 doesn’t have multiple versions. The only available model is the RTR (Ready-To-Run) version, meaning it comes fully equipped with electronics, while no EXB (Extreme Bash) version is available.  

Here are more details about this high-performance RC car:

Here are some key differences between the Traxxas Sledge and Traxxas Maxx bodies:

What’s new? Arrma Notorious V5 vs V4

As we dive into the Arrma Notorious V5, several key upgrades set it apart from its predecessor. The most notable improvements include a redesigned body, an upgraded chassis, and enhanced electronics.  

One of the biggest changes is the shift from a plastic chassis to a more durable aluminum one. This upgrade significantly boosts the RC car’s strength and reliability, making it better equipped for intense bashing sessions.  

Another major enhancement is the transition from Tactic electronics to Spektrum for both the receiver and transmitter. This change provides better connectivity, improved performance, and an overall more responsive driving experience.  

These updates collectively make the Arrma Notorious V5 a more powerful, durable, and high-performing RC car. When it comes to jumps and high-altitude stunts, you can push this vehicle to the limit without worry. Unlike the heavier Outcast (Outcast fans, don’t take it personally—just a joke!), the Notorious V5 is lighter, making it perfect for big air tricks. And with its reinforced metal chassis, durability won’t be an issue.  

So go ahead—send it, flip it, and enjoy every moment! The Arrma Notorious V5 was built for extreme action.

Arrma Notorious V5 Transmitter and Receiver

As previously mentioned, the Arrma Notorious V5 now features an upgraded transmitter and receiver, transitioning from Tactic to Spektrum. This upgrade enhances performance and ensures you get the best experience with your RC car.  

The receiver included is the Spektrum™ SR315 Dual Protocol 3-Channel Receiver, which is waterproof. It supports both SLT and DSMR protocols, allowing compatibility with a variety of transmitters.  

On the other hand, the transmitter is the Spektrum™ SLT3™ 2.4GHz 3-Channel Radio. While this transmitter is already reliable, you have the option to upgrade it to DSMR, unlocking additional features such as the Spektrum Dashboard App. This app provides real-time data on your RC car, including motor temperature, top speed, and current speed.  

Another standout feature is Active Vehicle Control (AVC), designed to help maintain a straight trajectory—especially useful when driving off-road, where grip is often reduced. Additionally, you can adjust the level of AVC assistance directly from the transmitter to match your driving style and terrain conditions.  

For beginners, the transmitter includes a throttle limit function, allowing you to restrict acceleration to 50% or 75%. If you’re new to RC cars, this feature helps you practice and build confidence before unlocking the full power of the Arrma Notorious V5. Pretty cool, right?

Arrma Notorious V5 Upgrades

Every RC car benefits from aftermarket upgrades, and the Arrma Notorious V5 is no exception. There are plenty of upgrade options available, particularly those featuring aluminum components, which enhance both durability and handling.  

These upgrades come in a wide range of prices—some are on the expensive side, while others are more budget-friendly. Ultimately, the cost depends on the quality and performance you’re looking for. However, in general, Arrma Notorious V5 parts remain quite affordable.  

You can find a variety of upgrades, including aluminum wheelie bars, suspension arms, aftermarket bodies, , aluminum gearboxes, shocks , steering blocks, and much more.  

Whether you’re upgrading to enhance performance or replacing a broken part, finding the right components for your Arrma Notorious V5 is easy. There’s no need to worry—you’ll have plenty of options to choose from!

Annoying Things About the Arrma Notorious V5

One reassuring aspect of the Arrma Notorious V5 is its similarity to the Outcast, a well-known and reliable RC car. However, this similarity also introduces some confusion.  

The most comparable model to the Notorious V5 is the Outcast 6S. While this benefits the company—since they profit regardless of which model you choose—it can make the decision process overwhelming for buyers. Both RC cars share nearly identical designs, performance levels, and features, making it difficult to distinguish between them.  

Price can be a deciding factor, as the Notorious V5 is slightly more affordable. But that raises the question: *Why is the Notorious V5 cheaper than the Outcast if they are so similar?* What exactly sets them apart?  

This overlap makes me wonder why Arrma created two nearly identical RC cars at similar price points. If I had to choose, I’d likely go for the Notorious V5 over the Outcast 6S. Otherwise, I’d invest in the Outcast 8S instead—if I’m spending money, I might as well go for the best quality, right?  

That said, despite this minor frustration, the Arrma Notorious V5 remains an excellent RC car that you’ll definitely enjoy owning.

Great Things About the Arrma Notorious V5

The Arrma Notorious V5 has received outstanding reviews, and for good reason.  

One of the most impressive aspects of this RC car is the upgrade from V4 to V5. The improvements in performance, handling, and reliability make a noticeable difference.  

If you already own the Notorious V4, upgrading to the V5 is definitely worth considering—it’s a significant step up.  

Another standout feature is the unique, realistic body paint. It’s a creative and eye-catching design, unlike anything I’ve seen on an RC car before.  

If you prefer to keep your RC vehicles in pristine condition, you might be hesitant about scratching it. However, the rugged look that develops over time adds to its charm, making it both durable and fun to drive.

Arrma Notorious V5 Price

The Arrma Notorious V5 offers great value for its price, especially when compared to its similar counterpart, the Outcast 6S. It provides impressive reliability, performance, and handling at a more affordable cost, making it a budget-friendly alternative without compromising on quality.  

If you’re looking for a high-performance RC car without overspending, the Notorious V5 is a solid choice.  

You can check the latest price and purchase it by clicking the button below:

So, Should You Buy It?

As highlighted in this review, the Arrma Notorious V5 is an impressive RC car packed with outstanding features. However, with strong competitors from the same brand—such as the Outcast 6S and even the Typhon (despite being in a different category)—choosing the right one can be a bit challenging.  

What sets the Notorious V5 apart is its unique, realistic body paint—something you won’t find on the Outcast or any other Arrma RC car. If you appreciate these exclusive design elements, the Notorious V5 is a fantastic choice.  

That said, if you’re still undecided, I recommend keeping it among your top options. Alternatively, if you’re willing to invest a little more, you might want to go all out and get the Outcast 8S—it’s absolutely worth it!  

So, what’s your pick? Will you go for the Arrma Notorious V5 or the Outcast? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!  

See you in the next review!